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Surfacing: Sister Seekers 4

A Polyamorous Dark Epic Fantasy

by A.S. Etaski

I emerge from the Deepearth for the first time, blinded by searing light. Vast lands beyond my comprehension await me. I will face them pregnant and alone.

My Sisters and I have been compelled to take missions in this uncharted wilderness. By order of our Queen and the abyssal power which backs Her, we cannot refuse. For the slimmest chance of success, we must move beyond each other's reach with little knowledge to aid us. The Valsharess predicted we would never see each other again.

When a sisterhood has no demons but each other, what are we to this new land once we've been split apart?

Etaski's fantasy world breaks wide open in Surfacing, as the Sister Seekers epic rises to the next level. Beneath the unforgiving sun, webs dissolve into dreams, and scattered shards of dark history wait to be picked up and pieced together.

Sister Seekers is dark epic fantasy for adults with an ever-broadening scope. The saga genre-hops a bit so things never get stale. Found Family is a core theme throughout. Perfect for fans of entwined plots, challenging themes, immersive worldbuilding, and elements of erotic horror. Sexuality and inner conflict play into character growth with nuanced intrigue, intense action, and fantastical magic.

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Tropes: Astral Projection, Band of Brothers/Sisters, Band of Misfits, Beyond the Grave Communication, Cross-Species Friendships, Dark Enemy, Enemy to Ally, Evolving Powers, First Contact, Found Family, Humanity is Dangerous, Hunted, Lucky Novice, Magic Talisman, Pseudo European Society, Psionic Powers, Quest, Redemption Arc, Sex Magic, Training, Wise Mentor
Word Count: 125350
Setting: surface mountain forests
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Continuous / Same Characters
Tropes: Astral Projection, Band of Brothers/Sisters, Band of Misfits, Beyond the Grave Communication, Cross-Species Friendships, Dark Enemy, Enemy to Ally, Evolving Powers, First Contact, Found Family, Humanity is Dangerous, Hunted, Lucky Novice, Magic Talisman, Pseudo European Society, Psionic Powers, Quest, Redemption Arc, Sex Magic, Training, Wise Mentor
Word Count: 125350
Setting: surface mountain forests
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Continuous / Same Characters
Excerpt:

“Need something?” Rausery asked.

I jerked upright, having just finished climbing to the second ledge above our cave.  She was there, reclined on a cradle of rock, lounging with her hands folded just above her belt.  I took a seat on a second rock within easy talking distance.  Rausery didn’t comment; she stared out at the night's view, then up as a breeze passed over our ears in a low whoosh.  I followed her gaze, temporarily entranced.  The Moons hadn’t risen yet, and the stars were radiant against the black sky.

She began, “It’s lives or objects."

I blinked, tearing my eyes from the stars to her.

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"There is something about this place," she murmured.  "The Valsharess blocks and punishes curiosity. Any idea of expansion.  She restrains us down there, yet She knows about lives and objects up here, and not all from me.  I don't see how, but it is so."  She shifted her gaze to me.  "Or you wouldn't be here, and She wouldn't be Queen."

Rausery had my complete attention.  She smiled a little seeing it, drew in a breath, and let it out. "Question, novice.  Straight up."

I nodded, waiting.

"Are you pregnant?"

I froze, the fear and vulnerability locking my voice inside my throat.  However, no illness or dizziness came, no magical shackles with which I was too familiar.  I could speak it, if I wished.  The Queen hadn't taken that freedom from me.

"Yes, Elder," I whispered and waited for her response.

The Elder General exhaled slowly; it held the disappointment I'd expected but no anger or derision.  Just acceptance.

"That explains it."  Rausery lifted her chin to the sky, expression thoughtful as she scanned the stars.  "Does the Queen know?"

"Yes, Elder."

Her brows shot upward, then she smirked.  "Surprised you can answer that one.  She let you go, knowing?  Can't fucking believe it."

COLLAPSE
Reviews:Nicholas Stanosheck on Goodreads wrote:

I loved everything about this book. The friendships, the effects of the sun, the battles. I care about these characters and look forward to what they are going to do and where they are going to go next. This was a great book in an amazing series. I originally bought these books as eBooks but now I am buying them all in paperback to put on my bookshelf of the best Drow or Dark Elf novels. A.S. Etaski writes great literature that inspires me to write more too.


About the Author

Etaski writes mature epic fantasy with an ever-broadening scope. ​​​​​​​Inspired by table-top RPG, her stories weave through subgenres, so things never get stale. Found Family is a core theme throughout her world​​​​​​​.​​​​​​​ She adores sensual, subversive Dark Elves facing off with cunning demons, clever dragons causing trouble, and deadpan necromancers summoning the walking dead alongside dwarves in battle through high-stakes adventures.

Her series begins underground with an isolated race of Dark Elves. The beginning is not for the faint of heart, and perfect for fans of entwined plots, challenging themes, immersive worldbuilding, and elements of erotic horror. Sexuality and inner conflict play into character growth with nuance, intrigue, action, and fantastical magic.

Her most inspiring epic stories are Neil Gaiman's Sandman, Wendy Pini's ElfQuest, Melanie Rawn's Dragon Prince, and J. Michael Straczynski's Babylon 5.

Get the official Sister Seekers Prequel, "Sons to Keep," when you join Etaski's newsletter at her website!