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Charlene Renee Haines (born August 1, 1980) is the American author of "Unexpected Heroes: The Battle for the Black Onyx".

Early Life Born in Cumberland, Maryland, Haines began writing in the fourth grade at the age of nine. Her teacher at the time, Valeria (Wilson) Arch (who Haines has credited for her encouragement), noticed the young girl's talent and creative imagination. During class one day, Valeria Arch asked young Charlene to read her book in front of her peers. She obliged and considers this, "A day I will never forget." From that day forth, Haines wrote numerous short stories, plays, and poems. When she was fifteen, she completed her first novel-length book. Unfortunately, a problem with the computer caused her work to be erased. This did not discourage her from continuing her craft. At sixteen, she finished an additional book, but did not pursue publication. After graduating from Allegany High School in 1998, she completed three more books, but yet again, did not pursue publication. It was not until she graduated from Allegany College of Maryland in 2007, that she decided to follow her dreams and publish her latest project, "Unexpected Heroes: The Battle for the Black Onyx".

Unexpected Heroes: The Battle for the Black Onyx Haines' first novel, published in 2008, is based on a vivid dream she experienced in April 2007. The book was written in the Science Fiction/Fantasy genre, and follows five ordinary teenagers as they embark on incredible adventures after mysteriously acquiring super-human abilities. "The Battle for the Black Onyx" is the first in the "Unexpected Heroes" series.