Customer Reviews

The CHIMES OF ALYAFALEYN

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4 star:		(3)
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The newly revised edition of this book, available through Kindle, has a strange history. As Chetwin was finishing the first edition, the publisher put a page and time limit on it, and the writer had to scuttle her plans for the end. The result was a spectacular first half of a book that strikes a deep and vibrant chord - gifted children who are feared and mistreated in their society, and the consequences of that attitude. One of these children, Caidrun, goes "bad" in her distress at being mistreated, and the other, Tamborel, runs away from home to seek help in saving her. Meanwhile, Caidrun's remarkable capabilities, which should have been guided into constructive channels, have become destructive, and cause far-reaching chaos. The first edition ends with no real change in the characters. In this glorious Kindle edition, however, the lives of Brel and Caidy unfold in fascinating detail, as a whole world based on harmonies is revealed. Chetwin is one of those rare writers who can make a character's growth and development believable - and inevitable. This book is about the individual's spirit and the power of harmony. Music is the art explored here, but all children who long to express their special gifts will treasure this book.

This story has some fabulous ideas for a world in which the very foundations depend upon music. The music is created by the use of the musical spheres that the adults "snag" and the more control and spheres an adult can control, the more powerful he or she is. Thrown into this world are two misunderstood young people--Caidrun, a mercurial girl who has been an outcast since before she was born, and Tamborel, the boy who has steadfastedly remained her best friend.

This book makes for a wonderfully emotional coming of age story of these two protagonists. What the author does best is to create that emotional relationship that exists between Tamborel and Caidrun. The understanding and the value of friendship is appealing--this book will most likely interest sensitive young teens who are exploring facets of emotional interaction and enjoy fantasy settings.

Those who prefer action, or more complex world building may feel this story drags at times, and the story rather simplistic. There are many aspects of this world that are never expanded upon, and the characters other than the story's two protagonists never become fully realized. The adventures of Tamborel, therefore, come across as lackluster. And most of Caidrun's adventures are skipped over entirely. Had the author spent some time on Caidrun's experiences from her POV, it might have made the story stronger.

Still, I very much enjoy this book for what it is. I am glad to have it in my collection.

In the spirit of The Giver and The Alchemist, The Chimes of Alyafaleyn is a fantastical book that opens readers' (children AND adults) imaginations and hearts. The journey of the human spirit/consciousness is often better told in the context of an imaginary world. Chetwin understands the need for global consciousness and community. I imagine her a strong woman, a peace activist, clutching magic dust. It is a shame this gem is out of print. If you stumble upon this book, savor it and read it more than once. Read it to your children. And then ask your children to teach you something.

The Chimes of Alyafaleyn

The newly revised edition of this book, available only through [...]and Kindle, has a strange history. As Chetwin was finishing the first edition, her then editor put a page and time limit on the finished manuscript, and the writer had to scuttle her plans for the end. The result was a spectacular first half of a book that strikes a deep and vibrant chord - gifted children who are feared and mistreated in their mediocrity-ruled society, and the consequences of that attitude. One of the gifted children, Caidrun, goes "bad" as a result of near-torture, and the other, her friend Tamborel, runs away from home to seek help elsewhere in finding and saving her. Meanwhile, Caidrun's remarkable capabilities, which should have been guided into constructive channels, have become extremely destructive, and cause far-reaching chaos. In this first edition, while Brel does at last find Caidy, she is unchanged - still angry and dangerous, almost glorying at the turmoil she has caused. The second half of the book flounders on to an unsatisfying conclusion.

In the glorious second edition, however, the entire book fulfills the promise of that wonderful first half. The lives of Brel and Caidy are unfolded in fascinating detail and a whole world based on harmonies becomes real. Chetwin is one of those rare writers who can make a character's growth and development not only believable, but inevitable - no "moral lesson" here, but a natural progression that lends hope to all us square pegs. This book is about the individual's spirit and the power of harmonies- the internal reflecting the audible. Music is the art explored here, but all children who feel their gifts - as a joy or even as a burden - will surely treasure this book.

I really enjoyed this book. The idea of heynim that will swarm around people's heads is very creative. It is not like any other book I have ever read. I thought Tamborel was a very devoloped character but Caidy was a little less so. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy but especially someone around my age. (13 years old)

When I first picked up the book, I thought, How am I going to read this if I can't even pronounce the title??? Fortunately, there's a pronounciation guide in the back, so that helped a lot.

The Chimes of Alyafaleyn reminded me of books like the His Dark Materials trilogy and the Lord of the Rings in the way that it stuck in my head. There are some books that if you read them, then you compare them to every other book you read. The Chimes of Alyafaleyn is definitely one of those books.

Take two normal people, one age five and one age zero, and put them in another world. Single them both out of their community. And you have Tamborel and Caidrun. This is a good book, but it ends rather quickly, and so if you like things to tie themselves up neatly, this probably isn't the book for you. If there was a sequel, I would feel more like the story actually ended.
(If I wrote a book like this for my mean, strict, very grammar, detail oriented writing teacher, I would get a lot of points for creativity, but very few for "resolution." Don't get me wrong, this is one of the best books in the world. But it wouldn't make a very good school story.)

I really liked this book. I hope there's a sequel soon. I liked the idea of zjarns healing people, making the sun come out, and ripening grain using only heynim and faleyn. This is a great book for anyone, whether you like fantasies or not. (12 years old)

I really liked this book. The whole thing was very creative and entertaining I found it held my interest throughout the story and I enjoyed the fantasy adventure it took me on. (14 yrs old)