Atlantis series (YA)
This soon to be Greek mythology trilogy first came to be after I graduated with my masters degree. I've always enjoyed myths, and after taking an undergraduate class in classic mythology which centered around Greek myths, I knew that one day I wanted to tackle this topic in my own way. While centered and written for young adults, anyone who enjoys reading about mythology will like kicking back and reading new adventures of favorite Greek gods and heroes, including Zeus, Athena, Heracles, Ares, Artemis, and more.
Before Ancient Greece and the myth of twelve Olympic Gods,
there was Atlantis...and her real kings and queens.
Atlantis
Book 1
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For all his twenty-four years, Heracles wanted nothing more than to work on his family's farm in the coastal village of Thebes. When a late night attack threatens to destroy everything he knows, Heracles must seek help the only place he knows ? Mount Olympus.
Athena, daughter of the king, has been educated and trained for one specific job over the last 158 years - a job no one thinks will ever be needed until a young man stumbles upon her, asking for help.
Together, Athena and Heracles must race against impossible odds and journey to Mount Olympus to prevent a war that's brewing - a war that could bring death and destruction to all. Athena vows to help Heracles defend Thebes and the citizens of Atlantis from the invading Titans ? no matter what the cost.
Burning of Atlantis
Atlantis: Book 2
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After his village was attacked by foreign invaders, Heracles sought help directly from the militia's general, Athena. Eldest daughter of the King of Atlantis, Athena has vowed to serve and protect all, even if it means going against her father.
Having informed the Olympic High Counsel of the pending danger from their greatest enemy, Athena goes missing and it's up to Heracles to find her. With the twins Artemis and Apollo by his side, Heracles braves the treacherous campsite of the Titans in order to rescue her.
Meanwhile, Athena, together with Ares, must be careful as they search for the truth while being interrogated by the leader of the mysterious Titans. The more she pushes, the more Athena discovers the darkness driving her father's past to resurface. But will she survive as the fire burns closer?
Passion. Defiance. Honor.
Discover the truth behind the legend.
Children's Character Structure Series
Responsibility, Sportsmanship, Kindness, Honesty.
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Just a few character building traits that I believe parents should teach their children as they grow into adulthood. Way back in college I was inspired by a poster in a family friend’s classroom to write a series for young children that would give provide a real life example for children to learn the ‘good’ from the ‘bad’. In this series, both the child and parent discuss the definition of the trait and why that trait is of important value in the child's daily life. And in keeping with the child-parent relationship, these books are illustrated by my talented mother, Michelle Dalke. While only Rene Learns Responsibility is currently published, I have several others in development.
Rene Learns Responsibility
Rene didn't understand why her mom made her make the bed every morning when she was going to unmake it every night when she went to sleep. Rene didn't understand why her mom made her pick up her toys. And why did Rene have to keep her room clean?
Future Titles in the works:
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SAMMY LEARNS SPORTSMANSHIP
Sammy attends his big sister's basketball game with his mom and dad. After one player shoves his sister to the floor, Sammy watches as another player from the other team helps his sister back on her feet. Not sure why she would do this, Sammy learns from his dad why this player showed good sportsmanship and what it means.
HEATHER AND HOLLY LEARN HONESTY
Heather and Holly are playing in the house when they hear a loud crash! Finding that they've broken their mother's favorite flower vase, the girls quickly put together a plan to fix it before their mother finds out. Or will she? The girls learn a valuable lesson in honesty in this short book.
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KELLY LEARNS KINDNESS
Kelly is outside playing when a new family begins to move into the empty house next door. Kelly goes inside to find his mom baking cookies for the family. She tells him it is an act of kindness, but what exactly does this mean?
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In development: Polly Learns Patience, Oliver and Ox Learn Obedience