What do you think?
Rate this book
Chrysalis
How do you fight monsters that aren't monsters?
With magic that isn't magic. In CHRYSALIS, the island kingdom of Angkara has been overrun by mysterious beings whose mere presence causes paralyzing terror. Defeated and desperate, the ninety-five year old witch-queen conceives an heir to pass on her dark magic.
As a troglodyte, Tark has been oppressed all his life. Now, he must protect Astra as she learns of her legacy and embraces the power only she can summon to fight the ‘ogres’. Simple, right? Well, not really… As it turns out the ‘ogres’ are not ogres but alien scientists and her magical power is somewhat less than magical. Nothing is as it seems in this novel of many twists and turns.
A diverse array of main characters includes ten-year-old Astra, her troglodyte protector, the ghost of the ninety-five year old witch who gave birth to her, and a beleaguered alien scientist struggling with an existential dilemma. CHRYSALIS straddles both fantasy and science fiction, blending the tropes of both genres in new and unexpected ways.
"Chrysalis by Ken Altabef is an adventure that brilliantly blends science fiction and fantasy in a tale about family, power, and courage. Altabef weaves together the threat of the ogres and Astra's journey of discovery with both storylines taking surprising turns along the way. The stories of her family are told through the use of visions which allow her to truly connect her with her past while also delving into the history of the family. The visions feel like their own stories with an array of characters whose actions impact the course of events and the truth behind Astra's existence. Chrysalis is a unique story that puts an alien spin on the idea of ogres while weaving in themes of destiny, lineage, power, and family." -- Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite (Five Star Review)
With magic that isn't magic. In CHRYSALIS, the island kingdom of Angkara has been overrun by mysterious beings whose mere presence causes paralyzing terror. Defeated and desperate, the ninety-five year old witch-queen conceives an heir to pass on her dark magic.
As a troglodyte, Tark has been oppressed all his life. Now, he must protect Astra as she learns of her legacy and embraces the power only she can summon to fight the ‘ogres’. Simple, right? Well, not really… As it turns out the ‘ogres’ are not ogres but alien scientists and her magical power is somewhat less than magical. Nothing is as it seems in this novel of many twists and turns.
A diverse array of main characters includes ten-year-old Astra, her troglodyte protector, the ghost of the ninety-five year old witch who gave birth to her, and a beleaguered alien scientist struggling with an existential dilemma. CHRYSALIS straddles both fantasy and science fiction, blending the tropes of both genres in new and unexpected ways.
"Chrysalis by Ken Altabef is an adventure that brilliantly blends science fiction and fantasy in a tale about family, power, and courage. Altabef weaves together the threat of the ogres and Astra's journey of discovery with both storylines taking surprising turns along the way. The stories of her family are told through the use of visions which allow her to truly connect her with her past while also delving into the history of the family. The visions feel like their own stories with an array of characters whose actions impact the course of events and the truth behind Astra's existence. Chrysalis is a unique story that puts an alien spin on the idea of ogres while weaving in themes of destiny, lineage, power, and family." -- Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite (Five Star Review)
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2019
3 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Ken Altabef
57 books28 followers As a Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America member, my short fiction has frequently appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. I also had stories in Interzone, Buzzymag, Abyss & Apex, Unsettling Wonder and Ominous Realities.
ALAANA'S WAY, my 5-part series of epic fantasy novels is published by Cat's Cradle Press. Described as "cutting-edge fantasy from the top of the world" the arctic setting and unique characters will bring something new to even the most jaded fantasy enthusiast. You can preview this work and others at my website www.KenAltabef.com
ALAANA'S WAY, my 5-part series of epic fantasy novels is published by Cat's Cradle Press. Described as "cutting-edge fantasy from the top of the world" the arctic setting and unique characters will bring something new to even the most jaded fantasy enthusiast. You can preview this work and others at my website www.KenAltabef.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
No one has reviewed this book yet.