In virtual stasis to escape a deadly virus, an ex-slave finds far more than just survival...

Ireland as it has never been seen before – in a future where hope is hard to come by. Mariah, living in the dark time after the advent of a one world government, seeks the light in the underground Fellowship of the Awakened. Shortly afterwards, nearly the whole earth is silenced, and she struggles through the shock with a handful of survivors. Yet the danger has not passed away entirely, and they are forced to fight for their lives using an untested technology.

Faith, too, grows up in Ireland, but it has little in common with the homeland Mariah knew. Sometimes she thinks her life is perfect, asking herself, “If this is a dream, when am I going to wake up?” Other times it seems repetitive and monotonous. She experiences much to delight her, but also suffers from inexplicable bouts of amnesia that rob her of the past again and again. Seeking answers, she travels much in the free world, where disappointments and successes vie for the upper hand until she finally finds fulfillment in spite of all her disasters. 

Grace Bridges is a New Zealander with partly Irish roots, and has spent many years in Germany. She was homeschooled and spent most of her early learning years reading novels – in the end it made her a writer. Faith Awakened is her first novel, which needed eight years of incubation followed by six years of writing. She also enjoys reading (of course!), culinary improvisation, living with cats, inventing things, web design and graphics, and meeting people both real and virtual. The story is set in Bangor, near Belfast in Northern Ireland, although many familiar aspects of life in New Zealand can also be found in these pages.
Bridges is a pen name - Grace is for real!
 

Thanks to the Lost Genre Guild writers, all my Internet friends, reviewers and blog tour participants, and all who gave advice, encouragement, and practical help. Frank, you made me believe it was possible. Jeremy too. Andrea, thanks for making me work so hard! David, it’s an honour to work with you. Phil, may your dreams come true. Angela, please write some more! Daphne donated artwork, Doris gave biological advice, Lu stood by me in cyberspace, Deb stood by me in spirit, Mary showed me the heart of the Irish, and Marcelle (chicky babe!) and Dave, thanks for lending your names. Ruth wrote music and acted in back streets, and Mike, Ilse, Andrew, Roland, Gabi, Steffi, Rainer, Johanna, Deb and Chris, Julio the cat and Kruemel the rat all played parts in the video project. Shout outs to my email subscribers everywhere, and to you for reading! YOU are the most important of all. Believe it! It’s all for you.

And, thank the Awakener in the moment of silence to come.