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Hidden Variables
The Leto family have unique gifts.
For centuries their ancestors have experienced a higher level of consciousness, beyond both life and time. The family are concerned about one couple who are destined to change the world.
However, when Sophia Leto witnesses a murder in a vision from the past, involving a boy at her school, she unwittingly unravels a spiral of dark secrets and hidden emotions.
Determined to catch a killer and save a life, Sophia must use her gifts to identify each individual’s choices, circumstances and pathway through life.
The closer she looks, the more tangled and complicated their lives become and Sophia has to wonder, when does knowledge become too little or too much?
For centuries their ancestors have experienced a higher level of consciousness, beyond both life and time. The family are concerned about one couple who are destined to change the world.
However, when Sophia Leto witnesses a murder in a vision from the past, involving a boy at her school, she unwittingly unravels a spiral of dark secrets and hidden emotions.
Determined to catch a killer and save a life, Sophia must use her gifts to identify each individual’s choices, circumstances and pathway through life.
The closer she looks, the more tangled and complicated their lives become and Sophia has to wonder, when does knowledge become too little or too much?
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2018
13 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Lynagh
7 books45 followersAuthor of The Soul Prophecies series - Anomaly, Hidden Variables and Another Path. Lost Frequencies and Quantum Messenger.
Avid reader, book-blogger and science junkie.
UK country life!
Feel free to ask me any questions.
Avid reader, book-blogger and science junkie.
UK country life!
Feel free to ask me any questions.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 27, 2018
My thanks to Netgalley for a review copy of this book. I picked this one up, while it does contain some paranormal elements, because of the description of the book which included the words ‘witnesses a murder’, and ‘to catch a killer’, and the combination of visions of the past and future and a murder mystery sounded an interesting read.
This is the story of Sophia Leto, who like the other members of the Leto family has certain ‘gifts’―the ability to look into the possible future, or rather various possible futures, and people’s memories of the past where they are especially strong, and to use that information to prevent untoward outcomes, and perhaps ensure a certain outcome which is seen to be good for the world. Sophia’s case is however, different from the other members of her family for while the others have been seeing visions of people they don’t really know (as has Sophia), she is very much a part of that future to come, and will have a role in changing the course of things, positively or negatively. As a result, Sophia is seen as a ‘freak’ by some of her fellow students, and it is only with her friend Annie that she can share what she is going through. Besides these visions, another vision that she’s been getting is of a boy, a fellow student at school named Avery, whose mother was robbed and murdered two years ago, which mystery still remains unsolved. There is some role that Avery must play in the future which is not clear to Sophia or her family yet, but as a result of the state of affairs, he is inclined to suicide which Sophia must prevent, and at the same time solve the mystery of what really happened to Avery’s mother. Sophia has much more at stake in all of this as her own future is also involved besides of course, that of the wider world. Alongside are some other-worldly spirits (not quite sure how I should describe them), the Thirteen, who have gone through some problems of their own in their world but who are now looking out for the earth’s future, and guiding Sophia and others to reach the ‘right’ outcome. Of them, we essentially meet one, Ahrl, who seems to have some of the same visions that Sophia does.
This was very different from my usual kind of reading because of the supernatural aspects, but I quite enjoyed reading it―one reason probably was that while this world does have its supernatural elements, it is also one in which the characters try to find explanations through science. Sophia’s father works at CERN (her mother at a hospital) and this is where she intends to get to herself, her interests lying in physics, and using this to explain what she and her family can see. It is a struggle of course, considering others can’t and won’t be able to understand this, and so they must always tread with caution. The other was of course that this was a murder mystery, and that element I felt was pretty well done because while one does get some clue that things are not what they seem at first glance, I couldn’t tell how it would turn out. Sophia herself is a really likeable character—she’s intelligent, has her head firmly on her shoulders. I enjoyed how Avery dealt with the girls who bully Sophia but also liked the fact that Sophia had the maturity to simply ignore them and not give way to anger. Despite all of this happening I also liked how the author dealt with the whole idea of visions and the future—that it isn’t as such anything definite but a whole host of possibilities, any of which may come to pass depending on the choices people make. Some aspects though (some characters as well) didn’t entirely make sense to me (this could have had to do with my reading), and I felt more explanation was needed. I only realised later that this was a prequel, and since I quite liked the plot and characters, I am interested to see how the story progresses (haven’t read book 1) and how things really turn out for the characters in the future.
