Light Runner

Sixteen-year-old Dara Adengard would rather read graphic novels than do her homework and prefers the freedom of skateboarding to the restrictions of life with her military father. Stung by the recent death of her mother, Dara conceals her mom's picture under a square of grip tape on her skateboard. But no matter how much Dara tries to keep a foothold on the past, she can't ride away from her own destiny.

One evening, she discovers a silver and gold armlet with mysterious powers in the shadowy water of the swimming pool. Forged from an ancient meteorite metal, it possesses the power to heal or wound. When Dara holds it, it emits a light that seems to have been ignited by a star's ray. Moments later, she is stunned to find that someone's broken into her apartment, her father has vanished, and a dead body lies sprawled in the courtyard.

Evading the police, Dara escapes on a perilous quest for her father, begins to uncover her mother's hidden past, and starts to realize the shocking truth about herself. Accompanied by a stray dog, Dara soars to sudden fame on the wings of a YouTube video that shows her using the Jyotisha to heal the handsome Diego of a gunshot wound. When the video goes viral, a famous TV talk show personality connects with her, and Dara is propelled from homeless runaway to worldwide sensation.

About the Author

Philip Brown, YA contemporary fantasy author, is motivated by the power of words to change lives. He teaches high school and is inspired by his students, many of whom struggle to overcome difficult social and personal issues. He believes the classroom is a place filled with brilliant and amazing stories.

Before he began writing fiction, Philip wrote a couple of astrology books. "Cosmic Trends" was published by Llewellyn Worldwide in 2006 and was a finalist for the Coalition of Visionary Resources Award. His widely read AstroFutureTrends blog was turned into the book, "On the Cusp: Astrological Reflections from the Threshold."

Philip grew up with three strong sisters and a lineage of strong women. He learned to appreciate their fortitude and determination. In writing "Light Runner," he wanted to convey his own heritage of their powerful resilience through the character of Dara.

Philip's own daughter helps to keep him sharp and sort of trendy.

He likes to discover new books and watch British cop shows. With his wife, he enjoys frequent rock music concerts-although he's up for any kind of live music.

Philip received his Master of Arts degree in English from California State University Los Angeles and lives in Southern California.