What do you think?
Rate this book
Nyira and the Invisible Boy
Nyira, a seven-year-old healer, watched slave hunters burn her village and murder her father.
Hiding in the jungle, she befriends a young gorilla, named Gord. The slave hunters capture Gord, forcing Nyira to give up her freedom to save his life. She is transported by slave ship to Haiti.
Ten-year-old Enriquillo’s tribe has lived peacefully—hidden in the Haitian mountains—for over three hundred years. French soldiers still managed to kill their chief—Enriquillo’s father, and his best friend is murdered by a local planter. Now Enriquillo plots revenge. He meets Nyira on a day he sneaks into the town market, and discovers she is the dark princess prophesized as his future queen. But Nyira uses magic to save a friend’s life, and is charged as a witch and condemned to burn. Will Enriquillo risk his people’s secret existence to outwit the dangerous French troops and the determined archdeacon, to save his love? (less)
Hiding in the jungle, she befriends a young gorilla, named Gord. The slave hunters capture Gord, forcing Nyira to give up her freedom to save his life. She is transported by slave ship to Haiti.
Ten-year-old Enriquillo’s tribe has lived peacefully—hidden in the Haitian mountains—for over three hundred years. French soldiers still managed to kill their chief—Enriquillo’s father, and his best friend is murdered by a local planter. Now Enriquillo plots revenge. He meets Nyira on a day he sneaks into the town market, and discovers she is the dark princess prophesized as his future queen. But Nyira uses magic to save a friend’s life, and is charged as a witch and condemned to burn. Will Enriquillo risk his people’s secret existence to outwit the dangerous French troops and the determined archdeacon, to save his love? (less)
384 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2018
2 people are currently reading
2995 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Harrell
4 books69 followersAuthor bio:
K.M. Harrell is the eldest of five siblings. Four girls and himself. They were and are a close-knit southern family. He spent his time playing with, protecting and sometimes totally harassing his charge of sisters. Trust me they have grown much much taller than he is now and have gotten him back (Just kidding! He is totally still the man!) Sorry. Anyway. He has written most of his life and even had a few things published in small magazines. This is his first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 25, 2018
Nyira is a seven-year-old healer who hid in the jungle and watched as slave hunters burned down her village. Devastated she ventures deeper into the jungle where she befriends a gorilla and his family before being captured and put on a slave ship destined for Haiti.
Ten-year-old "invisible boy" Enriquillo’s tribe is hidden in the Haitian Mountains for hundreds of years. After his father and friend are murdered, he vows revenge. In the village he meets Nyira and realizes that she is the dark princess who is destined to be his future queen. They form a bond and together try and help the people in their lives find peace and freedom. When Nyira's magical and healing capabilities are discovered, she is in great danger and Enriquillo and his tribe must help to save her and their friends.
The cover of the book is beautiful, but the story has some dark and haunting scenes with glimpses of light. The book deals with heavy subject matter such as death, slavery, being torn from your family, abuse, fighting, and loss of culture. The lighter side of the book deals with friendship, what makes a family, loyalty and love. Of course, there is magic, healing and invisibility in this book as well! The parts dealing with magic and healing feel very natural to the story and helped show Nyira's personality as she used her magic for good and to help people.
There are a lot of characters in this book which also has the main plot and subplots going on. The characters in this book are unique and have their own distinct personalities and issues which they are facing. The Author was kind enough to provide a glossary of characters, but I found it very easy to keep track of everyone and didn't need to utilize the glossary. Younger readers may benefit from the glossary of characters.
This book does end with the reader wanting to know what happens next for the characters and it appears as if this is the first book in the series, so keep your eyes peeled for the next in the series. I found this book to be enjoyable and must give it props for being original and unique. The two young characters are likable and readers will root for them!
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Ten-year-old "invisible boy" Enriquillo’s tribe is hidden in the Haitian Mountains for hundreds of years. After his father and friend are murdered, he vows revenge. In the village he meets Nyira and realizes that she is the dark princess who is destined to be his future queen. They form a bond and together try and help the people in their lives find peace and freedom. When Nyira's magical and healing capabilities are discovered, she is in great danger and Enriquillo and his tribe must help to save her and their friends.
The cover of the book is beautiful, but the story has some dark and haunting scenes with glimpses of light. The book deals with heavy subject matter such as death, slavery, being torn from your family, abuse, fighting, and loss of culture. The lighter side of the book deals with friendship, what makes a family, loyalty and love. Of course, there is magic, healing and invisibility in this book as well! The parts dealing with magic and healing feel very natural to the story and helped show Nyira's personality as she used her magic for good and to help people.
There are a lot of characters in this book which also has the main plot and subplots going on. The characters in this book are unique and have their own distinct personalities and issues which they are facing. The Author was kind enough to provide a glossary of characters, but I found it very easy to keep track of everyone and didn't need to utilize the glossary. Younger readers may benefit from the glossary of characters.
This book does end with the reader wanting to know what happens next for the characters and it appears as if this is the first book in the series, so keep your eyes peeled for the next in the series. I found this book to be enjoyable and must give it props for being original and unique. The two young characters are likable and readers will root for them!
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
June 14, 2020
Edit: I just finished reading this book again and I'm just as in love as the first time. I wish this book had more marketing and press because it's simply wonderful. It's even more relevant today than the day it was published. It could bring so much understanding to so many people.
This is one of the most brilliant books I've read the past few years.
The entire book is filled with darkness, both situations and people. There's a vast array of humanity, most of it veering towards the dark side. We see horror and ugliness and fear. We see the causes one soul has on another. This story is deep and intricate.
On the other hand, we have the perfect picture of beauty and innocence. We see faith and hope. We see people questioning their morals and doing their best to overcome obstacles. What we see is the struggle inside each of us.
The brilliant part comes in with the storytelling. When the story becomes too frightening, the storyteller backs off and we get the view from a distance. Even though we know what's happening, we're pulled away from it enough that we don't see the minute details. It's a clear picture without being entrenched in it. When the story is full of beauty and wonder, we're pulled in deeply and treated to an almost microscopic view of it. Because of this, we're able to read this horrific story with dreadful people and still come away feeling as if we're experienced something uplifting and joyful.
Though this book is a big large, I'd easily suggest it to younger readers. Though adult situations are included, they're presented in such a way that children/teens can easily process it and move on.
This is one of the most brilliant books I've read the past few years.
The entire book is filled with darkness, both situations and people. There's a vast array of humanity, most of it veering towards the dark side. We see horror and ugliness and fear. We see the causes one soul has on another. This story is deep and intricate.
On the other hand, we have the perfect picture of beauty and innocence. We see faith and hope. We see people questioning their morals and doing their best to overcome obstacles. What we see is the struggle inside each of us.
The brilliant part comes in with the storytelling. When the story becomes too frightening, the storyteller backs off and we get the view from a distance. Even though we know what's happening, we're pulled away from it enough that we don't see the minute details. It's a clear picture without being entrenched in it. When the story is full of beauty and wonder, we're pulled in deeply and treated to an almost microscopic view of it. Because of this, we're able to read this horrific story with dreadful people and still come away feeling as if we're experienced something uplifting and joyful.
Though this book is a big large, I'd easily suggest it to younger readers. Though adult situations are included, they're presented in such a way that children/teens can easily process it and move on.
May 16, 2018
Starting this book honestly reminded me of Tarzan. Lol but it is honestly the only book of it's kind.
I enjoyed reading this book so much. It was wonderfully written. If the story doesn't suck you in, the writing will for sure! Though I promise, the writing will keep you hooked.
The only issue I had was the mass load of characters. It was hard to keep up with who was who especially since most of them had hard names lol. While yes, there were to many characters, I really enjoyed getting to read this amazing book.
Also I feel like the death scenes were a little to graphic for this to be middle grade. Personally I would label this Young Adult.
I enjoyed reading this book so much. It was wonderfully written. If the story doesn't suck you in, the writing will for sure! Though I promise, the writing will keep you hooked.
The only issue I had was the mass load of characters. It was hard to keep up with who was who especially since most of them had hard names lol. While yes, there were to many characters, I really enjoyed getting to read this amazing book.
Also I feel like the death scenes were a little to graphic for this to be middle grade. Personally I would label this Young Adult.
June 24, 2018
After reading the description and seeing the extraordinary cover on Goodreads giveaways, I purchased a copy of Nyira and the Invisible Boy. I considered it a must read and buying it was my best option. Somewhat later, the author contacted me and requested a review. I voluntarily agreed to provide one.
The invisible boy of the title, Enriquillo, is a Taino. Wikipedia and numerous other sources will tell you that the Taino were extinct by the 18th century, but Taino genes certainly survive in contemporary Haiti and Puerto Rico. There are also numerous Taino cultural survivals. So could there have been secret villages of Taino hiding in the mountains, as we see in Harrell's book? We don't know for certain. This is also a fantasy novel that involves paranormal gifts. I am willing to suspend disbelief for the sake of a good story, and this is a humdinger of a tale.
I believe that the cooperation of Africans and Taino symbolized by the relationship of Nyira and Enriquillo is laying the ground for the future revolution in Haiti. This is Haiti as I've never seen it before. Despite the horrors and degradations of slavery, I found Nyira and the Invisible Boy inspiring. I consider it the best indie book that I've read in the first half of 2018.
For my complete review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...
The invisible boy of the title, Enriquillo, is a Taino. Wikipedia and numerous other sources will tell you that the Taino were extinct by the 18th century, but Taino genes certainly survive in contemporary Haiti and Puerto Rico. There are also numerous Taino cultural survivals. So could there have been secret villages of Taino hiding in the mountains, as we see in Harrell's book? We don't know for certain. This is also a fantasy novel that involves paranormal gifts. I am willing to suspend disbelief for the sake of a good story, and this is a humdinger of a tale.
I believe that the cooperation of Africans and Taino symbolized by the relationship of Nyira and Enriquillo is laying the ground for the future revolution in Haiti. This is Haiti as I've never seen it before. Despite the horrors and degradations of slavery, I found Nyira and the Invisible Boy inspiring. I consider it the best indie book that I've read in the first half of 2018.
For my complete review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...
June 19, 2018
I won this book on Goodreads for an honest review. Thank you so much for sending me this book!! I loved it!! I look forward to reading more from this author and about the Graveyard Club. This is a smart well thought out story. It flows easily and was enjoyable to read! The characters are very well crafted and the story is intriguing and well thought out. There is plenty to keep you totally engrossed in this book, the author has a way of telling this story that really grabs you and makes you feel all kinds of emotions. I LOVE our main character and her friend, I found my self crying and cringing at times. This is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it to anyone that loves a good story with lots of heart.
June 16, 2018
Nyira and the Invisible Boy is a tale rich in characters, culture, and a plot that is quick-moving. Readers of all ages will be pulled into the story. This tale is so original and unique: I truly haven't read anything like it. It brings to mind classic literature for young people and adults alike, so it is a refreshing new piece of children's literature. I enjoyed the magical realms that were woven into the story and the characters. I don't always enjoy books with that quality, but the author weaves a tale with characters that are believable and a setting that is rich in detail. It ended rather abruptly, but I thoroughly enjoyed the first in this series so I am anticipating the next one.
October 9, 2018
What a sweet and interesting African tale depicting some dark sides of life - slavery, superstition and death. I thought this would be a lighter story based on the cover of the book.
Some scenes would be a bit too graphic for a middle school aged reader. There are a lot of characters, but the writing is quick and I really liked the culture and magical realms in this story. The chapters bounce back and forth between 2 main characters.
Really original story that I haven't read anything like. It does end kind of abruptly.
I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.
Some scenes would be a bit too graphic for a middle school aged reader. There are a lot of characters, but the writing is quick and I really liked the culture and magical realms in this story. The chapters bounce back and forth between 2 main characters.
Really original story that I haven't read anything like. It does end kind of abruptly.
I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.
July 18, 2018
Omgosh I can not give this book enough praise. I have no clue how K.M was able to make Nyira so loving. I can say if i had been through what she had I'm not sure i could be. But Nyira is a character we need so bad in today's time. I learned so much through her. I cried and got angry for her. This story reminds me of what my papaw taught me. You can not fight fire with fire and their is the right way to fight back and the wrong way. Along with the right time to fight back and wrong time. Thank you K.M for sending this book to me. I truly have treasured this story.
July 26, 2018
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I quite enjoyed this book. It's a middle grade book about a girl who has magical abilities. She is enslaved by the Dutch and shipped to Haiti where she meets a boy who lived in the mountains with his tribe until his father - the tribe's chief - was killed. They team up, but Nyira is found out and condemned to death for witchcraft. Personally, I found it a bit young and simple at times, but overall I still thought it was a good book.
I quite enjoyed this book. It's a middle grade book about a girl who has magical abilities. She is enslaved by the Dutch and shipped to Haiti where she meets a boy who lived in the mountains with his tribe until his father - the tribe's chief - was killed. They team up, but Nyira is found out and condemned to death for witchcraft. Personally, I found it a bit young and simple at times, but overall I still thought it was a good book.
July 3, 2018
Loved this book. For me it is reminiscent of The Jungle book, but more profound. It is about the power of love, family, and friendship, and the sacrifices we make to protect those we love. It is about fearing what we don't understand, and deriving hatred from that misunderstanding. It is about the atrocity of slavery, and those who impose their will on others. Most of all it is about the search for ultimate freedom and the price that each of us would pay to obtain it.
June 22, 2018
This was a fantastic start of what promises to be an enchanting series. Nyira and Enriquillo are well developed and likeable characters, and the story is unique and imaginative. I am really looking forward to the second book.
September 14, 2018
This was a really cute book. I haven't come across anything that I can quite compare it to.
There is heavy slavery content. The characters are well developed. I love the interactions and how historically accurate the author was when needed.
There is heavy slavery content. The characters are well developed. I love the interactions and how historically accurate the author was when needed.
June 17, 2018
Strikingly original and very well-written, Nyira and the Invisible Boy is a wholly enjoyable read.
Want to read
August 13, 2018**I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Before Thoughts:
Review:
Read On:
To Be Published on:
Plot:
Characters:
Final Thoughts:
Recommends to:
Hope you enjoyed my review!! Thanks for reading!!
And go catch that good book!! ^_^
My Blog Site
Before Thoughts:
Review:
Read On:
To Be Published on:
Plot:
Characters:
Final Thoughts:
Recommends to:
Hope you enjoyed my review!! Thanks for reading!!
And go catch that good book!! ^_^
My Blog Site
December 21, 2018
Title provided via NetGalley for an honest review
I loved this story. It was really cute. As the audience is generally meant to be the middle grades (5-8) it was definitely a bit on the shallow side, but the uniqueness of the story and the magic behind it brought to life a really fun adventure story. It did remind me also of Tarzan a little bit, but this was just somehow different. I think it was the cross culture in and of itself. You rarely see stories like this with two little brown kids as the main character and definitely not with the themes of slavery involved the way it was.
This was just a really fun little story and I loved Nyira in the story as a representation of a strong little brown girl as the focal heroine in the story.
I loved this story. It was really cute. As the audience is generally meant to be the middle grades (5-8) it was definitely a bit on the shallow side, but the uniqueness of the story and the magic behind it brought to life a really fun adventure story. It did remind me also of Tarzan a little bit, but this was just somehow different. I think it was the cross culture in and of itself. You rarely see stories like this with two little brown kids as the main character and definitely not with the themes of slavery involved the way it was.
This was just a really fun little story and I loved Nyira in the story as a representation of a strong little brown girl as the focal heroine in the story.
January 21, 2019
I won this through FirstReads here on Goodreads. It isn't my normal preferred reading material, but I wanted to check it out to see if it would be good to place in my library. It is a historical fiction/fantasy about the Taino people and slavery in Haiti. This is an area of slavery that American schools don't cover, and the Taino culture isn't really discussed either. The author is also an author of color, which many of my students are.
The story was interesting, the characters as well. I will be adding it to my library and look forward to the next book.
The story was interesting, the characters as well. I will be adding it to my library and look forward to the next book.
April 9, 2021
Interesting book. It went from one storyline to the other with each chapter. I enjoyed the story. Really not sure what to say about it other than I enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews