Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier’s fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.
Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor’s life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear—even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation, and death.
As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell, and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love . . . or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.
THE CHOSEN: Chapter 1 excerpt!
One
Mountains of Caldwell, New York, Present Day
| The Black Dagger Brotherhood were keeping him alive, so that they could kill him. |
Given the sum of Xcor’s earthly pursuits, which had been at their best violent, and at their worst downright depraved, it seemed an apt end for him.
He had been born upon a winter’s night, during a historic blizzard’s gale. Deep within a damp and dirty cave, as icy gusts had raked o’er the Old Country, the female who had carried him had screamed and bled to bring forth unto the Black Dagger Brother Hharm the son that had been demanded of her.
He had been desperately wanted.
Until he had fully arrived.
And that was the beginning of his story . . . which had ultimately landed him here.
In another cave. On another December’s eve. And as with his actual birth, the wind howled to greet him, although this time, it was a return to consciousness as opposed to an expelling unto independent life that brought him forth.
As with a newly born young, he had little control over his body. Incapacitated he was, and that would have been true even without the steel chains and bars that were locked across his chest, his hips, his thighs. Machines, at odds with the rustic environs, beeped behind his head, monitoring his respiration, heart rate, blood pressure.
With all the ease of unoiled gears, his brain began to function properly beneath his skull, and when thoughts finally coalesced and formed rational sequences, he recalled the series of events that had resulted in him, the leader of the Band of Bastards, falling into the custody of what had been his enemies: an attack upon him from behind, a concussive fall, a stroke or some such that had rendered him prone and on life support.
At the non–extant mercy of the Brothers.
About the Author
J.R. Ward is the author of over twenty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood. There are more than 15 million copies of Ward’s novels in print worldwide and they have been published in 25 different countries around the world.
After graduating from law school, Ward began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot.
Visit the JRWard Facebook page for more on the Brotherhood or email her at jrw@jrward.com.
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I have read a number of Ms. Ward’s books in the past, though I’m terribly behind on the BDB books. They are on my list for the summer to play catch up.
I have read many of J R Ward’s unforgettable novels.
I haven’t read any yet, but I’ve seen lots of good comments about them, so I’d like to!
not yet, but I’d like to!
No, I haven’t read any yet, but I’m looking forward to. Thank you
The BDB is one of the best series out there. I LOVE this Author and her books. I can’t wait to read The Chosen. Thank you so very much for this giveaway chance . Her Bourbon King series is also an amazing read.
Carol L
No, I have not read any of her books yet. Thanks for this chance.
Yes, I have read the whole series!!
Yes, I’ve read the whole series!!
This is one of my favorite series to read when I need a paranormal pick me up. 🙂 The sheer world building and characters are amazing!
Yes, I have read most of the BDB series. I plan to read all of the books.
No, I have three of the Brotherhood books on my TBR mountain.
I have not read any of JR Ward’s books yet but have several on my TBR list.
Yes, I have read all of her BDB series and look forward to The Chosen. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway!
I love J.R. Wards BDB series and have read all of the previous books. Looking forward to The Chosen. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway!
yes
I’ve read all the BDB books, except for Chosen.
Yes, I have read JR Ward’s books!