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The Moon Singer #0.5
Before The Boy: The Prequel to The Moon Singer Trilogy
Even in death a mother guides her son through triumphs and tragedies to his true destiny.
Billie Nickerson must accept her own mortality as the only way she can assure her son will receive the intuitive gifts he was born to inherit, to save her family - and perhaps the world - from a disastrous fate. But learning that she has died too soon creates a Karmic crisis as Billie tries to escape the afterlife and return to her loved ones.
In this chilling prequel to The Moon Singer Trilogy (The Crystal Clipper, The War Chamber, The Wind Rose) we learn the uncanny circumstances that informed Billie Nickerson’s decision to raise her son, David, to become a seeker of spiritual truth. As his teacher and mentor she gave him the courage to overcome his unexpected deafness, to excel at music - and to hear the voice within that speaks from his soul.
Though Billie’s life is fraught with danger and dark spirits, and the power that David acquires places him in grave jeopardy, the story is an illustration of a mother’s love and devotion that transcends the boundaries of the here and the hereafter.
Billie Nickerson must accept her own mortality as the only way she can assure her son will receive the intuitive gifts he was born to inherit, to save her family - and perhaps the world - from a disastrous fate. But learning that she has died too soon creates a Karmic crisis as Billie tries to escape the afterlife and return to her loved ones.
In this chilling prequel to The Moon Singer Trilogy (The Crystal Clipper, The War Chamber, The Wind Rose) we learn the uncanny circumstances that informed Billie Nickerson’s decision to raise her son, David, to become a seeker of spiritual truth. As his teacher and mentor she gave him the courage to overcome his unexpected deafness, to excel at music - and to hear the voice within that speaks from his soul.
Though Billie’s life is fraught with danger and dark spirits, and the power that David acquires places him in grave jeopardy, the story is an illustration of a mother’s love and devotion that transcends the boundaries of the here and the hereafter.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2018
About the author
B. Roman
27 books118 followersFeel free to contact me on Twitter
@BMoonSinger1
follow me on Facebook
Read about my books at Next Chapter Publishing:
https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/b...
I hope you will enjoy my latest book: "The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning" (Moon Singer Series Book 4) a multi-generational saga about women blazing their way in a male-dominated world to define their own role in society.
For Christmas-themed books that inspire all year long, please look for my two children's books, (under the name Barbara Roman) available in print, e-book and audio book editions:
"Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13." Beautiful illustrations by Vladimir Cebu. A wonderful story of friendship and achieving your star potential through the magic of believing.
"Hubert in Heaven - a hi-tech angel gets his wings" a delightful children's book with a Christmas theme but with a timely and ageless message for all of us.
My latest children's book, "The Prince Who Was A Piccolo" is a metaphorical tale about an unhappy Prince who seeks his own musical identity to save the kingdom from disaster.
Since childhood, I've been torn between two worlds: writing and singing. It's difficult to serve "two masters," as they say, but I was compelled to do so. When I was not singing, I was writing; when I was not writing, I was singing.
I've learned, for me, that one creative expression nurtures the other. Much of my writing has a musical theme somewhere in the plot, or is the plot. Whether it's in my non-fiction writing about the power of music itself, in picture books and stories and, of course, in writing music and lyrics for songs.
It is natural, therefore, that my trilogy of adventures for young readers, "The Moon Singer" series has its roots in musical theories and metaphors,entwined with the magic and mystery of metaphysical concepts and matters of ethics, faith, compassion, love, and heroism.
Most of all, I hope my books inspire readers to know that, whatever their circumstances in life - just as my young "hero" David Nickerson learns - their greatest challenges are opportunities for growth and strength, and that their "disability" can be their greatest gift.
In my long life (won't tell you how long!), my path has gone every which way but straight to my goals, but I believe that my time for dream and soul fulfillment is NOW. Perhaps my books will inspire that belief in you as well.
@BMoonSinger1
follow me on Facebook
Read about my books at Next Chapter Publishing:
https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/b...
I hope you will enjoy my latest book: "The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning" (Moon Singer Series Book 4) a multi-generational saga about women blazing their way in a male-dominated world to define their own role in society.
