What do you think?
Rate this book
Kalyx
Charlie has grown up with two undeniable Earth is running out of time, and the people in power have no intention of trying to save it. A scientific breakthrough has revealed a distant, Earth-like planet, and governments are resting all of humanity’s hopes on it. But no one has figured out how to send humans there, and the race is on to be the first to reach it.
Charlie lives in a secure corner of the world with her brilliant parents, who are consumed by their work on the American colony ship. In their absence, she’s grown to be strong and independent, and aside from her one friend who lives an ocean away, she’s learned to rely on no one but herself.
When she stumbles across something she was never meant to see, Charlie uncovers a secret that could change everything. With the help of her best friend and an unexpected new ally, she must stay one step ahead of a powerful enemy to save an innocent life – and maybe the future of humanity.
A standalone sci-fi adventure
Charlie lives in a secure corner of the world with her brilliant parents, who are consumed by their work on the American colony ship. In their absence, she’s grown to be strong and independent, and aside from her one friend who lives an ocean away, she’s learned to rely on no one but herself.
When she stumbles across something she was never meant to see, Charlie uncovers a secret that could change everything. With the help of her best friend and an unexpected new ally, she must stay one step ahead of a powerful enemy to save an innocent life – and maybe the future of humanity.
A standalone sci-fi adventure
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
58 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Karen Lynch
15 books3,236 followersKaren Lynch is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.
She grew up in Newfoundland, Canada - a place rich in colorful people and folklore to which she attributes her love of the supernatural and her vivid imagination. She moved to Charlotte, North Carolina years ago and was immediately charmed by the southern people but she says she will always be a newfie.
Though she loves supernatural fiction, she has a soft spot for Charlotte Brontë and Jane Austin. She is a fan of classic rock, country and classical music but her favorite music is the sound of a good thunderstorm or a howling blizzard. Two of her favorite past times are baking artisan breads for her friends and spending quality time with her two German Shepherds.
She grew up in Newfoundland, Canada - a place rich in colorful people and folklore to which she attributes her love of the supernatural and her vivid imagination. She moved to Charlotte, North Carolina years ago and was immediately charmed by the southern people but she says she will always be a newfie.
Though she loves supernatural fiction, she has a soft spot for Charlotte Brontë and Jane Austin. She is a fan of classic rock, country and classical music but her favorite music is the sound of a good thunderstorm or a howling blizzard. Two of her favorite past times are baking artisan breads for her friends and spending quality time with her two German Shepherds.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 22, 2025
Good
Karen Lynch is automatic buy for me. This book could have been a Kindle read. It's good, but I won't reread it.
Pros: I liked the main character and the premise of the book.
Cons: It felt like Lynch was building a world for a series but decided to make it one book. As such, the main character's relationship with some of the others wasn't complete, and the plot felt rushed.
Karen Lynch is automatic buy for me. This book could have been a Kindle read. It's good, but I won't reread it.
Pros: I liked the main character and the premise of the book.
Cons: It felt like Lynch was building a world for a series but decided to make it one book. As such, the main character's relationship with some of the others wasn't complete, and the plot felt rushed.
July 26, 2025
So far, Karen Lynch has been a 1-click buy author for me. While I am aware that I've never been her target audience, I loved - and still love - some of her books so much I practically know them by heart by now after re-reading them so many times.
That being said, I feel like I'm finally outgrowing her work, even though my criticism of Kalyx has nothing to do with the book's maturity level.
In fact, I did enjoy being in Charlie's head, even though she was barely 18 years old. She was a relatable, reasonable and resourceful protagonist. The premise was interesting, too, so different from Lynch's other series, and it undoubtely required tons of research and determination on her part to pull together something so heavy on science (fiction).
Alas... though I tried my best to suspend disbelief, I just couldn't fully immerse myself into the plot. It was all just so fucking... convenient.
What I'm trying to say is that I feel Lynch relied far too much on plot armor and deus ex machina-style luck, making the story feel lazy and artificial. Everything just fell into place way too easily - it didn't feel realistic at all and had me rolling my eyes repeatedly.
