Description

Kingston and the Echoes of Magic

“Coded messages, characters who know more than they’re saying, doppelgangers, and secret schemes…all come together in a…breathlessly paced tale…should leave readers even more delighted that the stage is set for sequels.” —Booklist

In the climactic conclusion of this duology, Kingston embarks on a perilous journey through time, harnessing his burgeoning magical abilities in a desperate bid to save the world from impending doom. Although he has managed to protect Echo City from immediate threats, the triumph feels hollow without the presence of his father, who remains ensnared in the enigmatic Realm. As the festive season approaches, Kingston’s heart aches with longing; his one true wish is to reunite with his dad, but the shadows of new challenges loom large.

The city, once vibrant, is now shrouded in darkness as mysterious blackouts plague its streets, and Kingston is haunted by an unsettling sense of déjà vu, a nagging reminder that he has experienced this day before—because he has. Echo City, true to its name, finds itself ensnared in a relentless time loop, a cycle that threatens to consume everything he holds dear.

Each day begins with the same flickering lights and the same chilling whispers in the wind as if the very essence of the city is trapped in a haunting refrain. Kingston feels the weight of the loop pressing down on him, a constant reminder that time is both his ally and his enemy. With every repetition, he grows more determined to break free from this cycle, to find a way to rescue his father and restore the city to its former glory.

But as he navigates the familiar streets, he realizes that the answers he seeks may lie hidden in the very fabric of the time loop itself, waiting for him to uncover the truth.

The malevolent Maestro, a formidable adversary and his father’s former rival, has devised a sinister plan to manipulate reality itself, crafting an alternate timeline where he reigns supreme. This new reality poses a grave threat not only to Kingston but to the very fabric of existence as they know it. The Maestro’s dark ambitions are fueled by a desire for power and revenge, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. With the stakes higher than ever, Kingston must rally his friends—Too Tall and V—who bring their unique strengths to the table.

Too Tall, with his towering presence and unmatched strength, provides the muscle needed to confront physical challenges, while V, with her sharp intellect and mastery of technology, offers the strategic insight that could turn the tide in their favor. Together, they must navigate the treacherous path into the Realm, a place filled with uncertainty and danger, where the rules of time and space bend to the Maestro’s will.

—Two loyal companions who have stood by him through thick and thin. Too Tall, with his towering stature and unwavering courage, brings strength and resilience to the group, while V, a brilliant strategist with a knack for technology, offers a sharp mind and innovative solutions to the challenges they face. Together, they form a formidable team, united by their shared determination to thwart the Maestro’s nefarious plans and restore balance to their world.

As Kingston, Too Tall, and V delve deeper into the mysteries of the time loop, they uncover clues that hint at the Maestro’s true intentions. They learn that the Maestro has been manipulating the very essence of time, creating fractures that allow him to bend reality to his will. Each day that Kingston relives feels like a puzzle, with pieces scattered throughout Echo City, waiting to be assembled. The trio embarks on a quest to gather these fragments of time, seeking out hidden locations and forgotten memories that may hold the key to breaking the cycle.

Their journey takes them to the heart of Echo City, where they encounter remnants of the past—echoes of laughter, whispers of lost dreams, and shadows of those who once thrived in the vibrant streets. Kingston feels a deep connection to these memories, each one a reminder of what he stands to lose if the Maestro succeeds. As they navigate the labyrinthine alleys and crumbling buildings, they also confront their fears and insecurities, forging bonds that strengthen their resolve.

However, the Maestro is always one step ahead, using his dark magic to create obstacles that test their friendship and determination. He sends forth twisted manifestations of their worst fears, forcing Kingston and his friends to confront the darkness within themselves. Each encounter leaves them shaken, but it also ignites a fire within them—a fierce desire to fight back against the encroaching shadows.

As the festive season draws nearer, the stakes escalate. Kingston’s longing for his father intensifies, and he becomes increasingly aware that the key to breaking the time loop may lie in the very heart of the Maestro’s alternate timeline. With the clock ticking and the city teetering on the brink of collapse, Kingston must summon every ounce of his magical abilities and courage. He begins to experiment with his powers, pushing the boundaries of what he thought was possible, all while grappling with the fear of failure.

In a climactic showdown, Kingston and his friends confront the Maestro in a battle that transcends time itself. The air crackles with energy as spells are cast and realities collide.

Increasingly aware that time is running out. The holidays, once a time of joy and togetherness, now loom as a painful reminder of his father’s absence. Each day, as Kingston relives the same moments, he feels the weight of his grief pressing down on him, threatening to consume him. Too Tall and V, sensing their friend’s turmoil, rally around him, offering support and encouragement. They remind him that they are in this together and that the bonds they share can help them overcome even the darkest of challenges.

As they continue their quest, the trio discovers that the Maestro’s manipulation of time is not just a means to an end; it is a reflection of his twisted desires. They learn that he seeks to rewrite history, to erase the very essence of what makes Echo City vibrant and alive. This revelation fuels their determination, igniting a sense of urgency within them. They must not only save Kingston’s father but also protect the soul of their city from being lost forever.

Their search leads them to the Echo Archives, a hidden repository of memories and artifacts that hold the key to understanding the Maestro’s power. Here, they encounter a guardian spirit, a wise and ancient being who reveals the truth about the time loop. The spirit explains that the fractures in time can only be mended by confronting the Maestro and reclaiming the lost moments that he has stolen. It is a daunting task, but the trio is undeterred. They realize that the memories they seek are not just fragments of the past; they are the very foundation of their identities and the source of their strength.

With renewed purpose, Kingston, Too Tall, and V set out to gather the scattered pieces of time. They traverse the city, visiting places that hold significance to Kingston’s family and their shared history. Each location they explore brings forth memories that are both bittersweet and empowering. Kingston recalls moments of laughter with his father, the warmth of family gatherings, and the lessons learned through hardship. These memories become their guiding light, illuminating the path forward.

As they piece together the puzzle, they also confront the Maestro’s minions—dark reflections of themselves that embody their fears and doubts. In these encounters, Kingston learns to harness his grief, transforming it into a source of strength. Too Tall faces his insecurities about his size and strength, realizing that true courage comes from within. V confronts her fear of failure, discovering that her intellect is a powerful weapon against the Maestro’s darkness.

Rucker Moses

(Author)

Rucker Moses is the creative alias adopted by the talented duo of Craig S. Phillips and Harold Hayes, Jr., both of whom originate from the vibrant city of Atlanta. Their storytelling journey began at the University of Georgia, where they discovered a shared passion for crafting narratives that captivate audiences.

Their impressive writing skills have earned them three Emmy nominations for their work on a children’s television program, showcasing their ability to engage young viewers with imaginative tales. Additionally, they have contributed to television adaptations of popular books by renowned authors R. L. Stine and Christopher Pike, further solidifying their reputation in the industry.

Beyond traditional storytelling, Rucker Moses has ventured into the realm of virtual reality, creating immersive experiences that transport users to fantastical worlds. They also run a production company called SunnyBoy Entertainment, where they continue to explore innovative ways to tell stories across various media. Their creative interests are diverse, with a particular fondness for themes involving ninjas, magic, outer space, and the eerie allure of abandoned amusement parks.

This eclectic mix of inspirations reflects their imaginative approach to writing, allowing them to weave together elements that resonate with both children and adults alike.

When they are not busy crafting engaging narratives or developing cutting-edge virtual experiences, Craig and Harold cherish the time spent with their families in Los Angeles. This balance between their professional endeavors and personal lives enriches their storytelling.

As they draw from their experiences and relationships to create relatable characters and compelling plots. Their commitment to both their craft and their loved ones is evident in the warmth and creativity that permeates their work, making Rucker Moses a name to watch in the world of storytelling and entertainment.

Theo Gangi- Novelist

Theo Gangi, a talented novelist and dedicated writing instructor, calls Brooklyn his home. With a portfolio that includes several well-received novels and short stories, he has made a significant mark in the literary world. His creative prowess extends to the realm of television, where he has contributed to various productions for Netflix. Gangi’s storytelling often transports readers to extraordinary adventures that unfold in the most familiar of settings, blending the extraordinary with the everyday.

Being the director of the Master of Fine Arts program at St. Francis College, Gangi plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of writers. His passion for teaching is evident in his commitment to nurturing emerging talent and guiding them through the intricacies of crafting compelling narratives. In his personal life, he enjoys a vibrant family life, sharing his days with his wife, their young son, and a beloved dog, creating a warm and inspiring environment that fuels his creativity.

Gangi’s unique ability to weave fantastical elements into relatable scenarios sets his work apart, inviting readers to explore the boundaries of imagination while remaining grounded in reality. His stories resonate with a sense of wonder, encouraging audiences to see the magic that can exist in their neighborhoods. Through his writing and teaching, Theo Gangi continues to inspire both readers and aspiring writers alike, fostering a love for storytelling that transcends the ordinary.