Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night

The Helena Flinn Chronicles #1

by Michael Sokolar

Helena Flinn's lifelong battle with sleepless nights was just the beginning of her journey into a hidden realm that holds the secrets of dreams.

Every night, Helena Flinn struggled with terrible sleeping disorders, until the night a secret world sprang to life beneath the bustling streets of Vienna.It all started with an unexpected meeting with a curious creature who desperately needed her help.

This hidden realm, filled with unusual energy and bizarre gadgets, was like nothing she had ever seen. A brave girl full of imagination, Helena clashed with a world of science and engineering and found herself facing a new threat to both dreams and the waking world.

With each step, she uncovers truths about her own power and a destiny that intertwines with the creatures of the night. Can Helena and her new group of unusual friends stop the nightmares before they break into the daylight?

Fans of 'Arlo Finch', 'Percy Jackson', and 'Nightmares!' will love Helena Flinn's enchanted world, a place where secrets are powerful, and friendships are strong enough to fight any darkness. Just like Percy Jackson embraced his destiny to challenge the gods, Helena learns to wield the mysterious forces of night to guard her friends, and ultimately, the city.

Leap into "Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night" and join Helena's exciting adventure to master the shadows. Hit the BUY NOW button to enter a world where the night is brimming with magic, and heart and technology together can create miracles.

Genres: Middle Grade, Magical Realism, Fantasy

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2024

About the author

For as long as I can remember, I've been crafting stories, and now, with my debut middle grade novel "Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night", I proudly embrace the title of author. My passion lies in telling underdog tales that celebrate friendship and the journey to find one's place in the world. The fantasy genre captivated me as a child, and its magic has stayed with me ever since.

Beyond writing, I'm the CEO and Creative Producer of Little Lights Studio, a film and storytelling studio that thrives on creating authentic brand formats, evocative commercials, and story-driven campaigns—anything with a human touch.

I believe that stories have the power to connect us, and I hope my books inspire young readers to dream big, embrace their uniqueness, and find strength in friendship. Thank you for joining me on this storytelling journey.

Reviews

[Aurica Estelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an unique and imaginative story! I‘m not that deep in that whole fantasy bubble ( or high fantasy ) but this one here was really enjoyable to read + gave me these kinda warm&comforting Harry Potter vibes. My favorite elements:
- The whole adventure takes place in Vienna, which makes it even more magical ( especially when you’re living there like me hihi)
- The very special and heartwarming friendship between Helena and the other kids
- Very cute creatures ( Drizzle got my ♥️)

[Mylene Daigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome! I love the way of the dream world works. It gives me a harry potty kind of vibe. I really enjoyed it from start to finish! I will be reading book 2 when it comes out 100% 😁

[Jess Millar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC 😊
Helena Flinn is the perfect book for children looking for a good fantasy book. I think a lot of kids will relate to the characters and the struggles they face, and I'm sure it will give many a sense of belonging. The whole goblin/dream world was really different and original, and the found friendships were heartwarming. It's one I'd happily share with my son when he's old enough.

[Hannah Lindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night by Michael Sokolar is a work of middle grade fantasy unlike any other I have read. It examines the complexities of a very real set of health problems — sleep disorders — in a context of magical realism perfect for readers in late elementary school and early junior high school (and even, in my case, adulthood!). The “evil” forces in the book are thrilling and suspenseful, but they are not inappropriately terrifying to the average member of the book’s target audience. Perhaps my favorite element of the story was the emotional strength and camaraderie displayed by the children in the face of danger and unfamiliarity; as is so often the case in reality, in this book, children are more powerful than any hardship which nature or any other of man’s enemies can produce. Overall, I loved this book, and I recommend it to any reader — regardless of age — who enjoys stories of magic, friendship, and children who defy the odds.

[Reading_cornergirlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC, and I am so glad I got the opportunity. This book is for children aged 8-12 years, and after giving it a read, I know that my children would love this.

The book is all about Helena flinn and her lifelong struggle with sleepless nights and dreams/nightmares she can't make sense of. Her family has tried many things and been to multiple professionals to help her with little success. Until Helena joins a new sleep study group of children who are just like her and struggle with sleepless nights.

There is more to Helenas dreams than she even knows of, and she soon comes to realise there is a hidden realm within her world that holds answers to why she experiences her dreams in the way she does and about the power deep within her.

This book is full of mystical creatures, imagination, mystery, newfound friendships, and learning that there is true power in friendships and being around like-minded people.

I adored the sense of found family throughout this book and following Helena on her journey of self-discovery and bravery. This book is a true quest for uncovering hidden truths, going on adventures with friends, and teamwork.

