Local Author Wins First Place in International Book Award Contest

Schaumburg resident Susan Miura received first place in the young adult fiction category for her novel "Shards of Light," released earlier this year from Vinspire Publishing. The winners of the Royal Dragonfly awards from Story Monsters LLC were announced Tuesday, Nov. 26. Miura's novel also received a five-star review from Midwest Book Reviews.

"Looking back to when we first started the Royal Dragonfly Book Award contest in 2011, I am amazed and impressed by the quality of entries from one year to the next," said Linda F. Radke, president of Story Monsters LLC. "I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to all of our winners."

"Shards of Light" is Book 2 in the Healer series, which began with "Healer," a first-place winner in last year's Story Monsters awards. Both books are available from the Schaumburg Library, as well as other area libraries, and the Schaumburg, Bloomingdale and Naperville Barnes and Noble stores as well as online retailers. Miura will be signing copies of her books from 1-3 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Naperville Barnes and Noble, 47 E. Chicago Ave., Suite #132.

"I'm grateful for all the support I've gotten from my community, as well as family and friends, with regard to this novel," Miura said. "Northwest Ballet Academy helped with the ballet references, occupational and physical therapists from School District 54 provided guidance with a character who suffers a serious injury, and the Schaumburg Township Library held a book launch event. This award is just icing on the cake."

"Shards of Light" is Book 2 in the Healer series and continues the story of 17-year-old Shilo Giannelli, who discovers in Book 1 that she possesses the power to heal. It is told from the perspectives of two main characters, Shilo and her best friend, Melody O'Hara, who was adopted as a newborn and is striving toward a career as a professional ballerina. The story begins on a secluded Sicily mountaintop, where Shilo fights to shield victims of human trafficking while learning the mysteries of her power. An ocean away, Melody will suffer a catastrophic injury that will lead her into darkness as she unveils an unimaginable truth about her Nigerian heritage.

Miura's previous titles include Healer, Pawprints in the Snow, and Show Me a Sign. More information is available at http://susanmiura.altervista.org/.