Kindle Edition Audiobook Download to your Nook (eBook) Download from Apple iTunes (eBook) Download from Smashwords (eBook) Amazon Author Alaina Stanford Google Play Category:  Fantasy Publisher: Hypnotic Publishing ISBN-10:  148100543X Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 254 Copyright: Jun 30, 2014 ISBN-13: 9781481005432 Price: $0.99 (eBook) Wouldn't it be cool to suddenly have the battle skills of a seasoned warrior? What if the battles felt real, but there was no physical risk to you? That would be perfect, except for one thing. The hypnotist in charge of your session is insanely evil, and is using you as a weapon in a plot for revenge.  Wouldn't it be cool to suddenly have the battle skills of a seasoned warrior? What if the battles felt real, but there was no physical risk to you? That would be perfect, except for one thing. The hypnotist in charge of your session is insanely evil, and is using you as a weapon in a plot for revenge. Four friends, two in love, two in hate, enter into a group hypnosis study attempting to introduce realistic fantasy adventures to small groups. Expecting a video game-type of adventure as fantasy characters, they begin their journey to rescue an Elf Queen from a crystalline prison. Yet, as soon as they fall under the hypnotist's spell, everything goes wrong. Suddenly the adventure becomes more real than they could ever have imagined. Soon our small group of adventurers finds themselves in a hostile world with no escape...       Excerpt “Remember this is a fantasy, nothing you experience will be real. However, you will take on the skills and knowledge of the character you are about to portray to further enjoy the illusion. But know this,” Dr. Strong’s brow furrowed as he continued, “although it is a game if you allow your character to be killed, your participation in the adventure will end.” Homun collected the last of the glasses. “So we only get one chance?” Jack balked, “Isn’t that kind of harsh?” Dr. Strong smiled, “It adds to the adventure. After all, in reality, you only have one life. There are no second chances. This knowledge will encourage you to choose wisely, instead of recklessly. You will resist the temptation to rush blindly into a situation you may not fully understand. Caution is critical. You must study your environment carefully. Take this adventure seriously, and it will exceed your expectations.” Sarah pulled the thick blanket up to her chin and asked, “If we feel uncomfortable with the experience, you will stop the proceedings?” The doctor waved it away saying, “If there is a serious problem, I will bring the person affected out of the trance. However, this is an adventure. You must prepare yourself for excitement and danger. There will be battles, creatures lurking in the night, and cunning enemies who will try to befriend you, attempting to dissuade you from your chosen path. Just remember, you are prepared. Stick together, and you will not fail. Each of you carries a particular ability that will see the others through to your goal. If one of you surrenders and leaves the game, the others will most likely fail.” “What is our goal?” Nicole asked, kicking off her shoes and lying down. “There is a beautiful elf queen imprisoned in the Cave of Sorrows. An evil elfin wizard cast a spell upon her and entombed her inside the crystalline walls of the cavern, deep in the bowels of the mountains. This wizard has an army of elves who will be searching for you. They are ruthless and cunning. It is entirely possible you will find them guarding the entrance to the cavern.” Dr. Strong’s voice shook with excitement as the Hall grew dark. “There is an ancient castle deep in the Valley of Tears, in the heart of the mountains. There you will find an amulet that will enable you to release the Queen. The talisman sprang to life with the aid of the ancient power of the mountains. Only a being who possesses the same type of magic can wield it. Once Sarah brings the talisman to life, it will shatter the Queen’s imprisonment. Nicole, you must strengthen the Queen with a healing spell. Jack and Hopper must protect you and Sarah from the evil elves as you will be vulnerable while working your magic. Find the village near the glen when you arrive. A small boy waits there, in the stables. He will send you on your way. It is crucial that you complete your quest. You cannot return until you do, so do not fail.” “How will we know which way to go?” Hopper asked, wiggling his dangling feet over the edge of the cot. “You will lead them, Todd, using your Elf senses. They will warn you of danger. The boy will supply you with a map, coins, and weapons.” Dr. Strong answered. “A word of caution; don’t be fooled by the lies of your enemies. Stay true to your quest, and you will triumph. Remember in the land of fantasy, things are never what they seem.” Shala began to play a series of soft rolling tones on an ancient looking flute. The darkness filled with swirls of pastel shades. The adventurers could hear the doctor’s voice softly in the background telling them to close their eyes and relax. Steadily, continuously, he pulled the tension of everyday life from their muscles. The music softened and grew faint. Dr. Strong’s words became jumbled and unclear. They felt themselves rising above their beds. The weightlessness was exhilarating. Jack extended his hands as if he was flying through the cold darkness. The air around them grew thick and humid. A sudden sensation of descent frightened Nicole. She tried to open her eyes but couldn’t. Without warning, a storm of freezing winds and icy rain assaulted them. Todd heard Sarah scream and attempted to reach for her, but the torrent froze his limbs to his side. He tried to cry out to her but was stopped by wave after wave of incredible pain. He felt his body twisting and stretching. Then there was only darkness.

Hooked on this author!
I read this a long time ago (actual physical book) and had to download it again. The story contains the classic fantasy type characters that will NEVER disappoint but modernized. Very unique plot setup and imagery is used throughout the book to paint a vivid picture. It was an easy read for me and once I picked it up I didn't put it down until I was done! Other reviews mentioned some editing misses, and there are maybe 3, but didn't detract from the immersion at all.
I am finally starting the second book because I read an excerpt from her fifth book in this series that was just released...and I can't wait to read them all!

Definitely recommend to anybody that enjoys this genre.

Thrilling and full of suspense!
Couldn't put this book down. I absolutely fell in love with Nicole and loved the crazy ride she goes through in a world full of elves and creatures. Well written and gripping. Can't wait for the next one!

Fun Read
This was a great read that follows the theme of starting in the real world and then moving into the fantasy world, similar to Terry Brooks series of Magic Kingdom for sale sold, but the way the characters get there is way different and things go wrong from the get go, escalating the suspense as they try to figure out what happened and how to get back on track. The plot moves at a strong, steady pace and the action scenes are great. The author also uses a really interesting twist in character development that I can't go into, cause that would spoil the surprise. This story is definitely worth the read. I just bought the sequel, so I've got to go start reading it now.