“One of the most beautiful, deeply-layered stories I’ve ever read. Out of The Shadows will hold you spellbound from the first page, and leave you craving for more after the last one. Tessa van Wade has created an iconic woman in Willow who has to discover her identity to fulfill her destiny.”

—Wayne Jacobsen, author of He Loves Me, Live Loved Free Full, and co-author of The Shack

“Out of the Shadows digs and probes deep into your psyche. Adrenaline kicks in right away and the mind-bending, heart-stopping action never stops until you turn the last page. Reminiscent of both The Matrix film and Twilight series with hints of Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, and more recent other-worldly fiction author, Shawn Smucker. The sequel can’t get here soon enough.”

—Anna LeBaron, author of The Polygamist’s Daughter: A Memoir

“Riveting, compelling, and inspiring! Tessa Van Wade’s marvelous story captivated me in the first few pages and wouldn’t let go. To explore some of my own journey in a genre I rarely read was stunning. I can’t wait for more.”

—John Lynch, author of On My Worst Day

“Suspense from the start! Full of unexpected twists, Out of the Shadows will be a nice addition to your summer reading list. ”

—Dr. Stephanie Bennett, author of Within the Walls, a futuristic trilogy of love, loss, and the universal longing for community

“When Tessa Van Wade’s impressive story and compelling writing style merge together the reader can expect a type of Mark Wahlberg action packed, international experience. When I stepped away from the book to do my daily tasks, my mind was back in the story, pondering each account, the characters and their significance. When I finished reading Out of the Shadows, I realized we are all Willow in one-way or another. See if you too can find your own connection.”

—Ralaine Fagone, author of Burden of Promise: When Tragedy Becomes a Teacher

“Out of the Shadows artfully combines all the elements of a compelling story that can be read on many levels. Tessa van Wade gives us characters that are relatable yet interesting and puts them in settings that is at once common and fantastical. Through unpredictable twists she ramps of the tension until she left me hanging on a cliff.”

—Kate Lapin, freelance editor, formerly with Scholastic Books

“Never a dull moment in this action-packed, fast-paced drama reminiscent of The Hunger Games or The Matrix. This weekend-read reminded me how much I love a good story. My imagination traveled from the cherry blossoms of Japan to the cliffs of the Swiss Alps on a wild chase filled with danger and mystery. Each chapter aroused more questions than answers. While Willow’s life unraveled and unfurled, my own humdrum life was interrupted with the truth that there’s much more to reality than the eye can see. What am I willing to sacrifice to walk in my true identity?”

—Sara Geesey, artist and mother

“Mysterious, engaging, thought-provoking, and fast-paced, Tessa Van Wade’s imaginative and action-packed adventure will keep you holding on for dear life. I read Out of the Shadows from cover to cover in two days and I can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series. It is thoroughly enjoyable and surprising. She kept me guessing with every page turn!”

—Jessica Glasner, author of Voyage of the Sandpiper and Saving Grace

“I love this new series from Tessa Van Wade. The action-packed, fast pace keeps your adrenaline going while well-crafted language creates a sensual journey around the world, from Switzerland to Japan to the tropics and more. Van Wade explores some dark themes and grapples with the most base and universal of human emotions—loss, fear, hate, hope, love. I’m excited to meet Remy... Our maniacal antagonist is still on the run, and the supporting characters are well-developed, powerful, and unique in their own right. Would love to read their own stories!”

—Leah Unger, wife of former all-pro Seattle Seahawks center Max Unger

“Out of the Shadows had me captured from the opening scene. It pulled you in with its gripping storyline and mysterious interconnections. I found myself barely able to put it down. It keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. I haven’t been this entertained with a book since Harry Potter! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one! Tessa is exceptional at painting a scene where you feel like you are in it with them.”

—Stephanie Marie Beeby, M.S., Founder, CEO of In Flow CEO Consulting

“It’s Tessa Van Wade’s cinematic writing that grabs you and won’t let go—it’s the compelling characters and landscapes that transport you- but it’s the deeper messages that sneak up and move you. I could not put this book down. It’s always the sign of a great story when you find yourself thinking about the characters throughout the day when you’re not reading it- this was one of those books for me. Can’t wait for more from Tessa!”

—Dr. Alison Steiner, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist

ISBN: 979-8-9878741-0-3 (hardcover)

ISBN: 979-8-9878741-1-0 (paperback)

ISBN: 979-8-9878741-2-7 (ebook)

Copyright © 2023 by Tessa Van Wade

All Rights Reserved.

This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without the written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

Printed in the United States of America

2nd Edition 2023

Dedicated to my daughters, Evie and Georgia. May you always be warriors against fear,

trailblazers for justice, and the heroines of your own story. And most importantly...choose love.

UNITED STATES FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

WASHINGTON, D.C.

PERSONAL ATTENTION CONFIDENTIAL

SAC LETTER NO. 94

VELIERI DEPARTMENT

7/15/1989

MEMO FOR MR. OR MS. QUAYLE, CHENEY, THORNBURGH, RYKOR, PENNINGTON, REDS, SHULTZ, FEENEY, PIERNE, LANDOLIN, IOTA, MCCABE

RE: 7USX POSSIBLE FIND

Your attention is directed to Bureau bulletin #899, relating to the possible 7USX of the Velieri matter. For your confidential information only to be discussed or measured between the Reds, Swiss, Velieri, Landolin, Rykor Informant, and the Velieri FBI Division.

Classified restricted information:

Finds in the State of California, re: San Francisco, multiple births reactive to Velieri protocol. One being of sensitive matter referring to markings representing one Velieri, reflecting Landolin properties. Dual Hypothalamus by way of the pituitary gland present upon study.

Suggested as set forth by President George H.W. Bush and Lead Velieri Force

Mr. Leigh Rykor (V) immediate study and observation until a substantial understanding of the present subject.

To be carried out by FBI: VI Division. Jurisdiction preserved and sensitive nature of the subject to remain confidential.

Very Truly Yours,

George H.W. Bush