Once Upon A Time In America

The Lance Chronicles #5

by Michael J. Bowler

With Lance leading the way, the Knights of the Round Table have set out to convince the American people that amending the Constitution to protect children is long overdue. As the team travels from state to state, they are met with acceptance, indifference, and hostility. But Lance’s popularity, coupled with his innate charm, gradually sways more of the populace to their cause.The journey becomes a rite of passage that propels the young people into adulthood and solidifies Lance’s status as an iconic and influential figure.But he’s uneasy. He knows Arthur is hiding something from him. After The Excalibur Incident in Las Vegas, Lance is certain the future will bring him great sorrow.Then comes the attack, sudden and brutal.Now the Round Table is in disarray, and Lance must confront a cold-blooded killer who’s luring him into an obvious trap. If he refuses the challenge, more loved ones will die, and everything he’s accomplished will die with them. Surrounded by the diverse young people who have become his family, Lance sets out for the final showdown with his enemy. The Lance Chronicles conclude… The Lance Children of the Knight (The Lance Chronicles Book 1) Running Through A Dark Place (The Lance Chronicles Book 2) There Is No Fear (The Lance Chronicles Book 3) And The Children Shall Lead (The Lance Chronicles Book 4) Once Upon A Time In America (The Lance Chronicles Book 5) Warrior Kids (standalone set within The Lance Chronicles universe)

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

355 pages, Hardcover

First published November 12, 2014

About the author

Michael J. Bowler is an award-winning author who grew up in Northern California. He majored in English/Theatre at Santa Clara University, earned a master’s in film production from Loyola Marymount University, a teaching credential in English from LMU, and a master’s in Special Education from Cal State University Dominguez Hills. Michael taught high school in Hawthorne, California for many years, both in general education and students with disabilities. When Michael is not writing you can find him volunteering as a youth mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, volunteering within the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles, or caring for his newly adopted son. He is a passionate advocate for the fair treatment of children and teens in California, and hopes his books can show young people they are not alone in their struggles.

You can find Michael at:
Website: www.michaeljbowler.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Michael-J.-Bowler/e/B0...
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michaeljbowlerauthor
Twitter: twitter.com/BradleyWallaceM
tumblr: michaeljbowler.tumblr.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/michaelbowler
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stuntshark
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2NX...

Reviews

[Huston Piner]

Once Upon a Time in America magnificently brings to a conclusion Michael Bowler’s Lance Chronicles series. In Children of the Knight, one’s first encounter with Lance and King Arthur promised a rollicking modern day adventure with a touch of magic, gripping characters, and a fast moving story-line. The cliffhanger ending was almost too much to deal with in a scene of such emotional anguish that I challenge any reader to walk away from it without tears.

But tragedy was averted only to send the reader on a riveting new drama in Running Through a Dark Place and the introduction of both Michael and Ricky. Ricky quickly became the source of strength and support Lance desperately needed as the pressures of his almost incomprehensible fame combine with the deep-seated insecurity threatening to overwhelm him – all complicated by the appearance of the dark and dangerous Michael. It was in this volume that Bowler first revealed the depth of his ability to immerse his readers in Lance’s world and the emotional strains that provoke heartache and humiliation for both Lance and Ricky.

In the third volume of the series, There Is No Fear, Lance, Ricky, King Arthur, and the others suffered the grief of Lance being wrongfully charged with a horrendous crime leading to hard lessons and a fast-moving ending in which the centrality of Michael’s role was driven to its ultimate surprising and tragic end.

Volume four, And the Children Shall Lead, could easily be seen as an introduction to this final installment. In it, Lance and Ricky worked up a proposed Children’s Bill of Rights (CBOR) to ensure minors enjoy the same full protections as adults while a mysterious enemy began a campaign to torture and kill Lance.

Here then, in the final volume, Once Upon a Time in America, we find Lance and company continuing their crusade in a cross-country tour to convince the states to ratify the CBOR – if Congress ever gets around to passing it. But the hidden enemy is working overtime to kill everyone Lance loves before assassinating him too. This unseen enemy is the wild card that Bowler’s had up his sleeve from the beginning, and as Team Lance travels the country, facing ever-increasing danger and the impending tragedy Lance fears most of all, we come to realize what a powerful tale-weaver Bowler truly is. Far from being merely a series of interrelated adventures, The Lance Chronicles is an epic yarn with a plot-line that is complex, clearly delineated, and unmistakably moving.

Be warned. No fairy-tale ending awaits Lance and Ricky, as the violence of twenty-first century society and the sociopathic machinations of evil tempt, toy with, and terrify them If ever an ending could be called bittersweet here we have the very definition of it. And lest, you think the ending will be too hard, rest assured you'll have a misty-eyed smile on your face when you read the last page.

Indeed, the same compelling majesty that runs through such classics as The Lord of the Rings and The Earthsea Trilogy courses through this series’ pages from beginning to end. With some slight alteration of division, this wonderful and inspiring collection could even be re-released in a trilogy format. But don’t wait for that. Pick up Children of the Knight – and go ahead and purchase the entire set of five when you do because once you start book one you’ll be hooked and won’t stop until you’ve read them all. Why some astute movie company and director haven’t snatched this series up is beyond me. Hello, Bob Iger, are you listening? Michael Eisner might snatch this one up if you’re not careful. It’s that good.

Five stars hardly does justice to such a beautiful saga.

[Elnora Romness]

LONG STORY SHORT
There are few authors whom I'm a fan of that I could list by name. Michael Bowler has made that list. Once Upon a Time in America is the perfect conclusion to a riveting, heart-pounding adventure that brought one street kid on the ride of his life. Lance here has made it - he's overcome momentous obstacles and is bringing the Children's Bill of Rights to the public and government, making it clear that he won't take no for an answer so long as there are children being treated like property by the very government that claims to tend them. But will the CBOR be his undoing....and the undoing of the Round Table that he and King Arthur have worked so hard to establish? Bowler has here created a masterpiece of literature that will thrill, humble, and motivate any reader to work for justice for those least of these in our society - the nation's "optional" children. One cannot help but be grabbed by the superb, approachable style in which Bowler has crafted this work...nor can one help but keep reading long after the lights should have been turned off. Minus a few issues with repetitiveness that made me shake my head a tad, this book is absolutely wonderful.

On an ascending scale of 1 to 5, I give this book a 5.

LONG STORY
The Good
Every so often a book comes along that grabs my attention and holds it long after the pages have finished turning. A story is so compelling that I mull over it for a long time, examining implications and applications to life. Isn't that what literature is about? Okay, so that question could spark volumes of debate, but this fact remains - Once Upon a Time in America is such a book/story and is the perfect conclusion to the saga following Lance and King Arthur as they work for equality and justice for America's children.

As I've stated in previous reviews of the prequels to this work ("Children of the Knight" series), there is not much more that I could say about this book to paint it in a more positive light. That is not to say that there is nothing positive to say - it is to say that I think I've said most of it already.

The writing is phenomenally well done. It is approachable, flows extremely well, is entirely too engaging (I lost hours of sleep over this book), gripping, and absolutely appropriate to whatever scene is being portrayed. Bowler includes just the right amount of detail to prevent readers from being confused about what is going on, but not so much detail as to cause readers' heads to swim and be bogged down. It is funny, serious, melancholy, and jovial in all the right places. Simply a delight to read.

Not much character development occurs, but this book kind of assumes that you've read the previous four in the series. C'mon....it's the 5th installment of a five book series - it kind of has the right to assume that you've read the prequels. That said, characters' actions make sense for who Bowler has already established each person to be (well, except for a couple....but to explain would be a major spoiler and I'm not that mean).

Settings, plot, timeline progression....everything makes sense and is done incredibly well. Seriously - Bowler is a fantastic author!!

