Read chapter 1 from Charlie's Story by Ann R. McNicol

 

Fourteen-year-old Samantha spends her days exploring the shallow reef behind her island home. With her world locked in a battle against rising seas, scientists deploy genetically modified corals to rebuild reefs and protect the coastline. No one expects the reefs to be a hotbed of evolution, but they are.

When an octopus flows off a rock in her lagoon, Samantha is startled. When he purposefully arranges pieces of coral on the sand, trying to communicate, she is shocked. How she responds may determine the fate of life on Earth.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate link included)

Read chapter 1:

Chapter 1~ Night Encounter 

I knew it was risky when I took the skiff out at night, but I had to do it. Small comfort as swells lifted me into the air and dropped me onto the seat. My knee was braced against the hull, keeping me from falling to the floor. The chaotic bouncing made my stomach churn, and sour liquid tickled the back of my throat. Terrific, why not throw up and make matters worse? I gripped the throttle, urging the skiff forward toward the collection boat anchored off the reef crest. The skiff was too small to be out on open water, and I knew it. 

Occasionally, a small fin from a blacktip shark crossed in front of me. Sometimes, when the shark was in a wave crest, the moonlight showed its silhouette like a shadow puppet. I bet sharks don’t get seasick. What if I sink? No one knows I’m out here. Mom will kill me when she finds out I took the skiff at night. If I reach the collection boat, what can a fourteen-year-old say that will stop them? 

It seemed to take forever to reach the boat, but then I was there, only ten feet or so from its side. My relief was mixed with panic. What happens next? I eased the motor, slowing my approach. Men in wetsuits gathered at the railing, watching me. I lost sight of them when a blinding floodlight blocked everything from view. 

“Hello?” 

“Please lower your lights. I can’t see.”

“Jesus, it’s a kid,” a deep voice called out into the night.

About the author:

Ann R. McNicol grew up watching space launches and devouring science fiction. Scuba diving, exploring coral reefs and Florida beaches cemented her interest in science.

When not writing, she walks with her husband, bikes, camps, keeps up with her adult children and plays with their attention-demanding cats.

https://www.amazon.com/Ann-McNicol/e/B09TS32X5H/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

https://www.facebook.com/ann.mcnicol.98

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.