If you want a new adventure and a story that wants you to keep reading, I highly recommend giving this a read.

I've never read a book like this one, even when I was of the age of 8-12 years. It is truly unique. I can't wait to see what my girls, who are 9 and 7, think of this book.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night" by Michael Sokolar is a compelling novel that pulls readers into a world where mystery meets fantasy. The protagonist, Helena Flinn, hails from Chicago but moved to Vienna with her family when she was five after her mother received a job opportunity. However, for the past several years, Helena has been haunted by unsettling nightmares.

Years ago, during a home renovation, Helena discovered an old pocket watch hidden in the bathroom. She kept it as her own treasured secret, unaware of its hidden significance. This watch, once belonging to her grandfather, now holds mysterious power. Her father, determined to help her overcome her nightmares, takes her to the Institute for Juvenile Sleep Disorders. Then, Helena encounters a curious creature—a goblin named Drizzle Scrollpot. He hints that the world is far more intricate than she imagined and refers to her pocket watch as the "True Night Navigator." Drizzle advises her to use the watch if she wishes to summon him again.

As Helena grapples with her nightmares and the strange revelations about her watch, readers are taken on an intriguing journey. Sokolar's writing style is engaging, and the book’s pacing keeps readers hooked from start to finish. With a beautifully designed cover and a captivating plot, this story invites readers to escape into a fantastical world. Michael Sokolar has crafted a delightful read, and I eagerly look forward to his future works.

[Matthew Olson-Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Helena Flinn confronts her fears by standing up to her nightmares, she embarks on a journey that teaches her not only about a hidden world beneath the streets of her new home, but also about family, friendships, and her own inner strength.

What better place to set a middle grade fantasy about a hidden dream world than Vienna, home of Sigmund Freud? I love how Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Nights weaves the real-life science of dreams and dream therapy into a magical story of goblin engineers who manage secret dream factories—all in a way that is exciting and easily accessible for middle grade readers. Young readers won’t even notice, though. They’ll be too busy imagining if there are any secret subway stations connecting their own rooms with subterranean goblin cities where dreams literally come to life.

And what kid wouldn’t want a “True Night Navigator” or a group of friends called “The Nightmare Squad”? This is a fantasy that will ignite the imagination of young readers everywhere. I highly recommend it!

[Emily Leggat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of being able to ARC read this book. I think it is the absolute perfect book for children, the world it is set in really does grab your attention and it really gave me similar vibes as to how I felt when I as a child first started reading Harry Potter, so the fact it made me feel like I had gone back to my own childhood as a little book dragon was amazing. The characters are really well written and it is so informative but not in a heavy way which I think will be enjoyable as well. The minute I read that there was a goblin involved my mind was hooked. It took a little while to get in to for me personally but I did enjoy it from start to finish. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read for you!

[Lindsay DeRollo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Adventure Story

A magical and exciting adventure for middle-grade readers. The story begins with 11-year-old Helena, who struggles with sleeping issues and having nightmares. She doesn't fit in at school, which a lot of kids can relate to. She eventually finds a group of quirky friends that she grows close with and who share similar struggles. One night she is visited by a strange little creature that needs her help, and before she knows it she is transported to a magical realm underneath the city of Vienna. Helena embarks on a mystical quest to stop the nightmares and discover her true power with the help of her new friends. A very enchanting and enjoyable read.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a good time with this book. It’s exactly the kind of middle-grade fantasy that makes you feel like you’re stepping into a whole new world. Helena is such a relatable character. I loved how it all tied into the bigger theme of balancing dreams with reality. The sense of adventure paired with heart definitely caught my eye. The group of kids she teams up with reminded me of the kind of tight-knit crews you see in young adult stories, and it gave the story that fun, team-based energy I always enjoy. The pacing kept me turning pages, and the world-building was detailed without ever feeling overwhelming. It’s a fantastic start to a series I can’t wait to keep reading.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute story about the power of friends and facing your fears.

I really enjoyed the storyline and the intrigue of trying to figure out who or what the evil was. The opening scenes really set the tone for the mystery and I enjoyed unraveling who/what it was along with Helena.

The other characters are quirky and colorful and I really appreciated how real they felt. They had a variety of strengths and weaknesses and really felt like kids awkwardly getting to know each other and slowly becoming best friends. They’re a really endearing group. I really enjoyed Drizzle’s oversharing personality that resulted in him giving so much information he actually gave no information because no one understood him. Hilarious and so accurate for anyone who is just so excited to share something they’re passionate about.

And if anyone could please tell me where I can find my own dawn kitten I would be forever grateful. That kitty is adorable and I want one.

Overall, a really cute middle schooler read.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC!
I loved the world that the author has created in this story! I loved the different personalities of the characters in the nightmare squad. This was a great story of someone feeling alone and different and finding their people. I have an 8 year old and I think he would love to read this book. I can't wait to continue on reading about the other adventures of Helena Flinn! I just wish we learned more about her grandfather and I hope that comes up in her next journey.

[JD's · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for younger readers and will recommend it to people who have children around the same age of the characters (11 to 14). It addresses a lot of important issues, and is so well written!

The story is a fantastical low fantasy with found family/friends, adventure and hidden secrets. If I read this when I was younger I would have been obsessed and can see this being very popular with younger readers!

[Book.ed_Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent read for 11-14 years.

So well written! This is a book I would have loved as a kid.

The book follows Helena, a social awkward kid
experiencing night terrors.

It was a fun, quick read. It your child enjoys a little bit of education in their fantasy books, then they will love this.

The story has elements of science and engineering. It was an interesting take on nightmares and the structure of dreams. I think this is excellent for kids who might be struggling with nightmares or kids who have big imaginations.

I loved watching Helena find her confidence and place with the story. Her relationship with her family is so beautiful.

The story was a bit slow at times, and I felt like the education aspect did dominate the story a bit too much.

[Shakella "The Singing Bibliophile" Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age Appropriate middle-grade, coming-of-age fantasy.

Helena Flinn is such a cute read! She suffers from nightmares and is a tad bit weird compared to other kids, but she finds her group of people and begins to blossom and find herself.

This is a beautifully written middle-grade book. full of atmosphere, adventure, and whimsy!

This made my inner child happy to read. I have plans to give copies as gifts for Christmas.

Thank you Michael Sokolar for the ability to meet Helena Flinn and leave my honest review.

[Scarlett Rosewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for all ages that seamlessly melds the real world with one of wonder. Helena is the friend that my son wishes he had. He and I absolutely loved this book and I will be recommending it to all my friends with kids.

[Danielle St · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely enjoyed reading about Helena. Nighttime adventures with suspense. The kids in the story are relatable, making it fun to read.
A great book for kids, and even older ones too.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one on my own but will definitely be sharing it with my daughter once she's older. Such a great adventure!! Beautifully written.

[Kendra Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helena Flinn was an entertaining book meant for kids near her age (11yrs). She starts out as a complete loner who has nightmares and ends up in yet another therapy group because of it. Here she finds her first real friends and they call themselves the Nightmare Squad. All of them have the same issue with nightmares, as well as their own set of strengths and weaknesses. It's not until the goblin Drizzle shows up that Helena starts to see the bigger picture. With that being said these are smart kids with more maturity in most situations than I have. It was a fun departure from my typical books.

[Abigail Sevcik · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are so many things I liked about this story. I love how the author explained things at an appropriate middle grade level. I felt like there were a lot of learning opportunities woven throughout the book while it was still fun. It is imaginative but uses some bigger words and concepts that are explained well. I was super excited about the premise. I think goblins and dream mixing is a really fun idea. The story line moved a little slow for me, personally, but I think a lot of people will find this story fun and entertaining. I really loved the characters a lot. I would have like to see a little more involvement with the parents but this is a trilogy so I feel like that could potentially be saved for future books. Overall I found this to be a fun, cute little fantasy that touches on family, friendship, and facing your fears.

Also, the illustrations are beautiful!

Thank you, Michael for the ARC and the opportunity to read this story early.

[Annalise Healey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of intrigue and is sure to delight young readers!
Readers are certain to relate to the range of characters (and in particular their anxieties) and take so much from the book in terms of understanding friendship and working through hard times!
The plot is fascinating with holding complex meanings but presented in a way children will relate to and enjoy. The writing reminded me of many of my favourite authors and books from when I was a child/teenager.
I will be sharing this story with my younger siblings and will be recommending it to plenty of other young readers too!

[J. L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an incredible book that I read with my 11 year old granddaughter in mind, and I believe she would truly enjoy this story. The writing was excellent, and you can easily became attached to the characters. It strikes the ideal balance of adventure and mystery, leaving you eager to turn just one more page.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This was a very unique and creative story. I thought it was great to incorporate sleep disorder representation in some of the characters, and I particularly liked the magical realism and how everything blended together to form the premise. Also, the little found family aspect we got with The Nightmare Squad was very cute.

