The Waterboy

Book excerpt: One mistake could seal his fate… Zale Teague grew up thinking he was an ordinary boy—until the day he called lightning from the skies and caused an explosion with horrific results. Now, at only eleven, he's fleeing his terrifying new merman powers and the mistake he'll never forget. When a Romani clan takes him in, he thinks he's found a way to protect his loved ones from disaster… until his past catches up to him. Will Zale ever find redemption, or must he keep running forever? The Waterboy novella is the standalone origin story of Zale, the first undine male (merman) born in over three thousand years, introduced in Book 1 of the young adult epic fantasy Rise of the Grigori series, The Undine's Tear. It takes place five years before the main series. In this rich, breathtaking series, join merfolk, sphinxes, dragons, and humans in a search for redemption that will determine the fate of the world . . . they just don't all know it yet. NOW AVAILABLE ON AUDIO! "A page-turner worth the read!" - Amazon reviewer "A gripping tale." - Molly Harrow, reader "Left me wanting more!" - Amazon reviewer Praise for The Undine's Tear (Rise of the Grigori Book 1): “You want to read this book. It’s fantastic!” - Editor-in-chief, Constellate Publishing “Stunning writing, vivid descriptions, and endearing characters. Puts the epic in fantasy.” - Liz Konkel, Readers’ Favorite “Well-drawn characters immersed in intricate worlds. A rip-roaring read.” - Lorehaven Magazine “Packed with action, consequences, and oh-so-much heart.” - Anne Sengstock, Immersed in Books EXCERPT: What happened to me? Beneath the shimmery surface of the shallow water, Zale's body looked strange. The torn legs of his breeches drifted in the current, anchored only by his waistband. Between them—where his legs should be—shimmered a large silvery-green tail from the most enormous fish he had ever seen. His neck felt odd, and when he touched it, he found frilly flaps of leathery skin opening over slits he had never found there before. Talwyn clambered onto the shore, gasping. Noticing the boys’ reactions, she turned around to see what they were looking at. Afraid that she would react the same way, Zale held up his hands to ward off her terror, blocking his view of her face. “Zale? Is that you?” “No—” he whimpered, squeezing his eyes shut tight. He cracked an eye open but refused to look at her. The skin on the backs of his raised hands glimmered wetly. He stared at the slick gel that covered his hands and arms beneath his shirt. Why do I feel so strange? Gryffyn pulled himself onto a flat boulder on the bank. “Fynn?” screamed Robbie, flailing near the shore. “Fynny? I can’t see. Help!” Gryffyn bent and hauled his brother out of the water. “Demon,” Jory whispered, backing away from Zale and crossing himself. Gryffyn's gaze locked on Zale. He took in Zale’s tail and the leathery gills, and then glanced at the charred tree that still hissed slightly in the rain. He turned back to Zale with narrowed eyes. “It was you. What are you?” Content rating for The Waterboy: Sensuality: 0/5 Violence: 2/5 (assault, including forced kissing) Language: 0/5 Intense themes: 2/5 (bullying, accidentally killing & injuring) Equivalent movie rating: PG-13