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Farsighted #1
Farsighted
Alex Kosmitoras's life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead broke and insanely overprotective, and... oh yeah, he's blind.
Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, an enticing new girl comes to their small Midwest town all the way from India. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Sophomore year might not be so bad after all.
Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they suggest Simmi is in mortal danger.
With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex embarks on his journey to change the future.
Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, an enticing new girl comes to their small Midwest town all the way from India. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Sophomore year might not be so bad after all.
Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they suggest Simmi is in mortal danger.
With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex embarks on his journey to change the future.
218 pages, ebook
First published October 17, 2011
About the author
Emlyn Chand
26 books1,161 followersMelissa Storm is a mother first, and everything else second. She used to write under the pseudonym Emlyn Chand, but finally had the confidence to come out as herself to the world. Her fiction is highly personal and often based on true stories. Writing is Melissa's way of showing her daughter just how beautiful life can be, when you pay attention to the everyday wonders that surround us.
Melissa loves books so much, she married fellow author Falcon Storm. Between the two of them, there are always plenty of imaginative, awe-inspiring stories to share. Melissa and Falcon also run the business Novel Publicity together, where she works as publisher, marketer, editor, and all-around business mogul. When she's not reading, writing, or child-rearing, Melissa spends time relaxing at home in the company of her two dogs, five parrots, and rescue cat. She never misses an episode of The Bachelor or her nightly lavender-infused soak in the tub.
Learn more about Melissa's business at www.NovelPublicity.com. Learn more about her other author alias at www.EmlynChand.com. Learn more about her life on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or Google+.
Got a question? Send her a message here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
October 26, 2015
Alex Kosmitoras (Pronounced Caas-me-toe-rh-aas as insisted by Alex) was born blind and at fifteen he has adjusted to life well enough. Depending upon his other senses, he can get through school, homework – pretty much everything. But he is treated like an outcast, a freak at school because of his handicap. Well, that seems to be like the life of any blind person, right? Only Alex is different. He has visions of present and future! You may say that it is ridiculous – how can a blind person, who has never seen the light of the day, have visions? Well, like everything else, Alex’s visions are also dependent upon his other senses – he hears and feels it rather than ‘seeing’ them. It’s ironic that he should have the ‘second sight’ when he has always been deprived of the first!
His life was set. A loving and coddling mother, a father who is nice to him only when his mom is around, zero friends and the school bully’s favourite target! But everything changes when Simran Shergill arrives in the town and enrolls in his school. She is sweet and empathetic. She befriends him and his life takes a turn. He enjoys having a friend and even has feelings for Simmi and they certainly have ‘CHEMISTRY’ together ;). That is when he starts getting visions and that too visions of someone mortally hurting Simmi. What option does he have other than finding that person and trying to prevent the whole episode? So, Alex along with his dad (oh! did I mention that he has his own secrets?) Simmi, Shapri and Miss Teak, embarks on an adventure that is going to influence everyone around them.
I love the characters in this novel. They are truly lovable. The plot is amazing and so is the flow of the story. Towards the beginning I did feel that it was a bit slow, but later on I realized that the details were necessary for us understand how the characters think and feel and also the dynamics of the relationships. But what I love the most about this book is that at the beginning of each chapter there are one or two lines written that set the mood for the chapters. It’s simply unique and genius of Emlyn!
His life was set. A loving and coddling mother, a father who is nice to him only when his mom is around, zero friends and the school bully’s favourite target! But everything changes when Simran Shergill arrives in the town and enrolls in his school. She is sweet and empathetic. She befriends him and his life takes a turn. He enjoys having a friend and even has feelings for Simmi and they certainly have ‘CHEMISTRY’ together ;). That is when he starts getting visions and that too visions of someone mortally hurting Simmi. What option does he have other than finding that person and trying to prevent the whole episode? So, Alex along with his dad (oh! did I mention that he has his own secrets?) Simmi, Shapri and Miss Teak, embarks on an adventure that is going to influence everyone around them.
I love the characters in this novel. They are truly lovable. The plot is amazing and so is the flow of the story. Towards the beginning I did feel that it was a bit slow, but later on I realized that the details were necessary for us understand how the characters think and feel and also the dynamics of the relationships. But what I love the most about this book is that at the beginning of each chapter there are one or two lines written that set the mood for the chapters. It’s simply unique and genius of Emlyn!
November 20, 2011
I'm the proud mother. I used to be the one telling her stories!
September 21, 2013
FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY!
A young adult novel with absolutely NO FAIL! Emlyn Chand covers all the bases and manages to tell one hell of a rollercoaster paranormal featuring a hero who's blind, but far from weak. Screw Edward and the rest of the fake-hero-stalker-mysterious-hot-boy-with-bad-attitude posse running rampant in YA-land, Alex Kosmitoras is the real deal.
Firstly, kudos to the amazing Emlyn Chand who obviously gets that the world is filled with people of different races and who populates her book with that in mind. To this day I still don't get why so many authors think this world resembles some 1950's all-white suburb. I mean, where the hell do these authors live? Do they work with diverse groups or are they in some scary gated hell where everyone looks like them? Wake up people! It's 2012, there's a black man with his beautiful black wife and two adorable black girls in the White House! Your girls probably prefer Drake to Justin Bieber and your boys probably listen to Kanye West and PitBull. Time to join the human race folks.
When asked why she featured different cultures in Farsighted, Ms. Chand said: I don’t see why my characters all need to belong to the same culture or ethnicity. What fun is that? Culture shapes our characters in a big way, so by diversifying my cast, I was able to hit on more types of personalities and situations. Simmi, for example, is very polite and reverent. Alex is shaped by his own way of looking at the world too—his blindness. This may not seem like a culture at first glance, but look again. How different would your world be if you couldn’t see it?
Great answer.
I cannot imagine what it must be like to be born blind, and yet through Ms. Chand's brilliant yet spare narrative which sounds exactly like a teenage boy making his way through adolescence, I see Alex's life through his eyes. He's fiercely independent but also has times where he seems to overcompensate for his blindness. In short, he's real. Ms. Chand does not gloss over his blindness nor make it seem cool. It just is. His other senses are incredibly keen and I will never look at an Almond Joy candy bar the same way again. Alex has big problems that have nothing to do with his blindness. He's the target of Brady Evans, school jock and bully extraordinaire, his family is struggling financially (the way so many are these days) and now he's seeing visions of things that may happen. When a psychic shop moves in right next door to his mother's flower shop, his life shifts from 0 to 60 as he discovers he's gifted. Along the way he meets and starts to fall head over heels with Simmi, an Indian teenager whose family moved from New Delhi to the small town of Grandon. He also meets the mysterious Miss Teak (please, no raspberries) and her tough-as-nail daughter Shapri, both of whomleft New Orleans after Katrina and settled in the sleepy town for reasons that have a lot to do with Alex and his father.
Best part is there's no genderfail either. Simmi and Shapri and strong and active girls in their own right. They like science and do well in Advanced Chemistry (how cool is that)! Shapri comes to Alex's defense, and both have their own special gifts. In short, they don't need a guy to rescue them or to give them meaning the way so many so-called YA heroines seem to. These are girls you'd actually like to be friends with.
Farsighted is intelligent and gripping young adult fiction in a sea of absolute dreck. It's one of a few books that gives me great hope the irritating trend of Twilight-reduxes may be coming to an end.
A young adult novel with absolutely NO FAIL! Emlyn Chand covers all the bases and manages to tell one hell of a rollercoaster paranormal featuring a hero who's blind, but far from weak. Screw Edward and the rest of the fake-hero-stalker-mysterious-hot-boy-with-bad-attitude posse running rampant in YA-land, Alex Kosmitoras is the real deal.
Firstly, kudos to the amazing Emlyn Chand who obviously gets that the world is filled with people of different races and who populates her book with that in mind. To this day I still don't get why so many authors think this world resembles some 1950's all-white suburb. I mean, where the hell do these authors live? Do they work with diverse groups or are they in some scary gated hell where everyone looks like them? Wake up people! It's 2012, there's a black man with his beautiful black wife and two adorable black girls in the White House! Your girls probably prefer Drake to Justin Bieber and your boys probably listen to Kanye West and PitBull. Time to join the human race folks.
When asked why she featured different cultures in Farsighted, Ms. Chand said: I don’t see why my characters all need to belong to the same culture or ethnicity. What fun is that? Culture shapes our characters in a big way, so by diversifying my cast, I was able to hit on more types of personalities and situations. Simmi, for example, is very polite and reverent. Alex is shaped by his own way of looking at the world too—his blindness. This may not seem like a culture at first glance, but look again. How different would your world be if you couldn’t see it?
Great answer.
I cannot imagine what it must be like to be born blind, and yet through Ms. Chand's brilliant yet spare narrative which sounds exactly like a teenage boy making his way through adolescence, I see Alex's life through his eyes. He's fiercely independent but also has times where he seems to overcompensate for his blindness. In short, he's real. Ms. Chand does not gloss over his blindness nor make it seem cool. It just is. His other senses are incredibly keen and I will never look at an Almond Joy candy bar the same way again. Alex has big problems that have nothing to do with his blindness. He's the target of Brady Evans, school jock and bully extraordinaire, his family is struggling financially (the way so many are these days) and now he's seeing visions of things that may happen. When a psychic shop moves in right next door to his mother's flower shop, his life shifts from 0 to 60 as he discovers he's gifted. Along the way he meets and starts to fall head over heels with Simmi, an Indian teenager whose family moved from New Delhi to the small town of Grandon. He also meets the mysterious Miss Teak (please, no raspberries) and her tough-as-nail daughter Shapri, both of whomleft New Orleans after Katrina and settled in the sleepy town for reasons that have a lot to do with Alex and his father.
Best part is there's no genderfail either. Simmi and Shapri and strong and active girls in their own right. They like science and do well in Advanced Chemistry (how cool is that)! Shapri comes to Alex's defense, and both have their own special gifts. In short, they don't need a guy to rescue them or to give them meaning the way so many so-called YA heroines seem to. These are girls you'd actually like to be friends with.
Farsighted is intelligent and gripping young adult fiction in a sea of absolute dreck. It's one of a few books that gives me great hope the irritating trend of Twilight-reduxes may be coming to an end.
Read
December 20, 2021Unfortunately another book with blindness representation that relies on tired and inaccurate tropes.
Read
September 2, 2011Putting out a paperback version of the extended edition as well. It should hit all your favorite online retail outlets within a couple weeks. The hardcover edition is now out as well!
November 23, 2011
I was contacted by the author of Farsighted - Emlyn Chand about a month ago and she asked me to read and review her book for a blog tour she is going to have. After learning more about her book I found the synopsis of Farsighted to be very interested so I decided to give it a go and read the book and I am very pleased that I did. Her book was surprisingly really good. I love that it is not your ordinary paranormal fiction novel. Farsighted takes the paranormal fiction genre to new levels with a fresh, entertaining, and fast paced novel you will love to read over and over again.
Alex Kosmitoras life has never been easy but full of daily challenges. Why? Because he is blind. Alex sees through all of his other senses with are more in tuned because of his loss of sight. Upon going into a new school he meets two girls Simmi and Shapri (both main character's of the book) ,and learns they all share similar "gifts". Alex will come to learn his gifts are more that he ever knew he had when he begins to see visions of the future. Alex is only now to learn that, Simmi the girl who has a major crush on may be in trouble. With Alex's new visions he keeps seing that Simmi will die and he will do anything he can to protect her from this horrible future he sees. Will his "gifts" save the girl he loves or will it be to late?
I found reading Farsighted to be quite refreshing. The book was unlike any other paranormal novel I have read. The whole concept of the book is very unique and like a breath of fresh air - Not your normal paranormal read (Vampires, Fairies, Angel, Werewolfs.) I really enjoyed reading about Alex and his gifts and I have never read a book where the main character is blind. That makes for a very fun, and entertaining book to read. All of the characters in the book both main and secondary were well thought out and very interesting with their own stories which gave Farsighted more depth and personalty. The plot within the book was very fun to read with twist and turns along the way which made for a fast paced read and had to keep turning the page to see what would happen. I could tell the author, Emlyn Chand did her research while writing the book to learn more about blind people and as well as people from India's culture. I would very much recommend Farsighted to the YA crowd as well as adults. If you are looking new to read I would so say to give this book a chance. You will not regret you did.
Alex Kosmitoras life has never been easy but full of daily challenges. Why? Because he is blind. Alex sees through all of his other senses with are more in tuned because of his loss of sight. Upon going into a new school he meets two girls Simmi and Shapri (both main character's of the book) ,and learns they all share similar "gifts". Alex will come to learn his gifts are more that he ever knew he had when he begins to see visions of the future. Alex is only now to learn that, Simmi the girl who has a major crush on may be in trouble. With Alex's new visions he keeps seing that Simmi will die and he will do anything he can to protect her from this horrible future he sees. Will his "gifts" save the girl he loves or will it be to late?
I found reading Farsighted to be quite refreshing. The book was unlike any other paranormal novel I have read. The whole concept of the book is very unique and like a breath of fresh air - Not your normal paranormal read (Vampires, Fairies, Angel, Werewolfs.) I really enjoyed reading about Alex and his gifts and I have never read a book where the main character is blind. That makes for a very fun, and entertaining book to read. All of the characters in the book both main and secondary were well thought out and very interesting with their own stories which gave Farsighted more depth and personalty. The plot within the book was very fun to read with twist and turns along the way which made for a fast paced read and had to keep turning the page to see what would happen. I could tell the author, Emlyn Chand did her research while writing the book to learn more about blind people and as well as people from India's culture. I would very much recommend Farsighted to the YA crowd as well as adults. If you are looking new to read I would so say to give this book a chance. You will not regret you did.
