Howard L. Siskind, an author known for his cross-disciplinary storytelling, has released his first novella, "SARE," a young adult fantasy that merges family heritage, Jewish mysticism, and dragon lore. Published by Vanguard Press, an imprint of Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers Ltd., the book follows Sarah Beth Wolfe, a high school junior who discovers that her recurring dragon-filled dreams are not just figments of her imagination.
During a family cruise to the Caribbean, Sare stumbles upon a portal leading to Hidden Hill, a Victorian-era town harboring a dragon and a stolen treasure. With the help of her father, Jake Wolfe, who is a Protector, and new allies, she must confront a Magon—a terrifying creature that is part man, part dragon. The story weaves elements of time travel, portal magic, and coming-of-age courage, appealing to readers who enjoy magical quests and strong heroines.
Siskind's creative background is distinctive. A longtime Annapolis resident, he is also an accountant, musician, and songwriter. His original songs, "Daydream Dragon" and "Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill," which are available on YouTube, serve as narrative extensions of the book's universe, reinforcing 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 language and illustrations, with a positive review on OnlineBookClub.
The book's emotional core lies in Sare's connection to her family. Her powers are tied to her heritage, memory, and the generations before her. Her amulet, a Star of David, and her father's role as Protector imbue the story with a deeper sense of purpose. Siskind notes, "SARE began with imagination, music, and family. 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."
SARE is part of a growing multi-platform narrative ecosystem. The accompanying music and the author's feature in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine, titled "Ink – Never Missing a Beat," highlight his ability to merge writing, music, and visual storytelling. This cross-medium approach has garnered positive reader feedback, with one Amazon reviewer noting how a Honabeats book helped a young reader connect with phonics in a playful way.
With SARE, Siskind expands from children's literature into fantasy adventure, introducing a new heroine and mythology. The novella is the beginning of what he plans to develop into a larger series. It is ideal for readers who enjoy fantasy adventure, magical realism, and stories where ordinary life opens into something extraordinary. The book is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/SARE-Howard-L-Siskind/dp/183671758X.
