About this project

We're ready to go! The full text of the book is complete. All that's needed is a cover to do the story justice.

"Transhuman #1: Waking the Dreamer" is the story of Tyler, a thirteen-year-old boy who's on a family vacation. He's stuck with his odd but irritating parents and his cool older brother. Tyler meets Eena, a girl who Tyler immediately falls for, but who hides many strange secrets.

After a midnight meeting that doesn't go at all the way Tyler expected, he realizes Eena's secrets are more frightening than he thought - they are dangerous and supernatural, and thanks to Eena, he is involved whether he wants to be or not.

The "Transhuman" series is a science fiction / science fantasy book series for middle grade-ages through young adults (roughly age 10 through late-teens). It should appeal to both boys and girls. 

The main character is a boy trying to find his place in life as a socially awkward teen with a confident older brother. Equally important to the story is Eena, an independent, smart teen girl with a mysterious past that she must uncover. "Waking the Dreamer" is family-friendly - there is no bad language or sex.

Please check the rewards section - if you know children that you think will like the book, I'll publish their name as a thank-you for your contribution!

Any excess funds will be used to further improve the book cover and final presentation.

The Author, Andy Kaiser

Besides writing "Waking the Dreamer", I've written and published "Superliminal", the first book of "Dev Manny, Information Technology Private Investigator". In late 2011, my publisher will release "Ghost in the Water", the first book in the "League of Scientists" series. GitW has received stellar reviews from heavy-hitters in the writing and critical thinking worlds, including Piers Anthony, Ann Druyan (wife of the late Carl Sagan) and James Randi.

My non-fiction work has been featured for years in newspapers and magazines and on high-profile, geek-friendly websites. My favorite topics include technology, science and critical thinking. 

Why Kickstarter?

I want to use Kickstarter for many reasons. Here are the biggest: 

1) The crowd-sourced model of Kickstarter really appeals to me. The public has a chance to directly have their say. If a project is valued, it is funded, without any middle-man or interference. One thing a traditional publisher brings is the ability to handle the upfront publication costs. With Kickstarter, that benefit may no longer be needed.

2) The publishing industry is in the middle of a major change, bigger than the music industry's supposed "fight" with MP3s, iTunes and digital distribution. The industry must treat authors less like a commodity, and it needs to be able to move fast. The smart publishers will adapt and thrive. This change is being driven by players like Amazon, Google, Apple and yes, Kickstarter. As a tech geek and author, I'm honored to play what part I can!

What have others said?

Here are some reviews about my other works:

"...I loved this novel, and believe most readers of any age will too. It’s one great adventure with an educational theme, with luck the first of a series.”

-Piers Anthony, Science fiction and fantasy author

“As I read this book, I kept remembering Carl Sagan’s answer to a reporter asking what his favorite scientific TV show was: ‘Scooby Doo!’ For the same reasons I can heartily recommend this adventure in scientific thinking.”

-Ann Druyan, Co-writer of the Cosmos TV series and wife of the late Carl Sagan

“This is the kind of story I wish I could have read as a kid. It would have put me ten years ahead in my understanding of why science is both fun and important."

-Brian Dunning, Science journalist

"I see a great, bright future for the League of Scientists. If this is only their beginning adventure, I can see that they still have so many possibilities of making real sense of matters that are so often seen by the public as deep mysteries and strange ‘truths’ that — if really true — would fly in the face of what we’ve discovered in the last few centuries about reality. Can’t wait for #2…”

-James Randi, Founder, James Randi Educational Foundation

“'Superliminal' was a fun, fast read. Even though I’m no techie, it kept me reading. Your sense of humor made me laugh out loud."

-Rita Pesano, Gradeschool teacher

"You sure have mastered the gritty detective noir genre; your stories are always clever with great texture.  I hope they get the audience they deserve!"

- Jeff Ostrander, Web designer and stunt pilot