November 17, 2012
I was very honored to be given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Farsighted, by Emlyn Chand. Until I discovered that it was a story told in the first person. And then I tried to come up with a way to get out of my commitment without appearing to be a rotten person. It’s not that I’ve never read this kind of book, it’s just that with few exceptions, I much prefer those told in the third person. Especially when there’s more than one perspective.
But I couldn’t find a way to back out gracefully, so I decided to suck it up and just get it over with.
Except I found, very early on, that Alex intrigued me. And then I found that I wanted someone to beat the snot out of Brady, the lowlife school bully, when it became clear that he had no problem being mean to a blind kid. I knew then that I actually cared about Alex. In other words, I was hooked.
I figured it would take me about a week to finish Farsighted, but Ms Chand is very good at what she does, and I wound up staying up much later than I’d planned...meaning I finished it the same night I started it. First she made me care, then she made me curious. Enough so that I needed to figure out what was going on.
I won’t go into a lot of detail, because I don’t want to give the story away but, as Alex’s exercises his gift, it changes in a very cool way near the end of the book. A unique twist that I never saw coming.
If you have even a little bit of an imagination, and you’re into fantasy at all, I believe you’ll enjoy Farsighted as much as I did. It’s well worth your time to check it out.
But I couldn’t find a way to back out gracefully, so I decided to suck it up and just get it over with.
Except I found, very early on, that Alex intrigued me. And then I found that I wanted someone to beat the snot out of Brady, the lowlife school bully, when it became clear that he had no problem being mean to a blind kid. I knew then that I actually cared about Alex. In other words, I was hooked.
I figured it would take me about a week to finish Farsighted, but Ms Chand is very good at what she does, and I wound up staying up much later than I’d planned...meaning I finished it the same night I started it. First she made me care, then she made me curious. Enough so that I needed to figure out what was going on.
I won’t go into a lot of detail, because I don’t want to give the story away but, as Alex’s exercises his gift, it changes in a very cool way near the end of the book. A unique twist that I never saw coming.
If you have even a little bit of an imagination, and you’re into fantasy at all, I believe you’ll enjoy Farsighted as much as I did. It’s well worth your time to check it out.
February 19, 2012
Alex Kosmitoras's life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, an enticing new girl comes to their small Midwest town all the way from India. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Sophomore year might not be so bad after all.
Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival--an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they suggest Simmi is in mortal danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex embarks on his journey to change the future.
*Overall Winner of the Dragonfly eBook Awards, 2011
*Best Young Adult Fiction, Dragonfly eBook Awards, 2011
*Best Debut Author, Dragonfly eBook Awards, 2011
*Winner of the Alternative Booker Award, 2011
*Winner of the WritersType First Chapter Competition, September 2011
Review 5 out of 5
Alex Kosmitoras is a 15-turning-16-year-old boy who hasn't had an easy life. He's been bullied at school, his parents are overprotective and to make matters worse, he's blind. He's never had a friend, but when a new girl comes to their small Midwest town from India, he finds that he has a chance to have a "normal" life. Simmi is very smart, nice and wants to be Alex's friend.
As it gets closer to his birthday, Alex's life has another surprise in store. He begins to "see" the future. Alex is unable to ignore these visions, as they suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of a mysterious psychic, and friends who have gifts of their own, Alex embarks on a journey to change the future.
I loved this story for it's insight (no pun intended) into the mind of a boy who is bullied, but doesn't act the victim. Alex is a great character. He has a great sense of humour, but he also has feelings that get hurt as easily everyone else's. Being blind doesn't seem to hold him back from doing what he wants. When Simmi enters his life, he doesn't understand why she wants to be his friend, but he is ecstatic!
I definitely recommend this book! It is a fantastic read and Emlyn Chand has created characters I can relate to emotionally, if not physically. - Lynn Worton
Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival--an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they suggest Simmi is in mortal danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex embarks on his journey to change the future.
*Overall Winner of the Dragonfly eBook Awards, 2011
*Best Young Adult Fiction, Dragonfly eBook Awards, 2011
*Best Debut Author, Dragonfly eBook Awards, 2011
*Winner of the Alternative Booker Award, 2011
*Winner of the WritersType First Chapter Competition, September 2011
Review 5 out of 5
Alex Kosmitoras is a 15-turning-16-year-old boy who hasn't had an easy life. He's been bullied at school, his parents are overprotective and to make matters worse, he's blind. He's never had a friend, but when a new girl comes to their small Midwest town from India, he finds that he has a chance to have a "normal" life. Simmi is very smart, nice and wants to be Alex's friend.
As it gets closer to his birthday, Alex's life has another surprise in store. He begins to "see" the future. Alex is unable to ignore these visions, as they suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of a mysterious psychic, and friends who have gifts of their own, Alex embarks on a journey to change the future.
I loved this story for it's insight (no pun intended) into the mind of a boy who is bullied, but doesn't act the victim. Alex is a great character. He has a great sense of humour, but he also has feelings that get hurt as easily everyone else's. Being blind doesn't seem to hold him back from doing what he wants. When Simmi enters his life, he doesn't understand why she wants to be his friend, but he is ecstatic!
I definitely recommend this book! It is a fantastic read and Emlyn Chand has created characters I can relate to emotionally, if not physically. - Lynn Worton
October 1, 2011
I must admit that I almost never read YA fiction. I must have started reading "grown up" books when I was about 14 and never really went back until Harry Potter. But very soon I will have a teenage daughter and I quite like the idea of being able to recommend books that she might enjoy. I very much enjoy that this particular book is paranormal without being about, well, let's face it, vampires. Not that I have anything against them, it's just that they really are suddenly everywhere. The concept of this book is fantastic, and Emlyn must certainly be commended for taking on such a seriously daunting task. Most writers would surely have found writing the first person account of a blind person way too complicated. I look forward to reading the next one, and to passing these on my my daughter when she is old enough.
November 30, 2011
Farsighted by Emlyn Chand (read it on my blog by clicking HERE
Read my Interview with Emlyn Chand by clicking HERE
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Farsighted by Emlyn Chand is the first in a series of books about teenagers with various types of psychic gifts. One of these teens is Alex Kosmitoras who learns that he has psychic ‘visions’ which is ironic as Alex is blind. So for Alex, his ‘visions’ come in the very same way as he experiences the rest of the world, through his other senses.
When the story starts, we meet Alex as he is just about to begin another year of (high) school. At first he feels lonely, which he believes is largely because he lacks the ability to see. But Alex doesn’t let that stop him and has adapted, he is in mainstream classes without any sort of adult aide. He does require all his textbooks be special ordered in Braille which makes them much larger and heavier than his peers’ editions. Throughout the store Alex undergoes a lot of changes in respect to his newly found psychic gifts. Alex does get help and guidance from two sources, one of which, to Alex at least, is highly unlikely ally.
I gave Emlyn Chand’s Farsighted a 4 because I felt it took awhile for me to really get ‘into’ the story. I did enjoy the runes and ‘fortune’ given at the beginning of each chapter. As someone who lives with both a physical and invisible disability, I very much liked the synopsis of the book as not many [books] I find have a protagonist who has any sort of disability. I was also pleased that Alex has a couple of very good friends that don’t treat him differently just because he was born without vision.
I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series that we’re told will be narrated by someone other than Alex. Now I have a couple guesses, but am not going to share them as I do not want to give away too much of the story. And I thank the author Emlyn Chand and Novel Publicity for allowing me to join the Farsighted book tour.
Farsighted by Emlyn Chand is scheduled to be released in print on Nov. 24, 2011 and is currently available for Kindle on Amazon.com.
~Jaclyn~
Links to corresponding posts on my blog:
Farsigted Review
I was also fortunate enough to interview Ms. Emlyn Chand and you can read my interview by going to the following link!
Interview with Author Emlyn Chand
** Disclaimer: I write book reviews on my blog, Jaclyn's Musings, and received a free copy of Farsighted as part of Novel Publicity's Book Tour in exchange for an honest review**
Read my Interview with Emlyn Chand by clicking HERE
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Farsighted by Emlyn Chand is the first in a series of books about teenagers with various types of psychic gifts. One of these teens is Alex Kosmitoras who learns that he has psychic ‘visions’ which is ironic as Alex is blind. So for Alex, his ‘visions’ come in the very same way as he experiences the rest of the world, through his other senses.
When the story starts, we meet Alex as he is just about to begin another year of (high) school. At first he feels lonely, which he believes is largely because he lacks the ability to see. But Alex doesn’t let that stop him and has adapted, he is in mainstream classes without any sort of adult aide. He does require all his textbooks be special ordered in Braille which makes them much larger and heavier than his peers’ editions. Throughout the store Alex undergoes a lot of changes in respect to his newly found psychic gifts. Alex does get help and guidance from two sources, one of which, to Alex at least, is highly unlikely ally.
I gave Emlyn Chand’s Farsighted a 4 because I felt it took awhile for me to really get ‘into’ the story. I did enjoy the runes and ‘fortune’ given at the beginning of each chapter. As someone who lives with both a physical and invisible disability, I very much liked the synopsis of the book as not many [books] I find have a protagonist who has any sort of disability. I was also pleased that Alex has a couple of very good friends that don’t treat him differently just because he was born without vision.
I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series that we’re told will be narrated by someone other than Alex. Now I have a couple guesses, but am not going to share them as I do not want to give away too much of the story. And I thank the author Emlyn Chand and Novel Publicity for allowing me to join the Farsighted book tour.
Farsighted by Emlyn Chand is scheduled to be released in print on Nov. 24, 2011 and is currently available for Kindle on Amazon.com.
~Jaclyn~
Links to corresponding posts on my blog:
Farsigted Review
I was also fortunate enough to interview Ms. Emlyn Chand and you can read my interview by going to the following link!
Interview with Author Emlyn Chand
** Disclaimer: I write book reviews on my blog, Jaclyn's Musings, and received a free copy of Farsighted as part of Novel Publicity's Book Tour in exchange for an honest review**
November 23, 2011
Full, non-spoiler review courtesy at Book & Movie Dimension a Blog
What there is first off that really set a nice tone was Farsighted contains a "Note to Readers". Helps to bring us along the story much more closely and found intimate.
A Note To Readers
You are about to embark on a journey along with the characters in this novel. At the beginning of each chapter, you'll find a rune and a corresponding prophecy. Put your powers of divination to the test by trying to predict what each chapter holds based on the hints provided. Or you may choose to ignore the runic prophecies altogether and dive right into the story. Either way, happy travels.
Nobody really likes Alex. His own dad doesn't much. Only his mother just because he happens to be blind. Beginning high school this year, he expects it to be another awful year but along comes a new friend. It's Simmi. While quiet and reserved Alex finds her intriguing. Just as Alex is starting to feel a romance blooming as he hoped he starts to develop crazy powers that suggest he can see the future and more. At first he's skeptical what with a new psychic and the psychic's daughter moving into town too. It quickly becomes apparent he just has to believe before Simmi becomes entangled in a danger, Alex can actually prevent. Alex finds all the more frustrating as he realizes it's all connected to his powers that are attracting powerful but obviously dangerous psychic kids.
The thing most impressive is that the story has solid characters. Alex is likable enough but can aggravate you making him somewhat more real. While Ms. Teak, the new psychic who is a sort of guide to Alex and seems very mysterious. Let's hope we see more of Ms. Teak and her background since going that way could be interesting. Shapri, Ms. Teak's daughter, it seems is a psychic as well and it becomes apparent that as Alex and her grow closer there is a sort of potential for romance. She's really more prone to be louder than Alex or Simmi which I like a lot since she's really a more overly lively type of girl. While, Simmi is a contrast to Shapri who's sweet and a calm presence. She's also Alex's main biggest love interest. Even, Alex's dad however small the role plays a pivotal role in the book towards the later events in it.
Farsighted is by far easy to get into. The characters are involved in various situations sometimes immensely important in the dangerous zone or sometimes just friendship problems but all fit together well. The story has some very subtle suspense in both situations and romance. It's unique in many ways from the perspective and how character complexity is developed through the use of plot. Since, this is the first in a series, once read you'll be wanting to reach for the next one soon after. Proving that there is something in ,Farsighted, that makes for a unique story that has big potential in more books to come even.
What there is first off that really set a nice tone was Farsighted contains a "Note to Readers". Helps to bring us along the story much more closely and found intimate.
A Note To Readers
You are about to embark on a journey along with the characters in this novel. At the beginning of each chapter, you'll find a rune and a corresponding prophecy. Put your powers of divination to the test by trying to predict what each chapter holds based on the hints provided. Or you may choose to ignore the runic prophecies altogether and dive right into the story. Either way, happy travels.
Nobody really likes Alex. His own dad doesn't much. Only his mother just because he happens to be blind. Beginning high school this year, he expects it to be another awful year but along comes a new friend. It's Simmi. While quiet and reserved Alex finds her intriguing. Just as Alex is starting to feel a romance blooming as he hoped he starts to develop crazy powers that suggest he can see the future and more. At first he's skeptical what with a new psychic and the psychic's daughter moving into town too. It quickly becomes apparent he just has to believe before Simmi becomes entangled in a danger, Alex can actually prevent. Alex finds all the more frustrating as he realizes it's all connected to his powers that are attracting powerful but obviously dangerous psychic kids.
The thing most impressive is that the story has solid characters. Alex is likable enough but can aggravate you making him somewhat more real. While Ms. Teak, the new psychic who is a sort of guide to Alex and seems very mysterious. Let's hope we see more of Ms. Teak and her background since going that way could be interesting. Shapri, Ms. Teak's daughter, it seems is a psychic as well and it becomes apparent that as Alex and her grow closer there is a sort of potential for romance. She's really more prone to be louder than Alex or Simmi which I like a lot since she's really a more overly lively type of girl. While, Simmi is a contrast to Shapri who's sweet and a calm presence. She's also Alex's main biggest love interest. Even, Alex's dad however small the role plays a pivotal role in the book towards the later events in it.
Farsighted is by far easy to get into. The characters are involved in various situations sometimes immensely important in the dangerous zone or sometimes just friendship problems but all fit together well. The story has some very subtle suspense in both situations and romance. It's unique in many ways from the perspective and how character complexity is developed through the use of plot. Since, this is the first in a series, once read you'll be wanting to reach for the next one soon after. Proving that there is something in ,Farsighted, that makes for a unique story that has big potential in more books to come even.
October 13, 2011
“You are not good in the purest sense of the word. Nor does such a concept exist. You are both good and bad. Time will tell which of the two you favor.” Farsighted p.128
My favorite quote from Farsighted. And there were many to choose from. In Farsighted Emlyn takes us on a amazing ride through the world of a teenage psychic. And she does it with such realism and expertise that it’s almost impossible to stop reading. The thing I am most impressed with is the character of Alex. She develops him so well that the reader can empathize with him almost from the beginning. And she does this in such a way that we can forget at times of his disability. She never capitalizes on it and in fact shows him with great strength. He is hands down my favorite character in the book.
Farsighted starts with Alex starting his sophomore year of high school. He expects nothing more than a repeat of past years, but the first day if school brings him face to face with Simmi. Simmi is unlike any girl he has encountered. In fact she is unlike anyone he has ever met. Not only does he find a friend in Simmi, but he embarks on a journey that brings closer relationships to his life than he ever thought possible. Enter a supporting cast of characters from the psychic Ms. Teak and her daughter Shapri, to his overprotective mother and distant father. We learn that things in Alex’s life are not occurring purely by chance. But that he is part of a psychic family that draws other psychics to them. Including the “bad boy” Dax.
Alex has to learn how to handle his powers, as well as help his new friends accept their powers. A large order to fill even if they weren’t trying to figure out who Dax is, and why he has Simmi in his sights.
This is a strong offering from a debut author. She seamlessly creates a cast of characters who bond, despite different cultures, physical disabilities and the hurdles of adolescence. She also manages to tread the waters of the paranormal world without sounding too “hookey”. The depictions and scenes of Alex’s ability to see the future, Dax’s telekinetic powers, and Simmi’s clairsentient abilities, come off as natural as the classroom settings. The only weak spot, for me, is Simmi. As much as I love her character, I feel we could have got a little more on her. I also feel she was too quick to forgive Alex. (Read the book, you will see what I mean.) But I am hoping that we get more of what drives Simmi in future books.
I absolutely loved this book. I think fans of other YA series, including Twilight and Hunger Games, will be easily drawn in. But it will be the novelty of the series that keeps them coming back. I eagerly await book two with a Monster Energy drink nearby! (Trust me, you will need it to keep up with Alex.)
My favorite quote from Farsighted. And there were many to choose from. In Farsighted Emlyn takes us on a amazing ride through the world of a teenage psychic. And she does it with such realism and expertise that it’s almost impossible to stop reading. The thing I am most impressed with is the character of Alex. She develops him so well that the reader can empathize with him almost from the beginning. And she does this in such a way that we can forget at times of his disability. She never capitalizes on it and in fact shows him with great strength. He is hands down my favorite character in the book.
Farsighted starts with Alex starting his sophomore year of high school. He expects nothing more than a repeat of past years, but the first day if school brings him face to face with Simmi. Simmi is unlike any girl he has encountered. In fact she is unlike anyone he has ever met. Not only does he find a friend in Simmi, but he embarks on a journey that brings closer relationships to his life than he ever thought possible. Enter a supporting cast of characters from the psychic Ms. Teak and her daughter Shapri, to his overprotective mother and distant father. We learn that things in Alex’s life are not occurring purely by chance. But that he is part of a psychic family that draws other psychics to them. Including the “bad boy” Dax.
Alex has to learn how to handle his powers, as well as help his new friends accept their powers. A large order to fill even if they weren’t trying to figure out who Dax is, and why he has Simmi in his sights.
This is a strong offering from a debut author. She seamlessly creates a cast of characters who bond, despite different cultures, physical disabilities and the hurdles of adolescence. She also manages to tread the waters of the paranormal world without sounding too “hookey”. The depictions and scenes of Alex’s ability to see the future, Dax’s telekinetic powers, and Simmi’s clairsentient abilities, come off as natural as the classroom settings. The only weak spot, for me, is Simmi. As much as I love her character, I feel we could have got a little more on her. I also feel she was too quick to forgive Alex. (Read the book, you will see what I mean.) But I am hoping that we get more of what drives Simmi in future books.
I absolutely loved this book. I think fans of other YA series, including Twilight and Hunger Games, will be easily drawn in. But it will be the novelty of the series that keeps them coming back. I eagerly await book two with a Monster Energy drink nearby! (Trust me, you will need it to keep up with Alex.)
November 18, 2011
As a busy author, I find taking the time to escape into someone else's imaginary world a very special treat - which is why I am picky about the books that I select to read.
I first discovered Farsighted when I was scrolling through Goodreads.com's First Reads giveaways. When Emlyn offered to let me read it, I jumped at the opportunity. When I learned the young adult novel's protagonist was a seventeen-year-old blind tenth grader, I was intrigued. There are not enough heroes in fiction with dissabilities - especially in the paranormal genre. So often, (my own novels included), we have fierce, strong men who can handle everything that comes their way. I wondered if Alex would be the same way.
When the novel begins, we are carried into the world of Alex Kosmitoras. He is heading into a new school year and has all of the hopes and dreams many 10th graders have. He wants to fit in and have friends, he wants to do well in school and have teacher's who inspire him and appreciate his talents. He also has a mother who talks to him like he is perpetually six and a father who leaves him feeling inadequate. Alex isn't the typical guy who is the star of the (insert favorite high school sport team)....he is complex. But, let me say, he isn't weak either. I wouldn't personally want to be on the end of his cane if he was angry with me!
When his gifts begin to manifest to the point he can't deny them, Miss Teak lets him in a little secret - Alex is a psychometrist. She helps him realize that as a psychic, he is gifted with a second sight that is more powerful than regular eyesight.
I persoanlly don't believe in giving away spoilers when it comes to the action part of a good book, but let me just leave you with this: Alex goes on a quest - with Simmi and Shapri by his side and he discovers that some dangers are not what they seem. His visions, are much more complicated and only he can learn to discern their meanings. Meanwhile, he also learns that some gifts are stronger than others and he isn't the only one with special powers.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I spent a pleasurable afternoon tucked under a soft blanket, on my couch, escaping into Chand's world. Her characters are unique and easy to relate to. Her narative drive keeps the reader guessing "what's next???" And for those who enjoy a relatively quick read (like me) - this is for you.
One thing that keeps coming to mind is - "boy, can I imagine Justin's (my middle school son) friends reading this." It is thrilling enough to capture a young teen's interests, but it isn't so dark that a parent would worry. For me, an adult who both reads and writes YA novels, it was a nice change of pace. I look forward to Chand's future novels.
November 13, 2011
When the author, Emlyn Chand, asked for reviewers to join her book tour on Facebook, I let a couple days go by before answering that call. Having been friends with Emlyn on FB for a while and reading things she had posted about the book, I wasn't interested. Even after committing to the book tour I still was on the fence. I was actually pleasantly surprised with how much I DID enjoy Farsighted after I read it. Very well written, fast paced, not one grammatical error, likable characters.
Alex, the star (or should I say sapling) of the book, is blind and has been that way since he was born. His mother owns Sweet Blossoms, a floral shop, and his father (who Alex just can't seem to figure out)can't seem to find a job so his family never really had much. A sophomore in high school, Alex is use to being made fun of and bullied and has no friends. Until Simmi, a transfer student from India comes into his life. She smells like an Almond Joy. Then enters Shapri, who moved from New Orleans. All three have some type of psychic ability, whether they accept it or not. When Alex starts "seeing" visions, he has no idea what is happening. With the help of Shapri's mother, Miss Teak, he is able to understand those visions, but how to stop what he is seeing before it happens is a different story. Someone is wanting his beloved Simmi dead, but who is this guy and why?
Although I was enjoying the read, I didn't really start to get into the story until about half way through when things started falling in place and the action really picked up! I actually wanted Alex to be in love with Shapri, she's more outgoing and spunky than quiet soft spoken Simmi. I am looking forward to finding out more about Shapri and Simmi in future books. One thing that I really liked about this read was that Alex isn't a poor me kind of guy. You almost forget he is even blind until you come across a sentence about how something "smells" to him or using his cane. He seems fairly independent, considering he can make his way from school to his moms shop by himself, and he is not afraid to stand up for himself!
This is a great first published novel for Emlyn Chand. She has created an interesting world that will pull you right in. I'm excited to read book two, which will come out in 2012 (hopefully early 2012 and not later!). An enjoyable read for YA and adults. Farsighted is clean enough for even mid-grade readers getting ready for the transition to YA.
Alex, the star (or should I say sapling) of the book, is blind and has been that way since he was born. His mother owns Sweet Blossoms, a floral shop, and his father (who Alex just can't seem to figure out)can't seem to find a job so his family never really had much. A sophomore in high school, Alex is use to being made fun of and bullied and has no friends. Until Simmi, a transfer student from India comes into his life. She smells like an Almond Joy. Then enters Shapri, who moved from New Orleans. All three have some type of psychic ability, whether they accept it or not. When Alex starts "seeing" visions, he has no idea what is happening. With the help of Shapri's mother, Miss Teak, he is able to understand those visions, but how to stop what he is seeing before it happens is a different story. Someone is wanting his beloved Simmi dead, but who is this guy and why?
Although I was enjoying the read, I didn't really start to get into the story until about half way through when things started falling in place and the action really picked up! I actually wanted Alex to be in love with Shapri, she's more outgoing and spunky than quiet soft spoken Simmi. I am looking forward to finding out more about Shapri and Simmi in future books. One thing that I really liked about this read was that Alex isn't a poor me kind of guy. You almost forget he is even blind until you come across a sentence about how something "smells" to him or using his cane. He seems fairly independent, considering he can make his way from school to his moms shop by himself, and he is not afraid to stand up for himself!
This is a great first published novel for Emlyn Chand. She has created an interesting world that will pull you right in. I'm excited to read book two, which will come out in 2012 (hopefully early 2012 and not later!). An enjoyable read for YA and adults. Farsighted is clean enough for even mid-grade readers getting ready for the transition to YA.
October 9, 2011
I got my copy of Farsighted from Emyln as part of a blog tour through Novel Publicity. Farsighted is a debut novel by Emlyn Chand but from reading it you wouldn't think so. The detail that has gone into the writing in this book is really great.
Farsighted is about a boy called Alex, as he goes about his day to day activities. The only problem is that Alex is blind so he uses his other senses to compensate for not having sight. Suddenly Alex is sensing things he shouldn't be able to and goes to the only person he can think of to help, Miss Teak. Together, with the help of some friends, Alex gets things sorted out.
I really enjoyed reading Farsighted, I have never read a book like this before so it was a refreshing change to read it rather then my usual types of books. From the minute I started Farsighted I was hooked and stayed up late to try to finish it. It took me longer than planned to finish, but it was worth the late nights to do it. I loved reading about how Alex recognises different people, either from their voices or their smells and enjoyed the budding friendships between Alex, Simmi and Shapri. I really liked how Emlyn has thought about the difficulties that Alex has to go through, things that we take for granted, but has managed to portray them in the book so well that even I felt like it was a day to day activity for me. I sympathised with Alex, for how he struggles to fit into life in general and how he found it hard to get to know anyone, but having Simmi and Shapri make friends with him and treat him the same as anyone else made me happy.
I loved how Alex used runes to train his ability, and how each chapter of the book had a rune at the start of it, on my ereader it looked like they would jump off the screen.
Farsighted isn't a book with just an average boy who gains a special ability, there are more people that come onto the scene with their own unique ability, and we get to see how they work together to help Alex.
At a point in Farsighted I wanted to hit Alex for how he treated Simmi, even though he did it to protect her I hated him for how nasty he was, even worse was how understanding Simmi was about it all when she found out the reasons why.
From start to finish Farsighted is a great read and I cant wait for the next book Open Heart to be released November 24th 2012.
Find more information about Emlyn below
http://www.emlynchand.com/media/
Farsighted is about a boy called Alex, as he goes about his day to day activities. The only problem is that Alex is blind so he uses his other senses to compensate for not having sight. Suddenly Alex is sensing things he shouldn't be able to and goes to the only person he can think of to help, Miss Teak. Together, with the help of some friends, Alex gets things sorted out.
I really enjoyed reading Farsighted, I have never read a book like this before so it was a refreshing change to read it rather then my usual types of books. From the minute I started Farsighted I was hooked and stayed up late to try to finish it. It took me longer than planned to finish, but it was worth the late nights to do it. I loved reading about how Alex recognises different people, either from their voices or their smells and enjoyed the budding friendships between Alex, Simmi and Shapri. I really liked how Emlyn has thought about the difficulties that Alex has to go through, things that we take for granted, but has managed to portray them in the book so well that even I felt like it was a day to day activity for me. I sympathised with Alex, for how he struggles to fit into life in general and how he found it hard to get to know anyone, but having Simmi and Shapri make friends with him and treat him the same as anyone else made me happy.
I loved how Alex used runes to train his ability, and how each chapter of the book had a rune at the start of it, on my ereader it looked like they would jump off the screen.
Farsighted isn't a book with just an average boy who gains a special ability, there are more people that come onto the scene with their own unique ability, and we get to see how they work together to help Alex.
At a point in Farsighted I wanted to hit Alex for how he treated Simmi, even though he did it to protect her I hated him for how nasty he was, even worse was how understanding Simmi was about it all when she found out the reasons why.
From start to finish Farsighted is a great read and I cant wait for the next book Open Heart to be released November 24th 2012.
Find more information about Emlyn below
http://www.emlynchand.com/media/
October 8, 2011
Alex Kosmitoras can’t wait to get away from his small-town life. But until he can graduate high school and move to a bigger city, he’s forced to endure another year of over-protective parents, endless bullying, boring classes, and worst of all, no friends. The only bright side is that he at least only has three more years of high school left.
Alex’s first day of school starts off about as well as he could hope—until he starts sensing things that aren’t there. His first “vision” manages to make a fool out of him in front of the school bully. Just as he thinks he’s going to die from embarrassment, things start looking up. He meets a new girl named Simmi who seems to actually like him. Their friendship looks like it may be developing into something more when Alex has his most terrifying vision yet: Simmi’s death.
As soon as it looks like Alex may lose his first friend, he is pushed into coming to terms with the powers he’d much rather not have. The only person who seems to be able to help him is Miss Teak, the psychic who just moved in next door. Alex is forced into a world he knows very little about, but when friends appear who have gifts of their own, he realizes that he doesn’t have to take on the universe on his own.
As he journeys through this new world, Alex is faced with important decisions about whom he can trust, how he must handle his powers, and what he wants his future to be. Each “vision” he experiences tests his inner strength and shapes him into the person he is destined to become. But is that person capable of evil as well as good? Alex’s fight to change the future is one that will keep readers enthralled for the entirety of the book.
Alex’s first day of school starts off about as well as he could hope—until he starts sensing things that aren’t there. His first “vision” manages to make a fool out of him in front of the school bully. Just as he thinks he’s going to die from embarrassment, things start looking up. He meets a new girl named Simmi who seems to actually like him. Their friendship looks like it may be developing into something more when Alex has his most terrifying vision yet: Simmi’s death.
As soon as it looks like Alex may lose his first friend, he is pushed into coming to terms with the powers he’d much rather not have. The only person who seems to be able to help him is Miss Teak, the psychic who just moved in next door. Alex is forced into a world he knows very little about, but when friends appear who have gifts of their own, he realizes that he doesn’t have to take on the universe on his own.
As he journeys through this new world, Alex is faced with important decisions about whom he can trust, how he must handle his powers, and what he wants his future to be. Each “vision” he experiences tests his inner strength and shapes him into the person he is destined to become. But is that person capable of evil as well as good? Alex’s fight to change the future is one that will keep readers enthralled for the entirety of the book.
November 15, 2011
The cover definitely depicts what is going on in the story, which is always a plus. I like that Alex has his “cool kid glasses” on! He would probably scoff at me using that term now, but I couldn’t help myself.
It was refreshing to get a different kind of main character here. 1. Alex is a boy, which is sometimes lacking in YA fiction. 2. Alex is blind, which is definitely lacking in YA fiction. I’m not sure that I’ve ever heard of another YA book with a blind protagonist. Correct me if I’m wrong, please.
Another interesting aspect of this book was that the author included a rune and corresponding prophecy at the beginning of each chapter. They acted as kind of a teaser for what was to come and it was fun to try to figure them out. For a minute, I felt like Hermione deciphering the runes in The Tales of Beedle the Bard during Deathly Hallows.
I like how Alex comes into his gifts. It’s sort of a build up and it was fun to see him make the decisions about what to do with the things he saw. I also appreciated that romance wasn’t the main aspect of this book. Sure, it was in there, but it wasn’t the focus. Maybe this has something to do with the main character being male. Thinking back on my other YA reads with male protagonists, I don’t think their main focus is romance either. I’ll have to find more of these.
I really applaud Emlyn Chand for choosing to have a blind character. It could have been really awkward to read about, but Chand knew all of the right descriptive words to use. I’m excited for the next one!
It was refreshing to get a different kind of main character here. 1. Alex is a boy, which is sometimes lacking in YA fiction. 2. Alex is blind, which is definitely lacking in YA fiction. I’m not sure that I’ve ever heard of another YA book with a blind protagonist. Correct me if I’m wrong, please.
Another interesting aspect of this book was that the author included a rune and corresponding prophecy at the beginning of each chapter. They acted as kind of a teaser for what was to come and it was fun to try to figure them out. For a minute, I felt like Hermione deciphering the runes in The Tales of Beedle the Bard during Deathly Hallows.
I like how Alex comes into his gifts. It’s sort of a build up and it was fun to see him make the decisions about what to do with the things he saw. I also appreciated that romance wasn’t the main aspect of this book. Sure, it was in there, but it wasn’t the focus. Maybe this has something to do with the main character being male. Thinking back on my other YA reads with male protagonists, I don’t think their main focus is romance either. I’ll have to find more of these.
I really applaud Emlyn Chand for choosing to have a blind character. It could have been really awkward to read about, but Chand knew all of the right descriptive words to use. I’m excited for the next one!
November 6, 2011
I have mixed feelings about this book. Farsighted starts with a great premise. A paranormal superpower of seeing into the future and into the distance. Great cover too! For originality it scores stars. And I also wanted to read it for that reason. I like that the main character has a vulnerability, being blond.
BUT I thought this was geared toward adults, the cover even looks like an adult! But actually it is a YA paranormal, about a Sophomore boy who is blind and developed a sixth sense.
What I didn't get was why this impaired boy was in class with seeing kids? Didn't make sense to me. Blind students need to read Braille and are in different schools or at least classrooms than seeing students.
Anyhow, the other aspect I wasn't sure about was when the action would start. I mean when the "gift" becomes important. He has this gift, so I wanted to get to the point. Half way done, and the "gift" serves no real function other than being cool. There is a character Dax whose interwoven into the plot as the eventually point of this gift, but it just felt like all of the interesting drama happened at the last 20 pages.
I wished there would have been an interwoven mystery through-out much of the novel that kept me more on suspense.
But other than that, the last quarter picked up and reminded me a bit of the book Portal with the name Simmi and the pace/flow of it.
I think paranormal fans would like to check this out and some may love it more than me. But for me it was alright.
3 stars out of 5.
BUT I thought this was geared toward adults, the cover even looks like an adult! But actually it is a YA paranormal, about a Sophomore boy who is blind and developed a sixth sense.
What I didn't get was why this impaired boy was in class with seeing kids? Didn't make sense to me. Blind students need to read Braille and are in different schools or at least classrooms than seeing students.
Anyhow, the other aspect I wasn't sure about was when the action would start. I mean when the "gift" becomes important. He has this gift, so I wanted to get to the point. Half way done, and the "gift" serves no real function other than being cool. There is a character Dax whose interwoven into the plot as the eventually point of this gift, but it just felt like all of the interesting drama happened at the last 20 pages.
I wished there would have been an interwoven mystery through-out much of the novel that kept me more on suspense.
But other than that, the last quarter picked up and reminded me a bit of the book Portal with the name Simmi and the pace/flow of it.
I think paranormal fans would like to check this out and some may love it more than me. But for me it was alright.
3 stars out of 5.
February 9, 2012
What a great book!
This has become one of my all time favorite books, I bought this on a whim, the story line was different from any other paranormal book I've read and was intrigued by the main character. Usually I don't read books from a guys POV, so it was sorta hard for me to get into that mind set, but once I did I fell in love with Alex! What you'll find with all these characters is that besides the paranormal side, you don't get much more realistic then this book! these characters are written beautifully and you get the sense of actually being there with them, especially Alex.
I can't wait for book 2 to come out, I'm very curious about the new character Dax, and honestly I must say I thought that Dax's was Alex's split personality lol I donno why but I thought maybe with Alex's moods swings that he was turning into someone evil but that wasn't the case, which was a good thing but would have made a very good story line too lol. I know most girls love the whole love triangle thing but this books is different, for a bunch or reasons, 1, you're POV is from a guy's perspective, 2, instead of two hunky guys drooling over one girl you have two girls sorta drooling over one guy! Even though Alex doesn't really hook up with either girls you know that they both secretly lust over him lol but I think this will be your typical book where the guy goes for one girl and I'll be cheering on the other girl, which is pretty normal for me lol So here's to Alex and Shapri hooking up in the next book:D
This has become one of my all time favorite books, I bought this on a whim, the story line was different from any other paranormal book I've read and was intrigued by the main character. Usually I don't read books from a guys POV, so it was sorta hard for me to get into that mind set, but once I did I fell in love with Alex! What you'll find with all these characters is that besides the paranormal side, you don't get much more realistic then this book! these characters are written beautifully and you get the sense of actually being there with them, especially Alex.
I can't wait for book 2 to come out, I'm very curious about the new character Dax, and honestly I must say I thought that Dax's was Alex's split personality lol I donno why but I thought maybe with Alex's moods swings that he was turning into someone evil but that wasn't the case, which was a good thing but would have made a very good story line too lol. I know most girls love the whole love triangle thing but this books is different, for a bunch or reasons, 1, you're POV is from a guy's perspective, 2, instead of two hunky guys drooling over one girl you have two girls sorta drooling over one guy! Even though Alex doesn't really hook up with either girls you know that they both secretly lust over him lol but I think this will be your typical book where the guy goes for one girl and I'll be cheering on the other girl, which is pretty normal for me lol So here's to Alex and Shapri hooking up in the next book:D
December 8, 2011
At first I felt sorry for Alex not have any sight. I cannot imagine having to live life not being able to see the vibrant colors or the look on my children’s face when they smile brightly. I soon realized that Alex does not need pity! He is fine just the way he is and actually does quite well without being able to see.
I loved the characters of Simmi & Shapri. Shapri was my favorite, she was not afraid of anything and could care less what people thought. If she had something to say, she was right in your face saying and getting her answer. Simmi was quiet and soft-spoken, very sweet. It is no wonder that Alex had fallen for her.
I gave the book a 4 specifically for the storyline. The storyline was unique and different. It was nice to read a story about psychics instead of the typical werewolf/vampire theme. There were times that the story seemed to drag, but the storyline alone was enough to keep me going. I did not feel the connection to the characters that I would have liked to.
I am excited to see where the story leads to with these character. The next installment is due to come out sometime in 2012.
“There are two types of visions. Those that will happen no matter what, and those that can be stopped.
Now more than ever, I wish I could tell them apart.”
I loved the characters of Simmi & Shapri. Shapri was my favorite, she was not afraid of anything and could care less what people thought. If she had something to say, she was right in your face saying and getting her answer. Simmi was quiet and soft-spoken, very sweet. It is no wonder that Alex had fallen for her.
I gave the book a 4 specifically for the storyline. The storyline was unique and different. It was nice to read a story about psychics instead of the typical werewolf/vampire theme. There were times that the story seemed to drag, but the storyline alone was enough to keep me going. I did not feel the connection to the characters that I would have liked to.
I am excited to see where the story leads to with these character. The next installment is due to come out sometime in 2012.
“There are two types of visions. Those that will happen no matter what, and those that can be stopped.
Now more than ever, I wish I could tell them apart.”
August 7, 2013
Farsighted It took me 5 days to get through this, I don't know, it just seemed to really drag, the pacing wasn't for me.
And to be honest, apart from Shapri, I didn't really like any of the characters, they felt real, had depth, and were well-written. I just didn't like them. So this part of the review is all about my "taste" and not so much about the objective worth of the book. For me it was ok (so 2 stars), but I have to give it 3, even if I didn't really like it that much.
And here's why those 3 stars were well earned:
1- There's some really skilled writing at work here. Alex, the main character, is blind, and the book is told in first person pov. There was never any sense of missing out on what characters or surroundings looked like. It was descriptive in a unique and well achieved way.
2- Alex, as I already mentioned, is blind. But thankfully this book doesn't go for the usual "oh the poor disabled boy" - he can take care of himself, he can live a normal life, he can save the day (kind of).
3- There was a lot of cultural diversity, and not just for the sake of having some token characters in the book, it felt real.
So there you go, 3 stars, but that's just because I really felt this book wasn't for me, I'm sure if most readers give this a chance they'll give it a higher rating than I did.
And to be honest, apart from Shapri, I didn't really like any of the characters, they felt real, had depth, and were well-written. I just didn't like them. So this part of the review is all about my "taste" and not so much about the objective worth of the book. For me it was ok (so 2 stars), but I have to give it 3, even if I didn't really like it that much.
And here's why those 3 stars were well earned:
1- There's some really skilled writing at work here. Alex, the main character, is blind, and the book is told in first person pov. There was never any sense of missing out on what characters or surroundings looked like. It was descriptive in a unique and well achieved way.
2- Alex, as I already mentioned, is blind. But thankfully this book doesn't go for the usual "oh the poor disabled boy" - he can take care of himself, he can live a normal life, he can save the day (kind of).
3- There was a lot of cultural diversity, and not just for the sake of having some token characters in the book, it felt real.
So there you go, 3 stars, but that's just because I really felt this book wasn't for me, I'm sure if most readers give this a chance they'll give it a higher rating than I did.
November 23, 2011
This is a fun book with lots of diverse characters. There isn't just the usual small-town American group of teens, they are a worldly selection from several different cultures. Each characters' heritage is seamlessly woven into their personality, without the multi-culturalism becoming a focus of the book.
I loved the young, awkward romance featured in the story. It felt real and sweet. Told from the male viewpoint, it was refreshing and adorable. I couldn't help smiling at the Alex's awkward handling of his relationships with the girls.
This is the first book in a new series. This is obvious in the story, but the ending is satisfying, while still leaving me wanting the next book.
I found the extra features (interview and discussion questions) at the end of the book to be a fun bonus. It was great to get a little insight into Emlyn's thoughts about the book, and the discussion questions help to make you think about the book in a deeper way.
Overall, this was a fun book told from a refreshing and unique main character. I'd definitely suggest you pick up this story.
I loved the young, awkward romance featured in the story. It felt real and sweet. Told from the male viewpoint, it was refreshing and adorable. I couldn't help smiling at the Alex's awkward handling of his relationships with the girls.
This is the first book in a new series. This is obvious in the story, but the ending is satisfying, while still leaving me wanting the next book.
I found the extra features (interview and discussion questions) at the end of the book to be a fun bonus. It was great to get a little insight into Emlyn's thoughts about the book, and the discussion questions help to make you think about the book in a deeper way.
Overall, this was a fun book told from a refreshing and unique main character. I'd definitely suggest you pick up this story.
November 3, 2011
The premise of this book gave me high expectations, and it lived up to them. A blind boy navigates the emotional roller coaster of high school life with an unemployed father, too little money and too few friends. The author introduces you to what it would be like to be blind, emphasizing Alex's heightened senses of smell, touch and hearing with many wonderful details.
When he starts having visions and hearing voices, life becomes twice as complicated. Alex is charged with the weighty responsibility of saving the life of his friend, Simmi while still learning to develop his psychic powers, and fight a powerful foe despite the fact that he is blind.
The greatest strength of Farsighted was not so much the dramatic plot as the development of the teenaged characters. The way Alex's mood swings from cloud nine one moment to the depths of depression the next is a perfect portrayal of normal adolescence at sweet sixteen. Alex's two female friends, Simmi and Shapri, are equally well drawn. Young people and adults alike will enjoy Farsighted.
When he starts having visions and hearing voices, life becomes twice as complicated. Alex is charged with the weighty responsibility of saving the life of his friend, Simmi while still learning to develop his psychic powers, and fight a powerful foe despite the fact that he is blind.
The greatest strength of Farsighted was not so much the dramatic plot as the development of the teenaged characters. The way Alex's mood swings from cloud nine one moment to the depths of depression the next is a perfect portrayal of normal adolescence at sweet sixteen. Alex's two female friends, Simmi and Shapri, are equally well drawn. Young people and adults alike will enjoy Farsighted.
December 16, 2011
The idea of a blind main character was fun. The descriptions of senses and how he got around and dealt with people was creative.
I did feel that it dragged a little toward the middle. I would have liked more action. (I am an ADD reader after all).
I felt the writing was excellent and the characters interesting.
I did feel that it dragged a little toward the middle. I would have liked more action. (I am an ADD reader after all).
I felt the writing was excellent and the characters interesting.
November 8, 2011
There was a country French cafe I passed almost everyday to get to my apartment fourteen years ago. It was called La Madeleine and it had the most amazing tomato basil soup. The smell of basil wafted elegantly above my spoon, enticing me to take that first savory sip. I also couldn’t order the soup without a small Caesar salad; the croutons were crusted in Parmesan cheese and melted in your mouth. I probably ate there once a week. The very thought of it made my stomach warm and my mouth water.
Until, I got pregnant for the first time.
I ate my usual dietary delight with wild abandon, satisfying my weekly obsession despite my bouts with first trimester nausea. Shortly after finishing my meal, I found myself doubled over a porcelain throne violently emptying every last drop of soup from my system. The bathroom smelled of rancid tomatoes and wilted basil for days. It was so traumatic that I couldn’t even drive past the restaurant without dry-heaving, forcing me to find an alternative route. Now, almost fourteen years later, I still have not stepped foot in that restaurant again, nor have I eaten tomato basil soup. The smell still sends me clutching my stomach, battling phantom cramps and hearing an echo of retching.
It’s amazing how our senses can be manipulated and marked for the rest of our lives, triggering responses at random.
In Emlyn Chand’s debut novel, Farsighted, Alex Kosmitoras has to rely on four of his senses to maneuver through life. He is a blind high school student struggling to fit in with his peers. Like most teenagers, he is tormented by a love/hate relationship with his parents. He feels sheltered by their efforts to keep him safe while he tries to gain some independence. Alex also harbors feelings of bitterness towards them.
“As usual, she (his mother) steers directly into the pothole we don’t have the money to repair. Sometimes I wonder if she does it on purpose.”
Alone, and detached from his classmates for years, Alex has almost given up hope of making friends and being accepted until Simmi, a new student from India, befriends him. She is intelligent, insightful, and kind. She appeals strongly to two of Alex’s senses: hearing and smell. Her thick Indian accent draws him in when she speaks, setting her apart from the other voices at school. Alex is also intoxicated by her sweet chocolate and almond scent.
Just when Alex thinks he has found his best friend, and possible teen romance, we are introduced to yet another new student, Shapri. She and her mother, Miss Teak, stir up this small town by opening a psychic shop next door to Alex’s family business. Shapri’s quirky and independent New Orleans personality is bigger than Alex is able to handle, causing him to become resentful when Simmi and Shapri become thicker than thieves.
While Alex tries to juggle these new found friendships, avoid the school bully, and stay under his parents’ radar, he suddenly finds himself afflicted with random sensory episodes. His senses are transported to another time and place, almost like a vision, momentarily paralyzing him in a trance. With each episode, his body responds as if he is physically present in the vision, revealing a deadly mystery.
“The air becomes lighter all of a sudden, as if a vacuum cleaner has sucked up all the humidity. The fragrance of sweat and Axe deodorant spray fills my nostrils. I’m totally confused now.”
Farsighted is a Young Adult (YA) sci-fi drama that combines elements of teen romance, mystery and paranormal into a well-developed thriller. The underlying theme is about friendship and coming of age. The main characters must rely on each other, while accepting their own strengths or weaknesses, in order to prevent something horrible from happening. The biggest obstacle they must face together is learning to trust one another and accepting that sometimes things aren’t always as they seem.
Of the main characters, my favorite was Shapri. She demanded respect from her peers and held tight to her convictions. She was not easily swayed or manipulated and managed to maintain her beliefs in spite of the many negative influences in her life. I also liked the fact that she was flawed, struggling to accept some of her paranormal gifts, like many of us struggle with accepting our own abilities at times. It is refreshing to see strong, independent young women in YA fiction that do not need to be rescued.
However, the character that I could relate to the most was Shapri’s mother, Miss Teak. Perhaps it is because I am a mother of a teenager myself, but her calming spirit was a nice change of pace from the other characters’ hormone charged presence.
“All of a sudden, the background of the busy street is gone, replaced by the stillness of Miss Teak’s shop. The scent of sandalwood incense drifts by.”
She is the voice of reason, although she is far from being “all knowing”. Her life experiences and innate ability to reason through any problem make her an anchor, keeping this small band of teenagers from drifting away too far. She constantly gives helpful, albeit dark and mysterious, nuggets of advice:
“The potential for good and evil lies within all things. Nothing is fully dark or fully light. All have elements of both sides.”
Besides the main story-line, I also liked all of the personal details, even about the peripheral characters. Emlyn was able to make even the most minor characters three-dimensional by giving them their own quirks. For instance, Alex’s mother is a little bit obsessive compulsive.
“How was your first day?” Mom asks as she washes her hands, counting faintly under her breath to ensure the she lathers for exactly thirty seconds.
These added details were the best way for the reader to “see” through Alex’s eyes. Since we could not picture his environment, Emlyn Chand made sure that we could hear, feel, smell and even taste the story as it unfolded. Much like the way my body responded to driving by that French restaurant even years later, I was able to rely on my sensory experiences to visualize Farsighted.
Also, as a parent, it was nice to see positive lessons. This book was definitely appropriate for the age group that it was written for, readers like my teen-aged daughter. I also appreciated that the parents were not only present and involved in the story-line, but they were not portrayed as ignorant or stupid.
“Dad was more important to my life than I realized. As mush as I hated him for destroying everything, I can’t help but miss him.”
I would recommend this book to teens as well as adults. As an adult reading a YA fiction, it was a pleasant surprise to find so many “a-ha” moments for myself. Sometimes we get distracted by what is right in front of us, a sort of nearsighted perspective, and need to be shown a greater vision. I definitely found this to be true when Alex was talking about watching the ball drop in Times Square with his mother and could relate it to life in general. It was a nice reminder that life is not just about the destination, but about the journey too.
“The great thing about the ball drop isn’t the ball itself – from what I understand, the visual end is pretty lame. I get excited by the countdown. 10,9,8… Everyone screaming the number at the top of their lungs, eager to bring in the New Year, channeling all of that enthusiasm into counting. They truly believe this year will change their lives for the better.”
Until, I got pregnant for the first time.
I ate my usual dietary delight with wild abandon, satisfying my weekly obsession despite my bouts with first trimester nausea. Shortly after finishing my meal, I found myself doubled over a porcelain throne violently emptying every last drop of soup from my system. The bathroom smelled of rancid tomatoes and wilted basil for days. It was so traumatic that I couldn’t even drive past the restaurant without dry-heaving, forcing me to find an alternative route. Now, almost fourteen years later, I still have not stepped foot in that restaurant again, nor have I eaten tomato basil soup. The smell still sends me clutching my stomach, battling phantom cramps and hearing an echo of retching.
It’s amazing how our senses can be manipulated and marked for the rest of our lives, triggering responses at random.
In Emlyn Chand’s debut novel, Farsighted, Alex Kosmitoras has to rely on four of his senses to maneuver through life. He is a blind high school student struggling to fit in with his peers. Like most teenagers, he is tormented by a love/hate relationship with his parents. He feels sheltered by their efforts to keep him safe while he tries to gain some independence. Alex also harbors feelings of bitterness towards them.
“As usual, she (his mother) steers directly into the pothole we don’t have the money to repair. Sometimes I wonder if she does it on purpose.”
Alone, and detached from his classmates for years, Alex has almost given up hope of making friends and being accepted until Simmi, a new student from India, befriends him. She is intelligent, insightful, and kind. She appeals strongly to two of Alex’s senses: hearing and smell. Her thick Indian accent draws him in when she speaks, setting her apart from the other voices at school. Alex is also intoxicated by her sweet chocolate and almond scent.
Just when Alex thinks he has found his best friend, and possible teen romance, we are introduced to yet another new student, Shapri. She and her mother, Miss Teak, stir up this small town by opening a psychic shop next door to Alex’s family business. Shapri’s quirky and independent New Orleans personality is bigger than Alex is able to handle, causing him to become resentful when Simmi and Shapri become thicker than thieves.
While Alex tries to juggle these new found friendships, avoid the school bully, and stay under his parents’ radar, he suddenly finds himself afflicted with random sensory episodes. His senses are transported to another time and place, almost like a vision, momentarily paralyzing him in a trance. With each episode, his body responds as if he is physically present in the vision, revealing a deadly mystery.
“The air becomes lighter all of a sudden, as if a vacuum cleaner has sucked up all the humidity. The fragrance of sweat and Axe deodorant spray fills my nostrils. I’m totally confused now.”
Farsighted is a Young Adult (YA) sci-fi drama that combines elements of teen romance, mystery and paranormal into a well-developed thriller. The underlying theme is about friendship and coming of age. The main characters must rely on each other, while accepting their own strengths or weaknesses, in order to prevent something horrible from happening. The biggest obstacle they must face together is learning to trust one another and accepting that sometimes things aren’t always as they seem.
Of the main characters, my favorite was Shapri. She demanded respect from her peers and held tight to her convictions. She was not easily swayed or manipulated and managed to maintain her beliefs in spite of the many negative influences in her life. I also liked the fact that she was flawed, struggling to accept some of her paranormal gifts, like many of us struggle with accepting our own abilities at times. It is refreshing to see strong, independent young women in YA fiction that do not need to be rescued.
However, the character that I could relate to the most was Shapri’s mother, Miss Teak. Perhaps it is because I am a mother of a teenager myself, but her calming spirit was a nice change of pace from the other characters’ hormone charged presence.
“All of a sudden, the background of the busy street is gone, replaced by the stillness of Miss Teak’s shop. The scent of sandalwood incense drifts by.”
She is the voice of reason, although she is far from being “all knowing”. Her life experiences and innate ability to reason through any problem make her an anchor, keeping this small band of teenagers from drifting away too far. She constantly gives helpful, albeit dark and mysterious, nuggets of advice:
“The potential for good and evil lies within all things. Nothing is fully dark or fully light. All have elements of both sides.”
Besides the main story-line, I also liked all of the personal details, even about the peripheral characters. Emlyn was able to make even the most minor characters three-dimensional by giving them their own quirks. For instance, Alex’s mother is a little bit obsessive compulsive.
“How was your first day?” Mom asks as she washes her hands, counting faintly under her breath to ensure the she lathers for exactly thirty seconds.
These added details were the best way for the reader to “see” through Alex’s eyes. Since we could not picture his environment, Emlyn Chand made sure that we could hear, feel, smell and even taste the story as it unfolded. Much like the way my body responded to driving by that French restaurant even years later, I was able to rely on my sensory experiences to visualize Farsighted.
Also, as a parent, it was nice to see positive lessons. This book was definitely appropriate for the age group that it was written for, readers like my teen-aged daughter. I also appreciated that the parents were not only present and involved in the story-line, but they were not portrayed as ignorant or stupid.
“Dad was more important to my life than I realized. As mush as I hated him for destroying everything, I can’t help but miss him.”
I would recommend this book to teens as well as adults. As an adult reading a YA fiction, it was a pleasant surprise to find so many “a-ha” moments for myself. Sometimes we get distracted by what is right in front of us, a sort of nearsighted perspective, and need to be shown a greater vision. I definitely found this to be true when Alex was talking about watching the ball drop in Times Square with his mother and could relate it to life in general. It was a nice reminder that life is not just about the destination, but about the journey too.
“The great thing about the ball drop isn’t the ball itself – from what I understand, the visual end is pretty lame. I get excited by the countdown. 10,9,8… Everyone screaming the number at the top of their lungs, eager to bring in the New Year, channeling all of that enthusiasm into counting. They truly believe this year will change their lives for the better.”
October 15, 2011
A parable exists in the writing world that goes as follows, "Show, don't tell."
When I first learned of the underlying concept of "Farsighted", I had to admit that I was more than marginally intrigued. I approach reading through a writers eyes, and quite often make my reading choices based on an interest in how the writer might choose to bring their particular plot line to life. In essence, I read in order to learn ways to become a better writer.
That brings me back to the above bit of writing wisdom and the dilemma that it presents in this instance-How do you show anything from the first person perspective of a blind teenager?
This is the part that caught my attention, because I honestly couldn't see how it would work-but it does.
Emlyn replaces the typical imagery of a paranormal novel with a heightened sense of feel and touch, one that made me wish I had a paperback copy to read instead of the more efficient but much less tactile ereader.
I wanted to feel the dry, rough texture of the page. I wanted to smell the fine wood dust emanating from the constantly turning pages. In a sense this book made me want to see the world, if not through Alex's eyes, through his other four (actually, five ;-) senses. I realized halfway through this novel that the choice of protagonist was a stroke of genius.
What better way to get your reader to identify with a character's emotions than to eliminate all the visual chaff? To put it another way-the less on the page, the more important what is there becomes. If you aren't constantly oohing and aahing at the descriptions of flashing lights and sparkles, what you are left with is comprises a much more nuanced view of the world.
I could continue to draw parallels all day long, but I feel I've made my point. The way things feel, they smell, they sound, are all more intimate means to discover a characters inner workings than the appearances of the people that surround them.
Another byproduct-it makes you pay attention.
So when you meet Simmi, you first learn of how she smells like an Almond Joy candy bar, then of the kindness in her voice. I have no idea if I would find Simmi attractive or not, but it's what I don't see that makes her beautiful. As I found myself drawn into looking deeper into the information available, I suspect that Shapri is more physically attractive, simply based on the self confidence that she feels justified in displaying to the outside world. Of course, the most physically attractive of us tend to be deficient in other areas, and Shapri's shortcomings are that she has a hard shell that she rarely lowers out of fear of emotional hardship.
It is yet another compelling argument deftly posed by the author. If you are seek companionship (a girlfriend in this instance), but cannot see how they look, you are forced to find more important parts of them to love.
Alex's developing love for Simmi drives the plot for a while, but there are hints that something more complex and nefarious is happening outside the range of Alex's ability to comprehend. He awkwardly fumbles his interactions with Simmi (as adolescent boys often do), all the while enduring the mockery of the school bully and psychic visions.
Without the visual cues to differentiate when these visions begin, Alex must slowly learn to recognize more subtle hints, such as changes in temperature and humidity levels. The content of these visions is often unsettling, but over time he senses a pattern in them. Someone is going to kill the girl he loves.
He doesn't know this person, but this "Dax" is obviously an angry, troubled young man with a powerful talent or two of his own.
Alex must use his new found ability to find a way to save Simmi before their paths cross Dax's.
In the end, I found reading Farsighted to be an enlightening experience. Aside from his psychic "second" sight, Alex's powers of observance are available to us all, we simply choose to "judge books by their covers" (pun intended). If you slow down, and look at the abundant information around us, we can often make more appropriate decisions.
Of the few things that I found distracting in this book, only one is truly an issue. At the beginning of each chapter, a short "prophecy" is given to prelude the events to come. I found that these gave too much away, and by the second or third chapter began to skip them (as Emlyn presented as an option in the beginning of the book).
I can't say that everyone will find them as distracting as I did, but as I read I am constantly running through different tropes in my head, already trying to see the future like Alex. When I guess wrong at a way that a story will go is a surprising (and fun) twist, one that I felt like the prophecies at the beginning of each chapter denied me.
If you read as analytically as I do, I suggest skipping the prophecies and simply reading the book normally. It is a great story, and I won't run the risk of ruining it here in this blog by telling you how it all works out because I feel discovery is much of the fun.
The other detraction wasn't a problem with the novel at all, it was simply that I can see so many possibilities for the world she has created, ways that it can grow and become richer that I didn't want the novel to end. Perhaps that was how I felt the ending to be a little abrupt, because at the time I read the book I was unaware that the novel is in fact the first in a new series. I see no shortage of compelling material for Emlyn to draw from in her series, which should make for many more entertaining reads in the years to come.
With that knowledge, the quickness with which all loose ends are tied up and hurt feelings forgiven are more understandable. I do feel that with another page or two of discussion before the final decision is made (the one that Alex has a hard time stomaching), would let you accept it more easily as a reader. It has a, "This is how it is going to be, so deal with it" quality that I found a little incongruous.
With that being said, I enjoyed this novel much more than I initially thought I would. I was skeptical that it would work well, the whole "First Person/Blind Person" perspective, but Emlyn pulls it off while simultaneously making the concept approachable to her Young Adult audience. For a first novel she has definitely done what she set out to do, which is establish herself as a unique voice in a crowded Young Adult Paranormal scene-not an easy task.
I look forward to checking out the next installment in the "Farsighted" series.
(This review is based on an Advanced Review Copy of Farsighted, and was written on 10/15/2011)
-If you have written a novel that you would like to submit for Review consideration, please forward a copy in .pdf format to maetrixss@gmail.com.
When I first learned of the underlying concept of "Farsighted", I had to admit that I was more than marginally intrigued. I approach reading through a writers eyes, and quite often make my reading choices based on an interest in how the writer might choose to bring their particular plot line to life. In essence, I read in order to learn ways to become a better writer.
That brings me back to the above bit of writing wisdom and the dilemma that it presents in this instance-How do you show anything from the first person perspective of a blind teenager?
This is the part that caught my attention, because I honestly couldn't see how it would work-but it does.
Emlyn replaces the typical imagery of a paranormal novel with a heightened sense of feel and touch, one that made me wish I had a paperback copy to read instead of the more efficient but much less tactile ereader.
I wanted to feel the dry, rough texture of the page. I wanted to smell the fine wood dust emanating from the constantly turning pages. In a sense this book made me want to see the world, if not through Alex's eyes, through his other four (actually, five ;-) senses. I realized halfway through this novel that the choice of protagonist was a stroke of genius.
What better way to get your reader to identify with a character's emotions than to eliminate all the visual chaff? To put it another way-the less on the page, the more important what is there becomes. If you aren't constantly oohing and aahing at the descriptions of flashing lights and sparkles, what you are left with is comprises a much more nuanced view of the world.
I could continue to draw parallels all day long, but I feel I've made my point. The way things feel, they smell, they sound, are all more intimate means to discover a characters inner workings than the appearances of the people that surround them.
Another byproduct-it makes you pay attention.
So when you meet Simmi, you first learn of how she smells like an Almond Joy candy bar, then of the kindness in her voice. I have no idea if I would find Simmi attractive or not, but it's what I don't see that makes her beautiful. As I found myself drawn into looking deeper into the information available, I suspect that Shapri is more physically attractive, simply based on the self confidence that she feels justified in displaying to the outside world. Of course, the most physically attractive of us tend to be deficient in other areas, and Shapri's shortcomings are that she has a hard shell that she rarely lowers out of fear of emotional hardship.
It is yet another compelling argument deftly posed by the author. If you are seek companionship (a girlfriend in this instance), but cannot see how they look, you are forced to find more important parts of them to love.
Alex's developing love for Simmi drives the plot for a while, but there are hints that something more complex and nefarious is happening outside the range of Alex's ability to comprehend. He awkwardly fumbles his interactions with Simmi (as adolescent boys often do), all the while enduring the mockery of the school bully and psychic visions.
Without the visual cues to differentiate when these visions begin, Alex must slowly learn to recognize more subtle hints, such as changes in temperature and humidity levels. The content of these visions is often unsettling, but over time he senses a pattern in them. Someone is going to kill the girl he loves.
He doesn't know this person, but this "Dax" is obviously an angry, troubled young man with a powerful talent or two of his own.
Alex must use his new found ability to find a way to save Simmi before their paths cross Dax's.
In the end, I found reading Farsighted to be an enlightening experience. Aside from his psychic "second" sight, Alex's powers of observance are available to us all, we simply choose to "judge books by their covers" (pun intended). If you slow down, and look at the abundant information around us, we can often make more appropriate decisions.
Of the few things that I found distracting in this book, only one is truly an issue. At the beginning of each chapter, a short "prophecy" is given to prelude the events to come. I found that these gave too much away, and by the second or third chapter began to skip them (as Emlyn presented as an option in the beginning of the book).
I can't say that everyone will find them as distracting as I did, but as I read I am constantly running through different tropes in my head, already trying to see the future like Alex. When I guess wrong at a way that a story will go is a surprising (and fun) twist, one that I felt like the prophecies at the beginning of each chapter denied me.
If you read as analytically as I do, I suggest skipping the prophecies and simply reading the book normally. It is a great story, and I won't run the risk of ruining it here in this blog by telling you how it all works out because I feel discovery is much of the fun.
The other detraction wasn't a problem with the novel at all, it was simply that I can see so many possibilities for the world she has created, ways that it can grow and become richer that I didn't want the novel to end. Perhaps that was how I felt the ending to be a little abrupt, because at the time I read the book I was unaware that the novel is in fact the first in a new series. I see no shortage of compelling material for Emlyn to draw from in her series, which should make for many more entertaining reads in the years to come.
With that knowledge, the quickness with which all loose ends are tied up and hurt feelings forgiven are more understandable. I do feel that with another page or two of discussion before the final decision is made (the one that Alex has a hard time stomaching), would let you accept it more easily as a reader. It has a, "This is how it is going to be, so deal with it" quality that I found a little incongruous.
With that being said, I enjoyed this novel much more than I initially thought I would. I was skeptical that it would work well, the whole "First Person/Blind Person" perspective, but Emlyn pulls it off while simultaneously making the concept approachable to her Young Adult audience. For a first novel she has definitely done what she set out to do, which is establish herself as a unique voice in a crowded Young Adult Paranormal scene-not an easy task.
I look forward to checking out the next installment in the "Farsighted" series.
(This review is based on an Advanced Review Copy of Farsighted, and was written on 10/15/2011)
-If you have written a novel that you would like to submit for Review consideration, please forward a copy in .pdf format to maetrixss@gmail.com.
September 11, 2016
First of all, i'd like to thank Emlyn Chand for giving me an advance reader's copy of this novel for review. I truly appreciate it...
Along with an excerpt being posted on the 24th of October, 2011, this review will also be published on my blog ttoria.blogspot.com on the 30th of October, for the Farsighted Blog tour. Check it out on the day for more details on how to be in with a chance of winning some prizes.
Wrapped in meaningful epigraphs, Emlyn Chand’s first published novel, Farsighted, is pieced together tactfully with multiculturalism, action, teenage romance and psychic abilities. This makes her debut one to push the typical clichés of YA paranormal fiction aside.
Yes, i’m talking about vampires.
So, what’s it about?
For teenager Alex Kosmitoras, life doesn’t just throw him the typical challenges expected during the high-school years. He was born with something that has caused him a life of fighting for acceptance-he’s blind.
Having this ‘disability’ has caused numerous obstacles for Alex, not because he longs to be able to see, but because Alex is convinced his father resents him for it, is friendless because of it and finds himself constantly targeted by the school bully. Without having a choice in the matter, Alex Kosmitoras would always stand out in the crowd, though not for the reasons he desired.
Striving for acceptance-yet fighting for independence, he goes about his daily life using his heightened senses to describe what the usual would see, except in vivid accuracy and detail. It is then on an embarrassing day for the teenager, he experiences minor visions into the future. Naturally he becomes confused between what is real and what isn’t and unfortunately this finds him on the receiving end of the school bully’s hits.
A new found struggle is unleashed when it becomes clear to Alex, all may not be entirely normal with him. What began as manageable premonitions considered coincidences, then turned into something more haunting when the visions revealed new friend and crush Simmi, dying in numerous scenarios.
Her arrival coincidental or not, Alex realises the only person he can turn to for answers and guidance is Miss Teak, the mysterious woman who has opened a psychic shop next to his mothers florist. Can she teach Alex how to harness and embrace his new found gifts? And what exactly can be done about Alexs’ revelation of new girl Simmis’ impending doom?
So, is it worth the read?
I was blown away by the originality and creativity of this novel. Emyln Chand has created such an unusual protagonist. Written in a first-person narrative, on black and white it shouldn’t work- I mean how do you bring the perspective of a blind individual’s environment and the characters around him to light without risking repetitive and limited descriptions?
But, Chand pulls it off perfectly and is tactful in her deliverance in describing the environment and characters around Alex by his other senses. I had yet to read a novel where a character’s eye colour was described and significant somewhere along the line. It wasn’t done here and i didn’t miss it whatsoever-in fact i didn’t even notice. It was easy to build a scene and picture someone by the descriptions Chand created from Alexs’ POV.
I love the way the author developed the characters and made you care for them in some way or another. Each of them was on their own personal journey and growing in their own way. Not only that, but they were flawed, making them relatable to the reader.
For me, another specific character other than Alex gripped me- Shapri- the daughter of Miss Teak. Her journey and break-through was the most plausible, not to mention her kick-ass attitude and demand for rightful respect. The love interest of Alex, Simmi, remained in her shadow when it came to distinguishable personalities. Even when Alex faced the school bully with Shapri, the outcome wasn’t necessarily a better one than Simmi’s, but it left you cheering Shapri on as she had Alex’s back in a more encouraging way.
Of course it’s disgusting anyone bullying another for being blind. I hate to say it, but i found the fact that Alex was targeted by the school jerk not such a big deal, this was only because his Alex’s character was written so strong and courageous. He defended himself. He wasn’t defined by his blindness.
Alex’s personality wasn’t all golden- there were dark moments and it wasn’t pretty- but it was believable and expected from a teenage boy, given the situation in which they arose. Had his character been all sunshine and roses it would have been far less convincing...and entertaining.
Through her story-telling it is evident the author had done her research into the range of psychic abilities, multiculturism and Greek mythology. Each chapter begins with a rune above a premonition about what the protagonist is set to face- these give such a sense of atmosphere for the entire novel and what it stands for. I enjoyed them, though would maybe see some readers out there being put off as they give hints to what the protagonist is set to face.
I find the entire novel crafted in perhaps an unintentional educational way, with hidden depth, lessons, guidance and encouragement to accept others for who they are not what they look like or where they’re from.
