The creative pursuit of what might be has taken me on amazing and unexpected journeys. If someone told me several years ago that I would write a Young Adult fantasy romance series with wolf shifters and other fantastical creatures and characters, I wouldn't have believed them. I was a hardcore historical romance author, until ghosts began to appear, and ‘The door to nowhere' opened--a portal in time--and a bearwalker (Shawnee Warrior) took shape. Add a little magic, a dash of sci-fi, and the next thing I know, I'm on the engrossing path to Wapicoli Lodge. Given all of this, I must admit the seeds of The Secret Warrior Series were sown long before I undertook this journey.
These writing adventures remind me of the wonderful quote from The Lord of the Rings: “It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien
I never know where I may be swept off to in my imagination. Undertaking a new series in a new genre is definitely a potentially dangerous business. I've entered uncharted territory. Whether or not this series meets with approval, I have loved every step of the journey. If you enjoy the stories, please leave them a kind review, and yes, you need to read them in order.
I can't share the third book in a series without touching on the series itself, and the whys behind it. Passion, knowledge, and various influences lie at the heart of The Secret Warrior Series. My love of history, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, and fascination with the mountain people and Native Americans ignited a wildfire of ideas. Some episodes of Monster Quest drew my attention to how many supposed creatures inhabit the Alleghenies--including space aliens. The series Grimm explores the hidden world among us...These all deepened my pondering.
On an autumn drive into the Alleghenies, it struck me how easily anything could hide in these rugged ridges. And Fort Valley, called Hidden Valley in The Secret Warrior Series, is tucked in the Massanutten Mountain Range, truly off the beaten path. Getting back there involved the most hair-raising drive over a mountain I've ever experienced--depicted in the beginning of The Hunter's Moon (Book 1, The Secret Warrior Series). The ascent is so steep, I was certain our pickup would flip over backwards. The curves are also a nightmare. But it was an inspiring trek, one I never would have written the story without. Those of you who fear the wilderness is disappearing, it's still out there. Trust me.
(Image of the Allegheny Mountains by my mom, Pat Churchman.)
Living in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia surrounded by mountains veiled in mist and mystery was perfect creating the characters and setting for this series. Some characters are based on lore I've learned over the years—lore some folk swear is true. Others appeared to me, as characters have a way of doing. Out of the mist. Even though the series is fantasy, a great deal of research went into it. Everything I write, whether fantasy, paranormal, time travel, or straight historical, has its roots in the well-researched past.
17-year-old Morgan Daniel begins Book 1, The Hunter’s Moon, much as I did, in ignorance. She must learn about the strange world she’s entered, and the bizarre, but vital, role she’s destined to play. The meeting between her and alpha shifter Jackson Wapicoli sets off sparks and that doesn't hurt. But when the curse she’s lived her life unaware of is revealed, the learning curve is mind-blowing. Good thing Morgan has guts and a lot of support. And then there's the prophecy...
Wolf shifter, Morgan Daniel, faces formidable odds, along with hot alpha leader, Jackson, her genius brother, Jimmy, and their inventive pack. Together, this unconventional band rocks. But will they be strong enough to battle Armageddon? If they’re not, evil grows. And how. It will take everything Morgan, Jackson, and their pack have, and MORE, to prevail over the mounting forces against them.
If you like a kick-ass heroine, Morgan is for you. She also has a tender side, vital in a shifter with her growing powers. And alpha leader Jackson is sizzling.
BLURB: Being the seventh Morcant has its perks: Morgan is learning to fly and wield magical blue fire.
But the coyote shifters are growing bolder. Mateo and his panthers seem impossible to defeat. And vampires aren't real – are they?
When the elusive and enigmatic Chief Okema disappears and the wards protecting the Wapicoli territory falter, Morgan and Jackson are forced into the role of leaders. Badly outnumbered and outgunned, do they have time to search for the secret of the Divining Tree, and will it help them in the final battle?
Story Blurb: Seventeen year old Morgan Daniel has been in the witness protection program most of her life. But The Panteras have caught up with her and her younger brother. Her car is totaled, she's hurt, and the street gang is closing in when wolves with glowing eyes appear out of nowhere and chase away the killers.
Then a very cute guy who handles a bow like Robin Hood emerges from the woods and takes them to safety at his fortress-like home.
And that's just the first sign that Morgan and her brother have entered a hidden world filled with secrets.~
"I laughed out loud many times. The writing was engaging, interesting, informative and humorous. It was narrated in first person by Morgan, so I got insight into how she felt through all the revelations. Admittedly, she handled things a lot better than I would have, but it wasn’t so unbelievable that I was removed from the story at any point. If anything, it kept the pacing nice and quick!" ~Dani Reviews Things
"Beth Trissel does a great job with these characters. She has a good amount of details in this story. The more you read, the more you find out about the world she had created. I have always loved stories where you have a little mystery. If I get the chance to read the second book to this series I would. I’m dying to learn what is going to happen next with Morgan, Jackson and Jimmy. If you like YA fantasy romance, wolves, and a little mystery. I think you would like this book." ~Zara Lethallan for The Bohemian Housewife
****
This story had the romance of young love, the adventure of the shifters and the suspense of the Panteras looking for them. I couldn’t put this book down. I look forward to seeing what happens next in this adventure for Morgan and her brother.
I highly recommend this story." ~Mary Ann Clarkson (Mistress Mary’s Book Lair)