On top of that, some of the plot points and relationships seemed underwhelming and underdeveloped. Like another reviewer stated, this book reads like it was initially meant to be a series and crammed into one installment at the last minute.
However, as is so often the case with me, my opinion doesn't seem to match the majority's, so take it with a grain of salt. You may enjoy this book a lot more than I did.
July 22, 2025
This book was an adrenaline rush. Especially in the last 30%. I love that Karen Lynch came up with a concept so different from her other world's yet, still had chatacters with her signature flare.
I especially enjoyed the fact that Charlie (and Finley's) special powers were that they were incredibly smart and empathetic.
The romance was a little lite in this one, but I still found him charming.
Definitely recommended.
I especially enjoyed the fact that Charlie (and Finley's) special powers were that they were incredibly smart and empathetic.
The romance was a little lite in this one, but I still found him charming.
Definitely recommended.
August 11, 2025
This author is an automatic buy now and drop all other books type of author for me..
the last 30% was super intense I think I stayed up until 2 am reading lol I loved the bff the love interest was very minor which booooo I need a little more the swoon the connection just wasn’t there. Could totally have been made a series. This felt darker and I’m not a fan of the fake meat, surveillance aspect of it if felt too much like what is to come for us meh .. I can usually reread book I will not be rereading this one the pawn series is one of the best books out there!!!
the last 30% was super intense I think I stayed up until 2 am reading lol I loved the bff the love interest was very minor which booooo I need a little more the swoon the connection just wasn’t there. Could totally have been made a series. This felt darker and I’m not a fan of the fake meat, surveillance aspect of it if felt too much like what is to come for us meh .. I can usually reread book I will not be rereading this one the pawn series is one of the best books out there!!!
July 24, 2025
I’m not surprised!
Anything by Karen Lynch is an automatic one click for me. As an author Karen Lynch really stands out. You can feel her passion for her art. From her characters to her world building she has an incredible ability to invite you into her mind and take you with her on the epic adventures she creates. The Relentless series is still my all time favorite series. When She took us to the land of Fae I learned very quickly you don’t doubt Karen Lynch. You buckle up and savor the ride. Once again Not surprised by Kalyx. Of course it was awesome! Even though it’s different from her other books it refreshing and unpredictable. I’m not usually into Sci-fi but I am now. Kalyx is written as a standalone but Fingers crossed she continues this new world she’s created for us.
Anything by Karen Lynch is an automatic one click for me. As an author Karen Lynch really stands out. You can feel her passion for her art. From her characters to her world building she has an incredible ability to invite you into her mind and take you with her on the epic adventures she creates. The Relentless series is still my all time favorite series. When She took us to the land of Fae I learned very quickly you don’t doubt Karen Lynch. You buckle up and savor the ride. Once again Not surprised by Kalyx. Of course it was awesome! Even though it’s different from her other books it refreshing and unpredictable. I’m not usually into Sci-fi but I am now. Kalyx is written as a standalone but Fingers crossed she continues this new world she’s created for us.
July 26, 2025
Great book
Karen has been one of my favorite actors for years, she has done it again Kalyx may be different from her other books but is engaging and draws you in. I enjoyed it, it was a great book!
Karen has been one of my favorite actors for years, she has done it again Kalyx may be different from her other books but is engaging and draws you in. I enjoyed it, it was a great book!
July 16, 2025
If you're a sci-fi fan, you have to read this!! It had my attention the entire time, and I constantly wanted to read the next chapter. It's a heartwarming story of compassion, bravery and resilience. This book will make people appreciate and love the planet we have while we still can.
July 17, 2025
This is an awesome book! I totally connected with the characters, especially Charlie! I can't wait to see what else Karen comes up with! She is an AMAZING author!
July 25, 2025
Different than her other books, but still great!
I absolutely love Karen Lynch’s books. She is such an amazing author! Just like her other series’, which are among some of my all time favorites, Kalyx sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go until the book was finished! The start was a bit slow, but then it picked up.
I absolutely love Karen Lynch’s books. She is such an amazing author! Just like her other series’, which are among some of my all time favorites, Kalyx sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go until the book was finished! The start was a bit slow, but then it picked up.
July 24, 2025
wow, wow, wow!
I.Could.Not.Put.It.Down. I tried hard to pace myself but failed miserably. Karen does it again! The detail is amazing. I can close my eyes and see everything. Several scenes in the book left me on edge and rooting for a good outcome. I was completely sucked in! I wish I could read it over and over again for the first time!
I.Could.Not.Put.It.Down. I tried hard to pace myself but failed miserably. Karen does it again! The detail is amazing. I can close my eyes and see everything. Several scenes in the book left me on edge and rooting for a good outcome. I was completely sucked in! I wish I could read it over and over again for the first time!
July 24, 2025
Kalyx was fantastic! This was the first young adult (see: non-romance) book to hold my attention all year. THE Karen Lynch did it again, not that I'm surprised. I have yet to read anything of hers that I could put down. Kalyx was a unique blend of futuristic, sci-fi, friendship, and coming-of-age. Absolutely adored it!
July 24, 2025
Wow
Took me longer to read because of work and responsibilities but wow. Im not sure if this will be a sequence but I would definitely buy the best book. This author is one of my favorites. Great writer. Her main characters are strong smart young women and we've got one in this book. Its sci-fi with action and a bit of romance.
Took me longer to read because of work and responsibilities but wow. Im not sure if this will be a sequence but I would definitely buy the best book. This author is one of my favorites. Great writer. Her main characters are strong smart young women and we've got one in this book. Its sci-fi with action and a bit of romance.
July 24, 2025
Worth reading
Love! I'm not really a sci-fi fan. There are some exceptions and I am a Karen fan so I wanted to read this. So glad I did! I couldn't put it down! Such a fun read with great characters. I am ready for the next book!!!
Love! I'm not really a sci-fi fan. There are some exceptions and I am a Karen fan so I wanted to read this. So glad I did! I couldn't put it down! Such a fun read with great characters. I am ready for the next book!!!
July 25, 2025
great read
Another great novel by Karen Lynch, great story written very well, very interesting, loveable characters and not so loveable characters.
Another great novel by Karen Lynch, great story written very well, very interesting, loveable characters and not so loveable characters.
July 23, 2025
loved it!
As always Karen it’s a star! I’m not really a sci-fi reader, however I have repeatedly enjoyed reading and rereading Karen’s books, so seeing the drop of this newest addition was a must. And it did not disappoint in the least! Thank you and happy reading
As always Karen it’s a star! I’m not really a sci-fi reader, however I have repeatedly enjoyed reading and rereading Karen’s books, so seeing the drop of this newest addition was a must. And it did not disappoint in the least! Thank you and happy reading
July 23, 2025
I have loved Karen’s books over the last decade and I will continue to love them. This was a short unique story with her typical head strong and independent heroine and I loved every second!
July 23, 2025
Need more
As the other books written by Karen Lynch. This also deserves 5 stars.
This does have a happy ending, and I'm hoping we get more books in this series
As the other books written by Karen Lynch. This also deserves 5 stars.
This does have a happy ending, and I'm hoping we get more books in this series
July 24, 2025
Kalyx is a new book by Karen Lynch. The earth is destroyed by climate change and people are desperately trying to find a way to colonise other planets. When suddenly something crashes near Charlie's home, she finds something strange. Something she was not supposed to find. With the help of her best friend Finley and a new ally she might be interested in, Ethan, she tries to decide what to do.
As soon as Karen Lynch releases a new book, I am on it! I was a little scared about this book as I rarely read sci-fi. However, there was nothing to be afraid of. I really enjoyed this book. It is not one of my favourites, but I like it. The dystopian view of our world was shocking and apart from the aliens quite realistic in my opinion. Everything about the destruction of our planet felt so real and was described so realistically. Karen Lynch dived into a completely new world for this new book of hers.
Sadly, I did not enjoy the romance that much. There was not a lot and I missed some chemistry between Charlie and Ethan. However, the adventure was in the foreground of this book, so I kind of get it. But I still missed my romance. Nevertheless, I loved Charlie and her badass way of saving the world. And I would have loved to have Ethan more involved in the story. He seemed like a side-character and not the main male character.
I am glad Karen Lynch published a new book. It is not my favourite, but I liked it!
As soon as Karen Lynch releases a new book, I am on it! I was a little scared about this book as I rarely read sci-fi. However, there was nothing to be afraid of. I really enjoyed this book. It is not one of my favourites, but I like it. The dystopian view of our world was shocking and apart from the aliens quite realistic in my opinion. Everything about the destruction of our planet felt so real and was described so realistically. Karen Lynch dived into a completely new world for this new book of hers.
Sadly, I did not enjoy the romance that much. There was not a lot and I missed some chemistry between Charlie and Ethan. However, the adventure was in the foreground of this book, so I kind of get it. But I still missed my romance. Nevertheless, I loved Charlie and her badass way of saving the world. And I would have loved to have Ethan more involved in the story. He seemed like a side-character and not the main male character.
I am glad Karen Lynch published a new book. It is not my favourite, but I liked it!
August 5, 2025
4.5 Stars – A Refreshing & Addictive New World.....
Karen Lynch’s Kalyx swept me away with its smooth, effortless prose and a fierce, relatable heroine who had me rooting for her from the start. The writing is so immersive—I lost track of time more than once because I couldn’t put it down.
What really impressed me was how Lynch stepped outside her usual lane and crafted something completely fresh. It’s not often you find an author who can switch gears so seamlessly while still delivering that same emotional punch. The world-building was vivid, the tension was perfectly paced, and I loved every twist.
My only tiny gripe? A few lingering questions about where certain plot threads were headed left me itching for answers. But honestly, that just proves how invested I was—I needed to know more!
If you love bold, female-driven fantasy with heart and originality, Kalyx is a must-read. Karen Lynch has outdone herself, and I can’t wait to see where this story goes next.
Karen Lynch’s Kalyx swept me away with its smooth, effortless prose and a fierce, relatable heroine who had me rooting for her from the start. The writing is so immersive—I lost track of time more than once because I couldn’t put it down.
What really impressed me was how Lynch stepped outside her usual lane and crafted something completely fresh. It’s not often you find an author who can switch gears so seamlessly while still delivering that same emotional punch. The world-building was vivid, the tension was perfectly paced, and I loved every twist.
My only tiny gripe? A few lingering questions about where certain plot threads were headed left me itching for answers. But honestly, that just proves how invested I was—I needed to know more!
If you love bold, female-driven fantasy with heart and originality, Kalyx is a must-read. Karen Lynch has outdone herself, and I can’t wait to see where this story goes next.
July 22, 2025
Five stars 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
I’m a huge fan of this author and I’ve been eagerly awaiting her newest release for so long. This time she’s delivered something really special by taking readers into a YA sci-fi fantasy story that sees citizens of Earth struggling to live in a world that now has an expiration date. Charlie is the heroine in this tale, a sassy, intelligent, brave no nonsense 18 year old with a big heart. She makes a shocking discovery early in the book and from that moment the story takes off on a thrilling, fast paced, action packed adventure that kept me glued to my kindle!!! What a fantastic, clever, well written story this is, it’s the perfect fun read for teenagers and adults alike. Highly recommend Kalyx. Here’s hoping we might see more stories set in this exciting world. Five stars!
I’m a huge fan of this author and I’ve been eagerly awaiting her newest release for so long. This time she’s delivered something really special by taking readers into a YA sci-fi fantasy story that sees citizens of Earth struggling to live in a world that now has an expiration date. Charlie is the heroine in this tale, a sassy, intelligent, brave no nonsense 18 year old with a big heart. She makes a shocking discovery early in the book and from that moment the story takes off on a thrilling, fast paced, action packed adventure that kept me glued to my kindle!!! What a fantastic, clever, well written story this is, it’s the perfect fun read for teenagers and adults alike. Highly recommend Kalyx. Here’s hoping we might see more stories set in this exciting world. Five stars!
August 6, 2025
Fantastic Sci-fi Read
I love this book!! It is a sci-fi adventure and it definitely has storyline that draws you in. There are lots of interesting characters in this book. I love Charlie. She is strong minded and combined with her best friend, Finley, they are a duo I would not want to go up against. There are more characters but my favorite is the one this book is about. I loved the complete story and I hope it’s not the end for this group of characters. If you like a sci-fi adventure, I don’t think this one will disappoint you. I sure enjoyed it.
I love this book!! It is a sci-fi adventure and it definitely has storyline that draws you in. There are lots of interesting characters in this book. I love Charlie. She is strong minded and combined with her best friend, Finley, they are a duo I would not want to go up against. There are more characters but my favorite is the one this book is about. I loved the complete story and I hope it’s not the end for this group of characters. If you like a sci-fi adventure, I don’t think this one will disappoint you. I sure enjoyed it.
July 29, 2025
This is a gripping YA sci-fi adventure that completely pulled me in. Set in a future where Earth is dying, the story follows Charlie, a bright and independent teenager who stumbles upon a secret that could change everything. I loved her strength, her loyalty to her best friend Finley, and how the story balanced action, heart, and just a hint of romance. The pacing was perfect, especially in the last third, which was packed with tension and surprises. Karen Lynch does a fantastic job creating believable characters and a world that feels urgent and real. Even though it stands alone, I’m hoping for a sequel. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it to sci-fi fans.
July 25, 2025
Another Great Book
Loved this story.
I couldn't put this book down once I started to read it.
Although, the book is young adult, the character is not annoying and there is no spice at all (for parents who are wondering if their teens can read it).
Loved this story.
I couldn't put this book down once I started to read it.
Although, the book is young adult, the character is not annoying and there is no spice at all (for parents who are wondering if their teens can read it).
July 31, 2025
I loved Kalyx, especially the characters and world-building, and will definitely re-read it. I highly recommend Kalyx if you're looking for a suspense-packed, entertaining sci-fi YA read (with a cute romance story to top it off).
July 23, 2025
Wow. This book was really good. Love the details and the suspense to see what was going to happen with Charlie and his friends. Is different from her previous books but is as good. If you enjoyed Karen Lynch’s previous books you going to like this one.
July 28, 2025
Kalyx
Wow absolutely wonderful, a definite must read.
I enjoy it so much. Absolutely love the characters, and the time frame
Wow absolutely wonderful, a definite must read.
I enjoy it so much. Absolutely love the characters, and the time frame
July 22, 2025
Karen can do no wrong when it comes to creating a story and bringing her characters to life. This story sucked me in from the beginning and had me in a chokehold till the very end! What a crazy ride it was but definitely one I would want to read about again!
July 23, 2025
Fantastic
This was a fun new adventure to embark on. I truly hope there’s more adventures to come!! Another fabulous read!
This was a fun new adventure to embark on. I truly hope there’s more adventures to come!! Another fabulous read!
July 30, 2025
loved it
I loved this book the characters are well written. It gives you hope that humanity is not lost and there is good in the world. Climate change is happening but Charlie and her friends show the world to stay true and kindness is the key know matter where you are from.
I loved this book the characters are well written. It gives you hope that humanity is not lost and there is good in the world. Climate change is happening but Charlie and her friends show the world to stay true and kindness is the key know matter where you are from.
September 14, 2025
This is such a great indie author. I love every book she's written. And with the content, I can share the books with my daughters without any blushing. This was the first in what I am assuming is a duology or trilogy. It's a great standalone, regardless. It ended perfectly. It's a mixture of YA Sci-Fi and a nice slow-burning romance. There's a fun cast of secondary characters. If you've never read any Karen Lynch, you are missing out. Start with the Fae Games trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews