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Faylinn #1
Kaleidoscope
alternate cover for B00BR54RNS
“Was I still a human? Gosh, I still wanted to be human. Even just to keep a sliver of who I thought I was. But as I thought about being human, standing in the shade of the forest, I felt less human than ever. The trees fought for my allegiance."
It started in her chest. The change Calliope didn't see coming. It pulsed like a second heartbeat, urging her to give into the need to be in the depths of the forest. She was compelled to fight the pull, but the more she denied it, the stronger it became until she finally surrendered and was pulled into a secret world of enchantment.
Kai and Declan needed her to accept what she was, but with everything left unsaid, acceptance was the least of their worries. With the knowledge of their fate in her hands, they'd stop at nothing to protect and prepare her for what awaited them.
Would Calliope undertake what Kai and Declan revealed or would her desire to be normal keep her from acknowledging her true destiny?
“Was I still a human? Gosh, I still wanted to be human. Even just to keep a sliver of who I thought I was. But as I thought about being human, standing in the shade of the forest, I felt less human than ever. The trees fought for my allegiance."
It started in her chest. The change Calliope didn't see coming. It pulsed like a second heartbeat, urging her to give into the need to be in the depths of the forest. She was compelled to fight the pull, but the more she denied it, the stronger it became until she finally surrendered and was pulled into a secret world of enchantment.
Kai and Declan needed her to accept what she was, but with everything left unsaid, acceptance was the least of their worries. With the knowledge of their fate in her hands, they'd stop at nothing to protect and prepare her for what awaited them.
Would Calliope undertake what Kai and Declan revealed or would her desire to be normal keep her from acknowledging her true destiny?
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2013
121 people are currently reading
1839 people want to read
About the author
Mindy Hayes
31 books384 followersMindy is the youngest of six children and grew up in San Diego, California. After graduating from Brigham Young University-Idaho, she discovered her passion for reading and writing. Mindy lives in Summerville, South Carolina with her husband and daughter.
She is the author of the Faylinn novels and the Willowhaven series; as well as the standalones, Stain and The Day That Saved Us. Mindy is also the co-author of the Paper Planes series and the Backroads Duet, which was co-written with Michele G. Miller as Mindy Michele.
www.mindyhayes.com
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She is the author of the Faylinn novels and the Willowhaven series; as well as the standalones, Stain and The Day That Saved Us. Mindy is also the co-author of the Paper Planes series and the Backroads Duet, which was co-written with Michele G. Miller as Mindy Michele.
www.mindyhayes.com
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/authorhaymind
FOLLOW ME ON AMAZON:
https://www.amazon.com/Mindy-Hayes/e/...
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/hayes.mindy
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
June 11, 2015
I'm probably a little biased.
October 13, 2014
I read it multiple times and it still left me excited to see what would come next. I have to say I love Kai and if anyone says otherwise you don't know what you're talking about. The story was fantastic and I couldn't put it down. It left me wanting to be back in the story even after I finished it (which is probably why it got read more than once). It's a book that will stay with you after you've put it down and will leave you longing to know what comes next. I highly recommend it for those that enjoy young adult fantasy or are just in need of a good book.
Want to read
March 2, 2017Free on amazon right now
I don't know anything about this book so don't kill the messenger if it's bad :P
I don't know anything about this book so don't kill the messenger if it's bad :P
May 4, 2017
This is one of those addictive series.
I enjoy a good contemporary YA on a regular basis. I also appreciate a good paranormal. This one started out in a solid contemporary conflict that had me sold, no kidding, within the first page or two. There was no going back. Calliope is really genuine and extremely likable. I rooted for her from page one and respected her at the same time. How often do you RESPECT a character? Seriously? Her world is rather small, evolving around just her, two best friends, and her parents, which is the only aspect I found somewhat unbelievable, but it didn't detract from the story in any way.
Now part two. Where the story changes...and suddenly there's magic in the air. Because the initial conflict was built so solidly, I was almost sad to see the focus shift to a...well I can't really call it paranormal angle. It was more a magical level. Paranormal intones a level of darkness this book didn't possess. Yes, there was a sinister villain, and yes, he caused suffering to an extreme, but the majority of the story really evolved around family, friends, and unrequited love.
The climax wasn't particularly explosive, but I really don't care. How strange is that? I was so invested in the characters that as soon as I finished the book (in the middle of the night) I was on Amazon looking for the next one. If I'd had the whole series downloaded, I would have binge read the whole thing in a day and a half--even with a bunch of kids needing attention hanging on me. Even while driving. Even when I should be sleeping.
So yes, I very much enjoyed this book. If you like faery lore, contemporary stories, and a YA voice, this is an excellent choice of book.
Content warning: Clean.
I enjoy a good contemporary YA on a regular basis. I also appreciate a good paranormal. This one started out in a solid contemporary conflict that had me sold, no kidding, within the first page or two. There was no going back. Calliope is really genuine and extremely likable. I rooted for her from page one and respected her at the same time. How often do you RESPECT a character? Seriously? Her world is rather small, evolving around just her, two best friends, and her parents, which is the only aspect I found somewhat unbelievable, but it didn't detract from the story in any way.
Now part two. Where the story changes...and suddenly there's magic in the air. Because the initial conflict was built so solidly, I was almost sad to see the focus shift to a...well I can't really call it paranormal angle. It was more a magical level. Paranormal intones a level of darkness this book didn't possess. Yes, there was a sinister villain, and yes, he caused suffering to an extreme, but the majority of the story really evolved around family, friends, and unrequited love.
The climax wasn't particularly explosive, but I really don't care. How strange is that? I was so invested in the characters that as soon as I finished the book (in the middle of the night) I was on Amazon looking for the next one. If I'd had the whole series downloaded, I would have binge read the whole thing in a day and a half--even with a bunch of kids needing attention hanging on me. Even while driving. Even when I should be sleeping.
So yes, I very much enjoyed this book. If you like faery lore, contemporary stories, and a YA voice, this is an excellent choice of book.
Content warning: Clean.
September 12, 2017
This story is so enjoyable. I love the coming of age with a twist. To find out you are a faery during your senior year in high school is incredible. The obstacles she has to go through in order to find her true identity is magical. I was only going to read book one and jump start another faery story but nope! I had to start part two. Loving this story so much!!
July 11, 2014
4 out of 5 stars
I really liked this sweet, romantic, faerie, fantasy, YA story by Mindy Hayes!
Calliope is like most girls in that she is in love with a boy that she feels will never love her back. Cam is the boy she has been in love with and has been her best-friend for years, but seems to not have noticed her true feelings for him. As time passes Calliope hopes that he will realize that he is in love with her.
Calliope has other things that have been going on in her life that have been effecting her. Her friends start to notice that she is not her self, and she is even scared with the changes and wonders what is happening to her and why. She knows that these changes are not normal.
One day Calliope meets two new strangers in the back of her house in the forest named Kai and Declan and from that point on things will never be the same for her. The life she thought she knew is not the one she was destined to live!
I don't want to give away to much more of the story, but I will say I was torn between two love interests and I am not sure if in the end of the entire series I want her with Cam or Kai!
I real love the writing style of Mindy Hayes. This was a great story and I loved the world building and where the story is going! Mindy didn't leave anything out, she really did help you feel like you were in that world too, through all the details and feelings. The only thing I wanted more of was the romantic relationships to pick up a little sooner or the action. I got the fact that the story had to build but just as it was getting to where I was really excited there was only 50 pages left, so now I am longing to read Ember and hoping all that I wanted to happen in the first book will happen in the second. This is book is 4 out of 5 stars!
I really liked this sweet, romantic, faerie, fantasy, YA story by Mindy Hayes!
Calliope is like most girls in that she is in love with a boy that she feels will never love her back. Cam is the boy she has been in love with and has been her best-friend for years, but seems to not have noticed her true feelings for him. As time passes Calliope hopes that he will realize that he is in love with her.
Calliope has other things that have been going on in her life that have been effecting her. Her friends start to notice that she is not her self, and she is even scared with the changes and wonders what is happening to her and why. She knows that these changes are not normal.
One day Calliope meets two new strangers in the back of her house in the forest named Kai and Declan and from that point on things will never be the same for her. The life she thought she knew is not the one she was destined to live!
I don't want to give away to much more of the story, but I will say I was torn between two love interests and I am not sure if in the end of the entire series I want her with Cam or Kai!
I real love the writing style of Mindy Hayes. This was a great story and I loved the world building and where the story is going! Mindy didn't leave anything out, she really did help you feel like you were in that world too, through all the details and feelings. The only thing I wanted more of was the romantic relationships to pick up a little sooner or the action. I got the fact that the story had to build but just as it was getting to where I was really excited there was only 50 pages left, so now I am longing to read Ember and hoping all that I wanted to happen in the first book will happen in the second. This is book is 4 out of 5 stars!
December 14, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! Excited to see how this story plays out in the next one.
June 9, 2013
4.5*s
really good
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Kaleidoscope is an excellent introduction to the Faylinn series. You can guess from the series title that the series is indeed about Fae but in this we start in our world, the world Calliope has been brought up in. Calliope has always been drawn to the forest, a need has always been there… but lately, it has become more intense, spilling into her life and even though she fights it, it becomes all the more powerful. Her father always tells her the forest is dangerous, not to go to deep.. but why when all it gives her is relief…..Until one day, she stumbles upon someone she isn’t meant to see, two someones actually and they tell her some secrets, things which have been kept from her, which opens up a whole can of worms, setting some major events into motion that will change Calliopes life forever.
I really, really enjoyed this book and it’s a genre that I don’t read a lot of. It’s not hard to figure out what is going to happen to Calliope, even from the synopsis, the call of the forest will normally lead you to the conclusion that she is a Fae of some sort but it’s the journey she takes, in herself, that connects us to the character. In the beginning she is quite a lonely character with only a couple of friends, her best friend is a boy – Cameron - and also the love of her life which is unfortunately unrequited because he now has a regular girlfriend and his time is taken up with her. So when the pull to the forest starts to get on top of her, she has no one to turn to, not even her father who doesn’t allow her to go. So, what’s a girl to do when the only relief you get is in the forbidden forest? You go! Which is where she meets Kai & Declan, the boys with the vines wrapped around their bodies, not enough clothes and who are both unable to stay still for too long. Her world falls apart with their revelations about who & what she is, especially when it seems that everyone is lying to her and again has no one to turn to. She goes through a lot of inner turmoil as she tries to adjust to what life is throwing at her, it’s sad but also endears the character to the reader as she goes through the stages to acceptance. I liked that she decided to confide in Cameron, I didn’t really feel their link until then but he became more likable by it. He isn’t the only connection made by then though and it seems like more than one boy has captured her attention and theirs in return, setting up a possible triangle.
Again, the storyline was really good.. I liked the way everything was set, the normal, everyday life of Calliope, the beckoning forest that seemed to bridge her discoveries about herself and another realm and the destiny that awaits her. It all blended together so well and it was great when the reveals started to come, especially the biggie of who she actually is and what is expected of her. The book is very much a journey of self discovery for Callie and we feel it right along with her, witnessing her changes, gaining the knowledge of Faylinn with her, learning of a different way of life, preparing herself for the inevitable and all whilst trying to keep her life afloat, both emotionally and academically. Even though she goes through these discoveries, as a reader I felt that I was just beginning to see her blossom and that as time goes on we will see what she is truly capable of.. and I hope it’s epic! There are a lot of questions and even other peoples stories that I’m interested in after reading this and I can’t wait for more. I will say that this is a great first book with heaps of potential if you liked ‘The Iron Fey series’ then you will most definitely enjoy this book. 4.5*s
really good
Review posted here...
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Kaleidoscope is an excellent introduction to the Faylinn series. You can guess from the series title that the series is indeed about Fae but in this we start in our world, the world Calliope has been brought up in. Calliope has always been drawn to the forest, a need has always been there… but lately, it has become more intense, spilling into her life and even though she fights it, it becomes all the more powerful. Her father always tells her the forest is dangerous, not to go to deep.. but why when all it gives her is relief…..Until one day, she stumbles upon someone she isn’t meant to see, two someones actually and they tell her some secrets, things which have been kept from her, which opens up a whole can of worms, setting some major events into motion that will change Calliopes life forever.
