Annapolis author Howard L. Siskind has released SARE, a young adult fantasy novella that takes readers on a journey where a family cruise becomes a gateway to an ancient conflict. Published by Vanguard Press, an imprint of Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers Ltd., the book centers on Sarah Beth Wolfe, known as Sare, a high school junior who has long experienced vivid dreams of battling dragons. As the line between dreams and reality blurs, Sare discovers her destiny is linked to a lineage of mystical protectors.
The story unfolds aboard a Caribbean cruise that leads Sare to Hidden Hill, a Victorian-era town accessible through a mysterious portal. There, she confronts a dragon, stolen treasure, and the threat of a Magon—a being part man, part dragon. With her spell book, magic mirror, potions, and a Star of David amulet passed down through her family, Sare must embrace her powers and fulfill her role as a protector, aided by her father, Jake Wolfe, and new allies.
Siskind's creative background is distinctive: he is an accountant, musician, songwriter, photographer, and artist. His original songs, including "Daydream Dragon" and "Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill," served as narrative extensions of the SARE universe before the novella's release. These tracks, available on YouTube, reinforce themes of dragon encounters and portal travel. The author's cross-disciplinary approach was highlighted in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine, which explored how his ideas evolve across music and writing.
The novella also draws on Jewish mysticism and family heritage, with Sare's powers tied to generations before her. Her amulet and her father's role as a protector give the story emotional depth, exploring themes of identity, legacy, and courage. SARE is ideal for readers who enjoy fantasy adventure, magical realism, and strong young heroines.
Beyond the book, Siskind's broader creative ecosystem includes the Honabeats children's book series, co-written with his wife and daughter. The series has received positive feedback, including a five-star review on OnlineBookClub for its inventive wordplay and illustrations. Siskind's "Meet Honabeats" theme song further demonstrates his ability to blend rhythm and narrative across mediums.
SARE is now available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/SARE-Howard-L-Siskind/dp/183671758X. As Siskind plans to expand the story into a larger series, readers are invited to explore the musical extensions of the narrative, such as "Daydream Dragon" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrWFpDha-oY and "Daydream Dragon II" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBvOKV9MP8k. His creative journey was previously featured in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine, available at https://upstart-annapolis.com/ink-never-missing-a-beat/.
With SARE, Siskind expands from children's literature into fantasy adventure, offering readers a new heroine and mythology that promises to resonate with those who believe that ordinary life can suddenly open into something extraordinary.