This is the story of Sophia Leto, who like the other members of the Leto family has certain ‘gifts’―the ability to look into the possible future, or rather various possible futures, and people’s memories of the past where they are especially strong, and to use that information to prevent untoward outcomes, and perhaps ensure a certain outcome which is seen to be good for the world. Sophia’s case is however, different from the other members of her family for while the others have been seeing visions of people they don’t really know (as has Sophia), she is very much a part of that future to come, and will have a role in changing the course of things, positively or negatively. As a result, Sophia is seen as a ‘freak’ by some of her fellow students, and it is only with her friend Annie that she can share what she is going through. Besides these visions, another vision that she’s been getting is of a boy, a fellow student at school named Avery, whose mother was robbed and murdered two years ago, which mystery still remains unsolved. There is some role that Avery must play in the future which is not clear to Sophia or her family yet, but as a result of the state of affairs, he is inclined to suicide which Sophia must prevent, and at the same time solve the mystery of what really happened to Avery’s mother. Sophia has much more at stake in all of this as her own future is also involved besides of course, that of the wider world. Alongside are some other-worldly spirits (not quite sure how I should describe them), the Thirteen, who have gone through some problems of their own in their world but who are now looking out for the earth’s future, and guiding Sophia and others to reach the ‘right’ outcome. Of them, we essentially meet one, Ahrl, who seems to have some of the same visions that Sophia does.
This was very different from my usual kind of reading because of the supernatural aspects, but I quite enjoyed reading it―one reason probably was that while this world does have its supernatural elements, it is also one in which the characters try to find explanations through science. Sophia’s father works at CERN (her mother at a hospital) and this is where she intends to get to herself, her interests lying in physics, and using this to explain what she and her family can see. It is a struggle of course, considering others can’t and won’t be able to understand this, and so they must always tread with caution. The other was of course that this was a murder mystery, and that element I felt was pretty well done because while one does get some clue that things are not what they seem at first glance, I couldn’t tell how it would turn out. Sophia herself is a really likeable character—she’s intelligent, has her head firmly on her shoulders. I enjoyed how Avery dealt with the girls who bully Sophia but also liked the fact that Sophia had the maturity to simply ignore them and not give way to anger. Despite all of this happening I also liked how the author dealt with the whole idea of visions and the future—that it isn’t as such anything definite but a whole host of possibilities, any of which may come to pass depending on the choices people make. Some aspects though (some characters as well) didn’t entirely make sense to me (this could have had to do with my reading), and I felt more explanation was needed. I only realised later that this was a prequel, and since I quite liked the plot and characters, I am interested to see how the story progresses (haven’t read book 1) and how things really turn out for the characters in the future.
May 2, 2018
This is a book I really enjoyed. Sophia is an intelligent, caring young woman and one who has big plans for the future. It was easy to get caught up in her concern for her classmate and her desire to do the right thing. It’s a complicated world and family that she’s been brought into, but she handles a lot of what happens to her with grace and level-headedness. The story poses some interesting questions about the nature of knowledge, the potential pitfalls of knowing the future and how the limited nature of Sophia’s gifts could put her in a precarious situation. Especially as she tries to alter things for the better.
One thing that bothered me throughout the book, was that the characters didn’t have much differentiation between their voices, and they all seemed to talk in ‘as-you-know’ explainy dialogue. Which is a real shame, because most of the time what they’re talking about is really interesting. I would have liked to see more personality and characterization present, but overall, the plot was still interesting enough that I kept reading, even despite this.
Because this book is a prequel, there’s a lot of information about things that aren’t necessarily pertinent to this particular story, but from what I gather, matters in later books. It was a little distracting to try to ferret out this information. However, I’m really excited to read the next book, Anomaly, because given what I’ve read already, I wanna know more.
Overall, a very enjoyable and short read. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves stories where you have to collect the pieces and put them together.
Note I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
One thing that bothered me throughout the book, was that the characters didn’t have much differentiation between their voices, and they all seemed to talk in ‘as-you-know’ explainy dialogue. Which is a real shame, because most of the time what they’re talking about is really interesting. I would have liked to see more personality and characterization present, but overall, the plot was still interesting enough that I kept reading, even despite this.
