Annapolis Author Howard L. Siskind Unveils Fantasy Novella SARE

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, the book introduces readers to Sarah Beth Wolfe, a teenage heroine whose family cruise to the Caribbean becomes a portal to an ancient battle among protectors, Magons, and dragons. Sare, as she is called, has long experienced vivid dreams of dragon battles, but they soon blur with reality. Armed with a spell book, magic mirror, potions, and a Star of David amulet passed down through her family, she discovers her destiny is tied to a line of mystical protectors. The story unfolds with Sare uncovering Hidden Hill, a Victorian-era town connected to the ship via a portal, where a dragon, stolen treasure, and a terrifying Magon await. With help from her father, Jake Wolfe, a Protector in his own right, and new allies, Sare must embrace her powers and confront the evil that threatens both worlds.

Siskind's creative background sets SARE apart, as the novella is part of a multi-platform narrative ecosystem. Original songs like "Daydream Dragon" and "Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill" extend the story's mythology beyond the book, while the Honabeats series, co-written with his wife and daughter, showcases his playful use of language and rhythm. The author's cross-disciplinary approach has been featured in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine, which highlighted how his ideas evolve across music and narrative. SARE blends fantasy, adventure, family heritage, Jewish mysticism, and coming-of-age courage, appealing to fans of magical quests and strong heroines. The book is available on Amazon, and Siskind plans to expand it into a larger series. Readers can explore the music videos on YouTube and the media feature to dive deeper into his creative universe.