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Darkbeast Chronicles #1
Rebel Flight
Sometimes, rebellion is the only option.
In the sheltered village of Silver Hollow, Keara knows exactly what is expected of her: Worship the twelve gods, pay the Primate his head tax, and follow her mother’s unreasonably strict rules. But Keara’s twelfth birthday is looming, along with an obligation she dares not meet. Keara must sacrifice her darkbeast on a holy altar or be branded a heretic forever.
Other children despise their bonded scapegoat animals. But Keara loves her raven, Caw. He’s the only creature in Silver Hollow who truly understands her headstrong ways.
When a traveling theater troupe passes through the village, Keara glimpses a way to escape. But the Great Road comes with its own dangers, including dread Inquisitor priests who hunt down infidels.
Will Keara find the strength to flee the only home she’s ever known? Or will she be forced to slay her closest friend on the altar of the gods?
The Darkbeast Chronicles include:
Rebel Flight
Rebel Lost
Categories:
Family & Relationships > Extended Family
Family & Relationships > Friendship
Family & Relationships > Life Stages > Adolescence
Family & Relationships > Life Stages > Teenagers
Fiction > Action & Adventure
Fiction > Animals
Fiction > Coming of Age
Fiction > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
Fiction > Family Life
Fiction > Fantasy > Action & Adventure
Fiction > Fantasy > Dragons & Mythical Creatures
Fiction > Fantasy > Epic
Fiction > Fantasy > Traditional
Fiction > Religious
Fiction > Sagas
Performing Arts > Circus
Performing Arts > Theater > General
Similar Authors:
Robin Hobb
Robin McKinley
Garth Nix
Tamora Pierce
Jonathan Stroud
In the sheltered village of Silver Hollow, Keara knows exactly what is expected of her: Worship the twelve gods, pay the Primate his head tax, and follow her mother’s unreasonably strict rules. But Keara’s twelfth birthday is looming, along with an obligation she dares not meet. Keara must sacrifice her darkbeast on a holy altar or be branded a heretic forever.
Other children despise their bonded scapegoat animals. But Keara loves her raven, Caw. He’s the only creature in Silver Hollow who truly understands her headstrong ways.
When a traveling theater troupe passes through the village, Keara glimpses a way to escape. But the Great Road comes with its own dangers, including dread Inquisitor priests who hunt down infidels.
Will Keara find the strength to flee the only home she’s ever known? Or will she be forced to slay her closest friend on the altar of the gods?
The Darkbeast Chronicles include:
Rebel Flight
Rebel Lost
Categories:
Family & Relationships > Extended Family
Family & Relationships > Friendship
Family & Relationships > Life Stages > Adolescence
Family & Relationships > Life Stages > Teenagers
Fiction > Action & Adventure
Fiction > Animals
Fiction > Coming of Age
Fiction > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
Fiction > Family Life
Fiction > Fantasy > Action & Adventure
Fiction > Fantasy > Dragons & Mythical Creatures
Fiction > Fantasy > Epic
Fiction > Fantasy > Traditional
Fiction > Religious
Fiction > Sagas
Performing Arts > Circus
Performing Arts > Theater > General
Similar Authors:
Robin Hobb
Robin McKinley
Garth Nix
Tamora Pierce
Jonathan Stroud
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2017
About the author
Mindy Klasky
108 books531 followersMindy Klasky learned to read when her parents shoved a book in her hands and told her that she could travel anywhere in the world through stories. She never forgot that advice.
Mindy's travels took her through multiple careers, including copyright lawyer and law librarian. Mindy now writes full time. Her books fall in a number of genres -- including romantic comedies, paranormal romance, and traditional fantasy.
In her spare time, Mindy knits, quilts, and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. Her husband and two cats do their best to fill the left-over minutes in her days.
Mindy's travels took her through multiple careers, including copyright lawyer and law librarian. Mindy now writes full time. Her books fall in a number of genres -- including romantic comedies, paranormal romance, and traditional fantasy.
In her spare time, Mindy knits, quilts, and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. Her husband and two cats do their best to fill the left-over minutes in her days.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 22, 2017
So strangely enough, this book seems to be the exact same as a book called "Darkbeast" by Morgan Keyes. Again, strangely enough that book has over 500 ratings, when THIS was the only book I could find. I don't know what happened or why, but I do know that it took me AGES to find this book, because I was actually looking for "Darkbeast" which isn't on Kindle-_-
Do you know what else is weird? The second book in the OTHER darkbeast series is called "Darkbeast Rebellion"
Darkbeast Synopsis:
A girl’s love for her raven may put her life in jeopardy in this gripping tale.
In Keara’s world, every child has a darkbeast—a creature that takes dark emotions like anger, pride, and rebellion. Keara’s darkbeast is Caw, a raven, and Keara can be free of her worst feelings by transferring them to Caw. He is her constant companion, and they are magically bound to each other until Keara’s twelfth birthday. For on that day Keara must kill her darkbeast—that is the law. Refusing to kill a darkbeast is an offense to the gods, and such heresy is harshly punished by the feared Inquisitors.
But Keara cannot imagine life without Caw. And she finds herself drawn to the Travelers, actors who tour the country performing revels. Keara is fascinated by their hints of a grand life beyond her tiny village. As her birthday approaches, Keara readies herself to leave childhood—and Caw—behind forever. But when the time comes for the sacrifice, will she be able to kill the creature that is so close to her? And if she cannot, where will she turn, and how can she escape the Inquisitors?
Rebel Flight Synopsis:
Sometimes, rebellion is the only option.
In the sheltered village of Silver Hollow, Keara knows exactly what is expected of her: Worship the twelve gods, pay the Primate his head tax, and follow her mother’s unreasonably strict rules. But Keara’s twelfth birthday is looming, along with an obligation she dares not meet. Keara must sacrifice her darkbeast on a holy altar or be branded a heretic forever.
Other children despise their bonded scapegoat animals. But Keara loves her raven, Caw. He’s the only creature in Silver Hollow who truly understands her headstrong ways.
When a traveling theater troupe passes through the village, Keara glimpses a way to escape. But the Great Road comes with its own dangers, including dread Inquisitor priests who hunt down infidels.
Will Keara find the strength to flee the only home she’s ever known? Or will she be forced to slay her closest friend on the altar of the gods?
Do you know what else is weird? The second book in the OTHER darkbeast series is called "Darkbeast Rebellion"
Darkbeast Synopsis:
A girl’s love for her raven may put her life in jeopardy in this gripping tale.
In Keara’s world, every child has a darkbeast—a creature that takes dark emotions like anger, pride, and rebellion. Keara’s darkbeast is Caw, a raven, and Keara can be free of her worst feelings by transferring them to Caw. He is her constant companion, and they are magically bound to each other until Keara’s twelfth birthday. For on that day Keara must kill her darkbeast—that is the law. Refusing to kill a darkbeast is an offense to the gods, and such heresy is harshly punished by the feared Inquisitors.
But Keara cannot imagine life without Caw. And she finds herself drawn to the Travelers, actors who tour the country performing revels. Keara is fascinated by their hints of a grand life beyond her tiny village. As her birthday approaches, Keara readies herself to leave childhood—and Caw—behind forever. But when the time comes for the sacrifice, will she be able to kill the creature that is so close to her? And if she cannot, where will she turn, and how can she escape the Inquisitors?
Rebel Flight Synopsis:
Sometimes, rebellion is the only option.
In the sheltered village of Silver Hollow, Keara knows exactly what is expected of her: Worship the twelve gods, pay the Primate his head tax, and follow her mother’s unreasonably strict rules. But Keara’s twelfth birthday is looming, along with an obligation she dares not meet. Keara must sacrifice her darkbeast on a holy altar or be branded a heretic forever.
Other children despise their bonded scapegoat animals. But Keara loves her raven, Caw. He’s the only creature in Silver Hollow who truly understands her headstrong ways.
When a traveling theater troupe passes through the village, Keara glimpses a way to escape. But the Great Road comes with its own dangers, including dread Inquisitor priests who hunt down infidels.
Will Keara find the strength to flee the only home she’s ever known? Or will she be forced to slay her closest friend on the altar of the gods?
May 21, 2017
There's something refreshing about a fantasy novel where it's girl struggling against the rules of the society rather than becoming saviour of the world. Where it's about her moral struggle as well as her attempt to survive. And not some trite angst or crush. I suppose an upheaval might happen in a later book but that's not the point of this book. Nicely written, and the tension builds with a slow burn.
I marked this book as young adult because of the pre-teen protagonist, the accessible story, and the reveals at the end that are mostly obvious to an adult reader. (Her lack of awareness is part of the tension, which might be missed by younger readers; the younger readers might instead enjoy the surprise). That said, I think the story is well aimed at a general audience.
Only flaw for me was the underpinning of the troupe preparing for the grand contest seemed too familiar, as if I read one or more very similar plots 5 to 10 years ago which made some of this book feel more of the same. The main plot and characters are fresh, though. Given a travelling troupe in a world such as this, the mechanics of the plot are somewhat inevitable.
I marked this book as young adult because of the pre-teen protagonist, the accessible story, and the reveals at the end that are mostly obvious to an adult reader. (Her lack of awareness is part of the tension, which might be missed by younger readers; the younger readers might instead enjoy the surprise). That said, I think the story is well aimed at a general audience.
Only flaw for me was the underpinning of the troupe preparing for the grand contest seemed too familiar, as if I read one or more very similar plots 5 to 10 years ago which made some of this book feel more of the same. The main plot and characters are fresh, though. Given a travelling troupe in a world such as this, the mechanics of the plot are somewhat inevitable.
October 22, 2017
I recognized this author from her Glasswright series, which I read at probably too young an age but nevertheless adored. The details of the plot are fuzzy to me now, but Rani remains a very fondly remembered heroine, for her ambition and her prickliness and willingness to do what she felt was necessary. Turns out, despite wildly different plots and a lot of time passing, Klasky still writes great stories with driven, flawed heroines.
This book was pretty much everything I hoped it would be, and I'm heading right on to the second! Keara is refreshingly rational, and her relationship with Caw is lovely. The idea of darkbeasts is very cool, like a dystopian version of daemons. If the plot sounds at all interesting to you, give it a go and don't be dissuaded by the low number of reviews; it's a solid book.
This book was pretty much everything I hoped it would be, and I'm heading right on to the second! Keara is refreshingly rational, and her relationship with Caw is lovely. The idea of darkbeasts is very cool, like a dystopian version of daemons. If the plot sounds at all interesting to you, give it a go and don't be dissuaded by the low number of reviews; it's a solid book.
July 13, 2017
At the beach, enjoying the sun and the surf, and reading books from my summer reading list: Authors I’ve Met on Twitter.
I finished Mindy Klasky’s Rebel Flight, then immediately downloaded Rebel Lost, completely throwing me off my summer list. Let just say that I loved both books and can’t wait to find out what happens to Keara and Caw next. Now, back to my original list!
I finished Mindy Klasky’s Rebel Flight, then immediately downloaded Rebel Lost, completely throwing me off my summer list. Let just say that I loved both books and can’t wait to find out what happens to Keara and Caw next. Now, back to my original list!
March 8, 2017
Mindy Klasky’s novel Rebel Flight was originally geared towards a younger audience which is especially significant considering the message of the book. *Spoilers ahead* Protagonist Keara is from a small village of Silver Hollow. In this world everyone when they are born are bound to a magical creature known as a Darkbeast. The purpose of a Darkbeast is to rid a person of their faults: jealously, fear etc. The kids are told to take their failings to their Darkbeast. There is communication and a bond between the child and their dark beast, Despite the bond they are expected to sacrifice their Darkbeast on the full moon following their 12th birthday in a sacred ritual. Keara’s Darkbeast is a raven named Caw to whom she has formed an attachment to. She is unhappy at the prospect of killing her best friend and when the time comes she doesn’t. As a result she is deemed to be a heretic and forced to flee from the Inquisitors (Basically religious enforcers) who punish “the lost”. Keara takes refuge with a group of gypsy-like performers known as the Travellers.
As Keara discovers more people like her the question is raised towards the end of the book why people continue to kill their Darkbeasts if they are opposed to it. The answer boils down to the fear of not belonging because they wouldn’t be conforming to societal expectations. This is what really strikes a chord with me because this book was originally published for younger audiences and I think that giving impressionable youth a role model of someone who will stand up for their beliefs is so important. It kind of makes me think of the Germans during Hitler’s twisted regime and how there was complacency out of fear even though they many personally have disagreed with what was happening to the Jewish population. What would have happened if people stood up and said no this is wrong? In today’s political climate not losing your voice and standing up for your beliefs is incredibly important. Overall I loved the message of the book and I found the characters and writing three dimensional. A good read for all ages.
As Keara discovers more people like her the question is raised towards the end of the book why people continue to kill their Darkbeasts if they are opposed to it. The answer boils down to the fear of not belonging because they wouldn’t be conforming to societal expectations. This is what really strikes a chord with me because this book was originally published for younger audiences and I think that giving impressionable youth a role model of someone who will stand up for their beliefs is so important. It kind of makes me think of the Germans during Hitler’s twisted regime and how there was complacency out of fear even though they many personally have disagreed with what was happening to the Jewish population. What would have happened if people stood up and said no this is wrong? In today’s political climate not losing your voice and standing up for your beliefs is incredibly important. Overall I loved the message of the book and I found the characters and writing three dimensional. A good read for all ages.
March 12, 2017
If for the entire twelve years of your life you’d believed that certain things were true and immutable, but when crunch time came, you acted in complete defiance of them, how would life unfold from that point? This is the reality Keara has entered. Before the defining moment when she realized her attachment to Caw, her Darkbeast, was too strong and important to break, she obeyed her strict mother’s rules. In addition, she barely questioned the religious structure that included slaying your Darkbeast on your twelth birthday, paying tithes, wearing a tax tattoo that had to be renewed every year, as well as accepting the brutality inflicted by white robed inquisitors when someone strayed from the boundaries imposed by religion.
However, her bond with Caw, the raven-like Darkbeast who has become as much a part of her life as anything, is too strong and when it comes time to kill him, she rebels. After letting him fly free, she flees he village of Silver Hollow, traveling at night until she catches up with the theater troup that had performed in her village just before her flight. Something in their freedom and skills lit a fire in her and she’s sure that joining them and traveling ever further from her village will be her salvation.
What she finds after the Travelers accept her, is a mix of friendship, scary moments, betrayal and a big surprise at the end of the story. Readers will fall easily into this well-crafted world and find themselves attached to various characters. Caw, Keara’s Darkbeast, comes across as both wise and wry, while Keara is both courageous and at times foolish, not unusual for a girl her age. It’s a fascinating read and leaves one eager to learn what comes next for them.
However, her bond with Caw, the raven-like Darkbeast who has become as much a part of her life as anything, is too strong and when it comes time to kill him, she rebels. After letting him fly free, she flees he village of Silver Hollow, traveling at night until she catches up with the theater troup that had performed in her village just before her flight. Something in their freedom and skills lit a fire in her and she’s sure that joining them and traveling ever further from her village will be her salvation.
What she finds after the Travelers accept her, is a mix of friendship, scary moments, betrayal and a big surprise at the end of the story. Readers will fall easily into this well-crafted world and find themselves attached to various characters. Caw, Keara’s Darkbeast, comes across as both wise and wry, while Keara is both courageous and at times foolish, not unusual for a girl her age. It’s a fascinating read and leaves one eager to learn what comes next for them.
November 26, 2017
Interesting fantasy where children are telepathically bound to animals. One young girl fights the system. As much as I liked it, I think one book was enough for me.
Typo: missing letter (the titheman ad stayed on the green).
Typo: missing letter (the titheman ad stayed on the green).
March 15, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved reading this story about Vala, her pet darkbeast, Caw - and their fight for freedom. I can't wait for the next book!
March 1, 2017
My traveling soul adores this story…
I’m sitting here trying to craft this review and have deleted my first sentence three times. There are so many reactions to this story that I am not sure where to begin.
Let me start by saying that I’m a loyal reader. Before reading this book I would have told you that there are two series about which I would say that I love the story in its entirety – the characters, the plot, the writing, the world that has been created. Those series belong to JD Robb and Anne Bishop. That number is now three.
This begins the story of a girl named Keara who is on the precipice of becoming a woman. Unfortunately, she struggles with the task that society has deemed necessary for her to complete in order to make the transition. I adore her character and the true-to-life manner in which Klasky created her.
Mindy Klasky drew me into a world that had me riding in the traveler’s wagon along with Keara, Vala, and Goran. I turned each page wanting to know what happened next…only to discover that, in the end, the conflict is larger than Keara could ever dream.
I need the next book!
I’m sitting here trying to craft this review and have deleted my first sentence three times. There are so many reactions to this story that I am not sure where to begin.
Let me start by saying that I’m a loyal reader. Before reading this book I would have told you that there are two series about which I would say that I love the story in its entirety – the characters, the plot, the writing, the world that has been created. Those series belong to JD Robb and Anne Bishop. That number is now three.
This begins the story of a girl named Keara who is on the precipice of becoming a woman. Unfortunately, she struggles with the task that society has deemed necessary for her to complete in order to make the transition. I adore her character and the true-to-life manner in which Klasky created her.
Mindy Klasky drew me into a world that had me riding in the traveler’s wagon along with Keara, Vala, and Goran. I turned each page wanting to know what happened next…only to discover that, in the end, the conflict is larger than Keara could ever dream.
I need the next book!
March 2, 2017
Good book
Based on an interesting concept. The plot is creative and there's good character development. I am also a sucker for corvids Definitely going to get the sequel.
Based on an interesting concept. The plot is creative and there's good character development. I am also a sucker for corvids Definitely going to get the sequel.
April 14, 2017
Full review on: http://inkyreviews.blogspot.com.ar/20...
I'm not usually drawn towards books in which the main character is under 14-15 but, boy am I happy I picked it up.
This is one of those "what would you do when everything you thought was true, wasn't" type of stories but done the right way. Filled with so many relatable moments (despite it being in the fantasy genre), it will take you right back to your childhood and all those moments when you though your mom was being so unfair.
Keara is one of the most realistic characters I've read in a long while. She's a girl who likes to think is a woman but is still struck with fits of jealousy, rebellion and those "nobody understands me" phases. Yet, she's still mature in ways I wish I had been when I was her age. I couldn't admit I was wrong even if my life depended on it. Well...I still can't, but that's not the point here. I really got to connect with her, which is weird since she is younger than me.
I want to highlight the writing here. Mindy: I don't know how you do it, but I felt every single thing Keara was feeling. I felt mad when her mom wouldn't let her see the Travelers, I felt scared every time the inquisitors showed up, and I felt jealous and angry whenever she didn't get properly acknowledged. Whatever it is, your secret, keep doing it.
Caw was probably my favorite part out of the whole book, he reminds me a lot of Salem (from Sabrina the Teenage Witch.) They are both chill and sassy characters and exactly what I look for in a pet. Unfortunately, mine are not as smart.
Lastly, I loved how we get to see and know the world at the same time as Keara, and how both the character and the reader marvel in unison.
I'm sorry this is so all-over the place but I just finished this book and I'm too excited to form a coherent text. Luckily for me, I already have book 2 in my hands. *insert evil laugh*
I'm not usually drawn towards books in which the main character is under 14-15 but, boy am I happy I picked it up.
This is one of those "what would you do when everything you thought was true, wasn't" type of stories but done the right way. Filled with so many relatable moments (despite it being in the fantasy genre), it will take you right back to your childhood and all those moments when you though your mom was being so unfair.
Keara is one of the most realistic characters I've read in a long while. She's a girl who likes to think is a woman but is still struck with fits of jealousy, rebellion and those "nobody understands me" phases. Yet, she's still mature in ways I wish I had been when I was her age. I couldn't admit I was wrong even if my life depended on it. Well...I still can't, but that's not the point here. I really got to connect with her, which is weird since she is younger than me.
I want to highlight the writing here. Mindy: I don't know how you do it, but I felt every single thing Keara was feeling. I felt mad when her mom wouldn't let her see the Travelers, I felt scared every time the inquisitors showed up, and I felt jealous and angry whenever she didn't get properly acknowledged. Whatever it is, your secret, keep doing it.
Caw was probably my favorite part out of the whole book, he reminds me a lot of Salem (from Sabrina the Teenage Witch.) They are both chill and sassy characters and exactly what I look for in a pet. Unfortunately, mine are not as smart.
Lastly, I loved how we get to see and know the world at the same time as Keara, and how both the character and the reader marvel in unison.
I'm sorry this is so all-over the place but I just finished this book and I'm too excited to form a coherent text. Luckily for me, I already have book 2 in my hands. *insert evil laugh*
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews