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The Chameleon Effect #1
Silken Scales
Idris Williams’ life may seem perfect…
Sure, Idris has confidence and great looks, a famous father and a beautiful girlfriend. Life would be perfect if he could dodge the bullet his father has aimed at his head — following dear old Dad into motivational-speaking stardom. But there doesn’t seem to be a way out…
— Until Idris morphs into something green and scaly.
Cadi has finally found a safe and loving home. Then a malicious boy turns her whole world upside down. The next thing she knows, she’s wandering the streets on New Year’s Eve, alone.
— Until a crystal leads her to this lizard boy with a smart mouth and massive ego.
To change Idris back into his sexy human self, Cadi must reveal a secret she’s been holding close to her heart for as long as she can remember. A secret that will send them racing to close a wormhole ahead of a deadly army.
A secret that could change their worlds forever…
Sure, Idris has confidence and great looks, a famous father and a beautiful girlfriend. Life would be perfect if he could dodge the bullet his father has aimed at his head — following dear old Dad into motivational-speaking stardom. But there doesn’t seem to be a way out…
— Until Idris morphs into something green and scaly.
Cadi has finally found a safe and loving home. Then a malicious boy turns her whole world upside down. The next thing she knows, she’s wandering the streets on New Year’s Eve, alone.
— Until a crystal leads her to this lizard boy with a smart mouth and massive ego.
To change Idris back into his sexy human self, Cadi must reveal a secret she’s been holding close to her heart for as long as she can remember. A secret that will send them racing to close a wormhole ahead of a deadly army.
A secret that could change their worlds forever…
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2019
185 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Alex Hayes
13 books103 followersAlex Hayes lives in a castle. Not one of those dark, damp ones in England (or Scotland, even) where it rains all the time, but a white one with the view of a volcano where it’s sunny 364 days out of the year.
She hosts four cats. One white queen. Two black knights. And a ginger jester, famed for her impressive backflips and pirouettes.
Alex is considering turning her castle into a cat sanctuary. It all depends on whether she can find a way to pay the food bills. (If you think she should, buy her books. The cats will thank you.)
When she isn’t writing, she's thinking about what to write next, while working on her tan. (Vitamin D rules.)
She’s a vegetarian (almost vegan) who believes in love not war, feminine power, and enjoys singing (usually quite badly).
She hosts four cats. One white queen. Two black knights. And a ginger jester, famed for her impressive backflips and pirouettes.
Alex is considering turning her castle into a cat sanctuary. It all depends on whether she can find a way to pay the food bills. (If you think she should, buy her books. The cats will thank you.)
When she isn’t writing, she's thinking about what to write next, while working on her tan. (Vitamin D rules.)
She’s a vegetarian (almost vegan) who believes in love not war, feminine power, and enjoys singing (usually quite badly).
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 7, 2019
A fun book, but the main characters have to get together. It also is a modern YA. I am interested in continuing the story, but I won't go out of my way.
January 1, 2020
Perfect Blend of Fantasy Romance and SciFi
I’m not usually a sci-fi fan, but this one - grounded as it is on earth - roped me right in I found myself rooting for our heroes and hoping for their friends. Can’t wait to read book 2.
I’m not usually a sci-fi fan, but this one - grounded as it is on earth - roped me right in I found myself rooting for our heroes and hoping for their friends. Can’t wait to read book 2.
August 6, 2019
Title: Silken Scales
Author: Alex Hayes
Publisher: Shaking the Trees Press
Series: The Chameleon Effect Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Silken Scales" by Alex Hayes
My Rationalization:
This was quite an enjoyable imaginary and fun sci-fi read that will keep you turning the pages that deal with Cadi and Idris struggle growing up. This YA read deals with 'aliens/humans and teenage angst' with Cadi who is an outcast with Idris who is popular but not happy both who have been bonded together from birth. It was an interesting read in how this author brings them together in the well-written story. By the end, the reader will be given a good 'fun urban fantasy with telekinetic, musical, shapeshifting teenage aliens.' I will say that I did enjoy most of the characters in this magical imaginative story and even when some things seemed a bit confusing the reader will still definitely keep one captivated from the reading.
Author: Alex Hayes
Publisher: Shaking the Trees Press
Series: The Chameleon Effect Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Silken Scales" by Alex Hayes
My Rationalization:
This was quite an enjoyable imaginary and fun sci-fi read that will keep you turning the pages that deal with Cadi and Idris struggle growing up. This YA read deals with 'aliens/humans and teenage angst' with Cadi who is an outcast with Idris who is popular but not happy both who have been bonded together from birth. It was an interesting read in how this author brings them together in the well-written story. By the end, the reader will be given a good 'fun urban fantasy with telekinetic, musical, shapeshifting teenage aliens.' I will say that I did enjoy most of the characters in this magical imaginative story and even when some things seemed a bit confusing the reader will still definitely keep one captivated from the reading.
January 8, 2020
Silken Scales is book #1 of The Chameleon Effect young adult sci-fi series.
Cadi has spent her life moving between foster homes. She’s telekinetic; each time her skills are discovered it causes trouble and she ends up moving again. Idris is adopted; he’s popular at school and is a talented orator and musician. But when he gets a scaly skin condition he tries to hide away.
There’s a touch of romance and these two teenagers are about to discover some very unusual facts about themselves.
I liked the story around Cadi and Idris and how they met. However, I was less convinced by the alien element in the book. I think this was perhaps a personal taste as I rarely read sci-fi, so I’m sure others will enjoy this book.
Cadi has spent her life moving between foster homes. She’s telekinetic; each time her skills are discovered it causes trouble and she ends up moving again. Idris is adopted; he’s popular at school and is a talented orator and musician. But when he gets a scaly skin condition he tries to hide away.
There’s a touch of romance and these two teenagers are about to discover some very unusual facts about themselves.
I liked the story around Cadi and Idris and how they met. However, I was less convinced by the alien element in the book. I think this was perhaps a personal taste as I rarely read sci-fi, so I’m sure others will enjoy this book.
November 1, 2019
Ends at 90%
Interesting alien tale. Took a bit to get interesting. .bombs dropped at the end. Semi mushy ending.. I liked the science..
Interesting alien tale. Took a bit to get interesting. .bombs dropped at the end. Semi mushy ending.. I liked the science..
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October 24, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/24/2019)! 🎁
August 9, 2019
3.5 Stars. Full Review to come
Perfect for sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal fans, The Silken Scales by Alex Hayes is a wonderfully unique and gripping tale that kept me engrossed until the end.
Idris has a seemingly perfect life – he’s handsome and popular, he has a gorgeous girlfriend, and his father is famous. However, Idris is quite unhappy because his adopted father has been grooming him to become a motivational speaker and doesn’t understand or care about what he really wants. But that’s the least of his problems cause when his skin begins to turn green and scaly, Idris has no choice but to run away and hide.
Cadi has had a very difficult life — she’s been hiding a secret and has moved from one foster home to another. When she finally finds a safe home with caring foster parents, a good friend who accepts her, and a boy who seems romantically interested in her, Cadi’s world is suddenly turned upside down and she has no choice but to leave and hide.
Both hiding, alone, and confused, Idris and Cadi question who they really are and where they come from. When a crystal leads Cadi to Idris, they slowly discover that they have plenty in common and have a special connection that will change their lives forever. As they search for answers about their pasts and what’s happening to them, Idris and Cadi can’t ignore the intense attraction between them. But with danger lurking in the darkness, will Idris and Cadi find out who they really are and what they mean to each other?
I’m not completely in love with this book, but it’s definitely an amusing and delightfully weird story. I also think it’s incredibly imaginative and I was intrigued by the paranormal aspects and the world-building. The writing is captivating and I really enjoyed the flow of the story. I like Idris and Cadi’s POVs and getting to know them as they both learn new things about themselves. They have amazing chemistry together and their playful bantering is super adorable. The side characters are interesting too and I like them well enough. With some action, a little suspense, and a few twists and turns, I found myself on edge and holding my breath especially during the last few chapters of the book. I honestly wasn’t so sure about this book at first, but the overall storyline had me satisfyingly captivated until the end. I’m really excited to see what happens next and to explore more of this fun sci-fi series.
With fascinating and likable characters, lighthearted humor, an adorable romance, and plenty of thrills, Silken Scales is a fantastically fun read. Even though there are a few things that seemed a bit confusing to me, I think Hayes has created a delightful and riveting story that many readers will enjoy.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for participating in a Blog Tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Perfect for sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal fans, The Silken Scales by Alex Hayes is a wonderfully unique and gripping tale that kept me engrossed until the end.
Idris has a seemingly perfect life – he’s handsome and popular, he has a gorgeous girlfriend, and his father is famous. However, Idris is quite unhappy because his adopted father has been grooming him to become a motivational speaker and doesn’t understand or care about what he really wants. But that’s the least of his problems cause when his skin begins to turn green and scaly, Idris has no choice but to run away and hide.
Cadi has had a very difficult life — she’s been hiding a secret and has moved from one foster home to another. When she finally finds a safe home with caring foster parents, a good friend who accepts her, and a boy who seems romantically interested in her, Cadi’s world is suddenly turned upside down and she has no choice but to leave and hide.
Both hiding, alone, and confused, Idris and Cadi question who they really are and where they come from. When a crystal leads Cadi to Idris, they slowly discover that they have plenty in common and have a special connection that will change their lives forever. As they search for answers about their pasts and what’s happening to them, Idris and Cadi can’t ignore the intense attraction between them. But with danger lurking in the darkness, will Idris and Cadi find out who they really are and what they mean to each other?
I’m not completely in love with this book, but it’s definitely an amusing and delightfully weird story. I also think it’s incredibly imaginative and I was intrigued by the paranormal aspects and the world-building. The writing is captivating and I really enjoyed the flow of the story. I like Idris and Cadi’s POVs and getting to know them as they both learn new things about themselves. They have amazing chemistry together and their playful bantering is super adorable. The side characters are interesting too and I like them well enough. With some action, a little suspense, and a few twists and turns, I found myself on edge and holding my breath especially during the last few chapters of the book. I honestly wasn’t so sure about this book at first, but the overall storyline had me satisfyingly captivated until the end. I’m really excited to see what happens next and to explore more of this fun sci-fi series.
With fascinating and likable characters, lighthearted humor, an adorable romance, and plenty of thrills, Silken Scales is a fantastically fun read. Even though there are a few things that seemed a bit confusing to me, I think Hayes has created a delightful and riveting story that many readers will enjoy.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for participating in a Blog Tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 1, 2019
At first glance, if it looks like a human and talks like a human, you wouldn't generally assume that it would be anything other than human, right? Now, if you started to experience what some would call superpowers or shifting into something with scales, what would you think then? Would you think that you were still human? Hayes will entertain, mystify, and captivate readers with an adventurous spin on some of these concepts.
Idris has always been groomed to follow in his father's footsteps with the motivational speaking business, but hasn't really been asked if that is what he wants. With the love of music and a friend that has an abandoned studio, Idris is forced to play in secret or when his father is out of town. Knowing that his parents adopted him at an early age, he's always known that he was different, but just never how much until he starts to break out into scales. Full blown, green scales all over his body. Running away to live at the studio after a full transformation, he is greeted by a girl who has a lot to hide. The fact that this girl has been searching for someone and seems dead set on that someone being him, he becomes intrigued. Well, by that aspect and the other thing--you know--being thrown across the lot without anyone around, but her. All he knows is that he needs answers for why his world has suddenly turned upside down and she seems a little more knowledgeable about his condition than he does at this point. Sticking together may be in their very best interest, especially after a strange homeless lady starts creeping around with some seriously ominous glowing violet eyes that scream danger.
Hayes has an gripping story, filled with creativity, originality and fascinating characters. This story is one that will grab the reader from the beginning and lure them further into a depth of adventure and magic. The cover is what really draws the reader in at first glance, as you see a white textured-looking background with a dragon that appears to be made out of water. The colors and the name of the story really pop as well, drawing interest to the book. Hayes has well-developed characters that are captivating and likable. Also, the story is very well-written with little to no spelling or grammatical errors. If you are a reader of young adult fantasy and paranormal fiction, you may want to pick up this first installment. Since this is the first installment in The Chameleon Effect Series, the reader is able to dive in.
An electronic copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by Reedsy Discovery and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a five-star rating to Silken Scales by Alex Hayes.
Idris has always been groomed to follow in his father's footsteps with the motivational speaking business, but hasn't really been asked if that is what he wants. With the love of music and a friend that has an abandoned studio, Idris is forced to play in secret or when his father is out of town. Knowing that his parents adopted him at an early age, he's always known that he was different, but just never how much until he starts to break out into scales. Full blown, green scales all over his body. Running away to live at the studio after a full transformation, he is greeted by a girl who has a lot to hide. The fact that this girl has been searching for someone and seems dead set on that someone being him, he becomes intrigued. Well, by that aspect and the other thing--you know--being thrown across the lot without anyone around, but her. All he knows is that he needs answers for why his world has suddenly turned upside down and she seems a little more knowledgeable about his condition than he does at this point. Sticking together may be in their very best interest, especially after a strange homeless lady starts creeping around with some seriously ominous glowing violet eyes that scream danger.
Hayes has an gripping story, filled with creativity, originality and fascinating characters. This story is one that will grab the reader from the beginning and lure them further into a depth of adventure and magic. The cover is what really draws the reader in at first glance, as you see a white textured-looking background with a dragon that appears to be made out of water. The colors and the name of the story really pop as well, drawing interest to the book. Hayes has well-developed characters that are captivating and likable. Also, the story is very well-written with little to no spelling or grammatical errors. If you are a reader of young adult fantasy and paranormal fiction, you may want to pick up this first installment. Since this is the first installment in The Chameleon Effect Series, the reader is able to dive in.
An electronic copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by Reedsy Discovery and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a five-star rating to Silken Scales by Alex Hayes.
July 8, 2019
3.5 stars, actually.
This book definitely skirted the edges of several genres for me. In the end, it didn't quite deliver what it was signalling for me, and so possibly that's why I didn't enjoy it as much. It began with alternating POV between Cadi, a foster child whose latest farm-owning parents finally are providing a safe place to land and who don't freak out when her secret power is exposed, and Idris, a music-loving teen whose father is forcing him onto the path of motivation speaker (irony is apparent there, yeah?)
And in this beginning, the sense I had of this book is YA contemporary with a touch of paranormal, we were nicely getting set up with Cadi and Idris and getting a sense of their inner emotional conflicts.
Then things become a bit whacky as Idris undergoes a transformation. Not that the transformation is whacky, although from the cover with the dragon made of water I was hoping we were going into fantasy-land, but ended up going into SciFi land instead. What was whacky and hard to follow was the reactions of Idris, his best bud Marek, and his parents.
And because of the somewhat blase reactions and scifi stuff, I kept waiting to find out that the contemporary YA world from the beginning was actually a slighly different world than ours (because otherwise the reactions made no sense) but that didn't turn out to be true. Halfway through I found myself waiting for revelations that were never forthcoming about the nature of the world.
Instead I got Cadi running around, Idris hiding out, and both of them feeling crystals. Be the last third of the book we are in full-blown SciFi romance (lite, these are teens) with nasty aliens and all.
So I'm not sure I would follow along further in their story, although that might just be a personal taste issue with this kind of story.
This book definitely skirted the edges of several genres for me. In the end, it didn't quite deliver what it was signalling for me, and so possibly that's why I didn't enjoy it as much. It began with alternating POV between Cadi, a foster child whose latest farm-owning parents finally are providing a safe place to land and who don't freak out when her secret power is exposed, and Idris, a music-loving teen whose father is forcing him onto the path of motivation speaker (irony is apparent there, yeah?)
And in this beginning, the sense I had of this book is YA contemporary with a touch of paranormal, we were nicely getting set up with Cadi and Idris and getting a sense of their inner emotional conflicts.
Then things become a bit whacky as Idris undergoes a transformation. Not that the transformation is whacky, although from the cover with the dragon made of water I was hoping we were going into fantasy-land, but ended up going into SciFi land instead. What was whacky and hard to follow was the reactions of Idris, his best bud Marek, and his parents.
And because of the somewhat blase reactions and scifi stuff, I kept waiting to find out that the contemporary YA world from the beginning was actually a slighly different world than ours (because otherwise the reactions made no sense) but that didn't turn out to be true. Halfway through I found myself waiting for revelations that were never forthcoming about the nature of the world.
Instead I got Cadi running around, Idris hiding out, and both of them feeling crystals. Be the last third of the book we are in full-blown SciFi romance (lite, these are teens) with nasty aliens and all.
So I'm not sure I would follow along further in their story, although that might just be a personal taste issue with this kind of story.
August 3, 2020
What happens when a teenager is suddenly faced with the unthinkable? What if you woke up one day and suddenly discovered everything about your life wasn't what you thought it was? What if you were unexpectedly something other than what you thought you were?
Well, in Silken Scales, you get to experience the unimaginable right along with the main character. No, neither of you have any idea what is going on, and that's part of the magic of this truly creative and uniquely spun tale. Even more interestingly, readers also get to experience other character's perspectives through varying points of view throughout the story. It's a kaleidoscopic journey that not only sends you down the rabbit hole, but the worm hole as well.
Idris had no idea just how different he was until different seemed an understatement. He is left looking for answers with the only other person who is able to provide any insights and that's because she, too, has been faced with the unthinkable. They are not what they thought they were. They are not human!
This is a wonderful Young Adult tale, full of all the struggles young adults face: anger and angst, bullying and bravado, aliens, invasions, turning into a green-scaled rendition of yourself with super-hero like gifts.
If you take it simply for what it is, then the story is entertaining and wonderfully descriptive (I love all the details the author wove into the story, although some readers may find them a bit of a quagmire). If you look at the story from outside the box, or the solar system perhaps, you can see an entirely 'other' level. A metaphorical insight into young adulthood and how difficult being a young adult can be.
Although, in most cases the challenges we all face as teenagers don't include the possibility of being eaten by an alien!
Well, in Silken Scales, you get to experience the unimaginable right along with the main character. No, neither of you have any idea what is going on, and that's part of the magic of this truly creative and uniquely spun tale. Even more interestingly, readers also get to experience other character's perspectives through varying points of view throughout the story. It's a kaleidoscopic journey that not only sends you down the rabbit hole, but the worm hole as well.
Idris had no idea just how different he was until different seemed an understatement. He is left looking for answers with the only other person who is able to provide any insights and that's because she, too, has been faced with the unthinkable. They are not what they thought they were. They are not human!
This is a wonderful Young Adult tale, full of all the struggles young adults face: anger and angst, bullying and bravado, aliens, invasions, turning into a green-scaled rendition of yourself with super-hero like gifts.
If you take it simply for what it is, then the story is entertaining and wonderfully descriptive (I love all the details the author wove into the story, although some readers may find them a bit of a quagmire). If you look at the story from outside the box, or the solar system perhaps, you can see an entirely 'other' level. A metaphorical insight into young adulthood and how difficult being a young adult can be.
Although, in most cases the challenges we all face as teenagers don't include the possibility of being eaten by an alien!
August 15, 2019
I started this book and didn't really know what to think. At first it threw me off a bit as I was feeling that it had almost too much descriptive content. It would make my reading almost feel like it was stuttering a little bit. There was also some parts where it mentioned other things and I was wondering if I had missed something. Then as I got more into the story and it started to unfold and got a sense of what was happening, I don’t know if it stopped or I just didn’t notice it anymore. After the first couple chapters it caught me up into the story and kept me involved. It is told in alternating viewpoints of the two main characters. It did allow you to see how they were feeling and why they did some things. There was a twist or two that I was not expecting. I did over all enjoy the book and would read more by this author to see what happens as it does say book one. It was not a cliffhanger so there are possibilities that it could follow these characters or add in some that were mentioned in the book. I did receive and ARC from Hidden Gems for an honest review. Over all I did enjoy the book and got caught up so would give it four stars as I would take away a star for the things mentioned at the start of this review. They were minor and didn’t really change my opinion on the story so would say only one star.
July 10, 2019
I decided to read the first in this series because I'm part of a book tour in August to review Perfect Pitch, book 2 in the series.
Set in the Adirondack Mountains in the dead of winter, the story is about two young adults who find out they are aliens who have been bonded together from birth.
Idris was adopted at a young age, and his dad, who is a motivational speaker, wants Idris to follow in his footsteps. However, Idris wants to write music. When his skin starts turning green and scaley, he has to hide out at his best friend's family cabin or terrify every person in town.
When Cadi shows up at his cabin after leaving home to escape rumors of her picking up a tractor with her mind to save her foster dad, the sparks fly. They find out they have some out-of-this-world things in common like a crystal embedded in their chests that gives them awesome powers, but why are the spooky homeless people with glowing eyes trying to kidnap them?
A fun urban fantasy with telekinetic, musical, shapeshifting teenage aliens. If you like shapeshifter stories and alien worlds, give this book a try.
Thank you to Ms. Hayes for giving me the opportunity to review this book with no expectations of a positive review given.
Set in the Adirondack Mountains in the dead of winter, the story is about two young adults who find out they are aliens who have been bonded together from birth.
Idris was adopted at a young age, and his dad, who is a motivational speaker, wants Idris to follow in his footsteps. However, Idris wants to write music. When his skin starts turning green and scaley, he has to hide out at his best friend's family cabin or terrify every person in town.
When Cadi shows up at his cabin after leaving home to escape rumors of her picking up a tractor with her mind to save her foster dad, the sparks fly. They find out they have some out-of-this-world things in common like a crystal embedded in their chests that gives them awesome powers, but why are the spooky homeless people with glowing eyes trying to kidnap them?
A fun urban fantasy with telekinetic, musical, shapeshifting teenage aliens. If you like shapeshifter stories and alien worlds, give this book a try.
Thank you to Ms. Hayes for giving me the opportunity to review this book with no expectations of a positive review given.
August 9, 2019
***I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.***
This was a good book by Alex Hayes. This is a YA book with more of a Sci-fi appeal. It touches on the emotional aspect of teens.
So you have Idris who wants to sing but follows what his father wants for him to be a public speaker. He is a great student in school but at home he wants more. He adores his adoptive parents but he feels like there is something lacking that his mother tries to fill as best she could. As the story progresses you start to see the changes in Idris as he starts to figure out that he is not human. Then you have Cadi, who has finally found a foster home that she is happy in. She has already started manifesting her abilities and she feels like an outcast. She knows that she is different and tries to hide her abilities because she knows that if people see her using them, they may think she is crazy.
When these two finally meet that is when everything starts to happen. Can they handle it and overcome everything?
I felt that this story starts off slow, and it still had my attention to keep reading to find out what will happen. Overall it was a good story.
This was a good book by Alex Hayes. This is a YA book with more of a Sci-fi appeal. It touches on the emotional aspect of teens.
So you have Idris who wants to sing but follows what his father wants for him to be a public speaker. He is a great student in school but at home he wants more. He adores his adoptive parents but he feels like there is something lacking that his mother tries to fill as best she could. As the story progresses you start to see the changes in Idris as he starts to figure out that he is not human. Then you have Cadi, who has finally found a foster home that she is happy in. She has already started manifesting her abilities and she feels like an outcast. She knows that she is different and tries to hide her abilities because she knows that if people see her using them, they may think she is crazy.
When these two finally meet that is when everything starts to happen. Can they handle it and overcome everything?
I felt that this story starts off slow, and it still had my attention to keep reading to find out what will happen. Overall it was a good story.
October 6, 2019
Do green scales and unusual powers make him a monster?
Idris is just your average normal hormonal teen until a minor case of acne precedes his transformation into a green scaly monster with no hair being hunted by a bag lady with glowing violet eyes. This is a delightful story filled with all the angst of youth, an overbearing father, cold blooded alien invasion and weird science. Plot twists, delightful characters, and even a shootout keeps suspense high in this unusual approach to the beauty and the beast theme. Loved it!
Idris is just your average normal hormonal teen until a minor case of acne precedes his transformation into a green scaly monster with no hair being hunted by a bag lady with glowing violet eyes. This is a delightful story filled with all the angst of youth, an overbearing father, cold blooded alien invasion and weird science. Plot twists, delightful characters, and even a shootout keeps suspense high in this unusual approach to the beauty and the beast theme. Loved it!
November 27, 2019
This was a nice read. The pace was a bit slow, but I didn’t mind it. It worked.
I also loved to see two points of views as we follow Dre and Cadi.
Some things might have been given a bit more attention. For example Dre unconsciously using his powers, it seemed it troubled him a lot, and I wished to see the struggle more? Instead it looks like it’s waved away.
For a first book of a series, I really enjoyed how this book ended. It didn’t feel like an intro to the second book, but just fine alone.
I also loved to see two points of views as we follow Dre and Cadi.
Some things might have been given a bit more attention. For example Dre unconsciously using his powers, it seemed it troubled him a lot, and I wished to see the struggle more? Instead it looks like it’s waved away.
For a first book of a series, I really enjoyed how this book ended. It didn’t feel like an intro to the second book, but just fine alone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2021
In Silken Scales (The Chameleon Effect #1) by Alex Hayes, Foster kid Cadi has finally been found a loving home but then gets caught using psychic powers. Her whole world turns upside down. Next thing she knows she discovers Idris, a boy hiding in an abandoned night club who thinks he is cursed with a biological anomaly. Can Cadi's secret help him? Stay tuned. Loved this book and look forward to others in the series. This is book one of a boxset of the first three books which I received through bookfunnel but I decided to review individually too since it is available both ways on Amazon.
July 27, 2021
I voluntarily review an ARC.
This is the first part of the Chameleon Effect Series, the books should be read in order.
I really enjoyed this book. It's told in the POV of the two main characters, who are a foster kid and an adopted one. That both don't know their birth parents isn't the only thing they have in common.
Sometimes the story is a bit confusing, but it only shows what the protagonists are experiencing.
I'm looking forward to reading the next part.
This is the first part of the Chameleon Effect Series, the books should be read in order.
I really enjoyed this book. It's told in the POV of the two main characters, who are a foster kid and an adopted one. That both don't know their birth parents isn't the only thing they have in common.
Sometimes the story is a bit confusing, but it only shows what the protagonists are experiencing.
I'm looking forward to reading the next part.
October 24, 2019
Read my full review here: https://lifesanovelty.blogspot.com/20...
Note: I read this series out of order, but that does not sway my opinions. I made an honest effort to not take this out on my ratings.
Opinions: Silken Scales was exactly the same as Perfect Pitch. I, personally, was unable to stay engaged or enjoy the read because the characters were archetypical, the supernatural elements were odd, and the writing style wasn't fluid or descriptive. I'll admit with no hesitation that Silken Scales teaches readers many valuable lessons, but I must also say that there are hundreds of other books out there that teach you the same lessons and are much more engaging, thrilling, and noteworthy.
My Favourite Thing: Although I do have a few contrary thoughts, I enjoyed the themes and lessons taught in Silken Scales. Hayes took them very seriously and did her best to implement them into the story whenever she could; you can see evidence all throughout the book. I appreciate the immense effort and passion Hayes had when planning and creating this series.
My Least Favourite Thing: The introduction basically ruined the book for me. It was long, confusing, and didn't hook me. A lot of characters were introduced at once and, although I was reading it to myself, had names that I couldn't pronounce. This ruined the flow and made me focus on the character's names more than the story. There was also very little context; it was like one of those stereotypical prologues that is just a random scene from the middle of the book. Tons of characters, lots of action, and very long.
Note: I read this series out of order, but that does not sway my opinions. I made an honest effort to not take this out on my ratings.
Opinions: Silken Scales was exactly the same as Perfect Pitch. I, personally, was unable to stay engaged or enjoy the read because the characters were archetypical, the supernatural elements were odd, and the writing style wasn't fluid or descriptive. I'll admit with no hesitation that Silken Scales teaches readers many valuable lessons, but I must also say that there are hundreds of other books out there that teach you the same lessons and are much more engaging, thrilling, and noteworthy.
My Favourite Thing: Although I do have a few contrary thoughts, I enjoyed the themes and lessons taught in Silken Scales. Hayes took them very seriously and did her best to implement them into the story whenever she could; you can see evidence all throughout the book. I appreciate the immense effort and passion Hayes had when planning and creating this series.
My Least Favourite Thing: The introduction basically ruined the book for me. It was long, confusing, and didn't hook me. A lot of characters were introduced at once and, although I was reading it to myself, had names that I couldn't pronounce. This ruined the flow and made me focus on the character's names more than the story. There was also very little context; it was like one of those stereotypical prologues that is just a random scene from the middle of the book. Tons of characters, lots of action, and very long.
July 30, 2019
This was a fun sci fi read, there are some real life struggles the kids are going through brought up. There is also sexual tension, thankfully the author skips that scene but you do read lead up and after.
December 30, 2019
Ignorant aliens
Regular puberty freaks out teenagers, but alien puberty whoa! Especially when you did not know you aren't human. Add in other aliens that want to eat you and it becomes a total mindfuck. Story definitely keeps you turning pages.
Regular puberty freaks out teenagers, but alien puberty whoa! Especially when you did not know you aren't human. Add in other aliens that want to eat you and it becomes a total mindfuck. Story definitely keeps you turning pages.
October 5, 2020
A pretty good YA fantasy book. Interesting characters, an interesting way to tell the story, pretty good story line. You just have to remember it is a YA book as it doesn't have the sophistication of an adult book. I'll keep reading the series to see what happens.
September 13, 2023
Super story
I found,this to be Be a great Story. Fast paced plot Great characterizations And Very believable Keeping a wormhole and a warehouse Have guns that cause people to turn2 ash
I found,this to be Be a great Story. Fast paced plot Great characterizations And Very believable Keeping a wormhole and a warehouse Have guns that cause people to turn2 ash
March 23, 2019
Enjoyable and fun! Imaginative world. Looking forward to seeing where this series goes!
January 5, 2020
Well written and unusual modern retelling of a beauty and beast story.
May 27, 2020
It was a fun book, kind of all over the place, like kids.
July 22, 2019
Silken Scales is an older YA book dealing with aliens/humans and teenage angst. The story of Cadi and Idris, who have never really fit in, although Idris is popular he is not happy and Cadi is basically an outcast. Numerous foster homes, all of whom end when they find she is telekinetic.
Idris father wants a mini-me and has spent years trying to create just that. Idirs wants to play guitar, write music and sing. His father tends to dismiss his feelings and states that, when Idris turns scaly ; “I’m glad he’s not from my gene pool.”
This book brings them together flawlessly and is well written. The kid’s friends are loyal to a fault; following them thru a wormhole to a different world.
I was excited to learn this author lives in my hometown and that there is a coming soon sequel. Not only for YA readers but for all of us.
Idris father wants a mini-me and has spent years trying to create just that. Idirs wants to play guitar, write music and sing. His father tends to dismiss his feelings and states that, when Idris turns scaly ; “I’m glad he’s not from my gene pool.”
This book brings them together flawlessly and is well written. The kid’s friends are loyal to a fault; following them thru a wormhole to a different world.
I was excited to learn this author lives in my hometown and that there is a coming soon sequel. Not only for YA readers but for all of us.
August 6, 2019
This book was great. I honestly can't wait to read book 2. I didn't think I would like it but I couldn't put it down. The story line was interesting and I enjoyed the fact that it was both on Earth and another planet. Would recommend to anyone.
August 18, 2019
Silken Scales, has a strong and gripping epilogue. I was hooked pretty quick.
Chapter by chapter the story swaps between two POV leads, Idris & Cadi.
I really enjoyed getting to know them both and felt like I connected to both characters.
It’s revealed very early on that Cadi has telekinetic abilities. She of course gets caught using them and all hell breaks loose. The one positive that comes out of Cadi having to move on to a new town, a new school etc. is that she then meets Idris and the two story-lines converge.
After some twists, turns and an action packed finale, we’ve found out that Idris and Cadi are aliens. They are Livran’s originating from the planet Daizani. They were sent to earth when the were very young to keep them safe – and i’m sure you can appreciate there is so much more to it than that, but as to not spoil it for potential readers I’ll shhhhhh.
Chapter by chapter the story swaps between two POV leads, Idris & Cadi.
I really enjoyed getting to know them both and felt like I connected to both characters.
It’s revealed very early on that Cadi has telekinetic abilities. She of course gets caught using them and all hell breaks loose. The one positive that comes out of Cadi having to move on to a new town, a new school etc. is that she then meets Idris and the two story-lines converge.
After some twists, turns and an action packed finale, we’ve found out that Idris and Cadi are aliens. They are Livran’s originating from the planet Daizani. They were sent to earth when the were very young to keep them safe – and i’m sure you can appreciate there is so much more to it than that, but as to not spoil it for potential readers I’ll shhhhhh.
January 1, 2020
This book had a really good flow to it and an original story. The writing could have been a scounch better, but I still really enjoyed the book!!
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