Dangerous Designs

Design #1

by Dale Mayer

Drawing is her world...but when her new pencil comes alive, it's his world too.


Her...Storey Dalton is seventeen and now boyfriendless after being dumped via Facebook. Drawing is her escape. It’s like as soon as she gets down one image, a dozen more are pressing in on her. Then she realizes her pictures are almost drawing themselves...or is it that her new pencil is alive?


Him...Eric Jordan is a new Ranger and the only son of the Councilman to his world. He’s crossed the veil between dimensions to retrieve a lost stylus. But Storey is already experimenting with her new pencil and what her drawings can do - like open portals.


It ... The stylus is a soul-bound intelligence from Eric’s dimension on Earth and uses Storey’s unsuspecting mind to seek its way home, giving her an unbelievable power. She unwittingly opens a third dimension, one that held a dangerous predatory species banished from Eric’s world centuries ago, releasing these animals into both dimensions.


Them... Once in Eric’s homeland, Storey is blamed for the calamity sentenced to death. When she escapes, Eric is ordered to bring her back or face that same death penalty. With nothing to lose, can they work together across dimensions to save both their worlds?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Amazon, Adventure, Fiction

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2011

About the author

Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It's a Dog's Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).

She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!

To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author. If you like Dale Mayer's books and are interested in joining her street team, sign up here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/40238...

Books by Dale Mayer

Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor
Garden of Sorrow
Knock, Knock...
Rare Find
Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014

By Death Series
Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free
Touched by Death - Part 2
Touched by Death - Full book
Haunted by Death
Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014

Second Chances...at Love Series
Second Chances - Part 1
Second Chances - Part 2
Second Chances - Full book

Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy

Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy
Broken Protocols #1
Broken Protocols #2
Broken Protocols #3

New adult/adul crossover Books
In Cassie's Corner
Gem Stone (a Gemma Stone mystery)

Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs

Family Blood Ties Series
Vampire in Denial
Vampire in Distress
Vampire in Design
Vampire in Deceit
Vampire in Defiance

Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hannah! Are you trying to kill me, Dale Mayer? Are you?!? You must delight in putting your heroines into horribly taxing situations and then leaving them there like so much baggage! I have to admit that I liked the story before but leaving poor Storey in the lurch she was left in made me gasp and jump online to hunt down when the next book would be available. *curls into a little fetal ball and rocks*

So, in case you couldn't figure it out, this books ends on a pretty hefty cliffhanger. I mean, there are cliffhangers and then there are cliffhangers. This one is the second. This is one that blindsided me. I thought everything was working out and we'd get some happy time before jumping into the next part of the story. Alas, no. Am I salivating to know what happens? Indeed I am.

*deep breath* I liked this book. I liked it quite a lot. I thought Storey was an interesting character. I liked that she thought outside the box. I liked that her questioning of things made Eric begin to question things. I liked that the bad guys aren't all black and white. I have no clue how things are going to play out in the next book and that's kind of a neat feeling. On top of the imminent peril our heroine is in, there are a lot of things that Storey unwittingly did as she was learning to use the stylus that she'll have to figure out how to undo.

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the next book.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Jamie Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received an copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review**

Review: I'm not going to do my usual overview on this book because I think the synopsis does a great job of describing the story without giving too much away. Let's just jump right into my review!

1) Character Development: I think the main character, Storey, may be one of my favorite female leads ever. This girl showed almost no weakness; she was strong, determined, and remained calm in the face of danger. Instead of acting helpless and uncertain, she took charge of pretty much every situation, not afraid of her abilities with the stylus. She only yearned to learn more about what she could do with it. I think Eric was a great match for her - even when things seemed hopeless and the council members in his dimension wanted her dead, he stayed by her side and believed in her. When the book starts out, Eric insists that his world is so much more superior and simply believes in everything he's been told. He really shows growth when he stands up to his father and the rest of the council on Storey's behalf, arguing that she didn't know the repercussions of picking up the stylus (which she thought was just an old pencil).

