Howard L. Siskind, an Annapolis-based author, musician, and creator of the Honabeats series, has released a new young adult fantasy novella titled 'SARE,' 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 who embarks on a family cruise to the Caribbean that quickly transforms into a portal to an ancient conflict among protectors, Magons, and dragons.
Sare has long experienced vivid dreams of battling dragons, but her reality blurs when she discovers Hidden Hill, a Victorian-era town accessible through a mysterious portal from the cruise ship. Armed with a spell book, a magic mirror, potions, and a Star of David amulet passed down through her family, Sare learns that her destiny is tied to a lineage of mystical protectors. With her father, Jake Wolfe, also a Protector, and new allies aboard the ship, Sare must confront a dragon, stolen treasure, and a Magon—a terrifying half-man, half-dragon being—to fulfill her role.
The novella weaves together fantasy, adventure, family heritage, Jewish mysticism, time travel, and coming-of-age themes, offering readers a fast-paced story of courage and identity. Siskind explained that the character of Sare originated from his original songs, and the story grew into a broader fantasy adventure about legacy and the hidden power of inherited gifts.
Siskind's creative background is distinctive, blending his work as an accountant with his passions for music and storytelling. He has written and recorded original tracks that extend the SARE universe, including 'Daydream Dragon' and 'Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill,' which serve as narrative extensions of the book's themes. These songs are available on YouTube, and Siskind's cross-disciplinary approach was recently highlighted in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine, which explored how his ideas evolve across mediums.
The SARE universe is part of a larger multi-platform narrative ecosystem, with music and story reinforcing each other. Siskind's Honabeats children's book series, co-written with his wife and daughter, has also gained positive attention for its playful language and illustrations, with reviews on platforms like OnlineBookClub praising its creativity.
For readers, SARE offers a new heroine and mythology, appealing to fans of dragon lore, portal stories, and young adult fantasy. The book's emotional core lies in Sare's connection to her family, as her powers are rooted in heritage and memory. The novella is the beginning of a planned series, promising more adventures.
Siskind, who holds degrees in business and psychology, has been a presenter at the Annapolis Book Festival and resides in Annapolis, Maryland, with his wife and daughter. With SARE, he expands his storytelling repertoire, inviting readers to explore a world where ordinary life opens into the extraordinary. The book is available on Amazon, and Siskind encourages early readers to share their thoughts as the story finds its audience.
