Author, musician, and songwriter Howard L. Siskind has released his debut young adult fantasy novella, 'SARE,' published by Vanguard Press, an imprint of Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers Ltd. The book introduces Sarah Beth Wolfe, a high school junior whose Caribbean family cruise turns into a perilous adventure when she discovers a portal to a hidden Victorian-era town and must confront a dragon and a Magon—a part-man, part-dragon being. Sare's journey is guided by her spell book, magic mirror, potions, and a Star of David amulet passed down through her family, linking her to an ancient line of mystical protectors. Her father, Jake, is a Protector, and together they must navigate a world where dreams and reality blur.
The novella's significance extends beyond its pages, as Siskind has crafted a multi-platform narrative ecosystem. The story is complemented by original music, including 'Daydream Dragon' and 'Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill,' which expand the mythology and emotional tone of the book. These tracks, available on YouTube, serve as narrative extensions, reinforcing themes of dragon encounters and portal travel. Siskind's cross-disciplinary approach is further highlighted in a feature in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine titled 'Ink – Never Missing a Beat,' which explores how his ideas flow between music and storytelling.
SARE draws on Siskind's diverse creative background, which includes the Honabeats children's book series co-authored with his wife and daughter. The Honabeats project has received positive feedback, including a five-star review on OnlineBookClub for its inventive wordplay and illustrations. Siskind's ability to merge rhythm, narrative, and visual art is evident in his music and books, creating a unified creative universe that appeals to a broad audience.
The story's emotional depth lies in Sare's connection to her family and heritage. Her powers are not random but tied to generations before her, giving the adventure a sense of purpose beyond the fantastical elements. Siskind, an Annapolis resident with degrees in business and psychology, has been a presenter at the Annapolis Book Festival and continues to write and record music. With SARE, he expands from children's literature into fantasy adventure, introducing a new heroine and mythology. The novella is the beginning of a planned series, promising more stories in this richly imagined world.
The release of SARE is important for readers who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age tales with strong female protagonists. It also highlights the growing trend of transmedia storytelling, where a narrative extends across multiple platforms, offering audiences a deeper immersion. Siskind's integration of music and story provides a unique experience that sets SARE apart in the young adult fantasy genre.
