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Haffling #1
Haffling
First in the Haffling series
All sixteen-year-old Alex Nevus wants is to be two years older and become his sister Alice’s legal guardian. That, and he’d like his first kiss, preferably with Jerod Haynes, the straight boy with the beautiful girlfriend and the perfect life. Sadly, wanting something and getting it are very different. Strapped with a mentally ill mother, Alex fears for his own sanity. Having a fairy on his shoulder only he can see doesn't help, and his mom's schizophrenia places him and Alice in constant jeopardy of being carted back into foster care.
When Alex's mother goes missing, everything falls apart. Frantic, he tracks her to a remote corner of Manhattan and is transported to another dimension—the land of the Unsee, the realm of the Fey. There he finds his mother held captive by the power-mad Queen May and learns he is half-human and half-fey—a Haffling.
As Alex’s human world is being destroyed, the Unsee is being devoured by a ravenous mist. Fey is vanishing, and May needs to cross into the human world. She needs something only Alex can provide, and she will stop at nothing to possess it… to possess him.
All sixteen-year-old Alex Nevus wants is to be two years older and become his sister Alice’s legal guardian. That, and he’d like his first kiss, preferably with Jerod Haynes, the straight boy with the beautiful girlfriend and the perfect life. Sadly, wanting something and getting it are very different. Strapped with a mentally ill mother, Alex fears for his own sanity. Having a fairy on his shoulder only he can see doesn't help, and his mom's schizophrenia places him and Alice in constant jeopardy of being carted back into foster care.
When Alex's mother goes missing, everything falls apart. Frantic, he tracks her to a remote corner of Manhattan and is transported to another dimension—the land of the Unsee, the realm of the Fey. There he finds his mother held captive by the power-mad Queen May and learns he is half-human and half-fey—a Haffling.
As Alex’s human world is being destroyed, the Unsee is being devoured by a ravenous mist. Fey is vanishing, and May needs to cross into the human world. She needs something only Alex can provide, and she will stop at nothing to possess it… to possess him.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2013
30 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
About the author
Caleb James
54 books30 followersCaleb James is an author, member of the Yale volunteer faculty, practicing psychiatrist, and clinical trainer. He writes both fiction and nonfiction and has published books in multiple genres and under different names. Writing as Charles Atkins, he has been a Lambda Literary finalist. He lives in Connecticut with his partner and four cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 9, 2016
True love is an unbreakable bond.
Alex, 16 year old boy holding his family together, his schizophrenic mother and sister Alice. But things he always believed to be fantastical imaginings or ravings are more real than our world will allow.
Queen May of the Fey needs something and Alex has it. The trickster and cruel aspect of fey has been preserved. And Alex needs to use everything he has at his disposal to save what he loves.
This is a fast-paced YA fantasy. Alex is hyper-responsible due to his family's circumstances, and he has no time for silly dreams like the cute, straight boy who smiles so beautifully. Of course, things are not as they seem and in his daily life Alex has put aside all but the necessary.
Soon necessary is dangerous as he is in a battle of wits. As cards are played, and Alex is backed into a corner, the truth of what is happening is inevitable. How Alex wins... well that's the key. One he always had. It's all about trust and learning that while bad things happen not everything is bad. Even in our darkest moments there are good things if we just let ourselves see them.
Overall, a circus-filled story with heart and hope.
Favorite quote:
~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~
~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~
Alex, 16 year old boy holding his family together, his schizophrenic mother and sister Alice. But things he always believed to be fantastical imaginings or ravings are more real than our world will allow.
Queen May of the Fey needs something and Alex has it. The trickster and cruel aspect of fey has been preserved. And Alex needs to use everything he has at his disposal to save what he loves.
This is a fast-paced YA fantasy. Alex is hyper-responsible due to his family's circumstances, and he has no time for silly dreams like the cute, straight boy who smiles so beautifully. Of course, things are not as they seem and in his daily life Alex has put aside all but the necessary.
Soon necessary is dangerous as he is in a battle of wits. As cards are played, and Alex is backed into a corner, the truth of what is happening is inevitable. How Alex wins... well that's the key. One he always had. It's all about trust and learning that while bad things happen not everything is bad. Even in our darkest moments there are good things if we just let ourselves see them.
Overall, a circus-filled story with heart and hope.
Favorite quote:
“There is no fair,” I said. “It’s just a made-up thing.”
She looked at me. There were tears in the corners of her eyes. “I know that, but someone your age shouldn’t.”
~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~
~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~
July 22, 2016
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
Gay Boys and Fairies my type of book
What I thought
I really enjoyed this book! The thing I liked the most was the relationships mostly between Alex and Alice and Alex and Jerod the interactions were sweet and heartfelt. The Fey world though was a little crazy though, I kinda felt like I was going through an acid trip most of the time. That being said the plot flowed nicely and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Here's to hoping there's a sequel one of these days.
Why this book?
Gay Boys and Fairies my type of book
What I thought
I really enjoyed this book! The thing I liked the most was the relationships mostly between Alex and Alice and Alex and Jerod the interactions were sweet and heartfelt. The Fey world though was a little crazy though, I kinda felt like I was going through an acid trip most of the time. That being said the plot flowed nicely and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Here's to hoping there's a sequel one of these days.
October 30, 2013
This was a change of style for me, but a refreshing one.
Geared more towards the younger reading group, but that's just my opinion, this never the less kept me entertained and intrigued.
If you love the fairytale fantasy but like it set in a modern world then this could well be for you.
Alex and his family tell a wonderful tale of good versus evil.
Jarod is the kind of guy you want in your corner, a real true Hero for me.
May will leave you wanting to cringe away while starring in fascination. A real creepy character.
Kayte is both wonderful and frustrating.
All round this is pure entertainment with a side order of romance.
Geared more towards the younger reading group, but that's just my opinion, this never the less kept me entertained and intrigued.
If you love the fairytale fantasy but like it set in a modern world then this could well be for you.
Alex and his family tell a wonderful tale of good versus evil.
Jarod is the kind of guy you want in your corner, a real true Hero for me.
May will leave you wanting to cringe away while starring in fascination. A real creepy character.
Kayte is both wonderful and frustrating.
All round this is pure entertainment with a side order of romance.
December 11, 2014
Excellent young adult fantasy adventure with ... well, gay teenage hero. I approve!
When our blog planned this event and all of us had to choose an author who first released a book in 2013, I admit that I had a difficult time. Most of the authors whose works intrigued me, I had read. I really had no idea whom I should choose!!
Then I saw the blurb for Caleb James’s HAFFLING and thought – heck, a young adult dealing with feys. That might be fun. Because I seem to have a good track record with adult fiction (mostly M/F urban fantasy) that deals with feys/faes, so why not try this?
And I had a blast!!
At first, it wasn’t easy to get into the story. I wondered about the fairy that Alex seemed to be talking to – was this his hallucination, was this real? But I powered it through and soon enough I was charmed by Alex’s life. I think it was his daily life that helped me to easily enjoy this story – aside from the fantasy world, which was introduced later. Alex had to deal with his schizophrenic mother (or was she?), taking care of his little sister, to ensure that they would not be separated anymore by the Child Services because bad things happened, all the while fighting for a crush on his schoolmate, Jarod. Really, it was easy to sympathize with Alex! He was an admirable young man…
Then we were brought to the fantasy land – to the realm of the Fey, and it became a race of good versus evil, because the powerful Queen May wanted to rule the human world, and she needed a haffling to do it. I was caught up with the adventure, and how Jarod became someone that Alex could depend on, and it was exciting, and it was thrilling, and it was really, REALLY good. Queen May was a great villain — she was cunning, manipulative, and really creepy.
The ending might be a little bit weird and absurd and the idea of “love will save the day” was probably too ‘adult’ for a young adult story, in my opinion – but heck, I was enjoying this too much to complain about it.
One thing you all must know – after reading this, I got in the mood to read young adult adventure fantasy – and ended up reading all four books of Rick Riordan’s “ Percy Jackson ” series. That was how MUCH this book influenced me. So, if you are looking for fantasy, action, with a side of romance which features a gay protagonist, I’d say give this one a try. I think you will fall in love with Alex – just like me.
When our blog planned this event and all of us had to choose an author who first released a book in 2013, I admit that I had a difficult time. Most of the authors whose works intrigued me, I had read. I really had no idea whom I should choose!!
Then I saw the blurb for Caleb James’s HAFFLING and thought – heck, a young adult dealing with feys. That might be fun. Because I seem to have a good track record with adult fiction (mostly M/F urban fantasy) that deals with feys/faes, so why not try this?
And I had a blast!!
At first, it wasn’t easy to get into the story. I wondered about the fairy that Alex seemed to be talking to – was this his hallucination, was this real? But I powered it through and soon enough I was charmed by Alex’s life. I think it was his daily life that helped me to easily enjoy this story – aside from the fantasy world, which was introduced later. Alex had to deal with his schizophrenic mother (or was she?), taking care of his little sister, to ensure that they would not be separated anymore by the Child Services because bad things happened, all the while fighting for a crush on his schoolmate, Jarod. Really, it was easy to sympathize with Alex! He was an admirable young man…
Then we were brought to the fantasy land – to the realm of the Fey, and it became a race of good versus evil, because the powerful Queen May wanted to rule the human world, and she needed a haffling to do it. I was caught up with the adventure, and how Jarod became someone that Alex could depend on, and it was exciting, and it was thrilling, and it was really, REALLY good. Queen May was a great villain — she was cunning, manipulative, and really creepy.
The ending might be a little bit weird and absurd and the idea of “love will save the day” was probably too ‘adult’ for a young adult story, in my opinion – but heck, I was enjoying this too much to complain about it.
One thing you all must know – after reading this, I got in the mood to read young adult adventure fantasy – and ended up reading all four books of Rick Riordan’s “ Percy Jackson ” series. That was how MUCH this book influenced me. So, if you are looking for fantasy, action, with a side of romance which features a gay protagonist, I’d say give this one a try. I think you will fall in love with Alex – just like me.
June 10, 2016
{{Digital copy thanks to ReadNow at Netgalley}}
It's was a solid 4 stars until the too neat end, and some loose endings.
Alex is a 16 y.o. concerned with keeping her little sister, Alice, safe with food, roof, and school. Her mother is a schizophrenic, and he maintain the things running. But when her mother dissapear the careful constructed card house is starting to fall appart.
Specially when the little fairy in his shoulder is finally making sense. Kind of.
I thought of Alice and our game of Sadly (...) Today on Sadly, Alex is still gay, has never been kissed, has a crush on a straight boy, is going to get pulled into foster care, is probably going to lose limbs to a crazy fairy, and just learned that he might not be human.
At the beginning reminds a little of Holly Black's Tithe, modern problems, troubled teens, and fairires. But is more tame.
The thing between Alex and Jerod happens so fast, but they are really cute and sweet.
But what happen with the girlfriend?
The thing with IT was really too much...
*Cosas que quedan volando:
-la novia de Jerod.
-De donde salió Nimby.
-oh, and...
Hay contemplada una segunda parte, ya que aparece el teaser al final del libro.
It's was a solid 4 stars until the too neat end, and some loose endings.
Alex is a 16 y.o. concerned with keeping her little sister, Alice, safe with food, roof, and school. Her mother is a schizophrenic, and he maintain the things running. But when her mother dissapear the careful constructed card house is starting to fall appart.
Specially when the little fairy in his shoulder is finally making sense. Kind of.
I thought of Alice and our game of Sadly (...) Today on Sadly, Alex is still gay, has never been kissed, has a crush on a straight boy, is going to get pulled into foster care, is probably going to lose limbs to a crazy fairy, and just learned that he might not be human.
At the beginning reminds a little of Holly Black's Tithe, modern problems, troubled teens, and fairires. But is more tame.
The thing between Alex and Jerod happens so fast, but they are really cute and sweet.
But what happen with the girlfriend?
The thing with IT was really too much...
*Cosas que quedan volando:
-la novia de Jerod.
-De donde salió Nimby.
-oh, and...
Hay contemplada una segunda parte, ya que aparece el teaser al final del libro.
August 23, 2013
This book was amazing. I kind of want to describe it as a cross between Chronicles of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland, Hunger Games and just a tiny bit of Lords of the Ring (not really the right comparisons for the story but there's something in the story that reminds me of all of these series). The world building was great (some might say otherwise but I liked it) and the characters were intriguing. I had a lot of respect for Alex trying to keep his family together even though he was only 16 years old. He showed a lot of strength and determination and when life kept getting more and more complicated for him, he took it all and managed to beat it back. The story was spellbinding and at the same time vexing since The Fey world (or whatever it was called) had so many rules and was completely crazy.
I'm really looking forward to seeing the next installment and what will happen to Alex, Jerod, and Alice.
I'm really looking forward to seeing the next installment and what will happen to Alex, Jerod, and Alice.
September 26, 2016
3.75 stars
Unpacking the story Halfling by Caleb James is a daunting task. Not only are there two parallel words running through this story, the hero is truly worried that the second, the fey world, may be a sign of his potential for schizophrenia. Merely sixteen years old, Alex Nevus cares for his eleven old sister Alice and his schizophrenic mother, Marilyn. They live a marginal life at best, in a tiny HUD apartment where food stamps and their mother’s disability checks keep them from being completely destitute. Alex lives life on a tightrope, keeping one step ahead of social services who is a constant threat to his and Alice’s well being.
You see prior to convincing those in power that Marilyn was fit to care for them, he and Alice had been removed from their home once before. The nightmare that was their placement saw Alice molested and Alex commit murder by pushing her assailant down the stairs. However, authorities were convinced that the molester, Sean McGuire, slipped and they were all too happy to hush the matter up when it was found that McGuire had molested countless victims. Unbelievably this bought Alex some time to get his mother to the point where she could pass inspection and they could remain with her.
But now all hell has broken loose for Marilyn has gone missing—into the very world that she seems to have created from paint and mirrors, and even discarded pills. For strewn all about her walls behind the door that locks from the outside so that Alex can keep track of her, are depictions of the fey world. On the same day his mother Marilyn misses a very important hearing that will ensure her disability check continue and, more importantly, Alex and Alice will remain safely in her questionable care, Alex meets the boy he has been crushing on for the last two years, Jerod Haynes
Now Alex is in a race against time, that will lead him into an alternate world where his mother is sane, and a power-hungry fairy named May is determined to use him as a bridge between her world and his. For you see, Alex is the Halfling, half fey, half human and once May gets hold of him she will have the power to rule the world.
I should begin by apologizing for this summary for it does not begin to skim the many layers of this story. Author Caleb James delves into a world where nothing is real and yet all is so very real that it threatens to tear the thin fabric between the worlds he creates for us. Jerod and Alex are two teenage boys who are not only smitten with each other but are both merely enduring their lives, as if waiting for their real future to begin. Both of them are smart, handsome and protective of their younger siblings and as characters go, they are sweet and compelling to read about. The incredible cast of secondary characters who comprised everything from siblings to fairies and other fantastical creatures leap off the page in a flurry of descriptive passages that sometimes left my head spinning. It wasn’t that the storyline was difficult to follow, not by any means.
Author Caleb James takes great care to continually bring us back into reality from the fey world and keep his fantasy world in check, giving us a sort of breather from the constant flux of creatures that are the alternate world. However, there were times when I simply lost the flow of the story because we were thrown so deeply into the fantasy. It was hard to believe, for instance, that not only did Jerod see all the creatures and fairies but also that the experience did not leave him a gibbering mess. Plus, after an incredibly short introduction and next to no build, these boys are professing a deep and abiding love for each other, all this in the span of hours from finally speaking for the first time in their lives. Then there was the idea that Jerod was not out at school. That, in fact, he was going to take a girl to the prom—his girlfriend.
In the chaos and fast paced action of this story there is never a time when Jerod and Alex can really assimilate their new found feelings or even discuss what it will mean for them to present as boyfriends when they return to reality. For me, this made the incredible ending of the story so fantastical that I had a terrifically hard time believing it. There was such promise to this story. Alex and Jerod were simply lovely characters and I wanted to see their relationship grow and develop. Instead, the focus was turned time and again to the fey world and the need for a resolution to the problem that an unleashed May would cause for the world. I felt like there was too many plot points banging around in this story and none really got its due. The idea that the kids somehow managed to escape social services, the love that springs up between Alex and Jerod, the fantastical ending that plummets the fey world headlong into the fog that will ultimately consume it…and on and on and on. It became just one event after another with each barely getting resolved or worse, getting resolved off the page and in an unexplained manner, leaving us wondering what had happened.
There is no doubt in my mind that author Caleb James is able to write a fascinating, psychological fantasy and create some really outstanding characters. However, I feel that his story, Halfling, needed more focus, less crowded subplots and more investment in Alex’s reality. I am eager to see what this author produces next for there is some fine story telling ability here, it simply needed a good paring down to become a truly great story.
Unpacking the story Halfling by Caleb James is a daunting task. Not only are there two parallel words running through this story, the hero is truly worried that the second, the fey world, may be a sign of his potential for schizophrenia. Merely sixteen years old, Alex Nevus cares for his eleven old sister Alice and his schizophrenic mother, Marilyn. They live a marginal life at best, in a tiny HUD apartment where food stamps and their mother’s disability checks keep them from being completely destitute. Alex lives life on a tightrope, keeping one step ahead of social services who is a constant threat to his and Alice’s well being.
You see prior to convincing those in power that Marilyn was fit to care for them, he and Alice had been removed from their home once before. The nightmare that was their placement saw Alice molested and Alex commit murder by pushing her assailant down the stairs. However, authorities were convinced that the molester, Sean McGuire, slipped and they were all too happy to hush the matter up when it was found that McGuire had molested countless victims. Unbelievably this bought Alex some time to get his mother to the point where she could pass inspection and they could remain with her.
