Paranormal Suspense
Date Published: May 20, 2025
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
Matteo Ferrari has always been different. Gifted with unsettling
clairvoyance, he sees shadows where others see light and hears whispers from
the unknown. But when he fails to protect the ones he loves, his abilities
vanish, leaving him lost and desperate. To reclaim his powers and find a new
path, Matteo abandons his old life and ventures into the Alaskan
wilderness.
Gabriella Valentina knows the pain of loss all too well. Once enchanted by
the spotlight, she now flees from her past, seeking refuge from fear and
sorrow in the same wild expanse.
When Matteo and Gabriella’s paths cross amidst the eerie beauty and
hidden dangers of the Yukon, they must confront not only the shadows of
their pasts but also the dark forces that lurk in the forest, waiting to
claim them.
EXCERPT
1984
- a cESSATION OF EXISTENCE
The Attack, Part 1
There was zero chance of survival for the four of us. Although I did not know the two criminals, for a split second I felt a sense of remorse for them. My thoughts were on the survival of my friend, Gabriella, since she certainly did not deserve this treatment. But then again, no one did. My wish to die first was not granted. I watched in horror as the first man shrieked the moment before his head was ripped off his shoulders. Without blinking, I watched the dead man’s head fly along, bounce once, and careen down the steep hill like a runaway ball. I remained mesmerized as the second, younger man began to crawl away with the knife still in his leg. He too was mowed down in a flash of dismembered arms and legs flying through the forest air.
I began to dry heave, gasping for air as the head of the second man landed near me with a thud. His shocked eyes remained wide open, staring directly at me.
The furious beast turned on my friend and swatted her through the air with a half swing. Gabriella flew over the edge of the hill, and I screamed, “No!” The terrifying beast stopped, ignored his task, gave me an evil eye, and then rumbled toward me. The rope around my neck that kept me bound to the tree tightened as I struggled to free myself. My arms were useless, tied behind my back. There was no escaping this attack.
The sinking-gut sensation came quickly. I had not felt that amount of dread since the sudden loss of my five-year-old daughter, Rose, years ago. As I was seated on the ground, I crossed my legs, closed my eyes, and prepared for death. Everything switched to slow motion, and untimely thoughts of Gabriella sifted through my mind. I hoped she could survive. I’ve heard that preparing for a sudden death is eerily calming in some bizarre way since the body’s central nervous system locks down in shock. The ground shook beneath the pounding of the beast’s massive paws for what seemed like an eternity. His ferocious growl was deafening. I took a deep breath, and darkness enveloped me. Death was my only cure.
Dying is easy; it’s living that is difficult.
About the Author
A graduate of UCSC and UCSB, Navy brat Bryan Burnell majored in creative
writing and English literature. After selling his successful office
furniture business, which he ran for three decades, he started paying more
attention to the story ideas that had accumulated in his mind over the
years. Free time allowed him to finally bring life to his first book, Saving
Yukon. This long-time Santa Barbara resident loves the meditative aspects of
swimming, gardening, golf (despite his high handicap), and an occasional
shot of good bourbon. He is married with two grown children and a spoiled
Labradoodle named Nelli
Contact Links
Instagram: @bryanburnellauthor
Purchase Links
