This Pain Inside

Genre: YA Christian Science Fantasy

Anthology: Strange Waters

The Poison that destroyed the surface has come to claim the deep. It is severing electricity lines, imploding underwater houses, and destroying the solar power rafts humanity uses as its energy source. The Neons, people who act as hosts for a magical force, are fighting an ever-losing battle to keep the Poison at bay.

But that isn't any of Charlie's business. All Charlie can think about is finding a cure for her chronic pain. After all, she is too tired and too weak to help fight the Poison. If she can just make the pain go away, maybe then she'll be worth something. Maybe then she'll become useful enough and strong enough to join the fight.

But when the Poison begins to threaten what little family she has left, Charlie may just have to rethink her views on pain, worth, and what makes a person strong.

What reviewers are saying…

“You can tell that every word and every thought was very deliberately chosen and placed. I felt the anguish right along with the lead. I was dragged right down into it with her and felt the horror and the anger and the pain. This story reminds me of Romans 8:28, God works all things together for good.” ~ J.E. Purrazzi, author of the Malfunction Trilogy

“This story of hope gives inspiration to those who suffer from chronic pain. I enjoy stories like this that challenge us to look beyond ourselves. This story opened my eyes to the difficulties of pushing through each day with chronic pain.” ~ Erin Dydek, Goodreads reviewer

“While usually the first thing I gush about when I read Heath's stories is the worldbuilding--and the worldbuilding in this one was good, also--what shines the most in This Pain Inside is the main character: Charlie. She's a very authentic character with very real struggles and flaws, but also very real strength, and watching her journey through this story was amazing.” ~ R.M. Archer, Goodreads reviewer