At age sixteen, Mink Jollè still hasn’t discovered his Elemental affinity, which is an identity crisis unheard of on the planet Georra. He has endured constant bullying while being held back in school, and his parents have come to employ drastic measures to help him mature. Their current ruse is a camping trip on Rift Ridge, where they test Mink to the breaking point, to no avail.
Meanwhile, Mink and his parents run across a Machinist scout searching out a mother lode of ore, who finds more than he bargains for. An immense geode buried deep in the ground is fabled to be the Tear of God, and the first nation to claim it will hold power and protection unrivaled on Georra.
The race is on as Mink’s parents stand guard at the Tear of God, sending Mink back to his homeland for help. Defying the odds and surprising himself, Mink succeeds in delivering the news to his people, and is chosen to assist a Team in returning to the site to relieve his parents and acquire the Tear of God for Octernal. Along the way, Mink is forced to rely on his strengths without an Element in order to win respect and ultimately discover his true identity.
Raymond has enjoyed writing from an early age. He lives in Coastal North Carolina with his wife and two daughters. His character driven stories reflect the diversity of the places he has lived and the jobs he has had, focusing on animals and film.
After a brief consult with Mink, Tolrin offers him some advice that he isn't ready to hear. Mink has based his whole life on the reasonable expectation that his peers reject him because of his inability to determine his Elemental affinity.
What Mink had never considered is the way his behavior was being perceived by those who don't know him. This serves as a turning point in character development as Mink begins to receive positive reinforcement for making an attempt to open himself to others.
Book Excerpt
Tear of God – Elements
Tolrin got up and unrolled his bed, tossing Mink a knowing look. “You’re aware I’m a Spirit user, right?”
“Yes, sir. I mean, Sneak. Yes. Just like my dad. He was so proud that a fellow Spirit user was the first to threepeat a championship. You shoulda heard—”
“Thank you. That’s really enough for now. Oh, and, Mink.” Tolrin reached up and grabbed the glow crystal that was hanging in the room. The stark white light it cast up to his face looked ominous. “Don’t be too aloof. You should sleep near the group. Too many on the Team feel you think you’re superior to them because of your parents’ discovery and your chosen role as being the guide of the Team.”
“That’s not true!” Mink protested reflexively. “They all look down on me. Always have. They have no—”
“Don’t interrupt me, please. I know better. They don’t. Just make yourself more a part of the Team. When they saw that you had gone up the mountain to be by yourself, it started the kind of chatter I’d rather not have in my Unit. You’ll be alright. Join with us, and in a day or two, they’ll respect you.”
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