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The Flykeeper Chronicles #2
Flying Blind
In a broken America, seventeen-year-old Iolani Bearse encounters a world full of wonder and danger. Lani discovers a secret: houseflies have magic. Stealers have no mercy. Armed with memory-draining lanterns, the stone-cold hunters relentlessly follow catastrophes, laying traps, preying on the weak. Together with her father, Eleanor, Sam, and Mango, her beloved pinto mare, Lani rescues victims from the grasp of Memory Stealers. One by one, she saves whomever she can, looking for any path that leads to safety. When her family's farmhouse is attacked, Lani must act quickly to save those she loves. Will Lani unmask their powerful, hidden enemies before the flies' magic fails and everything burns to ashes? When the loss of one of her greatest friends becomes her downfall, can Lani overcome the evil tearing her world apart, Flying Blind?
Unknown Binding
Published May 1, 2016
About the author
Caroline A. Gill
22 books59 followersBorn to a broken world, caught up in the arms of a loving home, I was adored when I was little. Head full of curls and laughter beyond measure were all my memories of childhood. That and a penny jar my sister and I kept, ready to take it to the store. When that didn't happen, we left it in the bushes outside the yard, knowing that we would spend the money tomorrow. Imagine the sorrow we felt when the jar was vanished and the money for bubble gum and penny candy was long gone. I started to cry. My sister told me it wasn't a bad thing, losing the money. It meant we had an invisible friend. For the rest of summer we played with her, sometimes she was a giant 9 foot tall parrot, sometimes a unicorn, some times a monster. She was unpredictable and didn't come when called. It was her idea for me to take all of my right shoes and plant them in a row behind the house near the garden. She told me shoe trees would grow, full of brilliant sparkly shoes. I believed her. Even when my mother asked where all my right shoes went, I never told our secret. I wore two left shoes for the better part of a year, waiting for those trees to grow.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 30, 2016
If you want a book that shatters all illusions about flies, this is it.
Iolani pulls people to the safety of her farm home through the flies' vortex, away from the soul snatchers.
In this book the soul snatchers use tornadoes, hurricanes and destruction to lure people into their vans, promising them help, only to steal their souls and their lives with the glowing green lanterns.
After being betrayed, the farmhouse is attacked, and Iolani ends up locked away with not even the flies to help her.
After a series of events, including the death of a loved one and the awful betrayal of another, Iolani bumps into Cheesie (who I simply adore!) and recovers.
She sets out on her own to try, once again, to stop the soul snatchers.
I want to shout from the rooftops what happens next but I really don't want to ruin the book..
Again, this book shows the magic between a young girl and house flies, I said this after the first book but, I seriously can not believe how much I loved a book about flies!
The creative, descriptive, incredible writing really makes me believe in everything this book tells.
Once again I became so enthralled with this book, I didn't put it down.
5 stars (yet again) very well deserved!
Iolani pulls people to the safety of her farm home through the flies' vortex, away from the soul snatchers.
In this book the soul snatchers use tornadoes, hurricanes and destruction to lure people into their vans, promising them help, only to steal their souls and their lives with the glowing green lanterns.
After being betrayed, the farmhouse is attacked, and Iolani ends up locked away with not even the flies to help her.
After a series of events, including the death of a loved one and the awful betrayal of another, Iolani bumps into Cheesie (who I simply adore!) and recovers.
She sets out on her own to try, once again, to stop the soul snatchers.
I want to shout from the rooftops what happens next but I really don't want to ruin the book..
Again, this book shows the magic between a young girl and house flies, I said this after the first book but, I seriously can not believe how much I loved a book about flies!
The creative, descriptive, incredible writing really makes me believe in everything this book tells.
Once again I became so enthralled with this book, I didn't put it down.
5 stars (yet again) very well deserved!
