These chapters, their contents, the characters, the story, and the world described herein are copyrighted and may not be used, in whole or in part, without written permission from me or a legally authorized representative of Firelight Cafe LLC.
*** Don't forget to check the teaser trailer above! ***
Spotify Playlist (check comment)
This is a work of fiction, and it was born from long nights wondering what the world would be like if the stories I was told as a child were real. This isn't the conclusion of those wonderings, but the beginning of a world-building exercise based on them that has captivated me for the past four years.
I've grown close to Thomas and his friends, not only from watching their growth as characters but because it has been through their growth that this world has come to exist. I'm constantly fascinated by how much of a story will write itself if you take the time to get to know the people who have to live there.
Is there action? Yes. Heartbreaking drama? Yes. A wild and deeply developed fantasy setting? Yes. Sex? Yes. Will you receive these handed to you in bite-sized, easy-to-chew morsels on a golden serving tray?
Hahaha! No.
But as the ensemble grows the story becomes more dynamic, tensions build and fall, and the pacing is more typical of novels exceeding 200,000 words or more. If you're looking for something fun-sized or tailored for a YA novella attention span, please move along.
Accolades
I don't generally hunt for praise while I'm working on a novel, and the AP is no exception. If you read it and love it, I'm pleased, but if you hate it I'm not that concerned. It's a 250-300k word work in progress, full of rough patches and errors, and I hope at least a few people will stick around, provide feedback, and watch it grow. When I enter WP awards it's not with any expectation, but the few recognitions I've received are noted here and in the blurb.
Acknowledgments and Etc.
it is not too early to recognize some of the people in the real world who have helped and I want to start with those on Wattpad who've offered loving and sometimes savage criticisms when and where I needed them, and for their excellent, timely suggestions:
@sxxaint, @Whatitshouldvebeen, @DramaticWhirlwind, and others who have come and gone, and still more whom I'm certain to have missed.
In the real world, thanks to my supportive boss and the micro-publishing team at Firelight Cafe, LLC. who I've worked with many times in the past.
Not For Immature Eyes
This is not a story for children or anyone offended by mature themes. Neither the presence of these themes nor their natures reflect my personal opinions or feelings on these subjects in any way.
There are adult situations that the crew has to maneuver through which I would reject as morally wrong in my own life, but I explore them situationally because it's part of the story, and also because this is not the real world, and neither you nor I will ever find ourselves faced with the reality Thomas and his friends have to deal with every day.
I made the decision not to shy away from the potential for difficult and racy scenes or uncomfortable truths because some of that content is pivotal to the growth I mentioned above, and it drives the plot in ways that may surprise you.
No Social Metering
There is no political or moral agenda in the pages that follow. I am not challenging gender roles or sexual orientation. I'm not measuring out equal inclusion and representation of all races, nationalities, and creeds. This is not a parable or a commentary on fairness or justice except for the conversations and introspections that occur between or within the characters to further develop them.
When sensitive issues or current events arise in the story, I can't help but include some of my own thoughts and beliefs, but the characters are all very different and I don't always agree with their ideas or their decisions, so if you are deeply offended by anything that occurs, you are welcome to boycott the character, just please don't do the silly thing and project your moral angst on me.
If you decide to read, please do so at your own risk; it's not my goal to offend anyone, but there are no safe spaces here, not even for me. If you choose to find your entertainment elsewhere, I wish you good fortune.
For those who continue, thanks for joining me. I make no promises, but I will endeavor to translate my dialog and notes into an entertaining read in the weeks and months (and years?) ahead. I hope you find this journey, and the friends you will meet along the way, as fascinating and as endearing as I have.
F. C. Cleary
2021