The Ferocious Force

by Sarah Noffke

  Stefan cupped Liv’s chin, gazing into her eyes with quiet reverence. She couldn’t think of a better happy ending, and yet, she knew that matters were far from over. There was still so much left to do, restore and fix.

  So, as the demon hunter laid his lips on hers, she settled for a “happy right now.” Tomorrow would bring its own challenges and adventures, and she’d be ready to face them with her team by her side.

  Sarah’s Author Notes

  June 29, 2019

  I’m currently on a flight to New Orleans as I write these notes. I’m going back home after almost eight years to visit my family. I requested that my parents take Lydia and I on a swamp tour. I’m certain that this is going to lead to some awesome inspiration for the next book. I expect a fight scene in the swamps and French Quarter and a whole lot of puns about Liv feeling “swamped.”

  So Adler is gone, but a new villain is rising up to take his place. And the God Magician… I’m excited for the third arc of this book. It’s amazing how much everyone has progressed. And some of the reveals in this installment actually surprised me. I didn’t see the reunion with Liv’s mother coming or the secret regarding the Beaufonts.

  And Plato. Damn it. That cat sort of, kind of made me tear up. He’s got some secret and I’ll be damned if I don’t even know what it is. I’ve written 49 books and the very best reveals, I never saw coming. And they totally made sense when I looked back. That happened with the Black Void in this series. I was compelled to put it in in the first book. A fellow writer who I told about it said, “Oh, it should be this…” I was like, “No, I know it’s not going to be that, but I’m not sure what it’s supposed to be.” I have that a lot when writing, although I’m most certainly not a panster. I loosely plot every book. However, I always leave room for a little bit of spontaneous creative freedom.

  It was like book five when the God Magician was introduced. You can correct me if I’m wrong on that. I can’t recall entirely. Anyway, I had that beautiful ah-ha moment when I realized what the Black Void was supposed to be. It was always where the God Magician was hiding, but I didn’t know it, which meant it makes it even better for you the reader, or at least I hope it does. And I’m hoping it will also be the same with Plato’s secret. I also didn’t know that Plato had that deal with Liv’s parents until this book and I was shocked. That’s how creativity works.

  I spoke to someone recently who wondered if I was a tortured writer who was told by my characters to write their story. “Sometimes” is the answer. But also, I like to think that I’m a channel, a storyteller, if you will, who has been assigned to tell the stories of people who I don’t know. Maybe they are in another dimension or realm or whatever. And for whatever reason, I have access to the channel that broadcasts their stories. Anyway, that probably makes me sound nuts. But so does the confession that I hear voices, which I do.

  And then there’s the thing with Stefan. I totally saw that coming. I’ve been looking forward to it actually. Some of you readers have been asking for the romance. I hope this was what you wanted and when you wanted it. Romance is tricky like that. It needs to come at the right time and when we are ready for it. That’s true for us in the literary sense and literally as well.

  However, to be honest, writing romance isn’t really my thing anymore. I used to write YA love triangle stuff. Since then I’ve gotten away from it. Thank the gods. But I realize how much I’ve missed that romantic tension in a story. I was telling Lydia the other day that every good story has romance. She, of course, grimaced at me and pretended to vomit.

  It only took me eight books to introduce some romance. I knew that Stefan and Liv were going to get together at some point, but it needed to make sense. Liv needed to be in the right place. And something that I learned, I did too.

  Now, who can resist a tall, dark and handsome demon hunter? Not me. If someone has a friend, brother, cousin who meets Stefan’s description then sign me up. I’m almost certain I can’t find someone like that on the dating app, not that I’m swiping.

  In all seriousness, I ended a relationship with a guy a few days before I finished this book. I knew that I’d be writing these more romantic scenes and worried how my relationship status would affect my creativity. Yes, that’s how my practical brain works. I worry how my personal life will affect my brain for writing. Maybe my priorities are out of whack. I can almost guarantee that they are.

  Anyway, don’t tell anyone (I know you won’t because you’re good like that and we’re friends), but I worried how doing this break up would affect this book. Would I go through a funk? Would I be in processing mode? Would I slack because I was consumed with guilt or concern or whatever emotions people with a heart have?

  Well, it turns out that it all worked out, both the break up and the book. I wasn’t really feeling the romance with Stefan before this book. And then, bam! I found myself totally crushing on the boy as I wrote about him and Liv at the wedding and then on Matterhorn. Apparently when I cut the real boy out of my life, I made room for a fictional boyfriend. I’m actually completely fine with this. Book boyfriends don’t leave their clothes on the floor, chew with their mouth open and sing badly (thereby ruining my favorite song). Well, maybe book boyfriends do that kind of stuff, but I can just shut the book and poof, they’re gone.

  Michael tends to be entertained by my dating antics, hence why he had me write a book about them. However, I’m going to be the most boring single gal for a while. That way I can focus on Stefan and Liv and the next arc in the series. I love my characters. They are my best friends (don’t tell my real friends that).

  As I head back from New Orleans (finishing Author Notes now), I’m looking forward to getting back and spending the next week locking myself in my house and writing. Lydia is going with her father on vacation. Poor girl has to go on back to back trips, but she seems excited about it. She travels as much as MA. However, I get to lock myself away and write. Some might think that’s lonely business, but not for me. I’m all too happy to hang out alone and work. That’s the beauty of loving what you do. And you all make it all the better. Thanks for supporting the books and being completely awesome!

  Michael’s Author Notes

  June 13, 2019

  THANK YOU for not only reading this story but these Author Notes as well.

  (I think I’ve been good with always opening with “thank you.” If not, I need to edit the other Author Notes!)

  RANDOM (sometimes) THOUGHTS?

  I wish I could do some kick-ass photoshop work. If I could, I might find that swiper-be-swiping app that Sarah’s not using (uh huh) and photoshop some dark, tall, demon-hunter-type guys and provide her with proof she isn’t swiping fast enough.

  Not that I would play a practical joke on Sarah or anything…

  (Oh yes, yes I would.)

  Sarah is the quintessential author. She likes to be left alone to write, her best friends all talk to her in her head…

  And she says the wrong things at the right time. That comes from staying alone all of the time talking to people in her head.

  See how that comes back full circle?

  Sarah is one of those people I want to be one day when I grow up. An opinionated (but fun) person who expresses her opinion and doesn’t care (for the most part) what happens.

  Me? I worry too much.

  Except when I speak about Sarah …. (Actually, that’s not true. A few books ago she talked about my infamous foot-in-mouth moment talking about how not-tall she is - classic moment of ‘DOH!’)

  If you want to know what Sarah is like, just read the Everyone in LA is an REDACTED books… Or hell, Sarah is Liv, except her cat isn’t really as cool.

  AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

  One of the interesting (at least to me) aspects of my life is the ability to work from anywhere and at any time. In the future, I hope to re-read my own Author Notes and remember my life as a diary entry.

  Las Vegas, Nv Cave in the Sky (™) USA

  I’m set
ting up my XBOX. Actually, this is my first XBOX in many years. I’ve been working non-stop (practically) for 3 1/2 years, and now I’m ready to have something that will help me…uh… ‘work on my imagination.’

  Which, sadly, isn’t too far from the truth.

  My mom wondered (to my brother, then finally admitted it to me) back when I was writing The Kurtherian Gambit about book 12 or so what would happen when I run out of ideas?

  I laughed, telling her that wouldn’t be a problem.

  Hundreds of stories later, it’s a bit of a problem. Stephen King in his book On Writing mentions taking time to read other stories and working to fill the well of creativity.

  He’s right.

  I’ve done all sorts of things to rejuvenate my creativity.

  It just so happens that this months effort is an XBOX.

