Krymzyn - Book Review

Krymzyn by BC Powell

(The Journeys of Krymzyn #1)

Publication date: 4 October 2014-11-20

Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Science Fiction

Krymzyn is a story of a boy and a girl, two worlds – literally, a love and above all balance.

The novel written by B.C. Powell begins with a third person present tense description of what appears to be an initiation of a young girl; one set to embark on a destiny never before seen in the land of Krymzyn.

The novel shifts to the perspective of Chase, a young boy of twelve, who sees the girl during a seizure, which he learns is caused by a tumour. He is told such 'visions' of places and people are nothing but 'hallucinations' because of his tumour, yet Chase cannot help but believe that place called Krymzyn is real. Once the tumour is out, he stops going there.

Years later, he gets another tumour and following another seizure and he goes back to Krymzyn. He later connects that only through his seizures – and tumours – can he go to this wondrous world and see the beautiful Sash who stole his heart.

The people of Krymzyn live their lives in and for balance. Emotions like love, jealousy and hate are alien to them and are considered extremes. When a person dies there, the land calls for another to be 'made' to restore the balance. Each person has a purpose in Krymzyn; no one is idle.

The novel contains many beautiful imagery and ideas that would do well to be present amongst us on earth – in real life. Moreover, Krymzyn is about colours; Powell uses many colours for vividness and to prepare the reader for the truth that will later be revealed to Chase.

Most of the novel is written from Chase's perspective; although it varies between past tense narration, as you would write in a diary, and present tense narration when he goes to Krymzyn to give the feeling of immediateness, the now. Chase attempts to convince his family that Krymzyn is a real place with real people; hence the tense used to describe it gives that sense to the reader.

Character development is evident many characters in the novel, but particularly in the two protagonists Chase and Sash as well as in one of Krymzyn's Disciples, Eval. For Sash, the first time she sees Chase in her vision, she is overwhelmed by all the earthly emotions she experiences. She has no names for such emotions but knows that she is the only one in Krymzyn to have them and experience them. At one point, Sash requests Chase the most difficult explanation of all: "Explain love to me again."

Chase has to explain the trickiest emotion to a girl who does not even know what smell and taste are. His answer, however, is beautiful: "It's probably the hardest emotion in my world to describe. Imagine how you felt when your purpose was revealed to you. The excitement you feel when fulfilling your purpose, when you're getting the sap. Then combine that with how you feel when you honour the Sustaining Tree, when you press your face against the trunk. How you feel when you stand on the Tall Hill and see the beauty of Krymzyn. Then add how you felt just a moment ago while watching the children. When you put all of those feelings together for one person and you can't stand to be without that person – it hurts you inside when you're apart – I guess that's how love feels."

As seen with the word 'love' (underlined and italicised), certain words do not translate in Krymzyn, like the earthly emotions as well as curse words, sarcasm and words like 'family', 'parents', and many others. It is an interesting technique that makes the reader wonder how Chase is going to explain certain things. It also shows the tremendous effort taken by the author to create such an intricate and different world.

I'm not sure if it was intended, but for me, the name 'Chase' is significant as it shows how he chases his dreams in Krymzyn, despite everyone telling him that they are mere hallucinations and figments of his imagination. He also seeks to make these dreams a reality.

Powell has created a new world that stands in strong contrast to earth. Although there is balance, there are no emotions. The people of Krymzyn are often – if not always – expressionless. Their lives are bound by duty and honour to their land. Powell is lauded for his creation, especially as the reader and Chase become dumbfounded by the many apparently impossible equations of maths and physics, which nonetheless hold and act as a strong base.

Overall, Krymzyn is a beautiful place and book. It is rich in comparisons and makes one thing. Powell is lauded for this quick-paced creation.

(Worth noting, the novel contains several sensual and adult scenes. While it may be considered Young Adult, I feel it should be read by those aged 18 or over).

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via Xpresso Book Tours