SMOKE AND MIRRORS – Genre: Upper Middle-Grade Fantasy
Serapis is our story’s villain, and he does not want you reading this book! Click on his face to order your copy!
There’s only one possible reason that Stewart’s parents have condemned him to the Devon Boarding School: they’ve gotten bored with him. So what better way to impress them than a spectacular Houdini-style escape from his new ‘prison?’
But Devon’s not making it easy. As if a ruthless headmistress, high-security fences, and roving packs of bullies weren’t enough, the only two people in Devon who might be Stewart’s friends pull him into a dangerous new world of dark secrets, ancient mysteries, and…dragons.
Yes, dragons. And not just your normal fire-breathing kind. These are demon dragons, world-conquering dragons, and if someone doesn’t stop them, their fearsome ruler Serapis will become Earth’s new King of the Hill.
Even Houdini never saved the world from a dragon invasion! Just imagine how impressed Stewart’s parents will be when he pulls this rabbit out of his hat.
Smoke and Mirrors finaled in two categories in the 2024 Realm Makers’ Aurora Contest (Fantasy and Middle-Grade) and won the Middle-Grade category.
SMOKE AND MIRRORS’ Cast of Characters
Serapis – Firstborn of dragons; and future Emperor of the Earth? 
Stewart Fox – He studied at the feet of his stage-magician uncle to be a skilled lockpicker, master of magic, and all-around rogue. So why aren’t his parents interested in him anymore? 
Samantha – She’s petite, quiet and studious. So why is everyone at Devon terrified of her? 
Cenric – The mysterious bronze dragon who may either be a kindly, addled wreck or a brilliant master of space and time far more dangerous than Serapis. 
Maya Linnet – Kindhearted, smart, and athletic, Maya has a secret hidden even to her, and disaster awaits if the wrong people learn it. 
Goldenwing – She’s vain, pampered, and totally ruthless, so you’d better not make her late for her Spa Time. 
Headmistress Morphew – Stern and merciless, she’s the power that rules Devon with an iron hand. Or is she? 
Indigo – This dragon may have a silver tongue, but can he be trusted?
In addition to ‘Smoke and Mirrors,’ I’m also wreaking HAVOK with my alien-themed short story ‘Service with a Smile!’ This appeared on the Daily Havok website on Wednesday, November 12th.
Jeff Maxim 