The Feather's Push
Relented Part 2
by Noel Zamot
Genre: Speculative Thriller
Interview
Can you, for those
who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an
author?
I’ve been writing since I was a kid, starting with hand drawn comic books, then clacking away at a typewriter in high school. In college I had the great fortune to completely fail a literary fiction course, so I had to transfer to a class led by Joe Haldeman, Hugo and Nebula Award winner. I learned about the craft of writing from him. Decades later, while commuting from Tampa to San Juan to Washington, I decided to finally capture several stories that had been kicking around for years.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I am a TOTAL
COFFEE SNOB. I roast my own beans, maintain a cantankerous espresso machine
that weighs two hundred pounds, and precisely measure and time espresso shots.
Please never say “expresso” within two zip codes of my current location,
because I WILL FIND YOU.
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
One of the more fun, recent experiences was launching “The Feather’s Push” in our local bookstore, The Gilded Page (https://thegildedpagebookstore.com/). A very nice gentleman picked up the book. When I asked him his name, he said he already knew me. Apparently the first book had left an impact and he had looked up not only my website, but my LinkedIn and Wikipedia pages. For a moment I didn’t know if I should be appreciative, or run.
Also, I had
Chuck Yeager’s job for a while before he passed. He broke the sound barrier in
1947, and I had the privilege to host him in his later years. That’s a story in
itself…
What are some of your pet peeves?
Few, thankfully. But it drives me nuts when people defend ignorance with more ignorance. Also, I have very little patience for conspiracy theorists, which is why they feature prominently in this book.
Where were you born/grew up at?
Born and raised
in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before I went off to college, became an officer in
the Air Force, and flew jets.
Who is your hero and why?
Can I talk about
the heroes in my books? In both books (and especially the third one I’m
currently writing) the heroes are imperfect people, with insecurities and
secrets and fears. They all have one common thread: deep down, they are decent
people who have to rediscover that goodness in the face of brutal and unfair
experiences. Simon is jealous, Amber is insecure, [I CAN’T TELL YOU HIS NAME
HERE BECAUSE I WILL SPOIL IT] is cynical, etc. But Simon is also protective,
Amber is brilliant and kind, and [I STILL CAN’T TELL YOU HIS NAME] is faithful
and selfless. I love writing those characters.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
I would surround
myself with smart, humble people, and grow to trust a group which disagreed
amongst themselves. Anyone who prioritized their benefit over the greater good
would be immediately transferred to a job close enough to ensure they could do
no further damage. Decisions would be taken based on evidence and fact.
Temperance and moderation would be prized above hype. The arts would be
respected and funded, and education would be the highest priority in the land.
Every day we would ask the question: “Do we REALLY need to do THIS?” and prune
our work accordingly. My goal would be to earn a eulogy where someone said “My
life is better because of him.”
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I’ve been a
cyclist for a long time. Sometimes, you just have to get on your mountain bike
and leave your frustrations on the trails — yes, even in Florida.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I was in the Air Force flying long missions in bomber aircraft. I had an old hardcover notebook that I took everywhere. I was equally enamored of the leather cover, the act of writing, and the implements which miraculously captured my thoughts on the page. When I read a passage aloud to a fellow aviator, he was stunned. That’s when I thought this might be something I could be good at — and enjoy.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Inside Man, by
Spike Lee. I love it so much it is my main character’s favorite movie, and
plays an important role in a key romantic scene in my first book.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
Strangely
enough… my first novel is being considered for adaptation to the screen! I
would hope the trilogy would be adapted as a three season miniseries on
AppleTV.
What inspired you to write this book?
My first novel, The Archer's Thread, was inspired by a family conversation and a mathematics YouTube channel. The topic of the conversation was “what realistic super-ability would you most want to have?” It had to be something feasible, not like flying or super-strength. I chose seeing ten seconds into the future. Once I wrote that book, I wondered what other abilities — possible from a scientific point of view — would be disruptive for the other people in this world I’d created. Mind control was attractive, but how would one realistically do that? The idea evolved into the reverse of a lie detector, which actually has been demonstrated to treat some types of mental ailments, so it had to be through touch. Making the character forgettable to others, and someone insecure seemed a natural, but there had to be more. That’s when I saw a post from a young cosplayer on Instagram, and I immediately thought “that’s HER!” Of course, that was happening during the advent of the greatest mind control technology humanity has invented: the intersection of mobile phones and social media. The parallels were spooky: You can control minds at a small scale, by having the condition that afflicts the protagonist… or you could do it at global scale, through targeted influence campaigns which we are unable to even acknowledge. Having the protagonist from book one have the same mysterious past as the protagonist from book 2 made it a ton of fun to write.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Hopefully a lot! First, I’m writing a book on Puerto Rico in the year 2045, 27 years after Hurricane Maria. The bulk of the book will be about what that might look like if some issues on the island are not changed. The story combines economic projections and technological trends into a short, believable, and troubling tale. But the book will finish with a hopeful message.
Next, I’m
working on the sequel to The Feather's Push called The Weight of the
Blade. The protagonist (Easter egg: they are referenced in The Feather's
Push) survived an accident which left him a changed in unimaginable ways.
The characters in Archer and Feather race against time to find
him when they realize he is the missing piece to unearth a horrific conspiracy.
After that, I’m
working on a non-fiction book, tentatively titled The NSFW Guide to Kick-Ass
Leadership. It is based on the best professional gift I’ve ever received,
and will be drastically different from other leadership books out
there. I’ll no through a bunch of quotes that my team reminded me I used
daily, tell the story behind them (most, if not all, are NSFW!) and weave that
into my core leadership thesis, which revolves around communication,
expectation, and service.
Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
Oh yes! I have
three so far, and four more planned. You can check them out here: https://books.bookfunnel.com/noel_zamot
NIGHT is about
the real story about the first time the protagonist in Book 1 uses his
condition. The outcome is so unexpected that the video is classified. The short
story describes how the man who led that operation learned the truth.
DESCENT is about
how that young operative begins to come to terms with his condition — and what
it is doing to his mind. He is insanely dangerous, but deeply broken, and
carries a burden of guilt that no one understands.
PLEDGE fast
forwards several years, and it tells the story of how the protagonist in Book 1
meets the young woman who will become his protege, and the circumstances around
him uttering the one phrase that changes her life.
The next ones
will expand on that deep friendship, setting the story for something that will
happen in Book 3, The Weight of the Blade. This is like weaving a tapestry and
I love it.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in The Feather’s Push?
In the aftermath
of a horrific accident, Lieutenant Amber Drake awakens to a chilling ability:
she can sense hidden emotions through touch. The skill draws government
interest, plunging her into a hidden world. When the condition takes its toll,
Amber is deemed unfit and cast aside. She has one last shot at redemption: shadow
a young college professor named Kelly Austin, and her partner Simon Lyons—a man
with the disturbing ability to see ten seconds into the future.
As she begins
her mission, an innocent encounter turns deadly. Her condition quickly evolves,
threatening her sanity and spiraling her into darkness. When her cover is
blown, Amber uncovers a disturbing truth: those she trusted harbor the darkest
secrets.
In a world of
fanatics manipulated by a social media platform with unimaginable reach, Amber
discovers her condition is a threat to those she loves. Her best chance at
survival may rest with Simon, a figure inexplicably tied to her past—and
perhaps her survival.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Weaving stories about self-discovery, technology,
corruption, and redemption all into one book that moves at breakneck pace. In
book two we have a young woman who discovers her condition is evolving fast; a
love story from book 1 which takes an unfortunate turn; two best friends split
by an innocent crush; a man desperate to hide the conspiracy that made him
rich; a disturbed combat vet who finds a group with similar concerns; kick-ass
fight scenes; and way, way more.
Who designed your book covers?
The awesome crew
at www.GetCovers.com!
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I’d spend more time on the arc earlier on, instead of discovering as I went. Not because I regret how it came out — only because it would give me more time to write book 3!!
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
I learned that
straddling the line between “pantser” and “plotter” — becoming a “Plantser” is
the way to go. I had so many stories that I had to put them on paper before I
put them down on paper. It turned out to be the most significant professional
advance of my writing experience.
If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
Simon Lyons
would be played by a very angry Harry Styles.
Kelly Austin
would be played by Emma Corrin.
Amber Drake
would be played by Karen Gillan
Hector Gonzalez
would be played by The Rock
Troy Fullerton
would be played by Will Coban
How did you come up with name of this book?
Each book in the
series is a play on the protagonists’ program name (hint), and their condition.
The Archer’s Thread refers to his ability to see in time — chronosthesia —
which he can only describe as “threads.” The Feather’s Push is all about
imposing your emotions on others.
What is your favorite part of this book and why?
There is an arc where Amber discovers her growing abilities, and uses them for some nefarious stuff. She pushes all that away when she meets someone she believes might change her life. Of course, her past crashes back. She is terrified she’ll be found — again — and desperate for redemption. There is a very touching scene where she goes to a nursing home to prove to herself that “she is not a monster.” A few days later, that experience comes back. All of her hopes and dreams collide in one scene which was tremendously fun to write.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
I think we all
have a bit of ourselves in our characters. Leaving out some of the personal
stuff, here’s a short list:
Amber Drake is
based loosely on someone I followed on Instagram. Her personality is based on
people I’ve met during my work.
Kelly Austin is
based on Kelsey Houston-Edwards, a mathematics YouTuber and a renowned science
writer.
Paula Mendez and
Harriet Morris are based on two of the most fun and interesting people I know.
What do you think about the current publishing market?
I have a background in business, and think the current traditional business model has not kept up with the times. The traditional process relies on several gatekeepers, a lot of steps that end up not adding value to the reader, and an unresponsive timeline. In the rest of the economy, a creator can go from idea to execution in weeks. In traditional publishing, that timeline is years for reasons that were highly relevant in the 1960’s but not today.
Imagine if you
submitted your taxes to an accountant, and they said that you had to wait for
months before they got back to you, or perhaps not answer at all. That is the
state of trad publishing today. Of course, that is not exactly accurate, but
the approach of “there are too many books so I might never get back to you” is
a process challenge, not an excuse.
The recent anti-trust lawsuits exposed the current state of the traditional publishing industry, and it wasn’t pretty. The percentage of books which earn out their advance was miniscule. Why? I suspect a big part is that gatekeepers think they know what readers want, but in fact do not. By the time the book makes it out, the zeitgeist ship has sailed.
Does trad
publishing work for some? Of course it does. But if you are starting out, my
strong recommendation is to do it independently, learn, and you’ll be better
prepared to sign — on your terms — if your dream publisher notices your work.
Independent publishing requires more work, up front expense, and dedication. But the reward is amazing. Had I been traditionally published, my first book would still be in development, if it ever made it past a system that is notoriously behind the times. Instead, I was able to get my book to readers much quicker, which got the exposure that allowed the book to be considered for the screen. I think independently published authors should have the discipline and rigor to produce solid works. The good news is that there are many tools to help you with that, and a lot of businesses who can fill in the gaps where needed. I enjoy formatting and production, but am abysmally bad at design. So I use sophisticated tools to do what I enjoy and do well, and outsource graphic and cover design. You end up being a small business in addition to an author, which isn’t bad at all.
Do you read yourself and if so what is
your favorite genre?
I devour
anything by Blake Crouch, and am now working my way through Hugh Howey’s works.
I like speculative fiction that tells a deeper tale, and those two authors are
masters at it.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I need white
noise, or a playlist. When I’m writing an action scene, I have a go-to playlist
for each book. It is a combination of what I like, and what I imagine the
characters would enjoy. Here is the one for “The Feather’s Push!” https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/the-feathers-push/pl.u-RRbVvxDC6q1elj
Amber’s song
would probably be “Sunflower”, a sweet-sounding tune about something quite
dark. Kelly would probably belt out “Roam,” while Paula would play “6’s to 9’s”
on her headphones while sneaking looks at her coworker. Simon would probably
listen to “I’m Coming Home,” and Troy would blast out some Linkin Park. Stuart
would play Roxy Music.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
I wrote at a pace of one book per two years, and now I’m writing three at a time!!
What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?
Once I have the
protagonist in mind, I write a couple of scenes where they can show their
stuff, or interact with someone. For Archer, I wrote a lot about Simon’s
condition, and how he was completely baffled by the fact that it didn’t work
when close to this one very important person. For Feather, I wrote scenes where
Amber is vicious, then falling in love, then destroyed by what she has done.
Then I weave those into the hero’s arc, tweaking to ensure the best scenes make
it. I once read that every scene should either move the story forward, or
develop the character. When I can do both in one scene, I know it is a keeper,
and write my arc around it. I used to only do pantsing, allowing my characters
to dictate where they go, but those books would be immense!
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
First, it is
impossible to edit a blank page. Putting down ANYTHING on paper is far, far
better than procrastination. Just sit down, and write. I use the pomodoro
technique: twenty five minutes focused on getting even just ONE sentence on the
page. I find out that after the fist cycle, time flies. That is flow.
Second, show,
don’t tell. This is the oldest rule in the book, and it applies to so much:
action sequences, backstory, dialogue, use of descriptive language… There is so
much in that aphorism, that you could do far worse than to recite it, like a
mantra, with every page you write.
Amber Drake can sense emotions through touch. Today she learned she can change them.
In the wake of a near-fatal accident, Air
Force Lieutenant Amber Drake awakens to a chilling reality: she can sense the
emotions that others hide. The ability draws government interest, plunging her
into a secretive, shadow world. Then a sudden tragedy rips through Amber's
life, threatening her mission: shadow a young college professor named Kelly
Austin, and her partner Simon Lyons. Simon's ability to glimpse seconds into
the future makes him useful, enigmatic - and dangerous.
As Amber's condition evolves, she finds it
easier to manipulate others - and spiral into darkness. When her cover is
blown, Amber uncovers a disturbing truth-those she trusted harbor the darkest
secrets.
In a world of rogue operatives,
mind-controlled fanatics, and a social media platform with mind-altering reach,
Amber discovers the connections to those she loves are the most powerful
weapon. Trust, however, proves elusive - especially when she must rely on Simon
Lyons, the man intertwined with her past - and capable of her demise.
"The Feather's Push," the gripping sequel to the best-selling "The Archer's Thread," blends the ingenuity of Blake Crouch with the genre-defying narratives of VE Schwab. The story propels readers into a too-familiar reality, where the lines between mind and machine blur, trust is illusory, and every touch can reveal or destroy. Will Amber survive this nightmare, or will she lose everything in its endless depths?
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195937635-the-feather-s-push
Excerpts from
The Feather’s Push
Copyright © 2023 Noel Zamot
All Rights Reserved
Chapter 1
Christopher Everett let the setting
sun warm his mind. He loved shooting during golden hour, and today’s sunset was spectacular. The Charles
River disappeared to the west as the afternoon melted over slate gray water,
lighting the Boston sky in colors that overwhelmed him. The low clouds would
gift the Berkshires with an unspeakably beautiful evening. Across the Charles,
the reserved majesty of MIT stood quiet and content. Behind him, Back Bay
erupted across from an emerald esplanade vibrant with life. This would be the
perfect ending to a spectacular day.
He arrived at his spot late for a
great reason. His company closed a second round of funding at work, and he felt
lucky to have even only a few minutes to catch the sunset before dinner with
Kate. He couldn’t wait to tell her all about the day’s events, about what it meant for his
job, and their new future together. There was no time to waste.
He was about to capture the shot when
a young woman stepped into view.
“Hi, excuse me? Would you mind?” She seemed disheveled and
clueless, but he tried his best to be polite. A good photographer should never
rile a subject, even one burning up precious time during golden hour.
The girl stared, then walked up to
him.
“Miss? I’m sorry, I just need a moment to take
this—”
She reached out unexpectedly, almost
awkwardly, and touched his forearm. Her hand was tiny, soft as a feather, and
very warm.
He realized with a rush that she was
beautiful, far more than the gold and pink sunset. He felt an overwhelming
urge, right there, to remember her face forever.
“I’m so sorry, miss. Would you... would
you mind if I took your picture?” He wanted to tell her she was the most interesting
person he’d ever seen, but words failed him. She
was thin, with an auburn mane framing a delicate face, and honey-green eyes
that toyed with a secret he could not understand. The sunset paled compared to
her smile.
“Thank you,” she whispered. Her lips parted in a soft pout
that left him speechless. “That is very sweet. I’d love it.”
Her voice was low and throaty, and he
drank it in. His heart soared, and he melted with a desire beyond anything he’d experienced with Kate. He asked her
to pose with her face lit by the fading sun. If he lost everything in life, he’d still have this one perfect picture
he would treasure more than anything, forever.
Click. Click.
“Thank you. You... made my day.” He struggled to find words
to convey the gratitude for being in her presence. “Could I please have your number? I’d love to send you a copy.” He smiled
and hoped she would, too. “If you don’t mind.”
“Well…” She flashed her mobile phone with a
flirty smile. “I was wondering if you could just
download it from your camera?”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I can’t do that.” He was terrified for a
moment that she’d run away. Of all the days to be a
film aficionado, this was the worst. He’d left his digital camera sitting on
the table back at his apartment, excited to finish this roll. “I’m shooting film today. But I can
definitely scan it and send it to you—”
The change in her eyes surprised him,
beautiful through her anger. She stepped closer, and he melted with
expectation. She touched him again with her deliciously warm hand. Her touch
was electric.
The afternoon gloom covered him like
sand, endless desperation with no escape. The girl in front of him probably had
it all, but didn’t care. She’d never understand why life was so
difficult for him. He was worthless, sick of being a failure, ashamed that all
his life had led to only this. He glanced at his stupid camera—why did he even
do this?—and felt a deep, all-encompassing disgust with himself.
Cars flew by on Storrow Drive. He was
a loser, in a dead-end startup job in Cambridge that he knew would fail and
doom him to misery. Kate was probably cheating on him right now, laughing at
him while she was having sex with a coworker. He realized he hated her, but he
understood. The world was better off without him. He knew, finally and clearly,
what he had to do. No one would know and no one would care, but the pain would
soon be over.
He glanced over his shoulder as he
stepped onto the parkway, barely hearing the people screaming at him. The girl
with green eyes and auburn hair stood in a small crowd, staring at him and
shaking her head with a terrified look on her face. She seemed to yell the word
No.
His last thought before the truck
slammed against him was I hope it hurts less than
Chapter 38
The bell rang to end the period, and
the usual horde of students cascaded down the auditorium steps to pester Doctor
Austin. Amber had to admit, Kelly—Doctor Austin—was good. She felt almost guilty getting paid for sitting
in these classes, listening to someone so talented explain complexity so
clearly.
She paced near the small crowd milling
around the professor, bumping into students to hear their thoughts. Cool
weather made things difficult—everyone was bundled up in sweaters and long
sleeves—but she soon found out that the bros she worried about wore T-shirts
year long. Something about showing off, she imagined. Her discomfort at
touching others had waned enough that she could pass off the brief contact as a
social faux pas.
The echoes ranged from simple
curiosity (why doesn’t the series converge) to sexual desperation between
students (my god his ass). She couldn’t read any thoughts through the brief
brushes, only whispers of emotion. Today, only one guy—a skinny senior with too
much hair and not enough body spray—lingered on, staring at Doctor Austin’s breasts. Amber bumped into him and
stared pointedly at Kelly. The kid got the message. He turned plaid with
embarrassment and left in a sweaty rush.
No one else’s fantasies—not the ones admiring Doctor Austin’s smile, longing for her scent, or
wondering about her neck—came close to the depravity of Fullerton.
Matter of fact, she hadn’t seen Fullerton or Luther Hemmings,
his sidekick, come close to Doctor Austin in weeks. She’d last bumped into Hemmings a few days
ago, thinking how much cuter he’d be if he wasn’t hanging around a class-A asshole all
the time. Lockwood had asked about them both a handful of times but had
recently lost interest. Lockwood now seemed detached, and Amber wondered why
the hell she was still playing snitch against someone she truly admired.
She mimed see you later to
Doctor Austin and lost herself in the throngs of students waiting as she headed
to grab lunch. The horde smelled of body spray, cheap weed, and desperation. No
one recognized her, no one followed. She was unremarkable, invisible, and
invincible.
She passed a vending machine and
briefly considered emptying it of candy and crackers. Instead, she walked off
campus and hid at an out-of-the-way pizza joint to devour her second lunch. The
autumn sun pierced a clear sky, so she didn’t run back to Austin’s office for a coat. Maybe she’d bump into Stuart and something
wonderful would happen.
The shop felt warm and cozy. Amber
ordered two slices with double pepperoni, folding them over each other to make
a greasy sandwich, and slid onto one of the sticky high tops by the window. She
pulled out her phone, scrolled through the local news alerts, and spit out her
food.
She pushed the pizza away, focusing on the pedestrians across the street to not vomit her lunch. After several deep breaths, she tapped out a search on her phone.
Harvard Senior, 21, Dies by Suicide After Jumping From Third Floor of Fraternity House
Her stomach turned inside out, and her hands shook as she typed one more search.
She made it as far as Body of Missing Boston Entrepreneur Found Washed Ashore Near Seaport District before running outside and vomiting into the grimy water pooling by the curb.
Chapter 39
The nursing home lay quiet, like every
other house on the street. Amber stood on the opposite sidewalk, trying to find
any sign that gave an indication of the building’s true purpose. She was sure she was in
the right place. The strangers walking past annoyed her, bit actors in a
mundane play, traffic their grating soundtrack. Even though she could not
understand their faces, she resented them for not caring about those inside.
She walked across the cracked asphalt
feeling detached, as if headed to work. It was too easy to hide in plain sight,
which made her feel guilty. Even Doctor Austin didn’t know. The noise blasting through her
life drove her crazy. But she had to prove it, to herself and the world.
She opened the door, surprised to find
no one checking for visitors. A small table held two guest books, one for each
side of the building. The book only listed last names—nothing more about those
whose lives would end here. One person on the ledger for Suite A had written “Love you Grandpa!” in a middle school
scrawl.
She heard muffled sounds from the
ground floor kitchen a few yards ahead. The smell of old wood mixed with the
antiseptic edge of disinfectant, a somber hint of the true nature of the building.
This was where people came to die.
She walked up the creaky stairs and
almost stumbled onto the caregiver. She was wide and tough, and Amber thought
of the strength she’d need to see people die every day.
“Good evening. May I help you?”
Amber took a halting breath. “I’m here to visit family.”
“Did you check in downstairs?”
“I…didn’t see anyone there. Figured I’d just come up.”
“Who are you visiting?”
She knew reaching out too quickly to
touch others was unnerving, and they often pulled back, making the push
difficult. Without thinking, she reached out, not looking at the caregiver, and
touched her hand. She felt a tingling from her neck to her chest, and the
hunger made her dizzy.
Pity me.
Amber dared to look up at the nurse
and sighed in relief.
“Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry. Do you need…”
“Is…he…” Amber only knew her target was
an old man, and hoped the push was enough to hide her lack of preparation with
empathy.
“He’s right here. He’s in and out, but he’s still with us.” The woman showed her
to a door on the left, smiled sweetly, and walked off.
She was not used to the smell.
Something chemical tried to mask the waste and decay, overpowering the flowers
and potpourri that well-meaning family members brought for the same reason. The
man in the bed was frail, his skin almost translucent, with pale blue eyes
peeking from under tired eyelids. Machines flashed and hummed around him,
quietly watching over the inevitable. He barely moved his head when she walked
in.
“Hello,” she said. The man could not speak.
She put her hand on his bare forearm, cold and slender, to listen: contentment
and surprise. His thoughts soon became clear. The man did not know who she was,
but was happy for company. Any company. He knew well his days were few.
Amber gazed at the old stranger’s eyes, wondering how much they had
seen throughout his life, decades before she’d been born. Someone long ago had
fallen in love with him, whether or not he’d ever known it. She wondered how the
man would have looked years ago—strong and handsome?—and whether she, as a
young woman his age, would’ve smiled and blushed at the light in
his eyes. Instead, she wanted to cry. He was old, gaunt, and so alone that even
a stranger lingering for scant moments was a welcome joy. In another role,
snuffing the man’s life would’ve been child's play.
But not her, and not today.
She closed her eyes tight, pushing
away shame and despair. She put the emotions in a corner of her mind and
focused on the man’s thin, papery skin.
You are loved. Be happy.
She opened her eyes and was surprised
to see the man’s toothless smile, trying to bring his
other hand to cover hers. His bleary eyes watered, and she noticed a red light
flashing insistently on the far side of the bed. He tried to speak but couldn’t through the tears. His heart rate
was spiking.