However, I had some difficulty getting through this book. I found that the narrative flow was a little stilted, and there were a lot of moments in which something happens and, immediately after, the characters spell out what they just experienced. In other words, I wish we weren’t told what happened, but rather shown.
Side note: just a little nitpicky thing, some of the dialogue didn’t match with the characters’ ages (especially Maddie’s; she was very well articulated for a six-year-old).

🚨SPOILER: I also found that the middle sagged for me; I lost interest in the characters’ journey around the 50% mark and only found it again around 80% (when Drizzle is kidnapped). The ending also felt very rushed after the big conflict was solved (and speaking of conflict, there were a lot of opportunities for roadblocks in Helena’s journey; after a while, the lack of character conflict felt a little unrealistic. For example, when Bronwen found out about the goblins, she accepted things very quickly).🚨

After finishing this book, I found that I wanted to know more about the underground world; I wanted to see beyond just the lab (and I also wished that there were some more hints related to Helena’s grandfather; I largely forgot about this little subplot during the middle section of this book).

Despite this, the ending grabbed me, and I would love to see the author develop his voice even more and continue Helena’s story in his next book.

Thank you to the author for the ARC.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night by Michael Sokolar invites readers into a whimsical and adventurous world where dreams and reality collide. The story follows Helena Flinn, a young girl who has struggled with regular night terrors. What starts as an ordinary night filled with restless sleep soon transforms into an extraordinary journey into a hidden realm beneath Vienna, a place where dreams and nightmares have a life of their own.

Helena’s journey begins when she encounters a curious creature, Drizzle, in need of her help—an encounter that propels her into a mysterious world filled with strange gadgets, powerful forces, and hidden secrets. As she delves deeper into this fantastical realm, Helena discovers that her struggle with sleep is not just a personal battle but part of a much larger, more significant destiny. Tasked with stopping a growing nightmare that threatens both the dream world and the waking world, Helena teams up with an unlikely group of allies, each with their own unique skills and personalities.

The novel expertly blends elements of fantasy and science, as Helena’s imagination and courage clash with the mechanical and technological wonders of the hidden realm. The story is brimming with energy, filled with quirky inventions, intriguing creatures, and a looming threat that brings a palpable sense of tension. Fans of books like Percy Jackson, Arlo Finch, and Nightmares! will recognize the familiar mix of adventure, magic, and friendship at the heart of Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night.

One of the standout qualities of this book is its protagonist. Helena is a relatable and well-rounded character. Her emotional journey—learning to face her fears, trust in her abilities, and embrace her destiny—will resonate with young readers, particularly those who have ever felt socially awkward or unsure of themselves. As she grows, so does her understanding of the mysterious forces at play in both the dream world and her own life.

The pacing can be a bit slow at times, particularly as the story builds up its setting and introduces the characters, but once the action picks up, the story becomes a thrilling, page-turning adventure. The world-building is inventive, with Sokolar weaving together elements of magic, technology, and the unexplained to create an immersive experience.

Overall, Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night is a delightful and imaginative read that will captivate fans of magical adventures. With its rich world-building, relatable protagonist, and themes of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery, it’s a fantastic addition to the genre. Readers will be eager to join Helena as she battles the darkness and learns to wield the power of the night to protect those she loves.

[Jordie Slesarenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Captivating Adventure Full of Heart and Imagination!

As a homeschooling mom with a budding middle grader, I'm constantly searching for books that are both engaging and enriching. I stumbled upon Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night by Michael Sokolar, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with this hidden gem! My children—ages 11, 8, 7, 5, and 4—loved it, and it was the perfect book to read aloud together as a family. This is one of those rare books that feels like a true adventure, yet still carries a deep sense of wonder and warmth.

The story follows Helena Flinn, a young girl who struggles with sleepless nights, and her unexpected journey into a hidden world beneath the streets of Vienna. As a family, we were immediately drawn into this magical realm, filled with strange gadgets, mythical creatures, and an exciting mystery. I absolutely loved how Sokolar brought the world of dreams to life in such an original and imaginative way, particularly the unique concept of the goblin/dream world. It’s not your typical fantasy setting, and the creativity in this book was incredibly refreshing. The way dreams, nightmares, and science intertwined made the story feel both magical and grounded at the same time.

The characters are another highlight. Helena and her friends, each of whom shares her struggles with sleep, are so relatable. My children could really connect with the characters, especially as they navigated their own fears and challenges. The friendships they form along the way are touching, and the themes of teamwork, bravery, and believing in yourself are woven seamlessly throughout the plot. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of friendship and imagination.

