In a literary landscape often dominated by familiar fantasy tropes, Howard L. Siskind's new novella, SARE, offers a fresh blend of adventure, heritage, and mysticism. Published by Vanguard Press, an imprint of Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers Ltd., the book centers on Sarah Beth Wolfe, a high school junior whose family vacation to the Caribbean transforms into a journey through time and magic.
Sarah, known as Sare, has long been plagued by vivid dreams of battling dragons. But when her family boards a cruise ship, the boundaries between dream and reality blur. Armed with a spell book, a magic mirror, potions, and a Star of David amulet passed down through generations, Sare discovers her connection to an ancient line of protectors. The story unfolds as she stumbles upon Hidden Hill, a Victorian-era town accessible through a mysterious portal, where a dragon, stolen treasure, and a terrifying Magon—a creature part man, part dragon—await.
The narrative weaves together elements of fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, but its emotional core lies in Sare's relationship with her family. Her father, Jake Wolfe, is a Protector in his own right, and together they must confront the dangers that threaten both worlds. Siskind's incorporation of Jewish mysticism adds a unique layer, grounding the fantastical elements in a cultural and spiritual tradition that enriches the story.
Siskind's creative background is as multifaceted as his protagonist's journey. An Annapolis resident, he wears many hats: accountant, musician, songwriter, photographer, and artist. His original songs 'Daydream Dragon' and 'Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill' (available on YouTube and YouTube) serve as narrative extensions of the book's universe, while the Honabeats children's series, co-written with his wife and daughter, showcases his playful approach to language.
The novella's release marks an expansion from children's literature into young adult fantasy, a move that reflects Siskind's belief in storytelling across mediums. As he noted, 'SARE began with imagination, music, and family.' The character was introduced through his songs, and the story grew into a larger adventure about courage, identity, and legacy.
Early responses to Siskind's work have been positive. A reviewer on OnlineBookClub praised the wordplay in Honabeats Says: Crazy Words!, awarding it five stars for its engaging blend of rhythm and humor. Family readers on Amazon echoed that sentiment, noting how the book made phonics fun.
With SARE, Siskind invites readers into a world where ordinary life opens into the extraordinary, and where the gifts of the past become the keys to the future. The novella is available on Amazon, and Siskind's broader creative journey has been featured in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine.
