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The Crystal Needle
Part history, part mystery, part fantasy, myth, and coming of age.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2012
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Daniel J. Peyton
10 books20 followersMy name is Daniel Jo Peyton. I was born in 1982 in Stillwater Oklahoma, home town of OSU. My life there was as basic as anyone living on the flat lands of the Midwest, baking in the sun, freezing in the winters, running from tornadoes in the between, and enjoying the vast expanse of life around you.
I grew up with an older brother who was more into sports than I, a father who was a pastor and also a human resource manager at a factory in town, and a mother who went back to college when I started first grade. I spent a lot of time with mom at the University, mostly in the music department. I loved being on stage and being around others who were as stage friendly as I. That eventually led to me joining a Dance company when I was in fourth grade. I was a large kid, still am, and I towered over everyone. But, no one could deny that I was an enthusiastic dancer. I tapped mostly, I tried Jazz dancing, and a little ballet, but soon enough I knew that Tap was my passion. I loved it. As I grew up, my friends, mostly guys that is, would ask me why I would want to be a dancer. That seemed so girly to them. My answer was always the same, If I want to be around half naked, hot sweaty men, I would play sports. In the dance school, I was one guy in a whole company of girls, all of which were very easy on the eyes. Of course, I was always first a dancer, but I didn't argue with the side effects.
Also in fourth grade, I encountered something knew, writing. My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Rogers, had us write for half an hour each day. It could be anything from poetry to catching up with school work. Just write. I started with some poems and tongue twisters, then I delved into novels. Okay, so my first novel was four pages long, and that was pencil on wide rule paper, but for a fourth grader, that was pretty good ( If I do say so myself). The story I remember to this day, The Adventures of Private Eye Peyton. A fan of the 80's detective shows, I decided to try my hand at one. It was silly to say the least, but it started me on something that I couldn't put down. I wrote, and I wrote. I wrote every time I got the chance. First on basic paper, the on a typewriter. Yes, computers existed, but they were pretty expensive at that age, and we simply didn't need one. But, I didn't care. I started off trying to write my own stories for my favorite show, Star Trek. To this day, I have written well over 9 novels about a cast of characters set in the Star Trek universe.
In 2001, my father got a job at a company in Morristown Tennessee, ( East Tennessee that is) and we up and moved out east. It was a culture shock for us, as we had lived in the flatlands for years, for me it was my entire life. Now, we were in the mountains of smoke and history. We settled in as best as we could. There I started my junior year of high school. After that, I went on to the little community college here in town for a while and decided that I wasn't clear on a path for college just yet, and went to work at a Video Store. All the while, I continued to write.
After a number of years working for the video store, a new manager decided he didn't quite like me and found a reason to fire me. It was devastating, but I found inspiration in it. I started to write a novel that was outside my normal genre, it would be pure fantasy. Using details of my life in both Oklahoma and East Tennessee, I constructed a simple, yet fun little fantasy that centered around a character based on yours truly. The book got published and is currently available, The Jalan Chronicles: The Eyes of Amaterasu.
This was not the success that I had hoped for. I did book readings, went to speak at schools, and eventually translated it into an ebook on Kindle.
In 2002 I joined the EGA, the Embroiders Guild of America. I like to stitch now and then and found friends among the ladies. In 2008, the president of our local chapter announced that the theme for the Share-a-Stitch convention would be Stitching Magic. I kn
I grew up with an older brother who was more into sports than I, a father who was a pastor and also a human resource manager at a factory in town, and a mother who went back to college when I started first grade. I spent a lot of time with mom at the University, mostly in the music department. I loved being on stage and being around others who were as stage friendly as I. That eventually led to me joining a Dance company when I was in fourth grade. I was a large kid, still am, and I towered over everyone. But, no one could deny that I was an enthusiastic dancer. I tapped mostly, I tried Jazz dancing, and a little ballet, but soon enough I knew that Tap was my passion. I loved it. As I grew up, my friends, mostly guys that is, would ask me why I would want to be a dancer. That seemed so girly to them. My answer was always the same, If I want to be around half naked, hot sweaty men, I would play sports. In the dance school, I was one guy in a whole company of girls, all of which were very easy on the eyes. Of course, I was always first a dancer, but I didn't argue with the side effects.
Also in fourth grade, I encountered something knew, writing. My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Rogers, had us write for half an hour each day. It could be anything from poetry to catching up with school work. Just write. I started with some poems and tongue twisters, then I delved into novels. Okay, so my first novel was four pages long, and that was pencil on wide rule paper, but for a fourth grader, that was pretty good ( If I do say so myself). The story I remember to this day, The Adventures of Private Eye Peyton. A fan of the 80's detective shows, I decided to try my hand at one. It was silly to say the least, but it started me on something that I couldn't put down. I wrote, and I wrote. I wrote every time I got the chance. First on basic paper, the on a typewriter. Yes, computers existed, but they were pretty expensive at that age, and we simply didn't need one. But, I didn't care. I started off trying to write my own stories for my favorite show, Star Trek. To this day, I have written well over 9 novels about a cast of characters set in the Star Trek universe.
In 2001, my father got a job at a company in Morristown Tennessee, ( East Tennessee that is) and we up and moved out east. It was a culture shock for us, as we had lived in the flatlands for years, for me it was my entire life. Now, we were in the mountains of smoke and history. We settled in as best as we could. There I started my junior year of high school. After that, I went on to the little community college here in town for a while and decided that I wasn't clear on a path for college just yet, and went to work at a Video Store. All the while, I continued to write.
After a number of years working for the video store, a new manager decided he didn't quite like me and found a reason to fire me. It was devastating, but I found inspiration in it. I started to write a novel that was outside my normal genre, it would be pure fantasy. Using details of my life in both Oklahoma and East Tennessee, I constructed a simple, yet fun little fantasy that centered around a character based on yours truly. The book got published and is currently available, The Jalan Chronicles: The Eyes of Amaterasu.
This was not the success that I had hoped for. I did book readings, went to speak at schools, and eventually translated it into an ebook on Kindle.
In 2002 I joined the EGA, the Embroiders Guild of America. I like to stitch now and then and found friends among the ladies. In 2008, the president of our local chapter announced that the theme for the Share-a-Stitch convention would be Stitching Magic. I kn
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 9, 2013
I was asked by another author to take a look at the work of Daniel Peyton. I received the PDf of his book free of charge from this third party, and am delighted to offer my review here.
The Crystal Needle by Daniel Peyton is a delightful mix of American history, Japanese lore, stitchery, witchery, and fantasy. It is also an sensitive story of a young man who finds himself reluctantly relocated to a small New England town where his parents are opening a Bed and Breakfast. Having graduated from high school in another state, he is starting a new chapter in his life, in a new setting, providing new relationships and new insights into his own desires.
Joseph finds his first friend in an elderly neighbor, Elsebeth, a woman who shares his enjoyment of stitchery. She in turn shares her friendship with a young woman who also stitches, and Joseph is 'smitten' by Allison's gentle mannerisms and beautiful eyes. He realizes that Allison's deformities, though evident and mysterious, are not relevant to his relationship with her. He looks retrospectively at his earlier friendships and relationships, with their typical age-appropriate superficiality; he realizes why they remained only at a surface level, while this one is growing into a more mature, caring, lasting one.
Daniel Peyton has cleverly woven character development, coming of age, realistic history and fantastical mystery into a beautifully designed tapestry of good versus evil. So many themes present and are developed in this deceptively simple tale. Readers will come to understand each character and will no doubt want to learn more of their unique relationships and stories.
I give this five stars, and recommend it to readers who want to learn a bit more of needlework and love.
The Crystal Needle by Daniel Peyton is a delightful mix of American history, Japanese lore, stitchery, witchery, and fantasy. It is also an sensitive story of a young man who finds himself reluctantly relocated to a small New England town where his parents are opening a Bed and Breakfast. Having graduated from high school in another state, he is starting a new chapter in his life, in a new setting, providing new relationships and new insights into his own desires.
Joseph finds his first friend in an elderly neighbor, Elsebeth, a woman who shares his enjoyment of stitchery. She in turn shares her friendship with a young woman who also stitches, and Joseph is 'smitten' by Allison's gentle mannerisms and beautiful eyes. He realizes that Allison's deformities, though evident and mysterious, are not relevant to his relationship with her. He looks retrospectively at his earlier friendships and relationships, with their typical age-appropriate superficiality; he realizes why they remained only at a surface level, while this one is growing into a more mature, caring, lasting one.
Daniel Peyton has cleverly woven character development, coming of age, realistic history and fantastical mystery into a beautifully designed tapestry of good versus evil. So many themes present and are developed in this deceptively simple tale. Readers will come to understand each character and will no doubt want to learn more of their unique relationships and stories.
I give this five stars, and recommend it to readers who want to learn a bit more of needlework and love.
May 21, 2013
If you are looking for an epic battle of “good versus evil”, look no further than your local book market. “The Crystal Needle” is unlike any other fantasy novel I have read. This book has all the parts I look for when seeking a new book for escape or a timeless tale: unique characters and creatures, myth, legend, malevolent pasts with uncertain futures, purpose-seeking adventures, powerful battles with good overcoming evil, love, and most importantly, magic. The creativity and convey ability of the author, Daniel Peyton, is remarkable. Who would have thought of two non-seemingly, powerful elders in a small New England community changing the course of history through their “hobby” of sewing? Obviously, Peyton did, but surely, not me. It sure makes me rethink the stereotype associated with little, elderly ladies and their stitching!
I was intrigued by this story from the very beginning. Every character is completely relatable and has a purpose within the plot. I recommend this book to people of all ages. Its charm and easy-to-read format make for an extremely pleasant reading experience causing you to ache for the next one. To give you an idea, I started this book in the morning and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Peyton’s books and am anticipating the rest of the books in the tale of the crystal and obsidian needles.
I was intrigued by this story from the very beginning. Every character is completely relatable and has a purpose within the plot. I recommend this book to people of all ages. Its charm and easy-to-read format make for an extremely pleasant reading experience causing you to ache for the next one. To give you an idea, I started this book in the morning and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Peyton’s books and am anticipating the rest of the books in the tale of the crystal and obsidian needles.
August 14, 2013
I guess you can say the main theme to this imaginative fantasy is good vs evil and how witchcraft could be used to either help or hurt others. I couldn't help but be drawn into this emotional tale. From the start I was interested in the inviting characters as well as that wolf dog that wasn't a dog at all. The writing is pleasing and easy to follow. I was entertained as the story unfolded before me. I could see this touching story being made into a movie. I loved the positive messages and unique delivery.
"Joseph could not help himself; he liked something about this dog. He held out the apple. The wolf slowly approached the porch and stuck its head between the wide set bars. With only her teeth, she gently took the apple from him. She stopped for a moment and looked at him as though she was thanking him, then slunk away into the trees."
"Joseph could not help himself; he liked something about this dog. He held out the apple. The wolf slowly approached the porch and stuck its head between the wide set bars. With only her teeth, she gently took the apple from him. She stopped for a moment and looked at him as though she was thanking him, then slunk away into the trees."
March 10, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Crystal Needle...in fact, I like it so much that I went and bought The Crystal Needle: A Christmas to Remember so that I could read it immediately.
The story concept was unique and very interesting. Daniel Peyton managed to weave together history, withcraft, stitching, the Japanese legend of the kitsune, and a touching love story...kind of like a stitching witch...lol.
The characters were all well developed and relatable. I especially liked the character of Joseph - a sensitive young man who enjoys dancing and stitching and who befriends Elsabeth and Allison. The friendship and then love that develops between Joseph and Allison is special and touching.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more books about these characters!
The story concept was unique and very interesting. Daniel Peyton managed to weave together history, withcraft, stitching, the Japanese legend of the kitsune, and a touching love story...kind of like a stitching witch...lol.
The characters were all well developed and relatable. I especially liked the character of Joseph - a sensitive young man who enjoys dancing and stitching and who befriends Elsabeth and Allison. The friendship and then love that develops between Joseph and Allison is special and touching.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more books about these characters!
July 5, 2018
Who knew stitching could begin a love story?
From the beginning, this story had a sullen teen, alone and resentful because his parents moved him to the middle of nowhere. But it remains intriguing, rather than angsty, because so much is going on in this particular middle of nowhere. I enjoyed the action, the magic, and the love woven into the threads of this story. Perhaps I'll pick up my needle and stitch now!
From the beginning, this story had a sullen teen, alone and resentful because his parents moved him to the middle of nowhere. But it remains intriguing, rather than angsty, because so much is going on in this particular middle of nowhere. I enjoyed the action, the magic, and the love woven into the threads of this story. Perhaps I'll pick up my needle and stitch now!
March 5, 2018
Wonderful
This story is unique and flows wonderfully. I couldn’t put it down. It’s not your normal fast paced story, yet it has a steady flow and never bores.
This story is unique and flows wonderfully. I couldn’t put it down. It’s not your normal fast paced story, yet it has a steady flow and never bores.
May 4, 2012
I was asked by another author (Wendy Siefken) to take a look at the work of Daniel Peyton. I received the PDF of his book free of charge from this third party, and am delighted to offer my review here.
The Crystal Needle by Daniel Peyton is a delightful mix of American history, Japanese lore, stitchery, witchery, and fantasy. It is also an sensitive story of a young man who finds himself reluctantly relocated to a small New England town where his parents are opening a Bed and Breakfast. Having graduated from high school in another state, he is starting a new chapter in his life, in a new setting, providing new relationships and new insights into his own desires.
Joseph finds his first friend in an elderly neighbor, Elsebeth, a woman who shares his enjoyment of stitchery. She in turn shares her friendship with a young woman who also stitches, and Joseph is 'smitten' by Allison's gentle mannerisms and beautiful eyes. He realizes that Allison's deformities, though evident and mysterious, are not relevant to his relationship with her. He looks retrospectively at his earlier friendships and relationships, with their typical age-appropriate superficiality; he realizes why they remained only at a surface level, while this one is growing into a more mature, caring, lasting one.
Daniel Peyton has cleverly woven character development, coming of age, realistic history and fantastical mystery into a beautifully designed tapestry of good versus evil. So many themes present and are developed in this deceptively simple tale. Readers will come to understand each character and will no doubt want to learn more of their unique relationships and stories.
I give this five stars, and recommend it to readers who want to learn a bit more of needlework and love.
The Crystal Needle by Daniel Peyton is a delightful mix of American history, Japanese lore, stitchery, witchery, and fantasy. It is also an sensitive story of a young man who finds himself reluctantly relocated to a small New England town where his parents are opening a Bed and Breakfast. Having graduated from high school in another state, he is starting a new chapter in his life, in a new setting, providing new relationships and new insights into his own desires.
Joseph finds his first friend in an elderly neighbor, Elsebeth, a woman who shares his enjoyment of stitchery. She in turn shares her friendship with a young woman who also stitches, and Joseph is 'smitten' by Allison's gentle mannerisms and beautiful eyes. He realizes that Allison's deformities, though evident and mysterious, are not relevant to his relationship with her. He looks retrospectively at his earlier friendships and relationships, with their typical age-appropriate superficiality; he realizes why they remained only at a surface level, while this one is growing into a more mature, caring, lasting one.
Daniel Peyton has cleverly woven character development, coming of age, realistic history and fantastical mystery into a beautifully designed tapestry of good versus evil. So many themes present and are developed in this deceptively simple tale. Readers will come to understand each character and will no doubt want to learn more of their unique relationships and stories.
I give this five stars, and recommend it to readers who want to learn a bit more of needlework and love.
May 24, 2012
Modern day American family moves to a neighbouring area of Salem. Son is an avid stitcher - enjoying embroidery. Coincidentally, the home they've chosen is right next to a good witch, Elsabethe. A stitching with, at odds with her stitching witch sister, Adel. 300 years past the two fell out over dealing with mankind around the time of the Salem with trials. Adel went bad, and abused her powers. Elsabethe bested her, but now she's coming back. Because, also coincidentally, the stitching kid is a chosen one of sorts for the stitching sisters, and the Japanese fox family which led to all the trouble back in the day.
This is Peyton's second book in 3 years, and has a number of positive reviews from advance readers on Amazon.com. And there are a number of commendable points about it:
There are some wonderful ideas, some great scenes, and some very likeable characters. Peyton blends old-school, traditional fairy-tale witches, with American history, Japanese folklore and the old good vs evil battle. The longer one stays with this, the better it gets.
However, to get to the good, you will have to wade through some painful dialogue (which never goes away), some glaring formatting problems, and an initial obsession with stitching. All of which detracts greatly from the story-telling.
Personally, I would love to see a revised version of this work - perhaps more strongly targetting a YA audience, with a younger antagonist, and developed to begin a series of books.
I've given two stars, primarily because the dialogue is just so painful. The story itself, the concept, I quite enjoyed.
This is Peyton's second book in 3 years, and has a number of positive reviews from advance readers on Amazon.com. And there are a number of commendable points about it:
There are some wonderful ideas, some great scenes, and some very likeable characters. Peyton blends old-school, traditional fairy-tale witches, with American history, Japanese folklore and the old good vs evil battle. The longer one stays with this, the better it gets.
However, to get to the good, you will have to wade through some painful dialogue (which never goes away), some glaring formatting problems, and an initial obsession with stitching. All of which detracts greatly from the story-telling.
Personally, I would love to see a revised version of this work - perhaps more strongly targetting a YA audience, with a younger antagonist, and developed to begin a series of books.
I've given two stars, primarily because the dialogue is just so painful. The story itself, the concept, I quite enjoyed.
December 9, 2013
Reviews
The Crystal Needle by Daniel Peyton
Jo Ann: Posted on Monday, December 09, 2013 1:08 AM
Paperback: 302 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 5, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1479339318
ISBN-13: 978-1479339310
When I first read what The Crystal Needled was about I told my daughter I had to read it. So she talked to Dan Peyton about it and he said ok and allowed us to read and review it.
I am not normally into books with magic and fantasy. This wonderful book is an amazing read. This book takes you on a ride you will enjoy with the magic, fantasy, and romance. I am going to be looking out for more of his work.
You will fall in love with Joseph.
This book is a book for all ages.
You will not be let down while reading The Crystal Needle.
Dan wrote it in away that makes you wonder will there be a book 2 however if there isn't that is ok as the book is written with all the details you want in case a book 2 doesn't come.
I will be sharing about this book with all my friends and family. 5 stars
Book Angels12 was given a copy to read and review.
December 14, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Crystal Needle...in fact, I like it so much that I went and bought The Crystal Needle: A Christmas to Remember so that I could read it immediately.
The story concept was unique and very interesting. Daniel Peyton managed to weave together history, withcraft, stitching, the Japanese legend of the kitsune, and a touching love story...kind of like a stitching witch...lol.
The characters were all well developed and relatable. I especially liked the character of Joseph - a sensitive young man who enjoys dancing and stitching and who befriends Elsabeth and Allison. The friendship and then love that develops between Joseph and Allison is special and touching.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more books about these characters!
The story concept was unique and very interesting. Daniel Peyton managed to weave together history, withcraft, stitching, the Japanese legend of the kitsune, and a touching love story...kind of like a stitching witch...lol.
The characters were all well developed and relatable. I especially liked the character of Joseph - a sensitive young man who enjoys dancing and stitching and who befriends Elsabeth and Allison. The friendship and then love that develops between Joseph and Allison is special and touching.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more books about these characters!
August 13, 2013
Peyton has written a traditional fairy tale filled with unique characters, set in small town America. When Joe and his parents move from the deep south to New England in order to open a bed and breakfast, they don’t expect to find a witch living next door. And even once they get to know kind, elderly Elsabethe, they still don’t realize there is a witch living next door because people don’t believe in magic. In Featherville, curses mix with home baked food, young love and summer festivals. I enjoyed Peyton’s novel precisely because of its differences.
August 2, 2013
this book was really good i am anxious to read more
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews