Reduced To Dust

The commander devastated the town of refugees and, to wound Sydney more deeply, seized her family. Crewe promised to help her rescue them, but paralyzing grief over his own loss has made him unreachable. With the other seeksmen feeling equally defeated—and the traitor still among them—Sydney is more alone in this fight than ever, but she will not give up. With relentless determination, she vows to do everything in her power to get her loved ones back.

Sydney's chances for success are threatened as plans backfire and unforeseen obstacles arise. When her true tie to the commander is revealed, she loses the trust of the few allies she has left. The situation grows even graver when a terrible epidemic advances, and the responsibility to decide who will have a shot at surviving is placed in her uncertain hands.

The suffering has to end, and only Sydney has the unique knowledge and connections to bring down the cruel leaders of the oppressive system. The time has come for the battle of her life—one that will claim many. Even if she survives, will her heart endure the choices she will be forced to make?

Gabrielle Arrowsmith of Ham Lake, MN

Gabrielle Arrowsmith was born to her loving parents on August 16th, 1988. She grew up in the small town of Ham Lake, MN enjoying soccer, school, and adventuresome play with her brother and cousins.

As she grew older, her desire to write led her to fill many diaries and notebooks with her thoughts, poems, stories, and scripts. Her other childhood hobbies included reading, playing soccer, acting, and playing piano.  

Gabrielle recalls high school as the time when she first believed in the worth of her writing. Her AP Language and Literature course both challenged and celebrated her craft. She aimed for perfection in this course, but only so much as to allow time for her other college-level courses, soccer, track, NHS, and school plays. She graduated in 2006, earning Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction recognition and the Triple A Award for outstanding performance in academics, athletics, and arts. 

In 2009, Gabrielle graduated summa cum laude from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. She played collegiate soccer for the Saints, held work-study positions, acted in theater productions, and volunteered often.

Gabrielle is currently teaching and pursuing her passion for storytelling through writing and acting. She enjoys reading, playing and coaching soccer, and spending time with family, friends, and her adorable pets!