2) The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: First, The Good - I absolutely loved the characters, they were multi-dimensional and it was easy to see them grow as the story progressed. I really enjoyed the entire story line, it felt really fresh and unique and the entire book flowed extremely well. I literally could not put it down! The Bad - I don't have much bad to say about this book. I would have liked to know more about Eric and his world. From what I can gather it is much like our world, only more advanced since they studied us for many years and learned from our technology. I would have just liked more descriptions about the other dimension (both Eric's and the one where the enemies, Louer's, exist). The Ugly - Nothing to say here, really loved this book!

3) Romance Sizzle or Fizzle? : I would have to say sizzle! It was a slow moving relationship, with Storey more wary of Eric in the beginning than anything, wondering why he was so interested in her and her "pencil". As she learns about the stylus and the other dimensions, she realizes she needs Eric in order to survive and decides to work with him to try and fix everything. The more time they spend together, the more they are drawn to each other. Their first kiss caught Storey completely off-guard, but that's all it took for her to realize that maybe she has more feelings for Eric than she thought.

4) Uniqueness Of Plot: I found this book to be extremely unique. It involved different dimensions, a stylus that is capable of almost anything, and an enemy that, although terrifying, has a tortured past. It was definitely a very refreshing, new YA read.

5) Final Thoughts: This book was so different than any I've read lately and it had me hooked from the beginning. There was a nice balance of action, discovery, and mystery, with a nice bit of romance in there as well. The ending will leave you reeling and I guarantee you'll be saying "I need book two NOW!"

CLICK HERE to check out this review on my blog for an exclusive interview with the author, Dale Mayer!

If you would like to read more of my reviews, please check out my book review blog, Bookerella

[Stacy Sabala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review- Dangerous Designs

Storey Dalton is having a rough time. Her best friend and boyfriend moved to another place and apparently moved on to someone else. She doesn’t have any other friends and just loses herself in her art instead. Of course no one really wants to be her friend since her mom is a Wiccan and they think she is weird. So socially Storey isn’t doing so hot. In fact she is feeling a bit sorry for herself as she is walking to school when she finds the one thing that will change her life. She notices a drawing pencil on the ground next to a rock. She likes pencils so she picks it up thinking she is lucky. She uses it to sketch her drawings. In fact she gets a bit obsessive about her sketches like she can’t stop herself from drawing. It takes over her life.
Eric Jordan is the new kid in school and he is interested in Storey. He was sent to befriend her and try to retrieve the stylus from her. The stylus is dangerous if it starts to bond to her. In other words she found a magic pencil and the people who developed it want it back. She is able to draw gateways to different dimensions and finds herself at the other end of a death order. Two different kinds of people are going to war and she seems to be right in the middle thanks to a pencil.
Eric tries to help Storey when she gets involved. There is a lot of embedded fear of anything different that causes more issues for Storey. The councilmen of the new dimension think she is dangerous and want her stopped. So Eric tries hard to protect her as they both try and save his world.

This book was nothing that I’ve read before. It was an extremely unique and creative story. The multi-dimensions added a very sci-fi element along with the magical stylus. Storey was a great character that found herself in a situation full of turmoil. Her self confidence grew as she experienced personal and political adversity. She had an uphill battle and handled it beautifully. She was an excellent roll model for teenage girls showing them that no matter how different you are your opinions and ideas count. I give it a 4 out of 5.

[Jasmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if your pencil made things happen? I mean big things - like make portals into another world. And what would happen if you developed a crush on a boy from said world who was supposed to "neutralize" you to get the pen (soul bound) out of your hands? Well, Story fights like hell to keep everything she wants and needs in her life. A great adventure with a bit of romance to liven things up.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was a quick, fun read.

[Adrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. It is different from much of the YA I have read of late. A sci-fi twist that adds to the storyline but nothing outstanding.

[Book Wyvern · Rating 1 out of 5]

Welp, this one gets to go into the DNF pile. I got half-way through Chapter 7, saw I still had 11 chapters to go and….I just went on to the next book in the Bewitched box set….

I mean, I guess the idea was a good one? The little glimpse I got when I saw how many chapters were left seemed interesting but the writer just didn’t seem to go about executing the idea in the right way.

Honestly, I was just bored the entire time I was reading it. I even went and read the last page just to see if the ending would spark something….I never read the last page before I finish a book! Alas though, it did not spark anything.

The cover looks alright, I mean I would pick it up off the shelf if I were in a book store but would I pick it back up and read it again? No, I have no desire to do that. The pace was slow and all these hints at a romance seemed to be out of place. There was no connection to the characters.

Thank you for reading my review.

-Sam

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story Dalton is reflecting on the loss of her boyfriend Jeff as she stomps through the woods. She's kicking rocks and finally getting the release she needs. She's about to kick yet another large rock when she spies something next to it, a pencil, delighted she picks it up. She loves to collect pencils finding value in what others toss away.

Once she picks up the pencil she find she has even more desire to draw. She spends every waking moment with the pencil sketching her teachers notice and so does the new boy at school.

Eric Jordan is not just the new boy at school, he's much more than that and Storey is about to find out her new pencil is more than a pencil.

Another dimension and her pencil is called a stylus, but it contains memories. Many questions and the council where she lands with Eric isn't receptive to her presence or her gaining knowledge.

A bit of a cliffhanger but I bought the trilogy so I can just continue on with the next book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seventeen year old Storey finds a pencil on her way to school. As an artist, Storey uses this pencil to draw and draw and the pictures start taking a life of their own. Eric, the boy in her class, keeps popping up and then the adventure begins. A tale for all ages. A word of warning: the book ends in a cliffhanger (and, yes, you do want the rest of the story).

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the book but was unhappy with the ending as it was nothing that I expected.. I waanted to see happy endings with Storey and Eric.

[Lady Entropy · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An open door she hadn’t drawn, another door she can’t open. What is happening to her? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. I loved that Storey was inquisitive and managed to help people not part of her world.
Reading the second one now.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Unique story - interesting - cliff hanger ending.

[Myvampfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

review by SusanAshlea

*Warning: possible spoilers ahead.*

Storey Dalton is a typical awkward teenager. She doesn't pay much attention in class, she doesn't seem to have a great deal of friends, and to top it all off she has a Wiccan mother who runs a new age-y candle shop in a town where people who are "different" don't seem to fit in. She seems pretty miserable, and drawing is her escape. When she comes across a bizarre looking pencil one day she picks it up out of curiosity, and all hell breaks loose after that. Storey begins drawing portals to another dimension and Eric is the young soldier tasked with bringing the lost stylus - Storey's new pencil - back to his dimension. Unfortunately, the stylus binds itself to it's owner and taking it away from Storey would be akin to ripping off one of her arms.

When Storey accidentally draws a portal to yet another dimension, she unwittingly releases an army of a mutant war mongering species called Louers into Eric's world. With a death sentence on her head, Storey does the only thing she knows is right by returning to Eric's world to help them defeat the Louers and send them back to their dimension.

I have to say this book took me by surprise. It's certainly different than anything I've read lately, which was a refreshing change. In my head, I pictured Storey as tall, too skinny, gangly teenager and I pictured Eric as a typical science nerd. Their early meetings in the book are rocky and Eric comes across as an arrogant guy with some stalker tendencies. Eventually, the two discover they kind of like each other and share a few smoldering kisses. The evolution of their relationship was great and realistic (as realistic as two dimension hopping teens can be), it didn't feel forced, it felt like a natural progression. They dislike each other a lot in the beginning and of course, they are forced to work together, which makes them both eventually question their feelings.

It took me a good 60 pages to really get into the book, and at just under 60,000 words, the last 60% of the book sped by once I was heavily invested in the plot. I love the way Storey outsmarts the arrogant and elitist council in Eric's world, which leaves them flummoxed at how someone with so little training can understand how to fix such a huge problem. My biggest dislike in this book was Eric's father who was extremely self-absorbed and lacking some serious common sense. I'm pretty sure that was the intention though.

The ending though really delivered. I never saw this twist coming and it left me upset that the book was over. I am certainly anticipating the next book in the trilogy. I can't reveal too much though or else I'll ruin the book!

There were a handful of editing errors in the book, but I chalk that up to ebook formatting, which can be finicky at best. Other than that, I enjoyed Storey's story.

