Chest of Souls

Pic Jump: last book of goal to release 12 books in 12 months

2011-08-26T11:26:00.003-06:00

Released June 2011

From the back of the book:
My happily ever after started with a coma

I didn’t think things could get worse.

Then I was accidentally eye-napped.

It’s complicated, but because of me, a four-year old is being hunted by a kidnapping-murderer and all she has is a Barbie head to help her out.

If I don’t do something, she’s going to disappear –permanently.
I have one question: How can I save her when all I can do is jump from one set of printed eyes to another?

Pic Jump received a Reader's Favorite Award 2011 and is a Whitney Award Nominee

5 Star review from Readers Favorite:

First rate story with a unique plot, August 11, 2011

By Readers Favorite "Book Reviews and Award Contest" (Hawesville, KY USA) - Reviewed by Alice D. for Readers Favorite

Pictarine Nebbie loved her parents but not her name; she prefers Pic. Pic and her best friend/cousin, Dar, run an employment agency. Pic meets the most marvelous man, Mason Jump, in the elevator of the building where her employment agency is located. Mason entertains terminally ill children, gives to charity and is totally devoted to doing for others. He and Pic fall deeply in love, meet each other's families, and marry weeks after meeting. Do they live happily ever after? No, their wedding car is sideswiped, Pic suffers massive head injuries and lies in a coma!

Though badly injured, she is given an out-of-body ability to transfer from one pair of eyes to another. Pic lands as a little girl's Barbie doll's eyes. The little girl, Emma, and her mother and father get on a plane with a terrorist on board.

This is a really first rate story with a unique plot that flows well from beginning to end of story. It offers romance and then adventure that will keep the reader enthralled until story's ending. It is well-edited, extremely well-written with believable characters who hold true throughout the story. A wide number of readers will enjoy this. The discerning will be delighted at the author's insertion of a book written by herself into the storyline.

Book#1 Chest of Souls

2011-08-26T10:29:00.003-06:00

Released September 2010
Cover: StravenLite
Won Reader's Favorite Award 2011

Blurb

When do you tell children they are destined to bring down the wickedest city in the world?

That they've been hunted their entire lives by the very evil they must destroy?

And when they finally meet that evil, they may not win?

You don't.

Brenna is safe because she’s oblivious to everything but Talon. She doesn't know that her mother is Hi-Sha of Eyes, or that her father was an assassin and he’s supposed to be dead. She doesn't even know her pet is the Queen of all Shee’s.

Talon felt safe until he met Brenna.

Once he is ordered to protect her, he's had to fight monsters he never knew existed, run away from an assassin, and escape a forest full of carnivores. His father burned down their cottage and left him with people he just met and he isn't sure who to trust.

In the meantime the Chest of Souls waits to be powered and neither child can guess the price.

5 star Review from Reader's Favorites:

A new series sure to please the pickiest fantasy readers.., August 12, 2011 By Readers Favorite "Book Reviews and Award Contest" (Hawesville, KY USA) - Reviewed by Anne B. for Readers Favorite

Michelle Erickson has created a new series sure to please the pickiest fantasy readers. In Chest of Souls Book 1, we meet nine year old Talon and Brenna, a beautiful six-year-old with power beyond imagination. Talon and Brenna are the only hope to destroy Sogo. Together they make a formidable team...if they live long enough to develop their powers.

Michelle Erickson does exactly what all authors should do...begin the book with a dynamic, attention grabbing scene. However, she doesn't stop there; she continues with one heart pounding scene after another. Her talent for description brought to life the strange creatures previously only seen in her mind's eye. There are plenty monsters to fear and battle in Chest of Souls: a fierce, part-horse creature, green crabs and ice monsters. Brenna was one of my favorite characters. Although only six years old, she already has self-confidence and knows she belongs with Talon.

This is the first book in a new series; I can hardly wait to see what our two heroes face in the next book.

Book #2 Lend Me Your Mind

2011-08-26T10:26:00.002-06:00

Released October 2010
Illustration: StravenLite

Blurb

Brenna assumed everyone could modify an entire species, raise the dead, and speak with Deity because she’s done all of those things and more. Yet, even with all her power she can’t make Talon love her.

Talon has questions no one will answer. Like why he has to keep moving when he’d rather stay with the Tybars, what his father does for a living, and what really happened to his mother. The answers he does receive aren’t comforting.

Odd things have started to happen - the ship he is on sinks, a woman from legend rises from the sea, and he has to keep a secret he never wanted to know. Danger tracks him from the Ammon Islands to the far western shore of Utak. Through it all, he can feel where Brenna is and her most powerful emotions, but isn’t sure what it means.

Book#3 Aftermath

2011-08-26T10:24:00.001-06:00

Released Dec 2010
Illustration: StravenLite

Blurb

Brenna yearns for Talon’s love, but knows he sees her as a child. She’s determined to change that before her parents keep their word to take her away where Talon will never find her. No one seems to understand that Talon is the core of Brenna’s existence, not even Talon – yet.

Brenna is unaware the evil that has been searching for her has found her and if it can’t take her, it will take those she loves.

Talon has read the Book of Benamii and is beginning to understand that if Brenna dies, all hope perishes with her. He will not allow anyone or anything to hurt her. Not even Tasut. He is determined to stand between her and what is coming.

Book#4 Sacrifice of Souls

2011-08-26T10:21:00.002-06:00

Released December 2010 (I released 2 books as an early Christmas present to my fans)
Illustration: StravenLite

Blurb:

Brenna is on the other side of time to be trained. It is a place she cannot reach or see Talon and others are there including her mysterious teacher - a woman known only as the Forest Wife. This woman is beautiful, strange, as hard as Tasut, and as intelligent as Brenna’s mother. That combination doesn’t leave a lot of wiggle room. Somehow, the Forest Wife knows Brenna will do whatever she has to do, pay whatever price must be paid, to save Talon and that guarantees her obedience – for now.

Talon is in Sogo – courtesy of his father’s great fist. He is to be sold at auction and join those destined for the Barracks. He doesn’t understand why. He can’t see how he can protect Brenna from Sogo. His plan at the moment is to survive the training and the odds are stacked against him: 300-1

Book#5 Traps

2011-08-26T10:18:00.002-06:00

Released January 2011
Illustration: StravenLite

Blurb:

Talon was born of a woman without a heart and a man without a soul into a world without a conscience. Now he has to fix it.