Anyone who reads these books and is not stirred in some way to stand up for this nation's children (or children anywhere, for that matter) simply does not have a heart. I'd love to believe that many of the sad stories contained within these pages regarding the exploitation of children in various forms were purely the work of Bowler's imagination, but I know better. I know better because Bowler's biography above contains ample evidence that he has seen some of these kinds of stories first-hand. I know better because I've worked with those "optional" children in multiple capacities in my life, and have heard many similar stories show up in the lives of children I know. I know better because I know how quickly adults forget what it is to be a child.

We need a revolution such as this. Now, I don't think it would take on the kind of popularity that Lance and his crusade experience, but who knows. Maybe with enough people backing the process, we could put forward amendments to the Constitution such as those Lance proposes. Maybe the world could change. Maybe, I don't know. What I do know is that far too many people hear the kinds of horror stories that shape the lives of many of our children, shake their heads with a "that's too bad" or "those poor kids", and then go about their daily lives as if they could not change anything. Bull****. Apathy allows children to starve (emotionally, physically, etc) and be abused/exploited at a much higher rate than should be possible in our so-called developed nation.

I better stop. I share much of Bowler's passion to see justice for our kids, and I wish that we would see the kind of revolution described in these books. Our kids need one.

The Bugly (bad/ugly)
Despite my perfect rating of this book (and of practically the entire series), I do have a couple nitpicks:
--There is so much contained here that this work itself could have easily been two entire books. While everything here is part of the same story, there is just so much that it was hard for me to wrap my head around everything that was going on...and I kept waiting for something else major to happen during the last quarter of the book, after most of the stuff had reached a resolution. It was kind of like when you watch a show and it seems like the story has reached its conclusion, but you know "that just can't be it" because there are ten minutes left and everyone knows that a lot can happen in ten minutes (especially "Walking Dead" fans).
--Everyone being so lovey-dovey all of the time made even me, a die-hard romantic, cringe. There are only so many "this person melted into a puddle of goo" moments I can take before reaching goo overload, and I reached it about half-way through here. I get that the characters have intense feelings for one another, but fact was repeated in similar words far too often for my tastes.
Just go and read this series. You won't walk away from it unchanged.

[Mia Kerick]

Move over, Homer, there’s a new epic-writer in town. And no, Michael Bowler’s Children of the Knight Series is not a long poem, but it fits the other necessary elements of an epic making it memorable and life-changing for its readers, both young and young at heart.

As I devoured book after book in The Children of the Knight Series, in which I effectively joined young Lance and King Arthur on a dangerous and thrilling journey that has yet to be matched in the arena of diverse, contemporary YA fiction, the word “epic” lingered on the edges of my mind. However, this lingering whisper of “epic” turned into something more like shouting, as I read the concluding story to the five book series, Once Upon a Time in America. This final book is explosive in its unpredictability, daring in its adventurousness, and not to be overlooked, the touching intimacy between characters continues to grow until the final page. It is a testimony to romantic love, bravery, determination, and the power of friendship. Our hero, Lance, and the youthful knights, who are his friends, brothers, and sisters, must face what seems to be impossible, not knowing if they will live to see the next day. The novel Once Upon a Time in America is a compelling conclusion, befitting this intense series.

To refer to a series as “epic”, you must know what you are talking about, and so for that reason I did my research. When I moved away from the poetry definition for the word epic, the next meaning [Oxford Dictionaries] I came upon said this: “A long film, book, or other work portraying heroic deeds and adventures or covering an extended period of time.” In Michael Bowler’s series—which is five books in length, so it really gives you something to sink your reader’s teeth into—heroic deeds are commonplace. Once the young characters accept and embrace their differences with the able guidance of King Arthur, they will, and do, take arrows, bullets, and more for one another. And no matter the circumstance, each of them does so without a second thought. The importance of self-sacrifice becomes second nature to a group of youth who once considered themselves, and were considered by many, as society’s worthless extras. In addition, the many adventures taken by these courageous young people in the name of positive change for children are boundless; as you read you have a sense that anything can happen, and anything and everything does happen. This adventurous journey spans four long and action-packed years.

