The mind can hold powerful secrets. When Dr. Jessica Paladon worked for her friend, Dr. Dean Devya, she helped create Nadia, one of the world’s few Minders. Tough circumstances drove her away from that life, and to protect the secrets, she willingly took a drug that induced amnesia. But now she needs those memories. Two children—her children—Nadia and Varick are competing in a winners-take-all, losers-might-die competition for the biggest secret government contract out there. They’re fighting for the right to exist. If Jessie can’t remember, how will she help them survive? \\\* This is a prequel to the Devya's Children series. The complete original series is Ashlynn's Dreams, Nadia's Tears, Malia's Miracles, and Varick's Quest. There's also a book of short stories called Ashlynn's Dreams Shorts. They are available in audio, ebook, and paperback. Interview with the What makes the Devya’s Children series special? At the heart, this series is about family and friendship as well as the ethical questions surrounding genetic engineering. It’s been likened to the Orphan Black TV show. I like to think of it as a more family-friendly take on those themes. The premise is that a brilliant scientist and his team created several genetically altered children who have special Gifts, such as telepathy, healing, and dream shaping. The journal/letters style is not unique to this series, but I believe ultimately it suits my need to get in these people’s heads. I’ve worked very hard to fill the books with relatable characters. Some of them happen to have superpowers, but as Jillian points out, everybody has gifts, if not Gifts. It’s just a matter of finding out what those gifts are and how they can be applied for the good of the world. What order should I read them in? I suggest the traditional order Ashlynn’s Dreams- Nadia’s Tears- Malia’s Miracles- Varick’s Quest… before jumping into the prequel—The Dark Side of Science—or the Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts. The prequel and the short stories can certainly be read as standalones, but they may be more enjoyable once the reader’s already familiar with some of the characters. Where does this book fit in the series? What theme(s) make it special? The Dark Side of Science is a prequel to the Devya’s Children series. On one level, it’s about the battle to gain a secret government contract that will allow the research to move forward. On another level, it’s a personal journey for Dr. Jessica Paladon. Those already familiar with the series will recognize Dr. Paladon as Nadia and Varick’s genetic mother. The story references events mentioned in Ashlynn’s Dreams and Nadia’s Tears. It explores questions like how far would you go to protect those you love? By the way, Brian Troxell’s performance with the audio is stellar. (I love all my narrators.) Why should readers check out this series? Because Devya’s Children will introduce you to a charming cast of characters dealing with some big issues. Right or wrong, the children exist, so now what? If you have the power to change the world, should you? What are the personal cost and consequences of shaping the world? These are all questions explored by the

Before she was kidnapped, Jillian Marie Antel Blairington was just an average bright, brave, headstrong child. She was excited for life in a new house with her Momma and new Daddy. Afterward, she's all that ... and so much more. Held in a scientific facility, Jillian discovers her past-a family she never knew and a power she doesn't understand. With her ability now activated, she can enter and even shape a person's dreams. Jillian's been kidnapped, and her Gift has been triggered, so she can locate and save Benjamin Connelly, a brother she never even knew she had. She'd better master this strange ability quickly, though, because her life isn't the only one at stake. Her babysitter, Danielle Matheson, is being held as a hostage to ensure Jillian's full cooperation. Slowly, Jillian begins to learn more about her captor and the other genetically altered children held at the facility. Join Jillian as she tries to survive the training being forced upon her, find her unknown brother, escape with Danielle, and work her way back to a normal life once more.

Jillian must enter Nadia's dreams to wake her from a mysterious coma. In Nadia's dreams, Jillian meets several versions of her sister, including the elegant Queen Elena, fierce Naidine, and heartbroken Nadie. Meanwhile, Danielle must save her friend Christy from making choices that could get them both killed.

Genetically altering humans is illegal … But Varick and his siblings—Devya’s Children—exist. He’s been born and bred to be the perfect soldier, but he can’t be everywhere. If one counts each of his siblings plus Danielle Matheson, the list of people Varick wants to protect stretches from coast to coast. The more he gets to know Danielle, the more she comes to mean to him. Meanwhile, somebody has captured Nadia and wants to sell her to the highest bidder. Varick’s lifelong quest has been to free her from their father, Dr. Dean Devya. But nobody knows where to find Nadia, except Dr. Carnasis, and she’s a captive as well. Meanwhile, Danielle and Jillian have also disappeared. Varick might be able to pull off one rescue, but can he save them all?