A Sliver of Shadow
Read A Sliver of Shadow Online
Authors: Allison Pang
WAR IS HELL. AND WAR
WITH
HELL IS NO FUN EITHER.
Just when her new life as a TouchStone—a mortal bound to help OtherFolk cross between Faery and human worlds—seems to be settling down, Abby Sinclair is left in charge when the Protectorate, Moira, leaves for the Faery Court. And when the Protectorate’s away … let’s just say things spiral out of control when a spell on Abby backfires and the Faery Queen declares the Doors between their worlds officially
closed.
The results are disastrous for both sides: OtherFolk trapped in the mortal world are beginning to fade, while Faery is on the brink of war with the daemons of Hell. Along with her brooding elven prince Talivar and sexy incubus Brystion, Abby ventures to the CrossRoads in an attempt to override the Queen’s magic. But nothing in this beautiful, dangerous realm will compare to the discoveries she’s making about her past, her destiny, and what she will sacrifice for those she loves.
Praise for Allison Pang’s
A Brush of Darkness
:
“A remarkable, unique, and wildly entertaining debut!”
—Kelly Gay, award-winning author of
The Hour of Dust and Ashes
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“It’s a Faery concern,” Brystion pointed out. “And they’re using you.”
Y
ou’re reckless,” he whispered. “Heedless of your actions here. You think by just throwing yourself to the wolves you’ll somehow master them.”
“It worked before.”
“You were lucky. Very, very lucky.” His fingers slid from my cheek, his golden eyes filled with regret.
“So what do I do?”
“I don’t know, but I owe nothing to the Faery Court, regardless of their assumptions. And this mess is of their making.”
“Then it’s become my mess too.” I straightened up. “And if you aren’t willing to help us, I have to go. I’ve got things to do. A world to save. You know—the usual.”
Fantasy stars hail Allison Pang’s masterful debut novel,
A Brush of Darkness
“First-rate … the world of Abby Sinclair is rich in lore, complexity, heart, and humor.”
—Kelly Gay, award-winning author of
The Better Part of Darkness
“Weird, wild, and ultimately wonderful … a joy from start to finish, with a completely unique mythology that’s as fun to figure out as it is to read.”
—Seanan McGuire,
New York Times
bestselling author of the October Daye series
“Pang’s refreshingly creative world building, quirky characters, and razor sharp humor weave irresistible magic.”
—Jaye Wells, author of
Green-Eyed Demon
A Brush of Darkness
is also available as an eBook
Also by Allison Pang
A Brush of Darkness
Pocket Books
A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
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New York, NY 10020
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2012 by Allison Pang
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address Pocket Books Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.
First Pocket Books paperback edition March 2012
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.
ISBN 978-1-4391-9834-6
ISBN 978-1-4391-9842-1 (eBook)
This one’s for you, Dad.
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‘A Trace of Moonlight’ Excerpt
I
t always amazes me how many people leave their influence on a book. Sometimes it can be such a small thing, but sometimes it’s the small things that make all the difference. So, with that in mind, here we go:
To my agent, Suzie Townsend—thanks for taking a chance when you didn’t have to. Your support has been above and beyond anything I could hope for. (Plus you sent me Hello Kitty socks.)
To the fine folks at Pocket for doing all that they do to make these things happen. Without you, there would be no book.
To Danielle Poiesz—I can’t speak highly enough of you, chica. Thanks for everything you’ve done and for coming through for me in some very dark moments. And for taking me to get my first tattoo.
To Jess Haines—your words of wisdom and helpful comments during this process were invaluable in the extreme. (As were your many e-mails involving things I am still not sure I have the words for.)
To my fellow Word Whores—Jeffe Kennedy, Linda Robertson, Laura Bickle, Kerry Schafer, Kristine Krantz,
and Marcella Burnard—here’s to Cones of Silence and ruling the world. (Hey, it
could
happen.) Seriously, you all put up with way more of me than you should, and I’m utterly grateful for it.
To Staci Myers—thanks for letting me borrow a certain French vampire. My apologies. Dahlia will make it up to him one day.
To the League of Reluctant Adults—thanks for welcoming me into the ranks of snark.
To Darchala Chaoswind—as always, your pictures are a delight (and inspiration; Talivar thanks you for his hipster scruff).
And of course, thanks to Dan, Connor, and Lucy for indulging me in my bouts of writing insanity and not complaining too much about the state of the house during deadlines. *ahem* Love you guys.
A sliver of shadow