Jessabella Reads: Excerpt + Giveaway: Dark Days by Kate Ormand

Dark Days
by Kate Ormand
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Release Date: June 3rd 2014

Synopsis:

The future world has been divided into sectors--each the same as the other. Surrounded by thick steel fences, there is no way in and no way out. Yet a cyborg army penetrates each sector, picking off its citizens one by one, until no one is left. Behind the sectors' thick walls, the citizens wait to die. Few will be chosen to survive what's coming; the rest will be left behind to suffer. A new world has been created, and its rulers are incredibly selective on who will become a citizen. They want only those with important roles in society to help create a more perfect future.

Sixteen-year-old Sia lives in one of the sectors as part of a family that is far too ordinary to be picked to live. According to the digital clock that towers high above her sector, she has only fifteen days to live. Sia has seen the reports and knows a horrific death is in store for her, but she is determined to make the most of her final days. Sia refuses to mourn her short life, instead promising herself that she'll stay strong, despite being suffocated by her depressed mother and her frightened best friend. Just when Sia feels more alone than ever, she meets Mace, a mysterious boy. There is something that draws Sia to him, despite his dangerousness, and together, they join a group of rebels and embark on an epic journey to destroy the new world and its machines, and to put an end to the slaughter of innocent people.

We stay on the hill for hours, enjoying the fresh air and staring at the beautiful landscape. Finally, I can tick something off my to-do list, instead of crossing things off that will never be completed.

At first I was paranoid that someone might catch us up here, but as time goes by I start to feel like nothing else exists. I feel so relaxed up here, at peace. It makes me wonder what death will be like. After all the chaos and horror that’ll take place in the sector, will we get this when it’s all over?

I glance at Mace. He’s lying on his back with one tattoo-covered arm propping his head up. His eyes are closed. I watch the wind whipping his dark hair around his face. His eyelids flicker, his lashes brush against his skin. The sun shines on his face, soft and golden. For a minute I forget all that is happening down in the sector and soak up everything about this stolen moment that’s just for us.

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KATE ORMAND is a YA writer represented by Isabel Atherton at Creative Authors Ltd. She lives in the UK with her family, her partner, and a cocker spaniel called Freddie. She recently graduated from university with a first class BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art Painting. It was during this course that Kate discovered her love of reading YA books, prompting her to try a new creative angle and experiment with writing. Kate is also a member of an online group of published writers and illustrators called Author Allsorts. And she writes children’s picture books under the name Kate Louise.

You can see more about Kate and her writing by visiting her website (www.kateormand.wordpress.com) or on Twitter (@kateormand).