Friday, March 16, 2012

Review: Chimera by B.D. Swan

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Chimera
B.D. Swan
Release date: November 16th, 2011

Goodreads / Purchase

Kyanna Kash has a problem: she’s fallen for two guys, but one of them lives only in her mind. At least, that’s what makes sense. But, when she discovers shocking evidence that the man living inside her dreams is real, and is now missing, she is forced to choose which reality to pursue. Her decision, however, might cost her everything; even her life.

*A copy was provided by B.D. Swan for review purposes*

Definitely original, absolutely intriguing: Battling a dual reality, Kyanna is suffering from fainting spells where she lands into a fantasy world with kings, battles, deadly beasts, and a gorgeous soldier.

Chimera throws us into not one, but two story-lines which are both full of mystery and romance. In her reality, Kyanna is a simple girl in love with the baseball star and trying to figure out her future plans. Her relationship with Lincon is incredibly romantic. I adored him – he’s sweet, talented, and visibly in love with Kyanna. They’ve been together for a little while already, too, so there’s no awkwardness of getting to know each other, or worse: insta-love. Kyanna, however, during her fainting spells, finds herself fiercely attracted to Koden – defender of the king in this alternate world right out of a fantasy novel. Koden is old world gentlemanly with a personality you can’t help but admire. I could never decide who I wanted Kyanna to be with, or which reality I wanted her to live in. I was super intrigued by her actual life – what exactly is happening to her to cause her to faint. However, I couldn’t help but become fascinated by the exciting events she was thrown in inside these dreams: We’ve got beasts who prey on women, vengeful princesses, and a fantastically beautiful scenery.

Kyanna herself is a bit hard to relate to at first. I felt the author, being male, was trying a bit too hard to get inside the head of a teenage girl. Making a few stereotypical girly remarks and pointing out the obvious. It did get better after a while, though, and I was able to make a better connection with her during the second half where she seemed to get a more solid personality.

This journey is not fast-paced. It’s a slow process building up to Kyanna’s dream, to have her discover everything this bizarre world has to offer. Nevertheless, I was so captivated by the beauty, the mystery of it all that I was not too bothered by the slow movement. I felt it was designed to give a gradual introduction into the unknown. It also helps that we get thrown from Kyanna’s reality to her dreams, constantly leaving us with fresh intrigue.

All in all the unique story easily won me over, plus the writing flows surprisingly well for a debut author. We’ve got a gorgeous setting and an easy to follow prose that will suit especially those reluctant to get into heavy fantasy.


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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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31 Responses to “Review: Chimera by B.D. Swan”

  2. LK

    I don’t think I’ve read a book with dual realities before, definitely interested in Chimera!

    Yet another book to add to my to-read list. So little time… *sad*

  4. Amy

    I am intrigued!! This book sounds very interesting, and the cover is beautiful. I will have to add this to my ever growing list of books to read lol!! Thanks for the fab review chick!!

  7. Mimi Valentine

    Oh my gosh, from looking at the cover and reading that synopsis, I had no idea that this was a fantasy book — you have me so intrigued! And I love how Kyanna and Lincoln avoid the meeting-each-other awkwardness and insta-love. That’s so refreshing compared to most love stories nowadays! 😉

    Amazing review, Giselle! I’m really hoping I love this one like you did — thanks so much for telling me about this book! 🙂 <3

  8. Camille Picott

    Hello! I follow you on twitter and decided to jump over and read your book reviews. 🙂

    This books sounds really good! It reminds me a little bit of a new TB show I’ve seen advertised, about a man living in two different realities and having no idea which one is real. I’m going to add it to my TBR list. Thanks for posting!

  9. Sam

    Although I do usually prefer fast-paced books, I think if an author can write well enough then I also really enjoy a slower pace. This sounds like a really great book! I’m glad you were able to connect with the main character after a little while. I’ll have to check this out! 🙂

  10. Sophia

    Hmm… I’m intrigued! I’m a bit hesitant to look into this book since Kyanna is a bit hard to relate to, and the trying top hard to be a teenage girl thing usually really bugs me. But since the plot and story itself won you over, I think I’ll check it out! 🙂 Thanks for the amazing review, Giselle!

  11. Giselle

    @Mimi: Right? It’s only fantasy when she’s in her dreams too so it’s really cool. You should try it! 🙂

    @Sam: Some found the pace too slow but I was fine with it I guess it all depends on your mood when you read it.

    Thanks guys! <3

  12. Maja

    I love it when a book starts with a steady couple instead of instalove and whatnot, in fact, that’s my favorite thing about Partials so far.
    The only thing that kind of ruins it is the love triangle, and the names Kyanna and Koden are just a bit over the top.
    Still, this sounds like something I really want to read, so that’s exactly what I’ll do.
    Awesome review, Giselle, as always. You’ve spoiled us all.

  13. Krista

    I have never been a heavy fantasy reader but this one sounds good! Thanks for the great review, putting this on my reading list!

  14. Danny

    The cover is intriguing and the story sounds great! Loved your review and it sounds like a unique storyline!
    I cannot recall a male author writing a girl – that’s unique!

  22. Candace

    This book sounds incredibly intriguing! I love the concept and it’s somewhat similar to something I was developing in my own head for a story. Well, it’s VERY different, but the alternate world was similar, lol.

  29. Rebecca (Kindle Fever)

    Hmm, other that the trying-to-hard thing, this one sounds quite good! Your review is the first I really hear about the book, but I admit I’m intrigued! I’ll have to look into this a bit more:) Great review!

  30. Lexie

    O___O I had never even heard of this one until you reviewed it, but now I REALLY need to get a copy. I love, love, love dual reality stories. I’ve always been so fascinated by them. Judging by your review, despite some issues with Kyanna (gotta love ~Speshul Snowflake~ names, btw), I think I’ll really enjoy this. Fabulous review. 😀