Customer Reviews

A Whisper of Wings (Volume 1) (Kashran Cycle)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is one of the best books I've read in a long time. In fact, it may be among the best in my collection. From the moment the characters revealed their unique personalities, I fell in love with them, and I was driven to find out how the story of their lives would unfold; I wound up reading the entire book in two sittings.

On the surface, the story seems rather simple, like your classic fairy-tale. But that face eventually vanishes; no fewer than five times during this book, I found myself thinking, "I knew EXACTLY how the story was going to end...until I read this last page..." And with every shift in the plot, the story becomes more engaging, more real than it was before.

Spread through the book are illustrations by artist Terrie Smith. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and in this case it could be true. Though they aren't numerous, the simple yet beautifully composed drawings add marvelously to the story, fixing in the reader's mind images of the people, and the landscape of this world. The cover illustration, pictured above, is one of my favorites, and I've always been impressed by how alive Terrie can make her drawings seem, simply by the expressiveness in the characters' eyes; no mean feat in flat black and white.

For any fan of fantasy, this book is as close to a "must-read" as I could ever claim. The proud but declining society of the Kashran, quiet yet expressive Shadarii and her ambitious sister Zhukora, and all of the lives they touch, weave together into a story of love and war, of hope for a brighter future, and fear of the damage the transition could bring. I can't praise this book enough, nor explain how highly I recommend it without revealing too much of the story.

Thinking back, I realize I wasn't quite sure what this book was about at the beginning. And that made it all the better as I read it. The short, enigmatic descriptions promised love, war, terror, tragedy, triumph and power. "Based on a non-human race?" I read, thinking that was most unusual for a modern fantasy novel. The illustrations were intriguing, and the excerpt simply thrilling. Everyone else who had read this book had loved it... and given rave reviews. So I ordered it.

I was pleased when it came very quickly in the mail, that same week. The book itself is a thick, heavy, well-made trade paperback, and soon I was engrossed in the engaging, thrilling story. I have to admit, I resented _anything_ that made me get my head out of that book, whether it was work or having to sleep! I haven't gotten that engaged in a story in a long, long time.

The story itself is unlike any other kind of fantasy I've read before. And in my over 30 years of reading, I've read a _lot_ of Fantasy. "Whisper" is thrilling, compelling, and written in so brilliant and penetrating a fashion it leaves your heart-pounding at times. The artwork is a perfect compliment. I've never seen a novel in recent times that had so may beautiful illustrations to match the text.

I can't say too much, obviously, about the content. The characters, though, have real feelings, motivations and lives. They have a depth you very rarely find in modern science fiction or fantasy. The story picks you up and never lets you go, not until the last page.

When you finish this book, you find yourself wishing that there were more in this series. And since it's "Book One of the Kashran Cycle", I guess that there will be! I _eagerly_ await them!

This book rates a _full_ five stars, far more than many others on Amazon I've read that held that rating. If Amazon had _six_ stars, it would rate _every_ one of them. Frankly, I'm _astonished_ that Amazon hasn't reviewed this book and put it up on their front page. It is so well-written, so epic of scope and immensely engaging, it could well spark a whole new genre of fantasy, one which I will wholeheartedly subscribe to.

This book is not feminist fantasy - fantasy that appeals mainly to female readers, and at times turns male readers away. Yet neither is it the other way. Female as well as male readers will cherish this book. You cannot put a "label" like "Feminist" on it. It is too honest and pure an offering to try and slot it in some mental category or pigeonhole like that, grouping it in any way with other books other than it's category: Fantasy. It really _is_ completely unique, and that's something I haven't run across in a book in nearly twenty years.

I recommend this book without hesitation.

I was impressed! A book starring butterfly-winged foxes sounds like it would be too, too cute, but the Kashra are very dramatic characters. Kidd has created a detailed and wholly original culture for them, partly based on Aboriginal tribalism but also imaginatively using fantasy such as the strength of the characters' "ka" (psychic force) affecting their flying ability more than the muscles of their wings. When a famine strikes an ancient and culturally stagnant society, changes must be made to avoid starvation. Two sisters follow two roads to change; Shadarii preaches love, while Zhukora champions violent revolution. It is easy to side with Shadarii, but Kidd keeps the reader guessing whether her way is effective enough to save the Kashra before starvation overwhelms everyone. A gripping page-turner!

Though the idea of winged foxes may seem to border along the childish, this book is far from being a children's story.

Here, utter realism bubbles forth in every chapter, ensnaring the reader to turn each page with anticipation, as exquisite details ranging from inventive sports, colorful holidays and customs, diverse cultures, up to the complexity and heartfelt credibility of each character -- all effectively help in coaxing out a myriad of emotions and reactions from the readers. In other words, the reader is convincingly thrust into the fabled Kashran world, where romance can be compared to ambrosia; where legends are unearthed, lived, and forged, where danger lurks in every corner, and where battles could be easily compared to that of epic Hollywood movies.

