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LENGTH: Borderline Full Novel
SENSUALITY: Spicy/Carnal

Cover art (c) Dan Skinner 2006
ISBN 1-58608-867-X
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Trade Paperback ISBN 1-58608-835-1
Retail price $11.99
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Imagine a people so attractive, so vital, so sexually enticing that they have been hunted, enslaved, and persecuted for over five hundred years. Imagine that there are creatures from all over the universe who would kill to own them. These are the Shadrani...

Captured by the blood enemies of her Royal House, Princess Calli cannot escape. They don't know who she is, but she is certain that her death will be immediate and horrible if they discover her secret, for her people are despised by the Shadrani. And of all the Shadrani, none bears more hatred for her people than the Prince of Gemen.

All her life she has been taught to abhor them, with their unnatural sexual practices and unholy lifestyle. And yet, despite everything, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to the Prince of Gemen, with his steel blue eyes that shine with an unnatural hatred for her and all her kind, and the simmering heat of lust and need that passes so often between them.

It will be the Prince of Gemen, in all his arrogant glory, who will strike the fatal blow, she knows. But Calli is beginning to wonder if she will care in the end, if death will even matter to her. Wouldn't it be better to die by his hand, than to yearn for his touch?

Rating: Contains graphic violence, sex, adult language, and includes some same-sex relationships. Some readers may find this offensive. This book was previously published but has undergone revisions for its release.

"5 Roses! There were two societies left after the great population wars on Daleer: the Gemen and the Arath. Each having their own idea on how to control overpopulation. Each society hating the other and not agreeing with the others' ways…THE PRINCE OF GEMEN was excellent. The stories of the two different societies, the description of the characters and the whole stepping on to shaky ground with the Gemen beliefs was just exciting. This reviewer could not put the book down. The passion between Calli and Erone is intoxicating. You know they want to be together but you wonder if they will. I was mesmerized by the whole story. Fantastic ending! Great to read. I highly recommend everyone read this book." Ruby, Loves Romances

"5 Hearts! PRINCE OF GEMEN is the story of two societies. The first is patriarchal and relies on sacrifice, the other is dependent on equality and responsibility. The Princess is pulled in different directions as the freedoms of her new life conflict with the social norms she has always known. Although influences are easily recognized in many areas of the PRINCE OF GEMEN, Novak did an excellent job of weaving plot, and characterization. This is an intriguing, emotional book that rebuffs the traditional view of romances being senselessly erotic, or syrupy-sweet." Hilary Evans, The Romance Studio

"4 1/2 Stars! This is a fantastic fantasy, filled with dangers and escapes and captures and battles. It is also filled with emotions and differences between different peoples. I loved the glimpse into the life of the Shadrani and how they dealt with the overpopulation problem. The city-dweller's way of dealing with it is pretty inhumane and cruel. It's wonderful watching how Callie manages to overcome the prejudices of the people that have captured her. This is truly a wonderful book and I definitely recommend reading it." Chere Gruver, Timeless Tales Reviews

"Running away from an arranged political marriage, Princess Arath, also known as Calli, is captured by Prince Gemen, who hunts in the forests around Calli's home. But legend has it that the Shadrani are unlike others-they howl at the moon, drink the blood of their victims and have strange sexual practices…This is an interesting novel that keeps the reader entertained and turning the pages." Kevin R. Tipple, Blue Iris Journal

"PRINCE OF GEMEN is a fantasy romance that will have you deeply engrossed from page one. I was fascinated by the people on the planet Daleer…There is a lot of depth to the characters, and the plot is certainly fast moving. Simmering below the surface there are a lot of secrets…In fact, the Prince is quite taken with Calli and is filled with lust for her. This problem is driving him crazy. I love how he takes care of it too! Whoo-ee! The Prince's family has ulterior motives involving Calli and Erone that cause quite a ruckus where Erone's promised is concerned. Don't you love the jealousy, wild fighting, sensual romance, and mayhem in these stories that keeps you on edge, wondering what is going to happen next? I sure wouldn't mind sharing in Erone's shadra. What a mind blowing experience that would be!!! Darn, Calli might have something to say about that. I certainly spent every spare moment reading this delicious story and can't wait to find out what happens in the next exciting installment in the Shadrani series. Calli and Erone are sizzling characters you will love to meet. There are a bunch of interesting characters whose stories I'm dying to read about in the future. Don't miss this electrifying fantasy romance, or you will be sorry!" Suzanne Coleburn, Reader To Reader Reviews

"I fell in love with your Shadrani, and cannot wait for the next book...Although it seems tortuous to make your new fans wait that long, you are now on my autobuy list. PRINCE OF GEMEN was one of my favorite reads so far this year." Regina from Atlanta, a reader and "Shadrani Lover"

"THE PRINCE OF GEMEN is one of the best fantasy romances I have read. The characters are well developed, matching an equally well-developed, intriguing, and enthralling plot. The reader is literally held captive by this engaging tale. The heroine is strong, intelligent, compassionate, and understanding. The hero's reluctance and pain enhances what is a beautiful tale about love, tolerance, and redemption. Ms. Novak handles the potentially controversial subject of same sex relationships tastefully and sensibly. The love scenes between the main characters are loving and very sensual. This book rightfully belongs in my 'keeper' shelf and I look forward to future installments of what promises to be one of the best series in this genre." Mireya Orsini, The Road to Romance

PRINCE OF GEMEN

A Tale of the Shadrani

By

D.G. Novak

© copyright D.G. Novak

NCP Release March 2006

ISBN 1-58608-867-x

Cover art by Dan Skinner, © copyright March 2006

New Concepts Publishing Lake Park, GA 31636

www.newconceptspublishing.com

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

Introduction

“We have had reports on the planet Daleer.”

