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World of Silence
Silence. Complete silence. That was all I heard.
Fledge Owenby is a deaf archer struggling to be seen for his potential instead of his disability. When forgotten and left behind during a dragon attack, he thinks it is the chance to prove himself that he has been waiting for. But who knew one trip out of the bunker would change everything?
Saved from evil dragons by a dragoness, Fledge wonders why she would help him and soon discovers how similar they are. He is deaf and she is without fire. Drawn together by a bond, not even he can understand, Fledge and Galexia are unwittingly pulled into adventure.
Betrayal of the highest level, deception, and a war that never should have been. Fledge must find a way to end it all while trying to be seen as the boy he is, instead of the disability he has.
Fledge Owenby is a deaf archer struggling to be seen for his potential instead of his disability. When forgotten and left behind during a dragon attack, he thinks it is the chance to prove himself that he has been waiting for. But who knew one trip out of the bunker would change everything?
Saved from evil dragons by a dragoness, Fledge wonders why she would help him and soon discovers how similar they are. He is deaf and she is without fire. Drawn together by a bond, not even he can understand, Fledge and Galexia are unwittingly pulled into adventure.
Betrayal of the highest level, deception, and a war that never should have been. Fledge must find a way to end it all while trying to be seen as the boy he is, instead of the disability he has.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2022
2 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Kaytlin Phillips
17 books250 followersKaytlin Phillips is a homeschool grad who spends her days praising her Savior, reading, writing, blogging, and annoying her sisters with random thoughts. She is the fifth child out of seven and resides in the Southern Appalachian foothills of Western North Carolina.
She believes in the power of stories and their ability to change lives. And when not writing stories of hope, purpose, and redemption, you can find Kayti (as everyone calls her) reading, hiking, or taking random pictures.
Connect with Kayti at www.sisters-three.com
or on Instagram @sisters_three_press
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
She believes in the power of stories and their ability to change lives. And when not writing stories of hope, purpose, and redemption, you can find Kayti (as everyone calls her) reading, hiking, or taking random pictures.
Connect with Kayti at www.sisters-three.com
or on Instagram @sisters_three_press
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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July 24, 2025July 2025
World of Silence has a Second Edition cover! Spine and back cover art and custom chapter headers as well! With new editing! I'm so excited for this new version of my debut!
MAY 2022
Well, I am officially published! World of Silence is available on Amazon in ebook and paperback. I'm not going to give my book a star rating because that makes me uncomfortable...lol...but I will say I poured a lot of myself into this story. I love it in a special way (and despise editing...and love it at the same time, the struggle of a writer).
I did want to say that the lip reading Fledge does is obviously made out to be easier than it actually is in the book. I tried to learn lip reading at one point while writing this and that was an epic fail. But, I didn't want to bore readers by having no dialouge....so I made Fledge rather good at lip reading, which some people (people like Fledge) are really good at because they have to be, but I think Fledge goes beyond even that amount of skill. That part of the story is not as accurate as I tried to make the rest of the story. I just wanted to clarify that bit, but with that being said, I hope you will read and enjoy WoS!
God Bless!
Kaytlin P.
World of Silence has a Second Edition cover! Spine and back cover art and custom chapter headers as well! With new editing! I'm so excited for this new version of my debut!
MAY 2022
Well, I am officially published! World of Silence is available on Amazon in ebook and paperback. I'm not going to give my book a star rating because that makes me uncomfortable...lol...but I will say I poured a lot of myself into this story. I love it in a special way (and despise editing...and love it at the same time, the struggle of a writer).
I did want to say that the lip reading Fledge does is obviously made out to be easier than it actually is in the book. I tried to learn lip reading at one point while writing this and that was an epic fail. But, I didn't want to bore readers by having no dialouge....so I made Fledge rather good at lip reading, which some people (people like Fledge) are really good at because they have to be, but I think Fledge goes beyond even that amount of skill. That part of the story is not as accurate as I tried to make the rest of the story. I just wanted to clarify that bit, but with that being said, I hope you will read and enjoy WoS!
God Bless!
Kaytlin P.
May 16, 2022
4.5 stars
What a lovely debut novel! I'm not typically a huge fantasy reader, but these last few fantasy books I've been reading are going to convince me to read more fantasy.
Characters: There was one POV throughout this entire story, and while some books really need at least two POVs, World of Silence worked so well with just Fledge's perspective! Fledge was a pretty relatable characters (except for his amazing archery skills - dude was spectacular with a bow and arrow!), and I loved the way the author presented his disability. For one, most characters don't have to deal with disabilities, or even more annoyingly, they're somehow healed of whatever they're struggling with and everything's suddenly perfect. Although people can definitely be healed, many times in life we have to work through our difficulties and discover ways to deal with them. That's exactly what Fledge went through, and it was quite well done on the author's part. As for other characters, I can't keep from mentioning one of my most favorite dragons ever - Galexia! She was so sweet to Fledge, and I loved how they bonded over difficulties they both had. The other side characters were also interesting and rounded out the cast!
Setting/Writing Style/Plot: The setting reminded me very much of the Middle Ages, but of course with dragons and some other fantastical elements. I will say, however, that this didn't include any magic - definitely a plus in the fantasy genre! The writing style felt very appropriate to this book (more of a middle grade novel, I think.) And the plot - wow, that was action-packed! Poor Fledge went through a lot, but that made the ending just even sweeter. There was definitely no dragging in this plot, so hold on tight!
Moral/Theme: As mentioned above, this book dealt a lot with Fledge's deafness. He felt as if he had to prove to himself and others that he could live just like anyone else, but by the end of the book, he realized that was it okay to ask for help and to allow others to help him. But that didn't mean he wasn't also extremely capable - he was more people than most people would give him credit for! (Like the part where he ended up being able to read the dragon's lips? So cool how his deafness made him able to do such good!) So it was lovely to watch Fledge as he learned something about himself (and had to be a little humbled), and the people around him also had to learn about him. As for mentions of God, this book didn't really include any, which is something I would've like to have seen. However, I really appreciated the thoughtful theme that was obviously based on Biblical principles.
Overall, this was a wonderful debut from Kaytlin Phillips, and I'm looking forward to reading more by her in the future. Be on the lookout for this author!
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
What a lovely debut novel! I'm not typically a huge fantasy reader, but these last few fantasy books I've been reading are going to convince me to read more fantasy.
Characters: There was one POV throughout this entire story, and while some books really need at least two POVs, World of Silence worked so well with just Fledge's perspective! Fledge was a pretty relatable characters (except for his amazing archery skills - dude was spectacular with a bow and arrow!), and I loved the way the author presented his disability. For one, most characters don't have to deal with disabilities, or even more annoyingly, they're somehow healed of whatever they're struggling with and everything's suddenly perfect. Although people can definitely be healed, many times in life we have to work through our difficulties and discover ways to deal with them. That's exactly what Fledge went through, and it was quite well done on the author's part. As for other characters, I can't keep from mentioning one of my most favorite dragons ever - Galexia! She was so sweet to Fledge, and I loved how they bonded over difficulties they both had. The other side characters were also interesting and rounded out the cast!
Setting/Writing Style/Plot: The setting reminded me very much of the Middle Ages, but of course with dragons and some other fantastical elements. I will say, however, that this didn't include any magic - definitely a plus in the fantasy genre! The writing style felt very appropriate to this book (more of a middle grade novel, I think.) And the plot - wow, that was action-packed! Poor Fledge went through a lot, but that made the ending just even sweeter. There was definitely no dragging in this plot, so hold on tight!
Moral/Theme: As mentioned above, this book dealt a lot with Fledge's deafness. He felt as if he had to prove to himself and others that he could live just like anyone else, but by the end of the book, he realized that was it okay to ask for help and to allow others to help him. But that didn't mean he wasn't also extremely capable - he was more people than most people would give him credit for! (Like the part where he ended up being able to read the dragon's lips? So cool how his deafness made him able to do such good!) So it was lovely to watch Fledge as he learned something about himself (and had to be a little humbled), and the people around him also had to learn about him. As for mentions of God, this book didn't really include any, which is something I would've like to have seen. However, I really appreciated the thoughtful theme that was obviously based on Biblical principles.
Overall, this was a wonderful debut from Kaytlin Phillips, and I'm looking forward to reading more by her in the future. Be on the lookout for this author!
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 13, 2022
Characters: Fledge was a great, sympathetic main character. And I loved Galexia!
Language: Clean.
Moral: This novel contained themes of family, sacrifice, purpose, and living with a disability.
Plot: This plot definitely didn't drag! Plenty of action/adventure and suspense. My kind of book!
Romance: Clean. This book didn't contain a romance.
Writing: This is the first book I've read by Kaytlin Phillips, and I really enjoyed her writing style. It allowed me to picture everything that was going on, and it flowed well. A great, fast-paced style!
Overall: World of Silence was an exciting read, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy middle-grade novels and fantasy.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Language: Clean.
Moral: This novel contained themes of family, sacrifice, purpose, and living with a disability.
Plot: This plot definitely didn't drag! Plenty of action/adventure and suspense. My kind of book!
Romance: Clean. This book didn't contain a romance.
Writing: This is the first book I've read by Kaytlin Phillips, and I really enjoyed her writing style. It allowed me to picture everything that was going on, and it flowed well. A great, fast-paced style!
Overall: World of Silence was an exciting read, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy middle-grade novels and fantasy.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 24, 2022
This was so unique and I just couldn't put it down!!!
September 5, 2024
3.5 stars & 4/10 hearts. A novel about a deaf archer—how’s that to pique the interest?
A land where the humans and the dragons are locked in a long war, battling with sword and bow against fire and talon. A boy on a quest to find his identity and worth, deafness locking him in a world of silence. What happens when he is abandoned and found by a dragon outcast from her community by having lost her voice and fire?
I enjoyed the characters. Galexia is a sweet dragon, and Fledge was a sweet boy, and I enjoyed their friendship. Drennan & Adara were really nice, and I liked the Master Trainer. And the villain was well done.
The plot was fun. Never-ending adventure, lots of twists. It was a little unbelievable but it reminded me of the Redwall TV series a little, especially the part with the Wolverins 😉 I wasn’t sure what was meant by their being “man-beasts” but it seems they were just wolves that walked upright, so I didn’t have an issue with them. I enjoyed the dragon training aspect, which was rather unique!
As for the theme, it was a great little message about realizing your worth is innate and doesn’t need to be proven, and that you can do great things if you try, but asking for help is perfectly fine and often very helpful (no pun intended!).
Overall was a cute little debut, a great middle-grade/juvenile fiction adventure novel, and I enjoyed it.
A Favourite Quote: I might be trapped in a world of silence, but I didn’t have to let that define me. I could do whatever I set my mind to as long as I was willing to ask for help when I needed it.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: Nevertheless, it was time to go home. If I could figure out where home was, I seemed to have overlooked that part of the journey. In fact, I had forgotten about needing to get home.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
A land where the humans and the dragons are locked in a long war, battling with sword and bow against fire and talon. A boy on a quest to find his identity and worth, deafness locking him in a world of silence. What happens when he is abandoned and found by a dragon outcast from her community by having lost her voice and fire?
I enjoyed the characters. Galexia is a sweet dragon, and Fledge was a sweet boy, and I enjoyed their friendship. Drennan & Adara were really nice, and I liked the Master Trainer. And the villain was well done.
The plot was fun. Never-ending adventure, lots of twists. It was a little unbelievable but it reminded me of the Redwall TV series a little, especially the part with the Wolverins 😉 I wasn’t sure what was meant by their being “man-beasts” but it seems they were just wolves that walked upright, so I didn’t have an issue with them. I enjoyed the dragon training aspect, which was rather unique!
As for the theme, it was a great little message about realizing your worth is innate and doesn’t need to be proven, and that you can do great things if you try, but asking for help is perfectly fine and often very helpful (no pun intended!).
Overall was a cute little debut, a great middle-grade/juvenile fiction adventure novel, and I enjoyed it.
A Favourite Quote: I might be trapped in a world of silence, but I didn’t have to let that define me. I could do whatever I set my mind to as long as I was willing to ask for help when I needed it.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: Nevertheless, it was time to go home. If I could figure out where home was, I seemed to have overlooked that part of the journey. In fact, I had forgotten about needing to get home.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
April 6, 2022
Whoa! This was so awesome!!!!! I loved it soooooo much!!!!! Such a beautiful story!!!! The writing was absolutely beautiful!!!! Very well done!!!! It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! So much action and adventure!! It was so amazing!!!! The descriptions were beautiful and amazing!!! Fledge, I love Fledge! Such a relatable character!!!! And the dragons! Sjsjksms.....the dragons! The dragons were amazing! And so well written!!!!!! I loved everything about this book! Definitely recommend it to all dragon lovers and anyone who loves fast paced adventure!!!!! Definitely a favorite for life!!!! The story was just so beautiful and truthful!!!!! Everyone should read this, I think there is really something important to be learned from this book!!! Beautifully done Kaytlin Phillips!!! Just wow! Round of praise for this amazing book!👏👏👏💖💖💖🤩😍💖💖💖
If you love dragons and adventure give this one a read!!!💖💖💖💖💖
If you love dragons and adventure give this one a read!!!💖💖💖💖💖
May 25, 2022
An archer longing to help fight, ignored because he is deaf.
Ohhh my goodness, this is one gem of a book!!! A beautiful, powerful, skillfully told story that has a brilliant premise off the bat. I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. (I have to consciously work to organize my thoughts to write something of a coherent review. :D) With classic morals, stirring adventure, a fight between good versus evil, and messages of truth that spoke to my soul, World of Silence is a novel the Middle-Grade genre desperately needs.
CHARACTERS
Kaytlin Phillips immediately pulls us into Fledge's head, shows us the conflict warring inside him, and engages our sympathy. Fledge felt realistic and well-developed and it was easy to understand his motivations. His character arc never grew stale to me - it kept changing, moving, keeping us interested and in suspense. He struggled with fears until the very end - his arc didn't come across to me as forced or cheesy or unnatural. Also, did I say how much I loved him? No? Okay, well, I LOVED HIM!!!!!!!!!! A LOT. His bravery despite the obstacles being thrown his way... let's just say the poor dear needs a hug. (And I'll be the one to give it to him, thank you very much.)
And Hayden. I NEED MORE OF HIM. *petitions the author to write a sequel more about Fledge and Hayden's friendship* *winks* Adara was a spirited girl who makes the story even more interesting AND says many quote-worthy things, like: "That is what the Wings of Peace is and always has been about, spreading peace and hope in the wake of evil."
Galexia... that dragonness was awe-inspiring, and yet she had a personality of her own. I loved her. Kaytlin did an amazing job of making me feel for her. Some of my very favorite scenes were those between her and Fledge. Their interactions were brimming full of the most poignant emotions - and the writing just came alive in those scenes.
WORLDBUILDING
How World of Silence's world (no pun intended) was shown was a fantastic example of how to describe your fictional world in your novel. We were shown, for the most part, only what mattered to the main character, Fledge - and through his POV, to boot, not as a bored bystander. (By the way, it's written in first-person POV, which fit the book very well.) No dry, long explanations of how the world works. I was shown just enough details to form a picture of the surroundings. So yes, I LOVED the worldbuilding. Dragons and Wolvins help it to spring to life, too. *grins*
THEMES
Fledge longs to be seen as more than a deaf archer who seemingly needs (but spoiler alert: DOESN'T NEED) to be coddled. When he realized his misbelief, and that he'd been wanting the wrong thing all along... oh, my heart. Guys, the themes carry this book. Strong, hard-hitting, beautiful truths shown through Fledge's struggles. 10/10.
Other random thoughts...
"War was not pretty, and it was no game." (World of Silence, page 268) I love this quote. Kaytlin shows the wounds and pain war bring; she doesn't glorify it like many fantasy authors do. (Side note, she also has people get hurt - and their wounds don't immediately leave. I SO APPRECIATE THIS! Way too many authors have their characters up and about, wound completely either forgotten or suspiciously healed.)
WRITING
Beautiful, balanced writing that fit the book well. May I just treat you to a few choice examples of her writing style? Here you go...
"Questions darted through my mind like arrows."
Not only do I love this for its imagery, but Fledge is an archer. Of course he would think of an analogy like this. BRILLIANT choice on the part of the wonderful author. ;) Am I right? You know I am. (And there are so many natural-feeling examples of this in play in WoS!)
"Tension permeated the air and I held my breath as my heart thrashed in my chest."
I've read many heart poundeds and heart beat fasts in my day (lol, that makes me sound like I'm ancient), but I've never read a "my heart thrashed." The motion and energy bundled in this phrase is just delicious.
Another...
"....my heart jumping like a rabbit in my chest..."
Same thing here. Just so good.
And:
"Drawing the string back, I took a breath of the earth-heavy air, exhaled, and then released."
"Earth-heavy air." *sighs happily* What a solid, vibrant description. Now I'll stop my fangirling over her writing and go on to the next thing I have to say. (As you can see, I have a lot to say. But don't worry, I'm almost done.)
WRITING WITHOUT USING SOUND
Try writing a story without sound. IT'S HARD. Really hard. Kaytlin Phillips nailed it. I'm so impressed at the way she wrote so descriptively despite being unable to include the sense of hearing. *round of applause for her*
OVERALL
Kaytlin Phillip's World of Silence is a promising debut that anyone can enjoy, but especially those who love fantasy stories with strong Biblical messages and touching moments and thrilling adventure. And dragons. I just... I truly loved it. I hope and am sure that this story will inspire and touch the hearts of many! (It already has for me!)
Ohhh my goodness, this is one gem of a book!!! A beautiful, powerful, skillfully told story that has a brilliant premise off the bat. I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. (I have to consciously work to organize my thoughts to write something of a coherent review. :D) With classic morals, stirring adventure, a fight between good versus evil, and messages of truth that spoke to my soul, World of Silence is a novel the Middle-Grade genre desperately needs.
CHARACTERS
Kaytlin Phillips immediately pulls us into Fledge's head, shows us the conflict warring inside him, and engages our sympathy. Fledge felt realistic and well-developed and it was easy to understand his motivations. His character arc never grew stale to me - it kept changing, moving, keeping us interested and in suspense. He struggled with fears until the very end - his arc didn't come across to me as forced or cheesy or unnatural. Also, did I say how much I loved him? No? Okay, well, I LOVED HIM!!!!!!!!!! A LOT. His bravery despite the obstacles being thrown his way... let's just say the poor dear needs a hug. (And I'll be the one to give it to him, thank you very much.)
And Hayden. I NEED MORE OF HIM. *petitions the author to write a sequel more about Fledge and Hayden's friendship* *winks* Adara was a spirited girl who makes the story even more interesting AND says many quote-worthy things, like: "That is what the Wings of Peace is and always has been about, spreading peace and hope in the wake of evil."
Galexia... that dragonness was awe-inspiring, and yet she had a personality of her own. I loved her. Kaytlin did an amazing job of making me feel for her. Some of my very favorite scenes were those between her and Fledge. Their interactions were brimming full of the most poignant emotions - and the writing just came alive in those scenes.
WORLDBUILDING
How World of Silence's world (no pun intended) was shown was a fantastic example of how to describe your fictional world in your novel. We were shown, for the most part, only what mattered to the main character, Fledge - and through his POV, to boot, not as a bored bystander. (By the way, it's written in first-person POV, which fit the book very well.) No dry, long explanations of how the world works. I was shown just enough details to form a picture of the surroundings. So yes, I LOVED the worldbuilding. Dragons and Wolvins help it to spring to life, too. *grins*
THEMES
Fledge longs to be seen as more than a deaf archer who seemingly needs (but spoiler alert: DOESN'T NEED) to be coddled. When he realized his misbelief, and that he'd been wanting the wrong thing all along... oh, my heart. Guys, the themes carry this book. Strong, hard-hitting, beautiful truths shown through Fledge's struggles. 10/10.
Other random thoughts...
"War was not pretty, and it was no game." (World of Silence, page 268) I love this quote. Kaytlin shows the wounds and pain war bring; she doesn't glorify it like many fantasy authors do. (Side note, she also has people get hurt - and their wounds don't immediately leave. I SO APPRECIATE THIS! Way too many authors have their characters up and about, wound completely either forgotten or suspiciously healed.)
WRITING
Beautiful, balanced writing that fit the book well. May I just treat you to a few choice examples of her writing style? Here you go...
"Questions darted through my mind like arrows."
Not only do I love this for its imagery, but Fledge is an archer. Of course he would think of an analogy like this. BRILLIANT choice on the part of the wonderful author. ;) Am I right? You know I am. (And there are so many natural-feeling examples of this in play in WoS!)
"Tension permeated the air and I held my breath as my heart thrashed in my chest."
I've read many heart poundeds and heart beat fasts in my day (lol, that makes me sound like I'm ancient), but I've never read a "my heart thrashed." The motion and energy bundled in this phrase is just delicious.
Another...
"....my heart jumping like a rabbit in my chest..."
Same thing here. Just so good.
And:
"Drawing the string back, I took a breath of the earth-heavy air, exhaled, and then released."
"Earth-heavy air." *sighs happily* What a solid, vibrant description. Now I'll stop my fangirling over her writing and go on to the next thing I have to say. (As you can see, I have a lot to say. But don't worry, I'm almost done.)
WRITING WITHOUT USING SOUND
Try writing a story without sound. IT'S HARD. Really hard. Kaytlin Phillips nailed it. I'm so impressed at the way she wrote so descriptively despite being unable to include the sense of hearing. *round of applause for her*
OVERALL
Kaytlin Phillip's World of Silence is a promising debut that anyone can enjoy, but especially those who love fantasy stories with strong Biblical messages and touching moments and thrilling adventure. And dragons. I just... I truly loved it. I hope and am sure that this story will inspire and touch the hearts of many! (It already has for me!)
June 3, 2022
3.5 stars.
Firstly, I'd like to say: CONGRATS, KAYTI, ON YOUR DEBUT NOVEL! :D
I'm not a big fantasy person, but I just had to read this one, since it's her debut, and I love learning author voices-- I could hear the similarities in the writing voice she used here, and in reading her comments on GR. 😉
This book was cute. I just love Fledge's full name: Fledge Owenby. Is it not the cutest?! Anyway...
I really liked Fledge, and Galexia, too. I also liked Hayden, and Rainey, and Tauren... I wasn't a big fan of Adara, Drennan was okay, and the villains were the kind to spend your days hating. I think maybe the voices sounded a little too modern in relation to the technology, but I suppose that could be how the world was supposed to be. I think Kayti did a good job making everyone's personalities different, but I think maybe their voices did sound a bit similar to each other. I can understand though, it's hard to make everyone sound different!
You know, Fledge kinda reminds me of... like, a doll or something. Like, if Raggedy Andy came to life, maybe he would sound like Fledge. He just had sort-of teddy bear graces about him, besides his super keen eye at the bow. And he's so brave, too!
Kayti did a great job using a writing voice appropriate for Middle Grade Fantasy. Like I said, maybe some wording was a little modern for the genre (like "crazy good"), but the voice was good!
Maybe some of Fledge's more "reflective" bits could have been slowed down a little. Sometimes it felt like his thoughts were kind of popping up, and he swung them around on his finger a minute until they flew off. I think he could have spent time chewing on them just a little longer, though I understand this is MG, so maybe a 12-yo would be able to grasp those short descriptions better.
I think my heart dropped every time something got in Fledge's way. I was just like: "NOOO, NOT AGAIN!!! GUYS, LET POOR FLEDGE ALONE!" Especially with the Wolvins.
I liked the way Kayti portrayed Fledge's deafness. It would definitely be a bummer to be deaf, but one would definitely adapt, and you can tell Fledge is well adapted to his disability. Thanks to this book, I've been trying to pay more attention to the movement of people's lips when I watch TV and stuff. :D
I recommend this book if you want a simple, kid-friendly fantasy book about friendship, being content with your circumstances, and using what you've been given to help others.
OH- I nearly forgot about putting down the first and last lines!!! (The first line is a single word, so I put the first few sentences... ;D)
Disclosure: I received this a PDF copy of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I expressed are all my own.
Firstly, I'd like to say: CONGRATS, KAYTI, ON YOUR DEBUT NOVEL! :D
I'm not a big fantasy person, but I just had to read this one, since it's her debut, and I love learning author voices-- I could hear the similarities in the writing voice she used here, and in reading her comments on GR. 😉
This book was cute. I just love Fledge's full name: Fledge Owenby. Is it not the cutest?! Anyway...
I really liked Fledge, and Galexia, too. I also liked Hayden, and Rainey, and Tauren... I wasn't a big fan of Adara, Drennan was okay, and the villains were the kind to spend your days hating. I think maybe the voices sounded a little too modern in relation to the technology, but I suppose that could be how the world was supposed to be. I think Kayti did a good job making everyone's personalities different, but I think maybe their voices did sound a bit similar to each other. I can understand though, it's hard to make everyone sound different!
You know, Fledge kinda reminds me of... like, a doll or something. Like, if Raggedy Andy came to life, maybe he would sound like Fledge. He just had sort-of teddy bear graces about him, besides his super keen eye at the bow. And he's so brave, too!
Kayti did a great job using a writing voice appropriate for Middle Grade Fantasy. Like I said, maybe some wording was a little modern for the genre (like "crazy good"), but the voice was good!
Maybe some of Fledge's more "reflective" bits could have been slowed down a little. Sometimes it felt like his thoughts were kind of popping up, and he swung them around on his finger a minute until they flew off. I think he could have spent time chewing on them just a little longer, though I understand this is MG, so maybe a 12-yo would be able to grasp those short descriptions better.
I think my heart dropped every time something got in Fledge's way. I was just like: "NOOO, NOT AGAIN!!! GUYS, LET POOR FLEDGE ALONE!" Especially with the Wolvins.
I liked the way Kayti portrayed Fledge's deafness. It would definitely be a bummer to be deaf, but one would definitely adapt, and you can tell Fledge is well adapted to his disability. Thanks to this book, I've been trying to pay more attention to the movement of people's lips when I watch TV and stuff. :D
I recommend this book if you want a simple, kid-friendly fantasy book about friendship, being content with your circumstances, and using what you've been given to help others.
OH- I nearly forgot about putting down the first and last lines!!! (The first line is a single word, so I put the first few sentences... ;D)
"Silence. Complete Silence. That was all I heard."
"In the years to come, Father would start at the very beginning of the story, from the origin of his dragon journal to the incredible journey of a courageous deaf boy."
Disclosure: I received this a PDF copy of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I expressed are all my own.
May 31, 2022
4 stars // read May 2022
This is the first time I’ve read a book with a completely Deaf main character - the primary reason I was so excited to read World of Silence. I appreciate that the author acknowledges in her review that Fledge is exceptionally good at lip reading- in real life, reading lips tends to be somewhat inaccurate and is made even more difficult by facial features like beards. Fledge communicates mainly through writing; it would’ve been cool to see more sign language incorporated- not necessarily straight ASL, but maybe some home sign with his family members and close friends.
The story started off a bit slow, but within a few chapters I was hooked. Fledge struggles with proving himself and asking for help, which honestly, I think all of us can relate to. He doesn’t always make the best/most logical decisions (case in point: ) but ultimately he has a lot of character growth. I would’ve loved a bit more development with the supporting characters; my favorite would have to be Drennan.
On the nitpicky side, there are a few inconsistencies (for example: Fledge says that ), some plot threads that I would’ve liked to have seen returned to (for example, what happened to ) and some minor grammatical/spelling errors. Due to those things, I’m giving the book 4 stars rather than 5. Overall, though, this was a solid debut MG fantasy that I would recommend for ages 12+.
Disclaimer: An enormous thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a review! I was not bribed, threatened, blackmailed, or in any way coerced to provide a positive review; all opinions are my own.
Content warnings: some mild fantasy violence
This is the first time I’ve read a book with a completely Deaf main character - the primary reason I was so excited to read World of Silence. I appreciate that the author acknowledges in her review that Fledge is exceptionally good at lip reading- in real life, reading lips tends to be somewhat inaccurate and is made even more difficult by facial features like beards. Fledge communicates mainly through writing; it would’ve been cool to see more sign language incorporated- not necessarily straight ASL, but maybe some home sign with his family members and close friends.
The story started off a bit slow, but within a few chapters I was hooked. Fledge struggles with proving himself and asking for help, which honestly, I think all of us can relate to. He doesn’t always make the best/most logical decisions (case in point: ) but ultimately he has a lot of character growth. I would’ve loved a bit more development with the supporting characters; my favorite would have to be Drennan.
On the nitpicky side, there are a few inconsistencies (for example: Fledge says that ), some plot threads that I would’ve liked to have seen returned to (for example, what happened to ) and some minor grammatical/spelling errors. Due to those things, I’m giving the book 4 stars rather than 5. Overall, though, this was a solid debut MG fantasy that I would recommend for ages 12+.
Disclaimer: An enormous thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a review! I was not bribed, threatened, blackmailed, or in any way coerced to provide a positive review; all opinions are my own.
Content warnings: some mild fantasy violence
May 22, 2022
That was beautiful!! My heart's just in a tangle of emotions. ;)
KAYTI I AM SO PROUD AND HAPPY FOR YOU PUBLISHING THIS BOOK!!!!!
*cough* *composes self* Full review to come as in a link to my blog post. *pauses* Which I think is supposed to go up today... ooo better get to writing it. ;P
Update! Read the full review here: https://www.teenwritersnook.com/2022/...
KAYTI I AM SO PROUD AND HAPPY FOR YOU PUBLISHING THIS BOOK!!!!!
*cough* *composes self* Full review to come as in a link to my blog post. *pauses* Which I think is supposed to go up today... ooo better get to writing it. ;P
Update! Read the full review here: https://www.teenwritersnook.com/2022/...
July 1, 2022
This is was super cute! A really nice middle grade read with inspiring themes and interesting characters.
June 17, 2022
Review to come very soon!
This was a enjoyable, fun childrens' book to read. Now, I could plainly tell that it was written for middle grade, but that was alright for me. I think it is well suited to that age group.
Poor Fledge goes through a lot in this book! Good grief, he gets (SPOILER ALERT):
He's an adorable character, with the unique trait of being deaf. I haven't read many books that have the main character as deaf, so that was interesting to read.
Galexia is amazing ;) She sounds gorgeous in coloring! So glad she was able to (ANOTHER SPOILER):
Overall, this is a great clean fantasy read for middle graders. I wouldn't necessarily label it Christian fantasy, but it is definitely clean fantasy. There is no magic, no cussing, and no crudeness.
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. That does not in any way affect my opinion about this book. I truly adored it and think it is very cute ;) Thank you for letting me read it, Kaytlin! Sorry to be late in leaving this review.
This was a enjoyable, fun childrens' book to read. Now, I could plainly tell that it was written for middle grade, but that was alright for me. I think it is well suited to that age group.
Poor Fledge goes through a lot in this book! Good grief, he gets (SPOILER ALERT):
He's an adorable character, with the unique trait of being deaf. I haven't read many books that have the main character as deaf, so that was interesting to read.
Galexia is amazing ;) She sounds gorgeous in coloring! So glad she was able to (ANOTHER SPOILER):
Overall, this is a great clean fantasy read for middle graders. I wouldn't necessarily label it Christian fantasy, but it is definitely clean fantasy. There is no magic, no cussing, and no crudeness.
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. That does not in any way affect my opinion about this book. I truly adored it and think it is very cute ;) Thank you for letting me read it, Kaytlin! Sorry to be late in leaving this review.
May 28, 2022
*4.5
World of Silence is a great book, and it is so refreshing and unique that the author chose to tell a story from a deaf boy's perspective. I don't think I've ever read something like it!
I loved reading the story—it's so interesting and I love the twists! I was hooked by the frist couple of chapters. I also love that there isn't much unneeded drama or any overcomplicated relationships. I've read many “middle grade” books (*coughs at KotLC*) that have too much drama and more mature topics. When the book says MG, that's what I want to read—and that's what Kaytlin Phillips did outstandingly in her debut novel.
Just a few things that weren't my favorite are realisticness of the circumstances (and Fledge's reactions to them). I had a lot of questions during reading this. There were also a few editing errors I saw. Nothing big, though, but some more editing would have really made the book the best it could be. I also wish I could get a little more of Fledge's emotions and thoughts during the action scenes. He has a lot of thoughts during the downtimes, but I'd like to know more about what's going on in his head during the more exciting parts.
But, besides those few problems, it was a great read! All of the characters are awesome (Adara is just AMAZING and I NEED some artwork of her!), the plot had a lot of twists, and yes, there were definitely some shed tears while I was reading. SO beautiful! (Considering how I rarely cry for MG books.) I would definitely recommend this book to the young fantasy-lovers out there!