But now all hell has broken loose for Marilyn has gone missing—into the very world that she seems to have created from paint and mirrors, and even discarded pills. For strewn all about her walls behind the door that locks from the outside so that Alex can keep track of her, are depictions of the fey world. On the same day his mother Marilyn misses a very important hearing that will ensure her disability check continue and, more importantly, Alex and Alice will remain safely in her questionable care, Alex meets the boy he has been crushing on for the last two years, Jerod Haynes
Now Alex is in a race against time, that will lead him into an alternate world where his mother is sane, and a power-hungry fairy named May is determined to use him as a bridge between her world and his. For you see, Alex is the Halfling, half fey, half human and once May gets hold of him she will have the power to rule the world.
I should begin by apologizing for this summary for it does not begin to skim the many layers of this story. Author Caleb James delves into a world where nothing is real and yet all is so very real that it threatens to tear the thin fabric between the worlds he creates for us. Jerod and Alex are two teenage boys who are not only smitten with each other but are both merely enduring their lives, as if waiting for their real future to begin. Both of them are smart, handsome and protective of their younger siblings and as characters go, they are sweet and compelling to read about. The incredible cast of secondary characters who comprised everything from siblings to fairies and other fantastical creatures leap off the page in a flurry of descriptive passages that sometimes left my head spinning. It wasn’t that the storyline was difficult to follow, not by any means.
Author Caleb James takes great care to continually bring us back into reality from the fey world and keep his fantasy world in check, giving us a sort of breather from the constant flux of creatures that are the alternate world. However, there were times when I simply lost the flow of the story because we were thrown so deeply into the fantasy. It was hard to believe, for instance, that not only did Jerod see all the creatures and fairies but also that the experience did not leave him a gibbering mess. Plus, after an incredibly short introduction and next to no build, these boys are professing a deep and abiding love for each other, all this in the span of hours from finally speaking for the first time in their lives. Then there was the idea that Jerod was not out at school. That, in fact, he was going to take a girl to the prom—his girlfriend.
In the chaos and fast paced action of this story there is never a time when Jerod and Alex can really assimilate their new found feelings or even discuss what it will mean for them to present as boyfriends when they return to reality. For me, this made the incredible ending of the story so fantastical that I had a terrifically hard time believing it. There was such promise to this story. Alex and Jerod were simply lovely characters and I wanted to see their relationship grow and develop. Instead, the focus was turned time and again to the fey world and the need for a resolution to the problem that an unleashed May would cause for the world. I felt like there was too many plot points banging around in this story and none really got its due. The idea that the kids somehow managed to escape social services, the love that springs up between Alex and Jerod, the fantastical ending that plummets the fey world headlong into the fog that will ultimately consume it…and on and on and on. It became just one event after another with each barely getting resolved or worse, getting resolved off the page and in an unexplained manner, leaving us wondering what had happened.
There is no doubt in my mind that author Caleb James is able to write a fascinating, psychological fantasy and create some really outstanding characters. However, I feel that his story, Halfling, needed more focus, less crowded subplots and more investment in Alex’s reality. I am eager to see what this author produces next for there is some fine story telling ability here, it simply needed a good paring down to become a truly great story.
February 12, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this dark and colorful adventure. Haffling really captured the essence of a modern fairy-tale, but it was so much more than that. It explores the dangerously alluring beauty of fae while also delving into issues, such as the struggles of living in poverty, having to grow up too fast, and falling in love with a straight boy. Forgive me if I get too personal here, but this book hit home in a way I never suspected. While the situations are vastly different, I related to the love and frustration that Alex –the main character- felt while trying to cope with his mother's mental illness. The emotions are so real and vivid; painfully accurate ...yet it only strengthens the book. I was impressed.
A lot impressed me, really. I liked how this book stared off with the implication that everything fae related could very well have been conjured from schizophrenia. It brought a sense of realism to something so whimsical. There was lovely contrast to the dark reality against the dream-like sequences – lies against truths too strange to accept. But then rules to the madness are set and things start making sense, so I was sold on the story before the magic became “real-real”. I never once questioned it and I think that is what makes this such powerful writing.
The pacing was so flawless that I did not even notice its presence; though I know looking back that there was never a dull moment. Some were strange and others uncomfortable – but it was all done purposefully. But what stands out most were the inspiring moments of strength that Alex had where others would have given up in his place. Alex was so devoted that I needed to see him reach all his goals because he fought so hard for everything. He earned it. And those he fought for AND against were fleshed out with their own history. It’s one of those books where the author developed all characters equally.
Oh, and the romance was adorable. Just trust me on this one!
A lot impressed me, really. I liked how this book stared off with the implication that everything fae related could very well have been conjured from schizophrenia. It brought a sense of realism to something so whimsical. There was lovely contrast to the dark reality against the dream-like sequences – lies against truths too strange to accept. But then rules to the madness are set and things start making sense, so I was sold on the story before the magic became “real-real”. I never once questioned it and I think that is what makes this such powerful writing.
The pacing was so flawless that I did not even notice its presence; though I know looking back that there was never a dull moment. Some were strange and others uncomfortable – but it was all done purposefully. But what stands out most were the inspiring moments of strength that Alex had where others would have given up in his place. Alex was so devoted that I needed to see him reach all his goals because he fought so hard for everything. He earned it. And those he fought for AND against were fleshed out with their own history. It’s one of those books where the author developed all characters equally.
Oh, and the romance was adorable. Just trust me on this one!
September 11, 2021
I really, really like this book.
The main character is Alex, a 16 years old boy, who has learned to survive and manage all the odds life has given him. The character is well developed and you get a good inside in how hard he struggles to take care for his mother and sister.
Pretty soon in the book, he discovers that he is connected to the world of Fey. The fantasy part in this book has some nice Fey magic, for me it's urban fantasy.
And there is a lot of love. Alex loves a boy from school and his sister. There is more love but I am not going to spoil here. At the end the message is clear (and it has always been my favourite message): Love is the strongest magic!
Well, the only thing I did not like, is that the book is to short. I would have loved to dive deeper into the different relationships and characters in this book and discover more of the fey magic. But there is still a second book, so maybe I will be able to do that.
I guess I am kitschy this way, but read the book, if the magic of innocent, unconditional love has still a place in your heart.
The main character is Alex, a 16 years old boy, who has learned to survive and manage all the odds life has given him. The character is well developed and you get a good inside in how hard he struggles to take care for his mother and sister.
Pretty soon in the book, he discovers that he is connected to the world of Fey. The fantasy part in this book has some nice Fey magic, for me it's urban fantasy.
And there is a lot of love. Alex loves a boy from school and his sister. There is more love but I am not going to spoil here. At the end the message is clear (and it has always been my favourite message): Love is the strongest magic!
Well, the only thing I did not like, is that the book is to short. I would have loved to dive deeper into the different relationships and characters in this book and discover more of the fey magic. But there is still a second book, so maybe I will be able to do that.
I guess I am kitschy this way, but read the book, if the magic of innocent, unconditional love has still a place in your heart.
January 6, 2016
This was very, very unique and creepy. Who knew fairies could be creepy? The cover makes it look like a straight-up children's book but this book will really be enjoyable for older because it's a little twisted and bizarre. In fact, the ending, while good, was a little too bizarre and out there for me. I would rate the first half 5 stars and the second half 3. This kind of reminded me of Angelfall, which also had an original, creepy twist on a popular supernatual species (angels) and an MC with a mentally ill mother and a little sister. I think this book did do a whole lot better on the characterizations and romance aspects and I don't see why this is not as popular. Even if this genre is something you're normally bored with, definitely try this because it's way more fun and weird than the average typical YA.
October 21, 2017
Haffling started out okay but became a mess by the end.
Caleb James really did have some great ideas, but it felt like he had troubles writing them down. The descriptions of the fairy land seemed jumbled and were not easy to follow. The lack of world building really threw me off and made the book less enjoyable to me.
And although the story itself wasn't boring it often made no sense and was confusing.
I'm afraid of the second book and hope it will be better elaborated.
Caleb James really did have some great ideas, but it felt like he had troubles writing them down. The descriptions of the fairy land seemed jumbled and were not easy to follow. The lack of world building really threw me off and made the book less enjoyable to me.
And although the story itself wasn't boring it often made no sense and was confusing.
I'm afraid of the second book and hope it will be better elaborated.
April 25, 2019
La trama es MUY interesante y te mantiene en tensión, el romance es adorable aunque bastante apresurado, me costó mucho creerme todo ese amor repentino, y encontré más interesante la relación entre los hermanos que creo que es lo mejor de todo el libro. El autor no consigue hacerse entender, hay frases extrañas que no llevan a nada y cosas que no se explican, creo que con otra narrativa este libro podría haber sido una maravilla pero como lo he disfrutado a pesar de tener cara de WTF durante el 60% de la historia le doy un 3 raspado.
January 24, 2024
that was an odd experience and i'm not entirely sure how to feel about it
November 10, 2013
Collection Harmony Ink Press - VO
Agé de seize ans, tout ce qu'Alex Nevus veut, c'est avoir deux ans de plus et devenir le tuteur légal de sa soeur Alice. Ce qu'il désire également et qu'il aimerait par-dessus tout est d'avoir son premier baiser, de préférence avec Jerod Haynes, un garçon hétéro avec une belle petite amie et une vie parfaite. Malheureusement, vouloir et avoir sont deux choses très différentes. Etant très attaché à sa malade mentale de mère, Alex craint également pour sa propre santé mentale. Avoir une fée sur son épaule que lui seul peut voir n'aide pas, et la schizophrénie de sa mère le met lui et Alice en danger constant d'être menacé de se retrouver en famille d'accueil.
Lorsque la mère d'Alex disparaît, tout s'écroule. Désespéré, il suit sa trace dans un coin reculé de Manhattan et se retrouve transporté dans une autre dimension, la terre des Unsee, le royaume des Fées. Là, il retrouve sa mère emprisonnée par la reine de May, assoiffée de pouvoir et apprend qu'il est à moitié humain et à moitié fée - un Haffling.
Comme le monde humain d'Alex est sur le point d'être détruit, le monde des Unsees est dévoré par une brume vorace. Le royaume des Fées est en train de disparaître, et May a besoin d'un pont pour aller dans le monde humain. Elle a besoin de quelque chose que seul Alex peut fournir, et elle ne reculera devant rien pour posséder ça... et le posséder lui.
Ce livre est totalement, magnifiquement et génialement magique - à plus d'un niveau. Tout d'abord l'histoire est fouillée au possible, réunissant merveilleusement bien différents contes de notre enfance : Hansel et Gretel, une pointe du Petit Chaperon Rouge, Alice au Pays des Merveilles et autres... pour se retrouver dans celui-ci et créer ce monde fantastique.
On se laisse très facilement emporter par les aventures d'Alex, adolescent sérieux, très mature par la force de son destin, puisqu'il se pose en défenseur des personnes qu'il aime et pour qui il fera tout ce qui est en son pouvoir afin de les sauver, quitte à le faire malgré eux et malgré lui.
Que ce livre contienne une histoire d'amour entre deux adolescents est presque secondaire - pendant une grande partie du livre - du moins jusqu'à ce que Jarod trouve le courage de suivre Alex dans ce monde parallèle afin de le sauver à son tour.
Leurs aventures sont extraordinaires, magnifiquement orchestrées par une main de maître par Caleb James. En lisant, j'ai retrouvé avec passion ce que j'avais aimé dans le Narnia de C.S. Lewis mélangé à la série "Les Guerres de l'Ombre et de la Lumière" de Janny Wurts.
Le rythme est vivant, sans temps mort, avançant toujours inexorablement afin de garder une balance, un équilibre entre le bien et le mal, entre le monde humain et celui des Fées.
En conclusion, un excellent livre pour les amateurs de fantaisy, à la recherche d'une histoire bien construite, riche en personnages faisant partie des contes de notre enfance. Je suis impatiente de pouvoir lire la suite.
Agé de seize ans, tout ce qu'Alex Nevus veut, c'est avoir deux ans de plus et devenir le tuteur légal de sa soeur Alice. Ce qu'il désire également et qu'il aimerait par-dessus tout est d'avoir son premier baiser, de préférence avec Jerod Haynes, un garçon hétéro avec une belle petite amie et une vie parfaite. Malheureusement, vouloir et avoir sont deux choses très différentes. Etant très attaché à sa malade mentale de mère, Alex craint également pour sa propre santé mentale. Avoir une fée sur son épaule que lui seul peut voir n'aide pas, et la schizophrénie de sa mère le met lui et Alice en danger constant d'être menacé de se retrouver en famille d'accueil.
Lorsque la mère d'Alex disparaît, tout s'écroule. Désespéré, il suit sa trace dans un coin reculé de Manhattan et se retrouve transporté dans une autre dimension, la terre des Unsee, le royaume des Fées. Là, il retrouve sa mère emprisonnée par la reine de May, assoiffée de pouvoir et apprend qu'il est à moitié humain et à moitié fée - un Haffling.
Comme le monde humain d'Alex est sur le point d'être détruit, le monde des Unsees est dévoré par une brume vorace. Le royaume des Fées est en train de disparaître, et May a besoin d'un pont pour aller dans le monde humain. Elle a besoin de quelque chose que seul Alex peut fournir, et elle ne reculera devant rien pour posséder ça... et le posséder lui.
Ce livre est totalement, magnifiquement et génialement magique - à plus d'un niveau. Tout d'abord l'histoire est fouillée au possible, réunissant merveilleusement bien différents contes de notre enfance : Hansel et Gretel, une pointe du Petit Chaperon Rouge, Alice au Pays des Merveilles et autres... pour se retrouver dans celui-ci et créer ce monde fantastique.
On se laisse très facilement emporter par les aventures d'Alex, adolescent sérieux, très mature par la force de son destin, puisqu'il se pose en défenseur des personnes qu'il aime et pour qui il fera tout ce qui est en son pouvoir afin de les sauver, quitte à le faire malgré eux et malgré lui.
Que ce livre contienne une histoire d'amour entre deux adolescents est presque secondaire - pendant une grande partie du livre - du moins jusqu'à ce que Jarod trouve le courage de suivre Alex dans ce monde parallèle afin de le sauver à son tour.
Leurs aventures sont extraordinaires, magnifiquement orchestrées par une main de maître par Caleb James. En lisant, j'ai retrouvé avec passion ce que j'avais aimé dans le Narnia de C.S. Lewis mélangé à la série "Les Guerres de l'Ombre et de la Lumière" de Janny Wurts.
Le rythme est vivant, sans temps mort, avançant toujours inexorablement afin de garder une balance, un équilibre entre le bien et le mal, entre le monde humain et celui des Fées.
En conclusion, un excellent livre pour les amateurs de fantaisy, à la recherche d'une histoire bien construite, riche en personnages faisant partie des contes de notre enfance. Je suis impatiente de pouvoir lire la suite.
October 10, 2013
When the ladies at Gay List were selecting books to read, I once again picked my book based off the cover. It’s a bad habit I know… but this time I struck gold.
Haffling is different. I became captivated by Alex and his deep devotion to his family instantly. When I started to read the book I was making too many comparisons. And it starts out with the feeling of an older Gregor the Overlander, smished with Alice in Wonderland all combined into an angsty kid-on-the-street trope.
Then the best thing happened. All my little stereotypes fell away and I was racing down the streets of New York with Alex, Jarod hot on his heels. I was consumed with trying to save Alex’s sister Alice, watching his mother fall apart, seeing his crush become someone he needed.
Really I could have done without all the fairies and mystical land with the evil May. I could have and would have been just as happy watching Alex and Jarod figure out how to save Alice and his mother all on their own. The fantasy aspects almost take away from the beautiful boys in this story. Jarod, who puts everything he knows to be truth on the line and breaks boundaries for a boy he secretly loves. Alex, who has sacrificed his childhood for his mother and sister and was willing to sacrifice anything and everything else.
The secondary characters brought tremendous depth. The way the author portrayed Alex’s mother and her disease, was both stunning and heartbreaking. Even the social worker, Alice, and Nimby, his fairy, were intriguing and interesting parts of the plot line.
For all you parents looking for a good book for your teen, there was only a small amount of kissing and no sexual contact at all. There was desire on the part of the two boys but it wasn’t consummated.
The ending was...odd. I can’t really say more than that without spoilers. But it left me clicking, turning the page over and over, hoping I didn’t skip something. I had to go back and reread it because of how different it was from the rest of the book. But the beginning and middle were good enough to make up for it.
If you love fantasy and like to escape into secret lands with mysteries at every turn, if you love strong young men putting all they have on the line for love..then this is the book for you. Even if you don’t care for YA, for whatever reason, I would encourage you to give this try. It has a different feel than most and in the end you won’t regret it.
Reviewed by Beans
Haffling is different. I became captivated by Alex and his deep devotion to his family instantly. When I started to read the book I was making too many comparisons. And it starts out with the feeling of an older Gregor the Overlander, smished with Alice in Wonderland all combined into an angsty kid-on-the-street trope.
Then the best thing happened. All my little stereotypes fell away and I was racing down the streets of New York with Alex, Jarod hot on his heels. I was consumed with trying to save Alex’s sister Alice, watching his mother fall apart, seeing his crush become someone he needed.
Really I could have done without all the fairies and mystical land with the evil May. I could have and would have been just as happy watching Alex and Jarod figure out how to save Alice and his mother all on their own. The fantasy aspects almost take away from the beautiful boys in this story. Jarod, who puts everything he knows to be truth on the line and breaks boundaries for a boy he secretly loves. Alex, who has sacrificed his childhood for his mother and sister and was willing to sacrifice anything and everything else.
The secondary characters brought tremendous depth. The way the author portrayed Alex’s mother and her disease, was both stunning and heartbreaking. Even the social worker, Alice, and Nimby, his fairy, were intriguing and interesting parts of the plot line.
For all you parents looking for a good book for your teen, there was only a small amount of kissing and no sexual contact at all. There was desire on the part of the two boys but it wasn’t consummated.
The ending was...odd. I can’t really say more than that without spoilers. But it left me clicking, turning the page over and over, hoping I didn’t skip something. I had to go back and reread it because of how different it was from the rest of the book. But the beginning and middle were good enough to make up for it.
If you love fantasy and like to escape into secret lands with mysteries at every turn, if you love strong young men putting all they have on the line for love..then this is the book for you. Even if you don’t care for YA, for whatever reason, I would encourage you to give this try. It has a different feel than most and in the end you won’t regret it.
Reviewed by Beans
September 12, 2016
Haffling
By Caleb James
Dreamspinner Press, 2016
Cover by Alan Clark and Paul Richmond
ISBN: 978-1-63476-796-5
5 stars
“Ask no questions.”
“Haffling” is a brilliant YA novel, and special to me because Caleb James (the YA alias for author Charles Atkins) gives us a gay teenager, Alex Nevus, for whom being gay is the only thing in his life that’s NOT a problem. The dark setting for this book (the first of a series, I was glad to see) offers echoes of Suzanne Collins’ amazing “Gregor the Overlander” series. Alex and his sister Alice, and their schizophrenic mother Marilyn live in the un-trendy (i.e. poor) part of the East Village. Alex manages, through his own wit and calculation, to keep hearth and home together—just barely. Until one day he doesn’t.
Just as the whole world begins to tumble down around him two things happen to Alex: he realizes that his secret high-school crush, Jerod Haynes, actually knows who he is; and he falls down a rabbit hole into the world of Fae during a desperate search for his mother. Jerod, whose life is apparently the opposite of Alex’s in every way, is unwittingly drawn into the Nevus family’s nightmare. What is so remarkable about the book, among other things, is the way James takes the typical high YA school trope of the quiet gay loner and the popular jock and turns it on its head.
The action is fast, and Alex’s agile mind has to race to keep up with the shifting realities around him. Few adults can be trusted, but not because they are evil. Adults are part of the system, and are just as trapped in that system as the supposedly helpless children are. In parallel counterpoint, the Fae of the unseen world are beautiful but vicious, particularly Queen May, who looks like Glinda but has the heart of Emperor Palpatine. The loose cannon in all this the handsome Jerod, who finds himself dropped into a world he’s never even imagines, and yet understands in a way that Alex himself would never have expected.
Of course, for all the bravery and heroics that surprise and inspire us as this sometimes harrowing story unfolds, it is ultimately love that is the true magic in the tale. Just as in J.K. Rowland’s Harry Potter books, the love we feel for those around us is not to be dismissed.
This book ends solidly and neatly; but there is an open door for a sequel that, if it lives up to the expectations given by this book, should be memorable.
By Caleb James
Dreamspinner Press, 2016
Cover by Alan Clark and Paul Richmond
ISBN: 978-1-63476-796-5
5 stars
“Ask no questions.”
“Haffling” is a brilliant YA novel, and special to me because Caleb James (the YA alias for author Charles Atkins) gives us a gay teenager, Alex Nevus, for whom being gay is the only thing in his life that’s NOT a problem. The dark setting for this book (the first of a series, I was glad to see) offers echoes of Suzanne Collins’ amazing “Gregor the Overlander” series. Alex and his sister Alice, and their schizophrenic mother Marilyn live in the un-trendy (i.e. poor) part of the East Village. Alex manages, through his own wit and calculation, to keep hearth and home together—just barely. Until one day he doesn’t.
Just as the whole world begins to tumble down around him two things happen to Alex: he realizes that his secret high-school crush, Jerod Haynes, actually knows who he is; and he falls down a rabbit hole into the world of Fae during a desperate search for his mother. Jerod, whose life is apparently the opposite of Alex’s in every way, is unwittingly drawn into the Nevus family’s nightmare. What is so remarkable about the book, among other things, is the way James takes the typical high YA school trope of the quiet gay loner and the popular jock and turns it on its head.
The action is fast, and Alex’s agile mind has to race to keep up with the shifting realities around him. Few adults can be trusted, but not because they are evil. Adults are part of the system, and are just as trapped in that system as the supposedly helpless children are. In parallel counterpoint, the Fae of the unseen world are beautiful but vicious, particularly Queen May, who looks like Glinda but has the heart of Emperor Palpatine. The loose cannon in all this the handsome Jerod, who finds himself dropped into a world he’s never even imagines, and yet understands in a way that Alex himself would never have expected.
Of course, for all the bravery and heroics that surprise and inspire us as this sometimes harrowing story unfolds, it is ultimately love that is the true magic in the tale. Just as in J.K. Rowland’s Harry Potter books, the love we feel for those around us is not to be dismissed.
This book ends solidly and neatly; but there is an open door for a sequel that, if it lives up to the expectations given by this book, should be memorable.
Read
February 4, 2014I was really enthralled by this Young Adult novel cause, aside from being fast paced and full of turn of events, it was also really funny, not a “light” funny, but more a subtle irony which was probably the author’s voice, clever and loud.
Alex is an Haffling, half-human, half-fairy (no pun intended), but of course at the beginning he doesn’t know it. What he knows is that he has to protect is little sister Alice from the Social Services on account of the fact their mother, Marilyn, is a schizophrenic. Better they don’t know that Alex is seeing a little fairy, Nimby, all the time flying around him and telling him things. And to complicate his life, Alex has also a crush on Jerod, the best looking guy at school, the sport champion, who happens to be also a very nice guy who suddenly is very interested in being Alex’s friend…
Haffling is a novel right for many ages, as an old medieval romance lover, I enjoyed the part regarding Lance and Katherine, whose love, even in tragedy, preserved an almost comedy tune; as a current gay romance lover, the young love between Alex and Jerod was sweet, but nevertheless love, and actually, I found Jerod, the apparently straight boy, to be “gayer” (a little pun intended) than half-fairy Alex (again, pun intended). An adult reader will find innuendos, but a young adult reader will simply appreciate this quest towards happiness, like a videogame with hints and enigmas, with scores and spare lives: pick the characters you want to be, and follow them into their run.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1623809304/?...
Alex is an Haffling, half-human, half-fairy (no pun intended), but of course at the beginning he doesn’t know it. What he knows is that he has to protect is little sister Alice from the Social Services on account of the fact their mother, Marilyn, is a schizophrenic. Better they don’t know that Alex is seeing a little fairy, Nimby, all the time flying around him and telling him things. And to complicate his life, Alex has also a crush on Jerod, the best looking guy at school, the sport champion, who happens to be also a very nice guy who suddenly is very interested in being Alex’s friend…
Haffling is a novel right for many ages, as an old medieval romance lover, I enjoyed the part regarding Lance and Katherine, whose love, even in tragedy, preserved an almost comedy tune; as a current gay romance lover, the young love between Alex and Jerod was sweet, but nevertheless love, and actually, I found Jerod, the apparently straight boy, to be “gayer” (a little pun intended) than half-fairy Alex (again, pun intended). An adult reader will find innuendos, but a young adult reader will simply appreciate this quest towards happiness, like a videogame with hints and enigmas, with scores and spare lives: pick the characters you want to be, and follow them into their run.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1623809304/?...
March 6, 2015
A reluctant 2.25 stars
Really, what is there to say about this story. The idea isn't bad and the story starts out well enough, but when we get to what should have been the climax of the story, it felt more like a gently rolling hill rather that the steep mountain climb I kept expecting.
The romance between Alex and Jerod, a boy Alex has a crush on from school, is unbelievable and not really developed. We never see them interact before the action of the story begins, so all we have to go on is what we're told by the characters. Their interactions, beyond the kissing, are not all that demonstrative. I really did not buy into their feelings and all the "I love yous" in the world are not going to convince me that these two truly have a future together.
Other than that, what we have here is a standard fairy tale in which Queen May (aka Mab) is trying to find a conduit into the mortal world and will use anyone and anything to get her way. Alex, trying to keep his world together, safe, and sane, finds everything unraveling one day when his mother goes missing right before an important appointment and he gets drawn into a fight to keep the fairy queen from invading reality.
On the whole, the writing was dull, the romance totally lacking (even for sixteen year olds), the fairies pretty standard. To give him credit, the author did try to give the story atmosphere with the mists, the kelpie, and the traveling between worlds, but the whole story just felt flat.
Really, what is there to say about this story. The idea isn't bad and the story starts out well enough, but when we get to what should have been the climax of the story, it felt more like a gently rolling hill rather that the steep mountain climb I kept expecting.
The romance between Alex and Jerod, a boy Alex has a crush on from school, is unbelievable and not really developed. We never see them interact before the action of the story begins, so all we have to go on is what we're told by the characters. Their interactions, beyond the kissing, are not all that demonstrative. I really did not buy into their feelings and all the "I love yous" in the world are not going to convince me that these two truly have a future together.
Other than that, what we have here is a standard fairy tale in which Queen May (aka Mab) is trying to find a conduit into the mortal world and will use anyone and anything to get her way. Alex, trying to keep his world together, safe, and sane, finds everything unraveling one day when his mother goes missing right before an important appointment and he gets drawn into a fight to keep the fairy queen from invading reality.
On the whole, the writing was dull, the romance totally lacking (even for sixteen year olds), the fairies pretty standard. To give him credit, the author did try to give the story atmosphere with the mists, the kelpie, and the traveling between worlds, but the whole story just felt flat.
July 16, 2016
This books works as a YA coming of age title, as a fantasy, and a YA romance ... a delightful read all round. My heart broke for Alex as he struggles to raise and protect his younger sister as well as keep his crazy mom under control and under the radar of child protection services.