Too bad he’s in the Sogoian Barracks, where hope of escape is trapped in the jaws of the hounds, the horns of the stone bulls, and the look in his father’s eyes.

The Book of Benamii claims there is a traitor among his men. He’s determined to find out who it is and save as many of his men as he can while they all train for the blood sport known as Cubes.

Safe on the other side of time, Brenna is learning things she never wanted to know about the past, present, and future.

The past concerns the fact the Five Creators are not myths and they left a deadly surprise beneath the Phoenix House orphanage. The present concerns what the Forest Wife does to those who disobey, and the future has no guarantees.

Book#6 Stone Dreams

2011-08-26T10:15:00.002-06:00

Released February 2011
Illustration: StravenLite

Blurb:

Talon and his men have been training for seven years, but there is one competition they can’t train for. Stone Dreams is an invitation-only nightmare Nez will arrange with one goal in mind: death of all competitors. There’s a good chance the traitor will make his move because Stone Dreams takes place at night and ‘accidents’ happen in the dark.

Brenna now understands what it’s going to take to power the Chest of Souls. There’s only one choice she can make that will save Talon and bring about the fall of Sogo. She’d rather repeat all the traps the Ancients made by herself than tell Talon what will make the constellation Three Sisters fall and what his part in powering the Chest will be.

Book #7 Division of Souls

2011-08-26T10:10:00.001-06:00

Released March 2011
Illustration: StravenLite

Blurb:

After powering the Chest of Souls, Brenna’s severed from her ability to love and that isn’t all that’s missing. She has made her choice and it isn’t Talon.

Her plan is to save as many lives as she can before Sogo falls.
Logic rules her days and remorse rules her nights.

Talon survived Day of Air and must survive the coming days of Water, Fire, and Earth – ending with the travesty of the blood sport called Cubes. He thought the greatest test was when the Chest of Souls was powered, but his greatest challenge lies ahead.

He has to find a way to heal the division between Brenna and himself and if he can’t, he has to ask himself if he loves her enough to do what must be done, no matter what?

Book #8 Storm

2011-08-26T10:01:00.001-06:00

Released April 2011
Illustration: StravenLite

Blurb:

Brenna’s not herself.

In Sogo, she’s discovered what she’s capable of – the streets are littered with living proof. All that keeps her sane is when she can meet Talon in dreams and that becomes impossible when Nez infects her with a Suque. Brenna comes to realize the Suque wants Talon more than it wants Nez and will do anything it can to have him.

Talon’s getting bad news on all sides – the Ammonites refuse allegiance until the storm of prophecy rages, he’s uncovered old secrets that make him question Brenna’s loyalty, and the traitor is one step ahead, leaving Talon and his army to face certain death.

In spite of outward appearances, Talon is sure that somewhere inside Brenna is the woman who loves him – the woman he will risk everything and everyone to free.

Book #9 Walking with Lightning (final in COS epic)

2011-08-26T09:54:00.001-06:00

Released in May 2011.
Illustration: StravenLite

People have asked me what Sogo looks like. Well, here it is - being destroyed (Hallelujah!)

In this final installment of the series, everything has come to a head. Talon is determined to fight for Brenna even though she may not choose him in the end. Brenna is still fighting the Suque and the Temis Belt.

The other characters (well...most of them) fulfill their callings doing something no one else can do and must be done in spite of personal desires.

Finally, we have resolution for the conflicts and plots that have twisted and turned throughout the epic - though there are still some major inner struggles that must be fought.

This book was the hardest to finish because with the end, you also have to move on as an author. The good thing is, I can go back anytime and revisit these, my children, and be proud of their courage under extreme fire.

There is a prequel planned (Tentatively Titled: Five, the Power Rising) that my daughter intends to write and, if things in her life go as planned, she will continue with the story of the Five after Sogo falls. I look forward to it with great anticipation.

Klaus: A Christmas Romance

2011-08-26T09:07:00.003-06:00

Released November 2010
Illustration: StravenLite
Won Reader's Favorite Award 2011

In this novel, I combined two of my favorite things: Christmas and Romance. I fell in love with Santa when I was three years and four months old (see the picture below). It is one of my earliest childhood memories. I can still recall how his wool pants made my legs itch! I scrambled off his lap, but was unable to resist returning time and again. Oh, before I forget, the red thing I'm holding was hard-as-rock caramel popcorn on a stick.

Klaus was released November 2010 and, of course, is about the jolly man in a bright red suit EXCEPT.... this story doesn't focus on his down-the-chimney routine, but the love story. I never felt that part was given enough time to develop in the movies I've seen. Remember the stop-motion puppet characters from the 1960's? They sort of explain it, but I wanted more and deeper explanations than they had time/budget for. In that story, Jessica is a teacher and Klaus an orphan.

In my book, Eralee is an immortal misfit from the eternal forest of Everaude who is engaged to a never-faithful River Prince she doesn't like much less love. Klaus is a wood carving human misfit that comes from the village of Kringle. How they get together when life throws them an iron-spiked ball that bullseyes their heart is the heart of the story.

Though I say it myself, Klaus is destined to become a holiday classic (more than one person that reviewed the book on Amazon agrees). It would do well as a movie...maybe Hallmark, but I wouldn't object to a big screen offering (think bigger....like Disney).

I've been asked who I would choose to play the part(s).

My first and most important qualification: whoever is chosen must know how to act. Hallmark and Disney have been successful with this, so no worries. As I wrote the book, Brook Burns was Eralee and Hugh Jackman was Klaus. Like I said, looks are secondary.

In spite of whatever Hollywood would choose, I find that when you read a book you end up putting the person you want in there anyway. Use your imaginations, conjure the man or woman of YOUR dreams and slide yourself into the opposite role.

Merry Christmas (early and always, from me)

Reader's Favorite Review:
I highly recommend Klaus for the whole family, July 10, 2011 By Readers Favorite "Book Reviews and Award Contest" (Hawesville, KY USA) - Reviewed by Anne B. for Readers Favorite

Have you ever wondered how Santa Klaus met Mrs. Klaus? Michelle Erickson brings readers a delightful story of a princess and a human carpenter.
Eralee's father is a River King and her mother is a Queen. They live in the forest of Everaude, a world filled with immortals and the Rashim (deer). Her parents planned a marriage for her to a river prince. He was busy sowing his wild oats and she had no desire to marry him. When she saw a human freezing to death in the woods, she wanted to save him, although it was forbidden by her people.

The reader watches as Klaus and Eralee fall in love. Throughout this enchanted story the reader learns the answers to many Santa questions. A lonely witch wants Klaus for her own selfish reasons. Eralee refused to give up the man she loves, no matter the cost.

Erickson combines romance, adventure, suspense and humor to create one of the best Christmas tales I've ever read. Eralee's antics were very funny and her innocence was extremely heartwarming. Of course Eralee was my favorite character, but Klaus and the other characters each had their own distinctive personality. This book will become a family favorite. I can see this tale making it to TV as a Christmas special. I highly recommend Klaus for the whole family.

COS: Let's Discuss: Wesvalen

2011-08-26T08:31:00.001-06:00

Wesvalen (Wes-vay-lun) word meaning: created by Vael
Capital: Port City
Flag: Purple & Yellow: Crown

Money: Milans
Exports: Poisons, fish, assassins and spies, bounty hunters, slaves, copper, fertilizer
Dangers: Slavers, the Lost City where the legendary Mek is said to live
Characters from this area: Mal, Par, Iskar, Council of 9, Father Bouvay

Land
If you separate the U.S. into quarters, this would be the southeast. Think of a gigantic boot laying on its side, with the toe up.
Cities: San Francisco-like, tall and narrow dwellings, but very colorful hodge-podge of styles and has crooked streets.
Climate
Around the coastline, think San Diego, California weather. The further east you are, the more humid it gets until you reach the swamp (a huge stretch of muck that would cover an area roughly the size of the Carolinas). It never snows except in highest mountains near Terisian border.
People
Sogo has every nationality. Elsewhere, they are Asian/Oriental.
History
During the reign of the Five creators, Vale chose this section of land and over time, managed to terrorize the country.

COS: Let's Discuss: Shugahauze

2011-08-26T08:14:00.001-06:00

Shugahauze (shoogah-hahz) means house without love
Capital: Sala (second most wicked city in world)
Flag: Black background, white crescent moon, silver waves along bottom
Money: Ducals/barter
Exports: Animals and their by-products like leathers and food, kitun breeches (pants), carpet, drugs
Dangers: Child Slavery. There are rumors of monsters in the Pizzonah mountains.
Characters from this area: Nyk (born there and moved), Japh (born there and moved)
Land
If you divided the U.S. into quarters, this would be the southwest corner. Most of it is like the midwest in the U.S. - open range and plains. On the west coast there are mountains, but they aren't rocky, they're more like very large hills with bald spots. The south has the Pizzonah Mountains.
Cities: Think squatty midwest ranch-style homes for the general population and for the larger cities, think taller versions of the same thing.
Climate
2 seasons hot/hotter, very little rainfall except in the west mountains and coast. It never snows. Small desert on northeast corner.
People
A melting pot because of the slavery issue
History
In ancient times, one of the 5 creators, Soline, preferred the sea and refused to have much to do with the people of this area she was meant to rule. As a result, child slavery blossomed and half the people are nomadic.

COS: Let's Discuss: Teris

2011-08-26T07:56:00.001-06:00

Teris (Terror-us) means the wind speaks
Capital: Riverdale
Flag: Green & Orange: long-beaked black Bird in the middle (they don’t know it’s a Ryke)
Money: Brons
Major Exports: Iron, famous for swords/steel, Military Horses, Rare Marble (green/white)
Danger: Sand Slashers, they rely on Utak for their water
Characters from this region: Dom, Joz, Zeal

Land
Divide U.S. in fourths and this would be the northeast corner. Biggest land mass. Think of a very badly behaved South America that stood on its head and melted a bit. Yea, I know, that's a stretch. On the east coast is the largest desert in the world. The infamous city of Ogdones is buried beneath sand near the heart of it.
People
The cities are smaller, but have enormous suburbs - think of condos and townhouses with pockets of multi-storied marble buildings that house the rich and one story homes for the suburbs. Over time, the men have fallen under the notion that women are inferior.
History
During the millenias of the Five creators, Revaya chose this large piece of property and for millenia, ruled wisely from Ogdones, the fabeled city which was later cursed and buried under a desert that had not existed. Currently, Teris wants to be fence sitters in the upcoming war - preferring to wait until the war is almost over and then joining the side that winning.

COS: Let's Discuss: Acha

2011-08-26T07:43:00.000-06:00

Chest of Souls: Acha

Acha (Ah-cha NOT ah-ka) means forest dwelling.
Capital: Fletching
Flag: Green & White : Red leaf in middle (no human knows it’s a Chent leaf)
Money: Barter/Gold
Major Export: Wood, ore, clothing, pottery, arrows
Characters from this area: Wyt, Drew, Tane, and Nyk (who was a transplant from Shugahauze). This is the country that Tasut and Talon live in when Tasut is 'home'. The Ryn sisters grew up here.

Land
Think of a badly drawn Idaho scrunched in the middle of the U.S. between northwest and southeast.
Most buildings are alpine-chalet with pitched roofs. In the heartland are farms surrounded by immense forests of rare-quality wood. There are 2 famous forests in the area: Rahazi (reputed to be haunted) Erisha: where Achaites get best wood for bows/arrows

Climate
Extremes (100+) in summer and (-50) in the harshest of winters. They have all seasons and is a favorite destination in the fall.

People
I think of it as Swedish mentality mixed with American ingenuity (in other words, stubborn survivalists). This is a land of hunters and loggers whose allegiance isn't swayed. In general, it's the quietest country except for festival twice a year.

History
When the 5 Creators chose a place to settle, Acha was chosen by Ammon - who was a tall red head. His people had the habit of migrating toward Teris (Ammon was friends with Revaya and spent significant time there). Ammon chose the place because it was perfect for wood - his specialty. He is the one that grew the Rahazi and Erisha forests. The Achaites are a fierce people when riled. Over the centuries, they have maintained their alliance with Utak - another sign of ancient times when Ammon and Jaydren (ruler of Utak) were friends and allies.

COS: Let's Discuss: Utak

2011-08-23T12:38:00.001-06:00

All life flows from Utak

Utak (You-tack) means “High Mountains”
Capital: Lake City
Flag: Royal blue background, silver fist
Money: Barter/Gold/precious gems
Exports: Every other country depends on Utak for it's water - they don't charge for it, but they do control its flow. The official exports are: Crops, Ryke meat, Paynach stone, salt
Dangers: Roaming Ybarra herds - especially at harvest time
Characters from this land: Rube, Pax, Talon, Brenna, Mari, Loni, Jac, Mari's mother
Land
Think of dividing the U.S.A. into quarters, this would be located in the northwest corner and look more like Africa turned upside down. Picture a country populated by Thomas Kincaide buildings with enormous rocky mountains in the background and you pretty much have the fairy-tale like quality that exists in Utak.  95% of it is rural with its spiritual people spread evenly over the area.
People
Known to contain the most beautiful women in the world. Wars have begun over this fact - Kings want a Utakian wife and Utak won't grant permission for just anyone entrance into their land. Once a year there is a festival where traders are allowed in, but carefully checked/monitored.
History
Back when the Five "Creators" were roaming around the land, the one that ruled Utak was Jaydren the Just.  He built a wall out of...well, I won't let the cat out of the bag since the prequel "Five - the Power Rising" is going to be released in the future, but at the beginning of COS epic, this wall has crumbled over the millenia. People no longer remember what the wall was supposed to represent.
Arches of Utak
Utak is enchanted and everyone that enters will have to pass under two arches made of what people think are an extremely large but extinct animal's tusks.  The bones are on the south end of a fertile seemingly deserted valley. This arch was completed in ancient times (You'll have to read the prequel to understand how and why) and no one living knows how it works, only that everyone who enters Utak, will find themselves by these arches, no matter what direction they are coming from.

5 Blanks

2010-12-04T23:40:00.002-07:00

Released August 2010
Illustrator: StravenLite
Blurb:

Nick is a pacifist whose been killed for the fourth time. His soul was transferred into the wrong Blank. Not just any Blank, but Creed: a Combat- Ready- E-series- Elimination- Drone.

And he has to share it.

It’s supposed to be impossible. His life defines the word so that isn’t what bothers him. It's the irony that he’s to blame for making the E-series a reality. He always said it would be the death of him. He may be right.

He's homeless and being hunted by the people who killed him four times. They want to make him dead-dead before he can expose the truth. That’s if the original Creed doesn’t return from war and kill him first.

Nick has a lethal to-do list:

He needs to gain Creed’s co-operation so he can save the friends who risk their lives to hide them, find out how and why they are sharing the same Blank before the original Creed shows up, and uncover the truth about Leigh, a beautiful scary woman that claims she’s Creed’s fiancée and Nick’s friend, but whom neither man remembers.

Welcome to day one of Blank Five.

One Step Closer!

2010-07-23T15:01:00.000-06:00

After doing some research, I decided that I'm tired of waiting for traditional publishers. To add insult to injury, I just found out from one of my published friends she only makes about $1.00 a book. Nix that idea!!!

The information shocked me. I love to write, but I want to be paid for my efforts! I put alot of hours into my work (I'm talking decades of hours) Therefore, I am choosing to go where Michelle has not gone before! Unexplored territory: EBOOK. It is the wave of the future PLUS I see up to 70% of the cover price. I think that's fair.

Never fear! For those who want a printed version, I will also have a POD (Lulu.com - so far) for those of you who want the book to take to bed or the tub...you know, those story-addicts that want MORE time with the book but won't want to cuddle with a Kindle.

I have an appointment with someone at BYU-Idaho to discuss the cover. Now for the unexpected news: I will be getting 5 Blanks out to you first. If things go according to schedule, I'll be getting COS #1 out in August!

Update and Heads up

2010-06-14T09:07:00.001-06:00

The third yes I spoke about belonged to a company (Strategic Book Publishing) that is on the 'Writer Beware' list. I will not be going there. They want you to pay $995 (they even have a payment plan!) just to get everything in order before you publish. Then they want you to pay for all your books and then sell them yourself using their cleverly written marketing ploys that make you think they are going to sell your book on an international level. After all that I read about them, how they are in a lawsuit in Florida etc., there is no way that I will do it.

Forthcoming: Comics!

2009-10-12T11:14:00.000-06:00

My oldest daughter and her friend Miaso (another artist) have a large fan base on the deviant art website. http://sites.google.com/site/kotororigins/ (This one will take you right to their work and you won't have to go through the sometimes raw material on deviant art)

For those of you who have no clue what Kotor is, it's an X-Box game that branched off Star Wars.

She also has come up with comic strips concerning what goes on in an author's life (reality based). With her permission, I'll be posting some of her work.

Update

2009-06-01T13:22:00.001-06:00

Where have I been?
Writing of course!

If you're one of those looking for "Crazy Eight's" you'll have to go to Catsfour.blogspot.com because I moved it from this one. It just didn't fit.

News for die-hard Chest of Souls fans: There will be a prequel - now that the main series is finished as it's going to get without help from an agent/publishing house. More information to come on the prequel as things rush ahead.

For now, I'm currently up to my eyebrows in a stand alone Sci-Fi and when I'm looking for a change of pace, I fiddle with a different series - or two.

Note (made in 10-2011):
The series this post talks about was COS in its ORIGINAL form – which, to my dismay, would become a 100+ rejection slip wonder (I stopped counting after 100). In a nutshell, the story got shelved as did the stand-alone Science Fiction mentioned.

I still believed in my stories, but was disheartened. In light of 100+ rejections, it’s apparent nothing was ready for publication. It was back to step one: Dream.

I used the basic outline from COS to create a new story. Characters/plot/story lines were torn apart and rewritten so one book became a trilogy that morphed into nine books.

Recently, COS 1 received a Reader's Favorite Award.
Writing is my passion and since I'm addicted to the written word, I will continue. I'm also taking an ecourse from Leslie Householder (author of Jack Rabbit Factor: Why You Can) with the idea of making the information I learn a part of my successful life.

