Knuckleheads by Dan Antion, Dreamer’s Alliance Book 1, is a 5 Stars read and I do say it with gusto. Although I knew the book had great reviews, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I mostly enjoy historical fiction, paranormal and urban fiction are not my usual read. But I loved it and stayed up way past my bedtime reading it. See why.
Amazon tells us about Knuckleheads by Dan Antion that “Zachary Amstead and William Ignatius Terrance have been friends since elementary school… Zach has lucid dreams, and he has the ability to participate within those dreams… Billy has always been a seer. He has visions of the future. Not a general world view, only the future around him. Like Zach, his capability grew as he became older.”
The story is told by Zach, shortly after his retirement, to his adult daughter Abbie. Zach is supposed to meet his childhood friend Billy soon, so he decides to finally confess and share with his daughter the secret of his and Billy’s special paranormal powers…
Told during the span of a morning of their life (copious amounts of coffee are involved so you have been warned), Knuckleheads is a heartwarming and, in places, humorous portrayal of small-town life and the bonds that bring people together.
But it is also a tale of perseverance, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Throughout the story, as they grow up (in the nineteen sixties and mid-nineteen seventies America), Zach and Billy face numerous challenges and obstacles as back then there was no room for children with special needs or abilities/ Nevertheless, their strong bond and determination helps them overcome all adversity.
As well as something else. Someone else – and, as a parent and a daughter this aspect got me hooked.
Zack’s dad, although not fully understanding how the boys’ special abilities work, stepped in showing a great deal of support.
Knuckleheads is a story about love, friendship, community, and the power of coming together to achieve a common goal.
Dan Antion created a refreshing plot and relatable characters, especially Zach’s dad, but I also enjoyed the open relationship that Zach, later a father himself, has with his daughter. The characters exchange witty dialogue, and the storytelling is engaging.
Knowing that Dan Antion has a past in IT, I enjoyed to delve into the very beginning of computer programming. If you have a closer look at the book cover you might like to know that on it are the silhouettes of Dan and his daughter, so I couldn’t help asking myself how much of Zach is the author…
Although set half a century in the past, as a parent I found the story of Knuckleheads relevant to today’s society that still uses labels. Dan Antion touched, in a subtle way, on how communities can influence its youth, in a positive and a negative way, and on the crushing effects of bullying and the marginalization of those (children) who are standing out.
Overall, Knuckleheads is a charming and enjoyable read for those who like stories about the ups and downs of everyday life. If you are fond of bowling, you will most definitely enjoy this read even more (due to my upbringing I am not a fan, but I learned a great deal!).
If you are curious about Knuckleheads and Dan Antion you might enjoy listening to this chat about the book and a reading by the author or discover Dan’s engaging blog.
Thank you so very much for this wonderful review, Patricia. I am so glad you enjoyed and understood this book. It is sad that we haven’t managed to erase the problems kids like Zach and Billy faced. I knew several boys that fell into those categories. Two good friends didn’t live long enough to escape high school. In many ways, this is their story.
As for me and Zach, I drew on my past and that of family and friends in crafting both Zach and Billy and some of the other characters. I only know my childhood so I had to work from that.
Thanks again for reading and posting this review.
A great pleasure, Dan.
Although the childhood you portrayed in Knuckleheads was so different from my childhood during communist Romania, some similarities do exist, such as the value of friendship and the extent of parental affection.
You did a great job with this book!
Thank you!
Hey! What a surprise! I knew Dan Antion’s name from the Thursday Doors challenge, but I had no idea he was a writer, too.
Yes, the very same. Knuckleheads came out last year. Dan wrote two more sequels since, with a fourth coming out soon.
I am grateful to Patricia for spreading the word. Knuckleheads is the backstory to what will be a trilogy. There are two books after Knuckleheads that have been released. The third is scheduled for September.
Thank you for giving our mutual friend such a wonderful review.
Thanks GP!
A great pleasure, I very, very much enjoyed Knuckleheads.
Thank you so much Patricia for this review and book recommendation!
Pat did a great job on this review. I really appreciate it.
With great pleasure. Knuckleheads is a compelling and unique read.
Great review of Dan’s book Pat!
I am glad you enjoyed it, Cindy.
Hugs!
I so did! ❣️Hugs back Pat!
Thanks Cindy, I totally agree. I am honored.