Howard L. Siskind, an Annapolis-based author, musician, and creator of the Honabeats series, has released his debut young adult fantasy novella, 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 whose family cruise to the Caribbean turns into an unexpected journey into a hidden world.
Sare has long experienced vivid dreams of battling dragons, but as the story unfolds, she discovers that these dreams are more than figments of her imagination. A mysterious portal connects 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 being part man and part dragon. With her spell book, magic mirror, potions, and a Star of David amulet passed down through her family, Sare must learn to trust her powers and embrace her destiny as a protector.
The novella weaves together fantasy, adventure, family heritage, Jewish mysticism, time travel, and coming-of-age courage. Sare's father, Jake Wolfe, is also a Protector, and together with new allies aboard the ship, they confront the dangers that threaten both worlds. The story emphasizes that Sare's abilities are not random but tied to her family's legacy, adding depth to the adventure.
Siskind's creative background brings a unique dimension to SARE. He has released original songs connected to the SARE universe, including "Daydream Dragon" and "Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill," which serve as narrative extensions of the book's mythology. These tracks are available on YouTube and reinforce themes of dragon battles and portal travel. Additionally, his Honabeats children's book series, co-written with his wife and daughter, has been praised for its playful use of language and rhythm.
Siskind's cross-disciplinary approach was recently featured in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine, which highlighted how his ideas often originate in one medium and evolve across others. His work has also been recognized on platforms like OnlineBookClub, where a reviewer awarded a five-star rating to Honabeats Says: Crazy Words! for its creativity and engaging blend of rhythm and humor.
SARE is part of a growing multi-platform narrative ecosystem, supported by original music that expands its emotional tone beyond the written page. The book is available for purchase on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/SARE-Howard-L-Siskind/dp/183671758X. Related music videos can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrWFpDha-oY, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBvOKV9MP8kA, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRrAl4y7QKA. The media feature in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine can be read at https://upstart-annapolis.com/ink-never-missing-a-beat/.
The release of SARE marks a significant expansion for Siskind, moving from children's literature into fantasy adventure. The novella introduces a new heroine and mythology, with plans for a larger series. Siskind's background in music and storytelling enriches the narrative, offering readers a story that resonates with themes of courage, identity, and the power of family heritage. As readers discover SARE, the interconnected universe of books and music invites them to explore a world where ordinary life opens into the extraordinary.
