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Aphra's Child
Critically-acclaimed author, Lesley Glaister, brings all her storytelling skills to this darkly magical fantasy about a young woman, Tula, who inhabits a brutal world where hiding your differences is the only way to stay alive and trusting the wrong person can be fatal.
- GenresFantasy
Paperback
First published October 12, 2018
4 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Glaister
47 books401 followersNovelist Lesley Glaister was born in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, England. She grew up in Suffolk, moving to Sheffield with her first husband, where she took a degree with the Open University. She was 'discovered' by the novelist Hilary Mantel when she attended a course given by the Arvon Foundation in 1989. Mantel was so impressed by her writing that she recommended her to her own literary agent.
Lesley Glaister's first novel, Honour Thy Father (1990), won both a Somerset Maugham Award and a Betty Trask Award. Her other novels include Trick or Treat (1991), Limestone and Clay (1993), for which she was awarded the Yorkshire Post Book Award (Yorkshire Author of the Year), Partial Eclipse (1994) and The Private Parts of Women (1996), Now You See Me (2001), the story of the unlikely relationship between Lamb, a former patient in a psychiatric ward, and Doggo, a fugitive on the run from the police, As Far as You Can Go (2004), a psychological drama, in which a young couple, Graham and Cassie, travel to a remote part of Australia to take up a caretaking job, only to be drawn into the dark secrets of their mysterious employers. Nina Todd Has Gone (2007) was another complex psychological thriller. Chosen, a dark and suspenseful book about a woman trying to rescue her brother from a cult, was followed by Little Egypt in 2014. This novel - set in the 20's in Northern England and Egypt, won a Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Award. Her next novel, The Squeeze, published 2017, centres on a relationship between a teenage Romanian sex-worker - a victim of trafficking - and a law-abiding, family man from Oslo. It's an unusual and (of course, twisted!) love story. Because not all love is romantic. In 2020 Blasted Things was published. This one is set just after World War 1 and is about the warping after-effects of a global war on society and on individuals. The two main characters, Clementine and Vincent, both damaged in different ways, must find their way in the post-war period. For them this results in a most peculiar kind of relationship and one that can only end in distaster.
Lesley Glaister lives with her husband in Edinburgh with frequent sojourns in Orkney. She has three sons and teaches Creative Writing at the University or St Andrews. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Lesley Glaister's first novel, Honour Thy Father (1990), won both a Somerset Maugham Award and a Betty Trask Award. Her other novels include Trick or Treat (1991), Limestone and Clay (1993), for which she was awarded the Yorkshire Post Book Award (Yorkshire Author of the Year), Partial Eclipse (1994) and The Private Parts of Women (1996), Now You See Me (2001), the story of the unlikely relationship between Lamb, a former patient in a psychiatric ward, and Doggo, a fugitive on the run from the police, As Far as You Can Go (2004), a psychological drama, in which a young couple, Graham and Cassie, travel to a remote part of Australia to take up a caretaking job, only to be drawn into the dark secrets of their mysterious employers. Nina Todd Has Gone (2007) was another complex psychological thriller. Chosen, a dark and suspenseful book about a woman trying to rescue her brother from a cult, was followed by Little Egypt in 2014. This novel - set in the 20's in Northern England and Egypt, won a Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Award. Her next novel, The Squeeze, published 2017, centres on a relationship between a teenage Romanian sex-worker - a victim of trafficking - and a law-abiding, family man from Oslo. It's an unusual and (of course, twisted!) love story. Because not all love is romantic. In 2020 Blasted Things was published. This one is set just after World War 1 and is about the warping after-effects of a global war on society and on individuals. The two main characters, Clementine and Vincent, both damaged in different ways, must find their way in the post-war period. For them this results in a most peculiar kind of relationship and one that can only end in distaster.
Lesley Glaister lives with her husband in Edinburgh with frequent sojourns in Orkney. She has three sons and teaches Creative Writing at the University or St Andrews. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 11, 2018
With a barely-there synopsis, you would think that this would be quite the gamble for most readers, but given how reliable critically-acclaimed author Lesley Glaister is I figured it was an odds-on favourite. Don't let the limited blurb put you off as some books simply work best when the reader goes in blind. However, if you think you've happened upon a lighthearted, fantasy world then you are very much mistaken. As with all of her novels, Glaister infuses it with issues that reflect those in our own societies.
Although the pacing is quite slow at the beginning it still works well as I feel you often need some time to adapt to the writing style and pick up on how the world works, once you become accustomed to both, the pace picks up. Glaister's worldbuilding could rival anyone's, even the greats of the fantasy genre, her characters are beautifully painted and interesting, and I look forward to both the world and the characters evolving over the upcoming books. Despite being based in a richly imaginative world, the author manages to make it both believable and wonderful, and the contrast between the light and dark in this fictional universe is masterfully executed. It features a sprawling fantasy world, suspense, and a smattering of romance, there is certainly something for everyone here. The portrayal of the conflict between humans and chimeras echoes that between classes, races and sexualities in the real world. This is one of the most refreshing fantasy titles I've had the pleasure to read recently, and the message it holds about being true to yourself no matter the consequences is one I can completely get behind.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable young adult debut, but with more substance than most. I really had a hard time putting this down, it was utterly immersive. This was a great read, and it has already gotten me anticipating the next book in the Chimera series. Glaister is a highly underrated author whose gift for engaging plots deserves a wider readership. Tighter editing could have perhaps sharpened up some of the prose, but apart from that, I loved it!
Many thanks to Stirling Publishing for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Although the pacing is quite slow at the beginning it still works well as I feel you often need some time to adapt to the writing style and pick up on how the world works, once you become accustomed to both, the pace picks up. Glaister's worldbuilding could rival anyone's, even the greats of the fantasy genre, her characters are beautifully painted and interesting, and I look forward to both the world and the characters evolving over the upcoming books. Despite being based in a richly imaginative world, the author manages to make it both believable and wonderful, and the contrast between the light and dark in this fictional universe is masterfully executed. It features a sprawling fantasy world, suspense, and a smattering of romance, there is certainly something for everyone here. The portrayal of the conflict between humans and chimeras echoes that between classes, races and sexualities in the real world. This is one of the most refreshing fantasy titles I've had the pleasure to read recently, and the message it holds about being true to yourself no matter the consequences is one I can completely get behind.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable young adult debut, but with more substance than most. I really had a hard time putting this down, it was utterly immersive. This was a great read, and it has already gotten me anticipating the next book in the Chimera series. Glaister is a highly underrated author whose gift for engaging plots deserves a wider readership. Tighter editing could have perhaps sharpened up some of the prose, but apart from that, I loved it!
Many thanks to Stirling Publishing for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
August 19, 2020
This is the first book in the Chimera Trilogy. Our protagonist, Tula a 16 year old Chimera, is trying to find her mother, Aphra. This is made harder by the fact she is not familiar with the outside world. The story starts a bit slow, but it picks up and was quite enjoyable. I am giving this a solid 3 star review.
May 11, 2019
How I loved this book!! It sucked me in like the favourite stories of my childhood and didn't let me go. Tula is a fantastic heroine and each character in this novel is clearly delineated, with Glaister painting vivid portraits of both the humans and chimeras. At times, the novel has a gloriously Dickensian feel. Glaister has created a big world and a big story filled with memorable characters. A story that deals with issues such as discrimination and oppression and provides a chilling analogy for past and present political events. Really recommend this book to readers of all ages.
December 24, 2018
When Aphra is kidnapped from her remote cottage, her daughter Tula is tasked with trying to find her, but having never visited the city before – what surprises lie in wait?
Aphra’s Child contains a well thought out world which has some nice, dark undertones to it. The prospect of the Chimera and the mixed breeds are interesting, and we also hit on some much darker notes towards the end of the book with things such as the Velvet steaks and the Kewtie-Pie dolls. I think more expansion of the politics involved and a bit of the history of how the Chimera came to be in existence would be interesting to explore in future novels.
My main problem with the book was with the main character Tula. Especially in Young Adult fiction I think it’s so important for female heroines to be headstrong and a bit independent but Tula is none of those things. I found her quite unlikeable and hadn’t even warmed to her by the end of the story. She is naive to the world which does give the reader a bit of needed exposition which can be realistically placed into the narrative. However, she seems to have no clue how to behave and waits for everyone else around her to steer her around the plot (mainly men which is a bit of a shame). It even says at one point ‘if only there was someone she could ask’ - then when she does finally make a decision it’s usually completely the wrong one. She hardly makes for a good role model!
I don’t usually mention formatting in ARC reviews but this book is now out so I should mention it isn’t well laid out for the kindle. Sentences are broken up oddly and chapter names aren’t formatted correctly so they just look like random words inserted into the narrative which makes it hard to read.
Overall I enjoyed the world that Aphra’s Child is set in, I just thought that a underdeveloped main character ruined what could have been an interesting plot. Hopefully in future books in the series Tula will grow up and be a lot less annoying! Thank you to NetGalley and Stirling Publishing for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews please go to www.kindig.co.uk
Aphra’s Child contains a well thought out world which has some nice, dark undertones to it. The prospect of the Chimera and the mixed breeds are interesting, and we also hit on some much darker notes towards the end of the book with things such as the Velvet steaks and the Kewtie-Pie dolls. I think more expansion of the politics involved and a bit of the history of how the Chimera came to be in existence would be interesting to explore in future novels.
My main problem with the book was with the main character Tula. Especially in Young Adult fiction I think it’s so important for female heroines to be headstrong and a bit independent but Tula is none of those things. I found her quite unlikeable and hadn’t even warmed to her by the end of the story. She is naive to the world which does give the reader a bit of needed exposition which can be realistically placed into the narrative. However, she seems to have no clue how to behave and waits for everyone else around her to steer her around the plot (mainly men which is a bit of a shame). It even says at one point ‘if only there was someone she could ask’ - then when she does finally make a decision it’s usually completely the wrong one. She hardly makes for a good role model!
I don’t usually mention formatting in ARC reviews but this book is now out so I should mention it isn’t well laid out for the kindle. Sentences are broken up oddly and chapter names aren’t formatted correctly so they just look like random words inserted into the narrative which makes it hard to read.
Overall I enjoyed the world that Aphra’s Child is set in, I just thought that a underdeveloped main character ruined what could have been an interesting plot. Hopefully in future books in the series Tula will grow up and be a lot less annoying! Thank you to NetGalley and Stirling Publishing for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews please go to www.kindig.co.uk
January 6, 2019
Tula is a chimera: half human, half animal. She has lived her whole life hidden away in the forest with her mother, Aphra – the only other person she has ever met. That is, until marauders come and take Aphra away, leaving Tula scared and alone. In an attempt to find help, Tula sets off for the city; a place where she must hide her animal side and adapt to city life to avoid anyone finding out that she is an illegal chimera. Sucked into a world of harsh politics and lies, she must do all she can to not be discovered.
The story was a little slow to get started, which made it difficult to get into. It got more interesting towards the middle and did stick in my head after I’d finished, but I didn’t manage to get fully engaged in the story throughout the whole thing.
I liked the general idea behind the story. Depending on how you choose to read it, it is either a solid fantasy adventure about a chimera trying to find her place in a world that doesn’t seem to want her, or a social commentary on race reflecting our own society. I tend towards the former, because I read to escape, but it is worth noting that this is a book with potentially meaningful layers.
Lesley Glaister is an extremely talented author. She has a knack for writing about real-life issues within a diverting and engaging story. However, this is the first fantasy of hers that I’ve read and I didn’t rate it as highly as some of her other books. I’m a massive fan of fantasy, but I actually prefer Glaister’s less fantastical novels.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The story was a little slow to get started, which made it difficult to get into. It got more interesting towards the middle and did stick in my head after I’d finished, but I didn’t manage to get fully engaged in the story throughout the whole thing.
I liked the general idea behind the story. Depending on how you choose to read it, it is either a solid fantasy adventure about a chimera trying to find her place in a world that doesn’t seem to want her, or a social commentary on race reflecting our own society. I tend towards the former, because I read to escape, but it is worth noting that this is a book with potentially meaningful layers.
Lesley Glaister is an extremely talented author. She has a knack for writing about real-life issues within a diverting and engaging story. However, this is the first fantasy of hers that I’ve read and I didn’t rate it as highly as some of her other books. I’m a massive fan of fantasy, but I actually prefer Glaister’s less fantastical novels.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this copy of Aphra’s Child by Lesley Glaister for review.
This is a YA fantasy of a similar world where humans unhappily co-exist with chimera (their lab created slaves) and a young girl who is a hybrid of each and stuck in the middle.
Tula starts off very sheltered and naive in the beginning and that was probably the biggest struggle for me as a reader. It feels like she is constantly being taken advantage of the first 80% of the book and I was waiting for another calamity or result of her poor judgement to happen. The story is paced very well and there is some good character development and world building going on. It felt a little middle-grade instead of YA to me. The small bit of romance is very chaste and except for a very disturbing scene at a restaurant most of the violence is pretty tame.
I give this one 3.5 stars. I wished for a little more edginess out of our main character and I personally prefer a little more romance. I think it could have benefitted from some more tension and heart pounding action in the middle. It was a little too much of “someone stole my belongings again” and begging strangers for help.
This is a YA fantasy of a similar world where humans unhappily co-exist with chimera (their lab created slaves) and a young girl who is a hybrid of each and stuck in the middle.
