The Chimes of Alyafaleyn

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.

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.

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.

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)