Howard L. Siskind, an Annapolis-based author and musician, has released his first novella, SARE, a young adult fantasy published by Vanguard Press, an imprint of Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers Ltd. The book introduces Sarah Beth Wolfe, a high school junior whose family cruise to the Caribbean becomes a gateway to a hidden world and an ancient conflict.
Sare, as she is known, has long experienced vivid dreams of battling dragons, but the line between dream and reality blurs when she discovers a mysterious portal connecting the cruise ship to Hidden Hill, a Victorian-era town harboring a dark secret: a dragon, stolen treasure, and the threat of a Magon—a terrifying half-man, half-dragon being. Guided by her father, Jake Wolfe, a Protector in his own right, and aided by new allies, Sare must embrace her inherited powers and fulfill her destiny.
The novella weaves together fantasy, adventure, family heritage, Jewish mysticism, and coming-of-age courage. Siskind's inspiration stems from his original songs, including "Daydream Dragon" and "Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill," which introduced the SARE universe before the book's release. The story's emotional core lies in Sare's connection to her family and the legacy passed down through generations, symbolized by her Star of David amulet.
Siskind's creative background spans multiple disciplines—he is an accountant, musician, songwriter, photographer, and artist. He co-created the Honabeats children's book series with his wife and daughter, which has received praise for its playful language and illustrations. His work was featured in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine, highlighting his cross-medium storytelling approach.
SARE is positioned as the beginning of a planned series, offering readers a new heroine and mythology. The book is available on Amazon. To further enrich the experience, Siskind has released accompanying music videos: "Daydream Dragon" and "Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill", which extend the narrative beyond the page. Additionally, the "Meet Honabeats" theme song showcases his integration of music and storytelling.
The significance of SARE lies in its multi-platform approach, blending literature and music to create an immersive universe. Siskind's previous work, the Honabeats series, has already garnered positive feedback, including a five-star review on OnlineBookClub for its inventive wordplay. As SARE reaches its early audience, Siskind encourages readers to share their thoughts on Amazon and other platforms, promising a series that expands on the foundations laid in this novella.