With a promise from the author that the sequel will be narrated by another character, i am incredibly excited to see the world-and Alex- from their POV. There are a few loose ends to Farsighted which leave room for an exciting installment and i for one cannot wait to read it.
Summary
All in all, Emlyn Chand’s debut novel is a cutting-edge and exciting addition to the YA collection. Even the novel’s cover, designed by Lee Libro, is perfection, with its ability to capture the essence of the story. Five stars from me.
I’m excited for sequel Open Heart and more excited for Chand’s upcoming success, she deserves it!
Along with an excerpt being posted on the 24th of October, 2011, this review will also be published on my blog ttoria.blogspot.com on the 30th of October, for the Farsighted Blog tour. Check it out on the day for more details on how to be in with a chance of winning some prizes.
Wrapped in meaningful epigraphs, Emlyn Chand’s first published novel, Farsighted, is pieced together tactfully with multiculturalism, action, teenage romance and psychic abilities. This makes her debut one to push the typical clichés of YA paranormal fiction aside.
Yes, i’m talking about vampires.
So, what’s it about?
For teenager Alex Kosmitoras, life doesn’t just throw him the typical challenges expected during the high-school years. He was born with something that has caused him a life of fighting for acceptance-he’s blind.
Having this ‘disability’ has caused numerous obstacles for Alex, not because he longs to be able to see, but because Alex is convinced his father resents him for it, is friendless because of it and finds himself constantly targeted by the school bully. Without having a choice in the matter, Alex Kosmitoras would always stand out in the crowd, though not for the reasons he desired.
Striving for acceptance-yet fighting for independence, he goes about his daily life using his heightened senses to describe what the usual would see, except in vivid accuracy and detail. It is then on an embarrassing day for the teenager, he experiences minor visions into the future. Naturally he becomes confused between what is real and what isn’t and unfortunately this finds him on the receiving end of the school bully’s hits.
A new found struggle is unleashed when it becomes clear to Alex, all may not be entirely normal with him. What began as manageable premonitions considered coincidences, then turned into something more haunting when the visions revealed new friend and crush Simmi, dying in numerous scenarios.
Her arrival coincidental or not, Alex realises the only person he can turn to for answers and guidance is Miss Teak, the mysterious woman who has opened a psychic shop next to his mothers florist. Can she teach Alex how to harness and embrace his new found gifts? And what exactly can be done about Alexs’ revelation of new girl Simmis’ impending doom?
So, is it worth the read?
I was blown away by the originality and creativity of this novel. Emyln Chand has created such an unusual protagonist. Written in a first-person narrative, on black and white it shouldn’t work- I mean how do you bring the perspective of a blind individual’s environment and the characters around him to light without risking repetitive and limited descriptions?
But, Chand pulls it off perfectly and is tactful in her deliverance in describing the environment and characters around Alex by his other senses. I had yet to read a novel where a character’s eye colour was described and significant somewhere along the line. It wasn’t done here and i didn’t miss it whatsoever-in fact i didn’t even notice. It was easy to build a scene and picture someone by the descriptions Chand created from Alexs’ POV.
I love the way the author developed the characters and made you care for them in some way or another. Each of them was on their own personal journey and growing in their own way. Not only that, but they were flawed, making them relatable to the reader.
For me, another specific character other than Alex gripped me- Shapri- the daughter of Miss Teak. Her journey and break-through was the most plausible, not to mention her kick-ass attitude and demand for rightful respect. The love interest of Alex, Simmi, remained in her shadow when it came to distinguishable personalities. Even when Alex faced the school bully with Shapri, the outcome wasn’t necessarily a better one than Simmi’s, but it left you cheering Shapri on as she had Alex’s back in a more encouraging way.
Of course it’s disgusting anyone bullying another for being blind. I hate to say it, but i found the fact that Alex was targeted by the school jerk not such a big deal, this was only because his Alex’s character was written so strong and courageous. He defended himself. He wasn’t defined by his blindness.
Alex’s personality wasn’t all golden- there were dark moments and it wasn’t pretty- but it was believable and expected from a teenage boy, given the situation in which they arose. Had his character been all sunshine and roses it would have been far less convincing...and entertaining.
Through her story-telling it is evident the author had done her research into the range of psychic abilities, multiculturism and Greek mythology. Each chapter begins with a rune above a premonition about what the protagonist is set to face- these give such a sense of atmosphere for the entire novel and what it stands for. I enjoyed them, though would maybe see some readers out there being put off as they give hints to what the protagonist is set to face.
I find the entire novel crafted in perhaps an unintentional educational way, with hidden depth, lessons, guidance and encouragement to accept others for who they are not what they look like or where they’re from.
With a promise from the author that the sequel will be narrated by another character, i am incredibly excited to see the world-and Alex- from their POV. There are a few loose ends to Farsighted which leave room for an exciting installment and i for one cannot wait to read it.
Summary
All in all, Emlyn Chand’s debut novel is a cutting-edge and exciting addition to the YA collection. Even the novel’s cover, designed by Lee Libro, is perfection, with its ability to capture the essence of the story. Five stars from me.
I’m excited for sequel Open Heart and more excited for Chand’s upcoming success, she deserves it!
December 12, 2011
"Farsighted” by Emlyn Chand
First, I just want to say that I really enjoyed this book by Emlyn Chand! Her writing is SO good, enjoyable, and continues to make you think after the book is over, that she got me to read a genre that I don't normally read! I just have to laugh at that! She asked me, I said no. She wrote back and said to 'just try it out'. Okay, I said. Sure enough, I was hooked! Emlyn, you're GREAT! The power of suggestion really DOES work with a talented and unique person such as yourself!
Everyone should give this book a try!
In Farsighted, we meet Alex, a sophomore in High School, who is very unique. Alex is unique in that he is blind. In school, it’s not enough he has to navigate around blindly with his cane, but there always is that one big bully, Brady, who has nothing better to do than to pick on Alex. I have to give Alex credit as he sure can fight that bully off and put him in his place! In school one day, he meets a girl named Simmi. Simmi is Indian, so she stands out from the other kids somewhat as well. They become very good friends, and Alex is starting too really like her. Alex also meets Simmi’s friend, Shapri.
Alex’s parents do not have a lot of money, as his father has been out of a job for a long time. He goes to a lot of interviews but never gets offered a job, which Alex thinks is strange. Alex’s Dad even leaves the family for a little while with no explanation, which makes Alex upset but his Mother is devastated. Once he does return, which felt like forever, not to mention Alex was still mad at him but happy for his mother as she was a changed person and was so happy as her husband had returned to her. What bothered Alex was his Dad’s speech. Sometimes it still had that Bostonian tweak to it, and at others it was normal. Alex’s mother owns a florist in town, which is where Alex goes after school every day. Later he learns there is a new store that has opened up next door to his mothers’. It is a Psychic store. The owner is a Mrs. Teak, a woman who offers palm readings, crystal ball readings, and many other services. It turns out this woman is Shapri’s mother! One day she tells Alex that he has a very special gift in addition to his gift of heightened senses from being blind. It is a second gift that lies in the realm of second sight. She explains it all to him and at first, he is not to sure about it, but is open to learning more about it. He starts to go to this store every day to get training.
Alex and his friend Simmi start to become really good friends by now. Simmi even learns Braille so she can see what it is like for Alex to see to read. Alex starts to get visions that Simmi is going to die and he panics. He keeps training to learn how to stop Simmi from being hurt or killed.
It comes to the point where Alex must use his newly learned powers and he is nervous.
I am not going into anymore about this story! The rest is up to you to read! Enjoy!
This book was enjoyable. Emlyn Chand is an excellent writer, in my opinion, to get me, who doesn’t ordinarily read YA or Paranormal, THIS IS PROOF! It was very well written and will appeal to all sorts of different audiences. It addresses High Schoolers’ more so, but I think their parents will enjoy reading this, too, for those parents who read what their teens read first.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR from the Amazon Author Page:
Emlyn Chand has won several awards for “Farsighted”. They are as follows:
*Readers Favorite 5-Star Review Award Recipient
*Winner of the Alternative Booker Award, 2011
*Winner of the Writers-Type First Chapter Competition, September 2011
This is from the Amazon Author page http://www.amazon.com/Emlyn-Chand/e/B... and is also in the back of the book! Here it is:
Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she's not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don't forget " to her say "hi" to her sun conure Ducky!
She has also been hard at work working on the NaNoWriMo Contest where authors have to write a certain number of words in a certain timeframe. I could have my information about this a little wrong, as I am not an author, but I have seen many who are participating in this contest. Emlyn is one of them, and she has blogged about it at http://www.novelpublicity.com/2011/11...
You’ll have to go there and read all about it!
I received this book for “FREE” from Blue Crown Press, through Novel Publicity, through their Book Reviewer’s Program in exchange to read and write a review about this book. It is NOT required for my review I write to be either positive or negative, but, “of my own opinion.” I was NOT provided with “ANY” monies to accept this book, “NOR” to read it, NOR were “ANY” monies given to me to write the review for this book. All that was ‘expected’ of me was to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. Again, the opinions expressed for and about this book are ‘of my own opinion’. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
First, I just want to say that I really enjoyed this book by Emlyn Chand! Her writing is SO good, enjoyable, and continues to make you think after the book is over, that she got me to read a genre that I don't normally read! I just have to laugh at that! She asked me, I said no. She wrote back and said to 'just try it out'. Okay, I said. Sure enough, I was hooked! Emlyn, you're GREAT! The power of suggestion really DOES work with a talented and unique person such as yourself!
Everyone should give this book a try!
In Farsighted, we meet Alex, a sophomore in High School, who is very unique. Alex is unique in that he is blind. In school, it’s not enough he has to navigate around blindly with his cane, but there always is that one big bully, Brady, who has nothing better to do than to pick on Alex. I have to give Alex credit as he sure can fight that bully off and put him in his place! In school one day, he meets a girl named Simmi. Simmi is Indian, so she stands out from the other kids somewhat as well. They become very good friends, and Alex is starting too really like her. Alex also meets Simmi’s friend, Shapri.
Alex’s parents do not have a lot of money, as his father has been out of a job for a long time. He goes to a lot of interviews but never gets offered a job, which Alex thinks is strange. Alex’s Dad even leaves the family for a little while with no explanation, which makes Alex upset but his Mother is devastated. Once he does return, which felt like forever, not to mention Alex was still mad at him but happy for his mother as she was a changed person and was so happy as her husband had returned to her. What bothered Alex was his Dad’s speech. Sometimes it still had that Bostonian tweak to it, and at others it was normal. Alex’s mother owns a florist in town, which is where Alex goes after school every day. Later he learns there is a new store that has opened up next door to his mothers’. It is a Psychic store. The owner is a Mrs. Teak, a woman who offers palm readings, crystal ball readings, and many other services. It turns out this woman is Shapri’s mother! One day she tells Alex that he has a very special gift in addition to his gift of heightened senses from being blind. It is a second gift that lies in the realm of second sight. She explains it all to him and at first, he is not to sure about it, but is open to learning more about it. He starts to go to this store every day to get training.
Alex and his friend Simmi start to become really good friends by now. Simmi even learns Braille so she can see what it is like for Alex to see to read. Alex starts to get visions that Simmi is going to die and he panics. He keeps training to learn how to stop Simmi from being hurt or killed.
It comes to the point where Alex must use his newly learned powers and he is nervous.
I am not going into anymore about this story! The rest is up to you to read! Enjoy!
This book was enjoyable. Emlyn Chand is an excellent writer, in my opinion, to get me, who doesn’t ordinarily read YA or Paranormal, THIS IS PROOF! It was very well written and will appeal to all sorts of different audiences. It addresses High Schoolers’ more so, but I think their parents will enjoy reading this, too, for those parents who read what their teens read first.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR from the Amazon Author Page:
Emlyn Chand has won several awards for “Farsighted”. They are as follows:
*Readers Favorite 5-Star Review Award Recipient
*Winner of the Alternative Booker Award, 2011
*Winner of the Writers-Type First Chapter Competition, September 2011
This is from the Amazon Author page http://www.amazon.com/Emlyn-Chand/e/B... and is also in the back of the book! Here it is:
Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she's not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don't forget " to her say "hi" to her sun conure Ducky!
She has also been hard at work working on the NaNoWriMo Contest where authors have to write a certain number of words in a certain timeframe. I could have my information about this a little wrong, as I am not an author, but I have seen many who are participating in this contest. Emlyn is one of them, and she has blogged about it at http://www.novelpublicity.com/2011/11...
You’ll have to go there and read all about it!
I received this book for “FREE” from Blue Crown Press, through Novel Publicity, through their Book Reviewer’s Program in exchange to read and write a review about this book. It is NOT required for my review I write to be either positive or negative, but, “of my own opinion.” I was NOT provided with “ANY” monies to accept this book, “NOR” to read it, NOR were “ANY” monies given to me to write the review for this book. All that was ‘expected’ of me was to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. Again, the opinions expressed for and about this book are ‘of my own opinion’. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
July 29, 2012
Simple fact, I have stated and said over and over this is a book for all young lords and ladies to gather up and read. Much like LOTR, but not epic fantasy, just really awesome! YET, it is a paranormal fantasy-ish and at the same time something I feel a child should read! Not like a book on how your boobs are suppose to grow, but a book that involves real teenage issues with the FUN of New Age-y stuff blended in that perhaps Mum maybe doing (cough ... cough like me)! As I am now nose deep in the second book, Open Heart I told my eldest to hurry up, this is fun (she has been my reading buddy so we can influence her 16 year old sister).
Mum, and more mums, AGAIN I REPEAT, this is a book/series a which is safe for your kids starting at about 12 to 14 and beyond can read without worry. There is one only ONE moment a specific questionable word may come in question. Apparently I missed it so I asked and the 19 1/2 year-old girl who rolled her eyes and stated, "MOM are you serious, ONE word? Give me a break have you listened to TV lately?" I felt the need to address this, but honestly I had glossed over it AND in fact the author mentioned it in an interview I read, I had to go and LOOK for it. GAWDS PEOPLE!! They hear and see worse in GLEE (the word was whore)!!
So it is a parenting decision, and since most of us soccer moms SEEM to be constantly reading YA read so why not give it a whirl? During an era where so many books are labeled YA, and really they are "SOCCER MOMS GET YOUR GAME ON AND RELIVE YOUR YOUTH BY BEING ABLE TO DROOL OVER HOT YOUNG FLESH" I honestly I would have missed it simply because the label of YA. HECK Animal Farm or LORD OF THE FLIES is ten times worse and are considered Young-Adult literary fiction. They essentially could be shocking and psychologically damaging for some kids. At least this is HONEST and a book I would sit and read with the kids! THIS IS REAL young-adult fiction with a flair for fun in the paranormal sense. The kids can just be kids and only minimally deal with sociopath. psychotic megalomaniac personas (AKA LORD OF THE RINGS which I wanted all my children to read as soon as they could). I realize I have repeated myself, but it bear repeating.
How am I suppose to even write a flipping objective review. I have three female children under the age of 20. two of whom read wish-washy crap to pass the time and half the time tell them it doesn't fly since they read at college level. I guess my mother's manipulation of "Read a Classic, get to read Lovecraft" wore off, but ... ya anyway... THE 12 year-old, if I COULD get him to read something like this would roll his eyes and say "PLEASE Mother, I hear worse standing in line to get what they keep insisting is FOOD! I won't read girly books but COME ON MOM, do you EVEN have to ask!! (He thinks since I am a girl all books I read are girly, even the zombie ones... though I think he says this to try and manipulate me into letting him read them.. MOMS ROCK).
Emlyn Chand has taken the accepted Paranormal playground and incorporated into real world issues children of this age and dealt with (shock) every day real issues teens face. By utilizing disabled kids, making them super heroes, she allows for the fan-girling and fan-boying of a group worthy of such! AGAIN I REPEAT This is real YA! GO get your kids to dive into the first book of this series and get them hooked now! Good fun family reading materiel!
So you let them read and watch the borderline pedophiliac Twilight??? For chriminy sake its' riddled with a plethora of other BAD things. I am not dissing or saying DO NOT read the Twilight series, just ewwwwwwww hold off till you are a soccer mom since it really was written for that demographic!! Just my not so humble opinion. The first book maybe ok, but the rest? OK but I digress.
Give me a break, insist on her or him reading this book. What the heck is wrong with a real YA book?
No it is not perfect, there are some issues I have. Still, again, I am blown away when I find a real Young-Adult fiction. I do not care who says it or taunts me, because everyone knows I am not a YA reader, well at least I thought not. I am currently TEAM SIMMI! heh. Sheeple read I am touched with the amount of effort the author FINALLY put in to writing this book! Oh EM GEE!
I know this is not a regular Cabin Goddess review, it is rambly, repetitive and overly bouncy (even for me) (written with a fever of 102F). I am just thrilled I finally finished the book. Emlyn Chand has written a clean wonderful story, professionally edited, soundly structured and beautifully wrought! GO READ IT AND TELL ME anything BUT?!?! This is incredible and this deserves 5 stars or moose tracks or..........five anything!! OH BTW keep reading, not only is this a great read, but the author gives a crap about the world around her!
TEAM EMLYN and DUCKY!
Mum, and more mums, AGAIN I REPEAT, this is a book/series a which is safe for your kids starting at about 12 to 14 and beyond can read without worry. There is one only ONE moment a specific questionable word may come in question. Apparently I missed it so I asked and the 19 1/2 year-old girl who rolled her eyes and stated, "MOM are you serious, ONE word? Give me a break have you listened to TV lately?" I felt the need to address this, but honestly I had glossed over it AND in fact the author mentioned it in an interview I read, I had to go and LOOK for it. GAWDS PEOPLE!! They hear and see worse in GLEE (the word was whore)!!
So it is a parenting decision, and since most of us soccer moms SEEM to be constantly reading YA read so why not give it a whirl? During an era where so many books are labeled YA, and really they are "SOCCER MOMS GET YOUR GAME ON AND RELIVE YOUR YOUTH BY BEING ABLE TO DROOL OVER HOT YOUNG FLESH" I honestly I would have missed it simply because the label of YA. HECK Animal Farm or LORD OF THE FLIES is ten times worse and are considered Young-Adult literary fiction. They essentially could be shocking and psychologically damaging for some kids. At least this is HONEST and a book I would sit and read with the kids! THIS IS REAL young-adult fiction with a flair for fun in the paranormal sense. The kids can just be kids and only minimally deal with sociopath. psychotic megalomaniac personas (AKA LORD OF THE RINGS which I wanted all my children to read as soon as they could). I realize I have repeated myself, but it bear repeating.
How am I suppose to even write a flipping objective review. I have three female children under the age of 20. two of whom read wish-washy crap to pass the time and half the time tell them it doesn't fly since they read at college level. I guess my mother's manipulation of "Read a Classic, get to read Lovecraft" wore off, but ... ya anyway... THE 12 year-old, if I COULD get him to read something like this would roll his eyes and say "PLEASE Mother, I hear worse standing in line to get what they keep insisting is FOOD! I won't read girly books but COME ON MOM, do you EVEN have to ask!! (He thinks since I am a girl all books I read are girly, even the zombie ones... though I think he says this to try and manipulate me into letting him read them.. MOMS ROCK).
Emlyn Chand has taken the accepted Paranormal playground and incorporated into real world issues children of this age and dealt with (shock) every day real issues teens face. By utilizing disabled kids, making them super heroes, she allows for the fan-girling and fan-boying of a group worthy of such! AGAIN I REPEAT This is real YA! GO get your kids to dive into the first book of this series and get them hooked now! Good fun family reading materiel!
So you let them read and watch the borderline pedophiliac Twilight??? For chriminy sake its' riddled with a plethora of other BAD things. I am not dissing or saying DO NOT read the Twilight series, just ewwwwwwww hold off till you are a soccer mom since it really was written for that demographic!! Just my not so humble opinion. The first book maybe ok, but the rest? OK but I digress.
Give me a break, insist on her or him reading this book. What the heck is wrong with a real YA book?
No it is not perfect, there are some issues I have. Still, again, I am blown away when I find a real Young-Adult fiction. I do not care who says it or taunts me, because everyone knows I am not a YA reader, well at least I thought not. I am currently TEAM SIMMI! heh. Sheeple read I am touched with the amount of effort the author FINALLY put in to writing this book! Oh EM GEE!
I know this is not a regular Cabin Goddess review, it is rambly, repetitive and overly bouncy (even for me) (written with a fever of 102F). I am just thrilled I finally finished the book. Emlyn Chand has written a clean wonderful story, professionally edited, soundly structured and beautifully wrought! GO READ IT AND TELL ME anything BUT?!?! This is incredible and this deserves 5 stars or moose tracks or..........five anything!! OH BTW keep reading, not only is this a great read, but the author gives a crap about the world around her!
TEAM EMLYN and DUCKY!
December 26, 2011
Farsighted by Emlyn Chand didn’t really do anything for me. As far as paranormal romances go, I felt like I’d read all the tricks and techniques Chand pulls out in Farsighted, only done better. The one area where Chand excels, however, is in creating a visually impaired protagonist that does not demand the reader’s pity. His first-person narration is full and varied, despite the fact that none of the descriptions come from visual stimulation. It’s not easy to narrate an entire book from the perspective of a blind narrator, but unfortunately Chand’s skill in this one area couldn’t redeem the rest of the book for me.
Protagonist Alex Kosmitoras has grown up as a social outcast, alienated not only by his blindness but by the aids that shadowed him every day in elementary school. Now a high school sophomore, he’s attending school without aids and endeavouring to make friends. His first friend ever, a recent immigrant named Simmi, quickly becomes the second side of what will develop into a stunted love triangle.
It’s a quick jump from “I have a friend!” to “I like her as more than a friend!” It borders on instalove, but thankfully Chand spares cliched yearning, lusting, and heartache as the result of this new and unrequited love. Alex seems to be hyperaware of his own feelings, but can be oblivious to the emotions of others. This leads to extremely insensitive actions like asking the girl with a crush on him to be his fake girlfriend, and being extremely rude to Simmi so that she’ll stay away for her own good. It’s more of the typical melodrama that could be avoided by simple, honest communication. I couldn’t rationalize why either girl liked Alex, let alone both.
Farsighted is, essentially, a paranormal mystery novel. As Alex grows up, he develops psychic powers just like his dad did–not that his dad has ever mentioned it. Alex begins to experience visions of the present and future–visions of Simmi dying in all manner of gruesome ways. He endeavours to stop it and, conveniently, all his friends turn out to be gifted too. Alex is a magnet for other psychics. Simmi can control the emotions of others, his dad Greg can read minds, and his friend Shapri is a spiritual medium. With the help of the town mystic Miss Teak, Alex and the gang set off to prevent Simmi’s death.
Since it is a mystery and loosely modelled on The Odyssey, though Chand abandons that metaphor halfway through the book, each chapter contains a clue about what Alex will experience next.
This gimmick really didn’t add anything to the story and the ‘prophecies’ read like bad horoscopes:
“The traveler must decide whether he will use his powers as a means to protect others or to subordinate them. His journey is picking up speed.”
Mostly I just ignored the clues. The story isn’t so wildly unpredictable that the clues come in handy. Mostly they just state the inevitable and obvious in cliched terms.
Though much of the plot is contrived and predictable, there were points in Farsighted when the characterization or action just made no sense at all. For example, I had a very hard time believing that Alex’s parents could be married for 16+ years without Greg’s psychic abilities ever coming up. Why would he hide such a fundamental aspect of who he is from the woman he’s chosen to share his life with? Even more ridiculous was the scene where Alex and Greg plan to reveal their abilities to Mrs. Kosmitoras. She’s figured it out already. Apparently it was easy, but she solved it only over the past few months, not the last 16 years. The whole thing felt implausible in the beginning and ridiculously convenient at the end.
Farsighted is full of implausible conveniences. Leading up to the climax of the book, when the psychic gang goes after Simmi’s potential killer, Simmi decides to tag along. Because there’s nothing smarter than going to a rendezvous with the person who will in all likelihood kill you. Her reason is flimsy moralism: “It’s my life we’re fighting for. I want to join.” It turns out Simmi didn’t do it for any rational reason; Chand just needed to use her unique powers during the book’s climax.
The ending of Farsighted guarantees a sequel, due for publication in 2012. I don’t feel compelled to read any more about these flat characters and their contrived world, but I sincerely hope that Chand’s writing develops between now and then.
Protagonist Alex Kosmitoras has grown up as a social outcast, alienated not only by his blindness but by the aids that shadowed him every day in elementary school. Now a high school sophomore, he’s attending school without aids and endeavouring to make friends. His first friend ever, a recent immigrant named Simmi, quickly becomes the second side of what will develop into a stunted love triangle.
It’s a quick jump from “I have a friend!” to “I like her as more than a friend!” It borders on instalove, but thankfully Chand spares cliched yearning, lusting, and heartache as the result of this new and unrequited love. Alex seems to be hyperaware of his own feelings, but can be oblivious to the emotions of others. This leads to extremely insensitive actions like asking the girl with a crush on him to be his fake girlfriend, and being extremely rude to Simmi so that she’ll stay away for her own good. It’s more of the typical melodrama that could be avoided by simple, honest communication. I couldn’t rationalize why either girl liked Alex, let alone both.
Farsighted is, essentially, a paranormal mystery novel. As Alex grows up, he develops psychic powers just like his dad did–not that his dad has ever mentioned it. Alex begins to experience visions of the present and future–visions of Simmi dying in all manner of gruesome ways. He endeavours to stop it and, conveniently, all his friends turn out to be gifted too. Alex is a magnet for other psychics. Simmi can control the emotions of others, his dad Greg can read minds, and his friend Shapri is a spiritual medium. With the help of the town mystic Miss Teak, Alex and the gang set off to prevent Simmi’s death.
Since it is a mystery and loosely modelled on The Odyssey, though Chand abandons that metaphor halfway through the book, each chapter contains a clue about what Alex will experience next.
At the beginning of each chapter, you’ll find a rune and a corresponding prophecy. Put your powers of divination to the test by trying to predict what each chapter holds based on the hints provided.
This gimmick really didn’t add anything to the story and the ‘prophecies’ read like bad horoscopes:
“The traveler must decide whether he will use his powers as a means to protect others or to subordinate them. His journey is picking up speed.”
Mostly I just ignored the clues. The story isn’t so wildly unpredictable that the clues come in handy. Mostly they just state the inevitable and obvious in cliched terms.
Though much of the plot is contrived and predictable, there were points in Farsighted when the characterization or action just made no sense at all. For example, I had a very hard time believing that Alex’s parents could be married for 16+ years without Greg’s psychic abilities ever coming up. Why would he hide such a fundamental aspect of who he is from the woman he’s chosen to share his life with? Even more ridiculous was the scene where Alex and Greg plan to reveal their abilities to Mrs. Kosmitoras. She’s figured it out already. Apparently it was easy, but she solved it only over the past few months, not the last 16 years. The whole thing felt implausible in the beginning and ridiculously convenient at the end.
Farsighted is full of implausible conveniences. Leading up to the climax of the book, when the psychic gang goes after Simmi’s potential killer, Simmi decides to tag along. Because there’s nothing smarter than going to a rendezvous with the person who will in all likelihood kill you. Her reason is flimsy moralism: “It’s my life we’re fighting for. I want to join.” It turns out Simmi didn’t do it for any rational reason; Chand just needed to use her unique powers during the book’s climax.
The ending of Farsighted guarantees a sequel, due for publication in 2012. I don’t feel compelled to read any more about these flat characters and their contrived world, but I sincerely hope that Chand’s writing develops between now and then.
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