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Dylan
Most everyone in the family calls Dylan "slow." Worse, his abusive mother claims he's wicked. He might not think fast, and it takes him awhile to form the words he wants, but Dylan has magic. He can spin marbles from oyster shells, and whip up Chicken Alfredo by tapping his thumbs together. In fact, he hopes to be a famous chef someday and put his magic to good use. Right now, the only one to appreciate his supernatural abilities is his loving uncle and caretaker, a disabled Vietnam veteran. When Uncle Jim dies, Dylan's Aunt Agnes sells the house the two lived in, and ships Dylan off to an adult boarding home. There Dylan meets an equally gifted but troubled young lady named Liona.
With a rocky beginning, Dylan finally finds a friend in Liona whose mind-reading abilities makes it easier for him to communicate. Just when he settles into his new life a precious gift from his deceased uncle is destroyed. Despondent, and confused, Dylan flees to the beach and the oyster beds where he feels most at home, and where his magical empowerment comes from. His old Vietnamese friend, Tim Lan, offers him a room in his shanty in exchange for his magically-made pearls. Dylan is tormented by the suspect requests of Tim Lan, for the old man takes his pearls to town and they mysteriously disappear. He's muddled by his feelings for Liona for he's never had a girlfriend before. His nightmare ensues when his drug addicted mother, who had once washed her hands of him, returns to exploit his gifts. He's never stood up to her before but the time has come to be his own person, otherwise he risks losing everything he's worked for - his relationship with Liona, with Tim Lan, and any hopes of independence - if he lets her destroy him.
When his guardian dies, Dylan's magic pays his rent. but even falling in love with a witch won't keep his drug-addicted mother from destroying him.
With a rocky beginning, Dylan finally finds a friend in Liona whose mind-reading abilities makes it easier for him to communicate. Just when he settles into his new life a precious gift from his deceased uncle is destroyed. Despondent, and confused, Dylan flees to the beach and the oyster beds where he feels most at home, and where his magical empowerment comes from. His old Vietnamese friend, Tim Lan, offers him a room in his shanty in exchange for his magically-made pearls. Dylan is tormented by the suspect requests of Tim Lan, for the old man takes his pearls to town and they mysteriously disappear. He's muddled by his feelings for Liona for he's never had a girlfriend before. His nightmare ensues when his drug addicted mother, who had once washed her hands of him, returns to exploit his gifts. He's never stood up to her before but the time has come to be his own person, otherwise he risks losing everything he's worked for - his relationship with Liona, with Tim Lan, and any hopes of independence - if he lets her destroy him.
When his guardian dies, Dylan's magic pays his rent. but even falling in love with a witch won't keep his drug-addicted mother from destroying him.
242 pages, Paperback
Published July 4, 2018
About the author
D.L. Gardner
63 books212 followersWith a passion for a good wholesome story, Gardner dives into the adult and young adult fantasy genres. She is both a best selling author and an award winning illustrator who lives in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Dabbling in screenwriting, she's won screenings and a trophy for some of her film projects.
She loves a tale that ignites imaginations, strengthens friendships, spurs courage and applauds honor. Though she targets her stories for young adults, her books are enjoyed by all ages.
D.L. Gardner is a columnist for the science fiction and fantasy publication Amazing Stories Magazine
http://amazingstoriesmag.com/2017/10/...
Librarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Dianne Lynn Gardner.
She loves a tale that ignites imaginations, strengthens friendships, spurs courage and applauds honor. Though she targets her stories for young adults, her books are enjoyed by all ages.
D.L. Gardner is a columnist for the science fiction and fantasy publication Amazing Stories Magazine
http://amazingstoriesmag.com/2017/10/...
Librarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Dianne Lynn Gardner.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 12, 2019
I bought this direct from the author at her Gumroad storefront. The story immediately made me think of my son as he is autistic and my family faces similar worry for him if something were to ever happen to myself, my mother, and my daughter at once. Dylan starts out living with his uncle but after his uncle dies the house he had long been promised was sold out from under him. He must find a new home, and surround himself with people that love him. That is a big challenge even for those of us that appear more normal functioning. It is another that I will have to read with my son. I think it would make a fabulous school reading book.
May 2, 2018
An excellent book! I love Gardner's writing and her ability to take the reader deeply into the character's mind set. This is an amazing story of a young man that was deemed slow when he was a child. The reason isn't given, but the reader can make a good guess based on the treatment he received and his highly sensitive nature.
Dylan has to learn how to get through life and that lesson applies to all of us. It's a story of pain,vengeance, loyalty, and redemption. I'll say again...it's an excellent book.
Dylan has to learn how to get through life and that lesson applies to all of us. It's a story of pain,vengeance, loyalty, and redemption. I'll say again...it's an excellent book.
September 13, 2020
I bought this novel at a book festival. What a sweet story.
After Dylan's Uncle Jim passed away, his "wicked" aunt places him in a small care-home where he makes friends with Liona and meets the other habitats, taking them on outings to the beach. Love for the ocean, the waves, the oysters and clams seeps through the pages. It's a place where Dylan finds peace and makes friendship with an older Vietnamese man, named Tim Lan.
The story has some fun turns and an unexpected outcome. I recommend this to anyone, especially to those with relatives or friends with mental illness or special needs.
After Dylan's Uncle Jim passed away, his "wicked" aunt places him in a small care-home where he makes friends with Liona and meets the other habitats, taking them on outings to the beach. Love for the ocean, the waves, the oysters and clams seeps through the pages. It's a place where Dylan finds peace and makes friendship with an older Vietnamese man, named Tim Lan.
The story has some fun turns and an unexpected outcome. I recommend this to anyone, especially to those with relatives or friends with mental illness or special needs.
April 26, 2018
A child so young having taken abuse from his drunken mother and then the State took him from the home and put Dylan with his Uncle who gave him a much better place to live. Dylan was not handicapped but he was considered slow. When his Uncle died, Dylan was sent to another home. Trying to learn about himself and not having anyone to help is almost more then he can take. This story is heart touching and deserves to be read. Good book!. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
April 27, 2018
A wonderful story about Dylan. To many he appears “slow” or “wicked “. He’s neither, he has Magic. All he wants is to become a famous cook someday and use his magic for good. Enjoyable and eye opening for all.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews