Indie Book of the Week #3 - The Charge by Sharon Bayliss

When the King of the Texas Empire kidnaps Warren's brother, Warren embarks into a still Wild West to save him. On his journey, he makes a discovery that changes his life forever—he and his brother are long-lost members of the Texas royal family and the King wants them both dead. 

He gets help from an activist Texan named Lena, who's itching to take on the King and happens to be a beautiful firecracker Warren can't stay away from. Convincing her he's not one of the bad guys becomes harder when a mysterious energy stirs in his body, turning his brain into a hive of emotions and memories—not all his own.

A legacy of violence is not all he inherited from the brutal Kings of Texas. The myth that the royal family possesses supernatural powers may not be myth at all.

Gone are the days when choosing a major was a big deal. Now Warren must save his brother and choose whether or not to be King, follow a King, or die before he can retire his fake ID.

Today I've picked a book from one of my fellow authors at Curiosity Quills Press as my indie book of the week. This is certainly a unique story! Sharon Bayliss’s brilliant new adult alternative history imagines a world where Texas established its own empire separately from the U.S. – ruled by a family rumoured to have supernatural powers. When Warren King’s brother is kidnapped, he learns that he’s a descendent of the Texan royal family, and that puts his life in danger.

Meanwhile, Will Cole, son of the President of the U.S., is experiencing strange symptoms linked to the charge. His girlfriend, Lena, a supporter of the freedom of Texas, becomes friends with Warren, unwittingly dragging him further into the political turmoil. The three characters’ stories interact in intriguing ways and the plot takes twists and turns I didn’t expect, keeping the reader guessing throughout.

This is an interesting blend of alternative history, political thriller, supernatural mystery and a dash of romance. I recommend this book not just for its original premise, but also for its heart-racing plot, great characters, and explosive action. I’ve honestly never read anything quite like it! 

Rating: ****