Raydencrafft
M. Alan Yates
ISBN: 9780615149912
Reviewed By Chelsea Perry
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
Young
Preston and Paige Brandymire constantly wonder why they never seem to
fit in. Frequently seen as outcasts and misfits, they struggle through
the tumultuous world of middle school with veritable targets on their
backs. Picked on by classmates and shunned by their peers, the brother
and sister duo never stop to think that their lack of acceptance may
actually be due to supernatural factors beyond their control…
The
children soon, though, become increasingly aware of their true natures,
learning to hone their inherent special powers at their new school, The
Raydencrafft Conservatory For The Mentally Gifted. More comfortable
around their new, more kindred compatriots, Preston and Paige begin to
discover that their real identities have less to do with their earthly
lives and more with the spiritual lineage that has fostered them.
What
they don't know, though, is that a deadly secret threatens their very
lives, the origins of which predate them by hundreds of years. With a
murderous, evil legion of dark mutants targeting them for ultimate
destruction, the Brandymire siblings are soon put to the ultimate test
of will, stamina, and faith – with the fate of the entire world hanging
in the balance.
Book lovers of all ages are sure to enjoy Raydencrafft.
Yates's imagination stands out, both for its creativity and the way
that it enlivens the overall story. This often amusing tale features
compelling characters and a gripping storyline that entertains from
beginning to end. A perfect introduction to the fantasy fiction realm
for curious young adult readers.
Having always dreamed of
creating a world of his own as a place to escape the harsh realities of
life, Yates has done just that with this unique, inviting tome, and his
fans will surely be grateful.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: M. Alan Yates (Raydencrafft)
Apex Reviews: Alan, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.
Your bio notes that you've always dreamed of creating a world of your own, having grown up on a steady diet of comic books and TV heroes. Did that serve as the primary inspiration for Raydencrafft?
M. Alan Yates: Well, for the most part...yes. I've always had a keen interest in Stan Lee's work...his Marvel Universe of characters are almost always flawed by his own design, yet each has the capacity for achieving greatness. I love that. In addition, I've always liked the idea of a big brother protecting his little sister. Because Paige and Preston are alienated from everyone, they each provide support for one another, which is a dynamic I enjoy.
AR: Our reviewer noted just how strongly your imagination shines through in the book, most especially in the lives - and names - of its characters. Who have been some of your writing influences?
MAY: Thomas Harris: for his intensity and attention to detail, Greg Bear: for his ability to paint a wondrous tapestry with words, and lastly, Roald Dahl: for his inner child's endless imagination.
AR: She also noted that young adult readers are sure to enjoy it. What kinds of reactions have you gotten to the book?
MAY: Hmmm, I've been invited to an elementary school to be the 'subject' of a ten year old boy's book report, does that count? I've also received messages of support via my website at www.Raydencrafft.com and received a very nice letter from a 13 year old boy named Adam, who read Raydencrafft in a day.
AR: Is the story really a morality tale, a la the writings of C.S. Lewis?
MAY: Yes...and no. There are strong elements of family and friendship within Raydencrafft. Additionally, doing the right thing while facing your darkest fears is one of the most important points I tried to address while writing Raydencrafft.
AR: Have you gotten many comparisons to J.K. Rowling, Orson Scott Card, or other authors of fantasy young adult fiction? If so, how do you feel about such references?
MAY: Yes, I have. Although I'd like Raydencrafft to stand on its own strengths, I'm flattered to be mentioned amongst such great authors.
AR: Do you personally believe that good and bad forces/spirits influence our everyday lives?
MAY: Unfortunately, there are many instances where good battles evil in our everyday lives, so it wasn't a coincidence that the same is true in the book.
AR: Raydencrafft is your first published novel (congratulations!). How has your publishing experience been thus far?
MAY: Thank you! Throughout this journey, I've rode a kaleidoscopic wave of emotions, but, as a whole, it has been a very positive experience.
AR: Where do you go from here?
MAY: Believe it or not, I've thought about this quite a bit lately. There is a story that remains to be told, whether it will make it to paper is yet to be seen. At present, all my efforts are channeled towards making RAYDENCRAFFT a success. I want to write a sequel very much, but if this journey ends prematurely, then I may have to rethink that.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
MAY: Only that I hope they enjoy Raydencrafft and will share it with others by spreading the word.
AR: Thanks again, Alan, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!