Spotlight & Giveaway: Hunt For Eden’s Star by D.J. Williams

Today, HJ is pleased to share with you D.J. Williams’s new release: Hunt For Eden’s Star

Hi Everyone! Excited to share Hunt For Eden’s Star with you.

A coming-of-age teen is thrown into a world of ancient secrets when he discovers a supernatural artifact that protects a weapon of mass destruction. With the help of a diverse group of friends, he embarks on a global adventure, seeking the truth about his sister’s death, and uncovers two clandestine, supernatural societies waging an epic, hidden war that threatens the future of civilization.

Think: Harry Potter meets a young Indiana Jones.

“Williams’ series opener moves briskly…fast-paced action and a rich setting boost the beginning of a promising paranormal saga.” Kirkus Reviews

A wildly exciting, supernatural adventure that grabs hold of the imagination and never lets go. As Jack races to collect ancient artifacts critical to the survival of the world, readers are transported to incredible locales across Asia, including the lush jungles of the Philippines and the high-energy streets of Hong Kong. Themes of addiction, revenge, faith, and friendship emerge as Jack battles literal and psychological demons, and even his own friends and family members, on his quest to thwart the forces of evil.

Enjoy an exclusive excerpt from Hunt For Eden’s Star 

CHAPTER ONE

MANILA, PHILIPPINES
He stood beside a fresh mound of dirt, boots sinking deeper into the grass. Steely gray clouds loomed overhead before cracking open a downpour across the city, drenching him to his bones. An avalanche of flashbacks crashed through his mind. Joyful memories. Endless nightmares. Mustering up an ounce of faith seemed impossible as he stared at the soil, failing to grasp how death had stolen a life.
“Jack,” a voice called out from behind. “Time to go.”
Addison Reynolds, early fifties, silver-haired, paced back and forth beneath an umbrella with a cell phone pressed against his ear. He checked his watch, then motioned to the driver.
Shivering at the growling voice, Jack knew the only reason they were reunited was because of their bloodline. As he gazed up at the darkened sky, the rain streamed down his face. For a moment he imagined each drop being a tear from heaven. Closing his eyes in silent desperation, he searched for answers. Prayers are wishes that never come true. He blinked and dropped a white rose onto the muddy mound, whispering, “Come back.”
“Last goodbyes are over,” his father ordered. “We need to leave.”
Jack trudged between the tombstones surrounded by tin shanties. “How could you bury her here?”
“She chose the dangers of this place, so this is where she will remain.”
Without a second thought, Jack lunged forward and swung his fist—only to be dropped with a thump to the mud. His father never even let go of the umbrella.
“Get in the car before you embarrass yourself, Son.”
On his back, clothes soaked and muddied, he blurted, “You failed to protect her.”
“Your sister believed a myth, and now she’s dead.”
By the time Jack reached the car, his father was already in the back seat. Jack climbed into the passenger seat and stared out the window, refusing to allow his father to see the tears welling up as they traveled across Manila in eight lanes of chaotic traffic. Wiping his bloodshot eyes with his forearm, he admitted his faith in a greater power would never be as strong as Rachel’s had been, yet he was the one left alive.
As they entered a private airfield, his father ordered, “Never come back here, understood?”
Without answering, Jack climbed out of the car and stomped across the puddled tarmac with his backpack slung over his shoulder. He couldn’t help but wonder if he’d see his father again.
Climbing the steps of the Gulfstream, he entered a darkened cabin illuminated with a soft yellow glow. He buckled his seat belt, eyed the liquor bottles across from him, and fought the urge to drown the ache in his soul.
“You must be Jack.” A woman in her early thirties with sandy blonde hair and dressed in a pantsuit slipped into the seat across from him. “I’m Natalie McNaughton. I work for your father.”
As she shifted in her seat, Jack noticed a holstered weapon beneath her coat. And her strong South African accent offered a clue as to where his father might’ve been for the past few years. “It’s not the first time I’ve been escorted back,” he said.
“To be honest, I never knew Mr. Reynolds had any children.”
“Well, now you’ve met the whole family.” Jack glared at McNaughton. “What exactly do you do for him?”
“Head of security, mostly.” She offered a disarming smile. “Today I’m your bodyguard.” “What do you know about me?”
“I’d imagine you’re like most boys who love their fathers, Jack.” “That was never in the cards.” He weighed his words. “What happened to Rachel?”
McNaughton glanced around the cabin. “Strict orders not to discuss.”
“I’ve been here for a week, and no one has told me anything.” Her head turned toward the cockpit. “Sometimes it is better to leave a tragedy behind.”
“She’s the only real family I’ve ever had.” Jack noticed her
brows raise. “You didn’t know.”
“First rule of the job is never pry into personal affairs.” “Please . . .” He leaned in closer. “I deserve to know the truth.” “Someone shot her,” McNaughton said in a lowered voice.
“Local police in Sitio Veterans have no leads. If you want to know more, I suggest you speak with your father.”
“He never cared about her—she was always a disappointment to him.”
When McNaughton didn’t respond, Jack retrieved his earbuds and blasted the music, drowning out the world around him. He stared through the oval window as the Gulfstream taxied along the tarmac, accelerated, and took flight. Stormy clouds cast a shadow over the city below—the one place where his sister had found freedom. Slumping back in his chair, he ran his fingers through his mop of chestnut hair. McNaughton’s words paralyzed him. No one deserved to die, not that way. One thing was for sure—there would be payback.

Excerpt. ©D.J. Williams. Posted by arrangement with the publisher. All rights reserved.
 
 

Giveaway: I’m giving away 5 autographed copies of Hunt For Eden’s Star. US only.

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Meet the Author:

With the DNA of a world traveler, D.J. Williams was born and raised in Hong Kong, igniting an adventurous spirit as he ventured into the jungles of the Amazon, the bush of Africa, and the slums of the Far East. His global travels submerged him in a myriad of cultures, providing a unique perspective that fuels his creativity.

As a fresh voice in mystery, suspense, and YA fantasy, his novels have climbed the charts on Amazon Hot New Releases, ranking as high as #1. With the launch of his latest YA series, Beacon Hill, the trailers and web series for the first book, Hunt For Eden’s Star, have reached over 1 million+ views. Hunt For Eden’s Star is also currently under consideration for film & television optioning by the producers, production companies, and studios who created the most successful YA franchises of all time.

https://www.thebeaconhillseries.com/
https://www.djwilliamsbooks.com/