Nervous and hungry, she closed her
eyes, breathed deeply, and focused on the push.
Be calm. You are loved.
She felt the tingle from the back of
her neck to her hand, pushing with every ounce of her soul, and the tension in
the old man subsided. She opened her eyes to see him gazing at her with the
sweetest smile she’d ever seen. He struggled to keep his
eyes open, and his thin chest rose and fell almost imperceptibly. She knew what
he wanted to say.
“You’re welcome,” she said and her voice
broke. “Sleep well.”
She tucked his hand on his chest, and
to her own surprise, bent over and kissed his forehead. He was cold and smelled
old and wet, but she didn’t care. The man closed his eyes,
smiled, and sighed.
Amber closed the door quietly behind
her, walked down the stairs and into the night without a word to the nurse. She
turned toward Huron Street, weaving past the bushes overgrowing tidy plots in
their autumn glory. She wiped her tears with the hands that had just touched an
old man, a stranger, father or grandfather or brother or son or husband to
someone who she would never know. She sobbed, heartbroken at the old man’s loneliness, thankful that she could
give him a priceless gift.
You are loved.
And I am not a monster.
The Archer's Thread
Relented Part 1
Silver, 2022 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President's Awards.
Finalist, ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Competition
Currently represented by Gravity Squared Entertainment for adaptation to the screen
Simon Lyons can see ten seconds into the future.
The condition is useful at work: quiet international negotiations with the worst people you've never heard of. His employers think he's quite valuable. His victims think he's a sociopath. He does his best to
hide the truth from everyone: the condition is slowly driving him insane.
Searching for a cure, he disappears to Boston, the last place he remembers as home. A book from his past leads him to a young college professor with an unexpected gift: around Doctor Kelly Austin, the chaos of a thousand possibilities dies away, leaving behind clarity and peace. Desperate for normalcy, Simon manipulates everyone to enter Kelly's life, find the secret—and leave.
That's when his past returns, stopping at nothing to keep his the origin and extent of his "condition" buried. When someone discovers Doctor Austin might be the key to controlling the most dangerous person on earth, Simon must choose: return to a short life of violence, or sacrifice everything for the terror of redemption.
Even if you can see the future, you can never escape your past.
Readers who imagine how VE Schwab would've written a Jack Reacher adventure will enjoy this genre-bending thriller about sacrifice, secrets, and redemption.
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads
Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Archers-Thread-Relented-Noel-Zamot-ebook/dp/B09CPX23QK/
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-archers-thread/id1581417311
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-archers-thread-noel-zamot/1139993792?ean=9781638374756
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-archer-s-thread
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-archer-s-thread-by-noel-zamot
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58958515-the-archer-s-thread
About
the Author
Noel Zamot is an award-winning author known for his
speculative fiction novels, THE ARCHER’S THREAD and THE FEATHER’S PUSH. He has
earned recognition in his home state of Florida and beyond, earning the Gold
Medal for Popular Fiction at the 2021 Florida Book Awards, and a Silver Medal
at the 2022 Florida Author’s and Publisher’s Association President’s Awards. He
was also a distinguished finalist at Screencraft’s 2022 Cinematic Book
Competition.
With a rich background as a combat aviator,
economic development executive, and national security expert, Noel weaves his
extensive experience in the military, intelligence, diplomacy, and technology
into his writing. His works provoke thoughtful escapism, creating “what if?”
scenarios set in eerily familiar near-future settings. His narratives echo the
resonant issues depicted in today’s headlines, allowing readers to experience
hidden worlds through the eyes of someone who has lived them.
Noel is represented by Gravity Squared
Entertainment, who are working to adapt THE ARCHER’S THREAD to the screen,
bringing his unique vision to a global audience.
Noel currently resides in Tarpon Springs, Florida,
sharing adventures and bike rides with his wife, Diane.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Author
Links
Website: https://www.noelzamot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoelZamotAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/noel_zamot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noel_zamot
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/noel-zamot
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Noel-Zamot/author/B09C8XB5Q6
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21797105.Noel_Zamot
Giveaway
Signed copy with sticker swag and my world famous,
sinister beer coaster,
$10 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner each!
Follow
the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/the-feathers-push-book-tour-and-giveaway
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