Overall, I would give Dangerous Designs a 3.5 out of 5 fangs. I'd recommend it to teens looking for something a little different to read and anyone else who is wanting a switch from vampire romance. ;-)

[Got My Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also posted on my blog Got My Book.

A unique YA Parallel Worlds SciFi tale with a Fantasy feel

SERIES INFO: This is Book #1 of 3 in the “Design Trilogy.” All 3 books are available on audio.

A prickly young artist is plucked out of her dead end life in a dead end town and thrust into a dimension hopping adventure (with a chance for a bit of romance). And it’s up to her to save everyone. Don’t worry, she’s up to task. Just don’t try to keep stuffing her back in “the box,” because she’s a brainstorming kind of girl and not afraid to leap before she looks.

Storey - A very practical & levelheaded young woman, with a bit of slacker problem (possibly caused by a learning/behavioral disability). Despite the fact that she comes up with most of the ideas and solutions, it didn’t come off as “Mary Sue” to me. It really does seem to be a natural consequence of her coming at it as a complete stranger and newbie with no preconceived notions.

Eric - Apparently didn’t have much of a life before he met Storey. Possessed of a firm sense of justice and right. Once he stops fighting it, he makes a good partner.

No InstaLove or Love Triangle - he finds her frustrating; her first response to his (too typical in fiction) good looks is simply a desire to sketch him. She’s as practical about her love life as everything else.

“Sex appeal was great, but could she count on Eric when things went wrong? She didn't know. She could only hope so. Someone needed to watch her back.”

The “Can I please slap him (repeatedly)?” award goes to Eric’s father.

The science of Eric’s world is never fully explained, but appears to be internally consistent.

The ending resolves the main plot, but ends with a cliffhanging set up for the next book.

NARRATION: I didn’t like her voice at first, but was able to overcome that. I do feel like it fits Storey well / An oddity is that she actually read the full front matter (including the isbn numbers) / Some of her pronunciations were strange also, and I kept getting pulled out of the story by the way she sometimes pronounced stylus (a major word in the series) as “stylist” / Listened on 1.25 speed (my usual)

FAVORITE PART(S): Transdimensional shipping = Want to get rid of something? Slap a shipping label on it.

I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: frequent swearing (including some uses of the Lord’s name)
OTHER WARNINGS: Her mother is a practicing Wiccan (the religion, rather than a type of fantasy “magic.”) / It is mentioned that she “experimented” a bit with her previous boyfriend.

MY RATINGS:
--Narration: LOW
--Enjoyment: HIGH
--Re-readability: AVERAGE - it gets demoted due to the swearing, I have to be in the right frame of mind to put up with that.

I purchased this book myself.

Dangerous Designs by Dale Mayer; read by JR Lowe; produced independently in 2014 / Length: 6 hrs 21 min (Unabr) / Available through Audible & Amazon plus iTunes

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Storey Dalton is depressed because her long distance boyfriend has ended their relationship. On her way home she finds pencil and picks it up, being an artist she loves pencils and can't wait to get home and use it. A few days later as she is getting in trouble again for not being focused in class and drawing instead. She has had it with school. She meets a new boy to their school, Eric, who she just can't put her finger on. Storey begins to feel the need to draw all the time, and use her new pencil.

One day, when she is really frustrated she throws her art to the floor, stomps on it, and somehow falls through her artwork into a dark mineshaft. She is rescued by Eric who tells her he has no idea how she got there and she wants to know how he opened the mineshaft to get her out. What Storey finds out, after a few more days of drawing with it, is that the pencil she found is not just any pencil, but a stylus from another dimension. Eric, who is from that dimension, is trying to get the stylus back, but he realizes that it's already soul bound to Storey.

Storey has just drawn a door that will open up a war for Eric’s people, as she has accidentally allowed the Louers to escape their banishment and they are coming for revenge. Storey is being held responsible, yet she is still trying to help. Can she help the people of Eric’s dimension and still stay alive? Will the changes she makes change everything she knows as reality?

This book, while being a pretty short one, is full of details and adventure. It was hard to write about it and give you enough without telling you too much to ruin the book for you. I really liked the characters in the book as they are people that a teen could relate to. Storey does not fit in with people in her school and feels like an outsider. She finds something that makes her not such an outsider any longer, but also makes her face tough decisions that will make or break her. I think that the writing style was great and easy to read while giving just enough detail to make a great mental picture. I will tell you, without ruining the read for you, be prepared for a cliffhanger ending as the story is going to continue in a sequel. Which I am biting my fingertips until it comes out because I really want to know what happens next!! Great Read!

[ѦѺ™ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A drawing is simply a line going for a walk. - Paul Klee



as seventeen year old Storey Dalton contemplates her present situation of not having a boyfriend, she finds a quaint looking pencil and brings it home with her. why waste a good find? after all, drawing has always been her creative outlet and pencils are basic tools of the trade. her designs, however, become more interesting and stranger and so does her new pencil...
author Dale Mayer has surprised me again with this novel. initially, i thought it was just another teenage artist's story but how she proved me wrong! it was way more than that.
i dabble in watercolors myself and from the get-go, i felt a kinship with Storey and her creative process. she is not without flaws but she is one incredible character. Storey is smart, analytical, detail oriented and thinks out of the box. i admire her tenacity as well and her resolve to do what is right and necessary. Storey is the latest heroine to save the world or worlds.
her pencil or stylus was more than a piece of drawing instrument. it was responsible for her accidental journey to a parallel dimension. what happened as a consequence is central to the plot. what she also discovers in that other world where people and things look the same but different are highlights of this book.
readers may mistake Storey's adventure as sci-fi but it is not. this is more of an urban fantasy gone haywire and then some - and i mean that in a very good way.
i loved the latter part of the book where a lot of action and conflict take place. i was blown away when i read the last remaining sentences. the conclusion was totally unexpected and made me shout "whoa!!!" three times. i bet you will too!



Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy of Dangerous Designs from the author herself. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant master piece in the YA Paranormal genre.
Filled with suspense that kept you glued to the pages as the story unfolds of Storey and her ability to draw portals into other dimensions. Creating havoc as she learns to control this powerful tool she picked up while walking in the woods, close to the town she was living in.
We met up with the sixteen year old Storey in a small town. Shunned by most peers she was used to be on her own. What made matters worse was her mother's choice in life style. Causing endless problems and allowing the teenager to withdrew from any one.
But when she picked up the stylus or pencil her world changed. Not necessarily for the better.
She met up with a young man Eric, from another dimension discovering there were more worlds on Earth she care to admit.
This is where all the drama begins and you meet his father, autocratic in his ways, Paxton Eric's mentor; and she found a people that was so far superior but when it came to action they were cowards. And once again a earthling, young girl must save the day.
Realizing she could move through the veils through the sketches she made she learn about her own strengths abilities and her willingness to help these people that has a death banned on her. Accusing her for their own troubles.
She learn about the Louers wrapped in mystery and trying to understand their world.
Then she found out by simply asking questions that the stylus could not only sketch but also "talk" to her and so help Eric's people from the awaiting doom.
Storey immersed from a distant, depressed young woman to be a strong, willful woman that spring into action. Spirited and spontaneous, finding meaning in her life.
Brilliantly written that caused me to read the book quickly, and then left with a cliff hanger.
But do not fear, Book 2 is out.
Highly recommended to lovers of YA Suspense stories.
The rest of my review will be available on my blog on the 12/03, with a chance to win your copy.

[SARIT · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very original YA paranormal read for me, exciting and keeps you on your toes the whole way through. This book, while being a pretty short one, is full of action.
I really liked the characters in the book especially - The heroine Storey Dalton - A teen that does not fit ,and does not try to fit in, with people in her school and town. She doesn't pay much attention in class, she doesn't seem to have a great deal of friends, and to top it all off she has a Wiccan mother who runs a new age-y candle shop in a town where people who are "different" don't seem to fit in.
She seems pretty miserable, and drawing is her only escape, but she is strong and tenacious and filled with a compassion that I personally found heartfelt and endearing. Her skills with and curiosity with the Stylus are entertaining and well written. Storey is smart, brave, analytical, detail oriented and thinks out of the box. I admire her tenacity as well and her resolve to do what is right and necessary. And instead of acting helpless and uncertain, she took charge of pretty much every situation, not afraid of her abilities with the stylus and her generosity in suggesting help even when there is a life sentence on her had.

When she learn about the Louers wrapped in mystery, she is questioning the data about them and showed compassion, by trying to understand them.
All by herself she found out by simply keeping asking questions that the stylus could not only sketch but also "talk" to her and from image of computer it turn to all unique persona,which can help her and other soul-bound like her Eric's people from the awaiting doom.

I will tell you, without ruining the read for you, be prepared for a cliffhanger ending as the story is going to continue in a sequel. Which I am biting my fingertips until it comes out because I really want to know what happens next!! I really hope that all the crazy questions will have answer in the 2nd book.

[Cherri-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start off by saying that I only do reviews on a series, not on each book (I can never figure out how to do reviews without giving away too much!). I have become email friends with Dale since starting to read her books. I read the Family Blood Ties series and loved it. Because of all of that, I decided to read her other books even though they are not ones I usually would read (silly me!). I cannot begin to explain how thrilled I am that I did read these!!! This is a fantastic series!! The series opens with Dangerous Designs, continues with Deadly Designs and ends with Darkest Designs. The whole concept of bonding with your pencil or Stylus as it is also called, is intriguing, but to bond with it to a level that you can think and speak to it is something else. And then finding out that there are souls - real living souls - inside the Stylus - well, I think that says it all!!! This series is fantastically written, with the first 2 novels, ending with cliffhangers, well, not really even ending as each book flows directly into the next one. I love how Storey - the lead heroine, who the series is about - is able to think outside of the box, is willing to help anyone and everyone, even at her own expense, and is able to find great friendship, a potential life-mate and in the end is able to help different dimensions of people, just by being herself - an inquisitive almost seventeen year old girl. I think that anyone who is looking for a great series to read, should read this one. Dale has a way with words, and is great at being able to draw in the reader (no pun intended) to make you think that you are there in the story with them. In fact she does this so well, that I actually read the entire second book (Deadly Designs) in one sitting!! I have not done that in a really long time, so extra kudos to Dale! In all, READ THIS SERIES and any others from Dale Mayer - you will not be disappointed!!

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storey Dalton, aged sixteen, is a girl with an attitude.
The town of Bankhead is dying as the mine shuts down, and Storey feels bored and rebellious, though her charmingly Wiccan mother isn't exactly mainstream. As Storey sketches with a new pencil she finds, she draws obsessive pictures of a doorway, and these DANGEROUS DESIGNS lead to her crossing to another dimension. New kid Eric understands that the pencil is a bespelled stylus and has been sent to recover it. He lets her out of the abandoned mine she's trapped in, gets to know her and asks to see her drawings.

Odd long fingers are now creeping past the door - and Storey is sure she didn't draw them. Eric explains that predatory creatures called Louers are trying to break through from another dimension and takes Storey to an interview with Paxton, a scientist in his own dimension. The girl refuses to give back the stylus - she gives the assembling scientists attitude instead and drops out of a drawn doorway. Eric is sent to recover her as she knows too much, but Storey then finds his world sparse and utilitarian, while she hears different arguments about the Louers, which are now attacking his people. Bolting home she discovers that her absent father is present and her mother is a staunch Catholic. How can she and Eric undo any damage she's caused, or is this the result of the Louers breaking through to her world?

Dale Mayer has written an interesting tale which doesn't force adult behaviour on the protagonists but shows that slavery makes enemies and more advanced science doesn't make everyone using it right. Storey is initially a tool of the stylus but ends up making her own choices and being true to herself. Girls and boys will enjoy this tale.

Dale Mayer has also written GEM STONE about four teenagers who stumble on a toxic waste spill, but are not believed because they come from a home for troubled juveniles - I consider that a better story.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A talented artist, fifteen-year-old Storey Dalton, finds a magical pen and suddenly is thrust into the unexpected role as liaison to an alternate reality. She unknowingly opens a door unleashing confusion and terror.

Eric Jordan is sent through the veil between the dimensions to retrieve the missing stylus that was left behind in error when a scientific team was forced to return in haste.

Eric tries to befriend Storey but is puzzled because she seems impervious to his efforts to charm her. Storey and the pen have bonded, and she begins to do things that no one in his dimension thought was possible. As the narrative progresses, Eric and Storey face many adventures. The pair is forced to work together if either is to survive. Further, unless drastic measures are enacted, both their worlds may be overrun by hoards of hideous and vengeful creatures.

There is something really special about Dale Mayer’s stories, and this young adult fantasy adventure is no exception. The pacing kept me reading into the wee hours. Storey Dalton is a likeable girl with a strong sense of duty and loyalty that I admire. Eric Jordan becomes her stalwart companion and protector even though doing so further alienates him from his father, forcing him to make incredibly difficult choices. The fast pace, often amusing dialogue between the protagonists and the well-rounded cast of secondary characters make this a rollicking start to what is sure to be an exceptional new series. My only complaint is that the book ended with a cliff-hanger, and I am left dangling until the next installment.

Laurie-J
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different YA paranormal read for me. Very original, exciting and keeps you on your toes the whole way through. A rating of 3.5 from me, rounded to a solid 4. I enjoyed this new world that Dale Mayer created and feel that many YA paranormal fans out there will find themselves hooked and demanding the next in the series.


Storey (love her name) is a regular teenage girl that lives in a small quiet town that does not have much going on or many people living in it. Simple living is what it is there. But her entire world changes the day she finds a simple pencil just laying on the ground and picks it up to add to her art supply collection. Storey LOVES to draw; her drawing is the main part of her life. Feeling a pull towards her newest item, she uses it and gradually finds herself mindlessly doodling more than ever, pictures that she’s never even imagined while not even paying attention to her hand movements. Blaming it on her recent breakup up, she just takes it in stride. That’s until it (the pencil) starts communicating with her and other strange things begin happening that she could not begin to comprehend or explain. Well that’s until she meets a new boy in town named Eric. Once they begin to trust one another all truths come out and many exciting adventures come forth for them both and some very dangerous.


I enjoyed all of the characters (good guys and bad) and the growth that occurred with the main characters was fantastic. They both seemed to think in a more adult manner by the end, but I have to say the ending left me hanging and I don't like to be left hanging! But I will be reading book 2 as soon as it is released and I can get my eyes on it ;)

[Jennifer Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Designs is a story of love, unexpected worlds and war. Ok that being said I have to say that I absolutely loved this story. The characters are well written with a depth seldom found in a novelette. The scenes are vivid and descriptive without being overly wordy. Across the board Dangerous Designs was a fantastic read.
My favorite character of the story has to be the heroine Storey Dalton. She is a young woman, only 16, but she is strong and tenacious and filled with a compassion that I personally found heartfelt and endearing. Her skills with and curiosity about the Stylus are entertaining and well written. I really love her interactions with the people on the other side of the veil. Her passion and strength really show through when she is going toe to toe with Eric’s Father.
Eric Jordan was sent across to retrieve the Stylus but what he finds instead is a fiery young woman who captures his attention and possibly his heart. This young man is a delight to read. I love the way his demeanor and attitude change as he interacts with Storey and his people.
I will warn you there is a twist at the end that will in fact leave you wanting more. I think the ending of this book is fantastic (Nope I am not going to tell you what it is that would ruin the fun.). I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in this wonderful new series by Dale Mayer. This story is part of the Young Adult genre but I would definitely recommend it for readers of any age that enjoy a fast paced, well written multi-dimensional adventure.

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[Colette · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot that goes on in this story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love YA books where the main character is strong and doesn't let anything get in the way of accomplishing her goals. Storey is one of those characters. She has a good head on her shoulders, and once she finds out her stylus is different then what she thought it was, she doesn't let the rules of the other dimension stop her from trying to fix the mess that she accidentally made in both worlds.

Eric was an interesting character, but to be honest I had a really hard time relating to him and while there was a bit of a romance between him and Storey this is one of the rare times that I think that the romance wasn't really necessary. This might sound contradictory to what I just wrote, but I enjoyed his friendship with Storey. He was there to guide her, but she ended up showing him that it is ok to be different and sometimes rules are made to be broken if you are doing it for the right reasons.

The story line was really different from other YA books that I've read and I think that is one of the things that pulled me into the story. I loved learning about the other world that Storey stumbled on, and how it was a lot like Earth, but only different. It shows how history can twist things to the victors side and what Earth could've been like without all the pollution. No world is perfect though and each side had it's own pluses and minuses. This is was just a great change of pace and I look forward to reading more by Dale Mayers.

[Chinarose · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and captivating YA read, I'd recommend to any avid readers. I was also, impressed to find this to be written by one of my favorite indie authors - "Psychic Visions" series, which I Love!

This year has been like a marathon of paranormal reads - an insatiable need! So, it's refreshing to get away from vampires, werewolves and your various usual suspects, without stepping out of the UF genre.

Storey is an artistic-loner, who I found very relatable to. Her humdrum life is forever changed when she happens upon what appears to be an ordinary pencil and now her favorite drawing tool.

Eric is a Toran sent from another dimension to retrieve a lost stylus, which in the wrong hands could not only give the person immense power, but also threatens their peaceful existence.

I don't like to go into a whole synopsis, when it's already provided. Nor do I want to give away the climax - kinda ruins the suspense and thrill of reading. Plus, I have to get to the 2nd book! LOL ;o)

So, I will say, Dale Mayer is a very talented author. I've yet to read anything written by her that I didn't like - this series is no exception. I highly recommend this series, as well as her "Psychic Visions" series, which I believe would be classified in the 'Adult Mystery/UF' genre (my favorite genres rolled into one!).

Any lover of paranormal reads should add Dale Mayer to their reading list. She writes for the YA and adult audiences.

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot, it had an interesting concept and idea that was nothing like what I had read before.

One of the reasons this book intrigued me was because of the whole traveling dimensions stuff and the thing about the main character Storey's new pencil (stylus) being "alive" and drawing by itself, plus the whole race of evil species being released, gave me a sense of Doctor Who and I immediately had to read it.

Although the pacing was sort of slow for me, I wanted there to be a little more action it was a good book from start to finish, I was hooked from the first few pages. I wanted to learn more about Eric's world and at first I thought he would turn out to be the bad guy who was sent to retrieve the stylus and does things to manipulate her but that's not the case in this book for which I appreciated since that's a recurring characteristic in YA recently. It had appropriate romance for me, it wasn't instalove but at times it got annoying when Storey commented about "his good looks" / "how he made her feel but wasn't appropriate time to be thinking such things" but nonetheless the romance felt natural.

The whole concept of the Louers and the Tonar (I forgot how to spell what they are) was a little hard to get into and understand at first, which was what made the pacing slow at first 'cause it took a while to get used to things, but ideas were new and original. The story and ideas were well written and I look forward to reading the next book!

[Olivia (Bookcomet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made for a much needed break between all the dystopian books I've been reading. It was really nice to read something unique and engrossing - exactly what I have been looking for.

I loved the plot and the ideas behind the book, it was really captivating. Dale Mayer has a way of writing, so that his words are realistic and believable. This is very prominent in the characters in the story, particularly in the main character Storey. Storey's speech is geniunely how other girls her age speak.

Dangerous Designs would be a perfect book for someone who likes a bit of an artistic twist in their books and wants something different and interesting. Definitely recommend and am highly anticipating the sequel.

4.5/5

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this little gem in one of those awful omnibuses of fantasy. I was looking for a story that threw a protagonist into an unknown new world with a special power, a conflict, an attraction, and a resolution. I found it here. Storey, once she stops feeling sorry for herself, which doesn't last long, is a spirited young woman who finds a powerful relic and uses it. Unbeknownst to her, she causes great peril to two different dimensions. It's fast paced and well written. The only issue that I have with it is that we don't see much of the other world - but they come off perfectly as arrogant braggarts; which I believe was the intention. The story does in a cliffhanger and I am contemplating picking them up.