Chasing your Tale

by Peter J. Wacks

A story of a cat, his girl, and her book, Chasing Your Tale is a standalone novelette in the Arcane America world. Join fifteen-year-old Sally Franklin and the appropriately judgmental cat Mouser Franklin as they pursue magical adventure in Colonial Philadelphia. Sally is bored with the possibilities of life she sees forming ahead of her and longs for bigger and better. The discovery of a mysterious book in her father’s laboratory opens the door to adventure. But is she pursuing adventure, or is adventure pursuing her? An entry in the Benjamin Franklin, Wizard for Hire storyline, the first chapter of Caller of Lightning is included in this edition.

100 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2020

Reviews

[Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a well written short story, I think it was just too short for me to truly enjoy. The story lacked a real resolution or realization and the end left me with even more questions than before. It would be okay if some things were left hanging, but it felt like the story ends with us knowing just as much as at the beginning. When the main driver of the story is this mystery about Sally's father this ends up being unsatisfying, at least for me.

The author does create a strong sense of place and distinct characters very well, especially given the short length. I would be interested in reading a longer form book from him at some point.

I received an advanced review copy from the publisher

[Ernest Gygax · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Peter to be an excellent background imagery creator. The story is a very cute one about the daughter of Benjamin Franklin in a probably parallel universe where the rules don't work the same. This of course goes along a bit with the conspiracy theories about the original four founders of our country mostly being members of the Masonic Lodge and or members of The Illuminati. The author gets a little bit lost in the setting more than getting to the point of Sally Franklin's experience and that's why I didn't give it a five-star rating. I would like to read more stories of this world hopefully with a little more action.

Ernie Gygax

[Paul Markham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story "Sally Franklin" is a little confusing at first glance for an older reader, however, a teen or pre-teen girl, especially one interested in historical fiction, will probably take to it right off. It deals with a young girl's first step towards adulthood. It's not just a one read story. Even older readers can enjoy the story. Twists in the plot keep your interest, but it isn't overly convoluted. Reading it a second time is almost as enjoyable as a first read. I gave it a 4.

[Erich Shanholtzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting story of a cat and his human in the colony of Pennsylvania more than a decade from the troubles which would follow.
OK, sorry. That sounds like a publishers blurb. This story is about Sally Franklin and her cat avoiding work while her famous Father, Benjamin, is away.
In this alternate history Halleys Comet created Magic in the world and Benjamin and his daughter are practitioners. Sally falls afoul of two different factions battling each other about the dangers of Magic being loose in the world. There is also a lesson to be learned about respect for your parents, even if you might be smarter or more educated that=n you. And, your mother loves you even if you have been a stinker.