For Christmas-themed books that inspire all year long, please look for my two children's books, (under the name Barbara Roman) available in print, e-book and audio book editions:
"Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13." Beautiful illustrations by Vladimir Cebu. A wonderful story of friendship and achieving your star potential through the magic of believing.
"Hubert in Heaven - a hi-tech angel gets his wings" a delightful children's book with a Christmas theme but with a timely and ageless message for all of us.
My latest children's book, "The Prince Who Was A Piccolo" is a metaphorical tale about an unhappy Prince who seeks his own musical identity to save the kingdom from disaster.
Since childhood, I've been torn between two worlds: writing and singing. It's difficult to serve "two masters," as they say, but I was compelled to do so. When I was not singing, I was writing; when I was not writing, I was singing.
I've learned, for me, that one creative expression nurtures the other. Much of my writing has a musical theme somewhere in the plot, or is the plot. Whether it's in my non-fiction writing about the power of music itself, in picture books and stories and, of course, in writing music and lyrics for songs.
It is natural, therefore, that my trilogy of adventures for young readers, "The Moon Singer" series has its roots in musical theories and metaphors,entwined with the magic and mystery of metaphysical concepts and matters of ethics, faith, compassion, love, and heroism.
Most of all, I hope my books inspire readers to know that, whatever their circumstances in life - just as my young "hero" David Nickerson learns - their greatest challenges are opportunities for growth and strength, and that their "disability" can be their greatest gift.
In my long life (won't tell you how long!), my path has gone every which way but straight to my goals, but I believe that my time for dream and soul fulfillment is NOW. Perhaps my books will inspire that belief in you as well.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 12, 2020
Before the Boy is a prequel novella to the Moon Singer Trilogy and was written by Barbara Roman in 2018. I've read another book (a children's story) by the author but wanted to expand my exposure to another genre. This one combines young adult, contemporary family drama, and fantasy/science-fiction together to tell the story of a mother about to lose her family. I usually read books from a series in order, but when you have a prequel, what's proper etiquette? Often, it comes out after some of the series has already been published, like this one. Having little to no knowledge of the story in the trilogy, I found myself wondering a lot about this tale, specifically if the order you read would change your opinion of the books themselves...
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and it left me intrigued to read the rest of the series. Billie Nickerson knows she is about to die. Her husband and two children do not. Their car stops at a highway exit/entrance ramp, and a semi plows into them. Billie accepts her death because she knows it's necessary for her son to succeed and reach a mysterious goal. He's some sort of prodigy, or will be, after the accident. How can she say goodbye? It's not easy, and when she enters the after life, she begs to be sent back to be with her family. The emotions in this story are what grab you the most, leaving you saddened and excited about the opportunities all in the same moment.
The prequel sets up a lot. The son develops hearing issues as a result of the accident. The daughter is paralyzed. The father is a mess, rightfully so. The father's sister steps in, but she's older and not quite used to the family dynamics. What will happen to these seemingly kind and friendly people? How will Billie survive in between worlds, or will she get her wish to be sent back? Part of her journey occurs in this prequel, and we see a bit of reincarnation and layers to who she is. But in the end, we are left with nothing less than a splendid surprise and promising story. The writing is strong, the tone/style are easy-to-read and comforting. I look forward to reading the rest of the series, as it seems like it will be one to tug at your heartstrings and force you to look at how you live your own life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and it left me intrigued to read the rest of the series. Billie Nickerson knows she is about to die. Her husband and two children do not. Their car stops at a highway exit/entrance ramp, and a semi plows into them. Billie accepts her death because she knows it's necessary for her son to succeed and reach a mysterious goal. He's some sort of prodigy, or will be, after the accident. How can she say goodbye? It's not easy, and when she enters the after life, she begs to be sent back to be with her family. The emotions in this story are what grab you the most, leaving you saddened and excited about the opportunities all in the same moment.