“And?”

“It will come directly into his path in twenty years.”

“Perhaps. We will wait to see what happens if it does.”

“You know what will happen.”

“I do not know. Nor can you. The Collector is unpredictable in these matters.”

“He will not be unpredictable where this race is concerned. These beings will fascinate him.”

“That is probable.”

“We cannot allow it to happen.”

“We must wait--and see.”

Prologue

After the great population wars on Daleer, what was left of the habitable land was taken over by the weary survivors. Only the strongest had come through the holocaust, only those most determined to win out through fair means or foul.

The inhabitants of the planet were called the Tsanziki, a people who worshipped one omnipotent deity, Tsandis. But it seemed that their god had abandoned his people when the population grew to such an extent that the Tsanziki were forced into war with one another to secure space to survive. When the battle cries died, two camps survived, the remainder of the people strongly divided between two of the great leaders who had battled so fiercely.

First there was Gemen, called The Terrible, because of his merciless battle tactics. But his followers trusted him and would follow him through the horrors of another war. Then there was Arath, called The Destroyer, because it was what he did best. But many people respected him and also flocked to his banner. These two remaining leaders had diametrically opposed concepts on how to contain and regulate their overly fertile people.

They could not be reconciled, one to the other, and so to prevent more misunderstanding or perhaps more carnage, they took their followers and began separate societies within the limited confines of the ravaged planet of Daleer.

One

Princess Escallitani Q’Sadone Arath, her head held high in spite of her misery, waited for her father’s arrival. She and her handmaiden Solte were standing by the four-wheeled coach that would transport her to her new home. Everything was packed, everything in order. But nothing was in order in her young life.

The only bright spot in her dark day was the appearance of her trusted friend Jala, the Royal Healer. At least she had convinced her father to allow him to accompany her for a while. He would ride with her until the first nightfall.

“Courage, Calli,” he said, using the name only those closest to her did.

She was about to reply but then braced herself when she saw her father approach.

King Sadone Q’Seta Arath, a man not known for his patience, had run out of what little he had and no longer tolerated her appeals in this matter. She would be married before her next moon cycle.

Her father’s gruff voice shattered what was left of the peace in her morning. “I expect you to conduct yourself well.”

“Yes, Father.”

“I’ll not have any complaints from the man.”

“No, Father.”

From lowered lashes, she cut a quick glance at Jala. The tall, silver-haired man smiled at her as he watched her struggle to please her father. They both knew it was a waste of time. The only way to please him now was to give him a grandson.

The new serving girl hurried up beside them to offer a basket of food that had been prepared for the journey. Calli nervously watched the clumsy girl, knowing she was terrified of the king. Sure enough, her trembling hands miscalculated and instead of placing the basket on the seat, she spilled it onto the ground, jumping back with a muffled squeak.

The king had been speaking with Jala and hadn’t seen the mishap, but turned at the sound. Calli blanched at the ready anger that suffused his face. Quickly, she stepped between him and the girl.

“It was not her,” she said. “I spilled the basket.”

Her father’s eyes narrowed. “I hope your new husband will overlook your lack of grace,” he growled.

“I’m sure your daughter is suffering from nerves,” Jala interjected. “Surely she is not the first prospective bride, royal or not, to do so.”

Calli threw him a look of gratitude while the ashen-faced serving girl scurried back to the castle.

“Nerves or no,” her father continued, “you will spend the required month with Viceroy Reman and his family. Then, if you are agreeable to him, you shall all return here for the wedding.”

She waited for him to continue. When he did not, she risked a question.

“And--if I am not agreeable to him?”

Her father stared at her.

“I see no reason why you should not be. You are pleasant enough to look at, if a little clumsy. Besides, he needs this alliance as much as I do.”

“And,” she said, “if he is not agreeable to me?”

Jala squeezed his eyes shut, waiting for the explosion. It came as soon as the outraged royal could catch his breath.

“It is not for you to consider such things. He will be agreeable to you!”

His daughter didn’t even wince at the tone that sent trained men-at-arms fleeing the room. Instead, she smiled prettily, having gained what she wanted by making the man positively apoplectic.

“Of course, Father,” she said sweetly. “Will there be anything else?”

The king glared at her, not understanding why he felt bested, then dismissed the feeling and his daughter. Without another word, he turned and walked away, calling the captain of the guard to his side.

“Listen carefully,” he said. “I wish you to keep close watch over my daughter during the journey to Galen. She seems less than dedicated in her duties and is behaving badly regarding this marriage. But I will have nothing, I repeat, nothing, compromise this union.

“Now,” he continued as he fixed the captain with a riveting stare, “I know her. She will try anything to stop this journey. Your orders are to ignore any and all wild tales, fits, promises or threats she might hurl at you, and get her to her future husband. Is that clear?”

The man bowed gracefully. “Perfectly, my lord.” King Sadone Q’Seta Arath watched the coach pull away and cursed the day that Tsandis had seen fit to punish him with a daughter.