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Dan Antion
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Knuckleheads : Dreamer’s Alliance – Book 1 Kindle Edition

by Dan Antion (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 37 ratings
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Knuckleheads

Zach and Billy didn’t ask for the paranormal powers that were beyond their capacity to understand, or control. Zach, interacting with his lucid dreams, and Billy, “gifted “with shadowy glimpses of the future struggle to make sense of the world around them. Adults in authority in the nineteen sixties have no time for what they consider mental outliers of the baby-boom.

The boys are institutionalized, marginalized, and ignored. Zach’s father learns of the challenges they face as children and knows the dangers they will face as adults. With no way to comprehend how these boys perceive and move within their world, he must find a way to guide them.

If you like speculative fiction with a touch of technology, humanity and a bit of sarcasm shared among men, you will enjoy this book.
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  1. Book 1 of 5
    Dreamer’s Alliance
  2. Print length
    254 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    June 1, 2022
  5. File size
    1.5 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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There are 5 books in this series.
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Bundle price: Kindle price
$6.97
Bundle price: Kindle price
$15.95
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B2M42NLF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amazon; 2nd edition (June 1, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 1, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 254 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 37 ratings

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Dan Antion

Dan Antion

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
37 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story interesting and enjoyable. They describe the characters as engaging, likeable, and authentic. The book is described as detailed and riveting from page one. Readers appreciate the extraordinary abilities and disabilities of the two boys. The relationships between the characters are also highlighted.

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Storytelling qualityEnjoymentCharacter developmentDetailAbilitiesAttention spanRelationshipWriting style
14 customers mention "Storytelling quality"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storytelling quality of the book. They find it an interesting coming-of-age story about two boys growing up in Pittsburgh. The computer workings are well-integrated into the story, and readers appreciate the refreshing portrayal of real parents and teachers. The book is described as a fast-paced, engaging read that holds their attention.

"...While the story has a good ending, it is rather sudden and the reader keeps looking for the next chapter. Which is where The Evil You Choose begins...." Read more

"...This is a character driven book and it was entertaining and fulfilling to watch the two boys, Zach and Billy, adapt to their unusual situations and..." Read more

"An original and moving story of two boys with extraordinary powers, Knuckleheads follows the lives of Zach and Billy from grade school to graduation...." Read more

"...Kept my attention all the way through with a wonderful and innovative story line!..." Read more

9 customers mention "Enjoyment"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find the storyline innovative and enjoyable, with charming and likable characters. The author is excellent at writing in first-person perspective and the book is a solid start to the series.

"...Which is where The Evil You Choose begins. Well done, all around, but I was glad I'd already purchased the second book!..." Read more

"...Kept my attention all the way through with a wonderful and innovative story line!..." Read more

"...However, the reader will have to remember that although this is a terrific read, it is part of a series, and there will be questions unanswered..." Read more

"...The author did a fabulous job of bringing me into this time period with his descriptions and wonderments...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging characters and authentic voice. They appreciate the colorful secondary characters that come and go in Zach's world. The father respects the boys' abilities while helping them learn. The tale is set in a slice-of-life setting with real parents, teachers, and professionals.

"...The author is excellent at first person POV and the characters are charming and likeable...." Read more

"...This is a character driven book and it was entertaining and fulfilling to watch the two boys, Zach and Billy, adapt to their unusual situations and..." Read more

"...There is an assortment of colorful secondary characters that come and go in Zach's world as he moves from one situation to the next...." Read more

"...These characters have unique abilities and well-developed personalities created by Mr. Antion...." Read more

7 customers mention "Detail"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's attention to detail. They find the subject fascinating and covered in appealing detail, including technical details about a bowling alley and computer workings. The author captures the anxieties of youth through an interesting stylistic choice. Readers learn how they navigate various obstacles through childhood, such as jobs at the bowling alley, clueless teachers, and run-ins with knuckleheads.

"...the answers to which move the story along nicely and provide additional details...." Read more

"...If the reader wants a book that is a detailed and entertaining story of the life and times of a couple of engaging characters, this is it...." Read more

"...is told unconventionally, but I thought it was an interesting stylistic choice...." Read more

"...Reno Nevada. I'm amazed at how Antion was able to capture the anxieties of youth and how, when you're in the midst of growing up, time does not..." Read more

4 customers mention "Abilities"4 positive0 negative

Customers like the abilities of the characters. They mention they have extraordinary abilities and enhanced abilities, calling out disabilities and stigmas.

"...at home, and holding down part-time jobs, but they both have extraordinary abilities...." Read more

"An original and moving story of two boys with extraordinary powers, Knuckleheads follows the lives of Zach and Billy from grade school to graduation...." Read more

"...These characters have unique abilities and well-developed personalities created by Mr. Antion...." Read more

"...The enhanced abilities and call out of disabilities and stigmas of the characters and society provided realism of the time period still relatable..." Read more

4 customers mention "Attention span"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's engaging storyline and slice-of-life settings. They find it entertaining and fulfilling to watch the two boys, Zach.

"...This is a character driven book and it was entertaining and fulfilling to watch the two boys, Zach and Billy, adapt to their unusual situations and..." Read more

"...of character voice, and the slice-of-life settings that kept me riveted from page one...." Read more

"...Kept my attention all the way through with a wonderful and innovative story line!..." Read more

"Knuckleheads is a fast moving story that holds your attention and interest. Two friends, Zach & Billy are opposites that have similar super powers...." Read more

3 customers mention "Relationship"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the relationships in the book. They mention a story about life-long friendship and perceived threats society poses. Zach has a strong relationship with his daughter, while Abbie doesn't seem to feel emotionally. There are interesting aspects to the relationships in this story, including loyalty, family ties, and the message of friendship, loyalty, and family ties.

"...Zach has a strong relationship with his daughter and Abbie doesn't seem to feel emotionally deprived by not having a mother figure in her life...." Read more

"...Through it all, there is a strong message of friendship, loyalty, and family ties...." Read more

"...From these raw materials emerges a story about life-long friendship and the perceived threats society feels when confronted with anyone just a..." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing style"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find it easy to read and mention the book is an engaging read.

"...The style of writing of this book is also unusual in that the entire story comprises a series of conversations between the older, retired Zach and..." Read more

"...Not only was it published in an easy to read format for me, it was a great read!..." Read more

"...The writing is engaging, and the plot moves quickly to what I would consider an abrupt ending...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Parsons Family
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightfully intriguing
    Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    It's hard to pin Knuckleheads into one genre. Delightfully nostalgic to keep one chuckling throughout the story, it serves as a great prologue to the second book The Evil You Choose. The author is excellent at first person POV and the characters are charming and likeable. Reading Knuckleheads is a must before reading The Evil You Choose, however. While the story has a good ending, it is rather sudden and the reader keeps looking for the next chapter. Which is where The Evil You Choose begins. Well done, all around, but I was glad I'd already purchased the second book!

    The story follows Zach and his buddy Billy through the pangs and trials of growing up with paranormal abilities in a time when such abilities were labeled deviant or not accepted (unlike today where everyone wants in on the action). Children with such abilities were so misunderstood they tended to fall through the cracks in school or were labelled as "retarded" and put in special schools. While Zach and Billy manage to come through those times with a better sense of self than most kids, there are scars and those scars are part of Antion's intriguing tale of ordinary people dealing with the fallout from extraordinary abilities.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Robbie Cheadle
    4.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining coming of age story with a unique paranormal twist
    Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book is an interesting coming of age story about two boys growing up in Pittsburg. Zach and Billy appear to live ordinary lives going to school, doing chores at home, and holding down part-time jobs, but they both have extraordinary abilities. Zach has vivid dreams about places he has visited and is able, over time and through practice, to participate in his dreams in a very real way. Billy is able to see the future, not in a clear and exact way, but he has strong feelings about what is going to happen to people. Zach is able to hide his ability to a large extent, although he does have a bad interlude at school due to a slip up on his part, but Billy is weighed down by his gift and his odd behaviour earns him the label 'retard' during a time when little slack was cut to students who did not fit the 'average' mould in the school environment.

    Knuckleheads delves deeply into everyday life in an American city and gives insight into relationships and interactions in the church, at school and, as Zach's father owns a bowling alley and part of the story is set there, it also provides an overview of this popular form of entertainment at that point in time. Even the pitfalls of owning a building and the trials and tribulations of difficult customers and the legal system are explored and I found it fascinating.

    The style of writing of this book is also unusual in that the entire story comprises a series of conversations between the older, retired Zach and his daughter, Abbie. Abbie is engaged in the conversation about her father's childhood and unusual gift and asks lots of questions, the answers to which move the story along nicely and provide additional details. There are a few interesting aspects to the relationships in this story. One is that Abbie's deceased mother, Ronnie, Zach's former wife, plays a small role in this novel. Zach has a strong relationship with his daughter and Abbie doesn't seem to feel emotionally deprived by not having a mother figure in her life. My distinct impression was that Zach had filled the hole left by the death of his wife very well. The second, is that Zach's father plays the role of confidant and nurturer to his son as he learns to control his ability. In fact, Zach's father fills this role for Billy too after his mother dies and his grandparents become to old to cope with his perceived strangeness. I thought this was a rather unique take on relationships between fathers and their children.

    This is a character driven book and it was entertaining and fulfilling to watch the two boys, Zach and Billy, adapt to their unusual situations and learn to make the most of life's opportunities. Both of them end up pursuing careers that are well suited to their needs and emotional and intellectual make-ups.

    This is an enjoyable coming of age story with an interesting paranormal twist.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Mae Clair
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful coming of age story
    Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    An original and moving story of two boys with extraordinary powers, Knuckleheads follows the lives of Zach and Billy from grade school to graduation. This is a coming of age story, set in the 1960s with snippets in the present (Zach relays his past to his daughter) with a strong dose of the unusual tossed in.

    I loved the authenticity of character voice, and the slice-of-life settings that kept me riveted from page one. I finished this book in a single day, unable to put it down as I watched Zach's life unfold. From his problems at school, to the wonderful relationship he had with his father, and his time spent working at his dad's bowling alley, scenes flow effortlessly. There is an assortment of colorful secondary characters that come and go in Zach's world as he moves from one situation to the next. Through it all, there is a strong message of friendship, loyalty, and family ties. I loved the look back at things from the sixties I had all but forgotten, and I look forward to more books to come in this promising series. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for review purposes.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Teacher
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I was a voracious reader all my life until an eye ailment took books away from me. After noticing that reading was becoming easier again, my wife gifted me Knuckleheads! Not only was it published in an easy to read format for me, it was a great read! Kept my attention all the way through with a wonderful and innovative story line! She has recently ordered the next two in the series and I'm eager to get into them.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Suzette Benjamin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging story-telling, unique and refreshing plot, pleasurable reading experience!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 18, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I am delighted to rate this book --five stars. I spent a good part of a Saturday enjoying its well-thought-out chapters from cover to cover. Below are the reasons for my five-star rating.

    In Knuckleheads, the first in the series: Dreamer's Alliance, author Dan Antion prepares the reader for the prism through which the light of many other books in this series will gleam. Knuckleheads is a journey through the world of the two boys as they grapple with the challenges of those labels concomitant with their special giftings. Giftings that few around them understand; including the boys themselves.

    The book chronicles the boys' individual struggles from childhood to adulthood with a view to explaining their often rocky friendship. Particular attention was paid to the traumas of the boys' childhood and to those people, places, and events that shaped their trajectory into adulthood.

    The story is told from the beautifully crafted and heartwarming perspective of one of the boys (now an adult) sharing his life story with his daughter over a cup of coffee.
    The trials the two main characters endured I found to be a relatable and often poignant commentary on society's influence on its youth, the devastating effects of bullying, and the marginalization of children whose giftings do not comfortably fit society's crisp labels.

    Knuckleheads was successful in its premise, its storytelling, and its character development. Therefore, I believe that his first book sets the reader up comfortably to consume later offerings in the Dreamers' Alliance series. I look forward to the next book in this series.
    Customer image
    Suzette Benjamin
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Engaging story-telling, unique and refreshing plot, pleasurable reading experience!

    Reviewed in Canada on July 18, 2022
    I am delighted to rate this book --five stars. I spent a good part of a Saturday enjoying its well-thought-out chapters from cover to cover. Below are the reasons for my five-star rating.

    In Knuckleheads, the first in the series: Dreamer's Alliance, author Dan Antion prepares the reader for the prism through which the light of many other books in this series will gleam. Knuckleheads is a journey through the world of the two boys as they grapple with the challenges of those labels concomitant with their special giftings. Giftings that few around them understand; including the boys themselves.

    The book chronicles the boys' individual struggles from childhood to adulthood with a view to explaining their often rocky friendship. Particular attention was paid to the traumas of the boys' childhood and to those people, places, and events that shaped their trajectory into adulthood.

    The story is told from the beautifully crafted and heartwarming perspective of one of the boys (now an adult) sharing his life story with his daughter over a cup of coffee.
    The trials the two main characters endured I found to be a relatable and often poignant commentary on society's influence on its youth, the devastating effects of bullying, and the marginalization of children whose giftings do not comfortably fit society's crisp labels.

    Knuckleheads was successful in its premise, its storytelling, and its character development. Therefore, I believe that his first book sets the reader up comfortably to consume later offerings in the Dreamers' Alliance series. I look forward to the next book in this series.
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  • Darlene Foster
    4.0 out of 5 stars Growing up in the 60s and 70s
    Reviewed in Canada on August 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A story about friendships; a friendship between two young boys, Zach and Billy, both with unique and unexplainable abilities. It is also about family friendships, like the friendship between the main character and his wise and practical father, as well as the friendship between the main character and his daughter which comes out in their dialogue during the telling of the story. The characters are well developed and grow on you as you learn how these two boys manoeuvre growing up in the 60s and 70s, sometimes in difficult situations. I love the father of Zach and his no-nonsense advice. At times I found a bit too much technical detail, but that is just me. I am looking forward to more books with these characters as I'm sure there is much more to their story.
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  • glp
    4.0 out of 5 stars a fun read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting premise, nicely worked through to the hanging conclusion. If you like your supernatural set inside a dose of reality this is for you
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  • P E READ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just one more chapter . . .
    Reviewed in Canada on July 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I love a book that I cannot put down! I started reading Knuckleheads at night and I found I just could not put it down! Before I knew it, it was the wee hours of the morning and I could barely keep my eyes open. Regretfully. First thing the next morning I jumped right back in and I didn’t stop. Zach and Billy are captivating and their story is one that made me wonder: could this really be true?

    The author made me believe. His explanation for what was happening to those two boys made logical sense. Even though it was entirely illogical, or was it? We don’t know what it is that we don’t know and we rarely understand that which we do not know. Make sense? Knuckleheads was an enjoyable mind-boggling read. I’m pretty sure I will venture back there again.
    Report

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