Author, musician, and creative storyteller Howard L. Siskind has released 'SARE,' a young adult fantasy novella published by Vanguard Press, an imprint of Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers Ltd. The book introduces readers to Sarah Beth Wolfe, known as Sare, a high school junior whose family cruise to the Caribbean turns into a portal to an ancient battle among protectors, Magons, and dragons.
Sare has long experienced vivid dreams of battling dragons, but the line between dream and reality blurs as she discovers a mysterious Victorian-era town called Hidden Hill, accessible through a portal from the cruise ship. The town harbors a dark secret involving a dragon, stolen treasure, and the threat of a Magon—a terrifying being that is part man and part dragon. With her spell book, magic mirror, potions, and a powerful Star of David amulet passed down through her family, Sare must learn to trust her powers and step into her destined role as a protector, aided by her father, Jake Wolfe, and new allies aboard the ship.
SARE combines fantasy, adventure, family heritage, Jewish mysticism, time travel, portal magic, and coming-of-age courage. Siskind notes, "SARE began with imagination, music, and family. The character was introduced through my original songs, and the story grew into a larger fantasy adventure about courage, identity, legacy, and the idea that sometimes the gifts passed down to us are far more powerful than we realize."
The novella is part of a broader narrative ecosystem that includes original music compositions that expand its mythology. Siskind's tracks "Daydream Dragon" and "Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill" serve as narrative extensions, reinforcing themes of dragon encounters and portal travel. The songs are available on YouTube: Daydream Dragon and Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill. Additionally, his "Meet Honabeats" theme song demonstrates his cross-disciplinary approach: Honabeats Theme.
Siskind's creative journey was recently highlighted in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine in the feature article "Ink – Never Missing a Beat," which explores his ability to merge writing, music, and visual storytelling. The article is available at Up.St.ART Annapolis.
The book's emotional core lies in Sare's connection to family heritage. Her powers are tied to generations before her, giving the story depth beyond adventure. SARE is ideal for readers who enjoy fantasy adventure, magical realism, portal stories, dragon lore, and young heroines.
Siskind, an Annapolis resident, is also known for the Honabeats children's book series, co-written with his wife and daughter. The series has received praise for its playful language and illustrations, with positive reviews on platforms like OnlineBookClub and Amazon. One reviewer on OnlineBookClub awarded a five-star rating to 'Honabeats Says: Crazy Words!' for its engaging blend of rhythm and humor.
SARE is the beginning of what Siskind plans to develop into a larger series. The book is available for purchase at Amazon.