I really, really enjoyed this book and it’s a genre that I don’t read a lot of. It’s not hard to figure out what is going to happen to Calliope, even from the synopsis, the call of the forest will normally lead you to the conclusion that she is a Fae of some sort but it’s the journey she takes, in herself, that connects us to the character. In the beginning she is quite a lonely character with only a couple of friends, her best friend is a boy – Cameron - and also the love of her life which is unfortunately unrequited because he now has a regular girlfriend and his time is taken up with her. So when the pull to the forest starts to get on top of her, she has no one to turn to, not even her father who doesn’t allow her to go. So, what’s a girl to do when the only relief you get is in the forbidden forest? You go! Which is where she meets Kai & Declan, the boys with the vines wrapped around their bodies, not enough clothes and who are both unable to stay still for too long. Her world falls apart with their revelations about who & what she is, especially when it seems that everyone is lying to her and again has no one to turn to. She goes through a lot of inner turmoil as she tries to adjust to what life is throwing at her, it’s sad but also endears the character to the reader as she goes through the stages to acceptance. I liked that she decided to confide in Cameron, I didn’t really feel their link until then but he became more likable by it. He isn’t the only connection made by then though and it seems like more than one boy has captured her attention and theirs in return, setting up a possible triangle.
Again, the storyline was really good.. I liked the way everything was set, the normal, everyday life of Calliope, the beckoning forest that seemed to bridge her discoveries about herself and another realm and the destiny that awaits her. It all blended together so well and it was great when the reveals started to come, especially the biggie of who she actually is and what is expected of her. The book is very much a journey of self discovery for Callie and we feel it right along with her, witnessing her changes, gaining the knowledge of Faylinn with her, learning of a different way of life, preparing herself for the inevitable and all whilst trying to keep her life afloat, both emotionally and academically. Even though she goes through these discoveries, as a reader I felt that I was just beginning to see her blossom and that as time goes on we will see what she is truly capable of.. and I hope it’s epic! There are a lot of questions and even other peoples stories that I’m interested in after reading this and I can’t wait for more. I will say that this is a great first book with heaps of potential if you liked ‘The Iron Fey series’ then you will most definitely enjoy this book. 4.5*s
August 15, 2013
*Originally reviewed on Pages Of Forbidden Love
I had a bit of a rough start with Kaleidoscope. If you take a look at my favorite quotes you can see the first page or two really grabbed my attention but not soon after I was getting worried about how I would feel about this book. I honestly can’t tell you what it was about the beginning that had me feeling this way. There wasn’t anything that stuck out that had me going, “ugh! I must put this books down.” I think the thing was that it feels like it was not that long ago that I read a book covering the same subject. Although, I read many books that can be quite similar I still need some big difference to grab my attention and pull me in. At first Kaleidoscope wasn’t giving that to me. It felt like something I had already read before but since I had liked it before I marched on in search of something exciting to cling to. Fortunately for me I fell into a groove as things progressed and eventually couldn’t wait to finish the book.
I felt like the farther I got the more things were happening demanding my attention. I found myself picking things apart early on and piecing things together before they were revealed. It is funny. I hate secrets so much in real life but give me a good book/movie/tv show to entertain me and their better be some juicy secrets. Calliope has definitely had some secrets kept from her and with the first one revealed she slowly starts discovering even more nerve racking ones along the way. What I liked most about Calliope and these secrets though was her reaction. I felt most of the reactions were realistic and believable. There was some major freaking out before acceptance was found.
It takes more than some good reactions to like a character though. Did I like Calliope? I didn’t dislike her…okay for the most part I thought she was a good character but I am still making up my mind about a couple characters. I liked how normal Calliope was (even though she wasn’t really normal). She was just a girl dealing with the same feelings any other girl would have before throwing a life changing bomb into the mix. She had good friends, loving parents, and two sexy guys trying to help her through her new discovery. She is a loyal person who cares about the people close to her. Why wouldn’t I love her? I’m waiting to see how she is going to deal with some of the newest problems in her life before making a final decision. One problem in particular are the men in her life. I smell a love triangle… or would it be square…somewhere in the future and I am not sure how I feel about that.
I really appreciated how Mindy Hayes kept Calliope’s family as a big part of the story. They were mentioned often and actually around. Parent’s are often forgotten it seems like and although that doesn’t always bother me it is always a nice touch to have them included. It was one of my favorite things about Kaleidoscope. Besides Kai…I really liked him. Never one to stop the teasing and taunting. Of course he was hard not to love. He was one of the things that kept me intrigued in what I was reading. Mindy has me wanting to know more about these characters. I am ready to dig deeper and see what is in store for them next.
3.5 Hearts
I had a bit of a rough start with Kaleidoscope. If you take a look at my favorite quotes you can see the first page or two really grabbed my attention but not soon after I was getting worried about how I would feel about this book. I honestly can’t tell you what it was about the beginning that had me feeling this way. There wasn’t anything that stuck out that had me going, “ugh! I must put this books down.” I think the thing was that it feels like it was not that long ago that I read a book covering the same subject. Although, I read many books that can be quite similar I still need some big difference to grab my attention and pull me in. At first Kaleidoscope wasn’t giving that to me. It felt like something I had already read before but since I had liked it before I marched on in search of something exciting to cling to. Fortunately for me I fell into a groove as things progressed and eventually couldn’t wait to finish the book.
I felt like the farther I got the more things were happening demanding my attention. I found myself picking things apart early on and piecing things together before they were revealed. It is funny. I hate secrets so much in real life but give me a good book/movie/tv show to entertain me and their better be some juicy secrets. Calliope has definitely had some secrets kept from her and with the first one revealed she slowly starts discovering even more nerve racking ones along the way. What I liked most about Calliope and these secrets though was her reaction. I felt most of the reactions were realistic and believable. There was some major freaking out before acceptance was found.
It takes more than some good reactions to like a character though. Did I like Calliope? I didn’t dislike her…okay for the most part I thought she was a good character but I am still making up my mind about a couple characters. I liked how normal Calliope was (even though she wasn’t really normal). She was just a girl dealing with the same feelings any other girl would have before throwing a life changing bomb into the mix. She had good friends, loving parents, and two sexy guys trying to help her through her new discovery. She is a loyal person who cares about the people close to her. Why wouldn’t I love her? I’m waiting to see how she is going to deal with some of the newest problems in her life before making a final decision. One problem in particular are the men in her life. I smell a love triangle… or would it be square…somewhere in the future and I am not sure how I feel about that.
I really appreciated how Mindy Hayes kept Calliope’s family as a big part of the story. They were mentioned often and actually around. Parent’s are often forgotten it seems like and although that doesn’t always bother me it is always a nice touch to have them included. It was one of my favorite things about Kaleidoscope. Besides Kai…I really liked him. Never one to stop the teasing and taunting. Of course he was hard not to love. He was one of the things that kept me intrigued in what I was reading. Mindy has me wanting to know more about these characters. I am ready to dig deeper and see what is in store for them next.
3.5 Hearts
August 12, 2013
I knew I was going to love this novel. I just knew okay! The blurb and the cover really convinced me that I will. And man was I right. I was supposed to sleep early but then I just cannot stop reading!
How can you not easily fall in love with this novel when Callie's experiencing such heartbreak? She's totally in love with her best friend, Cameron. I actually believe right in the beginning that Cameron love her just in the same way even if he had a girlfriend. But they both cannot risk it you know? Their friendship runs deeper than that and they cannot both lose it. I just really feel for Callie. I so wanna go inside the book and tell them to be together.
When Callie started to feel something really weird, I actually felt weird too. No kidding. It was like I was feeling what she was feeling. Am I just weird or what? Anyway, her urge to go deep into the forest grew everyday until she cannot take it anymore. I was actually glad she went there. If not, I would not have met Kai. Oh Lord, I forgot how to swoon over a guy for my past reads. Sure, the guys I've met for the past few reads were cool and nice but Kai was different. For me, anyway! Moving on, Callie discovered something and just like that, her whole life was changed.
Callie's discovery on who she really was made me love this even more. Her true nature eventually became visible and it was really magical in a way. More secrets then started to be revealed but then one big secret made her life more different. Well, I saw that one coming given how Kai kept on calling her. Actually, it was expected because Kai and Declan wouldn't be interested in her if she wasn't that important right? But I was a bit surprised that she just chose that role she was expected to take. I mean, I felt her urge to be there. Yet I felt like the decision was too soon. Even if Kai and Declan kept saying that there world was in danger, I felt that Callie was just trying to get away so she can move on from Cameron. Sorry for doubting you, Callie! Sure, I felt her longing for that world but not a hundred percent. I still feel like it was rushed or something.
Do you know how much I hate love triangles? Because as much as it is a guilty pleasure kind of read, it makes me so nervous as to who will have the MC's heart. Well, it was a bit tragic in here since three guys are involve. Three nice guys. Oh, it doesn't really matter. I've chosen Kai already! I don't want to hurt Cameron and Declan but I do wish Callie will end up with Kai!
Kaleidoscope is such a great magical read. I cannot tell you how much I love it despite the feelings I have at the latter part. This is so going to my favorites list, you know. I'm hoping for more magical stuff and of course Kai at the second book! I seriously cannot wait for it.
Originally posted at The Bookish Confections
How can you not easily fall in love with this novel when Callie's experiencing such heartbreak? She's totally in love with her best friend, Cameron. I actually believe right in the beginning that Cameron love her just in the same way even if he had a girlfriend. But they both cannot risk it you know? Their friendship runs deeper than that and they cannot both lose it. I just really feel for Callie. I so wanna go inside the book and tell them to be together.
When Callie started to feel something really weird, I actually felt weird too. No kidding. It was like I was feeling what she was feeling. Am I just weird or what? Anyway, her urge to go deep into the forest grew everyday until she cannot take it anymore. I was actually glad she went there. If not, I would not have met Kai. Oh Lord, I forgot how to swoon over a guy for my past reads. Sure, the guys I've met for the past few reads were cool and nice but Kai was different. For me, anyway! Moving on, Callie discovered something and just like that, her whole life was changed.
Callie's discovery on who she really was made me love this even more. Her true nature eventually became visible and it was really magical in a way. More secrets then started to be revealed but then one big secret made her life more different. Well, I saw that one coming given how Kai kept on calling her. Actually, it was expected because Kai and Declan wouldn't be interested in her if she wasn't that important right? But I was a bit surprised that she just chose that role she was expected to take. I mean, I felt her urge to be there. Yet I felt like the decision was too soon. Even if Kai and Declan kept saying that there world was in danger, I felt that Callie was just trying to get away so she can move on from Cameron. Sorry for doubting you, Callie! Sure, I felt her longing for that world but not a hundred percent. I still feel like it was rushed or something.
Do you know how much I hate love triangles? Because as much as it is a guilty pleasure kind of read, it makes me so nervous as to who will have the MC's heart. Well, it was a bit tragic in here since three guys are involve. Three nice guys. Oh, it doesn't really matter. I've chosen Kai already! I don't want to hurt Cameron and Declan but I do wish Callie will end up with Kai!
Kaleidoscope is such a great magical read. I cannot tell you how much I love it despite the feelings I have at the latter part. This is so going to my favorites list, you know. I'm hoping for more magical stuff and of course Kai at the second book! I seriously cannot wait for it.
Originally posted at The Bookish Confections
August 6, 2013
I received an ebook copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
KALEIDOSCOPE is my first faery story and I really quite enjoyed it! Calliope thought she was just a normal human being living a normal life while crushing on her longtime best friend. But she has these strange urges to be near the forest. One day, the urge becomes too strong and she can't deny it anymore. Once inside, her life takes on a major turn. Nothing will ever be the same for her.
I thought the plot was very good and well thought out. I was instantly intrigued from the very first chapter. Hayes captures your attention with the unknown and you can't help but want to keep reading. I really liked Calliope. When she finds out the news about her true identity, she doesn't exactly take it very well. But would you, now knowing that you are some mystical creature?! She goes from this unsure and reluctant teenage to a brave and strong woman who is ready to accept her fate. You really get to see her grow as a character. I loved watching her transform, in more ways than one.
I think Hayes has a strong suit for secondary characters. I loved all of them! Cameron, Callie's best friend, is the epitome of a best friend who is too oblivious to see how in love Callie is with him. It's so heartbreaking, really. Kai is infuriating and sarcastic but I just couldn't help but love him! I loved his attitude and his relationship with Calliope was one of my favorites in the whole book. They fought, bickered, and tested each other to no end, both spit fires. I couldn't get enough of it! Declan is the all-around nice guy who would do anything to protect you. He was such a strong character and had a great influence on Calliope.
I thought the writing was well paced and I never once got bored reading. In fact, I devoured huge chunks of the novel in one sitting. While not the most climatic novel, the characters and story line were so interesting that I wanted to keep reading. I was truly invested in Calliope and how she embraces her heritage. My only major gripe occurs close to the ending. I thought the major event that took place happened a little too fast and a little too soon. I wish it had occurred maybe in the next book and had this long, drawn out rising action, leading up to the climax. But otherwise, I am happy it did happen! I thought the actual ending was heartbreaking and hopeful, all wrapped up in one. I'm very curious to see what happens in the next book.
This review can be found at: The Bookish Daydreamer
KALEIDOSCOPE is my first faery story and I really quite enjoyed it! Calliope thought she was just a normal human being living a normal life while crushing on her longtime best friend. But she has these strange urges to be near the forest. One day, the urge becomes too strong and she can't deny it anymore. Once inside, her life takes on a major turn. Nothing will ever be the same for her.
I thought the plot was very good and well thought out. I was instantly intrigued from the very first chapter. Hayes captures your attention with the unknown and you can't help but want to keep reading. I really liked Calliope. When she finds out the news about her true identity, she doesn't exactly take it very well. But would you, now knowing that you are some mystical creature?! She goes from this unsure and reluctant teenage to a brave and strong woman who is ready to accept her fate. You really get to see her grow as a character. I loved watching her transform, in more ways than one.
I think Hayes has a strong suit for secondary characters. I loved all of them! Cameron, Callie's best friend, is the epitome of a best friend who is too oblivious to see how in love Callie is with him. It's so heartbreaking, really. Kai is infuriating and sarcastic but I just couldn't help but love him! I loved his attitude and his relationship with Calliope was one of my favorites in the whole book. They fought, bickered, and tested each other to no end, both spit fires. I couldn't get enough of it! Declan is the all-around nice guy who would do anything to protect you. He was such a strong character and had a great influence on Calliope.
I thought the writing was well paced and I never once got bored reading. In fact, I devoured huge chunks of the novel in one sitting. While not the most climatic novel, the characters and story line were so interesting that I wanted to keep reading. I was truly invested in Calliope and how she embraces her heritage. My only major gripe occurs close to the ending. I thought the major event that took place happened a little too fast and a little too soon. I wish it had occurred maybe in the next book and had this long, drawn out rising action, leading up to the climax. But otherwise, I am happy it did happen! I thought the actual ending was heartbreaking and hopeful, all wrapped up in one. I'm very curious to see what happens in the next book.
This review can be found at: The Bookish Daydreamer
August 6, 2013
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Kaleidoscope is an intriguing YA urban fantasy. Calliope thinks she is an ordinary human, living an average life, with a major crush on her best friend, Cameron. She has always heard and felt a strange thrumming within her. It seems to draw her toward the immense woods located behind her house.
Calliope is a great character, well written and fun to tag along with. She has a logical side, thinking things through instead of jumping in with both feet. She is a caring person, giving her best friend good advice on his love life rather than sabotaging it (as many in her position might be tempted to do). When she finally gives into the incessant pull to enter the forest, she discovers a magical world she never knew existed.
The secondary characters in this novel are quite good. Each has a distinctive personality that shines through in the dialogue. Cameron is the best friend who seems completely clueless that Calliope has been in love with him for years. Lia, another good friend, is driven and inquisitive. I'm really surprised that Calliope was able to hide anything from her. Kai and Declan are the magical creatures that slowly reveal Calliope's true nature as well as her destiny.
Forget love triangle, in Kaleidoscope we get a love quadrangle. Kai, Declan, and Cameron are all potential love interests. Calliope is one lucky girl! I can't wait to pick up the next book, Ember, to see what happens.
The plot is interesting and fast moving; I read the entire story in one sitting. I feel a bit guilty, but I enjoyed watching Calliope cope with the changes she was going through. Some of the scenes were quite funny. Mindy Hayes also ended the novel at a great spot; the perfect lead in for the next book in the series.
I recommend this book to everyone, middle school and up, that enjoys a fun, coming of age fantasy.
Kaleidoscope is an intriguing YA urban fantasy. Calliope thinks she is an ordinary human, living an average life, with a major crush on her best friend, Cameron. She has always heard and felt a strange thrumming within her. It seems to draw her toward the immense woods located behind her house.
Calliope is a great character, well written and fun to tag along with. She has a logical side, thinking things through instead of jumping in with both feet. She is a caring person, giving her best friend good advice on his love life rather than sabotaging it (as many in her position might be tempted to do). When she finally gives into the incessant pull to enter the forest, she discovers a magical world she never knew existed.
The secondary characters in this novel are quite good. Each has a distinctive personality that shines through in the dialogue. Cameron is the best friend who seems completely clueless that Calliope has been in love with him for years. Lia, another good friend, is driven and inquisitive. I'm really surprised that Calliope was able to hide anything from her. Kai and Declan are the magical creatures that slowly reveal Calliope's true nature as well as her destiny.
Forget love triangle, in Kaleidoscope we get a love quadrangle. Kai, Declan, and Cameron are all potential love interests. Calliope is one lucky girl! I can't wait to pick up the next book, Ember, to see what happens.
The plot is interesting and fast moving; I read the entire story in one sitting. I feel a bit guilty, but I enjoyed watching Calliope cope with the changes she was going through. Some of the scenes were quite funny. Mindy Hayes also ended the novel at a great spot; the perfect lead in for the next book in the series.
I recommend this book to everyone, middle school and up, that enjoys a fun, coming of age fantasy.
