Endurance (Hybrid)
Mei sat in a dimly lit building.
fighting the depths of unconsciousness.
She was amazed that she hadn’t passed out by now.
In the dimly lit building, Mei found herself in the throes of a harrowing ordeal, battling desperately against the encroaching darkness of unconsciousness. Though her body screamed for respite, she refused to yield, her willpower burning fiercely within her.
Moments earlier, Thomas, a man twisted by madness and malice, stood before her, exuding an unsettling smugness as he glared down at his captive. The pain Mei endured was excruciating, and as another contraction surged through her, she couldn't help but scream out in agony. Bound and helpless, her arms tied firmly behind her back and her legs secured to the chair, she longed to curl into the safety of the fetal position, but the restraints denied her that solace.
Blood from a brutal head injury obscured her vision, making it difficult to see the full extent of Thomas's sinister transformation. The once-familiar face now contorted with malevolence, he revealed a madness that Mei had never anticipated.
A dirty cloth was cruelly fastened around her mouth, cutting into her skin and causing her pain even as she cried out. The torment she endured was not only physical but psychological, as she struggled to comprehend the depths of Thomas's depravity.
Through her muffled cries, Mei could discern his chilling plan. He intended to subject her to the unbearable horror of witnessing the murder of her own child, an innocent life he was determined to extinguish. Her heart shattered at the thought of her defenseless baby falling victim to such evil.
Mei's tear-streaked face reflected her anguish as she confronted the cruel fate that had befallen her. The ordeal had begun with what seemed like an ordinary lunch invitation with her mother, but it had devolved into a nightmare beyond her darkest nightmares.
Amidst the impending darkness and overwhelming pain, Mei's spirit flickered with a glimmer of resilience. Deep within her, an extraordinary force began to emerge—the power of supernatural endurance. This force, fueled by a mother's unconditional love and the primal instinct to protect her child, ignited a flame of determination within Mei, pushing her beyond her perceived limits.
As the room echoed with her cries and Thomas's sinister threats, Mei vowed to tap into the depths of her inner strength, drawing upon the power within her. She knew that in the face of unimaginable evil, her endurance would be the key to survival—for herself and her innocent child.
Thus began Mei's gripping tale of resilience, a story that would test the very essence of her being. With the supernatural power within her, she would face darkness and despair, fighting tooth and nail to protect the precious life growing within her and to reclaim her own freedom.
"Endurance: The Power Within" is a haunting and powerful narrative of a woman's relentless determination to survive, her unyielding love for her child, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit when faced with the most malevolent of adversaries.
What Beta Readers are saying:
MeLanie A. (5/5 Stars)
"This book grabs you from the first page! The opening scene with Jacob's mysterious power to stop a car is a fantastic, action-packed hook that immediately raises questions. The story then smoothly transitions into a poignant family drama with the twins' birth, before fast-forwarding to a compelling contemporary setting with Mei. The blend of latent superpowers, family secrets, and high school life is perfectly balanced. I'm already desperate to know the connection between Jacob's abilities and Mei's 'gift' of visions. A brilliant start to a series!"
Cathy R. (4/5 Stars)
"The heart of this story is in its characters. Mei is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist—grieving her father, feeling like an outsider, and counting down the days until freedom. Her bond with her great-grandfather is beautifully tender. Even side characters like Max feel fleshed out; his internal conflict between his uncle's honorable teachings and teenage pressures is well-drawn. The tragic, loving dynamic of Song and Jacob in the prologue gives Mei's journey profound emotional weight. I'm invested in these people first, and the powers second."
Rielly F. (3/5 Stars)
"A intriguing premise with some strong moments, but the pacing feels uneven. The prologue is high-stakes and magical, but the shift to high school drama, while competent, is a significant slowdown. Max's subplot with Taisha feels like a very familiar YA trope. However, the final pages of Chapter 3—where Max mentally communicates with Mei—reignited my interest completely. That's the unique, genre-blending spark the story needs. I'd continue reading based on that promise, hoping the plot accelerates."
Lacy J. (5/5 Stars)
"The dialogue in this story is its superpower. Every character has a distinct voice: from Justina's no-nonsense, loving commands in the delivery room to the great-grandfather's wise, folktale-laden cadence. The banter between Max and his uncle Tamarius feels authentic and impactful. I can already hear how this would sound performed—the tension in the gas station, the warmth of the family moments, the teenage angst in the hallways. It's incredibly easy to visualize and get lost in this world."
Adriana L. (4/5 Stars)
"The author is doing excellent work laying a subtle mythological foundation. We have clear evidence of a supernatural legacy (Jacob's power, Mei's visions, the family's apparent knowledge of it). The mention of the 'Dragon and the Phoenix' story isn't just a sweet moment; it feels like direct foreshadowing for the twins' destinies. The rules of the power aren't explained yet, which builds mystery. I'm fascinated to see how the grounded Florida setting clashes with this hidden, magical inheritance."
Louie C. (2/5 Stars)
"The opening was strong, but the shift to high school tropes lost me. The protagonist pining over a girl he's never spoken to, the messy ex-girlfriend drama, and the popular party subplot feel overly generic. While Mei's storyline has more unique potential with her visions and heritage, it's bogged down by these cliché elements. The writing is clear, but the narrative needs to take bigger risks to stand out in a crowded genre."
Hellen P. (4/5 Stars)
"Fans of The Darkest Minds meets The Vampire Diaries (early seasons) should take note. It has the mysterious parental legacy and emerging powers of the former, mixed with the small-town dynamics and romantic tension of the latter. Max has a bit of a Stefan Salvatore vibe with his old-school chivalry, while Mei's isolation and secret ability echo characters like Raven Roth. If the story leans further into its supernatural conspiracy and the twins' connection, it could really find its niche."
Sammie T. (5/5 Stars)
"Could not put this down! The car-stopping scene? Incredible. The tense twin birth? Heart-wrenching. Mei's daily life and her mysterious connection to Max? I need to know more! The chapter ends on a perfect note with Max's psychic message. This is a fantastic mix of family saga and teen supernatural drama. I've already pre-ordered in my mind. More, please!"
The Word Crafter (4/5 Stars)
"The author demonstrates strong control over point-of-view and pacing across generations. The prologue effectively uses limited third-person to build mystery around Jacob. The transition to Mei's first-person-esque intimacy in her chapters works well to build empathy. The dialogue is natural and drives both character and plot. Some of the high school descriptions could be more unique, but the core mechanics of storytelling are very solid here. The 'mental communication' cliffhanger is a expertly placed hook."
Hope J. (4/5 Stars)
"This feels like a rock-solid foundation for a series. The core mysteries are compelling: What exactly is the family's power? What happened to Jacob and the other twin? How are Mei and Max's abilities linked? The characters have room to grow, and the world can expand. While some of the high school elements feel familiar, the unique supernatural layer and the emphasis on family legacy (both Mei's and Max's) provide a fresh twist. I'm committed to reading the next book to see where this promising mythology goes."