Avala: Spirits of the Mindscapes - Book 1: Hope

by Caleb Teal

Four thousand years in the future, the Republic of Earth is at war with the oppressive Yajiran Empire. Meanwhile, on a primitive world, a half-human/half-Yajiran girl named Avala learns that her people’s beliefs are lies created by the Yajirans to keep them in a primitive state, so they can rule over them. While working with the Republic of Earth’s intelligence service in a collaborative effort to free her planet from its alien overlords, she discovers she has the same psychic and body-swapping powers that the elite Yajirans, the Yajixa, possess. In the process of learning how to master these powers, she awakens a long-lost precursor race from her planet called the Echarikith, who have magical god-like powers. The Echarikith offer to help Avala in her quest to free her people, in exchange for her help in freeing them from being enslaved in the Yajixa’s mindscapes. This is the beginning of Avala’s lifelong journey to become one of the spirits of the mindscapes.

167 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[I.G. Fleu · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a very fast book. Expect fast paced adventures, character development that won’t be happening in years or chapters, etc.: things happen in the blink of an eye. I honestly was a little taken aback by this, but it suits the story itself and its characters.
About that: be prepared to face some who might break your preconceived notions of what should be wrong or right. I honestly don’t want to include spoilers, so I won’t, but I think the author did a very good job including *some* (if not all) topics of social concern and picturing them in his characters. It’s not just sci-fi/fantasy: it’s also philosophy and, at times, different kinds of theology. Interesting to say the least.
I personally loved the glossary at the end of the book. This world is immense, creative, colourful and the pace is, like I said, vertiginous, so finding a glossary was amazing for me.

[Simon Evans]

First of all, I went into this book knowing absolutely nothing. If If I'm perfectly honest fantasy is not my preferred genre but this book transcends that. It is an intertwining of genres, that few can pull off. For those that like Fantasy, you will love it. Those of you who prefer si-fi will enjoy it even more. It is a tale of a young woman who grows up oppressed by society and especially men. But she discovers she is far more than those that have dominated her life. I can't overstate the page-turning quality of this novel, which guides us through the destiny of a young woman that will not bow to her oppressors or shirk her destiny to fight those that seek to silence and destroy her and her kind. I won't post any spoilers because that will ruin this wonderful story, but If you're looking for epic fantasy with heavy elements of science fiction and hope, then this is the book for you. I can't wait to read the sequel. I'm certain I will enjoy it as much as 'Avala: Sprits of the Mindscapes'

[Pinky N.A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Science fiction + fantasy + adventure with super fast story. I'm honestly not a big fan of those genres, but since this book is, like I said, super fast, I enjoyed it well.

This is a light read, despite those names and "wow" AI. If you're searching for a light read scifi - fantasy, and super fast pace book, Avala is the right book for you, my friend.

I was, like, "Wow!" and "What?" almost the entire time, and I'm loving this experience.

The ending is kinda too short for my liking, but I can tolerate it since the story itself is super fast. Yeah.

The writing is neat, too. I can't imagine reading an unneat (is this even a word?) book with fast paced story. Love it.

I give this book 4.5 stars (actually), and recommend it to my bookworm friends out there by the time I finished.

[Cindy Girard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, well written, page turner! As a science fiction story it is very unique — far more than just aliens and strange planets. The entire concept of the Mindscapes is unique, fascinating, and creates a powerful storyline. I strongly recommend this to anyone who enjoys science fiction, fantasy or unique fiction.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love science fiction and fantasy, and this book has elements of both. The main ideas of a future society, alien races, wars, with unique concepts made me want to keep reading right until the end. I look forward to reading more from this series.

[Livi Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Analysis – Avala: Spirit of the Mindscapes (Book 1) by Caleb Teal

For today’s book review, I will be speaking on a book full of magical realism, advanced technology, highly complex world development, and amazing characters. This book was a perfect length, not too long, to make you want to grab the second book in the series instantly. Avala, the main character, is a young girl who is half-human and half-Yajiran. She has very special psychic abilities including the ability to swap bodies with people. She also has spirits trapped in her mind.
Avala is a very well-developed character, full of both basic human emotions such as fear and happiness, and abnormal behaviors such as psychic abilities. She is taken from her world by her husband, whom she was forced to marry at the age of eight and was brought to the Republic of Earth. This organization helped her own self-discovery by providing her freedom and the ability to develop amazing fighting skills.
Along the way there are plenty of obstacles, all centered around the mindscapes. The mindscapes were made by Yajixa who enslaves people and their spirits to these mind confinements.
I do not want to spoil this book but give it a go if you are interested in escapism and magical realism, for this book brings out ideas towards our world that may spark a new perspective within your imagination.
Overall, the world's development was phenomenal. I loved the fantastical worlds, the means of transportation being teleportation, the high technology in the Republic of Earth. It was easy to visualize the differences between the worlds. The one where Avala is originally from consists of men dominating women, villages, and extreme weather conditions along the borders. The other world, however, consists of a woman running the organization, Silvia, with very high technological concepts, and the spaces being very minimalistic, clean, and white. I appreciate the distinct features in each realm so that I could imagine being in each place experiencing it with Avala.
The number of characters provided throughout the novel would seem overwhelming if I were to list all their names here, but the author does a great job in signifying each with unique personalities and abilities, just as he did with the world plotting.
This book was a treat to read, I definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone who is looking into a short but majestic book that dives into fantastical concepts. I cannot wait to read book two, so stay tuned for that review soon!

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb Teal’s Avala: Spirits of the Mindscapes is a genre-blending space opera that dives deep into identity, rebellion, and spiritual awakening. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into a richly imagined future where politics, mysticism, and personal growth intertwine. While the futuristic setting of the Republic of Earth and the Yajiran Empire hints at classic sci-fi tropes, the book surprises with its unique blend of psychic abilities, body-swapping, and ancient magic.

At the center of it all is Avala a half-human, half-Yajiran girl raised in ignorance on a primitive world. Her transformation from a confused outcast to a powerful agent of change is both gripping and emotionally grounded. What stood out to me the most was how the story never shied away from the complexity of Avala’s mixed heritage or the painful realizations she faces about her people’s history. Her struggle felt personal, raw, and human even when the narrative is dealing with telepathic espionage and ethereal dimensions.

The psychic powers, particularly the concept of “mindscapes” and the body-swapping abilities of the Yajixa, add a fascinating metaphysical layer to the conflict. Teal does a great job balancing these ideas without overwhelming the reader with too much jargon or worldbuilding at once. And the introduction of the Echarikith, the ancient race with near-divine powers, kicks the plot into a higher gear that left me flipping pages late into the night.

I especially appreciated how Avala’s journey is not just about war or rebellion it’s about finding her place in a fractured universe, navigating trust, power, and self-worth. There’s a definite spiritual undertone to her evolution, and the title Spirits of the Mindscapes takes on deeper meaning the more the story unfolds.

If I had any criticism, it would be that some of the secondary characters could have been more fleshed out. I wanted more time with the Republic operatives and deeper insight into the politics of the Yajiran Empire. But these are small things in a book that delivers such a sweeping and emotionally satisfying story.

Overall, Avala: Spirits of the Mindscapes is an ambitious and immersive read that blends science fiction with philosophical and spiritual themes in a way that feels fresh and resonant. If you enjoy character-driven epics with psychic intrigue and a touch of ancient magic, this one is definitely worth your time. I’m looking forward to the next installment in Avala’s journey.

[John Dane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did not seem much of a typical fantasy and rather a verging into the mind of another person. Avala: Spirits of the Mindscapes is more of an atmosphere, concept-driven album and that was what made the biggest impression on me. It is not spoon-fed worldbuilding, although, it gradually comes out as events unfold, memories, and discuss. I also appreciated the fact that the reader was not undermined to be a passive receiver of the story. You are supposed to think, make links, and at other times, you are expected to sit down without knowing. The themes of illusion and reality were presented in a manner that was not hurried. Characters are never that straightforward and easy to put in a category and that is how they became more believable in such a strange environment. Later chapters, in particular, those dealing with the Core and Namjila, are filled with emotions and philosophy. I would not suggest this book to a person who just seeks action-packed and fast-paced, however, it can be of real interest to the readers, who are interested in speculative fiction that explores the mind more than the world.

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing that I liked the most about this book was the ambition. Avala: Spirits of the Mindscapes has no aversion to grabbing at great themes, consciousness, destiny, power, and the thin boundary between sanity and control. The feeling of something bigger than a mere battle between sides is present since the beginning chapters. The concept of mindscapes puts a distinct touch to the story and turns places into something personal and symbolic instead of physical objects. The feeling of some parts is sharp and heavy, yet it is in line with the subject. The book does not give quick answers which is why it asks questions and I admired that. Even in cases where the events themselves were surreal, emotional stakes were made real by the concluding acts. I read the book feeling pensive and not excited, but that is not an awful quality. It is the type of tale that reverberates even after reading it.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The process of reading this book was like penetrating into a dream gradually becoming a conflict against reality. The rhythm is rather slow, and the ideas and characters are developed naturally. I liked the fact that the author combined science-fiction with fantasy without overrelying on the tropes. The Avalans and the concept of the Core were mysterious and important, which made the story seem deep-rooted and historical. Although certain chapters are rather thoughtful than action-oriented, they contribute to the emotional gravitas of the narrative. I liked the treatment of the power in the book in particular because of the fact that it is not represented as something heroic, but as something complicated and dangerous. The story has an adult edge to it as a result of a sober solemnity that permeates it. It is not an easy-read, but worth reading to the reader who takes pleasure in hidden narratives and philosophies.

[Diarmaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I entered Avala: Spirits of the Mindscapes hoping to experience something abstract, so I did not think it would be as immersive. The narrative gradually draws you into it, not by bombarding you with activity, but by gradually widening its conception. I also enjoyed the fact that the author treats the mind as a space, something that can be discovered, waged battle against and changed. The idea is fresh, particularly in its approach of connecting individual conflict to greater ones. The book makes you listen, and when I finally got used to that speed, it proved to be highly captivating. The story was heavy occasionally, but in a purposeful, not haphazard, manner. The illusion and the power themes remain the same and provide the story with a solid basis. At the end, I had the feeling that I had read something considered and bizarre, the type of book that makes an impression as it does not wish to be ordinary.

[Paul Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avala: Spirits of the Mindscapes is the kind of book that needs a complex reader. The story does not attempt to quickly clarify itself and rather lets things happen step by step. I also enjoyed the way in which the theme of illusion was incorporated in the story and also in the lives of the characters. It left the world unstable in a deliberate manner. It is not only physical, but mental and emotional as well and this was what made it interesting to me. The parts addressing history and the past events gave the present struggle a sense of scale so that it was worth the struggle. On the one hand, the book requires, on the other hand, it provides impossibility to do without depth and originality. It is the type of a novel, which one wants to read again, not because it is not clear, but because there is more than meets the eye the first time around.

[Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me continue thinking even after reading. It is serious and thoughtful, and treats its subjects with respect. I also liked the fact that the author has not used continual action as her source of interest. Rather, the tension is created with thoughts and awakening and changing points of view. The concept of mindscape enables one to be creative in telling stories that do not get deprived of any weight in narration. Their quests were meaningful as the characters had to struggle internally as a reflection of the conflicts they had to fight externally. There are chapters that seem to be intense, near overwhelming, but it appears to be a choice given the topic of discussion. It is a book that the reader who likes speculative fiction that challenges them and gives an emotional experience would like to read.

[Paul Tobiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems like this novel was composed to those who like thinking as much as reading. At the very beginning, it is evident that Avala is not attempting to push you through the plot point to the plot point. Rather, it revolves around concepts, how reality is constructed, how identity may be fractured and how one can lose control outside the physical. I liked the stratified format, in particular, the role of the past in current decision-making. The concept of mindscape allowed the story to be creative and not lose its sense. They still felt that they were in the logic of the world, even when it got surreal. I seemed to be thinking over some of the scenes even after reading them and that is not common. It is not a book that I would have to skim through. Those who read speculative fiction and like it being philosophically thought-provoking will have much to like here.

[Ryan Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most liked aspect of this book was its ambience. One can also feel a sense of unease and curiosity that runs throughout the story. The author is fairly successful in maintaining the balance of mystery and revelation at the same time, as he does not reveal too much information and keeps you going. I also appreciated the fact that the characters are not explained too much, their motives are revealed in the course of the development. Later chapters are more intense not only in the events, but also in the emotional sense. The concept of the Core was symbolic and strong, connecting most of the themes of the book. Although the narrative is sometimes challenging, it did not seem sloppy or lost. It felt purposeful. At the end, I got the impression that the author was well aware of the kind of story they intended to narrate, and narrated with certainty.

[Jordan Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Avala: Spirits of the Mindscapes a little at a time, at one time I only read a chapter or two then I paused to reflect on what I had just read. It is not a book that makes you hurry and I believe it does not want to be hurried. The most impressive aspect that immediately struck me was that the author pays a lot of attention to the inner world of the story. The fact that things like thoughts, fears, and beliefs have the ability to create their own reality was strong. I also enjoyed the way the story was unravelled gradually instead of being presented in one way or another. I was emotionally ready to read the story when it got to the Core. The book does not provide simplistic answers and I liked that. It was mature and deliberate. It is such a novel that will remain in your head, without shocking you but giving you a chance to reflect in quietnes

[Harold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would call this book the quietly ambitious book. It is not attempting to shock or overwhelm with eye-catching spectacle, but rather it is creating its effect through thoughts and atmosphere. Mindscapes enable the story to drift into inner conflict in a natural manner to the world. I really enjoyed the fact that the tone was serious, and no clichés or forced humor were used. The subsequent chapters, particularly the clashes with the Core, were deserved due to the well thought out preparation before. It is a book that does not belittle its reader in his/her intelligence and patience. This story is worth your time especially when you are a person who likes reading stories that will make you reevaluate your perception of reality and identity.

[Justin Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was more of peeling off layers than going straight through as Avala read. Every section brings something new to the world or the conceptualization of it. I liked the fact that the book does not deem its audience. It offers difficult ideas and leaves it to you to work on them. The combination of the elements of science-fiction and fantasy are effective, and it generates the ambiance that is both futuristic and mythical. The battles extend beyond the corporeal fights and emphasize on ideology, perception and mental fortitude. There are emotionally intense scenes, but they are offset by those of contemplation. Not every person will like this book, but those who like to read something thought-provoking, based on an idea, it is quite a full experience.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does not emphasize action at all, instead of action, it creates tension, based on ideas and psychological feud. The concept of mindscape is applied in an innovative way and inner conflicts do not seem less significant than outer ones. I considered the speed to be slow, yet satisfying particularly when the narration headed to the climax of the story. The characters seem to be influenced by the surroundings and their decisions which ensured the believability of their travels. The aspects of control, illusion and identity are interwoven throughout the story. At the conclusion, the book was able to challenge me without overwhelming me, which is a balance that is difficult to gain. It is an insightful book that stays with you even after reading.

[Charles James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avala: Spirits of the Mindscapes is a book that appreciates the depth rather than immediacy. The narration develops slowly giving its ideas room to breathe. I liked the way the author addressed the concept of reality as a flexible and disputable concept. The problem of transitions was natural between various portions of the book, and all of them augmented the scope of the story. The tone is serious enough to lend the themes any meaning other than abstraction. I liked how the book was not based on obvious emotional manipulation, and moments spoke themselves. The finale was deserved, and it was based on the groundwork that was put in place at the beginning. This is the type of book that is worth waiting and reading.

[Hunter Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was not sure whether this book would become my thing, and after I got into the nature of the story I realized that I was truly hooked. I have never read something as comparable to Avala, and that was a good thing. I was interested in the idea of mindscapes, particularly their use in the expression of what the characters are experiencing or thinking. There were sections that I had to go through slowly, but I did not care since the concepts were intriguing. I have also enjoyed the fact that the story got even more intense moving on without losing its focus. The finale was significant but not spectacular. All in all, this seemed like a book that had faith in me as a reader and I liked that very much.

[Megan Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Structurally and conceptually, Avala: Spirits of the Mindscapes is extremely well considered. It is clear that the author had a good vision and wrote beforehand, which manifests itself in the similarity of themes and laws of the world. The notion of mindscape is not merely a literary tool, but it is also a part of the philosophy of the story. I liked the way the book stacked its ideas such that earlier ideas were given a new meaning as the book proceeded. The movement between sections was smooth and gradual. It is not a tale that thrives on shock value or a series of twists, but is based on unity and richness. Those who like to deconstruct lore and themes will probably discover much to enjoy.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is very conceptual, yet non-cold. It was an emotional under undertone to the philosophical concepts that made me engaged. The lack of sanity, power and perception is explored sensitively. I also appreciated the fact that the book does not attempt to simplify everything and leave the reader to follow. The arrangement and in particular the partitioning of the story assisted the story to feel structured in spite of its intricacy. Some scenes stick in the mind because they invoke some of the perennial anxieties of powerlessness and impersonalization. Upon conclusion, I felt that I had been through something special and not the usual fantasy formula.

[Ethan Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

AVALA is rather of an experience than a narration. The storyline draws you into a place where reason and fact become indistinct and that vagueness is factored in. I also appreciated the fact that the book does not hurry up to explain everything. Rather, it makes the reader sit in the ambiguity. The characters seem influenced by the notions in which they are engulfed, and as such, their struggles seem personal and internal. The bigger battles have more philosophical value and thus seem to be important as compared to mere battles. Although it may not be a light read, it is a rewarding read to the reader who likes to explore past the superficial entertainment of the story.

[Cole Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me in a quiet way. Until I got to the later chapters, I was unaware of the level of emotional investment in it. The way Avala tries the identity and control is very personal. The mindscapes were not so much of physical locations but emotional conditions and this aspect of the story appealed to me. I also enjoyed the fact that the book provided time to be quiet and reflect as opposed to being in a state of activity. It provided me with room to experience the experience of the characters. At the end of reading the book, I felt reflective and a little bit unnerved, though in a good manner.

[Kayla Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a person reading much speculative fiction, I liked the way in which Avala combined the concepts of sci-fi with the fantasy without cliching too much. World seemed original particularly on the intersection of technology, power and consciousness. Of special interest was the Avalans and the Core. I also appreciated the fact that the book did not aim at spectacle as much as consequences. The rhythm is not dramatic, it is rather monotonic, yet it suits the kind of narration one is doing. It was like a book to read when one loves the ideas as much as the plot and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to find something different in the genre.

[Liam Jaxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book when a busy week was underway and to be honest I did not expect to remain with this one, but I got sucked into it more than I had imagined. I do not tend to read books that address this extensively abstractly, but Avala helped me to go slow in a good manner. The story isn’t loud or flashy. It is silent and allows ideas to sink with time. I was able to think of the concept of mindscape even when I was not reading. The book was respectful and not showcasing to me that it felt I was smarter than its word. At the end, I also felt that I had read something good, not only something good to laugh at. That is not usually the case with me.

[Jenna Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not normally read such profound books, yet I am glad that I took a chance with this one. There are sections I had to pause to re-read not because it was poor writing rather because it challenged me. The narration was solemn and directed and I admired that. I also liked that the book discussed control and choice but did not explain it in detail. Towards the end, I had the impression I had understood the message though I was unable to translate the message perfectly. It is not a quick or simple read, but it is worth being read.

[Zach Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has drawn my attention into the world. After becoming accustomed to the pace, I easily lost track of time reading. The settings were alive, the mindscapes particularly, which felt alive and unstable in a very interesting manner. I liked that the conflict was not in the form of fighting but in ideas and decisions. The characters were influenced by the world they inhabited and made everything to be interconnected. At the end, I felt that I have passed through something serious and significant. It is a novel that is worth getting lost in.

[Sophia Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avala is almost like a philosophical experiment in a form of a narrative. The questions it poses regarding the reality, illusion and identity are core to the tale and not peripheral themes. I liked the fact that the author did not give in to the temptation to oversimplify these ideas. The novel is also free to have contradictions, and this is what made it look more sincere. The mindscapes make internal struggle a very clever metaphor and the Core is more than mere power. It is a book that gives room to interpretation and I believe people will get different meanings of it.