Unthinkable

In the reclusive barge community of Barren Arm, troubled army veteran Lorry Martens is simply doing her best to survive the near-apocalyptic tragedy known as the Unthinkable. But amidst the chaos, when her best friend Neil is murdered in his sleep, she learns that he was the guardian of an ancient, hidden relic, and his death has triggered a succession ritual. Now Lorry must guide Neil's successor to the mountain hiding place only she knows, using the dark skills she thought she'd left on the battlefield long ago. But others have their sights on the relic as well, and the chase has begun: Lorry will journey into the shattered landscape, where death and betrayal are waiting. AUTHOR: Brent Van Staalduinen is the award-winning author of the novels Nothing But Life, Boy, and Saints, Unexpected, as well as the story collection Cut Road. Accolades include the Kerry Schooley Book Award, the Bristol Short Story Prize, and numerous other awards. A recovering librarian, reformed high school English teacher, and long-ago army medic, Brent now finds himself mentoring writers, cheering for Forge FC, and wandering Hamilton's streets looking for stories.