Cover
Reveal
The awesome cover for the next book in The Reliance on Citizens Makes Us Great Series! We are anxiously awaiting the release of the newest addition to the series! The author has so generously allowed us the opportunity to share with everyone the cover for the novel. We hope that you all are as excited as we are!
The awesome cover for the next book in The Reliance on Citizens Makes Us Great Series! We are anxiously awaiting the release of the newest addition to the series! The author has so generously allowed us the opportunity to share with everyone the cover for the novel. We hope that you all are as excited as we are!
The
wonderful cover for S.L. Wallace’s next book was designed by the fantastic Covers by Yezall! To check out more work by this awesome cover
artist please check out her page at: Covers by Yezall!
Review
of Price of a Bounty and Canvas Skies!
Price of a Bounty (Reliance on Citizens Makes Us Great) begins
by throwing the reader directly into Keira’s world as a Freelancer.
Freelancers are hired assassins and Keira is one of the best there is.
Her reputation within Tkaron is one of someone you just don’t mess around
with. She is fierce and lethal, but loyal to her older brother, Scott,
and her younger sister, April. For Keira, her world revolves around
maintaining her secret identity and making sure that no one knows who she truly
is. She must do this in order to protect what family she has left.
Keira and her siblings live in a world
torn by war, where the Elite have all the wealth and power, while the rest of
society is forced to basically sell their souls to survive. Things such
as running water and electricity, that we take for granted, are hard to come by
in Tkaron. Keira became a Freelancer to survive, but when she comes face
to face with Richard, a wealthy man with his hand into the family business of
finances, her world begins to unravel. Richard is not who he seems to be
and has secrets of his own. Keira is hired to kill him, but when he
forces her to come clean as to who she is her life changes completely.
Will he be the Guy to turn Keira’s world around?
Scott,
Keira’s older brother, is a high ranking military man, whose loyalties lie
elsewhere. He is part of the Resistance, a group created to erase the
Divide that has taken over Tkaron since the end of the war. He keeps his
own secrets hidden quite well from his two sisters, but they have secrets of
their own that they have held close to their hearts. Will this family be
able to make it through the lies and deceptions that they each have woven in
order to protect each other? Will the Resistance be the undoing of all of
them? These are questions that are answered within S.L. Wallace’s Price of a Bounty
(Reliance on Citizens Makes Us Great).
This
book is set up in a manner that I have not run across in quite a while, which
was refreshing to me. The four main characters all have their time to
shine, so to speak, because the book switches through their perspectives.
At first it was hard to adjust to, but once I got accustomed to it I found that
I absolutely loved it because we, the readers, are able to get in the heads of all
the characters, instead of the main heroine. S.L. Wallace is an
independent author so I was expecting at least one typo, but absolutely
not! Her work is amazing! I have run across so many that had so
many typos that I couldn’t even get through the first page, but this is not one
of those. I was extremely impressed.~~Ruthi
Canvas Skies
picks up where the first book left off, continuing the story of Keira, April,
Scott, and Richard, plus a few other characters in the mix. April, now Aimee LaFleur, struggles to deal
with all that has happened to her while she makes some difficult decisions in
regards to her life. Keira or Kendra,
must choose between the life that she has lived and the future with the man of
her dreams. Scott and Richard too have
their decisions to make, with one wrong slip-up potentially costing someone
their life. Interwoven between the lives
and loves of this enigmatic group is government corruption and the ever present
Divide.
The
way that Wallace conveys her story is a method that many have tried and failed,
but she does it, and does it very well.
We as readers have the unique perspective of seeing the story unfold
through the eyes of various characters.
Their stories weave a web where each backtracks and overlaps, but does
so in such a streamlined fashion, that the reader has no trouble switching back
forth between the various people. I have
thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic mix of sci-fi, suspense, politics, and a
little romance thrown in.
The
series is well written and action packed, and it kept me guessing until the
end. I cannot wait for the next
installment in this trilogy, and will be a little sad to see it end. Wonderful things await this talented author,
and you would be doing yourself a disservice to not pick up a copy of not only Canvas Skies but also Price of a Bounty. As we have both read this series we are
anxiously awaiting the release of the next novel Heart of Humanity as we would love to see how everything finally plays
out with the characters.~~MaryAnn
Blurb:
In a divided future where class lines are clear and status is
everything, how would you survive? Would you be ruthless or drift into the
shadows to keep a low profile? Would you wear a mask and hide in plain sight?
Would you have the courage to rise up and take a stand?
In the Reliance on Citizens trilogy, you'll meet citizens from the
Elite and Working Class who will do whatever it takes to survive. Some will
fight for a better future no matter the personal cost.
In Price of a Bounty, readers will experience a world divided
by class from multiple viewpoints. When
people have nothing left to lose, what would they do to survive? For those who
no longer trust humanity, can faith in their fellow man ever be restored?
The sequel, Canvas Skies, delves into political intrigue. The
Resistance gains followers, and the main characters attempt to close the class
divide.
Heart of Humanity considers the consequences to a society
severely divided. Are years long enough to heal a broken society, or will it
take generations?
Throughout the trilogy, love plays an important factor.
Excerpt:
The following excerpt is from about halfway through the second
book in the Reliance on Citizens trilogy. Let me introduce you to my friends.
Keira, Aimee and Guy are three of the main characters. Throughout the series,
Keira hides behind a couple of different masks: Madeline and Kendra. Aimee is
actually Keira's sister, April. And
although Guy (a.k.a. Richard, Jr.), is introducing “Kendra” to his parents for
the first time, they've actually been together for quite a while, in what
capacity is for you to discover. Oh yes, some people wear masks, and some masks
are more obvious than others. Even when you think you know someone, you may
want to ask yourself, “How well can we ever know another person?”
Canvas Skies
-Aimee-
The
Grand Opening
My golden skirt
brushed against my legs as I moved around the room. The lighting enhanced the artwork. It made each piece stand out, brought each to
glory. When I reached the sound system and
pressed “play,” a smooth classical melody provided the finishing touch.
“It's perfect!”
I turned toward
Keira. “I agree. Thank you so much for being here tonight.”
“Are you practicing
your lines?” She smiled and handed me an
official looking black leather folder.
“Maybe a little. Is everything ready?”
“It looks like
it. The caterers are.” Keira tilted her head toward the back room.
“Alright then. This is it!”
I walked over to the front door and released the lock. Not five minutes later, the first of the
artists arrived.
“Kendra, come
here. I'd like you to meet Hisoka
Watanabe. He painted the picture we were
talking about the other day.” Keira
didn't turn to look at the painting titled “Rainy Day.” Instead, she remained intent upon the artist. She smiled and held out her hand.
Hisoka paled
slightly. “It's a pleasure to meet you,
Miss...”
Keira didn't speak.
“Miss James,” I
finished.
Keira lowered her
hand without receiving the expected handshake.
My brows
furrowed. “I'll just leave you two to
get acquainted.”
As I walked away,
Keira said, “Mr. Burke will be here tonight too. Don't act so surprised when you see him.”
The Burkes were
fashionably late. They paused inside the
open doorway and observed the full gallery.
A cool evening breeze meandered by and made my skirt dance. Guy turned to close the door.
Keira stood on the
other side of the room talking with artist, Natalie Kozlovsky. She created sculptures from copper wire and
glass beads. Keira focused on one in
particular, a unique and beautiful piece.
She completely ignored the latest arrivals.
Guy began with
introductions. “Miss LaFleur, this is my
father, Richard Burke, president of Burke Investments.” Mr. Burke, Sr. stood tall at about six feet
and had straight jet black hair and penetrating blue eyes.
I bowed my head
respectfully then looked into his eyes as an equal. “Thank you for your assistance in making
tonight possible. I must have taken up a
good deal of your son's time.”
“I'd say it was time
well spent, wouldn't you?” His gaze
never left my face. I felt like a mouse
about to be devoured by a bobcat. A
shiver ran all the way down to my toes as I realized, this man is a
predator.
I signaled to one of
the caterers, eager for a distraction. A
young woman appeared at our side and offered drinks.
Wine glass in hand,
Guy continued, “This is my mother, Beatrice.
She has always been supportive of the arts.” A shimmering blue evening gown enhanced Mrs.
Burke's tall slender frame. A sprig of
tiny white flowers was nestled tastefully in her sandy brown hair.
I smiled warmly at
Guy's mother. “Mrs. Burke, you might
enjoy the three paintings in the front display.
They were created by a local artist named Hisoka Watanabe.”
“Hm...” was Guy's
only response.
“Thank you.” Beatrice turned to her husband and curled her
fingers in the crook of his arm.
“Richard dear, let's begin in the front and work our way around.”
The next person
through the door was a surprise. “Thank
you for coming, Mr. Delaney. It's nice
to see you again.”
He removed his coat
and folded it over his arm. “The place
looks wonderful. Your hard work has
certainly paid off.”
“I hope so. There haven't been any sales yet.”
“Where did you get
your training, if I may ask?”
“At the Art Institute
of Parisio. I'm from Mediterra.” My voice faltered as I noticed Guy's father
staring at me from across the room.
“So you're new in
town?”
I nodded lamely.
“You'll have sales,”
he said. “Let me be the first.”
Mr. Burke flew from
my thoughts. “But you couldn't possibly
know what you want yet!”
Brody smiled. “Which piece is your favorite?”
“That one.” I pointed to the sculpture Keira had been
admiring. She now stood on the opposite
side of the room, her full attention on a painting of a waterfall. Guy drifted away from his parents and toward
her. I returned my attention to
Brody. “Would you like to meet the
artist?”
“I would love to!”
A minute later, I
introduced him to artist, Natalie Kozlovsky.
By the time I pulled myself away, Keira and Guy were in the middle of a
friendly discussion. His parents noticed
and moved in their direction. I walked
closer too and pretended to adjust the label of a nearby painting.
“Richard,” his father
said, putting a hand on Guy's shoulder.
It was the only prompt Guy needed.
He turned toward his
parents but kept Keira at his side.
“Mother, Father, I would like you to meet Miss Kendra James from
Vanover. She and Miss LaFleur met in
Parisio. They're roommates.”
“Roommates?” Beatrice
Burke asked.
“Yes.” Keira's eyes darkened. “After the car crash, and then my
parents...” She began to tear up. “I needed somewhere to stay, and I didn't
want to stay alone.”
“Oh, you poor
thing.” Guy's mother actually sounded
concerned.
“Parisio?” Mr. Burke's deep voice cut in. “Do you have family there?”
“Yes, my aunt and
uncle. While I was there, I took some
classes at the Art Institute. My mother
had hoped I would develop some skills.
She thought it would be a good hobby for me. Unfortunately, art isn't one of my talents.”
Was Keira actually
looking demure? I'd never really had the
chance to watch her work before.
Brody was at my side
again. “She's a good actress.”
I nodded.
“Is she a true
friend?”
“The best,” I said.
“I can hardly wait to
meet her.”
I turned and looked
at him. Keira told me she'd had to break
off the friendship for his safety. Did
he really mean to forgo her sacrifice?
Was that why he was here tonight?
“I need a sold
sign. Natalie said you have them.” Brody handed me a cheque.
“Oh, yes. Here you go.”
“She healed up
nicely, didn't she?”
“What?”
“From the gunshot
wound. You'd never know by looking at
her.”
While Brody went to
post the sign, I returned my attention to Keira. Then he moved closer to them. A short while later, they were all talking
like old friends, and I was once again left standing alone.
I moved around the
room and began socializing with artists and guests. Brody's prediction had come true. Paintings and sculptures alike were selling. Tomorrow, I would carefully package the
artwork and hire a delivery service, but tonight...tonight was for mingling.
Hisoka was telling me
about his plans for a series of paintings featuring prominent Gov buildings
throughout Tkaron when I noticed Brody standing nearby. As soon as we hit a natural break in the
conversation, I politely excused myself.
I wanted to hear more about Hisoka's inspiration for his artwork, but he
would be here all evening.
Brody smiled as I
approached. “I wish you the best of luck
with your business, Miss LaFleur.”
“Thank you.” Although my back was to him, I could feel
Hisoka's gaze.
“May I take you out
to lunch tomorrow to celebrate?” Brody asked.
“Um, I guess that
would be all right. What time?”
“How about noon? Will you be here?”
“Yes, I'll see you at
noon then.”
He nodded once and
turned to go. I watched as Brody walked
out the front door and into the darkness beyond. Only when he was gone did I return to my
conversation with Hisoka. Again, I felt
eyes on me. I turned and saw Beatrice
Burke scolding her husband.
An hour later, only a
handful of people remained. The caterers
were just about done cleaning up, and the artists huddled in a corner near the
door, talking amongst themselves. Guy
hadn't left Keira's side since he'd introduced her to his parents. At some point in the evening, Keira had told
me he'd graciously offered to drive us home.
His parents still lingered, and I remembered they had arrived with him.
I was gathering my
coat and purse from the back room when I heard a slight noise from the
doorway. I turned.
“Would you like to
join us?” Hisoka spoke quietly.
“Us?” I pushed one
arm into the sleeve of my white spring jacket.
Hisoka stepped forward and helped me with the other. Although he stood close, it wasn't
uncomfortable.
“Yes.” He never broke eye contact as he tilted his
head toward the other artists who waited near the front door. “We're going out for some dessert before
heading home. You should join us. After all, our success tonight is because of
you.”
I smiled shyly. “No, no.
It's because of all of you. Your
talent is what brought the people here tonight.”
“No. Your talents are what brought them here. Hopefully, our talents will keep them coming
back. So, will you join us?” He stepped away, leaving the decision
entirely up to me.
I began to shake my
head but then looked past him. Guy's
father was once again staring at me. I
reached for Hisoka's arm.
Character Interview:
Guy: Here with me today is the lovely Keira Maddock.
Keira:
Why thank you, but I think you may be a bit biased.
Guy: Fair enough, but with the upcoming election, I thought it
would be a good time to introduce you to everyone. After all, you usually work
behind the scenes.
Keira:
Why did I get dragged into this? You're the one
running for reelection, not me, and some of these folks haven't heard the story
up to this point. Shouldn't we begin, well, at the beginning?
Guy: Excellent point. Are you ready to share your story with
the world?
Keira:
Sure. The folks at Everyday Elite have already
shined the spotlight on me more than once. I've gotten used to it.
Guy: Let's test that theory. When we first met...
Keira:
I'd been hired to kill you.
Guy: And your parents...
Keira:
Killed when I was eight.
Guy: All right. How about your scars?
Keira:
What can I say? Living on the streets is a bitch.
Guy: You have gotten used to it!
Keira:
Well, there's no point in letting your demons
control you. Best to face them head on. You taught me that.
Guy: Would you mind if we dug a little deeper?
Keira:
Not at all, but I still don't understand how this will
help you win the election.
Guy: We make a great team, everyone knows that, and I don't
have anything left to hide so the more open we are about you, the better. It
leaves less for opponents to focus on so we can begin discussing more important
issues like job growth and the state of our schools.
Keira:
Uh-huh. So what did you want to ask me?
Guy: Let's go back to when we first met.
Keira:
When I was about to kill you or just after?
Guy: How about that whole situation.
Keira:
Well, it was a pretty straightforward job, or so
I'd been led to believe. All I can say is you shouldn't have pissed off Elaine Ramsey.
What were you thinking?
Guy: You know what I was thinking. The Resistance needed
funding, and she had plenty to spare. It was pocket change to her. I never
thought she'd kill for that.
Keira:
And she wouldn't have, not if she'd realized who
you really were. And if I hadn't realized who you were, we wouldn't be having
this conversation.
Guy: Have I mentioned how much I love you?
Keira:
Keep it up. It will keep you in my good graces.
Next subject?
Guy: How about your childhood? We should never forget how
Terene was before. It was a pretty scary place back then. You said your parents
were killed. That's an interesting choice of words. Wasn't your father ill?
Keira: Yes, but he still shouldn't have died like that. It was
preventable!
Guy: Are you certain you're willing to talk about this?
Keira:
Yes, the people need to know. Because my dad was a
Working Class citizen, he was denied the medicine that would have saved his
life. His wife and my mother was mugged and stabbed on her way home late one
night. She was just trying to make ends meet. She was just trying to keep us
together. Instead, three little kids were left with no one but each other. We
can never let that happen to anyone else, Guy, not if it's in our power...
Guy: And it is. It is. We are the change we want to see. Remember?
Keira:
Yes. Thank you. (looking straight into the
vidrecorder) Don't you forget it either. What we have today? It's all because
of this man sitting right beside me.
Guy: (clears throat) Thank you.
Keira:
Are we finished?
Guy: How about one last question. Do you have anything left to
hide?
Keira:
No. If they want to know the rest of my secrets,
they can watch the Palamara report like everyone else. (looking at the audience
again) In case you were wondering about those scars Guy mentioned, that's why
they're gone. Yeah, I think that's it.
Guy: All right. Thank you for joining us tonight. Before you
turn off the teleview, remember to ask yourself if you've done your part today.
It's not too late to help a neighbor. Reliance on citizens makes us great!
Author
Bio:
S.L. Wallace is a teacher and life long writer who is a
descendant of the famous William Wallace. Like him, she believes in freedom and
independence. Unlike him, she fights her battles with the pen, most recently
taking a political stand against recent changes in government at the local and
state levels.
The Reliance on Citizens trilogy is her first published
series.
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