  Sure hope I didn’t choose the wrong game system (meaning I might have needed to get a PS4.)

  We shall see.

  FAN PRICING

  $0.99 Saturdays (new LMBPN stuff) and $0.99 Wednesday (both LMBPN books and friends of LMBPN books.) Get great stuff from us and others at tantalizing prices.

  Go ahead. I bet you can’t read just one.

  Sign up here: http://lmbpn.com/email/.

  HOW TO MARKET FOR BOOKS YOU LOVE

  Review them so others have your thoughts, and tell friends and the dogs of your enemies (because who wants to talk to enemies?)… Enough said ;-)

  Ad Aeternitatem,

  Michael Anderle

  Acknowledgments

  Sarah Noffke

  My favorite part of writing any book is creating the acknowledgements page. It reminds me that writing a book is not a solo task. I might sit alone and write, but the finished product is a result of the support and encouragement of a tribe of people.

  Thank you to the readers who buy the books, read them, review and recommend. YOU are the one who keeps us writing. I’m always inspired by the messages I receive from readers. Thank you supporting the books and offering so much richness to my life.

  Thank you to my LBMPN family for all the support. Steve, Michael, Lynne, Moonchild, Jennifer and so many others who help champion the book to publication and beyond.

  Thank you to the beta readers who offered so many valuable insights early on. Thank you to John, Chrisa, Kelly, Martin and Larry.

  Thank you to the JIT team for all the awesome feedback. A new series is always exciting and nerve-wracking. Michael and I thought we had a great idea for a new world, but we don’t really know until we get objective feedback. What would I do without all you awesome readers?

  Thank you to my friends and family. Writing is a strange profession. I work weird hours, talk to myself, have a strange diet, get antsy about deadlines. But the wonderful people in my life continue to show their encouragement and thoughtfulness no matter what. It is never lost on me because I know that I wouldn’t be doing what I love without all you amazing people, cheering me on.

  And as with all my books, the final thank you goes to my muse, Lydia. I wrote my first book so that I could make my daughter proud, and it’s never stopped. I write every book for you, my love.

  Books By Sarah Noffke

  Sarah Noffke writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. In addition to being an author, she is a mother, podcaster and professor. Noffke holds a Masters of Management and teaches college business/writing courses. Most of her students have no idea that she toils away her hours crafting fictional characters. www.sarahnoffke.com

  Check out other work by Sarah author here.

  Ghost Squadron:

  Formation #1:

  Kill the bad guys. Save the Galaxy. All in a hard day’s work.

  After ten years of wandering the outer rim of the galaxy, Eddie Teach is a man without a purpose. He was one of the toughest pilots in the Federation, but now he’s just a regular guy, getting into bar fights and making a difference wherever he can. It’s not the same as flying a ship and saving colonies, but it’ll have to do.

  That is, until General Lance Reynolds tracks Eddie down and offers him a job. There are bad people out there, plotting terrible things, killing innocent people, and destroying entire colonies. Someone has to stop them.

  Eddie, along with the genetically-enhanced combat pilot Julianna Fregin and her trusty E.I. named Pip, must recruit a diverse team of specialists, both human and alien. They’ll need to master their new Q-Ship, one of the most powerful strike ships ever constructed. And finally, they’ll have to stop a faceless enemy so powerful, it threatens to destroy the entire Federation.

  All in a day’s work, right?

  Experience this exciting military sci-fi saga and the latest addition to the expanded Kurtherian Gambit Universe. If you’re a fan of Mass Effect, Firefly, or Star Wars, you’ll love this riveting new space opera.

  *NOTE: If cursing is a problem, then this might not be for you.

  Check out the entire series here.

  The Precious Galaxy Series:

  Corruption #1

  A new evil lurks in the darkness.

  After an explosion, the crew of a battlecruiser mysteriously disappears.

  Bailey and Lewis, complete strangers, find themselves suddenly onboard the damaged ship. Lewis hasn’t worked a case in years, not since the final one broke his spirit and his bank account. The last thing Bailey remembers is preparing to take down a fugitive on Onyx Station.

  Mysteries are harder to solve when there’s no evidence left behind.

  Bailey and Lewis don’t know how they got onboard Ricky Bobby or why. However, they quickly learn that whatever was responsible for the explosion and disappearance of the crew is still on the ship.

  Monsters are real and what this one can do changes everything.

  The new team bands together to discover what happened and how to fight the monster lurking in the bottom of the battlecruiser.

  Will they find the missing crew? Or will the monster end them all?

  The Soul Stone Mage Series:

  House of Enchanted #1:

  The Kingdom of Virgo has lived in peace for thousands of years…until now.

  The humans from Terran have always been real assholes to the witches of Virgo. Now a silent war is brewing, and the timing couldn’t be worse. Princess Azure will soon be crowned queen of the Kingdom of Virgo.

  In the Dark Forest a powerful potion-maker has been murdered.

  Charmsgood was the only wizard who could stop a deadly virus plaguing Virgo. He also knew about the devastation the people from Terran had done to the forest.

  Azure must protect her people. Mend the Dark Forest. Create alliances with savage beasts. No biggie, right?

  But on coronation day everything changes. Princess Azure isn’t who she thought she was and that’s a big freaking problem.

  Welcome to The Revelations of Oriceran. Check out the entire series here.

  The Lucidites Series:

  Awoken, #1:

  Around the world humans are hallucinating after sleepless nights.

  In a sterile, underground institute the forecasters keep reporting the same events.

  And in the backwoods of Texas, a sixteen-year-old girl is about to be caught up in a fierce, ethereal battle.

  Meet Roya Stark. She drowns every night in her dreams, spends her hours reading classic literature to avoid her family’s ridicule, and is prone to premonitions—which are becoming more frequent. And now her dreams are filled with strangers offering to reveal what she has always wanted to know: Who is she? That’s the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out. But will Roya live to regret learning the truth?

  Stunned, #2

  Revived, #3

  The Reverians Series:

  Defects, #1:

  In the happy, clean community of Austin Valley, everything appears to be perfect. Seventeen-year-old Em Fuller, however, fears something is askew. Em is one of the new generation of Dream Travelers. For some reason, the gods have not seen f
it to gift all of them with their expected special abilities. Em is a Defect—one of the unfortunate Dream Travelers not gifted with a psychic power. Desperate to do whatever it takes to earn her gift, she endures painful daily injections along with commands from her overbearing, loveless father. One of the few bright spots in her life is the return of a friend she had thought dead—but with his return comes the knowledge of a shocking, unforgivable truth. The society Em thought was protecting her has actually been betraying her, but she has no idea how to break away from its authority without hurting everyone she loves.

  Rebels, #2

  Warriors, #3

  Vagabond Circus Series:

  Suspended, #1:

  When a stranger joins the cast of Vagabond Circus—a circus that is run by Dream Travelers and features real magic—mysterious events start happening. The once orderly grounds of the circus become riddled with hidden threats. And the ringmaster realizes not only are his circus and its magic at risk, but also his very life.

  Vagabond Circus caters to the skeptics. Without skeptics, it would close its doors. This is because Vagabond Circus runs for two reasons and only two reasons: first and foremost to provide the lost and lonely Dream Travelers a place to be illustrious. And secondly, to show the nonbelievers that there’s still magic in the world. If they believe, then they care, and if they care, then they don’t destroy. They stop the small abuse that day-by-day breaks down humanity’s spirit. If Vagabond Circus makes one skeptic believe in magic, then they halt the cycle, just a little bit. They allow a little more love into this world. That’s Dr. Dave Raydon’s mission. And that’s why this ringmaster recruits. That’s why he directs. That’s why he puts on a show that makes people question their beliefs. He wants the world to believe in magic once again.