The prequel sets up a lot. The son develops hearing issues as a result of the accident. The daughter is paralyzed. The father is a mess, rightfully so. The father's sister steps in, but she's older and not quite used to the family dynamics. What will happen to these seemingly kind and friendly people? How will Billie survive in between worlds, or will she get her wish to be sent back? Part of her journey occurs in this prequel, and we see a bit of reincarnation and layers to who she is. But in the end, we are left with nothing less than a splendid surprise and promising story. The writing is strong, the tone/style are easy-to-read and comforting. I look forward to reading the rest of the series, as it seems like it will be one to tug at your heartstrings and force you to look at how you live your own life.
April 20, 2019
Before the Boy by B. Roman 5 stars
A well written fantasy involving a family which has different beliefs and where life's ups and downs take their toll on their relationships. Choices are made and the journey begins with several twists and turns.A different type of story involving a fanciful life after death.
A well written fantasy involving a family which has different beliefs and where life's ups and downs take their toll on their relationships. Choices are made and the journey begins with several twists and turns.A different type of story involving a fanciful life after death.
April 8, 2018
‘She has lived 100 lifetimes that she cannot remember and will live 100 more before she has paid her Karmic debts.’
Author B. Roman shares that ‘since childhood, I've been torn between two worlds: writing and singing. Now I do both. (While still working a day job!).’ Roman’s gift for expression of her beliefs she wishes to impart to a young adult audience stem for this combination of music and pen. Her singing is evident in her writing and her philosophy is the bride of both gifts – allowing music to assume flight when words fail. She informs us that THE MOON SINGER Trilogy has its roots in musical theories and metaphors, entwined with the magic and mystery of metaphysical concepts and matters of ethics, faith, compassion, love, and heroism. Now she offers her readers a Prequel to her trilogy – BEFORE THE BOY.
Though to fully appreciate the concepts of THE WIND ROSE it is important to read the earlier portions of the story. But for the readers sake, those previous books can be quickly condensed as follows: in book 1’ Deaf teen David Nickerson’s life is in crisis. His mother has died in a car crash and his sister Sally, now confined to a wheelchair, has mysteriously disappeared. Desperate to find her, David experiments with sacred crystals and accidentally conjures the supernatural ship, Moon Singer, which transports him through time and space on a fantastic, dangerous journey. The people David encounters all have a connection to him, their lives destined to intertwine. Strangely, in this other world, David finds he can hear for the first time in years. This gift foretells his destiny: to explore the contrast between good and evil and to save a life that means more to him than his own’. And in book 2 – ‘The unwitting hero and captain of the mystical sailing ship, Moon Singer, has yet to learn that his deafness is his greatest gift. This "disability", along with his possession of three sacred artifacts: The Singer Crystal, The Rose Crystal and The Wind Rose Compass, bestow David the power to save the lives of everyone he loves. Yet he feels that all the miracles he brought home on the Moon Singer have dissipated. He's just as deaf as before, his sister's paralysis has returned, and his anguish over his mother's death is stronger than ever. At his mother’s gravesite, David unleashes the power of his crystals and is transported to Coronadus, where he encounters a revered woman who wields the power of life and death and helps David understand his karmic mission. When a cataclysmic event occurs, David discovers that the past, present and future know no boundaries in the unending circle of life, and that he must follow his destiny, wherever it may lead.
In book 3: ‘The prophecy of the Moon Singer is realized. But it all revolves around the answer to one question: Can music actually create and destroy life? If David, whose deafness still eludes treatment, cannot hear it, will he be able to tap into music's power to save the planet from catastrophe? Only if he is able to reunite the three sacred artifacts: the Singer crystal, the Rose Crystal pendant, and the Wind Rose compass. Their Triune energy is all that David needs to re-harmonize the destructive discordant music created by a vengeful music master. The mystical clipper ship Moon Singer is David's transport to the Source of his paranormal abilities, but only through his complete understanding of the Power of Three to Become One will he manifest his destiny and once again save a life that means more to him than his own. That understanding will come to him when he deciphers the cryptic musical codes that have been created for evil purposes. In unraveling these codes David will come to know his own soul's song, the one that allows his disability to become his greatest gift.’
