When Dahlia returns to the room, she claps her hands. “We know what we must do then.” Her lips curl. “Pack your bags, people. It’s gonna be a wild ride.”
We stare at her, waiting for whatever we seem to have missed.
With a slap to her knee, Dahlia says, “The only way to defeat the Void is to reverse what happened between Isabeau and Dimitri those many years ago. And to do so we must move back in time.”
I smile because I know exactly what she’s getting at. The Fairy Queen’s Lament mentions a fountain in the Seventh, and more specifically in the Garden of Epoch—the Fountain of Time.
Whatever David did to mess with Ember, it won’t matter if we can find the Fountain. If we can find it, the clock can be reversed. If we can find it and travel back in time, perhaps more than Ember can be saved. I know because I’ve tasted its water but once, and recently too. A single sip from a vial given to me by a stranger. A sip I used to venture into the past to save a little girl from a fire.
My burns feel fresh as I close my eyes and picture Em’s face.
The course to the past is calling.
Acknowledgments—A.K.A. Blessings of 2016
This year. Oh, this year. Unraveling couldn’t be a more perfect title because it not only fits El’s journey, it fits mine too. This book was a labor of love. You hear authors talk about “blood, sweat, and tears” a lot. No words could be more fitting. This story had me in tears more often than not. I was sure it would never get finished, and even if it did, would it live up to the beautiful cover Kristen Ingebretson (thank you!) designed?
Only you, dear reader, can answer that question. So thank you, once again, for joining El, Ky, and Joshua on their journey. I hope some of your questions have been answered and that you’ll stick around for the conclusion. Never forget that you’re stronger than you know. I believe in you. You’re awesome.
To my editor Becky Monds—the dedication of this book rings true. Your patience and grace this year went above and beyond. You are a true gem and I am so blessed to work with you. Thank you doesn’t seem good enough for all you’ve done. This book is here because of you. I can only hope it’s worthy of the person to whom it is dedicated.
To my TNZFiction team. Holy Verity, you guys blow me away! Jodi Hughes, Paul Fisher, Allison Carter, Amanda Bostic, Daisy Hutton, Kristen Golden, Kayleigh Hines, Karli Jackson—you work so hard for me behind the scenes. Because of you I get to see my books on Barnes & Noble shelves. Your efforts bless me. Love being a part of this publishing family!
Matt Covington, you’ve done it again! Thanks for creating two more gorgeous maps.
Julee Schwarzburg, you clean me up nicely. Thank you for saving me from loads of embarrassment with too many “likes” and adverbs.
Dad and Jodi (Mom)—you love on me when I need it most. Thanks for being a haven when I need a break from life.
For my girls who never cease to be my biggest (and most patient) fans. I love you both more than I can possibly say. Thank you for being the best daughters this mama could ask for.
John and Brooke (and kids)—you guys gave me a home when I needed one. Words can’t express my appreciation. Your family brought light and joy to a super-hard time. Also, Pie Face was awesome. Just sayin’.
Aunt Terri—this book never would have been finished if you hadn’t swooped in and saved the day when my laptop crashed. You bless me over and over. I love you so much!
Nadine Brandes—this year has been tough, but you’ve remained a light throughout. From our trip to see Marissa Meyer to ACFW to your release-day surprise, you’ve remained a friend through and through! Hugs!
Thanks, as always, to my author friends who time and time again offer their love and support (and sometimes chocolate and coffee)—Mary Weber, Shannon Dittemore, Christen Krumm, Neysa Walker, Becky Dean, Krista McGee, Lorie Langdon, Laura Pol, Cara Putman, Kristy Cambron, Melissa Landers, Emileigh Latham, Elizabeth VanTassel, Lauren Brandenburg, Alexis Goring, Rachelle Rea Cobb, Rachel Hauck, Katherine Reay, Dana R. Lynn, Rhonda Starnes, and any and all other author friends I have failed to mention. You all encourage and inspire me every day.
To my IRL friends and family who never fail to love on me or answer the phone, whether I’m jumping for joy or in crazy hysterics—Karine Krastel, Carolyn Schanta, Janalyn Owens, Staci Talbert, Kim Baschke, Kay Larson, Rachael Larson, DD Cason, Kristy Neufeld, Lilly Wheeler, Sheryl Cooper, Zara Pearson, Cassia Pearson, Jarom Pearson, Deanna Zedicher, and Kjelse Rittmeyer.
To my online friends who are always there with a GIF or a sticker or a word of encouragement to brighten my days—Mandi Alva, Hope Ortego, Abby Woodhouse, Brian Asriel Newman, Trina Ruck, Angela Godon, Melanie Kilsby, Steven Mannasse, Brittany Nelson, Ari’El Gracia, Sunday Gracia, Sarah Perry, Mindy Seta, Karen Bissell, Immanuel Gomez, Gabrial Jones, and Elizabeth Meyer.
To my amazing street team and online support (fan club)—you guys are the icing on the cake. All your reviews and excitement and fangirling/boying over Unblemished floored me. I’m so blessed by your time and encouragement. Thank you for helping spread the word about this series and for all the amazing notes and e-mails I’ve received. Whether you are #TeamKy or #TeamJoshua, I am 100 percent #TeamYou.
To Caiden Carrington. You know why.
And last but never least, to my Creator YHWH. Chris Tomlin got it right. “You’re a good, good Father. It’s who You are . . . and I am loved by You.” I only made it through this year and this novel by Your grace and strength. You carried me. I owe all to You. You are the light within me, the calm to my storm. Blessed be Your name. Amen and amen.
Discussion Questions
SPOILER ALERT! Don't read until you've read ALL of Unraveling
1.Eliyana has come a long way in her journey to self-acceptance, but she still has some things to work on. Compare and contrast her view of herself physically in Unblemished versus her view of her internal worth in Unraveling.
2.Discuss Joshua’s descent into darkness. Do you think his actions in Unraveling are warranted? Why or why not?
3.We see some blossoming sibling relationships throughout Unraveling. Compare Eliyana and Ebony’s relationship to Ky and Joshua’s. Who is more accepting and forgiving of the other? Would you be able to forgive Ebony after what she did in Unblemished? Do you think Joshua would still despise Ky if Eliyana wasn’t involved?
4.If you could use the Unbinding Elixir to make yourself forget one memory, what would it be and why?
5.One of the main goals in Unraveling is to end the Void. Do you believe the answer lies simply in destruction, or could healing be involved somehow? Explain your answer.
6.Kuna’s death impacted different characters in different ways. Share a time you lost someone and how you coped with that loss. Did it help to be around others or by yourself? Did you feel more angry or sad, or a little bit of both?
7.Isabeau has dealt with quite a bit of rejection over the years. Do you feel any pity for her? Do you believe she can be redeemed after all she has done? Explain.