Shattered Boys + Giveaways

Today I’m sharing a reading I did for Zachary. He’s the hero of Shattered by Jeri Smith-Ready. This is a tie-in novella for her SHADE series. I used the Dreaming Way tarot for this one. This novella is free, y’all!

Jeri says, “”Shattered”‘s price of $0 does not in any way reflect its quality or its importance to me. I spent a total of about four full-time months writing, rewriting, and editing this novella (which, due to its length, is technically a short novel). Instead of asking for payment, I’d like to suggest a small donation to Amnesty International or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.”

I’ve known Jeri via online for a few years now and am utterly hooked on her WVMP series which is billed as “late night radio you can sink your teeth into.”

The first book in her young adult paranormal series is Shade followed by Shift then Shine. Shattered is a free novella that reveals more about a fan favorite, Zachary. You can’t go wrong with one of Jeri’s books so go get you one. Now let’s hear from Zachary.

Arwen: How do you see the people around you? The Seven of Cups is the card of the daydreamer. This says that you view the people around you as things you can’t really have. They are the dreams you wish for even if you don’t let anyone know. This is the Seven of Cups.

You also don’t know if you can trust them because people haven’t always shown you their real selves at first. Sometimes they’ve lied to you to let you get close, then revealed their true nature. A lot of pain for someone your age, Zachary.

Zachary: First, I want to say cheers, Arwen, for taking the time to do my tarot reading. It’s a pleasure to be visiting your blog!

As for this first card, the first part, about seeing others around me almost as dream people, definitely fits. I suppose that’s one of the many sad after-effects of being kept in isolation—when I returned to real life, much of it felt like a dream. I kept expecting to wake up back in my tiny cell.

The second part doesn’t fit as well. If anything, I’ve been the one to hide my real nature from people, thinking I was protecting them (and myself), not the other way around. Those I’ve been closest to have been unfailingly loyal and true, probably more so than I’ve deserved.

Arwen: How are you seen by the people around you? The Hermit is the card of the one who leads the way but is solitary. He’s there to show others where to go, but he is not there to be surrounded by people.

People respond to your “go away’ vibe. Sometimes they want to get closer but you have a really strong “get lost” energy. Still, the life of the hermit is one of study. You are seen as smart at what you do. People admire that even if they find your need for solitude a bit—weird.

Zachary: Hah! This was definitely true when I was younger. I used to crave solitude. But after eight weeks of enforced isolation, being alone is the last thing I want. Even the word makes me hyperventilate a wee bit. (Sorry, I just need to breathe into this paper sack for a moment.)

Arwen: What is your most important goal? Generosity is a great goal, Zachary. The Six of Pentacles tells me that you want to give to the world. There is a philanthropist waiting to get out. 😀
Be careful that you don’t give without receiving something in return. Even a smile back for your efforts is getting something back. It’s important.

This goal is you wanting to repay some debt, I think. Someone or something you think you owe. Be sure that is the right reason for this goal, okay?

Zachary: Hmm, this is interesting. I wouldn’t call myself a philanthropist, but I do feel a calling to give back to the world in some way, to make a difference. Do things that will benefit those beyond me.

Maybe there’s a bit of debt-paying there, but that’s towards specific people. In general, I think it has more to do with wanting to feel strong again. If I can help others, it means I’m back to being human. I exist again.

Arwen: Where do you get your strength from? Ouch! This Eight of Swords says that you have had to struggle. Your strength comes from that. It’s almost as if you’ve had to fight for everything you’ve had.

This card is sometimes called the victim’s card but for you, I think you are a survivor rather than a victim. That survivor mentality is what sees you through.

Zachary:
Aye, this is a good one. Everything you said, plus I’d add that being a survivor has taught me what it means to be strong. It doesn’t mean being “tough” or “stoic” as I once thought. It doesn’t mean suffering in silence and solitude. Strength means knowing when to ask for help.

Arwen: Why do you want to be remembered? The Queen of Swords is the person of the sharp mind and quick tongue. This tells me that you want to be remembered as someone whose intelligence carried them through.

While she represents a woman, this doesn’t mean you want to be remembered as a girl, Zachary. 😀 It’s more about the forthright nature and honesty that this card represents.

You need to be remembered as someone who was honest and who got the job done with mental skills.

Zachary: Well, I definitely want to be remembered as intelligent. But frankly, I think honesty is overrated. As the son of a secret agent (and as someone considering going into that field myself), I know that the truth can not only hurt, but it can kill. So there’s a place for secrets, as long as they’re kept for the right reasons—to protect lives, not someone’s pride.

Thanks very much again for reading my cards! It gave me lots to think about. My best mate, Martin, will have a laugh over my final card being that of a lass. 😉

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Jeri has generously offered to give away a set of signed bookmarks AND Shade series bookplates. So leave a comment if you want to be entered in the contest. Remember that this is a free download. Grab yours today.