Annapolis author and musician Howard L. Siskind has released 'SARE,' a young adult fantasy novella that plunges readers into a world where ancient protectors, Magons, and dragons collide. Published by Vanguard Press, an imprint of Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers, the book follows Sarah Beth Wolfe, a high school junior whose family cruise to the Caribbean becomes a gateway to a hidden Victorian-era town called Hidden Hill. There, Sare discovers her destiny as a protector, guided by a spell book, a magic mirror, potions, and a Star of David amulet passed down through her family.
The story, which blends fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, centers on Sare's struggle to distinguish dreams from reality as she confronts a dragon, stolen treasure, and a terrifying Magon—a being part man and part dragon. With her father, Jake Wolfe, also a protector, and new allies aboard the ship, Sare must harness her powers and embrace her heritage. Siskind, known for his cross-disciplinary creative work, has expanded the SARE universe beyond the book with original songs like 'Daydream Dragon' and 'Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill,' which serve as narrative extensions of the story. These tracks, along with the Honabeats children's series he co-created with his wife and daughter, reflect his unique approach to storytelling that integrates music, visual art, and narrative.
The novella's emotional depth comes from its focus on family legacy, as Sare's powers are rooted in generations of protectors. Her amulet and her father's role underscore the theme that inherited gifts can be more powerful than imagined. Siskind, whose creative journey was highlighted in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine, believes the story originated from music and family inspiration. 'SARE began with imagination, music, and family,' he said. '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 book is available on Amazon, and Siskind's musical extensions can be heard on YouTube and YouTube. His creative evolution is further detailed in a media feature that explores how his ideas flow across mediums. Early readers have responded positively to his Honabeats series, with a five-star review on OnlineBookClub praising the wordplay and illustrations, and family readers on Amazon noting the playful approach to phonics.
SARE is positioned as the first in a planned series, promising readers a new mythology and a heroine whose ordinary life opens into the extraordinary. Siskind, who lives in Annapolis with his wife and daughter, continues to blur the lines between author, musician, and artist, creating a rich universe that resonates with young adult readers and fantasy enthusiasts alike.