And now the Prequel answers some questions raised in the trilogy, or as the author states, ‘a chilling prequel to the inspiring series, a paranormal delight as the main character tries to escape the afterlife after she learns that she died too soon!’ And in her inimitable style she outlines the plot – ‘Even in death, a mother guides her son through triumph and tragedy to his true destiny. Billie Nickerson must accept her own mortality as the only way her son will receive the intuitive gifts he was born to inherit, to save her family - and perhaps the world - from a disastrous fate. But learning that she has died too soon creates a Karmic crisis, as Billie tries to escape the afterlife and return to her loved ones. We learn the uncanny circumstances that that made Billie's son, David, become a seeker of spiritual truth. As his teacher and mentor, she gave him the courage to overcome his unexpected deafness, to excel at music - and to hear the voice within that speaks from his soul.
While Billie’s life is fraught with danger and dark spirits, the story is an illustration of a mother’s love and devotion that transcends the boundaries of the here and the hereafter.’
Symphonic in structure and in mastery of themes and variations, B. Roman has created a tale for young adults that is not only an uplifting tale but also one with philosophical grounds that should encourage all readers to view life anew.
Author B. Roman shares that ‘since childhood, I've been torn between two worlds: writing and singing. Now I do both. (While still working a day job!).’ Roman’s gift for expression of her beliefs she wishes to impart to a young adult audience stem for this combination of music and pen. Her singing is evident in her writing and her philosophy is the bride of both gifts – allowing music to assume flight when words fail. She informs us that THE MOON SINGER Trilogy has its roots in musical theories and metaphors, entwined with the magic and mystery of metaphysical concepts and matters of ethics, faith, compassion, love, and heroism. Now she offers her readers a Prequel to her trilogy – BEFORE THE BOY.
Though to fully appreciate the concepts of THE WIND ROSE it is important to read the earlier portions of the story. But for the readers sake, those previous books can be quickly condensed as follows: in book 1’ Deaf teen David Nickerson’s life is in crisis. His mother has died in a car crash and his sister Sally, now confined to a wheelchair, has mysteriously disappeared. Desperate to find her, David experiments with sacred crystals and accidentally conjures the supernatural ship, Moon Singer, which transports him through time and space on a fantastic, dangerous journey. The people David encounters all have a connection to him, their lives destined to intertwine. Strangely, in this other world, David finds he can hear for the first time in years. This gift foretells his destiny: to explore the contrast between good and evil and to save a life that means more to him than his own’. And in book 2 – ‘The unwitting hero and captain of the mystical sailing ship, Moon Singer, has yet to learn that his deafness is his greatest gift. This "disability", along with his possession of three sacred artifacts: The Singer Crystal, The Rose Crystal and The Wind Rose Compass, bestow David the power to save the lives of everyone he loves. Yet he feels that all the miracles he brought home on the Moon Singer have dissipated. He's just as deaf as before, his sister's paralysis has returned, and his anguish over his mother's death is stronger than ever. At his mother’s gravesite, David unleashes the power of his crystals and is transported to Coronadus, where he encounters a revered woman who wields the power of life and death and helps David understand his karmic mission. When a cataclysmic event occurs, David discovers that the past, present and future know no boundaries in the unending circle of life, and that he must follow his destiny, wherever it may lead.
In book 3: ‘The prophecy of the Moon Singer is realized. But it all revolves around the answer to one question: Can music actually create and destroy life? If David, whose deafness still eludes treatment, cannot hear it, will he be able to tap into music's power to save the planet from catastrophe? Only if he is able to reunite the three sacred artifacts: the Singer crystal, the Rose Crystal pendant, and the Wind Rose compass. Their Triune energy is all that David needs to re-harmonize the destructive discordant music created by a vengeful music master. The mystical clipper ship Moon Singer is David's transport to the Source of his paranormal abilities, but only through his complete understanding of the Power of Three to Become One will he manifest his destiny and once again save a life that means more to him than his own. That understanding will come to him when he deciphers the cryptic musical codes that have been created for evil purposes. In unraveling these codes David will come to know his own soul's song, the one that allows his disability to become his greatest gift.’
And now the Prequel answers some questions raised in the trilogy, or as the author states, ‘a chilling prequel to the inspiring series, a paranormal delight as the main character tries to escape the afterlife after she learns that she died too soon!’ And in her inimitable style she outlines the plot – ‘Even in death, a mother guides her son through triumph and tragedy to his true destiny. Billie Nickerson must accept her own mortality as the only way her son will receive the intuitive gifts he was born to inherit, to save her family - and perhaps the world - from a disastrous fate. But learning that she has died too soon creates a Karmic crisis, as Billie tries to escape the afterlife and return to her loved ones. We learn the uncanny circumstances that that made Billie's son, David, become a seeker of spiritual truth. As his teacher and mentor, she gave him the courage to overcome his unexpected deafness, to excel at music - and to hear the voice within that speaks from his soul.
While Billie’s life is fraught with danger and dark spirits, the story is an illustration of a mother’s love and devotion that transcends the boundaries of the here and the hereafter.’
Symphonic in structure and in mastery of themes and variations, B. Roman has created a tale for young adults that is not only an uplifting tale but also one with philosophical grounds that should encourage all readers to view life anew.
April 13, 2018
So nice to see this lovely 5 star review by Kage 3 on Amazon:
A thoroughly entertaining story that is also spiritually uplifting.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Roman's Moon Singer trilogy and this prequel to the series is equally enjoyable. The book gives us an insight to David and Sally's parents taking us through their chance meeting at a peace rally and their unlikely romance leading up to their marriage. When we first meet Isaac and Billie, he is a naval officer and she is a young student and peace activist. As they say, opposites attract and soon Billie and Isaac are soon involved in a whirlwind courtship. At first Billie is reluctant to fall in love with Isaac since she feels that his career is at odds with her beliefs. She eventually succumbs to his charms and they marry. The story continues with the birth of their two children and then the tragedies which befall the family. The books explains Billie's experiences with spirituality and mysticism and how she overcomes the hardships that life and death lay upon her. In that regard, this books provides valuable lessons to young and old alike in dealing with the challenges of life. I highly recommend this book for young people as well as adults.
A thoroughly entertaining story that is also spiritually uplifting.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Roman's Moon Singer trilogy and this prequel to the series is equally enjoyable. The book gives us an insight to David and Sally's parents taking us through their chance meeting at a peace rally and their unlikely romance leading up to their marriage. When we first meet Isaac and Billie, he is a naval officer and she is a young student and peace activist. As they say, opposites attract and soon Billie and Isaac are soon involved in a whirlwind courtship. At first Billie is reluctant to fall in love with Isaac since she feels that his career is at odds with her beliefs. She eventually succumbs to his charms and they marry. The story continues with the birth of their two children and then the tragedies which befall the family. The books explains Billie's experiences with spirituality and mysticism and how she overcomes the hardships that life and death lay upon her. In that regard, this books provides valuable lessons to young and old alike in dealing with the challenges of life. I highly recommend this book for young people as well as adults.
October 28, 2018
All of the Moon Singer books are heart touching reads. The author has written a beautiful story in this prequel to the series. Readers don't have to read the books in order to grasp the wonder of the story which is a fantasy joined with the harsh realities of life. The Nickerson family has seen their shares of heartache and wonders. The story of their journey crosses worlds and brings a sense of strength and comfort to readers. David Nickerson is a young adult that is deaf and is an inspiration to both children and adults as they follow his fantasy adventure.
March 15, 2020
A View from the Other Side
This story is the prequel to the author’s Moon Singer Trilogy. The author exhibits an interest and understanding of metaphysics. She combines lots of that knowledge as she conjures her interesting fiction. The scenes from the afterlife are reminiscent of some of those from The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold.
As David and Sally come to understand the loss of their mother, the author soothes us with her knowledge of music and the arts, well-established in the character of David. Character personalities and emotions are well-developed, as are the fantasy aspects that run through the whole story. This is not a simple tale, however. Though it is a prequel, it is also a stand-alone story; one that offers excitement and directing us to the Moon Singer Trilogy which sprouts from this beginning.
The few major characters are well-established in their places and I’m sure that’s from where they will perform in the trilogy. Billie Nickerson learns she has much karmic debt to work through. How will Billie affect the lives of her children from “the other side” and work toward paying off those karmic debts? That is surely the promise of the stories in the Moon Singer Trilogy.
