Chime & Discord
Chime & Discord is an illustrated novel in verse for young adult readers, set in a near-future dystopian world with a twist of science fiction and magic.
Sixteen-year-old Em lives in an unpredictable, violent world where the Power’s corrupt militia—the Stampers—arrest, detain and kill people on a daily basis. Em used to feel safe living with her mom. Now, everything has changed. Home is tense after her new stepfather moves in. School is no longer a place to ask questions or read books, just to memorize One Way answers. Even listening to new music is impossible after the internet is taken away.
Then one day, Em finds a large, mysterious egg. As Em learns how to care for the egg, new fears and possibilities emerge. What will hatch out of this spotted pink egg? Will she ever see her best friend again, kidnapped by the Stampers? Could a mysterious hooded figure help her fight back against the Power? Sparked by a newfound sense of purpose and hope, Em faces the dangers and uncertainties of her world as she nurtures the mysterious new life hatching from the giant egg.
Themes: teen autonomy, activism, authoritarian rule, police oppression, mental health, coping with violence, empathy, relationships
Praise for Chime & Discord
"Sharon’s writing is incredible. Every word feels intentional and envelopes the reader in a cocoon that makes it near impossible to put down... The feeling I am left with is a that of a Van Gogh painting - expressive, emotional, every brush stroke deliberate, giving a well known subject incredible depth and nuance."
Talks & Interviews
I enjoy speaking about issues of self-expression through arts/literature, mental health, healing through creativity, and breaking stigmas.
Talks & Interviews
I enjoy speaking about issues of self-expression through arts/literature, mental health, healing through creativity, and breaking stigmas.
What Early Readers Are Saying...
”I just picked up a few pages and already love the way the story develops in poem style. I love each ‘poem’ tells a piece of Em’s story. It heartbreaking to imagine what she’s going through and to hope she’s able to find strength to heal. In a way, she represents that lost girl we are at times when life gets difficult. I’m sure Em will teach us how to find strength in the most unexpected places. Can’t wait to finish reading where her journey takes us.”
~Primative H., Executive Director, 805Undocufund
“Chime and Discord explores empathy in a world where caring can be both powerful and painful. Em’s journey invites young readers to consider how compassion and their own voices can help them respond to injustice. Frances brings these questions to life through expressive verse, illustrations, and an unforgettable companion.”
~Shaleena Tareen, Founder & President, Childhood Matters
“Chime and Discord is beautiful, powerful, bittersweet, hopeful, terrifying, riveting, empowering. The pacing unfolded perfectly. The various threads of Em's life and world weave together in a wonderful tapestry - the way you build her character, her relationships, her voice and her life is nothing short of masterful.”
"Loved this story...the bravery, the innocence, the forced growth out of innocence, a touch of magic, fighting the good fight.”
"Wow, wow, wow. I loved Chime and Discord. Loooooooved it! Your writing is beautiful and the story is gripping, with so many wonderful layers of relationship.”
"The dystopian world you've built feels incredibly urgent, and blending a sci-fi creature into such a raw, realistic story about domestic trauma and survival works beautifully.”