That was simple, wasn’t it? In a general sense, we can easily conclude that The Children of the Knight Series clearly meets the conditions to be called a true epic work of fiction. But I delved further, and applied the widely known “Six Elements of the Epic” to Bowler’s series.
1. The plot must center around a hero of unbelievable stature. In The Children of the Knight Series, Lance, and only Lance, can achieve what every other character can only attempt.
2. Involves feats of superhuman strength and valor. When armed with Excalibur, Lance possesses power that ventures into the superhuman realm. And to say he is merely brave would be a grave understatement.
3. Vast Setting. The series begins in California, then the characters move on to journey to Washington, DC, and finally throughout the entire United States. The whole country is incorporated into the story’s vast setting as the small group of knights seeks to secure rights for children. Bowler has no fear of exploring corners of the United States, both far and wide, both beautiful and racked with poverty.
4. Involves other-worldly forces. Yes, King Arthur from the days of old, has reappeared in modern-day Los Angeles to inspire a revolution. If that isn’t other-worldly, I don’t know what is.
5. Sustained elevation of style. Bowler’s writing never stops being majestic in style, although it is not poetry. King Arthur’s language, in itself, is formal and cleverly antiquated, and lends dignity to both his own character and the novel itself. Bowler does not “write down” to reach his YA audience; in fact, he educates this author on eloquent word usage while still being relevant to his teen readers.
6. Narrator remains objective and omniscient. As a reader, you are confident that Bowler, the unseen teller of this story, truly does have the answers and the knowledge of what everyone is thinking. He illustrates each character’s point of view through thoughts or dialogue, even if he makes you wait to discover each character’s truth. Which he does—Michael Bowler makes you wait until you can barely handle another minute of the suspense.

I believe I’ve proved my point—The Children of the Knight Series, and in particular, the stunning conclusion, Once Upon a Time in America, is an epic feat of writing by Michael Bowler.

Bowler’s got the hero, Lance, who is in many ways superhuman, while somehow still being just a regular kid with the hopes and dreams and fears representative of all children. In this series you will travel the entire country with this hero, encountering challenges the likes of which no ordinary boy could manage. In these adventures, you will witness the survival of some people, both good and evil, and the decline of others, which will make you alternately celebrate and rage. And you will experience it all through the magic of Bowler’s captivating language and skillful narrative presence.

Another definition of “epic” can be found in The Urban Dictionary, which explains commonly used slang. Here, the word epic is defined as “awesome” and “kickass”. In fact, it can be used to describe anything incredibly positive.

The Children of the Knight is an EPIC series.

Epic.

[Prashant Singh]

Once upon a time in America is the last book in the Lance Chronicles series by Michael J. Bowler. A journey so beautiful, interesting and unique comes to an end with it.

The Lance Chronicles series started with the sudden appearance of King Arthur in 21st century with a view and goal of Justice to the children and he forms a roundtable. His knights are none other than the children in trouble and the main and the leader of these roundtable members is Lance. Thorugh the journey of 5 books every character is developed in such a beautiful way and has completed their character arc, so well. They became the members of my life.

In the 5th and last installment of the series, we see Lance alongside the members of roundtable travelling through different states to get support in amendments of the constitution for benefits of children. This is when an unknown enemy attacks and warns Lance that he is going to kill everyone he loves before he kills him. Now, Lance has to defeat this unknown enemy and keep his family, loved-ones safe. On the other hand, it is obvious that Arthur is hiding something, something that is really big and can change everything in Lance's life.

Michael J. Bowler, manages to keep that thrill and adventure going smoothly in this book too, just like in the previous ones. From the first book he keeps the readers mind attached to the story and the cliffhanger endings kept the readers longing to read the next book in series.

This series is recommended and a must read, because it happens rarely that a series so brilliant comes. No one will regret picking it up.