Yet the magic does not stop there, for the story itself is truly a work of art that would even make moralists and philosophers stop, look, and read, without going into mindless prattle, served in-between the lines of innovative storytelling and religious allegory. Good and evil are dissected into numerous facets, coupled with their driving forces, their chosen vessels, and their influences, not to mention their consequences -- all of which present an interesting moral spectrum to be pondered upon. All these are framed within an excellent pace, chock-full of tidbits that would make the inherent historian, theologian, and sociologist within the readers swoon with delight.

Another highlight of the story would be the level of catharsis produced. This book has the raw power to draw tears or pity without being melodramatic, focusing on believable pain in its emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects; ditto for love, hatred, mirth, and other emotions that could fire up or calm down the reader. Worthwhile too would be the characters portrayal of these feelings, augmenting depth to the cast, inviting the reader to sympathize or relate with either (or both) the characters or situations, also giving solid evidence to the book's claim of being an "unforgettable story". An exercise in emotion, so to speak. Terrie Smith's illustrations accompany the readers a step further into the book's charm, handing us accurate glimpses of the different characters and tribes populating this world, fittingly complementing the superb text. Just by merely scanning the book's front and back covers, one could be speared by Those pictures are just doorways into something far more beautiful -- eye candy that would make the reader ask for more.

All in all, Paul Kidd's story is a virtual masterpiece, truly a story worth keeping in one's collection. It could be judged as one of the best books ever written, and I would not ever doubt the reader if the book's alluring charm brings about any sleeplessness. This book is undoubtedly recommended for its content, insight, entertainment, and sheer reading pleasure. Maybe this book can be adapted for film or animation someday? For now, I am more than eagerly awaiting the next installment of this highly-anticipated series. Great job, Mr. Kidd!

Whisper of Wings is a rarity these days, an intelligent, well-done fantasy that isn't simply a rehash of Tolkien's work. The setting is completely unlike anything I've ever read, and the heroine and villainess, Shadarii and Zhukora, are real people. You empathize wth them in a way that's all too rare anymore. And the plot itself is far deeper than the usual run, almost Shakespearean in its depiction of a good person who becomes evil and destroys themself, and very nearly everyone around them. Just read the book. You'll be pleasently surprised.

This book was not what I was expecting at all. Too often in the little niche that I call "Furry Lit," the piece tends to be more on furry and less on story...Paul has done a wonderful job with this book. There aren't many authors I will read in a sitting. The book had quite a few selling points for me, and the story hooked me in. I had only two minor beefs about the book. Number one, the gratuitous use of footnotes. It should be possible to explain something in the context of the book without using them. Number two, the epilogue. Paul, if you're reading this, the emotional punch you were going for would have been far more powerful without it. (Though I did like seeing what happened afterwards..)

All in all, a great book. I'd reccomend this one without hesitation.

This is, to be honest, like no book I have ever read and it is also the most Furry-esque published novel I have found. Unlike most of the anthropromorphic animal genre, it is dark and gritty and obviously intended for an adult audience. It is also a most compelling and engrossing read, with a similar feel to two of my favourite things - ElfQuest and Princess Mononoke.

Set in Australia, the dominant sentient race are a species of anthopromorphic foxes with butterfly wings and antennae, known as the "kashra" - indeed, this is book one of the Kashran Cycle, but I am happy to note (especially since the other books don't seem to yet exist) it is a story in itself and comes to a satisfying conclusion. The two main characters are sisters, but very different in personality and appearance. There is Zhukora, the huntress, black of fur and blue of wing and fierce and ambitious of nature contrasted with the gentle, and mute, Shadarii, lover of life and the dance. For centuries the Kashran have followed a simple way of life - a hunter/gatherer cycle, but that is all about to change. The forest is dying, food is getting scarce and Zhukora unwittingly awakens a spirit that will change their world forever.

One of the successes of this epic story is that you grow attached both the antagonist and protagonist. It is a tragic, and spiritual tale and I would whole-heartedly suggest that anyone who calls themselves a "Furry" should make an effort to read it. Seriously, I cannot understand how after four years in the fandom it has only recently been drawn to my attention. For non-furries, however, don't be fooled - this is not Redwall - it is a lot more grim, more sexual and much less formulaic.

It is also illustrated by Terrie Smith, with a black and white picture in almost every chapter (including several pictures of different tribes at the back) and a colour one on front and back covers. I, personally, am not a huge Terrie Smith fan and think some of the pictures are fairly basic, but I am aware she is very popular. Although, as has already been pointed out, her pictures are a little too cute and pin-up for the general atmosphere of the story and you can almost imagine the heaving bosoms.

