Books published by publisher C. S. Johnson

A drastic change of heart. A determined choice to commit. An unexpected betrayal at a critical moment. There is nothing like a birthday to give Hamilton Dinger something to look forward to in his busy life. With his new job as a part-time intern at the Mayor’s office, being a full-time high school student and starlight warrior has its challenges. And although he has the full support of his girlfriend, Gwen, and his best friend, Mikey, and even a tentative partnership with Starry Knight, his ally against the Seven Deadly Sinisters, Hamilton has definite cause for concern.The arrival of SWORD, the growing demonic activity in Apollo City, and the increasingly negative media attention has sparked ongoing unrest among the city and its inhabitants. To gain more power, Elysian and Hamilton set off for the Celestial Kingdom to deepen his commitment through learning, new landscapes, and cosmic surfing, evil forces continue in their quest for power and control. But when Hamilton finds uncertainty and distrust between his two worlds, will he be able to find the answers to his questions? Will he find the strength he needs to carry on? Will he realize the importance of his choices, and more importantly–make the right ones?FROM THE BOOK: There had been a feeling hanging over me in the past few weeks, a feeling that change was coming. It didn't click until that moment that change had already arrived. I was changing, things were changing, and I was finally okay - in fact, more than okay - with that. It was flooring, the idea I was looking forward to something more in life than Tetris and being cheered on by my friends. Those things still mattered, of course, but there was more, and I was enthralled there was more. FROM THE AUTHOR: Cross through the River Veil and into the world beyond the Star of Time in the Starlight Chronicles, a young adult epic fantasy series from C. S. Johnson. Be on the lookout for Book 4, Remembering, as Hamilton and his fellow superheroes continue to fight evil and get their schoolwork finished!Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama! WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: Once again, this book features a less than likeable main character, but we are seeing his grow and change and mature (just a bit) since the first book. This book has the benefit of being right in the middle of the story right away. ~ Stephanie, Audiobook Enthusiast and Goodreads ReviewerThis series just keeps getting better and better, with new characters and a deeper story unfolding. ~ Terri, Emerging Author and Goodreads Reviewer

A time of loneliness. A task to fulfill. A heart to break. Things have been peaceful for the past three months in Apollo City. And while this would normally make Hamilton Dinger happy, Raiya’s sudden departure leaves him irritated and angry.Despite the decrease in crime and attacks, Hamilton knows it is only a matter of time before the remaining Sinisters and their mysterious new leader cause more trouble for him. When Alora comes under attack, Hamilton and his team, with help from his new friend, Mary, set off with St. Brendan the Navigator to restore the flow of time.But it is only after they work to save Time do they realize how little of it they have left.FROM THE BOOK: I was standing before the entrance to my high school, staring into space and sloshing my feet further into the cold wetness of the surrounding slush, when a foreboding premonition settled on me like softly falling snowflakes. I'm alone. FROM THE AUTHOR: The Starlight Chronicles epic fantasy adventure series continues on with Book 5, Continuing, as Hamilton Dinger and his friends face SWORD, Sinisters, and Elysian's long-lost brother, Draco the Dragon. Look for Book 6, Outpouring, to see how it all comes crashing together!Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama! WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: It is fun watching the youngsters turning into adults, watching their love mature and strengthen. Sure, they have lots to do on the hero side of things and there is the unraveling of mysteries as they go. Never a dull moment. ~ Gay, Goodreads ReviewerA Fantastic Continuation of The Starlight Chronicles. I cannot wait to read and listen to the next one. ~ Malissa, Goodreads Reviewer

A feeling he never imagined. A revelation he never saw coming. A love that transcends time and space. With the arrival of 11th grade, Hamilton Dinger has no shortage of activities to pursue. With his job at the mayor’s office, schoolwork, and fighting off evil, he has no time to worry about Starry Knight’s recent betrayal and his relentless fixation with her.Even though he does anyway.Pushing past his emotional turmoil, he works with Aleia and Elysian to uncover the truth about the Seven Deadly Sinisters and his supernatural origins. When disaster strikes once more, Hamilton and his friends realize the only way to prevent chaos from taking over Apollo City, and eventually the world, is to find the answers to the questions hidden deep inside his heart and mind.FROM THE BOOK: I looked at her, with her hand outstretched, and watched as the last of her power fizzled out and retreated inside of her. Her fist closed, and she straightened as she squarely met my gaze. "... I'm Starry Knight," she said, her words soft and light, even as they soundly struck me to the core. FROM THE AUTHOR: Enjoy this book? Look for the next book in this epic fantasy series for young adults! Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama! WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: Hamilton has some incredible growth in this one, both in maturity and in a heroic moment his WINGS develop!! That was so fun to read his excitement in that freedom as he continues to battle Sinisters! ~ Kara, Vine Voice and Goodreads ReviewerA very satisfying addition to the adventures of Windinger and Starry Night. I am enjoying the entire series and cannot wait to finish this one so I can read the rest. Hamilton is very dear to my heart. A great character!! ~ Terri, Emerging Author and Goodreads Reviewer

It's not always the quest for the cup. Sometimes, it's the quest for what's in the cup.Lance wants nothing more than to be there to fight the dragons for his beloved Princess Alexandra. With his faithful steed by his side, Lance sets out for the magic elixir found only in the Holy Grail. With its strengthening power, facing off an old hag, the bewitching woods, and the strange ogre who lives under a bridge should be easy. But when it comes to Alexandra's dragons, things aren't quite what they all seem to be. Will Lance's gift be enough -- or will his princess require something even more powerful to sustain her? Pull up a cup of your favorite "elixir" and enjoy this sweet and snarky satire story from C. S. Johnson, where the dragons are real, even if they aren't. FROM THE STORY: Every knight has a quest, and every quest has its reward.As a knight-errant, albeit one still in training, with only a year of service behind him, Lance took his duty seriously. But waking up was also a serious business, and that was why, despite the midmorning light flickering over his face, Lance was still half asleep. His faithful steed stepped up to help him, breathing smelly fumes into his face.“Blah!” Lance sputtered, trying to clear his tongue of the frothy waft. “What have you been eating, Percy?”His pet’s pungent wake-up call forced Lance to roll over. When the heat of Percy’s breath continued to eat into the shield of his pending sleep, Lance finally gave in to his beast’s rude awakening.“Alright, I’m getting up. Back from me, you fearsome brute.”The horse was far from intimidated by Lance’s waking grogginess; instead, he moved closer to his master, nuzzling him with his wet nose.“You’re lucky you’re the runt of your family,” Lance grumbled, sitting up. He patted down his hair, brushing the chestnut locks out of his eyes, before taking in the full sight of the bouncing creature before him. “Or you would be tied outside, like the ones at my mother’s house.”Percy gave a small yip, and the nuzzle became a nudge.“Alright, alright,” Lance muttered, petting his horse’s long, flowing mane playfully. “I know you’re hungry.”He also knew there was no point in trying to sleep when Percy was hungry—no matter how sleepy he still was.“I suppose you’re right, anyway, Percy.” Lance yawned and rubbed his hands over his face. “We promised the princess we would save her today, and every knight knows there is nothing more important than completing his quest.”Lance tossed Percy several treats and stroked his pet affectionately, before he put on his armor for the day. He pulled a breastplate polished to a shine over his head, slipped his feet into protective boots, and even donned a helmet to protect his face from the bright summer sunshine.Before too long, he stepped outside his quarters. Percy came trotting eagerly after him. With his steed at his side and a grin on his face, Lance set out into the morning to see his princess.“Princess Alexandra, I am coming for you,” he called out rapturously, eager to see his beloved once more.FROM THE AUTHOR: It's a good romantic tale that hints at the darker sides of depression and mental health, and the troubles we sometimes face when we befriend our demons, with liquid portals, jokes about avocados, strange references to illegal plants, and coffee runs. What's not to love? WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: "... An endearing story of love ... " ~ Dee Bookworm

A calling he never wanted. A co-defender he can't ignore. A choice that changes everything. As if Hamilton Dinger needs any more frustration at the moment. Not only has he accepted his duty as a starlight warrior, he's got swim meets to prepare for, his little brother to babysit, and an annoying new girl in his class. Plus he's got his 'mentor' dragon, Elysian, on his back every chance he gets, and his 'co-defender,' Starry Knight, urging him to quit the superhero business after every battle.As the Seven Deadly Sinisters and their leader, Orpheus, search for new ways to gather power, Ham finds both betrayal and friendship in unexpected places. Desperately searching for a way he can get stronger, he finds his own inner struggles costing him the most as he attempts to keep the rest of the city safe.Will Hamilton realize his potential in the power of trust? Will he be able make peace with Starry Knight, or will their quarrels be the downfall of them both?FROM THE BOOK: I found every layer of myself chiseled away, the blackened cynicism of my heart breaking open and oozing the kind of fear which only stems from the deepest sort of longing. "Don't leave me." And then I kissed her. FROM THE AUTHOR: Continue reading through the epic fantasy series from young adult author C. S. Johnson, as fallen Stars/superheroes Wingdinger, Starry Knight, along with their dragon Elysian, fight evil as much as they fight with each other.Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some sweetness! WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: Johnson really manages to make the main character's growth very believable. Even starting from where he left of in the previous book it is clear that Hamilton Dinger - just like all the rest of us real human beings - still has a long way to go. ~ Jake Yaniak, author of Morality is the Problem4 STARS! ~ Reader's FavoriteBy far one of my most favorite young adult book & audio book series!!! ~ Teresa, Mom to a teen and Goodreads Reviewer

A new calling. An old enemy. A discovery that demands action. It has been many years since that day, the day Hamilton Dinger wishes to forget, along with the ache in his heart. But his desire to let go of the past is usurped when the future comes barreling into his apartment in the form of two young Starlight defenders, Lucas and Lyra, calling for a new mission for him.More than reluctantly, Hamilton heads home to Apollo City as Dante Salyards, now a rogue agent from SWORD, seeks his help in dismantling a new administration of evil in Apollo City.After a shocking discovery, Hamilton is faced with the choice to renew his commitment, and embrace the responsibilities, both pleasant and painful, the Prince of Stars had in store for him–but it could cost him more than his heart this time.With everything on the line, can Hamilton finally have the life he had always dreamed of? Find out in this stunning conclusion of The Starlight Chronicles.FROM THE BOOK: Mikey grinned, and for moment, I had to laugh; Mikey looked just like his high school self, with food stuck in his teeth, his smile wide and innocent. "If that's the best I can get from you for now, I'll take it. Besides, given our history, I'd say a miracle is right around the corner." "Ha, ha, yeah right." I rolled my eyes. I'd forgotten how to believe in miracles.FROM THE AUTHOR: Can't get enough of this epic fantasy adventure? Be sure to check out the prequel, Searching, featuing Starry Knight and her struggle with her powers. Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama! WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: Good. No more tears. ~ Gay, Goodreads ReviewerI REALLY enjoyed this last installment of the Starlight Chronicles....I grew to love Hamilton and his take on the world. This last book really gelled how the warrior stars help in the physical world...and there are some nice twists to the story! ~ Connie, Goodreads Reviewer

A narcissistic teenager who doesn't believe in destiny. A city under supernatural attack. An adventure that unfortunately changes everything. Sixteen-year-old Hamilton Dinger leads a charmed life. He's got the grades for the top of the class, the abilities of a star athlete and Tetris player, and the charisma to get away with anything. Everything seems to be going along perfectly, including his plans to ask out Gwen Kessler, as he enters into tenth grade at Apollo Central High School.Everything, that is, until a meteor crashes into the city, releasing the Seven Deadly Sinisters and their leader, Orpheus, from their celestial prison, and awakening Hamilton's longtime dormant supernatural abilities. Suddenly Hamilton finds himself reluctantly allied with his self-declared mentor, Elysian, a changeling dragon, and Starry Knight, a beautiful but dangerous warrior, as they seek to protect the souls of Apollo City from the Sinisters and their evil intentions.Can Hamilton give up his self-proclaimed entitlement to happiness in order to follow the call of a duty he doesn't want? More importantly, will he willingly sacrifice all he has to find out the truth?FROM THE BOOK: At the time, I didn't really believe that anything outside my control would change my life. Or at least, not in a significant, substantial way. My life was all about myself, and I figured I had complete control over that. Anything that happened outside of my control was more or less because I let it happen, and didn't feel like stopping it.It's funny how one disaster of epic proportion can really make you change your mind.FROM THE AUTHOR: Welcome to the epic world of The Starlight Chronicles, a young adult fantasy series about a team of fallen Stars with supernatural powers. Follow them through this alternatively snarky and sweet series as they become their city's resident superheroes, with all the fun and frustration of dragons and swords and homework! Look for Book 2, Calling, as the battle between good and evil continues on!Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some wry humor with their reading! WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: If you like Narnia, superhero adventures, or coming-of-age tales, definitely give this book a try. ~ Chandler Brett, author of Wolf Code5 STARS! ~ Reader's Favorite... Hamilton's inner progress toward heroism feels touchingly genuine, and there are plenty of good comic moments to keep the story moving ... Percy Jackson fans will eagerly await the next volume in the series ... A fast-paced, effective teen-paranormal outing. ~ Kirkus Reviews

Retired Navy SEAL Chris Cassidy knows the bro code: no messing around with teammates' sisters. But Chris never was one for following rules. Besides, Rick's gorgeous sister, Darci, is worth breaking a few rules for. Darci Mann is tired of being alone. Since Zane, the bad boy SEAL she formerly had a crush on, fell in love with someone else, and her best friend, Ali, found her own happy ending, Darci's feeling her single status extra keenly. Though she suspects her brother's buddy Chris would be willing to change that...if she decided to let him. When a routine assignment turns deadly and Chris switches from charming joker to trained killer, willing to kill or die to protect her, Darci might have to reevaluate her feelings about the perpetual bachelor.

Zane Alexander was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but the rebellious bad boy traded it in for a Navy SEAL trident. Now, Zane's teammates are depending on him to get the startup capital they need to open their security company and he's gambling on his skills at covert operations. For a million dollars, he'll fake interest in Missy Greenwood, the Senator's daughter his father wants him to date in exchange for the investment. But when Missy is kidnapped and Zane and his team are sent to Nigeria to rescue her and the schoolgirls being held, bullets as well as sparks of attraction start to fly. There's no more faking when both the danger and the emotions are all very real.

As a Navy SEAL, Rick Mann fought his way to hell and back, but he's never faced a challenge quite like protecting Sierra Cox. She's spoiled, she's annoying...and he's never wanted a woman more. That's a problem for so many reasons. At the top of that list is he needs to keep his head in the game because even though Sierra doesn't take anything seriously, including Rick, the threats on her life are very real. Also, don't miss Rick's SEAL brothers in Night with a SEAL, Saved by a SEAL, SEALed at Midnight, Kissed by a SEAL, Loved by a SEAL, and Wed to a SEAL in the USA TODAY best-selling Hot SEALs series.

"She's an eye-witness. But she doesn't know it...at least not yet." A Mini Mystery. After a Hollywood crime occurs in a small town, pressure sets in nationwide for answers. And detectives rely on their only lead: a teenage girl who saw the whole thing. The only obstacle is Dedra herself. Her Retrograde Amnesia* has locked her out of her own answers from her own memory. But with a medical remedy to unlock it all, detectives suffer the additional mystery of her parents refusing to give consent. And Dedra must play detective herself to find the real reason why. With her hidden yearbook, and her tricky little sister, it’s an unfamiliar race down memory lane with lots of traffic, and shortcuts of insistence from sidekicks to pranksters to worse. But as justice becomes impatient, and family demands loyalty, Dedra faces a memorable dilemma: should she move past the past, explore it fully, or "remember to forget". Table of contents: “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything” (Mark Twain) If You Tell The Truth You Don’t Have To Remember Anything! *Retrograde Amnesia is a psychological inability to ever recall the past dated before the trauma which caused the amnesia.

Her heart might be broken, but her spirit won’t be crushed.As the dark-skinned princess from the Southern Colonies—formerly the kingdom of Marula—Ebony is no stranger to hardship and ridicule.Forced into royal servitude after the death of her father, Ebony resolved to keep her head held high despite her sorrow—no matter how much vitriol she endured from her stepmother, Varyes, Queen of Pommier. And when the Queen’s son, Prince Rion, helps to piece her broken heart back together with his love and kindness, Ebony begins to hope she will one day find a new home for herself.But when Queen Varyes loses the Southern Colonies to its warring neighbors, she strikes out for vengeance—and Ebony is her first target.Can Ebony survive the wrath and cunning of her wicked stepmother—even if her survival means giving up her claim on Prince Rion’s heart?