This story is the prequel to the author’s Moon Singer Trilogy. The author exhibits an interest and understanding of metaphysics. She combines lots of that knowledge as she conjures her interesting fiction. The scenes from the afterlife are reminiscent of some of those from The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold.
As David and Sally come to understand the loss of their mother, the author soothes us with her knowledge of music and the arts, well-established in the character of David. Character personalities and emotions are well-developed, as are the fantasy aspects that run through the whole story. This is not a simple tale, however. Though it is a prequel, it is also a stand-alone story; one that offers excitement and directing us to the Moon Singer Trilogy which sprouts from this beginning.
The few major characters are well-established in their places and I’m sure that’s from where they will perform in the trilogy. Billie Nickerson learns she has much karmic debt to work through. How will Billie affect the lives of her children from “the other side” and work toward paying off those karmic debts? That is surely the promise of the stories in the Moon Singer Trilogy.
October 11, 2018
A glimpse into the hereafter
This prequel to the Moon Singer Trilogy answers many questions about the tragedy behind the story. If you believe in an afterlife or even if you don't, this glimpse into the hereafter will intrigue. Billy's life was cut short and she is determined to get back to Earth and help her talented son. It's a poignant tale with a light at the end of the tunnel.
This prequel to the Moon Singer Trilogy answers many questions about the tragedy behind the story. If you believe in an afterlife or even if you don't, this glimpse into the hereafter will intrigue. Billy's life was cut short and she is determined to get back to Earth and help her talented son. It's a poignant tale with a light at the end of the tunnel.
April 13, 2020
Billie Nickerson hadn't been ready to die, but what parent is? This was different though, it hadn't been her time, she hadn't yet fulfilled the duty to her son and passed on all he would need to know, all that would make him the hero the future yearned for. A simple mistake ensured the karmic balance, and the very path of the future was turned askew, she died when she should have lived. And now, with no way to bridge the realms between them she must do all she can to ensure that David's future becomes that he was destined for.
B. Roman's Before the Boy is a supernatural tale of a mother's love and is the prequel to their Moon Singer trilogy. The book focuses on Billie, the difficulties she has to overcome to not only find love but ensure the future of those she eventually left behind. It was entertaining to watch Billie both in life and death as she fixates on what will and must be, and bearing witness to her metamorphosis really helped to develop her character. Love, trials, and challenges will keep a reader entertained and also creates an air of curiosity about the events that will follow.
B. Roman's Before the Boy is a supernatural tale of a mother's love and is the prequel to their Moon Singer trilogy. The book focuses on Billie, the difficulties she has to overcome to not only find love but ensure the future of those she eventually left behind. It was entertaining to watch Billie both in life and death as she fixates on what will and must be, and bearing witness to her metamorphosis really helped to develop her character. Love, trials, and challenges will keep a reader entertained and also creates an air of curiosity about the events that will follow.
April 25, 2021
As stated in the title, this book is a prequel to The Moon Singer Series but can easily be read as a standalone novella.
The story begins with a horrendous car crash in which Blanche dies. Then it shifts to the story of Billie who is attracted to Isaac Nickerson. The two are opposites, but Isaac, the military man, and Billie, the pacifist wind up becoming man and wife. They will become the parents of David and Sally. A psychic forewarns Billie about the dangers and trials that her talented son will face before performing an extraordinary role in society. Billie is simultaneously intrigued and haunted by her destiny.
Characters are well-developed and intriguing. While I heartily recommend reading the whole series, this prequel is a satisfying well-written read.
The story begins with a horrendous car crash in which Blanche dies. Then it shifts to the story of Billie who is attracted to Isaac Nickerson. The two are opposites, but Isaac, the military man, and Billie, the pacifist wind up becoming man and wife. They will become the parents of David and Sally. A psychic forewarns Billie about the dangers and trials that her talented son will face before performing an extraordinary role in society. Billie is simultaneously intrigued and haunted by her destiny.
Characters are well-developed and intriguing. While I heartily recommend reading the whole series, this prequel is a satisfying well-written read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews