ROYAL OAK — Troubled times have a strange way of either tearing people apart or bringing them closer together. It is a mantra apropos for Detroit and the message of a new youth/teen book by local author Josef Bastian,Nain Rouge II – The Red Tide, the second in the award-winning Nain Rouge series. Bastian is also writes a blog for the DBusiness website.
Written long before Detroit’s financial woes intensified, many of the book’s themes appear, almost eerily, to be pulled directly from today’s headlines. The Red Tide once again focuses on young friends who encounter the urban legendary red devil; this time centered on the Detroit Institute of Arts and other points of interest. The tale, which expands to troubling events nationwide, is one of good vs. evil, hope and the importance of perseverance and teamwork in overcoming adversity.
“Once the protagonists realize power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, they have a starting point for pulling together and taking corrective action through self-empowerment,” said Bastian. The story of the Nain Rouge is part of the spirit of Detroit; the human spirit that battles back and toughs it out through hard times.”
The book series will also serve to support the Detroit Institute of Arts. Beginning Tuesday, and continuing through Halloween, the first book in the trilogy, Nain Rouge, can be downloaded for free with a donation to the DIA of $1 or more, at nainrouge.com.
Just in time for Halloween and with a movie currently in development for filming in Detroit and featuring actor Martin Klebba (Pirates of the Caribbean) in the title role, the just released The Red Tide is up for a trio of awards, including from Moonbeam, Young Voices and Writers Digest. In 2010, Bastian released the series’ inaugural Nain Rouge which received the Seal of Approval for Historical Nonfiction for Juveniles/Young Adult and was also awarded by the Young Voices Foundation – recognizing the book’s role in inspiring and educating youth and their families.
