Grab a book #4

I like this kind of prompt for a couple of reasons.  First, we get to see what other people are reading - what book is nearby or on their minds.  Second, it turns out completely random, which adds to the fun.

(Fun Fact:  I have Brandon Sanderson's WORDS OF RADIANCE sitting on my desk, and I was tempted to say "go to page 1024 of the book nearest you".  But unless you also happen to have Brandon Sanderson sitting on your desk - or Les Mis, The Count of Monte Cristo, War and Peace, or the Bible - the book next to you is not likely to have 1024 pages.)

Let's go with page 114, second paragraph, first sentence.

Enjoy!

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My response:

As I mentioned, I have Brandon Sanderson's WORDS OF RADIANCE.  Page 114, second paragraph, first sentence: "Shallan went to another reference, and before long got completely lost in her studies."

(This is where I think, "Oy!  I should have scoped that out before I picked it.  But that would have defeated the purpose of the prompt."  And, "Evidence of Brandon Sanderson's genius, that he can write about someone doing research and still make it interesting!"  But I digress ...)

"Shallan went to another reference, and before long, got completely lost in her studies."  If she had heard Aran drop the book, she gave no sign.  Still, Aran didn't know how long she'd be able to hide in the shadows of the small alcove.  If Shallan found her there, Aran's life would be forfeit. 

The corner of the heavy tomb pressed against the top of Aran's foot, the opposite corner against the stones.  Aran bent slowly and lifted it, hugging it to her chest.  She took a few deep breaths, painfully conscious of how her heart pounded in her chest.

The thudding of footsteps in the hallway didn't help.

"Shallan!  Hurry!  There's been an accident, and we need you!"  A voice sounded from the doorway, followed by the rusting of Shallan's skirts.

Aran sighed with relief. It was Bryant's doing, of course.  He'd kept his promise.  Aran waited until she was sure the hallway was empty, and then slipped out, the book hidden safely under her robes.

Superheros!

The new thing in YA is supposed to be superheros.  I did read SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi (though I haven't gotten to the second one, yet) and I'm about half way through Brandon Sanderson's STEELHEART.  Anyone who has talked books with me knows I'm a HUGE fan of Brandon Sanderson, and STEELHEART is no exception.  Sanderson is flat out brilliant, and even with everything else I have on my plate, I'm more than half way done in less than twenty-four hours.  I'm still not sure superheros will be as big as the vampire thing, but so far, I'm loving it.

So, the prompt for this week: Write something with superheros.

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My response:

The police radio, sitting prominently on the steel shelves in my secret room, cackled to life.  I jotted down the details half-heartedly.  At this point, it all seemed so very ... stupid.  I mean, how many bank robberies did I have to foil?  How many car jackers did I have to stop?  When would they figure out that invincible means INVINCIBLE.  Is it really that hard to understand?

I smacked the button that opened up the hatch in the ceiling.  This one was just two guys at the Quik Mart.  No big deal.  I didn't even bother to wake up Immensity or Equalizer.  This one I could handle on my own, with both hands tied, in the dark ... and while applying mascara.

I zeroed in on the lights of the Quik Mart and circled once to check things out.  Super vision is the best part.  It's like having an infinite zoom implanted in your head.  Two goons behind the counter.  I swooped in, knocking them to the ground before the glass of the front doors shattered on the floor.

And then it's all, "Thank you, Justice!" and "I knew you'd save us!" and "Will you sign my picture, Justice?"  I cut it all short and take off, flying back to headquarters.  Justice is served.

At least, until next time.