Kandide and the Secret of the Mists: The Calabiyau Chronicles-book 1 [Paperback]

Diana S. Zimmerman (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

What if everything you loved was suddenly taken away . . .

And everything you feared became your only hope?

Still a teen in human years, Kandide is spoiled, vain, and the personification of perfection. She is also heir to the throne of Calabiyau and keeper of The Gift, the key to survival for all Fae. When a tragic accident leaves her less than perfect, her own mother casts her away to a treacherous world where strange beasts roam the dark, lifeless forest and even stranger Fae rule the land. Kandide must battle hideous creatures, as well as her own internal repulsion for the 'Imperfects' she is now like, if she is to survive. But these are just the beginning of her troubles; within Calabiyau, a presence far more deadly emerges. Joined by her prankster brother, Teren, her tomboy sister, Tara, and a group of misfit Imperfects, the Fae Princess must challenge the darkest of creatures to face an evil worse than any she could have imagined if she is to save the very Fae who sent her away. Calabiyau will forever change, or will it?

Praise for Kandide: 'Kandide gives its readers one captivating, enthralling adventure after another.' --S. Earl Statler, critic correspondent, The Los Angeles Newspaper Group

'Kandide is pure magic!' --Lance Burton, internationally acclaimed magician

'Mixing adventure and fantasy with life lessons is making Kandide and the Secret of the Mists a favorite in my class for two years in a row. We were lucky to read it in pre-publication. Now, this year's students are REALLY enjoying Kandide. . .' --Jeff Smith, teacher, Sable Point Elementary School, Florida

'Throughout my career, I've traveled everywhere and I've seen a lot of magic. Kandide's world is without a doubt one of the most magical places I've ever visited, and I can't wait to go back'--Cyril Takayama, International Magic Star and Magic Castle Magician on the Year

Editorial Reviews

Review

In today's world, we need more love and less hate. When nine- and ten-year-olds use guns to wipe out their innocent peers in schools because of their imperfections and lack of love, what more do we need before taking action? Diana's book, Kandide and the Secret of the Mists, reflects both our world as it is now, and a magical world taking action through the fight against darkness as we are transported into an enchanting adventure. My father, Michael Landon, strove to teach us the power of loving one another as we are, imperfections and all. I carry his torch through a promise of teaching love in Street Corner Dreams Foundation. Kandide reflects our mission, which goes beyond the pages. It's a brilliant adventure for truth seekers of all ages! --Cheryl Landon, co-founder of Street Corner Dreams Foundation, author, teacher, and mother

About the Author

Vanishing avocados, mega-million dollar conferences, haute couture jewels, and mysterious beings--all part of Diana S. Zimmerman's amazing life. Like her fantasy adventure novels, Diana's role in the performing arts, as well as the business world, transcends the ordinary. She has been a performer, entrepreneur, writer, and businesswoman since the age of eight, when she invested all of her resources into a small magic trick. Emerging as the 'World's Foremost Lady Magician' and starring in her own television show, Diana segued into the corporate world as a motivational speaker, as well as a magical spokesperson for companies as diverse as Ore Ida and the Avocado Advisory Board. Today, she is a journalist for the haute couture jewelry industry, an author, and President and CEO of CMS Communications, Intl., a marketing communications/event production agency whose clients rank among the Fortune 500. She has also co-authored a business book called Tactical Abyss, and owns one of the largest collections of Faery art with pieces dating back to the 1700s.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Noesis Publishing (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979432820
• ISBN-13: 978-0979432828
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #949,359 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Diana S. Zimmerman
Vanishing avocados, mega-million dollar conferences, haute couture jewels, and mysterious beings--all are part of Diana S. Zimmerman's amazing life and career.

Like the first book, "Kandide and the Secret of the Mists," (www.kandide.com) in her fantasy adventure trilogy, Diana's role in the performing arts, as well as the business world, transcends the ordinary. She has been a performer, entrepreneur, and businesswoman since the age of eight when she invested all of her resources into a small magic trick. With a total capital outlay of 47 cents, Diana parlayed her investment into a spectacular 25-year stage and television career as the "World's Foremost Lady Magician."

Her innovative business approach to this unique art form catapulted her into the limelight. It is this same highly creative thinking that has allowed her to flourish in the corporate world.

Today, Diana is the President and CEO of CMS Communications, Intl, multi-million dollar, award-winning and highly innovative marketing communications agency that is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA., with offices in Phoenix, Orlando, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City. CMS' client list reads like the "Who's Who" of the Fortune 500. Special Events Magazine named CMS in the "TOP 50 Event Companies" for an unprecedented seven consecutive years. Diana's business philosophy has just two rules: "Reinvent yourself every couple years. Be the leading industry innovator, in every area: technology, service, and creativity."

She sits on three Boards including the prestigious Academy of Magical Arts Educational Foundation, Inc. (the 501c3 sister organization the AMA/Magic Castle), was an Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year" finalist, and 2008 LA Woman of the Year nominee. Her dazzling road of business achievements is also paved with equally impressive journalistic credentials. Having had 100's of articles published in the elite haute couture jewelry industry, "Kandide and the Secret of the Mists" is the first of her three fantasy adventure novels. Diana is also the co-author of the business strategy book "Tactical Abyss."
During her performing years, Diana also invented magic illusions for Lance Burton and David Copperfield, among others, and remains a highly respected lecturer, writer, and teacher in this field. She sponsors the Junior Magicians' Club--a youth group she founded in 1974 with the help of legendary actor, Cary Grant--at Hollywood's famous Magic Castle.

Leaving her hometown of Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 18, Diana filled her car with magic tricks, costumes, and a great deal of ambition, and headed for Los Angeles with $45.00 to her name. "Even back then," she explains, "that wasn't very much money. But when you grow up living on the wrong side of the tracks, what have got to lose?" Admitting that it was pretty tough getting started in a town like LA, and she wasn't always sure where her next meal would come from, nothing mattered to Diana except pursuing her dream of becoming a world-class performer. Doing magic to support herself (and pay for college), her novel approach, along with her remarkable creativity and talent, eventually catapulted her toward success.

Diana starred in her own television show, "Enchanted Palace" as well as her own magical revue show in Lake Tahoe. She appeared on virtually every major TV talk and variety show, toured the world, and later became a much sought after corporate spokesperson for companies as diverse as Ore Ida Potatoes and the Avocado Advisory Board. She also became known for motivational speaking. Her speech, "Success, Mastering the Art of Illusion," garnered standing ovation after standing ovation in the corporate world.

An avid collector of faery art, her collection of bronzes, clocks, paintings, sculptures, books, and porcelains is one of the largest in the world with pieces dating back to the 1700s. A painting by Australian artist, Maxine Gadd, now in Diana's private collection, inspired the literary legacy of Kandide. (www.kandide.com)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kandide, May 16, 2008

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Kandide and the Secret of the Mists: The Calabiyau Chronicles-book 1 (Paperback)

Kandide and the Secret of the Mists is a great book for all ages. The story tells of a young fairy named Kandide who is very spoiled and vain. When Kandide is struck with a horrible accident and is severly injured she is sent to the Mists, a scary and swampy place were beasts roam and no other fairies are to be found. All alone, Kandide stumbles upon a gate and enters the land of the fairies that she had always been disgusted by. Will Kandide ever find her way home? Will she ever take her rightful place as queen? Or will she be stuck in the Mists forever? Read Kandide and the Secret of the Mists to find out.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Since L. Frank Baum!, May 3, 2008

By 

Vin Smith "Book Show Radio Host" (Yreka, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kandide and the Secret of the Mists: The Calabiyau Chronicles-book 1 (Paperback)

It has been a century since L. Frank Baum charmed America with the Oz series... Now there is a worthy successor in American publishing--an author that may well break records in the English language now held by the British sensation J. K. Rowling. That writer is Diana S. Zimmerman. Kandide and the Secret of the Mists is that rare work of art that gives us permission to suspend belief and then paints a picture that rings as true as the morning newspaper or your next door neighbor. In this world obsessed with surface beauty, Zimmerman unfolds a story that teaches readers what true, unvarnished beauty really is. This book is a triumph of storytelling. I shall give nothing away... No spoilers. Read the book and be charmed, as I was!!!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting, Magical, Life Altering Thrill Ride, May 25, 2008

By 

Karen S. Grim "Avid Reader" (Phoenix. AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kandide and the Secret of the Mists: The Calabiyau Chronicles-book 1 (Paperback)

If you enjoy literature that delivers chills and thrills, a life assessing message and cannot be scientifically explained, "Kandide and the Secret of the Mists" is a must read.

Kandide is an arrogant, pampered and vain princess in the Land of Calabiyau, her mysterious, magical kingdom, where physical perfection is the only thing that matters. But due to a life altering accident she is forced to re-evaluate her life and her perception of the world around her and rely on people she previously shunned, even feared.

In her travels she will encounter creatures and people intent on destroying her and everyone she holds dear. She finds she has an inner strength and courage to deal with all adversaries.

As you follow Kandide on her magical journey of adventure, danger and discovery, you'll witness her realization that her life has been an illusion, a mask hiding the real person she is inside.

I dare you to own this book and not have it change your thinking and your life. Take the voyage of self-discovery and self-acceptance with Kandide and discover the real YOU. It's an enchanting, magical thrill ride that cannot be missed.