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.

[Cassian Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avala: Spirits of the Mindscapes is one of those books that quietly slips into your imagination and then refuses to leave. The worldbuilding is stunning, an entire realm built out of thoughts, memories, dreams, and inner battles. I loved how Avala isn’t just fighting monsters; she’s confronting manifestations of fear, grief, and identity. The metaphysical layers gave the story a richness I didn’t expect, and by the end I felt like I had traveled through someone’s subconscious alongside her.

[Merritt Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me with how philosophical it is beneath the fantasy surface. Avala’s journey through the Mindscapes feels symbolic, almost like reading a myth about self-discovery. The creatures she encounters aren’t random, they represent emotional and mental states, and that made the conflict feel meaningful. Every chapter opens a door into another part of the psyche, and the pacing keeps you hooked. A truly imaginative read.

[Juniper Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing, original world. I’ve read dream-realm fantasies before, but Avala takes it to another level by treating consciousness as an entire ecosystem. The author makes abstract ideas feel tangible and alive. Avala herself is complex, strong, innocent, confused, determined, and the internal vs external conflict is beautifully woven. This book demands attention and rewards readers who enjoy layered storytelling.

[Fabienne Maurer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy stories that make you think while still giving you action, this is absolutely worth picking up. The battles are intense, but what struck me most were the quieter moments, Avala questioning who she is, why she exists, and what her power truly means. The Mindscapes are described in vivid detail, and I could picture every shifting landscape. It feels like a fantasy novel written by someone with a deep love for psychology.

[Elowen Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avala is such an interesting protagonist. She’s powerful but not invincible, brave but not fearless, and her struggles feel genuine. The Mindscapes reminded me of a mix between dream-logic and cosmic fantasy, strange, unpredictable, but beautifully coherent in its own rules. This book reads like an exploration of what it means to fight not just demons, but the fragments of ourselves we don’t always understand.

[Dorian Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

The creativity in this book is wild, in the best way. I kept stopping to reread certain descriptions because the imagery was so unusual. It’s not typical sword-and-sorcery fantasy; it’s more like diving into the architecture of the mind. I loved how the author uses symbolism without being heavy-handed. By the ending, I felt both satisfied and eager for more from this world.

[Alaric Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will appeal to readers who appreciate experimental fantasy. It bends reality, twists perception, and explores the subconscious through Avala’s eyes. The story feels big, ancient, and mythic. Some sections read almost like allegory, but there’s enough action to keep the narrative grounded. The emotional resonance is strong, especially when Avala faces truths she isn’t ready for.

[Cressida Harlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avala’s journey is equal parts external adventure and internal awakening. The author captures the fluidity of thought and memory so well that the Mindscapes feel alive, dangerous, and constantly shifting. Each challenge Avala faces reveals more about who she is and what her purpose might be. The pacing, the tension, and the thematic depth all blend into a compelling reading experience.

[Renji Kato]

One thing I really love about this book is how it balances darkness and hope. The Mindscapes can be terrifying, filled with creatures born from fear and conflict, but the story never feels bleak. Avala is a beacon in the middle of all that uncertainty. Her growth is believable, and her emotional journey is just as gripping as the physical dangers she encounters.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t a light, fluffy fantasy. It’s rich, layered, and occasionally challenging, but incredibly rewarding. The story deals with identity, consciousness, and the unseen battles happening inside every mind. The writing is descriptive without being overwhelming, and the tension builds steadily. Avala is the kind of character you grow with, and her world is one I would happily explore again.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the more original fantasy novels I’ve read this year. The concept alone is brilliant, but the execution is even better. The author handles the complexity of the Mindscapes with confidence, making every scene feel important. Avala’s arc is emotional, challenging, and ultimately inspiring. A must-read for fans of cerebral, atmospheric fantasy.

[Laura Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the premise of the book and it seemed to have a bit of a Star Trek feel to it in places. I would have preferred a slower pace to the story in order to fully develop the story and the characters. Overall, an enjoyable read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed from start to finished

This book starts very quickly. You may want to read the terms at the back of the book first to keep up. But other than that, it is very engaging.

[Chia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fast paced book full of actions with an interesting concept-Mindscape. Avala is an interesting character who uses her thoughts to communicate with people.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a phenomenal story right from the get go. Gets a bit slow and predictable at some point, but don’t be deceived.
By the end, the story would have reeled you in and left you wanting for more. Thankfully, there’s more.