Books/Projects

 Status: Currently seeking representation

Currently Querying:

The Scarlett Lullaby

A Young Adult novel set in Briarwood, an imaginary island in the Pacific Ocean. THE SCARLETT LULLABY is a new twist on the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.

 

For Sebastian Andersson, this is his last shot to find and save the missing princess before Konstantine, the Majester of the Society of Assassins, does. Knowing Konstantine only plans to kill the princess, Sebastian poses as an assassin to gain his trust. Konstantine is hot on the princess’s trail and if he succeeds in killing her, he’ll consume the ultimate power, her light—the power to melt the barriers between earth, heaven and hell—a power every Majester before him tried to consume and failed.

Sebastian is blindsided when he meets Scarlett Lux. A perfect doppelganger of the princess. In order to derail the assassins, Sebastian decides to hand Scarlett over to the Majester, claiming her to be the princess. Sacrificing one mortal life seemed like a fine enough plan, until he discovers Scarlett isn’t as human as he thinks. As Sebastian struggles to find out who she really is, his feelings for her grow—until the secrets of her thorny past are unveiled.  Sebastian is torn between his loyalty to the princess and his new-found attraction to Scarlett. But there’s no time—the Majester’s army is set to attack and he must choose between his duty to guard and protect, or lose the love he’s spent the last century searching for.

Scarlett’s Playlist:

Hero – Skillet
All Around Me – Flyleaf
Slumber – NEEDTOBREATHE
Assassins – John Mayer
Monster – Paramore
Bring Me to Life – Evanescence
It Ends Tonight – All-American Rejects
When Angels and Serpents Dance – P.O.D
Awake and Alive – Skillet
Drifting – Plumb
Never Alone – Barlow Girl
Unbreakable – Fireflight
Sleeping Awake – P.O.D
Sword and Shield – Sister Hazel
Meant To Live – Switchfoot
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

Sample:

ANNUAL FESTIVAL FACES POSSIBLE CANCELLATION AFTER SIXTH MURDER

In the middle of Town Square men constructed a stage for Saturday’s harvest festival.  A man sat outside the café reading the newspaper.  Sebastian Andersson caught a glimpse of today’s “big news”. Doubtful. The harvest festival was a well-known tradition, especially for the clan. Nothing on earth, not heaven or hell could stop the panthers from inductions.

In his daze he heard laughter. A recording of last year’s festival played on a TV in the window of a boutique. No doubt recorded for posterity. Pairs danced, hands touched waists, and longing glances were exchanged between couples. The traditional dance hadn’t changed much; the main distinction was the girl gliding across the floor. No matter how hard he tried, he never forgot the day he’d met Isobel.

On the television before him the dance ended. The camera panned to the stage, settling on the girl in the center of it all. Sebastian turned cold when he saw her—long blonde hair, as if weaved from golden silk, fair skin, lips like a crimson rose. No, it can’t be her.

Currently Editing:

Cinderella’s Glass Stiletto
Young Adult,  Fantasy

“People who claim they’re evil are usually no worse than the rest of us. It’s people who claim that they’re good, or any way better than the rest of us, that you have to be wary of. ” ― Gregory Maguire, Wicked

When nomad teenager Norah and her suicidal half-sister are sent to a boarding school in Germany, they’re shocked to learn that their classmates are characters from storybooks. What sucks worse than a psycho obsessive “Cinderella” as a roommate? Falling in love with a boy who is destined for loneliness. And acting on her forbidden desire could re-write the history of our beloved fairy tales forever. Norah soon learns that some princess will do anything to keep their stories safe. Even if it means death.

Playlist:

Porcelain Heart – BarlowGirl
Addicted (Acoustic) – Saving Abel
Glad You Came – Boyce Avenue (originally by The Wanted)
Dark Horses – Switchfoot
Distance – Christina Perri feat Jason Mraz

*more coming soon

First 250-ish words:

Heavy mist billowed over the exterior of the castle, making it impossible to see further than a few feet beyond our carriage window. Giant trees and hills bordered us on all sides, offering the appeal of a castle hidden amongst the foothills of Germany. Snow capped mountains, wildlife, a place full of possibilities and wonder. Once upon a time, I believed in the lure of castles and fairy tales. Until now.

As the carriage hobbled across the long bridge leading to the monstrosity—seriously, who rode in carriages anymore?—I felt anything but joy. Terror, worry, loathing, trepidation…those were viable emotions. Admiration? Not one bit.

The weight of my father’s hand on my shoulder induced a cold shiver. “Can you believe it, kiddos?” he beamed, peering out the glass to soak in the German countryside. “Must be fate.” Or bad luck. I’d go with bad luck. “You sure you brought enough until your luggage arrives?”

Unable to speak, I nodded and my attention flickered to April, my younger sister. The translucent skin hung heavy around her dark, baggy eyes. She tugged the sleeves of her charcoal sweater, hiding the now-fading bruises on her wrists.

Though only weeks had passed, it seemed like hours ago Dad dropped the bomb—he’d accepted a teaching job in Moscow. Instead of going with him, like usual, he’d surprised us with a full ride to The Castle in the Sky as I dubbed it because neither April nor myself could pronounce the German name.

“We could still go with you.” I blurted out, desperation crept through my bones.  “Moscow would be an awesome learning experience.”

“Nonsense.” He shook his head. “Your mother went here, Norah. It’s only fitting you receive the same education. Plus, it’ll be fun to be on her old stompin’ grounds.” Yeah, because she turned out to be such a gem. I rolled my eyes and curled a sandy brown strand of hair around my index finger. “Don’t roll your eyes, Norah. She’s an amazing woman.”

So amazing she chose not to share her life with us. What a winner.

 

For more information, please contact me.

*All works on this blog belong to Angela Parkhurst.  Do not copy, reproduce, or otherwise distribute my work without express written consent.