Jerod works as loyal side-kick, trusty friend and potential boyfriend ... slightly more one-dimensional in his solid goodness but his attractiveness is not too diminished by that. The evil bee-yotch fae queen however is sheer nastiness with style, flair and verve. Through the telling of a well-paced action plot, the author successfully brings out themes of family, kinship, belonging, identity and trust.
My one complaint ... where's the next book in the series. This is touted as the first book but it's been three or more years of awaiting since.
Jerod works as loyal side-kick, trusty friend and potential boyfriend ... slightly more one-dimensional in his solid goodness but his attractiveness is not too diminished by that. The evil bee-yotch fae queen however is sheer nastiness with style, flair and verve. Through the telling of a well-paced action plot, the author successfully brings out themes of family, kinship, belonging, identity and trust.
My one complaint ... where's the next book in the series. This is touted as the first book but it's been three or more years of awaiting since.
dnf
July 25, 2020rating: dnf
I bought this for 99cents from DSP Publications and even though I am not a big YA fan, I thought I would give this a chance. It became apparent early on that this book is just not for me. Something about the writing style just turned me off. Luckily it was on sale, so big loss.
I bought this for 99cents from DSP Publications and even though I am not a big YA fan, I thought I would give this a chance. It became apparent early on that this book is just not for me. Something about the writing style just turned me off. Luckily it was on sale, so big loss.
January 27, 2014
What a page turner. I could not put this down until I was done. This was amazing. Lovely story!
October 27, 2017
Book – Haffling (Haffling #1)
Author – Caleb James
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 250
Cover – Great!
POV – 1st person, one character
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
Haffling is like nothing you have ever read before. It's fantasy, contemporary, romance and weird all rolled into one. And it's fantastic!
At first, the book starts with quite a lot of information, but trust me when I say that it's needed. There is so much we need to know before throwing ourselves headfirst into the story. We meet our MC Alex through his 1st person POV, which I normally don't really like, but this story was written so well that I barely noticed. The usual problems with 1st person – not being aware of gender, age, appearance or having an overload of explanation about all three in the first page – were absent here. The way that we were introduced to Alex felt natural, gave us the information we needed up front and allowed us to feel placed into the story without feeling like we'd entered in the middle of something we couldn't understand.
When it comes to characters, I loved how diverse and interesting they all were. Alex and Alice were the first two we got to know – showing us their small, hectic world that whittles down to having nothing but a roof over their head, welfare and charity to survive, because their mother is schizophrenic and can't take care of them. Their lives are so lacking in wealth, love and even safety that I immediately felt concerned for their futures and what they'd been through before we entered the story. Then we slowly learn about their past and all the struggles they've survived until now, as well as their current dilemma of having to deal with their mother going AWOL so often.
Their mother, Marilyn, is actually much more interesting than you'd think, because she doesn't get a lot of page time. She's got an interesting psyche and a very huge part to play in the story, despite the fact that she's not in it a lot. And I can't explain why, but I promise you that it's important and very intriguing.
Next up, we meet Jerod. He is the super cute crush that Alex has been harbouring in secret, until suddenly Jerod meets him outside Alice's school, where his own little brother Clay (also a very interesting addition!) goes to school. Jerod is the stereotypical hot, flirty, charming and popular kid. Except...there's nothing stereotypical about him. He is, in fact, so much more than what he first appears. Especially in terms of his slightly homophobic girlfriend, Ashley. (cough *beard* cough)
Things really picked up when Alex discovered the world of Fey, which kind of proved his mother wasn't schizophrenic, but in fact able to see a world that no one else knew existed. The incredible attention to detail and imaginative world building really soared here, leading us into a world that was still somewhat familiar but also incredibly new and exciting.
Here, we discovered more about Alex's fairy Nimby, who shouldn't exist where she is. And, although we don't get an obvious answer to this, Alex does figure it out in his thoughts, until it makes a whole lot of sense. There's also May, who is the biggest troublemaker in existence, who speaks in riddles and lays vocal traps for everyone she talks to. Through her, we learn about Katye, May's sister, who has a really good part in the last half of the story that impacts everything! Also in the Fey world are Liam – hottie and interestingly jealous of Alex and and Jerod – as well as the mysterious Cedric.
The entire story, while having so many characters important to the story, never feels over-stuffed or complicated. It's a whirlwind of an adventure, right from page one to the very end, and keeps that momentum to a tolerable level without leaving us readers feeling the tailspin of too much action and no time to breathe in between.
On top of all of the genius writing and characterisation, James covers some seriously heavy topics – poverty, mental health, schizophrenia, coming out, coming-of-age and the prospect of having nothing but family to begin with and risking the loss of that family. But what makes this story so incredible is that there is a whole lot of believeability, in amongst the humans scenes, plenty of fantasy in the Fey scenes and still, it manages to cover these topics frankly, with with compassion and care. There is no judgment between the characters or an imagined prejudice or judgment from the author. There is only depth, trust and truth as the worlds – both human and Fey – are explored with intricacy.
Most of all, I have to say that the very best thing about the story was the romance. Alex and Jerod together were truly something fantastic and beautiful. Their chemistry was palpable and so strong that it was amazing to see the ways that it really transcended all the struggles, craziness and chaos that they went through from beginning to end.
The ending was fantastic, though I hesitate to mention anything about the last 30% because it's a huge spoiler. But I can guarantee that it's incredible and answers all of my questions, while leaving me excited to read book 2.
~
Favourite Quote
“Today on Sadly, Alex is still gay, has never been kissed, has a crush on a straight boy, is going to get pulled into foster care, is probably going to lose limbs to a crazy fairy, and just leaned that he might not be human.”
Author – Caleb James
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 250
Cover – Great!
POV – 1st person, one character
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
Haffling is like nothing you have ever read before. It's fantasy, contemporary, romance and weird all rolled into one. And it's fantastic!
At first, the book starts with quite a lot of information, but trust me when I say that it's needed. There is so much we need to know before throwing ourselves headfirst into the story. We meet our MC Alex through his 1st person POV, which I normally don't really like, but this story was written so well that I barely noticed. The usual problems with 1st person – not being aware of gender, age, appearance or having an overload of explanation about all three in the first page – were absent here. The way that we were introduced to Alex felt natural, gave us the information we needed up front and allowed us to feel placed into the story without feeling like we'd entered in the middle of something we couldn't understand.
When it comes to characters, I loved how diverse and interesting they all were. Alex and Alice were the first two we got to know – showing us their small, hectic world that whittles down to having nothing but a roof over their head, welfare and charity to survive, because their mother is schizophrenic and can't take care of them. Their lives are so lacking in wealth, love and even safety that I immediately felt concerned for their futures and what they'd been through before we entered the story. Then we slowly learn about their past and all the struggles they've survived until now, as well as their current dilemma of having to deal with their mother going AWOL so often.
Their mother, Marilyn, is actually much more interesting than you'd think, because she doesn't get a lot of page time. She's got an interesting psyche and a very huge part to play in the story, despite the fact that she's not in it a lot. And I can't explain why, but I promise you that it's important and very intriguing.
Next up, we meet Jerod. He is the super cute crush that Alex has been harbouring in secret, until suddenly Jerod meets him outside Alice's school, where his own little brother Clay (also a very interesting addition!) goes to school. Jerod is the stereotypical hot, flirty, charming and popular kid. Except...there's nothing stereotypical about him. He is, in fact, so much more than what he first appears. Especially in terms of his slightly homophobic girlfriend, Ashley. (cough *beard* cough)
Things really picked up when Alex discovered the world of Fey, which kind of proved his mother wasn't schizophrenic, but in fact able to see a world that no one else knew existed. The incredible attention to detail and imaginative world building really soared here, leading us into a world that was still somewhat familiar but also incredibly new and exciting.
Here, we discovered more about Alex's fairy Nimby, who shouldn't exist where she is. And, although we don't get an obvious answer to this, Alex does figure it out in his thoughts, until it makes a whole lot of sense. There's also May, who is the biggest troublemaker in existence, who speaks in riddles and lays vocal traps for everyone she talks to. Through her, we learn about Katye, May's sister, who has a really good part in the last half of the story that impacts everything! Also in the Fey world are Liam – hottie and interestingly jealous of Alex and and Jerod – as well as the mysterious Cedric.
The entire story, while having so many characters important to the story, never feels over-stuffed or complicated. It's a whirlwind of an adventure, right from page one to the very end, and keeps that momentum to a tolerable level without leaving us readers feeling the tailspin of too much action and no time to breathe in between.
On top of all of the genius writing and characterisation, James covers some seriously heavy topics – poverty, mental health, schizophrenia, coming out, coming-of-age and the prospect of having nothing but family to begin with and risking the loss of that family. But what makes this story so incredible is that there is a whole lot of believeability, in amongst the humans scenes, plenty of fantasy in the Fey scenes and still, it manages to cover these topics frankly, with with compassion and care. There is no judgment between the characters or an imagined prejudice or judgment from the author. There is only depth, trust and truth as the worlds – both human and Fey – are explored with intricacy.
