The 411:
Alex Kosmitoras is blind, uses a cane to get around, has very few friends, and really just wants to fade into the background. He thinks he will never have a normal life and has come to terms with the fact that he will never be popular, never be like everyone else. His parents are very poor and his back to school gift is new pair of plastic "cool guy glasses" when all he wants is a new pair of boots.
On his first day of school, he is teased by the Brady, the popular, running back of the Varsity Football team who has been his nemesis for a while.
Simmi and Shapri both are new to the school and quickly make friends with Alex. Shapri's mom Ms. Teak has a physic shop next to Alex's mom florist shop. Simmi and her mom are customers of Ms. Teak and eventually she proves to Alex that he has a gift. He can see visions of the future and hear conversations that may or may not happen. It appears that someone named Dax is out to hurt Simmi. Alex has do what he can to make sure this doesn't happen. With the help of Ms. Teak, and Simmi he works to strengthen his gift. Shapri has a gift too but she doesn't believe it. She can see dead people!
What I liked about this book:
- Each chapter starts with a rune and a description.
- I love how Alex tries to protect his mother.
- The story was enjoyable and the characters very culturally different.
- The story will hopefully continue into a book 2
- The friendship of Simmi, Sharpi and Alex. I really do love books about friendship and the importance of it.
- How Emlyn Chand drew on Alex's other senses to compensate for his sight. Alex's sense of smell is a big part of the storyline.
- How each character has a special gift.
- I love the character Ms. Teak, I love how her abilities or lack of abilities allow her to help others discover their abilities and gifts.
- That Alex doesn't back down from bully Brady.
My only fault with the book, was this massive build up of a war only to have it end so quickly. Reminded me of Breaking Dawn where I was waiting for the war of the vampires and the Valtari's only to have nothing happen.
I can't wait to read the next book and find out what the connection is between Dax and Alex. Both names end with X and I really wonder what that is about.
Great book for YA and folks who love to read paranormal.
Thank you for hosting Emlyn today.
ReplyDeleteIt seems there is a lot to like about FARSIGHTED. I have heard of this book before & certainly appreciate the review.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Great review, Maria. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts about Farsighted. I love your list of things you enjoyed about the novel. And oh no on the Breaking Dawn reference! I totally get what you mean, and that frustrated me too. That's why I listened to what readers were saying and released an extended edition of the eBook with several new scenes and a whole new chapter at the end. I'd be happy to send you a copy gratis, just let me know ;-)
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you wouldn't mind, would you please cross-post this awesome review to Amazon and GoodReads? Every little bit really helps new authors like myself.
Oh, one last thing - If you'd like to receive an ARC of Open Heart (Farsighted book #2, releasing May 25), just visit www.emlynchand.com and sign-up for my mailing list.
Cheerio,
Emlyn :-D
Thanks Emlyn, I really appreciate you reading my thoughts on your book.
ReplyDeleteThese will be up on Amazon and Good reads before the night ends. Sick child makes getting to email or on the computer harder than usual.
I am totally signing up for Book 2
This may be a YA story, but it sounds like something I would like to read too.
ReplyDeleteAt first this sounded a little too much but as I read on I like the plot. Thanks for the review. I am always looking for interesting books to read. Rita Spratlen rjspratlen@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteEmlyn...I like the new cover...He looks kinda like Scott in the X-Men series (younger, of course).
ReplyDeleteYou know, Alex is a lot like Scott from X-Men, so that totally works! People have also said the cover is reminiscent of Spider-Man, which works too! :-D
ReplyDeleteHA...I didn't see that until you guys mentioned it! I see it now
ReplyDeleteParanormal YA reads are my favorite. This one certainly sounds like one I'll check out! Maria, I love the books you review :)
ReplyDelete