The Legacy

This New Release is Mark Snyder Jr's debut fiction novel. The planet will only continue to host our species as long as we remain respectful guests. The only life-granting planet in the solar system, Earth, is continuously monitored by the god of the Sun, Helios. Helios must ensure the human race acts in Earth’s best interests to maintain the balance and order necessary to continue its existence. Every one-hundred years, a new Legacy begins, and five predetermined humans will hold the fate of the entire species on their shoulders. If humans continue down the path of irresponsible exploitation of their only home, they will eventually fail to complete the Legacy of their time. Ellen, Clayton, Ameer, Sarah and Johanna have been faced with a unique challenge that may corrupt their destiny. Is it the end of human existence, or will the species be able to redeem itself? Follow these Legacy members through their predestined paths that intersect and combine to save, or doom, the human race.

Clayton woke with a jolt. He was having the most vivid dream of shadowy figures laughing and celebrating. In the dream, Clayton would try to interact with the figures, but they would not materialize, almost as though he was seeing a group of blurred ghosts. The figures all rushed into a huddle, frantically shouting as the celebration shifted from jovial to alarming. Clayton was confused and lost as the figures in the dream panicked. The trauma of the dream must have caused a great deal of teeth clenching as Clayton’s squarely shaped jaw was throbbing in a heavy, dull pain. Today was an important day for the ambitious, bright-eyed nineteen-year-old, as he was beginning a new chapter of his life. A conversation with his mother several weeks ago helped Clayton decide it was time to act on his future rather than continue to look to a past barely remembered. “I know this may be hard to talk about, but what would you say if I decided to go to culinary school, maybe be a chef, like dad was?” Clayton carefully asked his mother. This question, from the son that she adored, stopped her in her tracks as she was setting the table for dinner. “I think that would have made your father very proud, Clayton,” she responded and started to cry, sat down at the dining room table, and stared at the wedding ring on her left hand. “You know, he was the best, and everyone knew it.” She looked at Clayton while she spoke with tears running down her high cheek bones. Clayton’s father was a successful chef that served the privileged in Sydney, often cooking in exotic locations that included elaborate yachts and sprawling estates. His family lived on the southeastern coast of Australia, near the breathtaking views of the harbor where the rich and famous would entertain, host clients as well as throw lavish parties. “I wish I could remember more about him, mah,” Clayton said, acknowledging her sorrow.