Farsighted by Emlyn Chand

Farsighted is the first novel in Emlyn Chand’s series, also entitled Farsighted. It is relatively short — it is a 260 page fantasy novel focusing on the psychic, paranormal, and just plain weird aspects of high school.

Alex Kosmitoras is blind. When he starts his sophomore year, he ends up in a fight with his personal jock-bully, Brady. Life gets even more difficult for him when he starts having visions, truly strange moments where his other senses pick up scents and sounds that don’t belong in his current real life.

Alex finally meets some friends at school who are no less weird than him. Simmi, a girl who smells of an almond bar, is a psychic by touch. Shapri, the daughter of the local mystic — who incidentally has a shop right next door to his mom’s flower shop — doesn’t believe in any of that “psychic mumbo-jumbo.” Unfortunately for her, she can speak to the dead, even though she denies that the people she speaks to are deceased. While Alex tries to live as normal a life as possible, his strange visions cause him to act out in school and be further ostracized by his other classmates.

Things get even more difficult when he starts seeing visions of a man, Dax, hurting or potentially killing Simmi. In order to save her in some distant possible future, Alex starts taking psychic lessons with Miss Teak, Shapri’s mother, who owns the psychic shop next door. The three friends embark on a journey to save Simmi’s life from the mysterious Dax.

I’ve never read a book with a blind narrator before, and the way Chand goes about it is brilliant. Although I was of the thought that it would be a huge negative to lose my eyesight, because Alex has lived with it his whole life, it doesn’t seem different or noticeable to him, and therefore also does not to the reader. The descriptions of the other senses are just as enticing as descriptions of sight can be, especially when it comes to Alex’s love interest.

The interactions between Alex, Simmi, and Shapri feel slightly awkward at some points. This early on in the series, I’m not sure if that’s because they’re awkward teens in high school, haven’t fully come to grips with their powers and what it means to each other, or if the dialogue is just awkward. Fortunately this wasn’t a big issue, because the book had a lot of action, which was written wonderfully. Seeing each character flesh out and start to master their abilities was fun and rewarding. However, some of Alex’s actions actually instilled fear in me for what he might do with his abilities. He ends up beating the hell out of a guy that he thinks deserves it, and it was a startling scene that made me realize he has a long way to go with learning control and responsibility for his power.

Although Farsighted felt brief, I believe it serves as a great introduction to the world of psychics that Emlyn Chand created. It has suspense, romance, and a little bit of high school drama. It is also worth noting that this is Chand’s first published novel — and a great breakout book it is. I can’t wait to see where she takes these characters and their powers. The adventure will continue in books two and three of the Farsighted series, Open Heart and Pitch.

Interview with Emma Newman, author of 20 Years Later

Sometime last year I received an ARC copy of 20 Years Later from the goodreads First Reads program, and I really enjoyed it. From there, I learned of Emma Newman, author of other great things like From Dark Places, and a short story in Nothing But Flowers, which I purchased and intend to read this year. She also does audio recordings of just about everything she writes, and she has quite a pleasant voice, give it a listen.

Author bio

Emma lives in Somerset, England and drinks far too much tea. She writes dark short stories, post-apocalyptic novels and records audiobooks in all genres. Her debut short-story collection From Dark Places was published in 2011 and she’s celebrating the recent publication of 20 Years Later, her debut post-apocalyptic novel for young adults. Emma recently secured funding to write a new five book urban fantasy series called the Split Worlds and is releasing a short story every week set there. Her hobbies include making Steampunk costumes and playing RPGs. She blogs at www.enewman.co.uk, rarely gets enough sleep and refuses to eat mushrooms.

I had a few questions about 20 Years Later that Emma obligingly answered…

1. Where did you come up for the idea of 20 Years Later?

In some ways that’s easy to answer, in some ways complicated. The easy answer is that it grew organically, driven by the characters and the geography of post-apocalyptic London. There wasn’t a particular part of the plot that popped into my head right at the start.The complicated answer is that I was watching my boyfriend of the time (now my husband!) starting to play a new game on the PS2 with a very cheesy opening sequence about a post-apocalyptic world. I remembered how much I loved various post-apocalyptic books I’d read years before and had a sudden urge to tell a story set in post-apocalyptic London. Only problem was that I was deep in a ten year long writer’s block. It was so deep I even forgot I used to write. So I had to tell the story a different way: running a roleplaying game for my partner and two friends.The Red Lady was the first character who popped into my head, Jay was the second. I walked around London, looking at potential territories and the three players described the kinds of characters they wanted to be. I built the world around the Red Lady’s Hunters, the Bloomsbury Boys and the requirements of the players and the story grew over about two years I think. Then I stopped running the game for logistical reasons and a few months after that I had finally got to the point when I could start writing the book. But that’s a whole different story!

2. Zane, Titus, Erin, Eve. Do these names hold any significance? How do you choose character/gang names?

The three players chose their own names: Zane, Titus and Erin and I liked them – and couldn’t imagine them as anything different to be honest! As for Eve, there’s a rather dark and unpleasant reason behind her name which would be a spoiler to people who haven’t read the book yet, so I’ll tuck that at the bottom*, if that’s okay?

As for the gangs, well, the Bloomsbury Boys are named after the area of London their territory is in, and the Red Lady’s Hunters is a name reflecting their lifestyle and leader. As for why she’s called the Red Lady, that’s revealed later in the trilogy.

The Weavers of Soho are mentioned, and they take their name from two things: one is that Soho is known (amongst other things) for its fabric shops, the second reason is that they have complex relationships with the gangs forged through trade; metaphorical weavers.

3. We don’t really learn much about Eve in this book, can you give us any hint to what her power is?

I do, in the book! It’s just a hint, and as that’s a major plotline in books two and three, my instinct is to say no more. Sorry.

4. If you had to pick a favorite of the four, who would it be and why?

Titus. Without a doubt. Why? Because he is ruthless without being hateful. He has a determination, to the point of obsession, that really appeals to me, probably because I have those tendencies myself. I love the way he sees the world, the way he’s always on the outside looking in. And he’s got a photographic memory, something I have always wanted.

5. You’ve said that this is the first book in a trilogy. Do you have names or plots planned out for more books set in this world?

I’ve already written them. The second book is called 20 Years Later – Legacy and the third is called 20 Years Later – Revelation. It feels weird to talk about the first book as the final draft went to the publisher two years ago and the first draft was written five years ago. The third book was finished last summer, so when I think about the characters, they’re at the end of the trilogy instead of the beginning!

6. Do you have a date set for the release of the other books? Do you have a blurb or a teaser or anything to keep your readers satisfied until then?

Um, no. Sorry! Dates are completely up to the publisher and I don’t have a blurb that’s good enough to be released into the wild. I will say that book two reveals more of Erin’s story, and the reason why the kids are different is revealed over the remaining two books, that’s the biggest plot line, forming the spine of the series. The consequences of a variety of actions on the part of the Four have a huge impact… but I can’t say more than that.

7. Will we learn more about the Hex project or its creators in sequels?

They’re mentioned, but not a focus. However, the consequences of what happened in the Unders reach into the second and third books.

8. I noticed you’ve written other stories in a dystopian setting. What draws you into that genre?

Yes, I’ve written a few, now you mention it. Some flashes, one a short story commissioned for an anthology called Nothing But Flowers which was a lot of fun. I like both post-apocalyptic and dystopian sub-genres for the following reasons (not in order of preference):

• They scare me in just the right way – not so that I can’t sleep at night, but enough to make me mindful of the way I live and how society is developing
• They can show the very best and very worst of human behaviour
• The best dystopian fiction (i.e. 1984) can make terrifying predictions
• I’ve always been fascinated by how fragile modern life is, and PA fiction allows me to explore what would happen if all of these little comforts we have are stripped away

9. What projects are you currently working on?

I finished the 20 Years Later trilogy last summer and knew what I wanted to write next. I also knew that if I carried on in my day job, I’d go crazy, so I developed a business plan and got private investment to fund my next project (apparently this has never been done before, according to various publishers I’ve been chatting to recently) called The Split Worlds.

It’s a quirky urban fantasy setting with detective noir, evil fairies, sorcerers, and people just trying to drink their tea in peace. There will be a five book series, and for a year and a day leading up to the release of book 1, I’m releasing a short story every week set in the Split Worlds.

It’s a gruelling writing schedule, but I have never been so happy and contented with my professional life before. The first book is currently with my first round of beta readers, I’m about two thirds into the first draft of the second book and at the time of writing, the sixteenth weekly story will be released, so I’m pleased with where it’s all at.

10. Do you have any fun/weird writing habits?

Hrm, I imagine one writer’s normal is another’s freakish behaviour, so it’s hard to judge. The only habit I have (apart from high tea consumption) is to say out loud before each writing session: “I give myself complete permission to write absolute crap.” I find it helps keep the dreaded internal Censor at bay – remembering that I don’t have to write a perfect first draft usually results in much better writing and a lot less fear.

11. What is your favorite fruit?

Strawberries, but not the ones bought at supermarkets, they just taste like water.

12. If you could pick one question that I didn’t ask that you wanted me to, what would it be, and how would you answer?

Oh blimey! I can’t think of one actually, I already like the ones you’ve asked!

13. Any last thoughts?

Just thank you for the interview, and I hope people enjoy my work. I’m easy to find online, so if anyone reading this is on Twitter, look me up, I’m @emapocalyptic and I love to chat.

POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT!

*Eve’s name is a result of her life as a test subject in the Unders, all the girls are called Eve, plus an individual number, I think hers is Eve 17.

———————–

If you enjoy post apocalyptic literature, I highly recommend checking out 20 Years Later. I just wanted to say thanks again to Emma for answering my questions!

The Pearl Wars by Nick James

The Pearl Wars (Skyship Academy #1) is a post apocalyptic, dystopian novel about a kid named Jesse who lives and trains at the Skyship Academy, which is really just a front for the Separatists who are trying to find and capture Pearls, the ultimate energy source. Pearls are necessary for energy, because a few decades (I think) ago, the Scarlet Bombings took place, and the face of the Earth changed forever — most of Earth is now hot, barren, and pretty desolate.

After the Scarlet Bombings, some people in America decided to bomb other parts of the world to stay the strongest country. After that, the people who supported that decision formed Chosen Cities, where there is a controlled atmosphere. The people who did not approve (Separatists, or just Seps) ended up living in the skies — at places like the Skyship Academy.

Along with Jesse, the novel also focuses on another young man named Cassius, who grew up on the Surface in a Chosen City. The narrative switches back and forth between the two regularly (every couple chapters or so). I liked the contrast of the two characters, as they both had completely different motives and personalities.

Including the two male main characters, Jesse has a squad of sorts with Skandar and Eva, fellow Skyship trainees. For added intrigue, Avery is an older girl (18 to Jesse’s 15) who plays his love interest. This was a nice relief from the science fiction plot.

This was a pretty typical post apocalyptic, sci-fi novel. Cities lain to waste, corrupt government, tough life… however, I think the Pearls as a power source are neat, and the ‘shocking secret’ you learn about them in the end of the book is a quite interesting and new idea. Overall, it was a very quick read and (mostly because of the secret of the Pearls) I will buy the second book whenever it is released, though I may wait until it’s out in paperback. There aren’t really that many new ideas expressed for people who have read a lot of science fiction, so don’t expect your world to be rocked. However, this is a very solid book with quick-paced writing that I recommend if you’ve got a whole day to read it — you’re going to want to read it in one sitting.

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

This is the fourth installment in the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. It follows Clary, Jace, and Simon as per the first three books. I do not recommend reading this review if you haven’t read the book yet. However, I also wouldn’t really recommend the book that highly so most of you can read on!

I had to think for a little while before I remembered the actual plot of this novel. Most of the book consists of Clary wondering, “Does my boyfriend still love me?”, Simon wondering, “What is going on between Clary and her boyfriend?”, and Jace wondering, “Why am I having freaky sex/murder dreams about my girlfriend?”

I think the intended plot had something to do with babies being injected with demon blood and the fact that a ton of Shadowhunters are being murdered all around NYC. However, the book only remembers to touch on this after Clary feels guilty about thinking about nothing besides the latest weird makeout session she’s had and Simon gets over the fact he has, for pretty much no reason, three girls all clamoring to be his girlfriend.

Although the first three books in this series were really good YA novels with a little bit of romance, I don’t think this one finds that balance well. I found that most of the characters had gotten annoying from the last time I read about them. Perhaps I just don’t appreciate ‘romance’ novels as much as the next girl, but this ‘romance’ just didn’t work for me.

Mockingjay

At first, I was POSITIVE I was not going to like this book anywhere near as much as I did the first two. From the mediocre reviews, the hinting suggestions from friends that it just didn’t live up to others, and my own doubts about how Suzanne Collins was going to be able to end the series, let’s just say I was afraid for this book’s safety. I was positive I was going to give it 3 stars, say, “that was decent” and move on. Well…

I will not forget that the cover of The Hunger Games is WHY I got to experience this superb tale.

At first I WAS disappointed. I was disappointed in Katniss. Couldn’t she pick someone and stick with them? I was disappointed in Haymitch. Couldn’t he sober up and help Katniss when she needed it? I was disappointed in the Capitol. Couldn’t they get over their greed for power and realize that so much life was going to be wasted in the coming months? Let’s just say, I was disappointed.

After the original disappointment wore off, what came next was bitterness. I could feel how Katniss had changed since her time in the games. I felt like I understood her — she said something to the effect of not liking anyone that she didn’t have a lifetime to decide about — I felt so similar to her (is that a bad thing?).

Although this book is much more centered on the political rebellion aspect of the world of Panem, I enjoyed it (almost) no less than the other two in the series. There were parts in the first third of the book that felt jumbled to me, a weird mix of long stretches of introspection with sharp bits of action thrown in. It was jarring, to say the least.

I want to say I have not devoured a series as quickly as I did this one (minus the brief break before I got my hands on the other two books– I decided to treat myself on my birthday) in a long, long time. Some may say this book disappoints as a finishing touch to the series. My bitter/angry/desperately sad tears for the last twenty pages beg to differ.

Again, my call is that if you liked The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, you HAVE to read this book. Even if it doesn’t give you the ending you want, you must. I was initially angry about the wild turn of events, but then I realized it was completely realistic and fitting to each characters’ personality. I think Collins knows her characters very well to finish the way she did. I hope you read and enjoy this series as much as I did. It certainly has my stamp of approval.

One of the many amazing posters for the film.

P.S. I cannot wait for the film version of The Hunger Games!