Author and musician Howard L. Siskind has released his first novella, ‘SARE,’ a young adult fantasy that follows teenager Sarah Beth Wolfe as she uncovers her family’s legacy of mystical protectors during a Caribbean cruise. The book, published by Vanguard Press, combines elements of time travel, portal magic, and Jewish mysticism into a fast-paced adventure.
Sare, as she is known, has long dreamed of battling dragons, but when her family’s vacation takes an unexpected turn, she finds a strange Victorian-era town called Hidden Hill, accessible through a portal from the ship. There, she must confront a dragon, stolen treasure, and a Magon—a half-man, half-dragon creature—while learning to trust her powers. Her father, Jake Wolfe, himself a Protector, aids her alongside new allies, as she steps into her destined role.
Siskind, an Annapolis resident, is no stranger to creative storytelling. He co-created the Honabeats children’s book series with his wife and daughter, which has been praised for its playful language and illustrations. The new novella expands his audience to young adult readers, offering a heroine whose powers are deeply tied to her heritage and family history.
The book’s emotional core lies in Sare’s connection to her lineage. Her magical tools—a spell book, a magic mirror, potions, and a Star of David amulet—are not random artifacts but symbols of a legacy passed down through generations. This focus on family and identity gives the adventure a deeper resonance.
SARE is also part of a broader creative ecosystem. Siskind has composed original songs that extend the story’s mythology. Tracks like Daydream Dragon and Daydream Dragon II: Return to Hidden Hill are narrative extensions of the book’s themes, bridging music and prose. His Honabeats theme similarly demonstrates his cross-disciplinary approach.
Siskind’s creative evolution was recently highlighted in Up.St.ART Annapolis Magazine, which explored how his ideas often migrate between mediums, creating a continuous cycle of inspiration. The feature noted his ability to merge writing, music, and visual art into a unified storytelling identity.
The response to Siskind’s earlier work has been positive. A reviewer on the OnlineBookClub praised the wordplay and illustrations in ‘Honabeats Says: Crazy Words!’, awarding it a five-star rating. Amazon reviewers have also noted how the book helped young readers engage with phonics in a playful way.
With SARE, Siskind aims to build a larger series, expanding on the world he has created. The novella’s blend of fantasy, adventure, and family drama is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy strong heroines, dragon lore, and stories about discovering one’s true purpose.
