Kindle Edition Amazon Amazon Goodreads Category:  Young Adult/Teen Publisher: Self ISBN-10:  1542914841 Type: Fiction Pages: 220 Copyright: May 31, 2017 ISBN-13: 9781542914840 Price: $8.75 (eBook) "The Search For Synergy" is the first book in The Talisman Series by author Brett Salter. It follows the exploits of two middle-school boys, Rome Lockheed and Julian Rider, as they transition from normal kids into epic warriors fighting for the existence of the Earth realm. Rome is secretly a fire dragon from the Den of Volcana placed under a spell which hides his true form. Julian is an oddball, up-and-coming knight with a case of the "try-hards". Together, they perform an ancient pact which bonds their lives and souls forever. Under the tutelage and guidance of an eccentric, local librarian, Mr. Jones, the two learn of an impending invasion from an archaic evil desperate to invade from the other side of The Void. "The Search For Synergy" is the story of two young men who are brought together by design to help save the world from the evil that lurks in the void. Rome and Julian will have to join their fledgling powers and become a fighting duo as knight and dragon working to fulfill a primordial destiny. This will be especially hard for Rome, who up until now, thought he was merely human. The Talisman series will reveal the clandestine workings of the dragons and their knights who embrace the role of protecting our world from The Tyrant King and his evil minions. Whichever side controls the Talismans and their magic will determine the destiny of the world. The question is, what are these Talismans, and how can they be used for the good of humanity and the dragon dens?         Excerpt Mr. Jones continued. “You see, young Master, most of, but not all of those tales about wizardry and knighthood are very real. At least, they WERE very real in olden times. Especially the tomes that pertain to the kingdom of Britannia and the good king known as King Arthur.” He suddenly stood up very straight. “I am going to tell you something, and I want you to please believe me when I tell you this. You are not what you think you are. You are not the normal person you see when you look in the mirror. You come from a long blood line of great power and tremendous bravery.” Rome cocked his head not knowing what to expect next. He squinted his eyes and glanced at Julian who was fiddling with his die. Mr. Jones stepped back and crossed his arms. “You, young Master, are a dragon!”

My Review of the Search for Synergy
Book Review

The Search for Synergy

By Brett Salter

Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars

The Search for Synergy is the first book in author Brett Salter’s The Talisman Series.

Rome and Julian are nothing alike. Rome is a typical middle-schooler always in trouble… like accidently putting things on fire! Julian, while having a rebellious attitude, comes from a wealthy stuck up family filled with history and heritage. The boys both go to the same school but aren’t friends until Julian introduces Rome to a wise mage who recruits him for training. Rome is hesitant at first, but then discovers he has powers. Amazing powers. He can transform into a dragon! The mage tutors both boys to work as a team. Both have morphing powers, Julian into a knight and Rome into a dragon. They must work together to defeat the vile creatures appearing from the void and threatening their world.

This book was a quick read and wildly entertaining. The series has tremendous potential with one of the main characters being able to transform into a dragon. How cool is that! The book is perfect for middle school readers, but as an adult, it left me wanting more (which is probably a good thing!). Hopefully, my many questions that were left unanswered will be addressed later in the series.

This book’s target audience is middle grade students. I would highly recommend it for avid readers ten years and up, though it might be lacking substance for adults.

Masha Reads
The Search For Synergy by Brett Salter

🅑🅞🅞🅚 🅡🅔🅥🅘🅔🅦

First of all, I don't know why this isn't a major #Bookstagram hype! How's that even possible. I'm amazed by how the book was written, everything about it from start to finish.

Much thanks to Brett Salter for this wonderful arc copy.

It started slowly, a bit of characterization in place. From the first chapter the MC Rome could be understood. Just a regular boy going to a high school in Georgia. But then something keeps bothering him. He becomes restless, and all of a sudden burns his neighbour's yard. With his eyes! Like what?!

A fellow schoolmate Julian has seen it all and over the next few days tries to explain to Rome. Apparently he knows the reason Rome is doing all these crazy things. At last, Rome agrees and they visit a sort of Master who tells Rome that he is a special person and has powers. The most shocking thing is that both he and Julian both have to save the world.

I was so excited to read this. I love the simplicity of all the characters. It was a fun read too, reading about all the monsters and how #theduo fights them. I love both their characters, Rome a normal boy trying to find answers and the hilarious attitude of Julian. He's a real character. The book gave me major Harry Potter-ish vibes probably because it's a fantasy as well. I however think it'll be nice to read about Rome's parents and friends. There isn't a single dialogue with them in it. I just know he has a family but don't get to read them. Unlike Julian's annoying father who was surprisingly everywhere. I don't even understand how that guy also has sorta powers. He doesn't deserve it. Another character I dislike is definitely that teacher. Somethings off about her especially at the end when said emphasized on "realm". She knows something, I'm 💯 sure. I have a feeling there'll be more of her and also that hooded figure whom I think is still her.

Anyway more will be unraveled in the next Installment because YES! There's a book 2! I'm so excited to start reading it.

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It's a novel life
Opinions: Brett Salter, I need to thank you. I need to thank you for producing such an immersive and climactic book. I need to thank you for teaching young readers to persevere, believe in themselves, and trust others amidst conflict that seems impossible to overcome. I also need to apologize. I'm sorry for making readers wait so long to read this review. I'm sorry that I had to reread The Search For Synergy twice over before constructing my impulsive, fangirl-y thoughts into complete sentences. But it was worth it. The Search For Synergy pushes all the boundaries of what young readers know of fantasy, including myself. Every page was stuffed with more dragons and knights and arson than the previous, oh my! I could not tear my eyes away from The Search for Synergy either time I read it this week! The underdogs, the mischief, and even the foreshadowing that I only noticed the second-read-around resonated more with me than any of my other 2021 reads. What can I say? I needed a break from YA cliches and stereotypical character arcs and The Search For Synergy delivered. You will not regret reading this one!


Alternative cover



My Favourite Thing: I cannot get over Salter's world building - it's out of this world! The setting of Georgia in The Search For Synergy and the importance of the magical realm in relation to the plot gave the story depth and complexion. I appreciate that in most books, the setting is "just the location" but in The Search For Synergy, the setting is an integral element to this rich and invigorating!

My Least Favourite Thing: With all intentions of being frank, I did not dislike a single thing about The Search For Energy! This is easily one of my all-time favourite books and I recommend you immediately try this one out!



Brett Salter


Recommended For and Similar Reads: The Search For Synergy is an adventurous fantasy story primarily for older children and teenagers! The truth is, any reader of any age will enjoy this one. Similar reads are The Devil's Apprentice by Kenneth B Andersen, Summoned by Mckayla Eaton, Power and Fury by James Erith, and The Last Airbender by Gene Luen Yang.


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