Today, I’m delighted to host debut author Lauren Mansy on the blog with a guest post in which she shares about the mission of the Shadows, directly from the founder.
The Memory Thief by Lauren MansyPublished by Blink on October 1, 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
In the city of Craewick, memories reign. The power-obsessed ruler of the city, Madame, has cultivated a society in which memories are currency, citizens are divided by ability, and Gifted individuals can take memories from others through touch as they please.
Seventeen-year-old Etta Lark is desperate to live outside of the corrupt culture, but grapples with the guilt of an accident that has left her mother bedridden in the city’s asylum. When Madame threatens to put her mother up for auction, a Craewick practice in which a “criminal's" memories are sold to the highest bidder before being killed, Etta will do whatever it takes to save her. Even if it means rejoining the Shadows, the rebel group she swore off in the wake of the accident years earlier.
To prove her allegiance to the Shadows and rescue her mother, Etta must steal a memorized map of the Maze, a formidable prison created by the bloodthirsty ruler of a neighboring Realm. So she sets out on a journey in which she faces startling attacks, unexpected romance, and, above all, her own past in order to set things right in her world.
Welcome to the Shadow Mission:
A Letter from the Founder of the Shadows
If you’re reading this letter, then you’re a Shadow. You’ve pledged yourself to a new mission for your life, and now, you’re part of a new family.
Do you know why we’re called the Gifted? Long ago, memories weren’t used like coins. Memories were gifts, to show a sunset to one who’d lost their sight, or share music with one who could no longer hear. But somewhere along the way, many of the Gifted became callous and hollow.
As the leader of Craewick, Madame vowed to protect every one of her citizens, but she has failed. Nowadays, the Ungifted live in fear on the fray of her city, often victims of theft and forced to sell their own memories just to make ends meet. Madame makes promises that she never keeps and will always take more from you than she can ever give back. Madame has failed to realize the highest calling we’ve been given is to serve. And now, you’ll be given the chance to do just that.
But there are rules. First, if you want to work alone, if you don’t want to answer to anyone, then you’re not a Shadow. We depend on one another. We make each other better. Stronger. One is none when two are one. Second, never steal a memory to benefit yourself. A Gift must only be used to care for and protect those less fortunate than ourselves. Madame calls us thieves, but the memories we take never belonged to her citizens in the first place. We return memories to their rightful owners. Finally, don’t crowd your mind with others’ thoughts. Your memories are what make you you. Never forget how valuable our differences are to one another.
I am honored to work alongside you, and I hope you will never lose hope that things will one day get better. Trust in the Shadows, believe in the work we’re doing, and above all, always fight to remember who you are.
Greer
Chat With Me
Have you read The Memory Thief? Is it on your TBR? What excites you about this book?
Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts says
Oooooo I’ve definitely not read this book but I love the sound of memories as the concept? I feel like this would be a fun read but also really cool (so many things could go wrong).
Crystal says
I agree. The role of memory is intriguing in this world!
Jenea's Book Obsession says
I think this sounds like it would be a fantastic read!
Crystal says
It does sound like a fantastic read!
Natalie Aguirre says
Sounds like an interesting fantasy world. Congrats to Lauren!
Crystal says
Yes, the world sounds really interesting! 🙂