Tula starts off very sheltered and naive in the beginning and that was probably the biggest struggle for me as a reader. It feels like she is constantly being taken advantage of the first 80% of the book and I was waiting for another calamity or result of her poor judgement to happen. The story is paced very well and there is some good character development and world building going on. It felt a little middle-grade instead of YA to me. The small bit of romance is very chaste and except for a very disturbing scene at a restaurant most of the violence is pretty tame.
I give this one 3.5 stars. I wished for a little more edginess out of our main character and I personally prefer a little more romance. I think it could have benefitted from some more tension and heart pounding action in the middle. It was a little too much of “someone stole my belongings again” and begging strangers for help.
December 18, 2018
Aphra’s Child first caught me eye on NetGalley as I love a dark fantasy novel and it made me want to read it. It got off to a fantastic start with Tula escaping into the forest at her mother’s command, she has been hidden away for as long as she can remember and wants to know why things are changing.
The key thing about Tula is that she is a Chimera and in this world, Chimera’s are second class citizens with no rights. The government wants to exterminate them because they percieve them as a threat to their lifestyle. However as naive as Tula is she manages to look after herself once her mother is taken from her. (In this instance it begins to feel like your regular YA novel 😊).
I really enjoyed the writing of this novel as well. It drew me into the story and made me want to know what was going to happen to Tula and the other characters. There were parts where I anticipated the direction that the story was leading us in but I still enjoyed it.
I am looking forward to where the story is going to lead us in the next book. I gave Aphra’s Child 3.5 stars.
The key thing about Tula is that she is a Chimera and in this world, Chimera’s are second class citizens with no rights. The government wants to exterminate them because they percieve them as a threat to their lifestyle. However as naive as Tula is she manages to look after herself once her mother is taken from her. (In this instance it begins to feel like your regular YA novel 😊).
I really enjoyed the writing of this novel as well. It drew me into the story and made me want to know what was going to happen to Tula and the other characters. There were parts where I anticipated the direction that the story was leading us in but I still enjoyed it.
I am looking forward to where the story is going to lead us in the next book. I gave Aphra’s Child 3.5 stars.
June 10, 2019
Format: Paperback
Fab book - A dystopian treat. Lesley Glasiter’s imaginative flair, wicked humour and way of painting memorable characters all translate very well to teen fiction (as an adult I loved it too).The new things I’ve not seen from Glaister before is her creating a world of the future.... a vividly unsettling future where humans and genetically modified ‘kims’ have been segregated. Can see this working well as a Hunger Games type film as it’s very tightly action packed and character driven.
The kims are really fascinating, I love the Jacks of All Trades, Kewty-pies and Molly Maids - and the big mound of flesh called Esmeralda is so hideously funny it’s worth getting the book just to meet her! Well done again Lesley, you've done it again and deserve to be read much more widely 😊
Fab book - A dystopian treat. Lesley Glasiter’s imaginative flair, wicked humour and way of painting memorable characters all translate very well to teen fiction (as an adult I loved it too).The new things I’ve not seen from Glaister before is her creating a world of the future.... a vividly unsettling future where humans and genetically modified ‘kims’ have been segregated. Can see this working well as a Hunger Games type film as it’s very tightly action packed and character driven.
The kims are really fascinating, I love the Jacks of All Trades, Kewty-pies and Molly Maids - and the big mound of flesh called Esmeralda is so hideously funny it’s worth getting the book just to meet her! Well done again Lesley, you've done it again and deserve to be read much more widely 😊
September 28, 2018
Lesley Glaister is, in my opinion, another under-read author. Having enjoyed some of her adult fiction I was keen to try Aphra’s child, her first YA read.
Tula is a Chimera, and when her world falls apart, she is forced to make the long journey to the city to find help.
‘Darkly magical’ tends to compensate for a lot of missing elements in fiction and helps to suspend disbelief, but for me, a much bigger dollop was required here.
The simplicity of the message became tiresome, and I suspect YA readers might enjoy more adventure and more obvious flirtations.
Thanks to NetGalley and Stirling Publishing
Tula is a Chimera, and when her world falls apart, she is forced to make the long journey to the city to find help.
‘Darkly magical’ tends to compensate for a lot of missing elements in fiction and helps to suspend disbelief, but for me, a much bigger dollop was required here.
The simplicity of the message became tiresome, and I suspect YA readers might enjoy more adventure and more obvious flirtations.
Thanks to NetGalley and Stirling Publishing
October 25, 2018
I was sent an uncorrected advance proof of Aphra’s Child by Lesley Glaister to read and review by NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this book! It is a very different genre to Lesley Glaister’s other novels, which I love, but she rises to the challenge well. The bones of the story are firmly rooted in the tradition of the Sci Fi/Fantasy genre – good against evil, class structures, birth rights and quests for equality. There is also an underlying reference to certain real-life events, past and present, which I don’t think can be mistaken. The author manages to put a twist in the tale as she conjures up the atmosphere and sense of place within the narrative and brings her characters to life. I look forward to reading the next book in this entertaining Teen/YA series.
I really enjoyed this book! It is a very different genre to Lesley Glaister’s other novels, which I love, but she rises to the challenge well. The bones of the story are firmly rooted in the tradition of the Sci Fi/Fantasy genre – good against evil, class structures, birth rights and quests for equality. There is also an underlying reference to certain real-life events, past and present, which I don’t think can be mistaken. The author manages to put a twist in the tale as she conjures up the atmosphere and sense of place within the narrative and brings her characters to life. I look forward to reading the next book in this entertaining Teen/YA series.
May 23, 2019
If you're an adult who loves Glaister, you should have no reservations in recommending this to any YA in your life, and make sure to read it yourself too!
I loved it from the off. It was easy peasy to get under Tula's skin and go with her every step of the way, joyously, fearfully, and with a lot of intrigue. A thought provoking book, and great story, which I couldn't put down. I can't believe more hasn't been heard of this Glaister YA triumph!
I can't wait for the next book.
(My cover is different to the one Good Reads is showing, and Im glad my title is easier to read, but I guess that's down to a publisher error, not the author!)
I loved it from the off. It was easy peasy to get under Tula's skin and go with her every step of the way, joyously, fearfully, and with a lot of intrigue. A thought provoking book, and great story, which I couldn't put down. I can't believe more hasn't been heard of this Glaister YA triumph!
I can't wait for the next book.
(My cover is different to the one Good Reads is showing, and Im glad my title is easier to read, but I guess that's down to a publisher error, not the author!)
November 2, 2019
If viewed as a kind of fable about racism, this story definitely has merit, and does a good job of portraying some of the complexities and contradictions of a racist society. However, too much of it depends on the main character being kept ignorant of important information for no good reason, or behaving stupidly (or sometimes the opposite -- behaving in ways that seem too knowledgeable for someone with such a sheltered upbringing.) Overall, it wasn't bad, but it didn't bowl me over either.
November 26, 2022
This was a very interesting read. Started off a bit slowly and I wasn’t warming to Aphra or Tula. As it progressed it got much better. The characters were filling out and developing and the story was progressing at a good pace. I’d figured out the main plot point quite early on but it was nice to have it confirmed. I will need to pick up the next part.
Provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
October 12, 2023
this was a really good book. my friend picked it up as a joke and suggested i read it. i actually enjoyed it from the start, but the pages around 300 kinda put me in a slump. i got out of it in like a day though
i didn’t like how tula was a naïve girl, but just guess it made sense since she was brought up in the cottage away from civilisation
i didn’t like how tula was a naïve girl, but just guess it made sense since she was brought up in the cottage away from civilisation
January 27, 2024
This is a captivating story, filled with strong characters and beautiful descriptions. The world painted itself vividly in my mind, as I was eager to find out more about Tula’s past. Was very refreshing to be thrown in the dark and uncover the information alongside the protagonist.
I loved the book! Might have to re-read it, while waiting for the 2nd volume.
I loved the book! Might have to re-read it, while waiting for the 2nd volume.
June 30, 2019
I just couldn't connect to the main character. Behaviour of other characters wasn't explained. I was left with a lot of questions and glad when I had finished it.
September 1, 2019
3,5/5
Well that was a pleasant read!
First of the Chimera series, Aphra’s Child is a refreshing take on the enduring tale of how men treat those that are different from them, how they can reject and belittle those they have used, once this much needed working mass becomes numerous and eager for freedom and equality…
Petula has been living with her mother in a remote cottage for 16 years now. Having been told how dangerous the outside world is, she has not got any contacts with the outside world. Her universe ends at the edge of the woods that border their little farmyard. But one day, her mother is abducted. Now alone and ridden with worry, Tula must go to seek some help.
But Tula is naive and helpless. The outside world, especially the city, is an uncharted, incomprehensible territory to her. She soon finds herself entangled in other people’s greedy schemes and shady political matters.
I appreciated the fluidity of the writing, and it got even better in the second half of the story, when the intrigue really picked up.
Moreover, Tula is an engaging protagonist, albeit sometimes annoyingly gullible and impulsive, but these traits fit with the characters.
I found the plot exciting and well though of, although maybe with too many coincidences that converge to help Tula along the way. Her adventures are entrancing and she encounters a gallery of colourful characters : the greedy businessman, the populist politician, the passionate activists… and the commoner who does not agree with the harsh discriminative policies in place or proposed, but still closes his/her eyes because it is safer than to protest. They all help her grow, somehow, and provide food for thought for the reader too.
I also enjoyed all the little clues and mysteries sown across the novel. Some find resolution in this first instalment, and other provide perfect teasers for the next. I am curious to see how Glaister ties everything up in the end.
All in all, Tula’s story is rich and thought provoking, and as we see her growing we also share her moral questionings. An enjoyable novel to put in young and adult hands alike. Read it if you are looking for a entertaining yet dark and clever story, that treats important matter with a well balanced tone.
Well that was a pleasant read!
First of the Chimera series, Aphra’s Child is a refreshing take on the enduring tale of how men treat those that are different from them, how they can reject and belittle those they have used, once this much needed working mass becomes numerous and eager for freedom and equality…
Petula has been living with her mother in a remote cottage for 16 years now. Having been told how dangerous the outside world is, she has not got any contacts with the outside world. Her universe ends at the edge of the woods that border their little farmyard. But one day, her mother is abducted. Now alone and ridden with worry, Tula must go to seek some help.
But Tula is naive and helpless. The outside world, especially the city, is an uncharted, incomprehensible territory to her. She soon finds herself entangled in other people’s greedy schemes and shady political matters.
I appreciated the fluidity of the writing, and it got even better in the second half of the story, when the intrigue really picked up.
Moreover, Tula is an engaging protagonist, albeit sometimes annoyingly gullible and impulsive, but these traits fit with the characters.
I found the plot exciting and well though of, although maybe with too many coincidences that converge to help Tula along the way. Her adventures are entrancing and she encounters a gallery of colourful characters : the greedy businessman, the populist politician, the passionate activists… and the commoner who does not agree with the harsh discriminative policies in place or proposed, but still closes his/her eyes because it is safer than to protest. They all help her grow, somehow, and provide food for thought for the reader too.
I also enjoyed all the little clues and mysteries sown across the novel. Some find resolution in this first instalment, and other provide perfect teasers for the next. I am curious to see how Glaister ties everything up in the end.
All in all, Tula’s story is rich and thought provoking, and as we see her growing we also share her moral questionings. An enjoyable novel to put in young and adult hands alike. Read it if you are looking for a entertaining yet dark and clever story, that treats important matter with a well balanced tone.
August 19, 2018
Thank you to Stirling Publishing. for the arc of this book.
I enjoyed this book, it was a nice easy light read.
I enjoyed this book, it was a nice easy light read.
August 31, 2018
This... Is a middling sort of book. It has a lovely idea, that of human/animal chimeras living alongside humanity, hated and misunderstood, and draws parallels to racism and classism in today's society. It takes a fantastical idea, the supernatural of a chimera, and places it in a mundane world, a world without magic inherent. The experience of the chimera was well executed, but a little heavy handed. The obvious analogy to race was a little blunt.
However, I enjoyed the concept.
Petula, the protag, is meant to be a naive sixteen. Which, in some senses, I could feel. However she comes across as not just naive, but absolutely guileless and ignorant, and I was hard pressed to imagine her as a young adult, as she was written to appear more like a twelve year old, a much younger child.
I feel like the author wanted to create a dystopian society, a novel of intrigue, and a fantasy novel all at once, and I don't feel that it was wholly achieved. I would have preferred the author stick to and fully flesh out one of the concepts; and it would have provided a richer reading experience.
I did however finish the book, which is kind of a chimera Handmaid's Tale - a society that uses and abuses chimeras rather than women, ripe with corruption. I would not however read a sequel. I just felt unfulfilled during the course of the novel, and kept wishing the author had taken another look over her final draft to really tighten it up and make the actual prose shine a little more.
My recommendation? Read it on kindle unlimited or if its free or 99p. Otherwise, give it a miss.
However, I enjoyed the concept.
Petula, the protag, is meant to be a naive sixteen. Which, in some senses, I could feel. However she comes across as not just naive, but absolutely guileless and ignorant, and I was hard pressed to imagine her as a young adult, as she was written to appear more like a twelve year old, a much younger child.
I feel like the author wanted to create a dystopian society, a novel of intrigue, and a fantasy novel all at once, and I don't feel that it was wholly achieved. I would have preferred the author stick to and fully flesh out one of the concepts; and it would have provided a richer reading experience.
I did however finish the book, which is kind of a chimera Handmaid's Tale - a society that uses and abuses chimeras rather than women, ripe with corruption. I would not however read a sequel. I just felt unfulfilled during the course of the novel, and kept wishing the author had taken another look over her final draft to really tighten it up and make the actual prose shine a little more.
My recommendation? Read it on kindle unlimited or if its free or 99p. Otherwise, give it a miss.
September 2, 2018
I received this EBook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall the book was nicely done and I love what the concept of the book was about. There was a definite moral of the story value to it with the main character being true to herself instead of changing to please society and fit in. I appreciated that very much. Also the human vs. chimera issues shadowed what life was once like in the US.
Though there are a lot of grammatical errors, I found it to be an easy and quick read and enjoyed it very much.
Overall rating: 3.5
Overall the book was nicely done and I love what the concept of the book was about. There was a definite moral of the story value to it with the main character being true to herself instead of changing to please society and fit in. I appreciated that very much. Also the human vs. chimera issues shadowed what life was once like in the US.
Though there are a lot of grammatical errors, I found it to be an easy and quick read and enjoyed it very much.
Overall rating: 3.5
September 3, 2018
A Light, Refreshing Very Well Made Story. Loved Tula's Character. It Was Well Written And Would Definitely Pick Up Lesley Glaisters Work For My Shelves Also Would Recommend This Novel.
September 23, 2018
Tula has spent the first sixteen years of her life with just her human mother and has no knowledge of her father. She does know however, that he must be chimera, like her. Her world changes abruptly, with the kidnap of her mother and she must leave the safety of their hidden home in the mountains,, to go and seek the truth.
Her journey takes her to the City, which is a city on edge and planning a mass ‘cleansing’ of chimera and their kind. The more time she spends there, she realises she must also possess the secret knowledge that her mother never shared with her, but will she ever discover the secret and how will she survive in the city, which looks set to hunt down her kind.
This is a good example of young adult fantasy writing with just enough intrigue and suspense and a hint of romance, fluttering around its edges. As an adult, I enjoyed the story and would look for a sequel, to see what happened next. The main character is strong, if a little naive.
Her journey takes her to the City, which is a city on edge and planning a mass ‘cleansing’ of chimera and their kind. The more time she spends there, she realises she must also possess the secret knowledge that her mother never shared with her, but will she ever discover the secret and how will she survive in the city, which looks set to hunt down her kind.
This is a good example of young adult fantasy writing with just enough intrigue and suspense and a hint of romance, fluttering around its edges. As an adult, I enjoyed the story and would look for a sequel, to see what happened next. The main character is strong, if a little naive.
October 5, 2018
I picked this book up 3 times, and struggled through it. Although there was plenty to like, I'm sorry to say it just didn't work for me.
The writing style felt uneven and awkward, with strange choices of slang and naming.
It had a slow pace, which isn't an automatic fail in my opinion, but there has to be a good reason for it. It just didn't further develop the texture of the story in any way.
Overall, the worldbuilding was lacking in context and detail. It didn't feel full developed.
I did like the concept and development of themes in the plot. And the characters were well rounded and compelling.
Unfortunately, Aphra's Child fell short of my expectations and I didn't particularly enjoy it.
The writing style felt uneven and awkward, with strange choices of slang and naming.
It had a slow pace, which isn't an automatic fail in my opinion, but there has to be a good reason for it. It just didn't further develop the texture of the story in any way.
Overall, the worldbuilding was lacking in context and detail. It didn't feel full developed.
I did like the concept and development of themes in the plot. And the characters were well rounded and compelling.
Unfortunately, Aphra's Child fell short of my expectations and I didn't particularly enjoy it.
October 12, 2018
Rating: DNF
This was Ms. Glaister's first YA novel attempt and I've read great reviews on her other novels that I was extremely excited for this one especially as it would be my first from her. Unfortunately, I DNF'd this for several reasons listed below. *I received a free copy from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review*.
The plot line was designed to illuminate an adolescent girl who learns to strive despite her differences. The writing of this character was not to my liking at all - instead of creating a strong protagonist, the author made her too youthful and immature, often making me feel like she was only 11 or 12 vs. the young adult she's supposed to have been. The setting's atmosphere attempted to create a semi-dystopian society with issues of racism, inequality and social class segregation and while I could see how easily this could have been achieved especially with the fantasy aspect of these characters, it fell through. The pacing of the storyline did not help matters either -it was very slow and hard for me to maintain interest.
This was Ms. Glaister's first YA novel attempt and I've read great reviews on her other novels that I was extremely excited for this one especially as it would be my first from her. Unfortunately, I DNF'd this for several reasons listed below. *I received a free copy from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review*.
The plot line was designed to illuminate an adolescent girl who learns to strive despite her differences. The writing of this character was not to my liking at all - instead of creating a strong protagonist, the author made her too youthful and immature, often making me feel like she was only 11 or 12 vs. the young adult she's supposed to have been. The setting's atmosphere attempted to create a semi-dystopian society with issues of racism, inequality and social class segregation and while I could see how easily this could have been achieved especially with the fantasy aspect of these characters, it fell through. The pacing of the storyline did not help matters either -it was very slow and hard for me to maintain interest.
February 19, 2019
I enjoyed this story, especially in that it can be interpreted in a couple of different ways (a story about Chimera and also as a parallel to society and racism/segregation and politics) which makes it both a nicely written story about a sheltered girl trying to find her way in the world and also as a story with a deeper and often darker message about our society and people and how we all treat others.
Tula is a likeable teenage character and as she has lived an exceptionally sheltered life with just her mother and she behaves as you would expect a naïve teenage girl to behave. She is trying to rely on herself for the first time ever - she is trying to navigate what she has always been told by her mother along with what she feels is right and at almost every turn she is taken advantage of,
I don't want to give too much away, I did have my suspicions about who her father was after first meeting the character - I was very briefly, but cleverly made to question if I'd got it entirely wrong at the point it was confronted!
It ends well, but comfortably leads to a continuation in the series and I definitely think it would be a good book for somewhat younger readers to approach social and political issues with the topics that run deeply through it.
One of my favourite quotes from it was "Cleansing . . .How can something so cruel and wicked, sound like a pure, simple thing . . ."
If I were able to give half stars I would give an extra half - but I can't, sorry! I must also thank NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this.
Tula is a likeable teenage character and as she has lived an exceptionally sheltered life with just her mother and she behaves as you would expect a naïve teenage girl to behave. She is trying to rely on herself for the first time ever - she is trying to navigate what she has always been told by her mother along with what she feels is right and at almost every turn she is taken advantage of,
I don't want to give too much away, I did have my suspicions about who her father was after first meeting the character - I was very briefly, but cleverly made to question if I'd got it entirely wrong at the point it was confronted!
It ends well, but comfortably leads to a continuation in the series and I definitely think it would be a good book for somewhat younger readers to approach social and political issues with the topics that run deeply through it.
One of my favourite quotes from it was "Cleansing . . .How can something so cruel and wicked, sound like a pure, simple thing . . ."
If I were able to give half stars I would give an extra half - but I can't, sorry! I must also thank NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this.
February 18, 2019
This was a strange but very imaginative story. I haven't read anything quite like this before and have read a lot of Sci-Fi. A story of Chimeras who have multiplied and filling a subservient roll in the service of "normal" people. There is obviously objection to this and groups are trying to change the status quo. Unfortunately it appears to be the beginning of a series so you don't get to find out very much. It certainly seems to be a story to follow.
April 6, 2019
Aphra's Child
by Lesley Glaister
Stirling Publishing
Sci Fi & Fantasy , Teens & YA
There is something sweet innocent fragile and precious about this tale as far as the main character as well as the evil of people. It brings to mind the classic pen "A calf with two heads' as well as the 'Wicked' series while maintaining a place of its own. The book is centered on an unusual and too sheltered from the world young girl and her attempts at survival after being tossed on her own and thrust in another environment from any she has experienced It also has strong themes of how people have no qualms in creating and victimizing others for their own means then having the arrogance of then trying to destroy them when feeling threatened. The kwepie in this was straight out of "Fairyland" compete with all the soulless, selfishness and cravenness. I would definitely recommend and this is a good read and food for thought on where your moral compass is standing .
by Lesley Glaister
Stirling Publishing
Sci Fi & Fantasy , Teens & YA
There is something sweet innocent fragile and precious about this tale as far as the main character as well as the evil of people. It brings to mind the classic pen "A calf with two heads' as well as the 'Wicked' series while maintaining a place of its own. The book is centered on an unusual and too sheltered from the world young girl and her attempts at survival after being tossed on her own and thrust in another environment from any she has experienced It also has strong themes of how people have no qualms in creating and victimizing others for their own means then having the arrogance of then trying to destroy them when feeling threatened. The kwepie in this was straight out of "Fairyland" compete with all the soulless, selfishness and cravenness. I would definitely recommend and this is a good read and food for thought on where your moral compass is standing .
April 20, 2019
A slow start to this but I think intentionally as it works youinto the story and once there, you don’t want to stop. Great world building, wonderful characters, such a breeze to read as it sucks you right in and you don’t want to leave. I loved the MC Tula, such an emotive, well written character. Great book and can’t wait for more.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
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