[J.g. Murphy]

This is the final piece of the puzzle, and Michael Bowler will keep you on the edge of your seat. Suspense, anger, sympathy, empathy, I could make a list of emotions, they're all in "Once Upon A Time In America: Children of the Knight V".

"Once Upon A Time In America" brings to a climax the work of King Arthur and the youth of New Camelot. Every bit as compelling as the first four books, the final piece of the Knight Cycle will bring you great joy, and terrible sorrow as Lance and the Knights experience the results of their campaign, and find out who has been stalking them since the beginning. And most importantly, why. Bowler weaves the threads of the four previous books into a dramatic climax that answers all of your questions (no spoilers here!). This is an intricately woven story that now, sadly, ends. Or does it? It's hard to put this book down. Michael is a master of language, and his structure keeps you completely engrossed, eyes on the page...all the way until the end.

I cannot recommend this book, and this series, enough. If you care about kids, if you know our juvenile justice system is out of whack (or want to see how badly it really is), then you need to read "Once Upon A Time In America" right after you read the first four books. Highly recommended. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!

[Teresa]

Title: Once upon a Time in America
Author: Michael J. Bowler
Publisher: Michael J. Bowler
ISBN: 978-0-9908711-2-5
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Time-...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:

With Lance leading the way, the Knights of the Round Table have set out to convince the American people that amending the Constitution to protect children is right and just and long overdue. As the team travels from state to state, they are met with acceptance, indifference, and even hostility. But Lance’s popularity and mystique as The Boy Who Came Back, coupled with his innate charm, gradually sway more and more of the populace, not to mention state legislators, to their cause.
The journey becomes a rite of passage that propels the young people into adulthood, and solidifies Lance’s status as an iconic and influential figure.
But he’s uneasy. He knows Arthur is hiding something from him, something that will bring him great sadness. After The Excalibur Incident in Las Vegas, Lance becomes more and more certain that the future is one he won’t like, despite his stunning success at winning over some of the most intractable states.
Then comes the attack, sudden and brutal.
Now the Round Table is in disarray, and Lance must confront a cold-blooded killer who’s luring him into an obvious trap. But if he refuses the challenge, more loved ones will die, and everything he’s fought for will die with them. Surrounded by the diverse young knights who have become his family, Lance sets out to battle his enemy with the knowledge deep in his heart that only one of them will survive. Is this the end of the Round Table?
The Knight Cycle concludes… Release Date 11/12/2014




Summary:
As I look back over this incredible series, it began with the sudden arrival of the famous King Arthur. His unique way of looking at the world allowed the reader to see what he saw, the terrible way many of are children are being treated in today's world. One by one, starting with Lance, Arthur's round table expanded as he took in children he found in need, many of who were living on the streets. He taught them the way to knighthood strengthening their minds and bodies. At first, Lance, Ricky, and the rest of the knights followed Arthur's directions until they were ready to stand on their own. Arthur in his wisdom stood back allowing Lance and the knights to begin to decide where their quest would lead them. Lance wasn't perfect, but Arthur's love and acceptance held helped him become the man he was born to be. As the knights worked towards changing to laws to protect children in the USA, there are those who would use any means to stop them putting all of their lives in peril. The struggle to change the world is never an easy one, but this book allowed the reader to see how one person's love and acceptance could be begin that process. I loved this series and enjoyed ever heartrending and spellbinding moment as their lives unfolded. The magic that Merlin brought into this story gave us a glimpse of what happened to Arthur and I for one would love to learn more about Avalon.

[Michael Bowler]

I loved crafting and shaping this sweeping series that takes my child and teen characters from the streets of Los Angeles across the entire country where they interact with power brokers and average Americans in their quest to make our society better for kids. It was a long journey for me, and for them. I watched myself grow as a writer even as they grew from adolescents into strong young adults ready to make a positive difference in the world. I hope those readers who decide to take the entire journey that began with "Children of the Knight" will come to love my characters as I do and feel satisfied with the experience.