It’s Sunday, time for Weekend Writing Warriors (click the logo above) and Snippet Sunday (click the logo below.) I am continuing with the hang glider scene from Tourist Trap.
“What happened?” Timi was checking Roi’s pulse and breathing as he spoke, his mittens thrown to the ground beside them and his bare hands against Roi’s skin.
Roi had always hated the thought of invading another mind unasked, even in emergency Healing. Derik had insisted he learn the technique of such invasion, assuring him repeatedly that there would be times when it would be necessary for his own safety to know exactly what was in another’s thoughts. This, he thought glumly, looked like being one of those times. Hating himself even as he used Timi’s hands against his face as a focus, he slid into his friend’s mind.
Nothing. Timi had prepared dinner the night before, felt tired and gone to bed early with the rest of the group, and slept soundly all night.
A vacation with his three best friends from slavery and a manhood challenge: Roi is given the graduation present he has dreamed of. Dogsledding, hang gliding, a chance to see Pleistocene animals transplanted to a Terraformed vacation world, horseback riding, sailing … all the sports he has returned to with his recovery from paralysis, and a few new ones to learn.
They’re prepared for danger from weather, wild animals and extreme sports. But none of them realize that Roi’s half brother Zhaim, determined to recover his old position as Lai’s heir, intends to kill them if he can—and he’s decided that the dangers of the trip will make a perfect cover for his schemes.
How long will it take them to realize that the “accidents” they keep running into are more than just accidents?
Tourist Trap, the second novel of the Jarnian Confederation, won first place in science fiction and fiction book of the year in the 2011 Reader Views contest.
Reviewers say:
“Fans of Sue Ann Bowling’s novel Homecoming will not be disappointed with its sequel. Tourist Trap returns the reader to the world of the Jarnian Confederation—to Roi, Lai, Marna, and all of their friends and relations. The author does a stellar job of bringing these characters to life, allowing the reader to not only see their actions but to understand the culture and politics that motivate them. (ForeWord Clarion review; 5 star)
“Tourist Trap” is a great read for anyone that wants motivation and feeling to accompany the action in their sci-fi adventure. Alien beings and super powers are an integral part of Roi’s story but what makes this novel really shine is the heart. Nobody is good or evil just because that’s their assigned role. Just like in real life, everyone has their own motivations and desires, and Bowling does a great job of letting the reader see what it would be like to walk in the shoes of Roi, Xazhar, and even madman Zhaim. (ReaderViews review)
Tourist Trap (iUniverse, 2011) is available from:
iUniverse, Barnes and Noble, or Amazon, in dust jacket, trade paper, and e-book formats.
Buy Homecoming from iUniverse
'Homecoming' Blog 
Fascinating.
Well he has to be sure.
Great character development in this snippet. You did an amazing job with tourist trap.
Thanks. I just wish I could get more reviews.
I agree with Gem. You conveyed so many things in this little snippet. Well done.
Lots of things to be conveyed.
And the mystery deepens yet again. Can’t wait to find out more…great snippet today, as always!
We’re coming to the end of the scene I’m blogging.
Intriguing. And I love the details — the mittens thrown to the ground, the feel of his hands — perfect.
Thanks. His hands have to be bare for the skin-to-skin contact.
Now we know it wasn’t Timi. One suspect down, many to go. I just noticed your Alaska Writers Guild badge. My sister lives in Anchorage. I’ve visited a couple of time. it’s a fab state.
At least Timi doesn’t remember anything.
Now you’ve got me really curious–the first evidence seemed stacked against Timi, but everything that followed his arrival speaks to his innocence! Intriguing… 🙂
Tune in next week. (Or get the book.)
This is a great bit. When I first read this book, yu had me so involved that I wondered if Roi was only seeing what Timi thought he’d done. . . Layers upon layers!
Which explains some of the attitudes in Horse Power.
You’re taking us on a complex journey. Thanks for the powerful story and splendid writing.
Roi’s approaching a critical decision point.
Intriguing–I like how he hesitates, weighing his friends wishes against what his friend needs and has faith in himself to make such a bold decision.
He’s smart enough to realize the importance of knowing.
Does Roi know the pros and cons of his decision?
Every decision has consequences, some positive, some negative.
He hasn’t made the most important decision yet.
Wonderful descriptions– love the details of the way he threw down the mittens and I also liked the way you portrayed his inner thoughts on what he should do.
Glad you like it.
I like that he has the moral dilemma before entering his friend’s mind.
Roi has more problems with moral dilemmas than physical ones.
Hmm, so how did Timi’s hands come to be on the glider…or how did someone make it look like it had been Timi? Questions, questions you’ve given me SueAnn!
The answer to that is farther along in the book.
I am so curious to know who was the mastermind behind the sabotage and if Timi was an unsuspecting part of it. Great intrigue here.
While the line does make sense, the wording of “looked like being one of those times” seems a bit awkward.
Yes, it’s awkward–but we don’t always think in perfect sentences.
I agree with Chelle about that sentence, but it’s an easy fix if you drop “being”. Still, it’s your story. You’ve made Roi very sympathetic. He’s as honorable as they come. I’m wondering if Timi has altered his own memories to keep Roi from finding anything out. If not, what’s going on?? You tease, Sue Ann!
Timi has no esper abilities, and couldn’t have done that if he wanted to. This book is already published, so I can’t alter it.
Very unique world building! Loved him slipping into his friend’s mind. Great snippet!
Telepathy is part of the world I’ve built up.