Hopewatch & The Art of Peace

HOPEWATCH & The Art of Peace
by Yianni Palos

Unaware of the world that he is about to enter, Hopewatch begins his journey on the road to his destiny. On his way to his quest, he meets an old couple, Zoticus and Pheope. In a unique way, they teach the boy how to see with his senses, instincts, and affections the world mankind has prepared for its children to inherit. By the time he graduates as Messenger of Hope, he has viewed some four hundred wars through the magical, white pages of the 2000 A.D. Edition of “The Art of Peace.” With awakened emotions and sight, Hopewatch absorbs the warm magic of beauty and peace, and the icy depths of horror and war. Now that he has launched himself on this perilous sea of truth and lies, joy, and despair, he is compelled to unveil to the world the unedited true nature of war and peace. Nothing can stop him now.

Yianni Palos was born in Greece, April 20th, 1942.
He came to America in 1974. In 1999 he received a degree of
Associate in Arts from Tallahassee Community College.
HOPEWATCH & The Art of Peace is his first novel.

Words of praise:

"A fully realized work of wisdom and imagination, Hopewatch will enthrall readers young and old with its timeless message. Like a mythic mix of The Neverending Story and The Indian in the Cupboard, Yianni Palos' Hopewatch has enough magic and mayhem to appeal to the Harry Potter crowd, and enough depth and design to evoke The Little Prince and The Giver."
Patrick McMahon, Ph.D. Tallahassee Community College

February 6, 2004. Tamar
If ever a child were wondering about Peace and her importance in this world, this is the book to answer their questions. Hopewatch and the Art of Peace is a fanciful work looking into the world without the rose-colored glasses of most children’s books. The message is often overly obvious, but those who understand its value will appreciate the words of wisdom. The colorful, if a bit two-dimensional characters of Hopewatch teach everyone the horror of war and the value of peace in a way that is suitable for the young and young at heart alike.

Viviane Crystal, A reviewer, June 30, 2004
"The Unedited True Nature of War and Peace"
'Dream the Hopeful Dreams of your Destiny,' the initial message received by a young boy named Hopewatch. This seems like a vivid maxim any person would hear at some point in one's evolution. But Hopewatch has been born for a very specific purpose and wears the Amulet of Hope given to him by otherwordly creatures who are optimistic that mankind is capable of learning to live and express peace in every moment. Guided and protected by two very old and wise spirits, a very open mother, a trusting friend, and a transformed enemy, Hopewatch journeys to learn the art of Magic. Little does he realize the true Magic he is to disover. He discovers several books on his journey, reflecting mankind's origin in peace which subsequently has degenerated into the most horrific acts of war. The history he reads is parallelled in his experiences with the people he meets on the journey. However, unique to this story is the discovery of the inner life that leads to choices that radiate universally. Acquiring a vision of hope, one that transmutes present history through awareness of the external and internal realities of war, is the 'story' Palos tells. Indeed, Hopewatch's journey is one desperately needed to restore mankind's diminishing global hope for peace! Allegorical in style, this novel's simple style belies its profound beauty!
Reviewed by Viviane Crystal
Courtesy: Crystal Reviews
Posted June 26, 2004

Gail Altman, an author and avid reader., May 17, 2004,
An Old Fashioned Tale for Our Times
This is the sort of tale you might have heard at your Grandfather's knee, one with magic and adventure... and a moral. Not filled with violence and negativism, but with a message of peace and hope and wisdom. I believe this is a story for both the young and the young at heart, who still believe even the smallest among us can make a difference in this world.

Apalachee Tortoise
June 2004, Book Review
A review by Ann Harrison
Another book that crossed our desk this month was Hopewatch and The Art of Peace, the debut novel of a local author, Yianni Palos. It’s the magical adventure of a boy named Hopewatch, who follows the rocky road of his destiny to learn about the Art of Peace – a skill nearly forgotten to mankind in these times were the horrors of war are in the daily news. As Hopewatch learns about the dark side of humankind, he also discovers the secrets and beauty of peace and he is determined to show the world the true nature of these two powerful forces. He aided on his journey by a colorful cast of characters that often bring comic elements to the story.
Hopewatch & The Art of Peace is a parable well suited for young readers in search of magical adventures, but with its timeless message also has something to offer for the more seasonable readers looking for a pleasant time out.