Novels by Ash Turner

“Boom, boom, boom,” the bass blasted from the speakers drawing everybody in the room into a rhythmic trance. As the beat pulsed and vibrated through his bones like the strikes of a war drum, his turquoise-blue eyes raked the dance club hoping against hope to spot a new object of desire. Seeing a possibility, the young man put a hand up to ruffle his sandy blonde hair, swallowed back his nerves, took a deep breath, and made his way through the throng knowing that tonight was going to be a productive night. He saddled up to the bar and turned to his left. “Can I buy you a drink?” he asked the raven-haired beauty. She was resting against the polished metal countertop in a suggestive way: all hips and attitude; she wore a skin-tight black dress that came down to her knees and left little to the imagination. A slight smile broke across her face as her eyes took him in, but then slowly, sarcastic indulgence washed out all else from her expression. “Maybe next time, sweetheart,” she

The setting sun created a beautiful mosaic of reds, oranges, yellows, and violets as James stared across the waterfront. As the light played across the water as if flames were dancing on the current, he thought about all that had changed in the past few months. He had set out on just another fork in life, or so he thought, but now he had discovered more about himself than he had ever known. He’d also gained more of a family than he had ever had before. His heart had grown as if by magic, and he cared for more people than he ever thought possible. James breathed a heavy sigh. That train of thought brought the tearful goodbye with Eliza this morning to the forefront of his mind. She had been through more than any one person should ever have to go through, kidnapped, tortured, and in fear for her life. He tried to be helpful and sympathize with her, but in truth he knew he couldn’t even begin to scratch the surface of what she had been through. He just didn’t have any experiences to com

The dog, if you could even call it that, was enormous. Cerberos had a wide and stout body like that of a pit bull’s, except this body stood at least ten feet tall. The three, fear-invoking heads, rose a few feet higher. Its skin was completely hairless, the dark, leather-like material stretched taut over sinew, muscle, and bone. Teeth as long and sharp as daggers emerged as each of the heads pulled back its ugly black lips in a show of hatred. Each head reminded James of a decomposing Doberman; ears flat back in agitation, black pits for eyes. The middle head barked a low bass-filled roar. He could feel the rumble in the pit of his stomach. Eliza was trembling uncontrollably in his arms. No doubt a hint of the hallucinogen still lingered in her veins. “Don’t look,” he murmured. She complied and buried her face into his shoulder. “My god . . .” Blakeney whispered fearfully, more to himself than anyone. “Cerberos. But . . . it can’t be.” He was beside himself. “We . . .” He swallowed

The building where Eliza was being held turned out to be some kind of old factory or manufacturing plant from the early 20th century, only it looked more like a stone castle than a factory. The drive had taken almost two hours in a general northern heading, into the heart of rural Pennsylvania. The place was huge, and the only vestiges of a plan that they’d developed was for Oliver to take the search on the upper floor, Blakeney going through the main and largest level, while James would take the basement. Infrared imagery from a passing satellite had revealed only two human-sized heat signatures—and some kind of large heat blob, likely a heating source for the building—but when dealing with Hades, anything was possible. No kind of advantage could be seen as they made their way to the outskirts of the property. The Academy’s Mercedes was parked a half-mile back. Blakeney held up a corner of the dilapidated security fence. “Go on through, you two,” he whispered, following right after.

The sun had reached its zenith and was now arcing towards the western sky on the first leg of its descent. James had barely moved for hours, just sat in the chair, staring emptily at his phone that lay on the bed. Several additional text messages had gone completely unanswered. Nothing. No response. And it wasn’t as if he would be seeing her on Monday. School was now over for the summer. His stomach rumbled, clearly in need of food, but he seemed to be a man completely immobilized. What few scraps of food he had eaten this morning had been forced upon him by Tres, Svet, and Adonis. They had all even tried to get him to come down to the pool with everyone else who had stayed at the hotel, but he had flat-out refused. He didn’t deserve any kind of enjoyment or distractions—at least not in his own eyes. So there he had sat for hours, patiently awaiting that one message from Eliza, that one lifeline thrown that could get him moving again. James closed his eyes and sighed, bringing

“Have you seen Eliza Masters?” James asked a random passerby fretfully, probably for the hundredth time. The girl shrugged and walked on. Seeing a friendly face, he ran over, desperate. “Ricky, you seen Eliza?” The dark-skinned boy bit his lip. “Um . . . not that I—“ Ricky’s eyes flashed in remembrance. “Oh, wait. I did see her heading to the valet parking lot. Does that help?” “Yeah, thanks,” James declared anxiously as he jogged out the door. He sprinted up and down each row of the car-filled lot, the heels of his dress shoes clacking loudly on the pavement. But it was all to no avail. The Fiat was nowhere to be found. I really screwed up this time. James pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to her. In only seconds there was a reply. It read: Leave me alone. He clenched his jaw and cursed himself as he sent another text. This time, there was no further response. His heart felt as if an Olympic strongman was crushing the life out of him with their bare hands. Once agai

KEEGAN POV After sharing an intense kiss, Ken pulls away, positioning his lips on my neck. Rubbing my back, and gently kissing my neck, he asks, “are you ready?” “Mmhmm” I replied granting him permission. I feel his mouth open and fangs extend, lightly pricking my flesh; before I have the chance to prepare myself for what comes next, he sinks his fangs deep into my neck. There is a moment of sharp pain that quickly turns to pleasure; I feel my core heating with want as a fire burns throughout my body. I begin to feel a little light headed just as Ken pulls back, once again kissing my lips. I return his kiss hungrily, needing to be with him, to feel him deep inside of me. Sensing my arousal and being aroused himself, he lifts me with his hands under my thighs, positioning me over his erection. With one swift motion he enters me, bouncing me up and down as if I’m as light as a feather. I could really get used to this vampire side in the bedroom – well, shower in this case, I think t

A pinch of rosemary, some goldenrod, peppermint, patchouli, and olive oil, is all it requires. “Alright dear, time for you to lay back and remove your shirt. I’m going to be placing some sigils on your chest and stomach. You'll feel some warmth, but there shouldn’t be any pain.” Laura tells me. She does exactly as she said, also chanting under her breath. Relaxing I close my eyes as this rush of warmth overtakes my entire body. I feel heavy and like I’m flying at the same time. Tingles move up and down my arms, legs, chest, and back – it almost tickles. Similarly, to before flashes of memory play in a reel in my mind and I feel like I'm a puzzle being put together. A flood of emotions invades my being and I cannot tell one from the other individually, just that I feel every single one with equal intensity. Finally, there’s a flash of light nearby and I open my eyes to see where it’s coming from; the most magnificent Phoenix – glowing red and gold glides above me. My body lifts into

KEEGAN POV “Assuming time magic works the way I think it might, by sending myself back to sometime before the attack, I could stop Balfour in the past and prevent our present from ever happening,” I say matter-of-factly.“That’s one theory, but what if another reality is created and this one still exists then you get stuck – or worse – in the past?” Ken warns, always considering other possibilities. “Ugh, you're right. I’ve never actually sent myself through time, only items and only into the future. I truthfully have no idea what actions in the past could mean for our present, but I’m going to try to find out!” I exclaim. “Let’s head to the Hall of Records, surely there’s bound to be some books on time magic in there, plus my mother’s grimoire. Speaking of which, is there somewhere safe I can keep them at the lodge?”“I know the perfect spot. I’ll show you when we get back.” Ken replies. We quickly head back to the golf cart and make our way back to the Hall of Records; I make my

KEEGAN POV “How are you doing? Would you like to take a break?” Ken asks wiping a tear from my cheek.“I’ll be alright, I need to know what happened so I can – fix this.” I say with determination.He continues “In the meantime, more of the banished attacked at the castle, trapping and spelling you and your mother inside her bedroom. Though you both had your powers, they weren't enough to break the barrier spell. The left wing was set ablaze with you and your mother trapped inside. It was a slow burn as most of the wing was made of stone, but eventually the wooden beams and tapestries caught alight. I believe that’s where your memory begins.”“Yes,” I sniff. “The fire had just reached the inside of the room, but the smoke had long reached the inside. Frantically, my mother and I used every bit of our powers combined to try to break the barrier spell, but it was no use. Whatever dark magic this was, was more powerful than the two of us. It wasn’t long before my mother started to cough

KEN POV As I wait for Keegan’s return from the Hall of Records, I cannot help thinking about how grateful I am to have her back and that she remembers us. I always believed this day would come, but now that it’s here it’s more surreal than I have imagined. While I’d love nothing more than to spend our days wrapped in one another’s arms – making up for lost time – I must tell her the truth looming over our reality. If she doesn’t take up her destined mantle as Sorceress Queen, it could mean the end for all of us. Just as I release a sigh, Keegan appears at the top of the stone staircase. I quickly explain how to close the door and we climb back in the golf cart, heading towards the castle. Placing the vehicle in park, I walk over to her side, taking her hand as she too steps out. I lead her up the steps to the castle, through the great hall, round the back and up the steps to the castle turret. From here the lands behind the castle are easily seen. Before stepping towards the lookou

Exhausted from our earlier activities, Ken and I climb in bed. It feels so nice to be back in his arms where I belong. It doesn’t take long for me to drift off; as expected memories begin flash before me. I’m starting to get used to these experiences and take in my surroundings and wait to see what I will unlock this time. I see myself as a teen and my mother in the rose garden – training?With a large leather-bound booked in her hands, Keegan’s mother begins, “For today, I’d like you to focus on your portal abilities. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and focus on seeing yourself on the bench across the way.”“Mother, can’t I try something more challenging – say sending this rose to the breakfast table tomorrow morning?” Young Keegan protests. “Oh dear, I know you’re eager to work on your time manipulation abilities, but it’s best to fully master one at a time. You've nearly mastered transporting yourself when your emotions are heightened. You must also learn to do so at will. Onc

James sighed; frustration, reluctance, and pain closed themselves across his features. He searched for Eliza and found her. She was speaking with Tres and his family. Almost as if she could feel his eyes on her, she turned and smiled widely at him. “I understand that you do not want to leave her, James. You love her more than anything and yearn to be near her.” Zeus squeezed his shoulder to recapture his attention. “The choice, of course, is yours. I will never take away your free will. But know this, if you choose to stay, yes, you will be with your loved ones. However, it is almost certain then that you would lose this war. As I told you before, sometimes we have to leave the ones we love in order to protect them, even if our absence is only for a season. I can show you how to unlock the abilities which lie dormant within you and give you a chance to save those you love. More than anything, I wish for you to never feel pain again, but I’m afraid my children cannot always travel th

At that, James and Eliza stood to lead the procession of surviving students. With a single white rose in each of their hands, the just over three-hundred walked down the aisles and passed before the table which held the framed pictures of the victims. Some wept, some simply said goodbye and moved on, but each of them laid their rose to rest in front of their fallen friends. It was significant of a promise to be kept: A promise to always remember their friends and classmates, a promise to never forget, and a promise that those who died would be carried in the hearts of the survivors for as long as they live. The last mourning student placed her rose on the cold earth, a tear falling from her cheeks and splashing onto the laid flowers, and the gathered assembly stood to move amongst each other. As everyone else began to comfort and converse with those they knew, James remained seated, his eyes searching the faces framed before him. He found the picture of Adonis and lifted on corner of

James studied his appearance in the mirror and absentmindedly fixed his tie. He wore a black, custom tailored suit which Eliza’s father had purchased for him for the occasion. A white dress shirt, black tie, and black wingtips completed the ensemble-mourning clothes. He had been breathing a little easier ever since he and Eliza and the others had finished their goodbyes to their friends, but when he was alone, as he was now, the pressure in his chest returned. It felt as if a weight was pressing down on his heart; threatening to squeeze the life out of him. He closed his eyes, breathed deep and slow, and willed the pain to subside to an acceptable level. In just a short while, Bill Masters would speak on the events which had occurred earlier in the week- the cover story having been a last time. Though he knew with the passage of time the weight of grief would sail away like a ship on the ocean, the loss of so many lives would never truly leave him. With everything that is within him

“I know that we’re all in a lot of pain right now, but we don’t know how long this period of inaction on the part of our enemies will last,” said James, eyeing each of the faces gathered in the room. “The task ahead of us won’t be easy, but I’ve had people die in my arms and I don’t want that to happen again.” “What are you saying, James?” Bill interrupted, wanting clarification. He glanced around the room again. “I’m saying it’s time to fight. I’m saying the time for secrecy among us is over. We need to gather everyone together that can fight and train them to go to war. Mr. Blakeney once told me that during the World Wars there were thousands of swords, shields, armor, spears, and arrows made from metal mined from Olympus and forged by Hephaestus and his workers.” His eyes seemed to harden with resolve as if they were marbles. “We need to find this cache and build an army. Never again will we be caught unprepared, not ready.” James elevated his voice as he spoke. “It’s time to ta

The past few days had been filled with alternating times of mourning and grief followed by periods of clarity and resolve. He and Eliza had spent much of the time on horseback or on foot meandering through her family’s vast estate. Being together and out in the cold, open environment, had allowed each of them to process their emotions and grieve properly for the fallen director. Robert Blakeney had been particularly special to them. Having spent the entire summer together and going out on numerous missions since, they had continued to grow closer. An unbreakable bond had been forged. Or so they thought. Everyone had been completely blindsided by Clurife’s attack and the betrayal of Oliver, but James was giving himself no room for excuses. It was outright stupidity to believe they were safe at the Academy. He, Eliza, and Blakeney had known someone was giving Clurife information and it was only a matter of time before the school itself was targeted, especially after Kali was killed. N

James had never been inside Romero’s home before. There had never been a reason to because over the summer their base of operations had always been Washington Manor—the Director’s residence. Under normal circumstances, he would have found the house to be warm and comfortable. It was built in a classic American style from a bygone era: wood floors, wood paneling intricate crown molding and lots of fireplaces. He couldn’t help but think it a miniature version of the Director’s place. It was for that reason alone that in lieu of any comfort, he felt stifled and suffocated. Ignoring all else, he made his way through the house and onto the screened back porch. He sat into a wooden Adirondack chair hoping to process more than a few of his rumbling emotions. He studiously avoided thinking about Blakeney and instead focused on the others which had died. There were many he didn’t know, but of the few he did, he had known them well. There was Jennifer West, the beautiful and spontaneous girl