Kandide and the Secret of the Mists

infobox Book |
name = Kandide and the Secret of the Mists


image_caption = Paperback edition cover
author = Diana S. Zimmerman
cover_artist = Maxine Gadd
country = United States
language = English
series = The Calabiyau Chronicles
genre = Fantasy
publisher = Noesis Publishing
release_date = 2008
media_type = Print (Hardback & Paperback)
pages = 289 pp (hardcover edition)
isbn = ISBN 0979432839 (hardcover edition)
followed_by = Kandide and the Lady’s Revenge

Kandide and the Secret of the Mists (2008) is the first novel by American author Diana S. Zimmerman and the first book in the Calabiyau Chronicles trilogy. The fantasy novel, set in the fairy kingdom of Calabiyau, relates the story of Princess Kandide’s banishment to the Veil of the Mists, her struggle to survive, and her family’s efforts to bring her home.

Plot Summary

As the beginning of the story, all is well in the Kingdom of Calabiyau. King Toeyad, ruler of the Fée, a race of fairies, is benevolent and just, and the twelve clans of fairies live in relative peace. When the king dies, his teenage daughter, Kandide, is expected to ascend to the throne. While preparing for her coronation, one of Kandide’s wings is crushed. The Fée value beauty above all else and so, to prevent the disgrace of having an “Imperfect” take the throne, Kandide’s mother banishes her to the Veil of the Mists, a land to the East populated by treacherous creatures and imperfect Fée.Without a clear heir to the throne, Calabiyau is thrown into turmoil. Kandide’s mother is put in mortal danger and cruel Lady Aron threatens to take the throne. Kandide’s younger sister, Tara, and brother, Teren, are sent to find Kandide and bring her home in hopes that she can set everything right.

Kandide

Kandide, the title character of the novel, is a Fée—a race of fairies who live in the Kingdom of Calabiyau. Kandide is also a princess, the eldest daughter of King Toeyad, ruler of Calabiyau Proper. First in line to inherit the throne, Kandide grows up spoiled and vain, having had her every whim attended to. Her vanity is encouraged by the other Fée, who consider her to be the personification of perfection until an accident leaves one of her wings crushed beyond repair. Now “imperfect,” Kandide is forced to come to terms with her disfigurement and find value beyond physical beauty.

The Author

"Kandide and the Secret of the Mists" was written by Diana S. Zimmerman.Zimmerman was fascinated by magic as a child. Her fascination developed into practice and over time Zimmerman became known as the "World’s Foremost Lady Magician” and choreographed illusions for David Copperfield and Lance Burton among others. Zimmerman is also CEO of CMS Communications, Intl., a Los Angeles, CA based business communication and events company. (May 8, 2006). "The Nominees--2006". "Los Angeles Business Journal"] ,

Artwork

Zimmerman was inspired to write Kandide and the Secret of the Mists in part by a painting by artist Maxine Gadd who, in turn, was asked to illustrate the novel. Zimmerman felt that Gadd’s illustrations were so important to the enjoyment of the novel, she insisted that they be published in full color in the hardcover edition. cite web
first = Dominique
title = Interview with Diana Zimmerman
url=http://the-book-vault.blogspot.com/2008/07/interview-with-diana-zimmerman.html
accessdate = 2008-10-03 ]

Though born in England, Gadd grew up in Australia where she lives today. She draws inspiration for her fairy paintings and other work from nature, particularly the Karri forests of Southwestern Australia. She works in both paint and Adobe Photoshop. cite web
first = Maxine
last = Gadd
title = Meet The Artist
url=http://www.fataraworld.com/meet-the-artist-page.html
accessdate = 2008-10-03 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.kandide.com/ The official website of Kandide and the Secret of the Mists]
* [http://www.fataraworld.com/ The official website of Maxine Gadd]
* [http://theliteraryword.blogspot.com/2008/08/kandide-and-secret-of-mists-by-diana-s.html The Literary Word review] of "Kandide and the Secret of the Mists"