Dylan

by D.L. Gardner

A magical realism literary novel.The adaption written by the author was voted Best Screenplay in both the LA Edge Film Awards and European Cinematography Awards 2019 and came in as a finalist New York Cinematography AwardsThe family calls Dylan "slow" and his abusive mother claims he's wicked. He might not think fast. He takes 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. Dylan hopes to be a famous chef someday and put his magic to good use. Unfortunately the only one to appreciate his supernatural abilities is his loving uncle and caretaker, a disabled Vietnam veteran. When Uncle Jim dies, Dylan is thrust into a world he's not ready for.

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2018

About the author

With 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.

Reviews

[Teresa Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carol L. Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ramcy Diek · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Joanne H · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.