March 23, 2017
The second book in a fascinating dystopian fantasy series. The first book is always my favorite as it introduces the new world and characters. This second book continues the magical journey. It also introduces some new characters. It is paced well and picks up where the first book leaves off. It does the characters justice and doesn't disappoint. If you read the first one, and I'm assuming you did, read this book to continue the adventure.
April 21, 2016
Iolani is back and trying to save everyone she can from the stealers with the help of her trusty friends the flies yes I said flies. The flies do whatever Lani asks them to do. Her fly friends help her get out of some very tough spots that she somehow manages to get herself into most of the time with the help of others that either want to stop her or use her and her flies for their own purposes good or bad.
Lani is kidnapped and is made to do things with the help of her flies that she would never ever do in order to keep her family and her new friends the now orphans that she has saved from the stealers alive and safe. She is blackmailed into using her fly magic to steal some very valuable things for someone else.
After she is kidnapped and kept locked up for a while Lani has sort of a nervous breakdown and almost loses it all but she is brought back to reality with the threat of her family and friends lives hanging over her head. She knows if she doesn’t take the things that she is told to steal then her family will be taken from her. Really what choice does she have?
But Lani wakes up and is not quite as naïve as her captors think she is. While Lani is out doing the bidding of her captors she does a little exploring of her own and while she is out on her little trip she meets a new friend Cheesie who helps her when she is at her lowest and cannot help herself. Cheesie is a breath of fresh air and I don’t think anyone can help but love him. He is one doozy of a character that will capture your heart the first time you lay eyes on him.
But Lani is a tough chic whom no one can keep down for long not especially when she has people that is counting on her and she thinks she is the only one that can save them and maybe she is but they are there for her when she is down and really, really needs their help.
Flying Blind is unlike any book you have read before or at least for me it is but even if you have read something similar you will still love Flying Blind if you like a good Fantasy/Dystopian type book with some magic thrown in for your reading pleasure. Lani is one tough girl physically and mentally she can hang in there with the best of them and will do what must be done to get the job done. She will take you on the ride of your life with the help of her fly friends. I love the world building with the flies and the stealers in Flying Blind. The meaning of a fly on the wall has a whole new meaning now. I will never think of flies in the same way again.
Lani is kidnapped and is made to do things with the help of her flies that she would never ever do in order to keep her family and her new friends the now orphans that she has saved from the stealers alive and safe. She is blackmailed into using her fly magic to steal some very valuable things for someone else.
After she is kidnapped and kept locked up for a while Lani has sort of a nervous breakdown and almost loses it all but she is brought back to reality with the threat of her family and friends lives hanging over her head. She knows if she doesn’t take the things that she is told to steal then her family will be taken from her. Really what choice does she have?
But Lani wakes up and is not quite as naïve as her captors think she is. While Lani is out doing the bidding of her captors she does a little exploring of her own and while she is out on her little trip she meets a new friend Cheesie who helps her when she is at her lowest and cannot help herself. Cheesie is a breath of fresh air and I don’t think anyone can help but love him. He is one doozy of a character that will capture your heart the first time you lay eyes on him.
But Lani is a tough chic whom no one can keep down for long not especially when she has people that is counting on her and she thinks she is the only one that can save them and maybe she is but they are there for her when she is down and really, really needs their help.
Flying Blind is unlike any book you have read before or at least for me it is but even if you have read something similar you will still love Flying Blind if you like a good Fantasy/Dystopian type book with some magic thrown in for your reading pleasure. Lani is one tough girl physically and mentally she can hang in there with the best of them and will do what must be done to get the job done. She will take you on the ride of your life with the help of her fly friends. I love the world building with the flies and the stealers in Flying Blind. The meaning of a fly on the wall has a whole new meaning now. I will never think of flies in the same way again.
May 21, 2016
This is a uniquely odd book,and I really enjoyed it.The author has a beautiful and elegant writing style.The addition of a strong and brave young woman fighting to save the world from the memory stealers is inspiring.I was unsure about this series when I first heard about,but I'm really glad I gave it a chance.I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2017
Reading the first book you quickly get wrapped up in to the story and you just need more. The author definitely delivered and continued where the first book ended. The battle was won but the war is on going and with a new rag tag sort of team you get it is time to go along a new adventure fighting the same beast. I was blown away by the writing and thought the story flowed naturally. The new characters were a great addition and the old characters were welcomed back with open arms from me. The special elements of the fly magic makes this series unique and a refreshing read.
My favorite character was Cheesie. He made me giggle and make a prominent character instead of being on the sideline. I felt for him deeply and wanted him to succeed each step of the way. He was perfectly complimented by Al especially in the early scenes.
My favorite scene came near the beginning which featured Al and Cheesie at the strawberry stand. It was different and you got a good look at how each of those characters were going to evolve. It wasn't a huge moment but it meant something to me.
I would recommend this series to all of my dystopian loving friends who are looking for something so different and unusual.
My favorite character was Cheesie. He made me giggle and make a prominent character instead of being on the sideline. I felt for him deeply and wanted him to succeed each step of the way. He was perfectly complimented by Al especially in the early scenes.
My favorite scene came near the beginning which featured Al and Cheesie at the strawberry stand. It was different and you got a good look at how each of those characters were going to evolve. It wasn't a huge moment but it meant something to me.
I would recommend this series to all of my dystopian loving friends who are looking for something so different and unusual.
March 25, 2017
Lani's back and has more enemies but still has her flies!
Iolani Bearse has already taken Chong and the memory Stealers and won. But that doesn't mean the war is over! This is an action packed sequel to The The Flykeeper and in my opinion, a must read. Follow Lani on her flysight travels into trouble, and out. Read about loss, love, and true friendship.
Iolani Bearse has already taken Chong and the memory Stealers and won. But that doesn't mean the war is over! This is an action packed sequel to The The Flykeeper and in my opinion, a must read. Follow Lani on her flysight travels into trouble, and out. Read about loss, love, and true friendship.
May 22, 2016
*** 3.5 to 4 Cranky Stars ***
I described “Flying Away” as wonderfully strange and meant it in the best possible way.
Flying Blind picks up where Flying Away left off where Gill uses her wonderful style of writing. Her trademark prose is reminiscent of Lewis Carroll’s Mad Hatter-style of high fantasy and the imagery it evokes is great.
This story is told in multiple points of view, but Iolani (Lani), our heroine from Flying Away is the anchor. Her powers have grown and so have her enemies. Some friends and allies may, in fact, not be as they appear.
The introduction of some of the secondary characters gave a chance for the author’s wit and humor to shine among the tension. They were both lovable and irritating, but provided some great comedic relief.
It was also a nice touch to see senior citizens portrayed as heroes and rich characters, rather than expendables to the youthful characters.
There’s some heartbreak, heartache, and some notable absences in Flying Blind. Some threads are left hanging from the first and second book, which will need resolution in the grand finale.
Caroline A. Gill has an enormous amount of talent. I love her writing style and vivid imagination. Where some attention needs to be devoted, however, is to the overarching plot.
There is a roving aspect to the writing, which I don’t mind, but the plot seems almost ad hoc in some places. This book would have benefitted from sticking to its core premise and driving it home.
All in all, I recommend Ms. Gill’s work and hope people pick it up. It is strange and unique, compelling and otherworldly.
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April 19, 2016
“Flying Blind” by Caroline A. Gill was an interesting installment in the Flykeeper Chronicles. This time we get an in-depth look into the imagined world of flies—how they see, how they behave, how they eat. Iolani’s story intertwined with a new character, an elderly man named Al.
His story interested me. Al was a simple man in retirement living out his days in a senior living facility. Then the Stealers came along and changed his life. He learned about strength and friendship through his ordeal. He also discovered the secret that the Rising Sun Corporation didn’t want people to know.
I admired his resiliency. He learned to appreciate the people who entered his life, Cheesie (a former roommate) and Ginny (a woman who saved him from the desert heat). You have to love this man who acted with his brain and not his heart.
I felt bad for Sam who turned out to be just another pawn in the conspiracy. He was so well-programmed that he’d forgotten the role he used to play in Iolani’s life. I only hope in the conclusion that Sam regains his memories.
Iolani… what can I say? This girl is wrecked. Her emotions are as varied as the colors of butterfly wings. She has a deep-seated need for revenge tangled up with her concern for others. She makes decisions that should be beyond the scope of a sixteen-year-old. I still haven’t decided whether I like her character.
Authors do a lot of things in the name of research. I have to wonder just what type of things Gill did to come up with such vivid details about the life cycle of flies.
An interesting twist in the story, however, were the grasshoppers. Will we get more of these insects in the next installment?
“Flying Blind” is an intriguing tale. What will the conclusion bring?
His story interested me. Al was a simple man in retirement living out his days in a senior living facility. Then the Stealers came along and changed his life. He learned about strength and friendship through his ordeal. He also discovered the secret that the Rising Sun Corporation didn’t want people to know.
I admired his resiliency. He learned to appreciate the people who entered his life, Cheesie (a former roommate) and Ginny (a woman who saved him from the desert heat). You have to love this man who acted with his brain and not his heart.
I felt bad for Sam who turned out to be just another pawn in the conspiracy. He was so well-programmed that he’d forgotten the role he used to play in Iolani’s life. I only hope in the conclusion that Sam regains his memories.
Iolani… what can I say? This girl is wrecked. Her emotions are as varied as the colors of butterfly wings. She has a deep-seated need for revenge tangled up with her concern for others. She makes decisions that should be beyond the scope of a sixteen-year-old. I still haven’t decided whether I like her character.
Authors do a lot of things in the name of research. I have to wonder just what type of things Gill did to come up with such vivid details about the life cycle of flies.
An interesting twist in the story, however, were the grasshoppers. Will we get more of these insects in the next installment?
“Flying Blind” is an intriguing tale. What will the conclusion bring?
April 30, 2016
Caroline Gill has managed to make the happy ending from book one quickly disappear into oblivion. Malcolm is nowhere to be found, has he been forgotten or is he being given a gift by Lani not bringing him into another catastrophe?! This book is just as much, or more, heartwrenching to read as the first one as Lani is broken mentally and physically over and over again until you're sure she's seen the end. Except she can't seem to ever find peace or death. Her flies are her only loyal and constant friends and comrades. They're the only ones never to give up on her and always do whatever it is she needs from them. We are introduced to two new characters who are endearing, eccentric, and thrust into a crazy world they're woefully unprepared for, but handle in stride. They add in what would be comic relief if this weren't such a dark tale.
The real magic is that this story is so bizarrely different, amazing, and fresh all wrapped up in simple creatures, simple dreams of freedom and happiness, and simple people who must step out of their comfort zones in order to have a chance at saving humanity.
This series is an absolute must read and will blow your mind, but keep a big box of tissues nearby.
The real magic is that this story is so bizarrely different, amazing, and fresh all wrapped up in simple creatures, simple dreams of freedom and happiness, and simple people who must step out of their comfort zones in order to have a chance at saving humanity.
This series is an absolute must read and will blow your mind, but keep a big box of tissues nearby.
April 23, 2016
Even with Chong behind bars, it hasn't stopped the memory merchants... The 'Memory Stealers' are still at work, and Iolani is gearing up for war!
Once again Caroline's book emphasizes Love and Family and Fly Magic... Friendships and Traitors... And this time even Revenge!
... "I knew dirt. I loved dirt. I wallowed in it. He had no dirt on him. ... At least, that's what the cameras in the corners of the room recorded. From his hair and his pockets, fly eggs fell on me, like sprinkles on a cupcake. Some landed in my hands, some on my tongue; I didn't care. Freedom fell around me. Power and possibility made me giddy for the first time in forever."