Most of all, I have to say that the very best thing about the story was the romance. Alex and Jerod together were truly something fantastic and beautiful. Their chemistry was palpable and so strong that it was amazing to see the ways that it really transcended all the struggles, craziness and chaos that they went through from beginning to end.
The ending was fantastic, though I hesitate to mention anything about the last 30% because it's a huge spoiler. But I can guarantee that it's incredible and answers all of my questions, while leaving me excited to read book 2.
~
Favourite Quote
“Today on Sadly, Alex is still gay, has never been kissed, has a crush on a straight boy, is going to get pulled into foster care, is probably going to lose limbs to a crazy fairy, and just leaned that he might not be human.”
February 5, 2018
I definitely enjoyed the characters... the storyline was something I’ve never read before so that was refreshing. I bought the entire series but I’m not sure if I’ll read any more of it. Some things were a little much in this book. I don’t want to give anything away but the ending was a little disappointing I felt like Alex was going to finally have his big moment but that didn’t really happen. Something weird did. And I’m not sure it was a good weird.
December 22, 2017
I really thought that story plot would be a fine reading material. But I was wrong. Why? Somehow it was not for me. I couldn't connect with the logic of the story plot.
The start was pulling, but as soon as Author started to include fairies and other world in it, it got more and more ridiculous.
Again, that is not my type of tea.
The start was pulling, but as soon as Author started to include fairies and other world in it, it got more and more ridiculous.
Again, that is not my type of tea.
February 12, 2021
Not going to lie, the ending made me incredibly happy. It still felt like such a long read, but I couldn't tell you what I'd want to cut. Overall a really good read, enjoyed it a lot.
June 8, 2018
I'm a sucker for YA fantasy with queer characters and this hit a sweet spot. Many issues are let unresolved for the sequels to answer. I hope. But this first part feels kind of complete.
Update 08/06/2018: Now that I've read the whole series, don't hold your breath waiting to get all the answers in the next books: if it's not May related, you can fill the blanks yourself.
Update 08/06/2018: Now that I've read the whole series, don't hold your breath waiting to get all the answers in the next books: if it's not May related, you can fill the blanks yourself.
February 7, 2017
This is my review of Exile, by Caleb James, from my M/M Romance Books Blog, OJ He Say.Click the links below to see the whole review and more.
Exile by Caleb James at OJ He Say!
EXILE – HAFFLING BOOK 2
To be honest I’m not one for fantasy usually, however after having read Dark Blood by Caleb James and then seeing that he’d gone on and written other fantasy I just had to give this a whirl, and I am so glad I did. Mr. James, AKA Charles Atkins, weaves an incredible tale of fantasy in the modern world that, for me, makes it all work wonderfully. By bringing the age old stories of the fey in to the 21st Century one can see the plausibility of such happenings. To do it as masterfully as he does? That’s an awesome talent! One bit of advice: read Haffling, the first book in this series, as Exile follows the happenings in book 1.
THE CHARACTERS
Liam Summer:
The man, who had to be about his age, in his early twenties, with matted blond hair that glinted gold from the reflected flashers on the streets and the shoots of fire that surrounded them, met Charlie’s gaze. Even in the dim light, Charlie marveled at the color of his eyes— purple. Guy’s naked in an abandoned apartment, wearing colored contacts. Stop staring at him, Charlie. “Come on. Can you stand?” Is he totally naked? Shit! He averted his eyes. Don’t be a perv… It didn’t help that, even covered in soot and sawdust, He’s perfect. Like someone out of an underwear ad, only… no underwear.
Charlie Fitzgerald:
For an instant he couldn’t recognize the tall man, but he knew those blue eyes, the dark hair matted to his scalp from the helmet Liam had originally taken to be an ogre’s head…
He’s not hurt, just filthy. His face, hands, and arms were smudged with soot, and his thick wavy hair clung matted to his scalp from the Kevlar hood of his respirator.
THE STORY
Exile, Haffling Book 2, is the story of Liam Summer, a gorgeous, blond fey whose gift is the ability to glamor others. May, Queen of The Fey, enslaves him as a youth after she kills and eats his parents and uses him as her tool to glamor others so she can eat them, as that is how she maintains her powers.
Exile picks up at the end of Haffling as Liam escapes the world of the fey, the Unsee, into the realm of humans. Even though May is being held prisoner by her sister Lizbeta she is steadily regaining her powers and re-starting her attempted conquest of the human realm. May attempts to kill Liam by sending a ball of fairy fire after him and instead ends up burning down the condo where Liam has entered the human realm. As the building is burning down Charlie Fitzgerald, a hunky, tall black Irish firefighter, rescues Liam and falls head over heels for him.
As I don’t do spoilers I’ll leave it for you to continue with this wonderfully written story of gorgeous, magical fey and hunky Irish firefighters. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
THE WRITING
Mr. James’ writing, AKA Charles Atkins, is simply, superbly flawless. This is the third book I’ve read by him and I can honestly say the experience is consistently flawless. It’s that rare ability to develop the characters and build a universe with such laser-like precision that allows the reader to totally and completely immerse him/herself in the story and go along with the ride.
Exile by Caleb James at OJ He Say!
EXILE – HAFFLING BOOK 2
To be honest I’m not one for fantasy usually, however after having read Dark Blood by Caleb James and then seeing that he’d gone on and written other fantasy I just had to give this a whirl, and I am so glad I did. Mr. James, AKA Charles Atkins, weaves an incredible tale of fantasy in the modern world that, for me, makes it all work wonderfully. By bringing the age old stories of the fey in to the 21st Century one can see the plausibility of such happenings. To do it as masterfully as he does? That’s an awesome talent! One bit of advice: read Haffling, the first book in this series, as Exile follows the happenings in book 1.
THE CHARACTERS
Liam Summer:
The man, who had to be about his age, in his early twenties, with matted blond hair that glinted gold from the reflected flashers on the streets and the shoots of fire that surrounded them, met Charlie’s gaze. Even in the dim light, Charlie marveled at the color of his eyes— purple. Guy’s naked in an abandoned apartment, wearing colored contacts. Stop staring at him, Charlie. “Come on. Can you stand?” Is he totally naked? Shit! He averted his eyes. Don’t be a perv… It didn’t help that, even covered in soot and sawdust, He’s perfect. Like someone out of an underwear ad, only… no underwear.
Charlie Fitzgerald:
For an instant he couldn’t recognize the tall man, but he knew those blue eyes, the dark hair matted to his scalp from the helmet Liam had originally taken to be an ogre’s head…
He’s not hurt, just filthy. His face, hands, and arms were smudged with soot, and his thick wavy hair clung matted to his scalp from the Kevlar hood of his respirator.
THE STORY
Exile, Haffling Book 2, is the story of Liam Summer, a gorgeous, blond fey whose gift is the ability to glamor others. May, Queen of The Fey, enslaves him as a youth after she kills and eats his parents and uses him as her tool to glamor others so she can eat them, as that is how she maintains her powers.
Exile picks up at the end of Haffling as Liam escapes the world of the fey, the Unsee, into the realm of humans. Even though May is being held prisoner by her sister Lizbeta she is steadily regaining her powers and re-starting her attempted conquest of the human realm. May attempts to kill Liam by sending a ball of fairy fire after him and instead ends up burning down the condo where Liam has entered the human realm. As the building is burning down Charlie Fitzgerald, a hunky, tall black Irish firefighter, rescues Liam and falls head over heels for him.
As I don’t do spoilers I’ll leave it for you to continue with this wonderfully written story of gorgeous, magical fey and hunky Irish firefighters. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
THE WRITING
Mr. James’ writing, AKA Charles Atkins, is simply, superbly flawless. This is the third book I’ve read by him and I can honestly say the experience is consistently flawless. It’s that rare ability to develop the characters and build a universe with such laser-like precision that allows the reader to totally and completely immerse him/herself in the story and go along with the ride.
August 31, 2014
Fantasy is not something I read a a lot of, but Haffling is a book that I have had my eye on ever since it was first presented on DSP's website. Now I have finally got around and finishe dit - and I am glad I did.
Haffling is more and better than I expected on so many levels. First: the writing itself; the language is right on spot, the words flow so well and even though this is a story told in 1st POV - an other thing that is not my first choice of narrators in a story - Alex's voice is captivating. Second: so is Alex's family matters. I love the way the author intertwine Alex's life in the real world and his life in Queen May's remnants of the fairy land. Alex has a sister that is eleven years old, and a mother that has schizophrenia (or has she?) and the siblings are about to loose the one safety they have - the ratty apartment.
Third: the author has populated this world with some real sinister characters. These are some blood-thirsty creatures that we encounter while reading. And when circumstances look realy bad for Alex adn his sister, they don't get better, they get worse, and worse and worse.Until you ask yourself how on earth they will make it better again. I like that too. Too often you find stories with too little conflict, too little tension and/or too little at stake. Stories where problems are without real stakes or are solves too quickly and too easily. Not so here.
Fourth: although this is a story about a gay boy it is not a story about being gay, neither is it making it the central issue. Yes, Alex ponders about being gay on occasion, but he is far too busy with coping his other much bigger life issues. He has a crush on a presumably straight boy (we all know he's not that straight, just too shy to say it outright, yeah?).Alex and Jerod's falling in love is a sweet romantic sub-plot, but that's it. It's a sub-plot. The main plot is about keeping Alex family and mainly Alice safe, and the consequences that will follow in its lead.
At one point toward the end I reached a passage where I came to miss the contact with "real life" and it got too much fairy land actions for my part. It caused me to put it down for a day and a half. I am happy I picked it up again and finished it, because I liked the end too. Haffling has a satisfying end, but leaves opportunities for a sequel open. Will there be one?
When I reach the end of the novel I read that Caleb James is a psychiatrist (could explain where some of the ideas for this novel came) and that he has written both fiction and non-fiction under other names prior to this book (could explain the swift and precise language use and the great build-up that leads to an almost explosive finale). Now I'd like to find out more about that.
Haffling is more and better than I expected on so many levels. First: the writing itself; the language is right on spot, the words flow so well and even though this is a story told in 1st POV - an other thing that is not my first choice of narrators in a story - Alex's voice is captivating. Second: so is Alex's family matters. I love the way the author intertwine Alex's life in the real world and his life in Queen May's remnants of the fairy land. Alex has a sister that is eleven years old, and a mother that has schizophrenia (or has she?) and the siblings are about to loose the one safety they have - the ratty apartment.
Third: the author has populated this world with some real sinister characters. These are some blood-thirsty creatures that we encounter while reading. And when circumstances look realy bad for Alex adn his sister, they don't get better, they get worse, and worse and worse.Until you ask yourself how on earth they will make it better again. I like that too. Too often you find stories with too little conflict, too little tension and/or too little at stake. Stories where problems are without real stakes or are solves too quickly and too easily. Not so here.
Fourth: although this is a story about a gay boy it is not a story about being gay, neither is it making it the central issue. Yes, Alex ponders about being gay on occasion, but he is far too busy with coping his other much bigger life issues. He has a crush on a presumably straight boy (we all know he's not that straight, just too shy to say it outright, yeah?).Alex and Jerod's falling in love is a sweet romantic sub-plot, but that's it. It's a sub-plot. The main plot is about keeping Alex family and mainly Alice safe, and the consequences that will follow in its lead.
At one point toward the end I reached a passage where I came to miss the contact with "real life" and it got too much fairy land actions for my part. It caused me to put it down for a day and a half. I am happy I picked it up again and finished it, because I liked the end too. Haffling has a satisfying end, but leaves opportunities for a sequel open. Will there be one?
When I reach the end of the novel I read that Caleb James is a psychiatrist (could explain where some of the ideas for this novel came) and that he has written both fiction and non-fiction under other names prior to this book (could explain the swift and precise language use and the great build-up that leads to an almost explosive finale). Now I'd like to find out more about that.
February 7, 2017
This book starts off pretty well, with a very sympathetic main character in Alex, a gay NYC teen trying to keep his family together in the face of adversity. Alex juggles school, social services, his little sister Alice (who is plenty damaged herself), and his mother, whose apparent mental illness belies more complicated issues -- fae issues, as it turns out.
I enjoyed seeing Alex navigate a recognizable if cartoonishly outmoded version of NYC, as well as the ins and outs of his precarious family and legal situations, about which the author clearly knows something. I enjoyed his love of martial arts, drawing, and a seemingly straight classmate named Jerod. I even enjoyed his initial foray into Faerie, by way of northern Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park.
Unfortunately, this book went wildly off the rails for me the more time it spent of Fairie and fairies. This stuff was just WAY over the top, as Queen May obsessed over entering the human world through reality TV fame, her sister proved to be posing as a famous children's book author (wearing slutty clothes at an NYPL appearance, no less!), and Alex's mother's madness proved to be the result of too much time spent in the other realm with her faerie lover. Alex and Alice's home situation is ultimately solved by their mother being replaced by a "sane" changeling of sorts, while the genuine article stays in faerie. Not a very clear message about mental health in the real world, I would say, especially considering how much time the first half of the book focuses spends on that element. I also didn't appreciate how quickly Alex and Jerod's relationship went from Zero to True Love -- I just didn't buy that, and it was bothersome that we never saw Jerod's girlfriend and school friends again after their early introduction.
So, this book had a lot of good things going for it, but was ultimately scattershot and disappointing. But I'd still be interested to read the sequel, which concerns one of Haffling minor faerie characters dumped in the human world. There's a lot of potential in the world that James has created here, and a lot of potential in his writing abilities.
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley ** (2nd edition, DSP Publications, January 2016)
I enjoyed seeing Alex navigate a recognizable if cartoonishly outmoded version of NYC, as well as the ins and outs of his precarious family and legal situations, about which the author clearly knows something. I enjoyed his love of martial arts, drawing, and a seemingly straight classmate named Jerod. I even enjoyed his initial foray into Faerie, by way of northern Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park.
Unfortunately, this book went wildly off the rails for me the more time it spent of Fairie and fairies. This stuff was just WAY over the top, as Queen May obsessed over entering the human world through reality TV fame, her sister proved to be posing as a famous children's book author (wearing slutty clothes at an NYPL appearance, no less!), and Alex's mother's madness proved to be the result of too much time spent in the other realm with her faerie lover. Alex and Alice's home situation is ultimately solved by their mother being replaced by a "sane" changeling of sorts, while the genuine article stays in faerie. Not a very clear message about mental health in the real world, I would say, especially considering how much time the first half of the book focuses spends on that element. I also didn't appreciate how quickly Alex and Jerod's relationship went from Zero to True Love -- I just didn't buy that, and it was bothersome that we never saw Jerod's girlfriend and school friends again after their early introduction.
So, this book had a lot of good things going for it, but was ultimately scattershot and disappointing. But I'd still be interested to read the sequel, which concerns one of Haffling minor faerie characters dumped in the human world. There's a lot of potential in the world that James has created here, and a lot of potential in his writing abilities.
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley ** (2nd edition, DSP Publications, January 2016)
January 21, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Same Sex Book Reviews with a copy provided by the author / publisher for an honest review.)
I wasn’t sure what sure what to expect when I read the blurb for this book on our available books to review worksheet. It intrigued me enough that I decided to give it a shot. I’m glad I did. It was a well written tale of the world of the fey, or fairy, or faerie, breaking through into modern day Manhattan.
Alex Nevus is a super intelligent sixteen year old attending Stuyvesant High School, a school for the gifted in Manhattan. His life hasn’t been easy though. His mother has schizophrenia, and it is getting worse. Alex is doing everything he can to keep himself and his sister from being taken away from their mom and put back into foster care. The ended up in foster care once before…and really bad stuff happened.
Now Alex’s mother is missing. The very day she has to appear in front of the state reps to continue her disability, housing assistance, etc. If she doesn’t show up, at a minimum Alex’s little sister Alice will be taken into foster care.
Alex follows his mother’s cell phone GPS to a remote park at the north end of the island of Manhattan. But what he finds there won’t be just his mother. Maybe the land of the fey is real?
There begins a topsy turvy journey between our world and one that lies beyond. Along the way there will be a really cute, but straight, boy in Alex’s class, an assortment of various fairy species, an evil fairy queen, and a truth that Alex might, or might not, be ready for.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a modern day tale of fairies. Notice I didn’t say a modern day fairy tale. There is a big difference. I, for one, much prefer the tale of the fairies. This tale is also a young adult read. There is no sex in the book, and there shouldn’t be, as it wouldn’t fit the tale. I saw that the book originally was published in 2013, but the end of this current edition has a teaser for book two, so I’m hoping we will see it soon!
I wasn’t sure what sure what to expect when I read the blurb for this book on our available books to review worksheet. It intrigued me enough that I decided to give it a shot. I’m glad I did. It was a well written tale of the world of the fey, or fairy, or faerie, breaking through into modern day Manhattan.
Alex Nevus is a super intelligent sixteen year old attending Stuyvesant High School, a school for the gifted in Manhattan. His life hasn’t been easy though. His mother has schizophrenia, and it is getting worse. Alex is doing everything he can to keep himself and his sister from being taken away from their mom and put back into foster care. The ended up in foster care once before…and really bad stuff happened.
Now Alex’s mother is missing. The very day she has to appear in front of the state reps to continue her disability, housing assistance, etc. If she doesn’t show up, at a minimum Alex’s little sister Alice will be taken into foster care.
Alex follows his mother’s cell phone GPS to a remote park at the north end of the island of Manhattan. But what he finds there won’t be just his mother. Maybe the land of the fey is real?
There begins a topsy turvy journey between our world and one that lies beyond. Along the way there will be a really cute, but straight, boy in Alex’s class, an assortment of various fairy species, an evil fairy queen, and a truth that Alex might, or might not, be ready for.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a modern day tale of fairies. Notice I didn’t say a modern day fairy tale. There is a big difference. I, for one, much prefer the tale of the fairies. This tale is also a young adult read. There is no sex in the book, and there shouldn’t be, as it wouldn’t fit the tale. I saw that the book originally was published in 2013, but the end of this current edition has a teaser for book two, so I’m hoping we will see it soon!
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