Chest of Souls Prologue

2009-04-08T05:22:00.000-06:00

It was time to summon the Chest of Souls.
The light was dim inside the cave, the Guardian noted with disapproval. Even then it wasn’t a steady glow, but the dancing flickering light that came from torches.
The faces of those with him, four Sons of Ammon, and four women, were shaded and appeared altered or grotesque as the uneven flames fought the draft coming from below. In respectful silence, seven of the others took their positions near the sacrificial pool. He noticed they did not meet his eyes when he looked at them – except one man; his best friend. He wished he hadn’t. The pity there was almost too much.
He clenched his jaw and took his place near a mammoth-size block of stone that had been wood eons before. Sitting on the stone was the sacrifice, a tall woman dressed in pristine white. Her face was tight with anxiety and her slender hands were clasped tightly together in her lap. He gently laid a massive hand on her shoulder and contemplated the task before him. He had objected to what was to take place in no uncertain terms. He even threatened some of those present with physical harm, but it boiled down to one fact: They had a chance to destroy the city of Sogo and they must take it, no matter the cost. He found it ironic that he had been the one to say those very words. He hadn’t known the cost; could not have, or he would never have said them.
The price was one soul - hers.
“You don’t have to do this,” he whispered, “let me.”
“I have the strength to do this one thing,” she said with fearful determination. “You have the strength for the rest.”
They anxiously watched the Poolseer gracefully kneel beside the sandpool. She was no ordinary Poolseer; she was also a Mage. Over a year before, she knelt in this sacred place and learned Father of All’s will to destroy the city of Sogo and was told how it could be done.
She lightly touched the surface of the sand with her right hand. The sand hardened like stone, returned to granular form, and then flashed bright purple.
The surface of the sandpool awakened and spun faster and faster until wisps of color-filled sand smoked up from its surface.
“I summon the Chest of Souls,” said the Poolseer firmly. Then she looked right at him with now-purple eyes, “Whatever happens, don’t let her go or she’ll kill everyone in this room.”
The willing sacrifice rose, her hands in fists. The Guardian grudgingly put his massive arms around her from behind, then clasped them over her arms as the sandpool turned white and the screaming began.

Let's Discuss: Wynna Ryn

2009-03-25T05:43:00.001-06:00

Dakota Fanning as the younger Wyn.

Wyn (Win) is Loni's adopted daughter. The daughter of her heart. Wyn's parents died in a plague and she was found on the streets, or rather, she found Loni on the streets and thought Loni was her mother. Wyn has a few physical attributes that make life more of a challenge. She's cross-eyed, extremely short for her age, and she stutters. Wyn clings hard to those she loves and suffers separation anxiety. This pint-sized cookie lover becomes Brenna's best friend/cousin. They get into and out of trouble together - and there's lots of trouble ahead.

Let's Discuss Tasut

2009-03-11T11:59:00.001-06:00

Tasut (Tah-suit)

In general, everyone hates him - even I do at times. He is emotionally cold, physically brutal, and makes life miserable for his son, Talon. When I first wrote his character, I had no idea what happened to his wife; I simply wrote him as a single father. It helps to remember that he is a man with a mission. He never loses sight of the bigger picture. Naturally, there are reasons for all of this, but you will have to peel the onion to find out what's under the layers of Tasut's skin.

My youngest son suggested Nathan Jones as Tasut. I can understand why. Nathan is TALL, looks like he could frape the average person twice a day and not break sweat. Yes, he looks the part - but can he act? Tasut is more than muscle. In the final book there is a scene that will require a very fine edge be walked and I know Gerard Butler is capable of pulling it off, but the only thing I've seen Nathan do is the fight between him and Jet Li in Fearless (my son was giving me an example).

The violence in my books is circumstantial and one of foremost reasons why Talon and Brenna are in the book - to bring about Change (yes, I meant to capitalize the C)

This is how I picture Tasut looking on an average day - still not quite right but pretty close. Nathan has the, "I will kill you and not blink" thing signed, sealed, and delivered.

This look would be more appropriate for Sogo - in particular, the Barracks. If this much emotion appears on Tasut's face I hope you said all your goodbyes because Tasut doesn't believe in second chances.

Let's Discuss: The bad guys

2009-03-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Books can't exist without some form of conflict and that form usually comes with umbilicial cord attached to low lifes. The worst of the bunch in Chest of Souls (COS) comes in the form of Nez Shavae. I've considered Jason Robards for the role originally, but Robert Downey Jr. could pull off arrogance and self-absorbed evil. If you saw his performance in Iron Man - you could understand what I mean. Let me know what you think.

Just as all my 'good' guys have at least one flaw, all my bad guys have one redeeming quality. For Nez, you'll have to wait for it because it is coming - even though he's not aware of it. Don't blink or you'll miss it.

Let's Discuss: Lyon Tybar

2009-03-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

Gerard Butler as Lyon (imagine his hair sunstreaked)
With the advent of Nathan as Tasut, Gerard became my version of Lyon. He has proven he is a man who can play many roles - everything from a dad (Nim's Island) to gladiator (300). Also, he plays romance well and Lyon is romantic and a whole lot of other things.

Lyon (Lie-own) is a much deeper character than I originally thought. He comes from a long line of Assassins who have worked in Sogo for generations. While he is the best "Unknown" (secret assassin) at the time of his staged death, he never liked the work.

Lyon prefers creating jewelry to slitting throats. His wife was his only failed assignment and he had no idea who she really was, but accepted her proposal immediately. This reformed assassin stays in the background for much of the book and his scenes are those of support - for his family and as a mentor-figure for Talon.

Let's Discuss: Marianna Ryn

2009-02-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

I would love to find a Jane Seymour look-alike because I can't imagine anyone else playing the part. Marianna, however, is stuck at 30 years old for the entire series of books.

Mari (Mar-ee not Mary) is beautiful, very intelligent, and wears many hats throughout the book -
A wife - who is still in love with her husband, but she can't tell him the truth about her line of work - that of Hi-Sha of a network of spies known as Eyes.
A working mother - trying to raise their all-powerful daughter to use her power responsibly and keep her hidden at the same time.
A business owner - setting Eyes up in positions all over the world so she has contacts and the possibilities of recruits in each nation.

Her greatest fear is that of discovery and she feels time is against them. Her juggling and manipulation to save her family and their friends can only last so long - after that, it will be Brenna's job and Brenna isn't ready.

Let's Discuss: Hadasha Ryn

2009-02-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

Terri Hatcher has the ability to pull off the role of the sassy, proud, immoral Hadasha Ryn, but nothing's written in concrete. Probably because I have a love-hate relationship with Haddy and hesitate to strap such a deceitful conniving role on anyone.

Haddy has been one of those characters that brings out a variety of emotions in the readers (and me)- frustration and even hatred are mixed among other non-flattering terms. Her selfishness is so well understood by those in my home, that we've been known to say "That's so Haddy!" about someone who is behaving in a particularly annoying/foolish fashion.

It may come as a surprise to know that Haddy was fun to write - most of the time. Course, I'd hate to be her. Her life is an eight-lane highway of bad choices. Even when she thinks she's doing good, her impulsiveness lends stupidity to her actions - like what happens when she goes to buy Loni a birthday gift (an outwardly good deed) and Brenna nearly gets kidnapped while Haddy's making cow-eyes at the clerk!

Haddy is easy to relate to because she's based on the kind of people we all know that make us want to tear our hair out. She seldom thinks things through, habitually chooses the wrong sort to 'fall in love' with, and seems to prefer to walk hand-in-hand with disaster. She's attractive, insecure, and judges others by outward appearance. She covets many things - including her handsome brother-in-law.

In a nutshell, Hadasha's actions have extreme consequences in a world where she's supposed to be a good guy and set a good example. One particular choice humbles her in such a way you'd think she'd learn her lesson. Sigh.

Let's Discuss: The Board-game Steps

2009-02-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

Steps is a board game played by the characters in Chest of Souls that loosely resembles chess.

Equipment:
Board
Men
Cards: Placement, Weapons, Assassins, Council, and Guardian.
Die: odd shaped with numbers 1-10

Major difference between Steps and Chess: the board is larger and each square contains a number except the tree-square which is in the middle of the board (think of a checker board) the middle four squares are blanked out and there is a tree instead of squares. There are no unfilled spaces on this board.

How to play:
Put all same-kind cards together and place face down in stacks at sides of board - except position cards.
First: you will deal the Position cards until there are no more left. These cards have a number which matches a numbered square on the board. You will place your men on the matching square. It doesn't matter what man you put where because all of them are equal.
Second: Toss the die, choose a man and move him to his place. When you land, each player draws from their weapons cards. The draw of the card determines whether you win or lose. If your weapon is a better weapon than the other person's, you win that square. It becomes 'side down' and if your square is touching a square containing an opposing player, you repeat the drawing of weapons cards. If the only square surrounding you are your own men, you drawn against yourself.
Third: Repeat the above process until all the men are gone except the one in the middle and whoever has the surviving man.
At this point, final cards are drawn. The player who 'lost' the round will draw for the man in the middle from the deck of Guardian cards. If his card loses, you get the treasures from the tree (determined by the players) and the title of 'Champion'.

As Talon discovers, the point of this first level in the game is complete annhilation - rather like King of Bunker Hill. Most people never get beyond mastery of this level. The second level of the game involves Assassin's. More details later...

Let's discuss: Mee

2009-02-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

I would have preferred a picture of Mee, but she insisted that there be a picture of a 'much big' crab. This picture, by the way, is a coconut crab. Mee would love to be able to meet one.

Mee is a Shee, but not just any Shee. Mee is the Queen of ALL Shees and therefore what she says is law. Other Shees will not question her authority, orders, or doubt her words. She has the mind of a three year old because she was modified by Brenna who was three at the time. Mee for all of her self-absorption, will protect Brenna to the death; she frequently offers to bite anyone that she feels may be bothering her pet. In her mind, Mee owns Brenna as do other Shees who are bonded to humans. It's a terrible thing for a bonded Shee to lose their pet; often they die from the pain of separation.

Mee doesn't recognize that she is the most poisonous of Shees (this becomes very important in later books) but it wouldn't surprise her if she knew because Mee is the Queen and therefore the most beautiful, intelligent, and best of all Shees. Her subjects would not consider disagreeing. She doesn't feel like her obsession with Crab is irritating anymore than Brenna feels her obsession with Talon is. For her, crab is divine and by rights, it should be given to her every single day - several times a day.

Let's Discuss: The High Priestess Saro

2009-02-09T22:01:00.002-07:00

These pictures were taken from video covers of Jason and the Argonauts and, of course, Black Swan.

I felt they were good examples of how much makeup can disguise a person (I had no idea the pic was of Natalie Portman) and the sheen of the skin on the woman that played a Priestess in Jason and the Argonauts - although Saro would never wear something as low cut as the one above).

Part of what entrances the bloodthirsty Sogoians is that Saro is different - including her clothing - which is modest.

The High Priestess Saro is a powerful manipulative woman with her own agenda. It is well known in Sogo that she has Tasut's protection and is therefore safe from the usual danger that slinks in the streets. She has hand-maidens that serve her in the re-built Temple of the Unknown God and the prosperous Villa where she hatches her plans; carefully spinning her web of deceit.

People who have read the book(s) generally lump her into the same emotion-free category as Tasut. After all, she stands like an ice sculpture while innocents are sacrificed. She isn't for the bad guys but, she isn't necessarily for the good guys. You'll have to wait and see what her decision will be about good/bad.

Let's Discuss: Tryk

2009-02-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

Who I picture as Tryk: Christopher Lloyd because he has a certain kind of intense manic energy that comes across as natural. We know he can do obsessed scientist.

2nd choice: maybe Martin Short

One of the readers has mentioned that Tryk seems expendable. He isn't.

He serves as the springboard from which historical lessons (and some off-the-wall humor) are launched. Plus, I created Tryk because I got bored when Talon spent too much time with the Tybars. I wanted him to be with them just enough to understand how they worked together and have him pick up on the things Brenna didn't to set up further scenes.

I needed a likeable character that could teach Talon how to use his mind - an educated adult who understood what was really going on (past and present) and could give little snippets to help Talon and my readers comprehend how much more was going on than what a young boy could understand.

Let's Discuss: Loni

2009-01-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

Emma Thompson as Loni.

Tahloni (Tah-lawn-ee): Loni is easy to love because she loves so easily. She was a pleasure to write because she is calming and more normal than her sisters.
As oldest sister, she became surrogate mom to her two sisters after their father was murdered. She is tall, plain, and the heart of the orphanages. The orphanages are where the Ryns do their recruiting for the Eye organization.

Something in the book I don't really go into deep detail about is the fact Loni observes the orphan girls and deciphers which have the qualities they are looking for. She is the one that makes the recommendations to Mari, who then winnows out the best and trains them. Loni is a hard worker and the peacemaker between her other sisters who do not get along.

As I wrote her, Loni became a composite of the best of the women I've known - the mother figures in my life with an added dash of unexpected temper. Loni has the personality that buffers and supports, but will not accept threats to children within her sight or sound. Children are her drive, the spark that keeps her going in spite of her pain; both physical and emotional.
Her weakness and strength are her orphans and her goal is to have at least one orphanage set up in each country. While the many orphans look at her as a mother, the one she claims as the daughter of her heart is Wyn.

Let's discuss: The Eyes

2009-01-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

The Eyes are important to the end goal of the book: to destroy Sogo. I also created them because I can't stand the idea women stand against a wall, wringing their hands while their men get murdered or fight the monster all by themselves. Guess my pschye goes back to a story about one of my great-grandmothers. She didn't stand idly by while a trapper shot her husband, she jumped on the stinky trappers back, causing him to crash to the ground - this woman was 5 foot nothing and unarmed except for her courage. She had guts and so do the Eyes.

Eyes are generally orphans - raised by the Ryns and carefully chosen for the job. The first orphans at Ryn House were themselves - the first non-family orphan that became an Eye was Ketu. These girls who grew into women under the watchful care of Loni and personally trained by Mari, are active participants in the tapestry that will take down Sogo. They are dangerous women - think Lara Croft (Tombraider). In spite of what Hadasha thinks, missions come from Mari - period. What began as a personal vendetta against Nez became much more than Mari and Loni ever dreamed. Haddy, of course, has her own path to follow.

FAQS

2008-12-11T08:47:00.002-07:00

I would like to extend a HUGE thanks to my pre-readers (you know who you are) and to those who send me emails asking questions.

Questions in Black

Answers in Blue

Why doesn't Mal just send the (deleted word because it'd be a spoiler) to kill Nez?
An attempt was made to destroy Sogo before Talon and Brenna were born. The group gathered at that time failed. Same thing would happen if Mal did what you asked.

Is this going to be made into a movie?
I hope so. That would be COOL.

You write like Anne Rice
Thanks - she's very successful. With that said, I'd like to assure everyone, this is not a horror story (although lots of horrible gut-wrenching stuff happens).

That was a scary prologue, is this dark fantasy?
No. I wrote the prologue with the idea of making readers curious and give your mind something to chew on - like who are these people? Why are they doing this? Guardian of what? Sons of Ammon? What is the Chest and what does it do? I will answer this last question because people get the wrong idea about the Chest. Yes, it is a powerful magic object, but it doesn't have the power to save anyone - it has one purpose which will be revealed in later books.

What is the deal with Tasut? I hate his guts. Why doesn't someone kill him?
Keep reading. I agree that Tasut is easy to hate. The part about killing - it isn't for lack of trying.

Why don't the guys in the Barracks just break out? or their families revolt and save them?
hmmm....you sure you read the book?
The scene with the dogs is the reason the guys in the Barracks stay where they are. Plus, no one knows where their sons are - most are captured by slavers and bought at Sogoian auction. Though it seems obvious to me, I guess I should state that Tasut doesn't allow contact. Most importantly, few people go to Sogo.
Hint/Reminder: Sogo is the wickedest city in the world and the 60 million people who live there love the Barracks the way the Romans of our world loved the Coliseum- and for the same disgusting reasons: entertainment.

When Tasut is away from home, why doesn't Talon lighten up?
Talon never knows when Tasut will return, plus he's never learned how to "lighten up". It's why he needs friends.

Where did you get the title?Eventually, from the prologue. It's kind of embarrassing, but I didn't know what to call it at first - I was only doing a trilogy at that time and had to have three names so I simply called them It Begins, It Continues, It Ends. Laughable, but at least no one would be able to miss the sequence. As I wrote and the story became enormous - the series is over 1,000 SS pages - and better defined in my mind, it became the Soul Saga.

How did you come up with the idea for Chest of Souls?Orignally, it began as a story I told to my oldest daughter. After reading The Jackrabbit Factor by Leslie Householder, my plans to take my stories to the public became defined.

Where do you get the ideas?Dreams/Life - for example the settings: Utak is obviously Utah. The other nations, cities, etc. are modified names for places I've lived. Though the names in Acha came from my mother-in-law who was blessed with a Maine accent (r's get dropped or added).

Does this story take place on Earth?No - interesting question though.

Is Queen Tahlana black?
No. I think part of this misconception came from the picture I used on the blog. Think Polynesian/American Indian.

Chest of Souls: Tasut (Tah-suit)

2008-08-11T13:15:00.001-06:00

Tasut Ryhawk/Gerard Butler: I realize that few actors are seven feet tall. I saw the cover of 300 (did not see the movie) and Gerard immediately became Tasut.

COS Quote: "Run."

Chest of Souls/Prequel: Ancients

2008-08-11T13:05:00.001-06:00

The Five Creators

L to R: Vael, Jaydren, Revaya, Soline, Ammon, Spar (the brown shee on his shoulder).

People to play the parts:

Vael ( ): Christian Bale.

Jaydren ( ): Ioan Gruffudd.

Revaya (Rah-vay-ah): Rachel Wiesz. I'm keeping my eye on two others for the role.

Soline ( ): Elizabeth Mitchell.

Ammon ( ): Still searching for the "perfect" guy. In the meantime, here's his attitude.

Sparr (as himself): He insisted. After all, he is the 1st of "all shee".

Let's Discuss: Queen Tahlana

2008-08-11T13:02:00.002-06:00

Queen Tahlana (Tah-lawn-ah): I think this pic came from a perfume/cologne ad. I always envision Tahlana to be an exotic combination of Polynesian/American Indian with green eyes. There are times Tahlana wears her hair in a mohawk and is a fearless woman (dare I say a female Tasut?)

COS Quote: "You use her to test if she be a true Kah, she test your knowledge.”

Chest of Souls: Shees

2008-08-11T12:16:00.001-06:00

Mee: a poor rendition of how she looks (she wanted me to make this perfectly clear). In reality, the texture of her fur is much more like chinchilla and her tail is much more beautiful, thick, and attractive than this ratty-looking one. Her eyes are blue and spaced more like humans. Her ears are much longer and have tufts on the tips. She has pale orange stripes through her fur.

Mee can speak one-syllable words. Brenna altered her when Brenna was 3 years old; therefore, Mee is very much like a 3 year old in COS. Note: (She insists) Mee loves to eat crab.

Fox: one of the more colorful Shees that live in the Forest Wife's realm. Mee insists that Fox is not this attractive, but claims it is an accurate portrayal of Foxes less-than-perfect tail.

Here is a better picture of how the genetically-altered ear tufts would look.

Regular Shees: brown-grey, ear tufts, and the dark eyes. Still, even their eyes would be set more like humans and the tail would be thicker, more luxurious.

Genetically altered Shees are born with fur. Like tigers, their skin is the color they will be. Wild Shees are like those that are pictured

Chest of Souls: Friends

2008-08-11T11:05:00.000-06:00

Jarow Meade/Hugh Jackman: Someone who is ripped, but someone who could keep their heart and focus despite the odds. Yum. Enough said.

COS Quote: "I want the widow Raen."

Raen Dorn/the widow Raen: Salma Hayek

COS Quote: "If any of you tell what you are about to see, my life is over."

Tryk/Christopher Lloyd:

COS Quote: “I won’t get a wink of sleep now. What do you all say to a bit of breakfast?”

General Monus/Tom Sellek:

COS Quote: “Your father was the brightest and most terrifying man in battle that I’ve seen.”

General Han/William Petersen: subject to change

Quote: "We’ll try to save as many as we can.”

Chest of Souls: Elite

2008-08-11T10:40:00.003-06:00

Still looking for Japh, Par, Wyt, Nyk, Tane, Drew, Pax - open for suggestions

Mal (Maal) Kayman (Kay-mun)/Chris Evans:

COS Quote: ““Do you think there’s a way to kill a Mek?”
Character Song: "You Can't Take Me" (Spirit Stallion of the Cimmaron)

Rube (Roob) Jynn (Gin)/Paul Walker: I wanted an actor who could be serious, but have the kind of smile that all women fall for eventually. I can easily picture Paul with white hair and still look good.

COS Quote: “I’d rather have something true...”

Zeal (rhymes with seal) Yassun (Yaz-sun)/Oded Fehr (the mature Zeal) Ben Barnes as the younger version: As his name indicates, Zeal is very passionate about life. I wanted someone who looked good in longer hair.

COS Quote: "Afraid to get your hair wet?"

Character Song: This is Where I Belong (Stallion of the Cimmaron)

Iskar (Is-car) Shyn (shin)/Matt Damon: After playing the lead in the Bourne series, I knew he could play the part of Iskar.

COS Quote: "What do you mean a little blood?"

Joz (Jaws) Trebu (Tru-bow)/Charlie Humman: It took me awhile to find a guy that still looked like a man, but had a certain prettiness as well. Okay - eye candy. It's Charlie or Orlando Bloom...a toss up.

COS Quote: "It's a good thing she didn't know the rest of the plans..."

Chest of Souls: Villains

2008-08-11T10:07:00.001-06:00

High Priestess Saro (HPS): Only she would be more modestly dressed.

COS Quote: “I will not waste my time waiting for a corpse.”

Nez Shaveye/Jason Issacs: I don't think anyone can sneer like Jason. Nez sneers a lot. Evil...controlled and unflappable...

COS Quote: "Have a good life, what's left of it."

I don't remember where I got this picture. Perhaps a scientific publishing magazine. It is a real human eye, but modified for reasons I can't recall. Freaky though... and the reason I thought it effective. One look at someone with eyes like this and you wouldn't want to stay around them.
Nightshades were human. Nez Shavae, Minister of Religion in Sogo, made them using instructions garnered from an ancient text that mysteriously appeared on his desk amidst scorched handprints and blood.

Xavier Delisandro/Russell Crowe: Russell has the class to pull off a man who at one time was vital and also can change that character to one who compromised one too many times.

Quote:“I desire the High Priestess Saro prove her right to hold her office”

Delf Shiraz/Peter Saarsgard
COS Quote:“Let’s just say I’m not here to buy baskets...”

Grutlek Kohman/John Rhys Davies

COS quote: "If you are alive in three days, you may voice your complaints then."

Scive AND Razen Fellstein/Cillian Murphy: Who else can play a bad guy with mental problems? In this story, he'd get to play TWO! he-he-he

Scive COS Quote:“Exactly what do you wish us to do about the High Priestess, Minister?”
Razen COS Quote: “You want him to assassinate her?”

Cor Izor/Brenden Fraser:

COS Quote: “Prove your power!”

Chest of Souls: Eyes

2008-08-11T08:52:00.002-06:00

Marianna Ryn/Jane Seymour: I never had anyone else in mind for Mari.
This pic works for her role as Hi-Sha of the Eyes.

COS Quote: "...you will not live to regret it, sister or not, Hi-Sha's honor."

Tahloni Ryn/Emma Thompson: Once I saw Sense and Sensibility, I never saw anyone else as Loni.

COS Quote: “All who desire to come with us are welcome, no matter cause, circumstance, race, or gender.”

Hadasha (Hah-dah-sha) Ryn /Terri Hatcher: Subject to change.

COS Quote: "It's not my fault!"

Wynna Ryn/Emma Roberts: A young Wyn, but with blond hair.

COS Quote: “You forgot me?” she whispered. “It’s m-me, Wyn!”

Ketu (Kah-two) Modae (Mo-day)/
I don't know who this gorgeous woman is - I cut the picture out of an Avon book. When I was writing about Ketu, beautiful and deadly, this is the person I envisaged. There is much more to her than even what I suspected, but you will have to wait to uncover a rather grisly secret.

COS Quote:“They’re on their way to die, Raen...”

Zaya (Za-yah) Kahlani (Kah-lawn-ee)/ This is another Avon model and it shows Zaya's secretive nature -hiding her eyes behind her too-long hair.

COS Quote: “We’re going to kill them with flutes and some fans?”

Luxoria (Lux-or-ee-ah) PanPan/Cathren Zeta Jones: Lux has been really fun to write and I had hoped she would want a bigger part, but she seemed fine with the one she has. Oh well.

COS Quote: "Would it help if I said please?"

Wysh (Wish) Ta (Tah): Sorry, can't remember the actress' name, she played in Mummy 3

COS Quote: "You saved us, just like you promised."

Chun (Choon) Ta (Tah)/Lucy Liu - subject to change

COS Quote: “The Eyes have watched, judgment is passed and I am the Executioner.”

Pash(Pah-sh) Yutan (You-tan): I think Jodie Foster would understand this character completely and play her flawlessly.

COS Quote: "Who died and left you queen?!"

Jerusa (Jur-ooh-sa) Barr/Amy Adams: Subject to change. I needed someone with a touch of innocence, the kind of girl no one would suspect because she looks too sweet. This photo came from an Avon catalog. I think she's adorable - but often overlooked (as I intended)

COS Quote: "Loni, you know I could help here. Let me stay with you."

Tasarda (Tah-sar-dah) Ryl (Real)/Keira Knightley: Tassy is a runner and because of her unique gift, she would be very slender.

COS Quote:“How long is this going to take?”

Shanika (Sha-nee-kah)/Penelope Cruz:

COS Quote: “Don’t keep us in suspense...”