Blog Archives
A Story Someone Needs to Hear
The Call of the Dreamwalkers follows an ordinary teenager trying to fit in who discovers that she is a “Light Warrior” and must stop a dangerous attack originating from another realm. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came years ago when I was taking my then teenage daughter to school. We were discussing what kind of book she would like to read and I told her the story spontaneously, as if I was downloading it from the ethers. When I went back home, I wrote the story down in a notebook so I wouldn’t forget it and kept it in a drawer. And then, during the pandemic, I realized I couldn’t delay writing this story anymore because there could be a teenager somewhere who really needed to hear it.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight the character’s development?
Ana, the protagonist, is a phobic teenager who has trouble making friends and is terrified of the dark. When her only friend falls into a coma after a strange accident, Ana is desperate to wake her friend up. But in order to do this, she has to build the courage to face her worst fears and become a leader.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes I wanted to address are bullying, mental health, teenage suicide, personal empowerment, and spirituality.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I wrote the book as a stand-alone with the possibility of a sequel. I am developing the second book, so it’s becoming a series, and I expect the second volume to come out by the end of 2025 to early 2026.
Author Links: Instagram | TikTok | GoodReads | X | Website
Every shy ninth-grader has dreams—to fit in, to talk to their crush, maybe even to become popular. For Ana, those dreams are overshadowed by a nightmare when her only friend, Heloise, falls into a coma after a suspicious bus accident. Her world crumbles. School becomes unbearable. Until one fateful night, a strange dream becomes her lifeline.
Meet Arcadion, a mysterious light being who unveils a chilling reality—dark forces known as “Mind Worms” exist, feasting on the vulnerability of young minds, pushing them to unimaginable lengths of destruction. They targeted Heloise, and now they’ve set their eyes on Ana.
But all is not lost—Ana is destined to fight, to become a “Virtue,” a force for good.
Her mission? Save Heloise, save her school, and save herself. To do this, she must enlist her classmates to stand with her as warriors of light and confront their deepest fears.
It’s more than just a fight for survival—it’s a battle for their souls. But will the Virtues have what it takes to face the hideous Mind Worms in their own realm? Or will they be enslaved forever?
A gripping novel that will challenge you, inspire you, and make you question—Do you have what it takes to face your fears and fight for what’s right? Join Ana on her extraordinary journey!
The Call of The Dreamwalkers
The Call of the Dreamwalkers is a vivid and emotional adventure that pulls readers into the life of Anael, an ordinary teenager thrust into extraordinary circumstances. As Anael discovers her role as a “Light Warrior,” the story weaves together elements of friendship, self-discovery, and the battle against dark forces threatening her school and beyond. Alongside her best friend Heloise and other allies, Anael navigates dreams and reality, where forces of good and evil clash, testing her courage and resolve. The narrative’s blend of teenage relatability and mystical undertones makes it an engrossing read.
What struck me first was the authenticity of Anael’s voice. Désiré captures her adolescent worries—from crushes to high school bullies—with remarkable precision. The early chapters brim with realism, like Anael’s awkward yet touching encounter with Angel on the bus, which showcases her insecurity and hope. These moments ground the reader in her world, making the later fantastical elements feel believable. Anael’s evolving friendship with Heloise, especially through the tragedy of Heloise’s accident, adds emotional weight.
The author’s ability to depict vulnerability and resilience is one of the book’s strongest suits. The dreamscapes, however, steal the show. They are nothing short of cinematic. At times, the pacing slows as Anael’s internal monologues and anxieties slow the momentum of the plot. The book’s exploration of moral themes—courage, empathy, and teamwork—is woven seamlessly into the narrative. Anael’s realization of her role as a “Virtue” is both empowering and relatable. The story’s emphasis on overcoming fear and self-doubt feels universally resonant. The exposition surrounding the Mind Worms and the dream mechanics, while intriguing, sometimes made me yearn for moments that leaned more into showing rather than telling.
The Call of the Dreamwalkers is an enchanting tale that balances teenage drama with spiritual and mythical elements. It would resonate most with young adults or anyone who enjoys stories of self-discovery paired with fantastical quests. If you’ve ever felt lost or doubted your own strength, Anael’s journey will remind you of the power of courage and connection.
Pages: 231 | ASIN : B0CKB3BMZB
Choose to Empower Others
When You Called My Name follows a sixteen-year-old boy with autism, depression, and anxiety who is contemplating suicide till he meets a new girl in school who helps him change his perspective. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Three friends of mine inspired this story. They bravely shared stories of what life was like for them as autistic people with depression and anxiety. (One of them is a counselor, and he shared more things from a professional POV.) They also mentioned how men got less attention for the same mental issues compared to women because traditionally, men were not encouraged to show any weakness or emotion. (That unfortunately remains a fact to this day.) That got me thinking. That’s why I wrote When You Called My Name and decided to tackle mental issues from a male perspective. The main character, Logan, was loosely based on my friends, although he does have my insecurity and tendency to overthink. Can’t help it, I always put a little bit of myself into every character I create.
Despite my objective to examine mental illness through a male perspective, female characters—most notably, Andrea—play an important role in the novel, too. Andrea is a perfect example of what a strong, brave character should be like. She doesn’t put down anyone because she’s comfortable with being herself. She doesn’t have to hurt anyone to make herself feel better. Only the best people choose to empower others, and that’s exactly what she does—she empowers Logan and helps him discover the beauty in being himself.
A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
Actually, I didn’t spend a lot of time crafting their character traits. Things just came easily to me. Logan Smith is an insecure main character who has a full character arc and becomes brave and emotionally mature at the end. Andrea Goldstein is a fairy godmother type of character who’s sunshiny and has a gift for making quirky, clever remarks. She ranks high on my list of favorite characters (which is an incredible feat, as I’ve written thirty-two books now and created hundreds of characters!) I don’t think I’ll ever give birth to another character as cool, interesting, and positive as she.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There’s the obvious anti-bullying message, of course, but what lies behind it matters more—compassion, bravery, and finding the strength to grow. The sub-themes in my story are mortality and existentialism. The plot twists in the latter part of the story also serve to remind readers that life is fragile, and we must cherish every minute of it.
What is one thing that you hope teens and young adults take away from When You Called My Name?
Have empathy. Have empathy for anyone of any gender, race, or age. We’ll never know what it’s like to be in the shoes of another person, but having empathy and the ability to imagine ourselves in their position is what makes us human. To you, winning an award may be a tremendous achievement; to someone else, getting through another day is an accomplishment in itself. You never know what other people are going through, so “Judge not,” as the Bible says.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Book Review
When You Called My Name
In When You Called My Name, Hermione Lee presents a poignant exploration of adolescence through the story of sixteen-year-old Logan Smith, who grapples with autism, depression, and anxiety. The narrative begins at a critical moment in Logan’s life, as he faces severe bullying at school that pushes him to the brink of despair. The arrival of a new student, Andrea Goldstein, marks a turning point. Andrea not only stands up to the bullies but also becomes a steadfast ally, helping Logan see his own worth and fostering feelings of self-love and acceptance.
This young adult novel carries a profound message beneath its straightforward narrative. Lee’s writing style strikes a balance, sophisticated enough to engage older readers yet accessible for younger ones, making the book suitable for a broad audience. The characters are crafted with realism and depth: Andrea embodies hope and resilience, while Logan reflects the struggles of anyone who has ever felt marginalized. Lee skillfully addresses themes of bullying, the potential for victims to become perpetrators, and the transformative power of self-acceptance. The plot weaves together issues of mental illness, toxic family dynamics, and the journey toward forgiveness and personal growth, making the narrative both comprehensive and compelling.
When You Called My Name is notable for its focus on male adolescence and the specific challenges of bullying within this context. It offers a fresh perspective on young adult literature. Hermione Lee’s thoughtful and impactful approach provides valuable insights for readers navigating similar challenges.
Pages: 244 | ASIN : B0CZ7GN54K
LITERARY TITAN 