I will have to say that A Whisper of Wings is one of THE best novels I have read in years. I would say Paul Kidd comes close to writing as good a story as the late, great Tolkien (and that's a great compliment!). Along with beautiful illustration by Terrie Smith, and the constantly evolving plotline...you will feel much a part of the story. As Vision promises, they definately pulled all the stops on this one. It is a story about two sisters, related by birth and not much else. They both have a vision, and the pursuits of these visions leads to an epic, dynamic quest for justice, fairness, and peace. This does not meant that there are no tradgedies in this book...by all means no! There were many parts I was brought to tears by the moving events, many will leave you wondering if the characters ambitions were worth pursuing. I did enjoy how the author did not embellish in the bloodshed that occurred during the course of the tale...keeping it tasteful for younger readers (though I do not reccommend it for pre-teens). I fell in love with the book from the moment I started reading as a whole world not much differant from my own was woven before me. Aside from the fact the Kashra were a canine-like race with butterfly wings and antennae which could sense Isha (i.e. auras)...they were not much differant from most normal people. I found Whisper to be a book I could identify with and I plan to make it a gift to everyone I know. This is definately a book that will stay with you forever. Trust me.

I forget what it was that brought me to the Vision Books web site so many months ago, but it was there that I first laid eyes on the striking artwork on this book's cover, and became destined to someday own a copy. I tend to avoid fantasy books however - reading (and enjoying) the Tolkein books only because of their status as Classics - so, for the time being, I put the idea of buying a copy aside.

Two weeks ago, while surfing the 'net, I once again found myself admiring the vivid colors of Whisper's cover, and the sense of gentleness and inner beauty that radiated from the picture's subject. I had a few books and videos to order from Amazon.Com, and curiosity brought me to the numerous and lengthy reviews written by others that had read the book. With so much high praise backing it up, I could no longer resist -- and what a treasure I had found!

We have been told that you can't judge a book by its cover. What I found beyond the cover was so much more beautiful and powerful! The author takes his time introducing you to each of the characters, and the history and ideas behind their faltering society. The conflicts and relationships between the characters firmly hold the reader's interest through this lengthy period of introduction in such a way that you hardly notice that you've come half-way through the book and you still aren't sure what it's about.

By the time the main story starts to take shape, you have a thorough understanding of each character and of their ambitions and motivations. Within this incredible story are embedded a great number of themes, analogies, and even the occasional worn-out cliché. The reader may welcome some of these as a familiar frame of reference from which they can get their bearings, but it is for naught -- no matter how familiar the story may seem, the author manages to keep you guessing all the way to the Epilogue.

This story has occasionally been described as a story of Good vs. Evil, but at what point do actions become evil if they are done out of love? Just what good is love if it can lead to evil, and how good can Good be if it is done out of that same love as well? If you were to describe this as a story of Love however, then whom or what is it the love of, and what form does that love take? Is this book really about all of that or of the birth and spread of Communism vs. the teachings of Christ? Though all this over-simplification does the book a great disservice, the possibilities are endless. For the student who is working on a book report, the analogies that can be drawn from this story are numerous and powerful enough to send a teacher of literature into pure ecstasy! If only this book was available when I was still in school!

I wept when the story was over, but I don't know why. I could not tell if I wept out of happiness or sadness, or if I had simply been overwhelmed by the power of it all. Perhaps it was due to the fact that I had no where left to go except to return to the real world. The final chapters possessed all the excitement of those of Tom Clancy's Debt of Honor, but with so much more to offer and amazing things to learn. I wanted it to end differently, and for that I felt shame. I wonder if the author had an alternate Epilogue stashed away somewhere in case he gave in to his selfish love for his main characters, at the detriment of his selfless love for their fellow beings.

A Whisper of Wings is quite simply the most incredible book I have ever read. I thank the author, Paul Kidd, for all of his hard work in bringing this book to us. I thank Vision for believing in him and I thank Terrie Smith for the stunning artwork that first attracted my attention to this book. I am anxiously looking forward to the next installment of the Kashran Cycle, though it seems that Mr. Kidd has put himself into a bit of a predicament - A Whisper of Wings is going to be a very difficult act to follow!

This book has true depth. You really feel the characters are alive. The world breathes, and springs out at you. The book takes you into its universe so deeply that when it is over, you really wish you could somehow stay there. The book's conflicts are initially good versus evil, but then things move about in unexpected, exciting ways and you wind up pondering what the nature of "good" and "evil" really is. But that doesn't really describe the book. It's a philisophic book. An adventure book. A book for everyone who has lived and loved and dreamed. Five Stars. Earned every one.