Piker‘s Press has released its first novel, “Kid with the Cape†by Edward Bereta. “Movie rights†have already been optioned by Hollywood producer, Michael C. Edwards, of Premier Attractions.
As comparisons to Harry Potter--a boy wizard--and Stanley Robeski--a boy magician--are bound to arise, a spokesman for Piker‘s Press explains, “Stanley is much more the American and very skeptical of magic, incantations and spells. In fact, he believes the best magic is derived
from higher technology although he is always questing for the “real thing.â€
The timing of this action-adventure paperback couldn‘t be more perfect. It‘s priced right for these hard economic times, a sure bet to find its place on a lot of bookstore shelves and will provide holiday cheer for kids 10 and
over, middle-graders who should read more, YA‘s and “oldies.â€
Storyline: It‘s 1954 and “The Big Red Scare†is in high gear. Stanley, a young magician, discovers a powerful cape that Red saboteurs will kill for. Booklocker.com has the e-book tell-all and spikestuff.com the paperback.
Twelve-year-old Stanley buys an old cape and uses it in his magic act. He becomes a huge hit when his dazzling cape lifts him high above the crowd, mystifying all at the School Spirit Day Show.
Later, Stanley learns how to operate the cape. But before he can test it, Red agents arrive in town to confiscate it, using any means necessary--even murder! How can Stanley escape this Red death squad? Why do they want the cape?
The book also features 16 superb full-page illustrations by Charlotte Tarlitz, enhancing the story greatly, giving it a subtle graphic novel effect.
Michael C. Edwards, Hollywood producer, comments thus: “‘Kid with the Cape‘ will make a great Indy-Jones-type movie, pitting a sweet, typical kid--that any boy or girl can identify with--against some pretty nasty villains.â€
James W. Bennett, author of ten YA novels, states: “‘Kid . . . ´ is a high-octane kids‘action-packed story--a kind of thrill-ride you won´t want to miss.â€