Because this book is a prequel, there’s a lot of information about things that aren’t necessarily pertinent to this particular story, but from what I gather, matters in later books. It was a little distracting to try to ferret out this information. However, I’m really excited to read the next book, Anomaly, because given what I’ve read already, I wanna know more.
Overall, a very enjoyable and short read. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves stories where you have to collect the pieces and put them together.
Note I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2018
I enjoyed the last book "Anomaly" so looked forward to this. It is a prequel but you don't have to read Anomaly to enjoy Hidden Variables. It's Sophia Leto's back story, we find out how she discovered her gifts and what she does with the knowledge she has. There's plenty of gasp moments but also moments that make you think. I can understand why the science ideas in Anomaly got so much attention, it makes you think, even though it's not as nerdy as it sounds. it's an easy read and easy to get into. Avery is troubled yet very likeable. Looking forward to reading Ahrl's story in future books. He's one of my favourite characters of the series so far. Definitely recommend it!
June 1, 2018
Hidden Variables is the second book in the Soul Prophecy series, and is the prequel to Anomaly, which I read and reviewed a few years ago. I loved Anomaly, and am happy to say that I also loved Hidden Variables. It had all of the same charm, warmth and sheer humanity as the novel it predates. At the same time, it is clear that this is a more mature work, one with some slightly darker undertones. I like how this novel is, among many other things, a murder mystery, recuperating some of the adventure elements of Anomaly.
The first chapter opens with an image of the world on fire. Just a vision - presented to a boy in a mysterious place - but this opening scene prefigures some of the beautiful dichotomies that give shape to the book. There is the contrast between violence and calm, the juxtaposition of teenage bullying and a world of souls and energy, characterised by swirling light and colour, and the tension between Positive and Negative. That this book can flicker between the semi-serious world of netball on the playground to visions of deceased souls in a single scene, is testament to Lynagh’s masterful handling of some complex material. Everything is held in perfect balance.
One of the things that struck a chord with me in this book is the way Lynagh analyses emotions. The book presents an intuitive and thoughtful exploration of emotions: they are variously seen as layers, with an emptiness spanning beneath them, as a whiplash of pain and, in a way similar to synaesthesia, as colours. This multi-faceted portrayal of emotion is helped by the use of multiple narrators, each presented by a quietly detached third-person narrator, who through focalisation bestows each character with a unique perspective.
There are some mature themes in this novel, from murder to suicide, which Lynagh handles with gravity and sensitivity. At the same time, the book thrills with warmth – the sudden bursts of energy as the young Sophia bursts into the kitchen late for school, or is enveloped by her Grandma and handed a cup of coffee, or slowly grows attached to a couple she has only met in her dreams. This is a very human book, and it made me feel warm inside.
Hidden Variables has a linear narrative that is disrupted by visions, dreams and memories, aided by a language of fragmentation. Like the pathways Arhl watches, and the potential futures that branch off in different directions, this book strains with a gently supernatural energy - and it is a joy to watch it unfurl.
The first chapter opens with an image of the world on fire. Just a vision - presented to a boy in a mysterious place - but this opening scene prefigures some of the beautiful dichotomies that give shape to the book. There is the contrast between violence and calm, the juxtaposition of teenage bullying and a world of souls and energy, characterised by swirling light and colour, and the tension between Positive and Negative. That this book can flicker between the semi-serious world of netball on the playground to visions of deceased souls in a single scene, is testament to Lynagh’s masterful handling of some complex material. Everything is held in perfect balance.
One of the things that struck a chord with me in this book is the way Lynagh analyses emotions. The book presents an intuitive and thoughtful exploration of emotions: they are variously seen as layers, with an emptiness spanning beneath them, as a whiplash of pain and, in a way similar to synaesthesia, as colours. This multi-faceted portrayal of emotion is helped by the use of multiple narrators, each presented by a quietly detached third-person narrator, who through focalisation bestows each character with a unique perspective.
There are some mature themes in this novel, from murder to suicide, which Lynagh handles with gravity and sensitivity. At the same time, the book thrills with warmth – the sudden bursts of energy as the young Sophia bursts into the kitchen late for school, or is enveloped by her Grandma and handed a cup of coffee, or slowly grows attached to a couple she has only met in her dreams. This is a very human book, and it made me feel warm inside.
Hidden Variables has a linear narrative that is disrupted by visions, dreams and memories, aided by a language of fragmentation. Like the pathways Arhl watches, and the potential futures that branch off in different directions, this book strains with a gently supernatural energy - and it is a joy to watch it unfurl.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2018
Before I start reviewing The Hidden Variables, I wanted to tell you how much happiness it brought me when I found out this book is really happening; Anomaly (first book in the series) have definitely shaped my being and The Hidden Variables made the same impact to me.
The Hidden Variables it truly thrilling and beautifully written. I am still in awe about the whole thing, the characters, the story concept, everything is just magnificent! Finally meeting Kyle and Alice even just a glimpse is such sweet thing. I love how it makes me curious about every single thing that is happening in the story.
For me there are no parts in this book that made me feel bored or annoyed in fact I kept my hands itching to finish it!
about the concept, it was a really impressive thing how Lynagh made science and supernatural phenomenon connected. i never imagine someone will come up with this brilliant idea and i am so glad the author did. as expected the author have amazed me again with her quality ideas, vivid words and life long lessons throughout the story.
This book made me feel loved and belong because of the story it tells. The Sophia’s visions and gifts truly captured my heart and soul, the book made me feel understood every way. I know and i feel how Sophia feel about all the struggles she gone through. i adore her character so much because i see myself to her. i know it’s hard to believe my dear readers but like her i also have gifts that is why it made my heart go wild. I just love everything about this book especially the lessons it could taught us all.
The Hidden Variables also tells about fate, love, and lessons about forgiving.. the book have clearly explained how repentance, acceptance and forgiveness changes the world and also reminds us to treasure life and give us the time to reminisce the happy days of our departed love ones that somehow we have forgotten by now.
I wanted to say thank you to the author for writing such wonderful book full of genuine lessons. you don’t know how much happiness and all other feels it gave me. i love it! genuinely love it! it is nice to find a book that can understand you as a reader.
all in all i enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend this to everyone. please do find time to read this to!
The Hidden Variables it truly thrilling and beautifully written. I am still in awe about the whole thing, the characters, the story concept, everything is just magnificent! Finally meeting Kyle and Alice even just a glimpse is such sweet thing. I love how it makes me curious about every single thing that is happening in the story.
For me there are no parts in this book that made me feel bored or annoyed in fact I kept my hands itching to finish it!
about the concept, it was a really impressive thing how Lynagh made science and supernatural phenomenon connected. i never imagine someone will come up with this brilliant idea and i am so glad the author did. as expected the author have amazed me again with her quality ideas, vivid words and life long lessons throughout the story.
This book made me feel loved and belong because of the story it tells. The Sophia’s visions and gifts truly captured my heart and soul, the book made me feel understood every way. I know and i feel how Sophia feel about all the struggles she gone through. i adore her character so much because i see myself to her. i know it’s hard to believe my dear readers but like her i also have gifts that is why it made my heart go wild. I just love everything about this book especially the lessons it could taught us all.
The Hidden Variables also tells about fate, love, and lessons about forgiving.. the book have clearly explained how repentance, acceptance and forgiveness changes the world and also reminds us to treasure life and give us the time to reminisce the happy days of our departed love ones that somehow we have forgotten by now.
I wanted to say thank you to the author for writing such wonderful book full of genuine lessons. you don’t know how much happiness and all other feels it gave me. i love it! genuinely love it! it is nice to find a book that can understand you as a reader.
all in all i enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend this to everyone. please do find time to read this to!
June 14, 2018
I received an e-Galley from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
'...witnesses a murder in a vision from the past...
This was one of the reasons why I wanted to read this. A family with special gifts of time and memory, a murder, a killer to catch, the use of science...this was different from my usual reads, but it was incredibly enjoyable!
Sophia was interesting, strong character who cares a lot about others. Her life and family are complicated, but she can pretty much handle it all, and that maturity really appealed to me. The fact that they have these supernatural gifts but choose to pursue knowledge and science in order to uncover the meaning and origin of it all is such an intricate concept, and I must say it was well done. I'm not very inclined to science, especially physics, but this journey for knowledge made me wish I was.
I really liked Avery, and I loved Elias. I thought the way they were all written together, the Leto family included, and how they interacted made way for a strong cast.
My only issue is the writing sometimes. It's a minute problem for me when I've enjoyed some of the characters and plot this much, but it was difficult to differentiate voices when I felt it needed it. I didn't mind having to check to remind myself, but it felt a bit unclear in certain parts.
I didn't realise this was a prequel, but I'm glad it was and that I read it because I'm now interested in Lynagh's other books! I was intrigued from the beginning and now I'm left wanting more.
'...witnesses a murder in a vision from the past...
This was one of the reasons why I wanted to read this. A family with special gifts of time and memory, a murder, a killer to catch, the use of science...this was different from my usual reads, but it was incredibly enjoyable!
Sophia was interesting, strong character who cares a lot about others. Her life and family are complicated, but she can pretty much handle it all, and that maturity really appealed to me. The fact that they have these supernatural gifts but choose to pursue knowledge and science in order to uncover the meaning and origin of it all is such an intricate concept, and I must say it was well done. I'm not very inclined to science, especially physics, but this journey for knowledge made me wish I was.
I really liked Avery, and I loved Elias. I thought the way they were all written together, the Leto family included, and how they interacted made way for a strong cast.
My only issue is the writing sometimes. It's a minute problem for me when I've enjoyed some of the characters and plot this much, but it was difficult to differentiate voices when I felt it needed it. I didn't mind having to check to remind myself, but it felt a bit unclear in certain parts.
I didn't realise this was a prequel, but I'm glad it was and that I read it because I'm now interested in Lynagh's other books! I was intrigued from the beginning and now I'm left wanting more.
December 3, 2018
Review: Hidden Variables
Author: Caitlin Lynagh
Format: Paperback
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I've gone all Star Wars when it comes to Caitlin Lynagh's books. By that, I mean I read the sequel to Hidden Variables, Anomaly, first, and I've got to say, I'm really glad I did.
I very much enjoyed Anomaly, although, at times, the scientific side of things was a bit lost on me, but I stuck with it and loved the fact that it took me out of my reading comfort zone.
With Hidden Variables, I'd prepared myself for Lynagh's style, and therefore had a much better, smoother reading experience. I found the story more developed, giving a brilliant back story to the Leto's extraordinary lives, especially Sophia's.
Hidden Variable is a brilliant read, and I really look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Author: Caitlin Lynagh
Format: Paperback
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I've gone all Star Wars when it comes to Caitlin Lynagh's books. By that, I mean I read the sequel to Hidden Variables, Anomaly, first, and I've got to say, I'm really glad I did.
I very much enjoyed Anomaly, although, at times, the scientific side of things was a bit lost on me, but I stuck with it and loved the fact that it took me out of my reading comfort zone.
With Hidden Variables, I'd prepared myself for Lynagh's style, and therefore had a much better, smoother reading experience. I found the story more developed, giving a brilliant back story to the Leto's extraordinary lives, especially Sophia's.
Hidden Variable is a brilliant read, and I really look forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 22, 2018
I read Anomaly a few years ago and it hints at Sophia's story. I'm glad we get to know that now because Sophia's role in the book makes so much sense now. I really enjoyed it too. I read Anomaly again after this and enjoyed that book even more - shame this wasn't released first. I loved Avery. He lost his mother and feels the guilt for her death and it's hard not to want to smother him with love and tell him it's OK and he will be alright (no spoilers, but things don't work out how you expect them to!). Hope there's more to the series because it will be good to find out how the Thirteen are involved.
May 3, 2018
Recieved from Netgalley. This one was really interesting. At some points it felt simple and then there were a few info dumps and theories. I liked the plot and both main characters. Sophia the gifted haunted by visions and Avery the broken barely clinging to life. I like how close knit the Leto family is. I’d say Elias was my favourite character. I found the story flowed easily enough and seeing the duo’s lives intertwine was sweet.
May 7, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in return for my honest review.
I didn't know this book is prequel. But the wonderful cover is drawn my attention. I'm glad i read it because the story is unique and beautiful. I don't think you have to read other book to understand this. It follow Sophia's past and we find out how she discovers her gifts. I like reading smart characters and Sophia is definitely one of them.
I didn't know this book is prequel. But the wonderful cover is drawn my attention. I'm glad i read it because the story is unique and beautiful. I don't think you have to read other book to understand this. It follow Sophia's past and we find out how she discovers her gifts. I like reading smart characters and Sophia is definitely one of them.
August 23, 2018
I enjoyed Avery and Sophia's story. not clear about the gifts and those Alice and Kyle. I don't get them but I enjoyed the story.👍🏼
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews