What do you think?
Rate this book
Weaver #1
Chimera
If you witnessed your parents killed at age five for reasons unknown only to endure eight years of isolation in captivity, what would you do with your life when you were suddenly rescued by family you never knew you had? What if you yourself were even more than you seemed? The universe can be both a terrible and wonderful place to live if you have the courage to explore it. Enter an alternate reality of civil war, secrets, murders and betrayals that transcends space and time with CHIMERA, Book One of the Weaver Series.
487 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2014
20 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Vaun Murphrey
5 books101 followersVaun Murphrey lives in Lubbock, Texas with her husband, two sons and a shaggy black and white four-legged friend. Her life is composed of one ordinary day after another, at least from the outside – on the inside she travels to different worlds. If Vaun ever seems distracted, now you know why… be patient, she returns on a regular basis to visit Earth.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 1, 2016
Downloaded for free from Amazon.co.uk
This was an okay story, although the pace did make it drag a bit. I found the ‘chimera’ story a little unbelievable at times, especially because Cassandra and Silver seemed to have such super-human powers, but this was okay overall.
6 out of 10
This was an okay story, although the pace did make it drag a bit. I found the ‘chimera’ story a little unbelievable at times, especially because Cassandra and Silver seemed to have such super-human powers, but this was okay overall.
6 out of 10
May 9, 2015
CHIMERA is mine and I've toiled over it since January, 2013. I'm aware as my first book EVER that it could be better than it is. The five star isn't realistic if I were to critically grade my work. There are mistakes and author no-no's all over the dang place. What I'm rating here is my first joy of creation and the many levels of pain and triumph writing CHIMERA dragged me through.
I've been slammed on Book One more than once. Some criticisms were offered up by completely constructive, well-meaning or experienced reviewers. Those interactions left me room to grow and a direction.
This book is my imaginary friends come to life. It is personal and I love it just for that. ;)
I've been slammed on Book One more than once. Some criticisms were offered up by completely constructive, well-meaning or experienced reviewers. Those interactions left me room to grow and a direction.
This book is my imaginary friends come to life. It is personal and I love it just for that. ;)
April 29, 2015
*I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.*
I put off attempting to read this book because I wasn't sure I would like it. I was WRONG! I just loved it. I don't know what I was expecting, but it was certainly a lot better than I was thinking. It just goes to show, you should try all things if think you might or might not like it.
I love all of the characters in the book. Well, I don't like the evil ones. I am looking forward to finding out more about this one that is supposed to be the Soul Eater. Cassandra's parents were killed when she was little and she was abducted and imprisoned for 8 years before her uncle yanked her out of the prison. They believe it was the Soul Eater that held her captive. I still can't figure out if he's human or an alien or what.
I'm trying to review this without any spoilers. Let's see, Cassandra comes to live with her uncle that saved her and her aunt. Their names are Gerome and Maggie. I really like Maggie, she's sweet and doesn't take any crap from anyone.
They plan on training Cassandra in physical training and in Weaver training. They are Weaver's meaning they can use their minds to bond to each other and other things. They call it the Web. I thought that was funny, lets surf the world wide web in your head!
So they have all of that planned out but things happen and she is going to have to go with a friend of the family to keep hidden. There is some evil alien that has found her and wanting to come after her. Poor Cassandra can't win for losing.
The counsel didn't want her there anyway. They think she is dangerous. They think the Soul Eater actual bonded to her and is impersonating her. Not! But she does have a little secret that I can't tell you.
James and Kara are awesome friends to Cassandra, they are close to her age and get along great. There is a story behind that but you will have to read the book.
Malcolm is really cool! He trains all of the kids from martial arts to weight training, etc.
Like I said, I really did love this book. I hope the rest of them are as good as this one. I would recommend to all of those that love science fiction/fantasy.
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
I put off attempting to read this book because I wasn't sure I would like it. I was WRONG! I just loved it. I don't know what I was expecting, but it was certainly a lot better than I was thinking. It just goes to show, you should try all things if think you might or might not like it.
I love all of the characters in the book. Well, I don't like the evil ones. I am looking forward to finding out more about this one that is supposed to be the Soul Eater. Cassandra's parents were killed when she was little and she was abducted and imprisoned for 8 years before her uncle yanked her out of the prison. They believe it was the Soul Eater that held her captive. I still can't figure out if he's human or an alien or what.
I'm trying to review this without any spoilers. Let's see, Cassandra comes to live with her uncle that saved her and her aunt. Their names are Gerome and Maggie. I really like Maggie, she's sweet and doesn't take any crap from anyone.
They plan on training Cassandra in physical training and in Weaver training. They are Weaver's meaning they can use their minds to bond to each other and other things. They call it the Web. I thought that was funny, lets surf the world wide web in your head!
So they have all of that planned out but things happen and she is going to have to go with a friend of the family to keep hidden. There is some evil alien that has found her and wanting to come after her. Poor Cassandra can't win for losing.
The counsel didn't want her there anyway. They think she is dangerous. They think the Soul Eater actual bonded to her and is impersonating her. Not! But she does have a little secret that I can't tell you.
James and Kara are awesome friends to Cassandra, they are close to her age and get along great. There is a story behind that but you will have to read the book.
Malcolm is really cool! He trains all of the kids from martial arts to weight training, etc.
Like I said, I really did love this book. I hope the rest of them are as good as this one. I would recommend to all of those that love science fiction/fantasy.
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
September 14, 2015
I will start as I wish to go forward, that is with honesty: I went beyond being merely tentative when it came to finally reading this one.
I was terrified it would be another cliché teenage book. You all know what I’m talking about here – instant love, crazy powers which cannot be explained until you find out the main character is pretty much a God (or at least a descendant of one), cheesy lines partnered with creepy borderline stalker behaviour, sob story, and the rest of the list that leaves us all banging our heads off walls. I expected it all and worse – especially considering how the main character is a thirteen year old who has spent her last eight years in captivity – meaning it was a nice surprise when some of these things failed to crop up.
It was a nice story, much better than I had expected it to be. Our story unfolds in a similar way to a number of other young adult books (you cannot get away from it, really) but there was more to it than the usual. This one does not spew the norms at us, the routine ‘oh my you are so special we must all love you even though we have no reason to because you’re being rather pompous’. This one takes a nice twist – and okay, it is suggested at the end that our main character is a bit of that cliché lead, but at least this time there is an actual reason for it. We are given something new, something away from the norm that is quite a jump (a rather daring charge which I really admire).
Don’t get me wrong, the book is far from perfect. As I mentioned before there are a number of the clichés to be found. Whilst they’re not as out of proportion and in your face as most books they still made me sigh when they cropped up. The writing style isn’t quite perfected either. Yet as a whole it was a great read.
Overall I was more than a little bit surprised by how much I enjoyed this one.
Finally I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this one. I’m already onto the next in the series!
I was terrified it would be another cliché teenage book. You all know what I’m talking about here – instant love, crazy powers which cannot be explained until you find out the main character is pretty much a God (or at least a descendant of one), cheesy lines partnered with creepy borderline stalker behaviour, sob story, and the rest of the list that leaves us all banging our heads off walls. I expected it all and worse – especially considering how the main character is a thirteen year old who has spent her last eight years in captivity – meaning it was a nice surprise when some of these things failed to crop up.
It was a nice story, much better than I had expected it to be. Our story unfolds in a similar way to a number of other young adult books (you cannot get away from it, really) but there was more to it than the usual. This one does not spew the norms at us, the routine ‘oh my you are so special we must all love you even though we have no reason to because you’re being rather pompous’. This one takes a nice twist – and okay, it is suggested at the end that our main character is a bit of that cliché lead, but at least this time there is an actual reason for it. We are given something new, something away from the norm that is quite a jump (a rather daring charge which I really admire).
Don’t get me wrong, the book is far from perfect. As I mentioned before there are a number of the clichés to be found. Whilst they’re not as out of proportion and in your face as most books they still made me sigh when they cropped up. The writing style isn’t quite perfected either. Yet as a whole it was a great read.
Overall I was more than a little bit surprised by how much I enjoyed this one.
Finally I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this one. I’m already onto the next in the series!
July 24, 2016
*Book received from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
This book had suspense and mystery around every corner. There's stil a lot that's unknown and a lot of people I still find suspicious, but I'm eager to see how things play out in book 2. I lost some interest in the middle because of something I can't explain without revealing too much, but it picked up again towards by the end in a big way.
This book had suspense and mystery around every corner. There's stil a lot that's unknown and a lot of people I still find suspicious, but I'm eager to see how things play out in book 2. I lost some interest in the middle because of something I can't explain without revealing too much, but it picked up again towards by the end in a big way.
December 30, 2015
Chimera is about a thirteen-year old girl, Cassandra, who is being held in captivity in some sort of a compound. She has no idea why she has to live in a prison cell, but remembers that the men who took her murdered her parents. She has spoken little to anyone in eight years. Even her guards/care takers rarely speak to her, yet she is very bright. She even knows how to read, but no one taught her. How is that possible? I'll get to that.
Two men rescue Cassandra. One claims to be her uncle. She doesn't recognize him, but thinks he may have her mother's eyes. She has no one else to turn to, so she does the only thing she can. She trusts him.
She finds out she is Weaver, a human in a more advanced state of the evolutionary process. Her aunt and uncle keep stressing that she needs to get training - that she is a danger to herself and those around her the longer she remains untrained. Kids who don't get trained can go crazy, or worse.
As it turns out, the reason Cassandra is so smart despite her seclusion (and she has not gone crazy) is because she is a Chimera. Her twin's body died in the womb, but a small part of her DNA and her soul joined with Cassandra. Silver, Cassandra's twin, erased her memory from Cassandra's mind so that their captives wouldn't know about their condition. Silver is also the reason Cass knows how to read and write. You'll have to read the book to see how that works. After they are rescued, Silver slowly lets Cassandra have her memories back. I won't tell you about the rest of the story. You will have to read it to find out how it ends.
I liked the story. It is unlike any other story I have read in a long time; it is strange, but in a good way.
That being said, I guess there were a couple of things I did not like about the book. Sometimes the writing seems sterile and does not communicate the emotions and thoughts of the characters well enough. Another reviewer said it was like reading a manual. I don't think it was that bad, but that was a good comparison.
The other things I did not like were mistakes in basic grammar. Another reviewer noted that there are repeated annoying grammatical mistakes in the book. “Silver and I” were used accidentally instead of “Silver and me” after a preposition like “with”. I found it very irritating as well, and this sort of mistake is repeated throughout the series. I know everyone makes mistakes, but ... It might be a good idea to hire an editor to check punctuation and grammar before the book is published.
Two men rescue Cassandra. One claims to be her uncle. She doesn't recognize him, but thinks he may have her mother's eyes. She has no one else to turn to, so she does the only thing she can. She trusts him.
She finds out she is Weaver, a human in a more advanced state of the evolutionary process. Her aunt and uncle keep stressing that she needs to get training - that she is a danger to herself and those around her the longer she remains untrained. Kids who don't get trained can go crazy, or worse.
As it turns out, the reason Cassandra is so smart despite her seclusion (and she has not gone crazy) is because she is a Chimera. Her twin's body died in the womb, but a small part of her DNA and her soul joined with Cassandra. Silver, Cassandra's twin, erased her memory from Cassandra's mind so that their captives wouldn't know about their condition. Silver is also the reason Cass knows how to read and write. You'll have to read the book to see how that works. After they are rescued, Silver slowly lets Cassandra have her memories back. I won't tell you about the rest of the story. You will have to read it to find out how it ends.
I liked the story. It is unlike any other story I have read in a long time; it is strange, but in a good way.
That being said, I guess there were a couple of things I did not like about the book. Sometimes the writing seems sterile and does not communicate the emotions and thoughts of the characters well enough. Another reviewer said it was like reading a manual. I don't think it was that bad, but that was a good comparison.
The other things I did not like were mistakes in basic grammar. Another reviewer noted that there are repeated annoying grammatical mistakes in the book. “Silver and I” were used accidentally instead of “Silver and me” after a preposition like “with”. I found it very irritating as well, and this sort of mistake is repeated throughout the series. I know everyone makes mistakes, but ... It might be a good idea to hire an editor to check punctuation and grammar before the book is published.
December 4, 2015
The Weaver Series is frigging FANTASTIC!
I had no idea what to expect when I dove into Chimera and it was an absolute thrilling read! I enjoyed the fresh concept and have never read anything quite like it. The characters and world building were very well done. I was completely sucked into the story, its Web, and can't wait to devour the rest of the Weaver Series!
Vaun Murphrey Author Spotlight and Review
I had no idea what to expect when I dove into Chimera and it was an absolute thrilling read! I enjoyed the fresh concept and have never read anything quite like it. The characters and world building were very well done. I was completely sucked into the story, its Web, and can't wait to devour the rest of the Weaver Series!
Vaun Murphrey Author Spotlight and Review
July 15, 2015
So, this book was at all what I had not expected. I expected this book to be more like the Crewel series I read a whole back, since it had stuff to do with weaving but it's actually a lot different than that.
This book starts off uncomfortable. You read things here that are quite disturbing and can be avoided, but adds a beginning to the story; you'll know what I'm talking about if you read the book.
Anyway, after an uncomfortable and disturbing prologue, it starts with Cassandra and getting rescued by her uncle Gerome, and her aunt Maggie. Maggie is quite the guardian, she's kind of like a piranha, sweet in general but at the same time, doesn't take any crap from anyone, and can have quite an attitude.
They plan on training Cassandra in physical and Weaver training. They are Weaver's meaning they can use their minds to bond to each other, alternate genes/chromosomes, and do all of that biology stuff in the Web, which is where all of the Weavers meet to heal people, communicate, etc; like the internet!!!
All of this planning for her safety and comfortable stay since she is being followed by "Laser Eyes" (the creepy guy in prologue) but the plan backfires and she has to go with a friend of the family to keep hidden, since she almost died!
Apart from that, the "counsel" of her neighborhood never liked her because of her background, and mysterious powers she has been developing; to be more specific: They think the Soul Eater actually bonded to her and is impersonating her. Not! But she does have a little secret, and if I tell you, that would be a big spoiler wouldn't it?
More characters:
James and Kara.
They are awesome friends to Cassandra, happen to be her neighbors after an incident happens, and they are very close to her age and get along great, with her, and support her in anyway she can; except for the ending, they just stop getting mentioned all of a sudden.
Another character: Malcolm.
Not really important, just the fact that he is her physical trainer, but that backfires because of the whole "stalker" thing going on so yeah... He also trains all of the kids from martial arts to weight training, and really gets on Maggie's nerves, the conversations that have are hilarious!
I would recommend to all of those that love science fiction, fantasy, and thrillers :)
This book starts off uncomfortable. You read things here that are quite disturbing and can be avoided, but adds a beginning to the story; you'll know what I'm talking about if you read the book.
Anyway, after an uncomfortable and disturbing prologue, it starts with Cassandra and getting rescued by her uncle Gerome, and her aunt Maggie. Maggie is quite the guardian, she's kind of like a piranha, sweet in general but at the same time, doesn't take any crap from anyone, and can have quite an attitude.
They plan on training Cassandra in physical and Weaver training. They are Weaver's meaning they can use their minds to bond to each other, alternate genes/chromosomes, and do all of that biology stuff in the Web, which is where all of the Weavers meet to heal people, communicate, etc; like the internet!!!
All of this planning for her safety and comfortable stay since she is being followed by "Laser Eyes" (the creepy guy in prologue) but the plan backfires and she has to go with a friend of the family to keep hidden, since she almost died!
Apart from that, the "counsel" of her neighborhood never liked her because of her background, and mysterious powers she has been developing; to be more specific: They think the Soul Eater actually bonded to her and is impersonating her. Not! But she does have a little secret, and if I tell you, that would be a big spoiler wouldn't it?
More characters:
James and Kara.
They are awesome friends to Cassandra, happen to be her neighbors after an incident happens, and they are very close to her age and get along great, with her, and support her in anyway she can; except for the ending, they just stop getting mentioned all of a sudden.
Another character: Malcolm.
Not really important, just the fact that he is her physical trainer, but that backfires because of the whole "stalker" thing going on so yeah... He also trains all of the kids from martial arts to weight training, and really gets on Maggie's nerves, the conversations that have are hilarious!
I would recommend to all of those that love science fiction, fantasy, and thrillers :)
April 18, 2015
***I received a free copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
This YA sci-fi novel starts off slowly and requires persistent reading, but halfway through it really hits its stride and the pace picks up - after which it rollicks along.
Cassandra, the protagonist, is a thirteen year old who has witnessed the death of her parents and been incarcerated for eight years. Her jailers seldom speak with her and her treatment has, at times, been brutal. She discovers that she is a member of a group of humans known as Weavers. Weavers have expanded mental capabilities and can travel via an alternate plane to explore the universe. Cassandra is vastly more powerful than other Weavers and herein lies her problem: she will be hunted for her gifts.
My difficulty with the initial part of this book was that there was an enormous emotional distance between the reader and Cassandra. However, I began to wonder if this was a deliberate strategy on the part of the writer. Cassandra’s imprisonment has necessitated that she repress many of her emotions in order to survive, apart from the fact that there is no-one during this time for her to form any kind of attachment to. As the book progresses and Cassandra learns to show emotion and begin to form friendships, the reader is, similarly, more able to connect with the story. If this was strategy on the part of the author, then it was risky, because if I hadn’t been reviewing this, I may have actually stopped reading earlier on, though I’m glad I didn’t.
There is a really great, different, interesting and complex story here, the mechanics of which are well thought out. However much of the first part of the novel felt like it was setting up the story for the bigger picture/next books. The reader is given a huge amount of necessary background information in dialogue between characters, which barely avoided feeling like an info dump and slowed the pace.
The latter half does zip along really well and at this point I found myself not wanting to put the book down. When I finished it, I was disappointed and wanted more – I was glad to see that the first three chapters of the next book were there to read and they really romped along.
The verdict: 3.5 stars and yes I’d read the next ones in the series.
This YA sci-fi novel starts off slowly and requires persistent reading, but halfway through it really hits its stride and the pace picks up - after which it rollicks along.
Cassandra, the protagonist, is a thirteen year old who has witnessed the death of her parents and been incarcerated for eight years. Her jailers seldom speak with her and her treatment has, at times, been brutal. She discovers that she is a member of a group of humans known as Weavers. Weavers have expanded mental capabilities and can travel via an alternate plane to explore the universe. Cassandra is vastly more powerful than other Weavers and herein lies her problem: she will be hunted for her gifts.
My difficulty with the initial part of this book was that there was an enormous emotional distance between the reader and Cassandra. However, I began to wonder if this was a deliberate strategy on the part of the writer. Cassandra’s imprisonment has necessitated that she repress many of her emotions in order to survive, apart from the fact that there is no-one during this time for her to form any kind of attachment to. As the book progresses and Cassandra learns to show emotion and begin to form friendships, the reader is, similarly, more able to connect with the story. If this was strategy on the part of the author, then it was risky, because if I hadn’t been reviewing this, I may have actually stopped reading earlier on, though I’m glad I didn’t.
There is a really great, different, interesting and complex story here, the mechanics of which are well thought out. However much of the first part of the novel felt like it was setting up the story for the bigger picture/next books. The reader is given a huge amount of necessary background information in dialogue between characters, which barely avoided feeling like an info dump and slowed the pace.
The latter half does zip along really well and at this point I found myself not wanting to put the book down. When I finished it, I was disappointed and wanted more – I was glad to see that the first three chapters of the next book were there to read and they really romped along.
The verdict: 3.5 stars and yes I’d read the next ones in the series.
March 17, 2015
Cassandra is no ordinary thirteen year old girl. In captivity since the age of five, held in silence and isolation, yet she is unimaginably brilliant. She is a Weaver, an evolutionary advance in the human line. Miraculously rescued by an uncle she never knew existed, she must now learn to handle her still developing powers.
Is she a threat to the Weavers, or their salvation?
The following comments may be considered spoilers by some:
Still rated it 4 stars, because I read it straight through in one sitting, I love the plot, the characters are well developed, and I didn't feel like I fell off a cliff at the end.
Is she a threat to the Weavers, or their salvation?
The following comments may be considered spoilers by some:
Still rated it 4 stars, because I read it straight through in one sitting, I love the plot, the characters are well developed, and I didn't feel like I fell off a cliff at the end.
April 17, 2015
I received a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.
In Chimera We meet Cassandra, a thirteen year old girl, who has been held in captivity for eight years, since the people that took her broke into her house in the wee hours of the night and murdered her parents. The captors keep Cassandra under the silent treatment,and she keeps sane by interacting with herself in her mind, until the night when she gets her first menstrual cycle, she's taken to meet with the man behind her ordeal. Scary guy. There's a very disturbing scene here,(you have been warned!). Soon Cass finds herself discovering things about herself, and the world that challenges everything she thought possible.
Cass is strong, obviously, how many thirteen year old girls could have come out of that sane? The secondary characters were interesting as well.
I'll be honest, I had mixed feelings about this one. One on hand I was invested in the story, I wanted to understand this new concept, on the other I felt this story was slow going, which is funny considering most of the book takes place in a couple of days. I have so many questions and I hope I'll get a better understanding of what's really happening in the second book in the series.
With that being said, this definitively isn't everyone's cup of tea.
But if you like fantasy I would say you should try it for yourself.
Happy Reading!
April 29, 2018
Chimera was a very interesting and gripping story with both its good and bad when it came to the writing. In the beginning, it seemed to start slow, but it built up speed the further you read. The relationships established in this book besides with Maggie and Gerome, feels as if they were forced, and were lacking in development for me to have any sort of emotional connection like Cass had with them. Speaking of Cass, for a thirteen-year-old, her character seems beyond her years and more mature than anything after such an awful captivity that would break people twice her age. Though it’s possible, it CAN throw off some people. I kind of forgot along the way that she was only thirteen, to be honest… Well, after they kept saying it over and over in the beginning.
The flaws seemed major at the time, slowly becoming bogged down and forgotten as the story progressed... (More via website)
May 13, 2015
ARC copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This has one of the most peculiar set ups I've seen in a sci-fi for a long time and consequently I didn't think I would like it. Happily I was wrong. I found myself invested in the story and enjoying the many shifts and switchbacks of the plot. Cassandra was an interesting character - seeing how her character develops will be something to look forward to.
The niggles I had were that the pacing is occasionally uneven and there were a few instances of dicey dialogue. These were minor concerns however and I found myself enjoying a fresh and unusual sci-fi. Perhaps not one for space opera fans but if you like strange theories and a future that looks different this one could be for you.
This has one of the most peculiar set ups I've seen in a sci-fi for a long time and consequently I didn't think I would like it. Happily I was wrong. I found myself invested in the story and enjoying the many shifts and switchbacks of the plot. Cassandra was an interesting character - seeing how her character develops will be something to look forward to.
The niggles I had were that the pacing is occasionally uneven and there were a few instances of dicey dialogue. These were minor concerns however and I found myself enjoying a fresh and unusual sci-fi. Perhaps not one for space opera fans but if you like strange theories and a future that looks different this one could be for you.
March 18, 2015
I was give a copy of this book by Netgally in exchange for an honest review. I was expecting a new adult romance (that is what my search was for) and I so didn't get that. What I did get was truly amazing. If you can imagine a combination of "The Giver", "Divergent" and "The Three Faces of Eve" then you might come close to explaining "Chimeria". The main character is 13. She's not exactly "normal". She has been in captivity since she was kidnapped at a young age. She has special "talents". It's set in present time but has some major sci-fi. Elements. I'm giving it a 5 star review because it exceeded my expectations and left me thinking. I'm about to start book 2 now.
April 20, 2016
the book is Chimera (The Weaver #1) by Vaun MurphreySo this is book 1 in the series Weaver and I just finished it and loved it, I love how you get to meet Cassandra and find out what happened and how she got to be kidnapped when she was five and how her family finds her . I love how its like a new take on how some people on earth are born with powers that can be used for either good or evil. once I started reading this I couldn't stop . can't wait to read the next one
December 7, 2021
Good start to the series!
March 27, 2015
I received a free ebook of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I need to say a special thank you to Vaun Murphrey as she responded almost immediately when I expressed my wish to read this but I was outside of the target territory. She replied straight away to say that the setting was now changed and I could download.
I have to say that I'm very grateful because Ms. Murphrey has written a great book!
Cassandra is no ordinary 13 year old girl. She has been held in captivity since her parents were murdered by her captors when she was five. Held in near silent isolation she is nonetheless intelligent, able to read although she doesn't remember being taught how.
She is rescued from her prison by her uncle, but this is no ordinary rescue - he teleports her using powers that their family members possess. Cassandra and her uncle are Weavers, a part of humankind on the next evolutionary step that are able to communicate mentally via "the Web" (not the Internet). On arrival at the compound they live in Cassandra meets her aunt and uncle who stress to her that she needs to be trained as a Weaver, untrained Weavers become mad if they are not located in time.
As Cassandra begins to explore her powers she finds that she is extraordinary even by Weaver standards. The reason for her ability to read without knowing how is that Cassandra is a Chimera. Whilst in her mother's womb Cassandra absorbed her twin sister but rather than the twin disappearing she stayed in Cassandras head as Silver. Unbeknown to Cassandra, Silver has wiped Cassandras memories of her life before her kidnap to protect her but she slowly restores them as she and Cassandra explore their unique powers.
As I said earlier, I really enjoyed this book - sometimes I'm not sure how wise it is to start a Young Adult book as they tend to dwell overlong on romantic interest rather than plot. No such problems with this book however as the two(?) main characters are interesting in their differing personalities - I have to admit that I wondered whether Silver would turn out to be an evil character like with The Host and a Point Horror I read years ago featuring a body swap with a ghost. I'm glad to say that Silver doesn't go down this clichéd route and combines with Cassandra to form a formidable team.
It's not a criticism as such but the only slight niggle was the authors massive attention to detail. For example we are painfully aware of each time a character removes or dons their boots and jacket - I half expected to read each stage of the knot tying their laces!
This is only a minor point however and I hope that the series continues in the same standard.
I'm going to jump straight into book two and find out!
I need to say a special thank you to Vaun Murphrey as she responded almost immediately when I expressed my wish to read this but I was outside of the target territory. She replied straight away to say that the setting was now changed and I could download.
I have to say that I'm very grateful because Ms. Murphrey has written a great book!
Cassandra is no ordinary 13 year old girl. She has been held in captivity since her parents were murdered by her captors when she was five. Held in near silent isolation she is nonetheless intelligent, able to read although she doesn't remember being taught how.
She is rescued from her prison by her uncle, but this is no ordinary rescue - he teleports her using powers that their family members possess. Cassandra and her uncle are Weavers, a part of humankind on the next evolutionary step that are able to communicate mentally via "the Web" (not the Internet). On arrival at the compound they live in Cassandra meets her aunt and uncle who stress to her that she needs to be trained as a Weaver, untrained Weavers become mad if they are not located in time.
As Cassandra begins to explore her powers she finds that she is extraordinary even by Weaver standards. The reason for her ability to read without knowing how is that Cassandra is a Chimera. Whilst in her mother's womb Cassandra absorbed her twin sister but rather than the twin disappearing she stayed in Cassandras head as Silver. Unbeknown to Cassandra, Silver has wiped Cassandras memories of her life before her kidnap to protect her but she slowly restores them as she and Cassandra explore their unique powers.
As I said earlier, I really enjoyed this book - sometimes I'm not sure how wise it is to start a Young Adult book as they tend to dwell overlong on romantic interest rather than plot. No such problems with this book however as the two(?) main characters are interesting in their differing personalities - I have to admit that I wondered whether Silver would turn out to be an evil character like with The Host and a Point Horror I read years ago featuring a body swap with a ghost. I'm glad to say that Silver doesn't go down this clichéd route and combines with Cassandra to form a formidable team.
It's not a criticism as such but the only slight niggle was the authors massive attention to detail. For example we are painfully aware of each time a character removes or dons their boots and jacket - I half expected to read each stage of the knot tying their laces!
This is only a minor point however and I hope that the series continues in the same standard.
I'm going to jump straight into book two and find out!
March 29, 2015
CHIMERA - The Weaver Series #1
Author: Vaun Murphrey
Cover Artist: Nathalia Suellen
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Publication Date: March 10, 2015
Publisher: Artemis Femme
Length: 299 pages
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cassandra's parents were killed and she was captured and imprisoned at the age of five. She has spent the past eight years living in a ten foot by ten foot cell with no contact with other children and barely even any contact from her captors.
** NOTE **
There is a brief but disturbing scene near the beginning of this book that contains material inappropriate to younger readers. In my opinion this book is not appropriate for readers under the age of sixteen.
Cassandra is rescued after her eight years in captivity by an Uncle that she never knew existed. Gerome was her mother's brother and he had thought for many years that Cassandra had died alongside her parents.
Taken to live with Gerome and his wife Maggie, Cassandra must readjust to life outside of prison. This is easier said than done, especially once she discovers that she is not like everyone else.
Cassandra is a Weaver. This means she has the ability to access the Web. The Web is just that: a web of information, knowledge, memories and the minds of others, both living and dead.
Cassandra discovers that she has escaped captivity but is still not safe.
I enjoyed this book and the target readership is Young Adults who I believe will like this new series very much. The reason I gave this book 4 stars rather than 5 stars is that the lead character is only thirteen and yet acts much older. It seems a bit unlikely that any thirteen year old would be as mature as Cassandra is. However, she is obviously not a normal thirteen year old. She is a Weaver with very special abilities, so I assume that is why she is so mature.
This is the first book in "The Weaver" series. Books 2 & 3 are also currently available. The fourth book in the series is due to be published soon.
This book will delight readers who are interested in the Science Fiction genre. This is definitely an interesting book and keeps the reader's interest right to the last page. The ending leaves the reader wanting to immediately start reading the next book in the series which is exactly what I plan to do.
The cover was created by artist Nathalia Suellen and is absolutely stunning. This cover is what initially drew my attention to this book which is exactly what author's want their book covers to do.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Vaun Murphrey is a writer, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend. She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas.
To learn more about this author visit: www.vaunmurphrey.com
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Follow me on Twitter @Amieroger
Author: Vaun Murphrey
Cover Artist: Nathalia Suellen
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Publication Date: March 10, 2015
Publisher: Artemis Femme
Length: 299 pages
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cassandra's parents were killed and she was captured and imprisoned at the age of five. She has spent the past eight years living in a ten foot by ten foot cell with no contact with other children and barely even any contact from her captors.
** NOTE **
There is a brief but disturbing scene near the beginning of this book that contains material inappropriate to younger readers. In my opinion this book is not appropriate for readers under the age of sixteen.
Cassandra is rescued after her eight years in captivity by an Uncle that she never knew existed. Gerome was her mother's brother and he had thought for many years that Cassandra had died alongside her parents.
Taken to live with Gerome and his wife Maggie, Cassandra must readjust to life outside of prison. This is easier said than done, especially once she discovers that she is not like everyone else.
Cassandra is a Weaver. This means she has the ability to access the Web. The Web is just that: a web of information, knowledge, memories and the minds of others, both living and dead.
Cassandra discovers that she has escaped captivity but is still not safe.
I enjoyed this book and the target readership is Young Adults who I believe will like this new series very much. The reason I gave this book 4 stars rather than 5 stars is that the lead character is only thirteen and yet acts much older. It seems a bit unlikely that any thirteen year old would be as mature as Cassandra is. However, she is obviously not a normal thirteen year old. She is a Weaver with very special abilities, so I assume that is why she is so mature.
This is the first book in "The Weaver" series. Books 2 & 3 are also currently available. The fourth book in the series is due to be published soon.
This book will delight readers who are interested in the Science Fiction genre. This is definitely an interesting book and keeps the reader's interest right to the last page. The ending leaves the reader wanting to immediately start reading the next book in the series which is exactly what I plan to do.
The cover was created by artist Nathalia Suellen and is absolutely stunning. This cover is what initially drew my attention to this book which is exactly what author's want their book covers to do.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Vaun Murphrey is a writer, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend. She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas.
To learn more about this author visit: www.vaunmurphrey.com
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Follow me on Twitter @Amieroger
July 7, 2015
I wasn’t really sure this was the kinda of book that was in the type of books I read. When it comes to several of the items that Ms. Murphrey connected to a few times … I was afraid that such an interesting story was going to turn into something that I just didn’t much care for. Boy was I was wrong.
A girl, Cassandra, is held captive in a cell for 8 yrs. After watching her hearing her parents murdered, and then seeing their bodies. She is abused for anything they believe is “wrong.” She never sees another child for this entire time. Her only company are two guards, who never talk to her. She is taken once a year for a physical.
Basically, there is not life in all of this. It is simply being held captive in a room where she is give food and exercise but pretty much nothing else. No communication with others, no education, no joy, no fun, no books … nothing but the cell they leave her in.
Until she is 13, when she hits puberty. Her captives decide to be a little sicker, and more twisted. She appears to others who are like her, who are going to do what they can to save her but in the end it comes down to Cassandra deciding what she must do to save herself. Who she must trust, who she must run from, and who she should learn from … even though she is pretty much a genius.
In this story, you might find a few mistakes. Here and there, but I am impressed by Ms. Murphrey’s beginnings. I am on book 2, Changeling, and her writing has grown as the story has grown.
This is one of those stories that is worth the time to read & enjoy!
A girl, Cassandra, is held captive in a cell for 8 yrs. After watching her hearing her parents murdered, and then seeing their bodies. She is abused for anything they believe is “wrong.” She never sees another child for this entire time. Her only company are two guards, who never talk to her. She is taken once a year for a physical.
Basically, there is not life in all of this. It is simply being held captive in a room where she is give food and exercise but pretty much nothing else. No communication with others, no education, no joy, no fun, no books … nothing but the cell they leave her in.
Until she is 13, when she hits puberty. Her captives decide to be a little sicker, and more twisted. She appears to others who are like her, who are going to do what they can to save her but in the end it comes down to Cassandra deciding what she must do to save herself. Who she must trust, who she must run from, and who she should learn from … even though she is pretty much a genius.
In this story, you might find a few mistakes. Here and there, but I am impressed by Ms. Murphrey’s beginnings. I am on book 2, Changeling, and her writing has grown as the story has grown.
This is one of those stories that is worth the time to read & enjoy!
March 1, 2015
This book reminds me a lot of the Psy-Changeling series, but a bit darker and perhaps more of a YA novel. I grabbed it for my Kindle when a friend gave a great review on Facebook, without reading much more about the book itself. I'm glad I did so - I probably wouldn't have bought it had I known it was a bit "YA". I look forward to reading on, and I think it was a good first book - even though I reserve the right to change my mind depending on how the rest of the series goes.
I couldn't quite figure out if the central character's main issue was one that was good or evil. It bothered me so much, in the sense of incomplete understanding, that I had to take a break from the series. I do plan to go back to it, probably soon.
I couldn't quite figure out if the central character's main issue was one that was good or evil. It bothered me so much, in the sense of incomplete understanding, that I had to take a break from the series. I do plan to go back to it, probably soon.
August 14, 2015
OK so I requested to read Vaun Murphrey’s first book which just happens to be the first book in her Weaver series. The description of the book caught my eye and when I noticed it was a series I also requested the additional books in the series. I have to admit that I was nervous about this one. I mean I requested three books from a series based on the description without even reading one of the books, what if I hated it and still had to read books two and three because I already said I would. Well WOOO let me tell you I’m glad I did it. I made myself sit down to start Chimera, before the end of the first chapter I was hooked.
This is the story of Cassandra Rainbow, a girl who was taken after seeing her parents killed. She is then help prisoner until she turns thirteen, that is when her remaining family discover that she is still alive and breaker her out. When she is reunited with her mother’s brother, Uncle Gerome and his wife Maggie Cass learns who and what she is and why her parents were killed. We learn in this book that the human race is still evolving and Weavers are that evolution. But like with any people there are good and bad among them, then to add more we now know there is life out there.
I have to say that I'm very grateful because as a breakout author Vaun Murphrey has written a great book and I can’t wait to read them all!
** I was provided a copy of this story to read in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley. **
This is the story of Cassandra Rainbow, a girl who was taken after seeing her parents killed. She is then help prisoner until she turns thirteen, that is when her remaining family discover that she is still alive and breaker her out. When she is reunited with her mother’s brother, Uncle Gerome and his wife Maggie Cass learns who and what she is and why her parents were killed. We learn in this book that the human race is still evolving and Weavers are that evolution. But like with any people there are good and bad among them, then to add more we now know there is life out there.
I have to say that I'm very grateful because as a breakout author Vaun Murphrey has written a great book and I can’t wait to read them all!
** I was provided a copy of this story to read in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley. **
May 28, 2015
This is book 1 of the Weaver Series
***NOTE - I received a free review copy of this book from NetGalley***
The is the story of Cassandra Rainbow, who has been held in captivity since her parents were killed in front of her when she was 5 years old. Now, eight years later, she is rescued by her Uncle Gerome, an uncle she didn't know about. She goes to live with Gerome and his wife Maggie in a compound with other Weavers, like them. Having been in captivity since she was a child, it takes her some time to adjust to her new found freedom, and to understand who, and what, she is. Even though she is only thirteen, she decides that she will try to stop a civil war and kill the man who held her captive and murdered her parents. That would be enough for any teenage girl to deal with, but Cassandra also has to get used to the idea of a twin sister she never knew she had. An invisible twin, who lives in the web and talks to Cassandra inside of her head. When her uncle brings home a friend from another planet, things really start to get interesting....
A unique premise, and a good start to a new young adult series.
Warning to younger readers - there are a few brief scenes describing inappropriate and unwelcome touching near the beginning that might be disturbing.
***NOTE - I received a free review copy of this book from NetGalley***
The is the story of Cassandra Rainbow, who has been held in captivity since her parents were killed in front of her when she was 5 years old. Now, eight years later, she is rescued by her Uncle Gerome, an uncle she didn't know about. She goes to live with Gerome and his wife Maggie in a compound with other Weavers, like them. Having been in captivity since she was a child, it takes her some time to adjust to her new found freedom, and to understand who, and what, she is. Even though she is only thirteen, she decides that she will try to stop a civil war and kill the man who held her captive and murdered her parents. That would be enough for any teenage girl to deal with, but Cassandra also has to get used to the idea of a twin sister she never knew she had. An invisible twin, who lives in the web and talks to Cassandra inside of her head. When her uncle brings home a friend from another planet, things really start to get interesting....
A unique premise, and a good start to a new young adult series.
Warning to younger readers - there are a few brief scenes describing inappropriate and unwelcome touching near the beginning that might be disturbing.
May 8, 2015
I've been putting off reading Chimera. I read the blurb on the back of the book and it all sounded a bit too... well, a bit too sci-fi for me I guess.
It is a strange and very dark story. It is billed as a YA fiction series but I really wouldn't like to think my 12 year old nephew was reading it.
Cassandra has been in captivity since she was five tears old. Her parents were murdered in front of her and she has been locked up ever since. Now, at the age of thirteen she is rescued by someone claiming to be her uncle. Cassandra discovers that she is special. She is a Weaver. And no, not the spinning jenny kind making rugs all day. This Weaver is a more advanced human, a superior being.
The world that the action takes place in has been well drawn and it is a fairly fast read for quite a long book. The story is fast paced and the characters are rounded and quite interesting. I found the ending a bit odd but I suspect that is because they had to find a point to tie off book 1 knowing that there is a book 2.
Don't be put off by the first few chapters - it does get better and its a pretty solid read.
Supplied by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
It is a strange and very dark story. It is billed as a YA fiction series but I really wouldn't like to think my 12 year old nephew was reading it.
Cassandra has been in captivity since she was five tears old. Her parents were murdered in front of her and she has been locked up ever since. Now, at the age of thirteen she is rescued by someone claiming to be her uncle. Cassandra discovers that she is special. She is a Weaver. And no, not the spinning jenny kind making rugs all day. This Weaver is a more advanced human, a superior being.
The world that the action takes place in has been well drawn and it is a fairly fast read for quite a long book. The story is fast paced and the characters are rounded and quite interesting. I found the ending a bit odd but I suspect that is because they had to find a point to tie off book 1 knowing that there is a book 2.
Don't be put off by the first few chapters - it does get better and its a pretty solid read.
Supplied by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2015
I have to say right off that I absolutely loved the cover of this book. It says so much. Once you read the book you will understand what I mean. At age five Cassandra watched her parents murdered. At age thirteen she is rescued by an uncle she has never known. While she was held captive she had no one to talk to. She kept within herself. That is why I said the cover was so appropriate. Her uncle takes her to live with them. The counsel doesn't want her living there because they think she will endanger all of them. She is trained in martial arts and like her family, as a Weaver. A Weaver is not what you think it is. Think of a Weaver as someone who is able to use the Internet of the mind. Cassandra has more abilities than the others in the colony. She also has someone hunting her so she must go into hiding. This is the first book in the series. I know there are three others that I've not yet had a chance to read. Hopefully my schedule will allow it soon. I believe teens and adults who like science fiction will enjoy this.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
April 4, 2015
I was given a free copy of this book for review.
Chimera is a book about 13 year old Cassandra who is rescued after 8 years being held captive without any verbal interaction. I found that my favorite thing about this book was, for me, the fact that so many of the explanations for why Cass is special make perfect sense! From why her sister is the way she is to why she is able to interact well with others despite not communicating for 8 years. The author also does an excellent job of still pointing out that she isn't as developed socially even though she has the necessary knowledge, such as when she asks Melody about her having children. The author does a good job of making a strong character without ignoring that she is still a 13 year old.
My main problem with this book was that most of the side character felt rather flat and 2 dimensional. It felt like you could sum up most of the side characters with one word. However this book is definitely still worth a read.
Chimera is a book about 13 year old Cassandra who is rescued after 8 years being held captive without any verbal interaction. I found that my favorite thing about this book was, for me, the fact that so many of the explanations for why Cass is special make perfect sense! From why her sister is the way she is to why she is able to interact well with others despite not communicating for 8 years. The author also does an excellent job of still pointing out that she isn't as developed socially even though she has the necessary knowledge, such as when she asks Melody about her having children. The author does a good job of making a strong character without ignoring that she is still a 13 year old.
My main problem with this book was that most of the side character felt rather flat and 2 dimensional. It felt like you could sum up most of the side characters with one word. However this book is definitely still worth a read.
March 14, 2015
I hate giving a books a bad review, I really do.
As someone else said its like reading a manual. Some places are over descriptive to the point of boredom. There is very little action, dialogue is boring, it is extremely slow paced. Where is the intrigue, suspense and intensity?
The idea is great, execution is poor. I expected so much more.
After trying to read the book for the last couple of days I admitted defeat. I know when I have a good book because I want to keep turning the pages. I want, no, I need to find out what happens next. I need to keep reading as much as I need my next breath.This book didn't do it for me. DNF at 52%
As someone else said its like reading a manual. Some places are over descriptive to the point of boredom. There is very little action, dialogue is boring, it is extremely slow paced. Where is the intrigue, suspense and intensity?
The idea is great, execution is poor. I expected so much more.
After trying to read the book for the last couple of days I admitted defeat. I know when I have a good book because I want to keep turning the pages. I want, no, I need to find out what happens next. I need to keep reading as much as I need my next breath.This book didn't do it for me. DNF at 52%
May 26, 2015
From the first page, this book grabs your attention and will not let go. The beginning chapters are brutal and horrific, for 8 years Cassandra has been a prisoner - never speaking or being spoken to for no reason she understands. At the age of 5 she saw masked men brutally kill her parents and now at the age of 13 she exists mostly in her mind. She is saved by her uncle in an inconceivable manner and now has to adjust to life in a community where she is considered less because of her circumstance.
Chimera is an amazing read, not just for the young adult, but for anyone who enjoys the urban fantasy genre. Really well done.
Chimera is an amazing read, not just for the young adult, but for anyone who enjoys the urban fantasy genre. Really well done.
June 16, 2015
**4.5
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. In return for a honest review.
_______
13 yr. old Cassandra is held captive in a cell for many years after she saw her parents murdered. She is rescued by her Uncle who she didn't know existed. She then lives with him and is introduced into a new world she was meant to be apart of. Cassandra is a Weaver. She shows new powers that threaten the people she loves. While Cassandra is learning to handle her new powers, she finds out she has enemies to be careful about.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! Kinda bothered me that she was 13 . Never read from a 13 yr. old perspective. But she is also mature due to her years in solitude.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. In return for a honest review.
_______
13 yr. old Cassandra is held captive in a cell for many years after she saw her parents murdered. She is rescued by her Uncle who she didn't know existed. She then lives with him and is introduced into a new world she was meant to be apart of. Cassandra is a Weaver. She shows new powers that threaten the people she loves. While Cassandra is learning to handle her new powers, she finds out she has enemies to be careful about.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! Kinda bothered me that she was 13 . Never read from a 13 yr. old perspective. But she is also mature due to her years in solitude.
July 1, 2015
It's obvious that the author has tried, but it doesn't look like the book will be a success story anytime soon.
The idea is pretty interesting, I don't remember reading about something like that before. What is not interesting is the rest. The writing style falls flat at most parts and the dialogues between the characters didn't sound believable to me. Plus, some objects had more characterization than most of the characters, including Gerome.
Overall, the book has potential, but needs a lot of work. I think the author should do some revising and editing. Proofreading too. I won't be reading the sequels. 1.5/5
The idea is pretty interesting, I don't remember reading about something like that before. What is not interesting is the rest. The writing style falls flat at most parts and the dialogues between the characters didn't sound believable to me. Plus, some objects had more characterization than most of the characters, including Gerome.
Overall, the book has potential, but needs a lot of work. I think the author should do some revising and editing. Proofreading too. I won't be reading the sequels. 1.5/5
May 31, 2016
This certainly has an interesting premise.
Cassandra, 13, has spent eight years in captivity having witnessed her parents' murders and then she is rescued by family that she didn't know she had.
Upon discovering she is a Weaver, Cassandra comes to realise that she has skills and talents that nobody expects her to have.
Initially, the setting felt a little confusing. The story began quite slowly - which is why I've given this rating - but once Cassandra rediscovers her 'sister' things get very interesting.
There are elements of the story that I would have liked further details about, but the way this ends does suggest that we'll get that information.
Cassandra, 13, has spent eight years in captivity having witnessed her parents' murders and then she is rescued by family that she didn't know she had.
Upon discovering she is a Weaver, Cassandra comes to realise that she has skills and talents that nobody expects her to have.
Initially, the setting felt a little confusing. The story began quite slowly - which is why I've given this rating - but once Cassandra rediscovers her 'sister' things get very interesting.
There are elements of the story that I would have liked further details about, but the way this ends does suggest that we'll get that information.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews