Book Spotlight Secret of the Shielded by Ann Snizek

Title: Secret of the Shielded
Author: Ann Snizek
Series: Tunuftol (#2)
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Publisher: Snow Flower Publishing
Release Date: Mar 9 2013

Song of the Philo birds:
Twelve companions all will travel
Eleven this song try to unravel
Ten don’t know which is the way
Nine are going to have to pay
Eight are wondering what they will find
Seven speak with mouth and mind
Six shall get a brand new name
Five will never be the same
Four the enemy will take
Three have choices they must make
Two have powers they must use
Or, One friend in death will lose.
This brave band of spectacular friends must go on a horrendous journey to remove all threats to the newly reclaimed throne. They will discover amazing new truths and face heart wrenching choices. Who are the Philo birds singing about? How will their song play out in the lives of these young people? Will it all be for nothing??

Movement at the large, open, bay window in the dining hall pulled at Krissa's attention.  The rain had stopped like Micah said it would and the sun was out in force.  A beautiful pair of birds fluttered and danced with each other at the windowsill, and Krissa enjoyed their frolicking.  Both birds had brilliant iridescent blue covering their heads, neck, and back; their tails and wings were rich chocolate colored.  The chest of the larger bird transitioned into an amazing emerald green and then faded into a light silvery-blue underbelly… so bright that it looked almost metallic.  The chest of the smaller bird transitioned from the iridescent blue into a soft lavender then the same light silvery-blue underbelly.  They were amazingly delicate looking and reminded Krissa of jeweled ornaments.

"You are Chosen One?" came a chirp.  The larger bird tilted his head and looked at Krissa almost upside down.

"Yes," Krissa answered.

Khevin looked over at her questioningly.  Pin was busy talking away.  Everyone was either watching Pin talk, or busy finishing their lunches.

"Chosen One needs Secret," the smaller, female bird chirped.

"Yes, I do.  Do you know about the Secret?"

Where did the inspiration for this story come from?  What is the story behind the story so to speak?  

Secret of the Shielded found its inspiration in the first book (Tunuftol's Fortress of Light).  It just wasn't time to leave Krissa and her friends.  There had to be more.  So, I kept writing and I'm currently working on book 4.

Tell us about the book cover. 

I wanted a link the cover with the story, but not really give anything away.  I also wanted to have a mixture of light and dark to be reflected while still holding a level of connection with Tunuftol's Fortress of Light.

How does it represent your book?  How did you choose the artwork? 

Since the bird portrays a creature unique to Tunuftol's world, and plays a key part in the plot, I thought it would be a good element.  The shadow of a hand that the bird perches on is vague and mysterious.  There is also the rays of light and "magical" style stars that radiate from some point unseen that appealed to me.

I grew up in Vermont mostly and now live in Virginia with my family (those still at home).  My husband and I have a blended family of seven kids.  My childhood was spent moving around a lot. (non-military)  About five years ago, we started home-schooling our youngest children.  Now there are only two remaining in home-school.  I have tried to nurture the love of books in our children and now our grandchildren -- always nurturing their imaginations.  Recently, I have become active in our community with literacy, starting a local (and online) creative writing club and volunteer tutoring at the Adult Learning Center.

I struggle with disabilities.  So, have to be careful not to overdo things... I don't always listen to my own advice.  I have a dry, sarcastic and corny sense of humor and always try to look at things optimistically.  (again not always successful)  However, I feel that if I don't give up -- for long -- then things will work out for the best eventually.


Places to find Ann

Amazon Author Page
Blog
Creative Writing Club
Facebook Author Page
Goodreads Author Page
Goodreads Blog
Smashwords Author Page
Snow Flower Publishing
Twitter