Strength of an Eagle
Author’s note: Strength of an Eagle was the first suspense novel that I created. Many of my readers are enthralled by the grit and determination of the principal character, Maya.
It was inspired by the Highway of Tears tragedies and the drug problems plaguing Northern British Columbia, Canada; this novel depicts a young kayaker depending upon her courage and skills to overcome the inhospitable west coast environment, capture by smugglers and the grasp of a serial killer.
In this taut wilderness thriller, we follow the perilous journey of Maya, a young sea kayaking guide, as she makes her way alone down the wild, west coast of British Columbia
She must paddle to safety after being pushed off a cliff into the swirling ocean below. As she fights for her life, battling the elements, wildlife and the inhospitable coastline, she stumbles upon drugs hidden on a beach.
She is discovered by members of a drug cartel who are retrieving the smuggled cargo. Maya is taken to a fish camp where she is forced to cook, clean and serve her masters. Half-dead from exhaustion, drugs and beatings, Maya must remain strong. Depending upon her own skills and fortitude, she battles to regain her freedom.
Random Excerpts
Maya anxiously scanned the cliff’s rugged silhouette outlined against the sky. She thought she saw one, maybe two heads peering over, then nothing. She couldn’t be sure. Carefully inching over towards a thicker mass of kelp, she bobbed in the wave action. Her clumsy, water sandals dragged at her feet, but she couldn’t risk kicking the Tevas off, as she might need them later. The kelp churned in the surf. Salty water splashed over her, stinging her eyes. Cold water numbed her hands and feet causing her breath to come in short, hard gasps. A band of hot searing pain wrapped itself around her temples
Everyone crossed over the deck and stood leaning over the railing. Hundreds of moon jellies were floating on the current past the boat. The transparent white globes undulated as they glided past, their internal organs glowing eerily as their mantles pulsed. A steady stream of the delicate creatures passed silently by; dancing to unheard music in the moonlight.
The kayakers slid into the silent fog and discovered it was eerie paddling on the ocean’s smooth, shrouded surface. A splash sounded from the left, giving everyone a start. Laughter erupted as a curious seal poked his head up to see what had disturbed his peaceful bay. Fog clung damply to the silent paddlers as they made their way cautiously into a narrow channel.After Sarah had gone to sleep for the night, she and John locked the farmhouse door; crossed the yard and entered the shop. Switching on the fierce overhead lights, Barbara steeled herself for what she might see. True to his word, there was guts and blood everywhere. It was a testament to his depravity. The poor girl lay face down on the cold concrete floor. Her arms were bound behind her back and a crude gag was held in place by electrical tape. John had taken his hunting knife and had carved his victim. Pools of sticky rust-coloured blood were everywhere.
“Christ John, what did you do?”
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weichl466@gmail.com