Shadow Games (Book 1)

In the heart of Phoenix, an extraordinary tale of survival, mystery, and supernatural power unfolds. Emily Heart, a fifteen-year-old homeless girl, is forced to navigate the treacherous streets of the city after a traumatic event leaves her with a unique and terrifying ability—she can jump through time. The blue fire that consumes her during these jumps leaves her naked, disoriented, and alone, thrusting her into a relentless cycle of survival. Emily’s life takes a harrowing turn when she and her friend Junie, a twelve-year-old girl from the homeless shelter, become targets of a ruthless gang. As they flee for their lives, Emily's ability to see through the eyes of her pursuers gives them a slight edge, but it’s never enough to ensure their safety. The stakes are raised when they accidentally steal a backpack filled with money, making them the prime targets of the gang's wrath. Caught in a web of danger and intrigue, Emily encounters Derek, a young gang member who seems out of place in his violent surroundings. Their connection is immediate and intense, but Emily's gift—or curse—of time jumping complicates everything. Each jump leaves her more vulnerable, the pain more unbearable, and her control over the jumps more tenuous. As Emily struggles to protect Junie and herself, she uncovers a sinister connection to her past. The technology used by a mysterious orange-colored man with a briefcase is eerily similar to what she remembers from a horrific abduction in 1985. This man, and possibly others like him, are after her, determined to complete their experiments. The narrative races against time as Emily, Derek, and Jim Miller—a former Marine turned investigative journalist obsessed with uncovering Emily's truth—try to stay one step ahead of their enemies. The story crescendos to a dramatic showdown that reveals the true extent of Emily’s abilities and the dark forces aligned against her.