August 16, 2013
As a debut novel for Mindy Hayes, I am entirely impressed. This book was a breath of fresh air in the YA genre. The flow, the characters, the romance, and the paranormal beings were phenomenal. It is going to be really hard to not write about the specific paranormal beings in the book but I want to keep it a surprise. All I am going to say is that I am glad that someone finally got these paranormal beings right, I have hated their depiction in the past. OK, I am stopping now, it would be just too much of a spoiler.
Link to original review: http://thepassionatebookworm.blogspot...
The main character, Calliope, is lovable and a incredibly relatable character She struggles to find herself and discover the right path. I really enjoyed that she wasn't a whiny teenager with a poor me attitude. She does have some teenage girl moments but I didn't find myself annoyed. I really enjoyed her journey and can't wait to travel the rest!
There is romance in the novel but I am glad for once it does not overshadow the plot. While the synopsis hints at two boys, Declan and Kai, there is one more boy that plays a role in Calliope's life. I am not a math teacher but I am pretty sure that means we have a LOVE SQUARE. Even with one more boy added into the mix it still seems that Calliope isn't just thinking about boys. She has a big choice to make does she ignore who or what she is or does she become all that she was destined to be?
I just love this novel, can’t get enough of the Failynn series and have been not so patiently waiting for Ember! AND to my absolute excitement, I am allowed to announce that the second novel, Ember is out!!
Link to original review: http://thepassionatebookworm.blogspot...
The main character, Calliope, is lovable and a incredibly relatable character She struggles to find herself and discover the right path. I really enjoyed that she wasn't a whiny teenager with a poor me attitude. She does have some teenage girl moments but I didn't find myself annoyed. I really enjoyed her journey and can't wait to travel the rest!
There is romance in the novel but I am glad for once it does not overshadow the plot. While the synopsis hints at two boys, Declan and Kai, there is one more boy that plays a role in Calliope's life. I am not a math teacher but I am pretty sure that means we have a LOVE SQUARE. Even with one more boy added into the mix it still seems that Calliope isn't just thinking about boys. She has a big choice to make does she ignore who or what she is or does she become all that she was destined to be?
I just love this novel, can’t get enough of the Failynn series and have been not so patiently waiting for Ember! AND to my absolute excitement, I am allowed to announce that the second novel, Ember is out!!
April 1, 2013
I am absolutely ecstatic about the potential of Mindy Hayes and blown away that this is a debut novel. This novel was very well put together, well written and edited, thought through and not released on a whim. This girl has got it going on.
Her characters are likeable, intriguing and well developed. Calliope isn’t a flighty teenage girl who goes with her gut reaction. She takes time to analyze the world around her and is very smart. While she is thrust into a world of fantasy, she doesn’t take it with a grain of salt, her reactions are normal and expected of someone who lives in a normal world and discovers it is not.
Now, we’ve got 2 or 3 boy toys in this book. At first I was confused as to whether or not this was actually supposed to have a romance element to it, but it does, just takes a while to come to fruition. Honestly, I’d just stick all 3 of those cute boys in a Play-Doh Fun Factory and create one perfect human/faery man-boy. But, that’s just me. I think I know who I am rooting for in Ember, her next novel in the series, but time will tell!
To be honest, the middle third of the book did not hold my attention that well. I suppose that is to be expected out of a first in series novel. There is a lot of character and plot development to build on for the future. The pace was just a little slow for my liking.
However, if you are a lover of YA Paranormal/Fantasy Romance series, please PLEASE add this too your list. I see big things in the future for Calliope and crew. Mindy Hayes is definitely one you want on your radar.
Full review here: http://theindiebookshelf.blogspot.com...
Her characters are likeable, intriguing and well developed. Calliope isn’t a flighty teenage girl who goes with her gut reaction. She takes time to analyze the world around her and is very smart. While she is thrust into a world of fantasy, she doesn’t take it with a grain of salt, her reactions are normal and expected of someone who lives in a normal world and discovers it is not.
Now, we’ve got 2 or 3 boy toys in this book. At first I was confused as to whether or not this was actually supposed to have a romance element to it, but it does, just takes a while to come to fruition. Honestly, I’d just stick all 3 of those cute boys in a Play-Doh Fun Factory and create one perfect human/faery man-boy. But, that’s just me. I think I know who I am rooting for in Ember, her next novel in the series, but time will tell!
To be honest, the middle third of the book did not hold my attention that well. I suppose that is to be expected out of a first in series novel. There is a lot of character and plot development to build on for the future. The pace was just a little slow for my liking.
However, if you are a lover of YA Paranormal/Fantasy Romance series, please PLEASE add this too your list. I see big things in the future for Calliope and crew. Mindy Hayes is definitely one you want on your radar.
Full review here: http://theindiebookshelf.blogspot.com...
November 1, 2015
After receiving this e-book on Amazon for free, I was a bit hesitant to start it because after reading the synopsis, I decided that it wasn't the kind of book that I would generally pay for. But seeing as I didn't, I thought I would give it a go.
I was really fascinated by the genre of this book. It's a YA fantasy cross contemporary, as it covers two sides of the main character Calliope: her everyday human teenage self, and the side of her that is half-faery. In her 'normal' world, she deals with the common struggle of loving a boy who is in love with someone else. In her 'faery' world, she gets put under the pump as she is loaded with information about a magic kingdom that she supposedly belongs to, but has no idea about. I really liked the idea of the two different worlds, because it gave the needed break from mystical overload - a girl can only take in so much faery knowledge at a time.
The story did have a bit of a slow start, for me it wasn't until about half way through that I began to get really invested in the plot, but after that, it was basically like my turbo switch had been turned on and I was burning through the rest, really intrigued. In terms of the characters, it would have been nice to see a bit more of a description for each, especially Declan and Kai, but the way that the characters spoke and presented themselves was really distinct and you could tell who they were just by reading the next line of dialogue.
Overall, I really liked this book and it's worth a read if you're into the magic-faery-realm type. And it's also a trilogy! So yay for that!
I was really fascinated by the genre of this book. It's a YA fantasy cross contemporary, as it covers two sides of the main character Calliope: her everyday human teenage self, and the side of her that is half-faery. In her 'normal' world, she deals with the common struggle of loving a boy who is in love with someone else. In her 'faery' world, she gets put under the pump as she is loaded with information about a magic kingdom that she supposedly belongs to, but has no idea about. I really liked the idea of the two different worlds, because it gave the needed break from mystical overload - a girl can only take in so much faery knowledge at a time.
The story did have a bit of a slow start, for me it wasn't until about half way through that I began to get really invested in the plot, but after that, it was basically like my turbo switch had been turned on and I was burning through the rest, really intrigued. In terms of the characters, it would have been nice to see a bit more of a description for each, especially Declan and Kai, but the way that the characters spoke and presented themselves was really distinct and you could tell who they were just by reading the next line of dialogue.
Overall, I really liked this book and it's worth a read if you're into the magic-faery-realm type. And it's also a trilogy! So yay for that!
April 8, 2013
What a simply amazing start to the series.Kaleidoscope is the story of Calliope(which is an amazingly great name) who finds out she is part fairy.Luckily she has 2 protectors in Kai and Declan who are two male fairies..who happen to not have wings and don't even insult them by asking why they don't have wings.Calliope has to deal with her change that is turning her into fairy as she was a late bloomer.Her best friend Cameron whom she also has a thing for is one of the few who knows what she is going through and has been helping her.Unfortunately he is human and he does have a girlfriend.There seems to be what I can smell a Love..oh i cant say Triangle..maybe square? I cannot wait to see how that plays itself out.I prefer not to post spoilers in my reviews so that's all I am writing about that.It is a seriously Great Fairy Read.I haven't read a Fairy book lately that I have enjoyed as much as this one.Im just so very sad that Ember(Book 2) hasn't been released yet.I NEED to know what is going to happen.This Blogger is Thrilled with Mindy Hayes's Kaleidoscope and is ready for MORE!!!Oh and I am Team Kai all the way.
This was me when I realized I would have to wait until Fall 2013 to read Ember Which is Book 2 in the series.
GIFSoup
This was me when I realized I would have to wait until Fall 2013 to read Ember Which is Book 2 in the series.
GIFSoup
November 7, 2013
Was I still a human? Gosh, I still wanted to be human. Even just to keep a sliver of who I thought I was. But as I thought about being human, standing in the shade of the forest, I felt less human than ever. The trees fought for my allegiance."
It starts in her chest. The change Calliope doesn't see coming. It pulses like a second heartbeat, urging her to give in to the need to be in the depths of the forest. She's compelled to fight the pull, but the more she denies it the stronger it becomes until she finally surrenders and is pulled into a secret world of enchantment.
Kai and Declan need her to accept what she is, but with everything left unsaid, acceptance may be the least of their worries. Knowing their fate lies in her hands, they’ll stop at nothing to protect and prepare her for what lies ahead.
Will Calliope be able to accept what Kai and Declan reveal or will her desire to be normal keep her from acknowledging her true destiny?
This book totally surprised me with how well it was written and how good of a story it was! I don't usually read a lot of books with fairies in them so I am sure glad I read this one. Everything flows so well that before you know it, the story is over and you just want to read more. I would not recommend reading book 2 before this one because this book explains a lot of things that you don't want to miss out on. Would definitely recommend to others to read this one!
It starts in her chest. The change Calliope doesn't see coming. It pulses like a second heartbeat, urging her to give in to the need to be in the depths of the forest. She's compelled to fight the pull, but the more she denies it the stronger it becomes until she finally surrenders and is pulled into a secret world of enchantment.
Kai and Declan need her to accept what she is, but with everything left unsaid, acceptance may be the least of their worries. Knowing their fate lies in her hands, they’ll stop at nothing to protect and prepare her for what lies ahead.
Will Calliope be able to accept what Kai and Declan reveal or will her desire to be normal keep her from acknowledging her true destiny?
This book totally surprised me with how well it was written and how good of a story it was! I don't usually read a lot of books with fairies in them so I am sure glad I read this one. Everything flows so well that before you know it, the story is over and you just want to read more. I would not recommend reading book 2 before this one because this book explains a lot of things that you don't want to miss out on. Would definitely recommend to others to read this one!
January 2, 2017
Awesome book
First I must say I absolutely hate and I mean hate books on Fae. I'm not sure why but I have never cared for them. I only decided to read this series because of two reasons. 1. Book one was free. 2. Second was the covers intrigued me. This is the first book that I have ever read by this author. Boy am I really glad that I picked it up. She has truly changed my mind somewhat on Fae books. (Or should I say her series) I was unable to put them down I think I finished this book in like two hours. I loved how she built up the qualities of her characters. They were given three dimensional qualities that sucked the readers into the developing storyline. The setting was built around the real world completely in book one where the author was able to seamlessly stream into the Faylinn world through the remaining books. I would highly recommend this series if you love books on Fae or even if you don't typically love Fae books. These are not the glittery, and magic bearing fairies they have substance and real life issues that make up a community and build worlds.
First I must say I absolutely hate and I mean hate books on Fae. I'm not sure why but I have never cared for them. I only decided to read this series because of two reasons. 1. Book one was free. 2. Second was the covers intrigued me. This is the first book that I have ever read by this author. Boy am I really glad that I picked it up. She has truly changed my mind somewhat on Fae books. (Or should I say her series) I was unable to put them down I think I finished this book in like two hours. I loved how she built up the qualities of her characters. They were given three dimensional qualities that sucked the readers into the developing storyline. The setting was built around the real world completely in book one where the author was able to seamlessly stream into the Faylinn world through the remaining books. I would highly recommend this series if you love books on Fae or even if you don't typically love Fae books. These are not the glittery, and magic bearing fairies they have substance and real life issues that make up a community and build worlds.
February 9, 2017
This is the first book by Hayes that I have read (besides Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost that she co-wrote with Michele G. Miller...which I absolutely adored!) But I must say, I really loved this book. It did take me a few chapters to get warmed up to it. Even with some of the new revelations Calliope had in her life, I felt the story was just going a bit slow for my liking. But once at the half way mark, it really took off and I was in absolute love with the storyline and the characters and where it was all headed.
I couldn't make my mind up who I loved more between Kai and Declan. Yes, I know that she loved Cam and has for some time, but he just didn't do it for me. When compared to Kai and Declan, he came off childish.
I look forward to reading more of this series and see where it goes from here. Confession...I may have read the blurb to book 3 already and got myself a wee bit excited. So I really need to get done with the books I am currently reading and get going with the rest of this series.
5 Full of Amazing Stars!
I couldn't make my mind up who I loved more between Kai and Declan. Yes, I know that she loved Cam and has for some time, but he just didn't do it for me. When compared to Kai and Declan, he came off childish.
I look forward to reading more of this series and see where it goes from here. Confession...I may have read the blurb to book 3 already and got myself a wee bit excited. So I really need to get done with the books I am currently reading and get going with the rest of this series.
5 Full of Amazing Stars!
August 17, 2013
So to get right down to it, I haven't read a book this intrigueing in a very long time.
I got this for free and sadly put it towards the end of my summer reading list. Don't do that! All the twists and turns in this book kept me itching to read more and more each day.
For my brief summary: Calliope leads a normal life. Two loving parents, her friend Lia and her best friend (and what she wants to be more than a friend) Cameron. But she has what she calls pulsing. A need for the forest. An ache for it in her entire body. When she was little she thought it was notmal. Now that she is older, she has long realized it's not. But one day she walks into the forest (and I meann deep into the forest) she finds an interesting surprise that finally explains why she is different. And why her KIND needs her so.
Well, I ain't gonna give away more than that. So take my advice and read the book. You won't regret it!
I got this for free and sadly put it towards the end of my summer reading list. Don't do that! All the twists and turns in this book kept me itching to read more and more each day.
For my brief summary: Calliope leads a normal life. Two loving parents, her friend Lia and her best friend (and what she wants to be more than a friend) Cameron. But she has what she calls pulsing. A need for the forest. An ache for it in her entire body. When she was little she thought it was notmal. Now that she is older, she has long realized it's not. But one day she walks into the forest (and I meann deep into the forest) she finds an interesting surprise that finally explains why she is different. And why her KIND needs her so.
Well, I ain't gonna give away more than that. So take my advice and read the book. You won't regret it!
January 30, 2019
I never stay up ALL night reading a book, until I found this book. I stayed up until 4AM just to finish it. I was so hooked on how this author not only made the main character relatable, but the fact that she had to struggle not only in the human world with those conflicts, but also who/what she was becoming.
And it wasn't as if she lived in this perfect world where she was queen bee, everyone loved her etc. No, she was just an average girl in the story and thats what made me stay to be honest.
The character building too, omfg. Lord have mercy, I have never been this excited about a book in years.
I also loved this author's humor, it blew my mind how many times I was grinning at my kindle.
I will re-read this serious believe me, I will. AND NOT TO MENTION HOW TORN I AM ON WHO SHE SHOULD BE WITH!?!?!
Sorry I am delusional from lack of sleep, but I am already reading the second book in this series.
And it wasn't as if she lived in this perfect world where she was queen bee, everyone loved her etc. No, she was just an average girl in the story and thats what made me stay to be honest.
The character building too, omfg. Lord have mercy, I have never been this excited about a book in years.
I also loved this author's humor, it blew my mind how many times I was grinning at my kindle.
I will re-read this serious believe me, I will. AND NOT TO MENTION HOW TORN I AM ON WHO SHE SHOULD BE WITH!?!?!
Sorry I am delusional from lack of sleep, but I am already reading the second book in this series.
April 12, 2013
I enjoyed the character development in the story and compared every character in this book to someone in my own life - the friend of the opposite sex that you have a crush on, the significant other of that friend (the one you want to hate, but somehow can't) , the best friend, that one person you feel safe with, and the one person that infuriates and infatuates you all at once. She nails the tension between all these relationships competing for Calliope's attention and loyalty! There is a little love triangle going on and it isn't easy to pick a team. I can't wait to see how this love triangle progresses in the next book, Ember. Calliope struggles with becoming a fairy while living in a human world - and her struggles are magical because she's turning into a fairy, but the way she deals with them are realistic and believable!
Great book - can't wait for the next one!
Great book - can't wait for the next one!
March 1, 2014
There were a few little things that bothered me, redundancies in some of the conversations, a few spelling/grammatical errors (but that could just be my ebook version). For the most part, fun and enjoyable. I've only read a few Faery novels, this one is the best so far. I like that the main character is somewhat believable in her reactions and her supportive family. The only thing less unlikely than faeries, is that 3, count them! 3!, hot guys are interested in the main character. Sigh. I guess that's YA fiction for you! At least it's clean! :) I am reading the next one.
March 17, 2013
This book. I loved it! It was popping up all over my Facebook feed to read and I was in between books anyway. And I'm glad! Worth more than the $2.99 i paid on the kindle app. It was a fast read because I was intrigued by the story and the characters. I'm not really into fantasy literature (Harry potter and twilight are the extent of it) so maybe that's why this was so interesting to me... I haven't really read anything like it. Excited to see what comes next!
October 12, 2014
I'm not that into fairy stories, but even I would have to give this series five stars. It kept ME reading it, which is saying something. Those that love fairy stories should be thrilled. I also wanted to mention that it's a clean book. Swearing was minimal to none, no sex, and no vain names that I can remember. Great action, romance, chemistry, intensity, and all with a main character that you want to root for. Great book.
November 16, 2019
Been a while since I read a faery book and Kaleidoscope was no disappointment. This takes place mostly in the human world as Calliope learns of her faery inheritance and decides her future. She has felt a pull to the forest all her life, and at 17 is just finding out why in a disturbing yet exciting way. Her body is changing to faerydom. Can’t wait to dive into the sequel.
Reread was just as good. Ready for me some more Kai in the next book.
Reread was just as good. Ready for me some more Kai in the next book.
April 14, 2014
Mindy will be attending our Church book review group on 3/20/14. I'm looking forward to meeting her.
I found the story delightful and read it in 2 days. I have purchased 2 other of her books. I enjoy reading this genre.
I found the story delightful and read it in 2 days. I have purchased 2 other of her books. I enjoy reading this genre.
March 22, 2013
This book is fantastic, I am eagerly awaiting Ember! Please hurry Mindy:)
January 8, 2014
Absolutely fabulous book! Loved it, and I can't wait to read the next in the series!
March 17, 2013
This was a great beginning to the series, cant wait for the next one.
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