Talent Storm

A Science Fiction Novel with a Fantasy Feel: by Brian Terenna

Coming soon to Amazon and Apple e-books

Contact me if you’d like to be notified when it’s released

In a post apocalyptic world, Jaden dreamed of a relaxing life, with the woman he loved.  He’s suddenly awoken to the horrors of reality, when tragedy strikes the heart of him.  In a flash he perceives the world as it truly exists.  His world isn’t safe; his world isn’t free.  In his world, major players will stop at nothing to achieve control.  In his world, the power struggle is waged with more than intelligence and strength; it’s waged with Talent…the mental abilities that develop in a random few.  Passion, love, betrayal, torture, mayhem…all are experienced in “Talent Storm.”

***

Ben turned away from me before picking up a few small rocks. “Let’s see if you’re any stronger from lifting all those weights. Maybe you’ll beat me for once.”

Nodding and smiling, I pointed at him. “You first.”

Ben stood, then stretched, his back popping as he rotated his torso. Hefting a rock, he wound up and then threw it. The projectile crossed the wide creek and bounced in the distance before skidding to a halt. Lips pressed in a straight line, I shook my head, annoyed. He topped his last week’s throw by a yard; he always beat me. He turned and smiled, stretching his long toned arms above his body.   

I shrugged. “Eh, an all right throw,” I said with a wry smile.

Ben faced me, his eyes crinkling. “Riiiiight,” he said, while slowly bobbing his head. “Okay … beat me then.”

Images of my uncle’s flushed-face appeared before me, fueling my strength. I gritted my teeth while drawing back my arm. In a flash, I whipped my arm forward, releasing the rock. It sailed over the creek, whizzing through the air. With a loud crack it slammed into a birch tree, punching a hole through the trunk. My jaw dropped halfway to the ground.

Out of the corner of my eye, Ben wavered, looking like he’d topple over. He shook his head, his hazel eyes wide. “Wowww … how did you do that?” What had just happened? I lowered my head to stare at my hands, turning them over repeatedly. 

“Jaden?” I slowly raised my eyes to again fixate on the hole. “Jaden?”

“What?” I asked, realizing Ben was speaking to me.

Ben patted my arm quickly, conferring a sense of urgency. Reluctantly, I tore my eyes away from the hole, to meet Ben’s eyes. Ben leaned in close, shaking. He spoke in a low voice, eyes darting side to side. “I think it was green.”

“What?” I shook my head, attempting to re-ground myself in the world. What was going on?

Now, he spoke louder, emphasizing with his hands in rapid motion. “The rock … it was green. It glowed green. Don’t you see … you’re one of the Talented.”