What I truly appreciated was how appropriate the book is for the age range it was written for. The writing is accessible, and the pacing keeps younger readers engaged while still offering enough depth to satisfy older kids and adults. My 11-year-old was hooked from the beginning, and my younger kids were just as invested in the story, even asking for extra chapters each night! It’s the kind of book that sparks conversation and encourages kids to think about their own dreams, fears, and the power of their imagination.

Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night is a perfect addition to any middle-grade reading list. It’s adventurous, thoughtful, and full of heart, making it an ideal choice for family read-alouds or a classroom read. I can already see it becoming a staple in my own literature-based homeschool curriculum, and I highly recommend it to any parent, teacher, or reader looking for a creative and imaginative story.

[Bo-Maree Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night is the debut novel of Michael Sokolar and is a great children's fantasy book.

11 year old Helena is a loner who loves English but hates maths and physics. She doesn't sleep much at night as she suffers from nightmares, which means she often falls asleep in class so the other children make fun of her. Helena has tried it all but agrees to try group therapy, and it is here that she finds her first real friends and they become The Nightmare Squad. Things really start to get interesting when Helena meets Drizzle, a goblin that comes to her one night to enlist her help to produce dreams and save other children from nightmares.

While I found the story a little slow at times, my youngest son was captivated from the very beginning. I appreciated the original storyline and how the author was able to take complex ideas and concepts and turn them into teachable moments rather than trying to simplify everything

This is a well-written and heartwarming read full of quirky but relatable characters mixed with age appropriate suspense and intrigue. A beautiful story about the importance of friendship, embracing what makes you unique, and learning to face your fears, Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the night is a must-read fun fantasy book for any child.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night. It is an enchanting, imaginative adventure about dreams, friendship and belonging.

I would categorize it as an endearing mix of fantasy and magical realism, it takes us along a journey to discover a world hidden behind ours and sparks our imagination while doing so. It is the kind of book that made me fall in love with reading as a kid myself. I love that!

I also feel like the book has a big heart for its protagonists and takes them and their struggles and dreams (quite literally!) seriously while keeping the tone light hearted and relatable. The writing itself is great and very clear and the pacing of the story was just right.

And while it is written with a younger audience in mind, I thoroughly enjoyed it even as an adult. And I would argue that tells a lot about the quality of the writing and how it deals with its characters and themes.

I will gift it to my nephew and I am sure he will love it!

[Joanne (Lyra) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you for letting me be a part of the ARC team! It's a first for me, but such a treat.

Now, I know the rating may look middle ground, but I genuinely had a fun reading experience, it's just that younger me would have definitely loved this more! This was such a nostalgic, original story that was reminiscent of whimsical, magical children's novels in the era of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson.

There was sleep disorder representation in our main character and her new friends, but with a magical spin to it that was just so interesting. We got to see the fantastical world living just under human society slowly being fleshed out. I love the sweet moments of family and friendship as the character's grow into themselves and become more comfortable with who they are with their identities by coexisting with their nightmares.

A small point bringing the rating down was the vague plot points from certain people and their organisation who didn't really offer much to the plot, though it is evident that this will be answered in time within the rest of the series. I also felt the ending was slightly rushed due to the pacing of the novel for the first 3/4 and wished it was slightly longer. A smaller wish was more time with the main character's parents and their relationship as we are only told of their happiness in seeing Helena improve with her uninterrupted sleeping.

In the end, I had such a blast and this just reaffirms my love for middle grade! I am excited to read this again in its final form and to carry on with the series as it grows!

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great kids fantasy book

This is a great fantasy book for middle school grade kids 11 to 14 years.

We meet Helena who is a socially awkward kid who suffers from nightmares. Who joins a group of other kids who all have colorful and quirky personalities. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses within the group. We watch them slowly trusting one another and becoming friends. They work through and overcome their fear.

It is very well written and I loved how it breaks down and lets you work through your nightmares. I do think it would be very helpful for kids who suffer from nightmares. I will say it is slow in some parts due to being a little too educational. But I do recommend it for any kid who loves to read.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Bookfunnel, and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review for the author.

[Sharron Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Children’s Fantasy (ARC Review)
Age Group: 08-14 Years
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Helena Flinn is a socially awkward 11 year old who suffers with night terrors and sleep disorders, she finds herself in yet another therapy group with other children experiencing the same problems.

Together this group of children open up a world of trust, create real friendships and through adventures Helena finds a new found confidence and the opportunities of overcoming her fears.

This book is well written, was slow in some parts and included educational aspects of sleep disorders which could dominate the story at times.

Full of quirky colourful characters and fantasy adventures children would love. This was a heartwarming read and I especially liked the way it showed that through the power of friendship and working together you could face yours fears and insecurities.