The Crystal Bird

by Helen Drayton

Telescoping back and forth between modern and ancient times, "The Crystal Bird" is a unique, compelling and magical masterpiece of adventure, star-crossed love, and history. Death waits in shadows as slavers make their way through East Africa's Great Rift Valley. They attack a group of young warriors who strike back. Six centuries later, a team, led by archaeologists Allan Cline and Christopher Ward, is exploring caves in the very region. Mesmerized by 50,000-year-old-artefacts, they stumble into a strange land and find themselves among the Ashais people who protect a strange bird and world-changing secrets. The archaeologists have a compelling story to tell, truths that upend written history and challenge beliefs about the very genesis of humankind. The people sense danger and take preemptive action to protect their secrets and way of life. The archaeologists feel the weight of centuries of betrayal and brutality that shatters lives.

“An epic tale of an ancient civilization confronting the present…explorers are torn between their respect and reverence for the land they’ve discovered and the potential cures they could bring back to the world, transforming this fast-paced adventure story into a much deeper and more complicated tale…A unique, engaging story of star-crossed love, history and mythical magic.”—Kirkus Reviews.

“A dynamic story that echoes classic time-and-space travel odysseys...it grips readers with its focus on the dilemma of imperiled explorers and star-crossed lovers, and the contrastingly serene, enviable lives of the Ashais...Readers will no doubt be enchanted by Drayton’s atmospheric descriptions of the magical world of Ashaise.”—ForeWord Clarion Reviews.

"A beautifully written tale of what was, what could have been, and what could still be! Set in a land outside time, it deals with all of mankind’s frailties and strengths. It’s also a beautiful love story. This book has an intricate storyline with well-developed characters. It’s the first book I have ever read where the main characters were African/African American. I was so impressed with the attention to detail, supported by authentic research showing that many of us have badly pre-conceived notions of what civilization really is and where it started. It bumped up my curiosity to learn more about these ancient civilizations and I am amazed at what I have found. Worth every penny and I strongly recommend it!" - Thora Dorn.

"Plenty of action throughout to keep the reader interested. Perfect amount of twists and turns you don't expect. Pleasantly surprised at ending. A must read to the the end. No skipping pages, reader will miss out. One more P. Passion driven to the end. Will look for more from this author." - Autumn27Zoeyon.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Africa

395 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2012

About the author

Helen Drayton has a passion for poetry and art. She is the author of the epic work of fiction, The Crystal Bird, and two collections of poetry, Passages I and Passages II Brown Doves.

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I obtained this copy through Goodreads ARC giveaway. I want to thank both Goodreads and Ms. Drayton for this copy.

I agree with previous reviews in that the beginning was hard to wade through. I enjoy the dramatically detailed scenes in which the story is originated from. But it was easy to get lost in the local jargon and native names.

I thought the concept of the book was brilliant and the end, again, was beautiful. The beginning and some what of the middle weren't my favorite.

Would I have bought this for myself? No, but I would recommend this to lovers of historical fiction or African American fiction. The author is a talented writer and did a wonderful job depicting these fictional characters. They truly came to life in my mind.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The strength of this book is the author's imagination. I won this through goodreads first reads, and the reason I applied for it was the plot, which is so different to anything I've read before. I wasn't disappointed. The storyline was captivating and I especially liked the first few chapters of the book, where it is still unclear what's going to happen but there's a lot of action and suspense.
I did feel that the middle dragged a little, with some aspects of the 'other place' being explained many times, as if we wouldn't understand what was going on the first time we read it.
I'll definitely remember the imaginative storyline for a long time, so if you're looking for something a bit different I would recommend it for you.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received my copy from GoodReads First Reads Giveaway. Many thanks to Goodreads and Ms Drayton!

“The Crystal Bird” is a tale of a group of archaeologists who chance upon a lost civilization in Africa’s rift valley. But not only do they find an advanced culture of great antiquity as well as a place of health and healing. They soon realise that this culture does not actually reside upon the earth.

Whilst some of the story felt long and drawn out, it turned out to be a unique and enjoyable read. I liked the section at the end of the book which listed a few of the archaeological discoveries which have been made in Africa over the years. I certainly look forward to reading the sequel.

[Jean Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads giveaway that peeked my interest with its epic story line and imaginative setting. As soon as I received my copy, I began reading and was instantly engaged in this tale of an ancient civilization forced to confront present day intruders. The world of Ashaise is artfully detailed by Helen Drayton and leaves the reader wanting to know more about this enchanting land and its people.

[Stephanie]

***Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Winner.*** Thank you so much!!" I look forward to reading it!

[Theresa El-Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

******WOW****I want to travel on the rays of the sun!********

This book is one of the best books I have read. I love the way this book transports you to another world. The descriptions the author uses to describe the landscapes and the feelings of the characters are vivid and lively.

The story line is brilliant and teaches a moral truth! The ending is sooo heartfelt that I was almost in tears. I absolutely loved this story. Some of the other reviewers complained that the African names were an issue for them but I thought that the names of the characters added dimension to them. After all, they were in Africa and giving the characters African names seemed fitting to the storyline.

This book is a brilliant masterpiece and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to have read it. Anyone that is into historical fiction would love this book, it also has a touch of spirit that brings it to life.

This story starts out in the 1400's when a tribe is running from slave captors. The tribe goes up the mountain and is transported to another dimension. This world is similar to ours but very peaceful and untouched by pollution and greed. The newcomer tribe makes friends with the King and when the King is faced with a hardship the newcomers help. They are asked to stay and make this new place their home. Mbtani eventually becomes King and his descendants carry on their peaceful ways of life.

The book fast forwards to 1999 when a team of archaeologist are looking for new discoveries of ancient civilizations. They stumble into this cave and are transported to this other dimension. They are welcomed by the King and are given everything they need until they can go home. Some of the team are untrustworthy and are only interested in their resources. The kings daughter falls in love with one of the archaeologists. The King is faced with a hardship of allowing this member to stay and become one of them or send him home. The ending is better than you would expect but I don't want to give any thing away.

This is a MUST READ book. This book is a treasure, it is a true Gem. A book you want everyone to read but don't want to lend them your copy because it is to precious.

[Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

My copy was obtained for free through a GoodReads First Reads Giveaway.

I found this book very hard to get into. For the most part, the language got in the way- things were given too much of a spin to poetic to make sense at first for me, but the story itself was still interesting enough that I wanted to see how it would end.

The middle was no better, you get to see what's going on, but there's some distance that kept me from really getting into the story, too much back and forth where I had to stop and think 'they weren't part of the last scene right?' and regain my bearings in the land and story overall to figure out what was going on.

Sometimes just the use of a first or last name threw me off what character was being referred to, the same thing happened with job-titles, in place of one uniform way to say what character the paragraph was about. This was compacted with the problem of too quick a flip to another section of what was happening in the story elsewhere, too large a gap in time in some places for a smooth flow of unrestricted story. It was too easy to set the book aside and read others I had picked up at the library at points.

The end of the story was brilliant though, very emotional, I actually cried a bit at the more tender moments. The end of the story was absolutely amazing compared to the beginning and the middle of the book in that the flow was perfect, easy to understand the flips on who's side of things the reader was being exposed to and why, and I could scarcely put the book down at that point. I just wish the rest of the book had been this way. The end is worth struggling through the rest to read though, at least I think so.

This seemed to be part one of a larger story, and though I found flaws with this part of the larger story, I do hope that part two continues close to where part one left off, or at least we're given a small peak at what happened in the between time of where this part ends, and part two begins.

Overall I think this book could have used some smoothing, but that just might be part of it's charm. I'm definitely going to re-read this one again and see if I notice anything differently once some time has passed and the story not so fresh in my memory, though I think I'll leave a second review to my blog instead.

[Sarah-Jayne Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).

(This review may contain spoilers).

A lot of this book made me think of the film/musical Brigadoon - though there were some pretty major differences.

I liked the beginning of the book, set in 1450 and explaining the history of Ashaise. I thought the black lions were pretty interesting - and I liked Mbtani and the other characters, though I did keep getting confused over which character was which, at least in the first part of the book.

I also really liked the front cover of the book. I'm always drawn to nice-looking covers and this one was no exception.

I particularly liked Allan from the people in the expedition. I liked his relationship with Jiena and Meke and I found both came across as quite believable. I also liked Chris, Robert and Springer. (The other members of the expedition just weren't really that likable. At all). I felt sorry for Springer when he realised he'd made the wrong choice and I was glad that he was rescued from the fate that was in store for the others.

I felt that the language of the book was a bit simple at times and quite complicated at others. Some of the words in the book, I didn't understand. I also noticed some errors - grammatical and the wrong word being used at times. There weren't a huge amount, but there were a few. Also, the word assegai kept being interchanged with spear, with the same characters involved. (The other problem with using a word in another language in this instance is similar to people who write stories set in Japan with characters who speak Japanese - and yet who litter speech and narrative with Japanese words).

I found the whole concept of the crystal birds to be quite unique. There were also times in the book where the scenes were really descriptive - enough so that I could easily see events playing out in my mind's eye.

I really liked the ending of the book, but it implies that it's only the ending of part one. I have to say, I think I would definitely be interested in reading a sequel to this book. I'd like to see what happens to the other characters.

[Diana Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a while for me to finish this book but I am so glad I did. It is a masterful blend of history, myth, fantasy and current events. It is an allegory of man’s perennial need to uncover, discover and dominate. The underlying message that we are keepers of this wonderful earth and nature’s bounty was very clear to me.
Alan’s love of Africa rings true and the riches and possibility of Africa are given well deserved attention in this novel. His longing for the land and his love, Jiena, evoke an intangible need to live more simply and appreciate our environment. The Crystal Bird itself evokes a deeper longing for that place of freedom within us where myth and fantasy collide and for a time we suspend doubts about what is possible. The language of the book is lyrical and Drayton liberally uses colorful poetry and metaphor to paint a vivid picture of landscape and personalities. “To burrow deep in tomorrow’s expectations and whiff the earthy essence that seeps through the pores of promise.” Wow!!
While it was sometimes difficult to keep all the past and present players in order, especially the African lineage, this is a book where the past and the present crash together with the author’s skillful blending of history and allusion to current events.
Bravo Ms. Drayton.

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this but was disappointed. Yes, there are huge black lions that people can ride and magical crystal birds. The land of the Ashaise is a land of peace, well-being, and happiness/contentment (though, well, the fate of those who are not peaceful or content is unclear). There are archeologists, an anthropologist, a writer of geography, "security" (i.e. ex-military and soldiers of fortune, with all that implies) and those from the modern world who want "in" for various reasons. There is love between childhood friends, love of one's work, and, of course, romantic love. Whether the team of academics & explorers who wandered into Ashaise by accident will be allowed to leave with their knowledge of the place is an open question. Unfortunately, the novel is ultimately unsatisfying. The characters are two-dimensional, the land too perfect (albeit with the underlying and unexplored hint of darkness), and the story just ok.

[Raymond Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who is looking for a unique story full of drama, twists and turns, and head-over-the-heels romance, this book is an excellent choice. It is a well-written epic story of deep time spanning six centuries and tells a story about the discovery of people hidden from Earth. The main characters come alive as you read, and I particularly like the archaeologist, Allan Cline who is thoughtful and bold. It is memorable writing. You feel that you are in a strange land. You could actually see the landscape. Your senses take in everything and it is what makes the book so absorbing and excellent. Most chapters make fast-paced reading, but the author took the time to establish the foundation of the civilization then leads the reader to modern times.

[ufo28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received 'The Crystal Bird' through FirstReaders giveaway.This book is a real page turner with unique,complex story about ordinary people finding different,wonderfull world with ancient culture and lifestyles. Also it's a very unique love story facing cultural differences and bringing two people together even when everything else is against them.It was really good to enter world of Ashais described so well with all the history,people and ancient creatures living with them in peace and beautiful landscapes.This book really made me live in this world for a few days.I am really looking forward to read a sequel to this book.

[Brian Bigelow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the mythos and real history that were intermixed in the beginning of this book. It made for a very different read. What's central is that the myth and real history comes together in what could be best described as a lost world. Yes, I did find it rather fascinating. Being someone who's into archaeology I kept looking for more of the tidbits of where the Ashais came from which were numerous places in ancient times. On top of it there was a good story line. I'm not sure I'd want to come back from that place either.

[Shirlea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anew twist on utopia. Very well thought out with interesting and memorable characters. I would recommend this book for you to read. This Utopia is in Africa which is a great place to place it. The characters revolve wonderfully during the book with several intriguing twist and turns. Anymore and I would spoil the story for you. Oh just to spark your interest there are caves and mists and lions involved.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a bit of James Hilton's Lost Horizon to The Crystal Bird. The author has created a world ripe for further exploration, so it will be interesting to see if further books about the Ashais' is forthcoming. The shifting from one time period to another was not distracting, but the similarity of some of the names required some backtracking. A good story with compelling characters, and a setting that is idyllic.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. The transitions between historical and modern day were well done. The utopian society imagined by the author was at times both terrifying and inspiring. It was an interesting story and a testament to courage.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through the first reads program.

Some great ideas in this fantasy. Gives plenty for a reader to think about. Some of the prose was rough and felt forced. The characters didn't stand out as separate individuals when they spoke.

[Zane · Rating 4 out of 5]

In compliance with FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received this book free through Goodreads First Reads.
A great utopian read!

[Michael Drayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

finally someone has done the research and showed the biblical connection to our great african warriors and heroes.