The Reclaimed Kingdom

Book excerpt: Under the cruel ministrations of its Queen, the Kingdom of D'Land is in peril. With King Harrison away in foreign lands and neighboring Kingdoms unwilling to intervene, there is no one to protect the people from poverty, harsh punishment, and unreasonable rules of law-except for the Band of Brothers. Struggling with the death of her mother and the legendary syphon powers she inherited, seventeen-year-old Dru wants nothing more than to escape her old life. Disguised as a lad, she joins the motley crew of good-hearted ruffians, pilfering from the rich to feed the poor and pay their taxes, and she becomes an integral ally-and friend. When her true nature is discovered, nothing changes among the lads-except for the way her close friend Hawkin begins treating her, protective and attentive, raising uncertainty and confusion within her. But Dru's new world is overturned when she and the Brothers seize the treasures of a Prince who unknowingly threatens to reveal her identity. Together, Dru and her chosen family must find a way to reclaim her destiny and bring balance to the Kingdom through Dru's powerful gift. If not, there may be no hope left for anyone and her power lost forever.