World of Silence is a great book, and it is so refreshing and unique that the author chose to tell a story from a deaf boy's perspective. I don't think I've ever read something like it!
I loved reading the story—it's so interesting and I love the twists! I was hooked by the frist couple of chapters. I also love that there isn't much unneeded drama or any overcomplicated relationships. I've read many “middle grade” books (*coughs at KotLC*) that have too much drama and more mature topics. When the book says MG, that's what I want to read—and that's what Kaytlin Phillips did outstandingly in her debut novel.
Just a few things that weren't my favorite are realisticness of the circumstances (and Fledge's reactions to them). I had a lot of questions during reading this. There were also a few editing errors I saw. Nothing big, though, but some more editing would have really made the book the best it could be. I also wish I could get a little more of Fledge's emotions and thoughts during the action scenes. He has a lot of thoughts during the downtimes, but I'd like to know more about what's going on in his head during the more exciting parts.
But, besides those few problems, it was a great read! All of the characters are awesome (Adara is just AMAZING and I NEED some artwork of her!), the plot had a lot of twists, and yes, there were definitely some shed tears while I was reading. SO beautiful! (Considering how I rarely cry for MG books.) I would definitely recommend this book to the young fantasy-lovers out there!
January 3, 2025
Loved this book! And when I was finished I gave it to my younger 10-year-old-sister to read and I think she loved it even more.
Having the main character deaf AND first person narrative definitely added a uniquely different style and character to this book that I’d never experienced before and thoroughly enjoyed.
The characters were all great. Especially the dragons, their personalities were Awesome!
The book’s main message to me was that every person is made how they are for a reason and there’s purpose in every strength and weakness. Everyone who’s rises up believing that they have purpose -no matter what other people may deem “wrong with them”- and can make a difference.
Having the main character deaf AND first person narrative definitely added a uniquely different style and character to this book that I’d never experienced before and thoroughly enjoyed.
The characters were all great. Especially the dragons, their personalities were Awesome!
The book’s main message to me was that every person is made how they are for a reason and there’s purpose in every strength and weakness. Everyone who’s rises up believing that they have purpose -no matter what other people may deem “wrong with them”- and can make a difference.
December 3, 2024
Oh my goodness! I started this story last night and finished it this morning! It….was….like, AMAZING!! I loved loved loveeed it!!! And I really really really want to hear moreeee! 😢 there definitely should’ve been a sequel. Or a series! Guys, seriously though. It was an awesome book as amazing as Kaitlyn Philips’ books are!!
Highly recommend it!
Highly recommend it!
January 28, 2023
A debut with a powerful message of self-worth. And dragons.
Fantasy is not my first choice of genre. It's not that I don't like fantasy. I love escaping into fantastical worlds, going on high-sea adventures, and saving kingdoms. It's just not my first pick. And I'm not familiar with a ton of dragon stories, so bear with me.
Likes:
~I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for the author to not use the sense of sound. I was impressed with how well communication was still conveyed without much dialogue and sound. I love writing dialogue, so I'd be totally lost if I attempted something like this.
~Poor Fledge. That kid could not catch a break. He was constantly out of the frying pan and into the fire with minimal time to rest in between. Despite all he endured, I loved his spunk and drive.
~Archery. I'm here for it.
~I've got to admit, the dragons were neat. The Wings of Peace sorta reminded me of How to Train Your Dragon, what with the human/dragon friendships. Galexia seemed more like a giant puppy sometimes. I liked the gentleness and friendship she offered Fledge.
~The Wolvins!! I read that part late at night and man, those things are creepy when you're sleep-deprived.
~The themes were amazing! Not letting our limitations define us. Coming to terms with those limitations and seeing the value in ourselves. We don't need to prove ourselves to others to feel accepted. Accepting help when offered... The list goes on. Fledge was so relatable in these aspects.
~Despite a handful of other key players, we don't see much of them or get much character development. Normally, this would be a little frustrating, but I thought it symbolized Fledge's "world of silence" perfectly. For the most part, we see Fledge on his own and we're reading his thoughts. Even if he's with others, there's a clear barrier between them.
~Loving the super short chapters!
Dislikes:
~Even though I liked Fledge and appreciated his endurance, he flipped back and forth a lot in his struggle to feel worthy. It did make sense but there was a lot.
~A few aspects felt abrupt or like they came out of nowhere.
~Fledge was constantly on the move to the point that it was dizzying, and I'd forget where he was a few chapters ago.
~I have a couple of unanswered questions.
Overall:
~3.5 stars. I'm so glad I finally got to read this! I enjoyed the story. The minor plot twists and excitement kept me reading.
~I'd recommend this if you're a fan of middle-grade fantasy, dragons, and strong MCs that give their all to overcome obstacles.
Fantasy is not my first choice of genre. It's not that I don't like fantasy. I love escaping into fantastical worlds, going on high-sea adventures, and saving kingdoms. It's just not my first pick. And I'm not familiar with a ton of dragon stories, so bear with me.
Likes:
~I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for the author to not use the sense of sound. I was impressed with how well communication was still conveyed without much dialogue and sound. I love writing dialogue, so I'd be totally lost if I attempted something like this.
~Poor Fledge. That kid could not catch a break. He was constantly out of the frying pan and into the fire with minimal time to rest in between. Despite all he endured, I loved his spunk and drive.
~Archery. I'm here for it.
~I've got to admit, the dragons were neat. The Wings of Peace sorta reminded me of How to Train Your Dragon, what with the human/dragon friendships. Galexia seemed more like a giant puppy sometimes. I liked the gentleness and friendship she offered Fledge.
~The Wolvins!! I read that part late at night and man, those things are creepy when you're sleep-deprived.
~The themes were amazing! Not letting our limitations define us. Coming to terms with those limitations and seeing the value in ourselves. We don't need to prove ourselves to others to feel accepted. Accepting help when offered... The list goes on. Fledge was so relatable in these aspects.
~Despite a handful of other key players, we don't see much of them or get much character development. Normally, this would be a little frustrating, but I thought it symbolized Fledge's "world of silence" perfectly. For the most part, we see Fledge on his own and we're reading his thoughts. Even if he's with others, there's a clear barrier between them.
~Loving the super short chapters!
Dislikes:
~Even though I liked Fledge and appreciated his endurance, he flipped back and forth a lot in his struggle to feel worthy. It did make sense but there was a lot.
~A few aspects felt abrupt or like they came out of nowhere.
~Fledge was constantly on the move to the point that it was dizzying, and I'd forget where he was a few chapters ago.
~I have a couple of unanswered questions.
Overall:
~3.5 stars. I'm so glad I finally got to read this! I enjoyed the story. The minor plot twists and excitement kept me reading.
~I'd recommend this if you're a fan of middle-grade fantasy, dragons, and strong MCs that give their all to overcome obstacles.
May 30, 2022
Wow! I honestly don't know what to say about this book!!! It is just an inspireing and beautiful story!! If I could give it more then five stars I would! Fledge and Galexia are just wonderful and relatable characters!!! The emotions of Fledge are just on point!!! This writer knew what she was doing when she wrote this story!! And it's just beautiful!! This book deserves to be everywhere!!!! I've read it like five times already and love it even more each time I read it!!!
Reader Guide:
Language: None.
Violence: Mentions of war, beating, and dragon fights, but nothing gory or too descriptive.
Magic: None.
Recommend for ages 8 and up!
Great job, Kaytlin Phillips!💖💖💖
Reader Guide:
Language: None.
Violence: Mentions of war, beating, and dragon fights, but nothing gory or too descriptive.
Magic: None.
Recommend for ages 8 and up!
Great job, Kaytlin Phillips!💖💖💖
May 20, 2022
Wow! What a fun, adventurous read! Fledge is just an ordinary boy who struggles to find his place in the warring lands of Iotla, especially because of his lack of hearing. When he's had enough of being coddled and protected, the unthinkable happens, and he finds himself all alone... that is, except for the strange yet timely arrival of a friendly dragon called Galexia.
As Fledge and Galexia soar over the warring kingdom, they encounter many dangers and discover cruel plots against both humans and dragons alike. But Fledge doesn't realize that his own battle is within himself: what his purpose in life is.
This was a fantastic read! Fast-paced, full of action, and uplifting, World of Silence is a great book that speaks to kids - and adults! - alike. With themes on coming to terms with who you are and finding your purpose in your life, this book is great for fantasy lovers, adventure-seekers, and the one just looking for a great read!
Content guide:
Language: clean!
Romance: none
Violence: mentions of wars, prisoners being beaten, battle wounds and injuries, dragon fights, etc. Nothing too graphic or disturbing
Christian themes: none
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own in the hopes of encouraging and blessing others**
As Fledge and Galexia soar over the warring kingdom, they encounter many dangers and discover cruel plots against both humans and dragons alike. But Fledge doesn't realize that his own battle is within himself: what his purpose in life is.
This was a fantastic read! Fast-paced, full of action, and uplifting, World of Silence is a great book that speaks to kids - and adults! - alike. With themes on coming to terms with who you are and finding your purpose in your life, this book is great for fantasy lovers, adventure-seekers, and the one just looking for a great read!
Content guide:
Language: clean!
Romance: none
Violence: mentions of wars, prisoners being beaten, battle wounds and injuries, dragon fights, etc. Nothing too graphic or disturbing
Christian themes: none
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own in the hopes of encouraging and blessing others**
July 17, 2022
This is a really sweet book! I loved Fledge's journey of self-discovery and learning *why* he's doing what he's doing. Fledge's friend Hayden was probably my favorite character and I enjoyed seeing their friendship at the beginning of the story as a way to introduce Fledge and his aspirations. Galexia is a glorious dragon and I loved the little plot twist about her toward the end of the story!
"The World Of Silence" is a fun book of twists and turns, dragons and archers. If you love a good, clean fantasy story with brave characters and friend dragons, this book is for you!
4.5 stars
*I received this book free from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
"The World Of Silence" is a fun book of twists and turns, dragons and archers. If you love a good, clean fantasy story with brave characters and friend dragons, this book is for you!
4.5 stars
*I received this book free from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
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October 30, 2022i truly have loved this book so far, and am sorry to say that for the time being i need to just DNF it. just too busy to juggle this many books. hope to pick it back up soon.
February 18, 2024
Knowing this was Kaytlin Phillips’s debut novel, I see her writing was (and is) blessed!
World of Silence is a wonderful, action-packed story of a deaf boy who wants to prove himself in the midst of a dragon war. This book had so many twists and so many themes but I was never confused, only captivated.
Story: 5/5
Worldview: 5/5
Fledge is the voice of our first-person POV, and to see the world through his eyes is grounding. He struggles through facing a cruel world after a sheltered upbringing, betrayal, and feelings of worthlessness all the while. I’m definitely sharing this book with my sister, who is legally blind herself, and I’ll keep an eye out for an audiobook!
Worldview is 5 because Fledge learns to trust in God and trust himself. He faces reality but doesn’t lose hope or give into darkness. There are mentions of torture and suicidal thoughts, but it’s not glorified at all, only all the more poignant because we see Fledge get the courage to stand up again.
Overall, another 5/5 read this year! The Phillips sisters are definitely becoming favorite authors of mine!
World of Silence is a wonderful, action-packed story of a deaf boy who wants to prove himself in the midst of a dragon war. This book had so many twists and so many themes but I was never confused, only captivated.
Story: 5/5
Worldview: 5/5
Fledge is the voice of our first-person POV, and to see the world through his eyes is grounding. He struggles through facing a cruel world after a sheltered upbringing, betrayal, and feelings of worthlessness all the while. I’m definitely sharing this book with my sister, who is legally blind herself, and I’ll keep an eye out for an audiobook!
Worldview is 5 because Fledge learns to trust in God and trust himself. He faces reality but doesn’t lose hope or give into darkness. There are mentions of torture and suicidal thoughts, but it’s not glorified at all, only all the more poignant because we see Fledge get the courage to stand up again.
Overall, another 5/5 read this year! The Phillips sisters are definitely becoming favorite authors of mine!
June 27, 2022
THIS WAS AN AMAZING BOOK.
If you have not read World of Silence yet, then you're missing out. This novel is so engaging, so suspenseful, so heart-wrenching... I absolutely loved it. The plot and characters were phenomenal. Highly recommended for any person of any age.
If you have not read World of Silence yet, then you're missing out. This novel is so engaging, so suspenseful, so heart-wrenching... I absolutely loved it. The plot and characters were phenomenal. Highly recommended for any person of any age.
May 25, 2023
Overview: What a cute story! I am automatically pleased with any story that has dragons, and the concept of a deaf archer setting out on an adventure with a dragon was most intriguing. In this debut novel, Kaytlin Phillips weaves a sweet story of finding your purpose and realizing that everyone has worth.
Characters: Fledge is such a sweetheart! So many times, I just wanted to bury him in a tight hug (even though he would absolutely hate that). He struggles so much with self-worth, and his journey through it is a delight to read.
Content: There’s no romance or bad language in the book. There is some violence, though, that might be a bit much for more sensitive readers. There are several battles, and characters are badly injured (some of the injuries are described, with mentions of blood and agonizing pain). A character is cruelly beaten several times. A character is branded, with descriptions of the pain and the smell of the burning flesh.
Writing: Phillips’ writing style is engaging, inviting us into Fledge’s world and keeping us interested until the last page. While it’s certainly not the most polished of works, it still holds a fascinating story, and I’m excited to read more from the author as she perfects her craft.
Summary: This is a short, sweet adventure that leaves you with a warm, cozy feeling at the end. It’s certainly a debut to be proud of! I would recommend it to fantasy fans aged 12+.
Characters: Fledge is such a sweetheart! So many times, I just wanted to bury him in a tight hug (even though he would absolutely hate that). He struggles so much with self-worth, and his journey through it is a delight to read.
Content: There’s no romance or bad language in the book. There is some violence, though, that might be a bit much for more sensitive readers. There are several battles, and characters are badly injured (some of the injuries are described, with mentions of blood and agonizing pain). A character is cruelly beaten several times. A character is branded, with descriptions of the pain and the smell of the burning flesh.
Writing: Phillips’ writing style is engaging, inviting us into Fledge’s world and keeping us interested until the last page. While it’s certainly not the most polished of works, it still holds a fascinating story, and I’m excited to read more from the author as she perfects her craft.
Summary: This is a short, sweet adventure that leaves you with a warm, cozy feeling at the end. It’s certainly a debut to be proud of! I would recommend it to fantasy fans aged 12+.
April 22, 2024
This book was so amazing!
August 6, 2023
*4.5
This was such an amazing book! I loved Fledge and for the first time ever while reading a book I felt really really sorry for him.(when you’re a writer and enjoy putting your characters through hard situations it’s hard to feel bad for other characters🤣🤣🤣🤣) The storyline was amazing and the twists were awesome, and the whole story was really intriguing. I really really loved the themes of it being okay to need other people. Overall this was a really amazing story that I loved!!
This was such an amazing book! I loved Fledge and for the first time ever while reading a book I felt really really sorry for him.(when you’re a writer and enjoy putting your characters through hard situations it’s hard to feel bad for other characters🤣🤣🤣🤣) The storyline was amazing and the twists were awesome, and the whole story was really intriguing. I really really loved the themes of it being okay to need other people. Overall this was a really amazing story that I loved!!
January 28, 2023
A good read
The book was good and moving. I love how Fledge persevered no matter what was thrown at him. It was thrilling and exciting and heartwarming. I enjoyed it.
The book was good and moving. I love how Fledge persevered no matter what was thrown at him. It was thrilling and exciting and heartwarming. I enjoyed it.
December 28, 2022
Our main character is a likable, aspiring hero who happens to deaf, which kinda throws a wrench in his hero dreams. Spoiler alert: he becomes a hero and goes on adventures by the end.
I was super excited to read this book. A deaf boy who meets a dragon with no fire? It sounded so cute. And I wanted to like this book. I really did. But I can’t quite get myself too.
The good:
The characters were cute, sweet and likable. There was well defined good and evil (which I support always). And the dragons were epic as always.
The bad:
Fledge is deaf yet manages to read everyone’s lips perfectly. I’m not deaf yet this felt very unrealistic. Only in a few situations did he have trouble but only because there was a lot of people. He never miss read what anyone was saying…ever. And his method of communication? incredibly long notes that would have taken even a fast writer a while to write. Not exactly quick/practical communication. When people had to talk to him in the dark they wrote on his hand. Which fyi does not work (yes I tried it). He also never get their meaning wrong here.
Other than all the stuff with Fledges disability the plot and story felt under developed and rushed. There were a lot of cliches.
Overall:
This review is quite critical and I want to say I know it’s an authors debut novel. I am sure with time her books will definitely get better💛 I am not trying to hate on her just share my thoughts.
I was super excited to read this book. A deaf boy who meets a dragon with no fire? It sounded so cute. And I wanted to like this book. I really did. But I can’t quite get myself too.
The good:
The characters were cute, sweet and likable. There was well defined good and evil (which I support always). And the dragons were epic as always.
The bad:
Fledge is deaf yet manages to read everyone’s lips perfectly. I’m not deaf yet this felt very unrealistic. Only in a few situations did he have trouble but only because there was a lot of people. He never miss read what anyone was saying…ever. And his method of communication? incredibly long notes that would have taken even a fast writer a while to write. Not exactly quick/practical communication. When people had to talk to him in the dark they wrote on his hand. Which fyi does not work (yes I tried it). He also never get their meaning wrong here.
Other than all the stuff with Fledges disability the plot and story felt under developed and rushed. There were a lot of cliches.
Overall:
This review is quite critical and I want to say I know it’s an authors debut novel. I am sure with time her books will definitely get better💛 I am not trying to hate on her just share my thoughts.
May 17, 2025
The concept of this novel was fantastic! A deaf boy looking to prove himself, a mute dragon seeking to find her place.
However, the pacing was hard to follow. Months at a time would pass in a sentence sometimes. I would have loved to know what happened in those months rather than just getting a sentence saying that he was tortured for weeks or months.
However, the pacing was hard to follow. Months at a time would pass in a sentence sometimes. I would have loved to know what happened in those months rather than just getting a sentence saying that he was tortured for weeks or months.
November 23, 2023
This was such a fun book to read!! I love the idea of having a deaf main character in a fantasy world. I've never read anything like that before, and I really enjoyed how Kaytlin wrote it.
Fledge, the main character, is a deaf archer, and desperately wants to prove himself by fighting in the war that is raging in the world. However, his family won't let him go because of his disability. But when he is left behind in a dragon attack, he has no choice but to survive by himself. Through many adventures, he comes to accept himself for who he is, and that he won't let his disability define him.
The characters in this book were well-written and enjoyable to read. I especially loved the friendship between Fledge and Galexia . . . it was so sweet! And I just have to say, all the character names were so cool!!
This was an amazing debut novel, a quick read and a fun one. There were grammatical mistakes, but nothing that detracted from my enjoyment. I hope to read more of Kaytlin's works in the future!
Fledge, the main character, is a deaf archer, and desperately wants to prove himself by fighting in the war that is raging in the world. However, his family won't let him go because of his disability. But when he is left behind in a dragon attack, he has no choice but to survive by himself. Through many adventures, he comes to accept himself for who he is, and that he won't let his disability define him.
The characters in this book were well-written and enjoyable to read. I especially loved the friendship between Fledge and Galexia . . . it was so sweet! And I just have to say, all the character names were so cool!!
This was an amazing debut novel, a quick read and a fun one. There were grammatical mistakes, but nothing that detracted from my enjoyment. I hope to read more of Kaytlin's works in the future!
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