Yep, fly magic, what can I say! Other than saying that it totally works.
..."There are many things I have no time for. But taking care of a lost kid, half-dead, wandering and sad as a wet kitten? Well, I will always have time for that."...
And as for Caroline Gill's writing, her imagery, well I get it, in the heart... Wow!
So get the book and get ready, 'cause book 3 "Flying Free" is coming out this summer!!!
Once again Caroline's book emphasizes Love and Family and Fly Magic... Friendships and Traitors... And this time even Revenge!
... "I knew dirt. I loved dirt. I wallowed in it. He had no dirt on him. ... At least, that's what the cameras in the corners of the room recorded. From his hair and his pockets, fly eggs fell on me, like sprinkles on a cupcake. Some landed in my hands, some on my tongue; I didn't care. Freedom fell around me. Power and possibility made me giddy for the first time in forever."
Yep, fly magic, what can I say! Other than saying that it totally works.
..."There are many things I have no time for. But taking care of a lost kid, half-dead, wandering and sad as a wet kitten? Well, I will always have time for that."...
And as for Caroline Gill's writing, her imagery, well I get it, in the heart... Wow!
So get the book and get ready, 'cause book 3 "Flying Free" is coming out this summer!!!
Read
May 7, 2016I love the journey that Ionani’s on in this Flying Away series. She’s got such a great character arc, and you can really see how strong she’s become since Flying Away. And she has to be! This book introduces some great characters, even the main villain, who’s hardcore. The stealers are still chilling – the stuff of nightmares. And although it’s sci/fi, there’s enough detail to make them eerily believable. I love, love the characters in this series, and the introduction of Al, Chessie, and James were my favorite parts of the book. The fact that the book is written from different perspectives presents a well rounded view of what’s happening in the world and how it all plays out. Caroline spins a tale similar to the way the flies spin a portal for Lani, mysterious and winding, and leaves you hanging on until the very end.
May 21, 2016
Book two in the Flykeeper Chronicles, and after reading book one I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with the series but I kept going back and forth and finally decided to continue and I'm glad I did. Where I felt book one was all over the place, I felt book 2 had a more stable storyline and it's probably because of book one I felt this way. It makes you look a flies in a different light, such a common bug that you don't really think about unless they are flying around you. Caroline created another world and I truly felt it was well written and developed. I still had problems connecting to Iolani but she is a strong female and gets the job done. The Soul Stealers are super creepy and make great scary nighttime stories! Overall I enjoyed reading and am looking forward to the next.
Review by Raychel
Review by Raychel
May 20, 2016
I gotta tell you, I just loved this book. It is full of twists and turns and surprises as Iolani uses her abilities to save as many people as she can from the memory stealers. We meet some new characters in this episode, Al and Cheesie, a couple of old men who escape with their lives from a nursing home, a former soldier trying to adjust to civilian life, a power hungry secret service agent, and a sweet woman who comes into Al's life. There is lots of action in this story, like I said lots of twists and turns. I really enjoyed this story and love how the author weaves this tale. You will not go wrong with reading this story but make sure you read Flying Away first. Thanks Caroline for an awesome story.
May 21, 2016
The Memory Catchers are back and using natural events to cover their stealing. Lolani is still controling flies and using them to wreck havoc. We are rewarded with a great read with lots of action and spine tingling danger. A great read with the characters we met in book one continuing to provide us with a great story that stretches our emotions to the brink.
April 18, 2016
I absolutely love this book. Caroline has a way of making you fall in love with her books. I actually got sucked in and didn't want to put it down.
I received a copy of the book for my honest review
I received a copy of the book for my honest review
May 12, 2016
The magic is back. Once again, this proved to be a unique and intense adventure. I loved the side stories, the details and the constant battle of really bad versus a young girl with only the magic of her flies on her side. Can't wait to read the next one.
May 18, 2016
Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews