Dark Goddess - First Chapter

If you enjoyed Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda, you're probably waiting for the sequel, Dark Goddess. It's due in the UK July 2010 (and the US even later) but the first chapter is available for a sneak peek.

Here's the summary:

After the death of her soulmate Kay by her very own sword, Billi SanGreal has thrown herself into the brutal regime of Templar duties with utter abandon. There is no room for feelings any more – her life is now about hunting down the Unholy. But when Billi and another Knight Templar are caught at the heart of a savage werewolf attack, only Billi survives – except for a young girl at the scene who Billi unthinkingly drags away with her as they escape. But Vasalisa is no ordinary girl. She is an avatar with an uncontrollable power – and it’s not only the werewolves who want her. Billi has to flee to the frosty climes of Russia, with a human timebomb who, it seems, could destroy the world . . .

THE DARK GODDESS will take Billi to Russia to rescue Vasalisa, a young girl Billi’s promised to protect. To save her, Billi must defeat the werewolves that serve the witch Baba Yaga – and the Dark Goddess herself.

Baba Yaga is sickened by the destruction and corruption humanity has spread across the natural world. She recognises mankind has become a plague upon the Earth, and her duty is clear: to cleanse the planet and rid it of the pestilence of Man. Billi is sent to stop her, but does she have the right?

Betrayed and alone, Billi faces a final mighty battle in the abandoned ruins of Chernobyl.

And the first lines are gruesome but great...

The Rottweiler's head lay in a bush, just off the snow sprinkled path. One eye was gone leaving a blood encrusted socket. Its tongue hung out stupidly from a broken jaw. The body was a few metres further, its chest carved open so the ribs stuck out of the skin like a row of gruesome lollipops.

Of course, I'm a sick puppy...no pun intended. (And don't get bent out of shape. I'm a huge dog lover. We have three and they're all rescues, along with our three cats and even one of our horses.)

And don't you just love this cover! The building, the snowy landscape and her outfit - I want it!