Stanlin and Sylvia

ISBN: 1477420908

Author: Hey, Cynthia

Condition: New

Product Description A novel for teens and adults who like fantasy/sci-fi with a tinge of horror. Multiple plots are entwined: A deranged killer is destined to spread a lethal pandemic; a child is kidnapped; and Stanlin, a teenage alien from planet Capton, falls for an Earth girl named Sylvia, and tries to save her and Earth from impending doom. See how all of their lives interplay to form Earth's destiny... From Kirkus Reviews "Debut author Hey's smooth, light-treading prose makes a fast read..." and "...the author's adroit style maintains a buoyant tone even with apocalypse on the horizon." Review Science fiction can fill a special role in the lives of teens, especially when independence is modeled by young heroes and heroines who dont rely on their parents to solve their problems. This attribute is inherent in Cynthia Heys enchanting novel, Stanlin and Sylvia. Sylvia, a young Earth girl, becomes the interest of a planet-traveling young alien named Stanlin. When Stanlin discovers, via a prediction device, that Sylvia and the rest of Earths population are in danger, he teams up with her to prevent that bleak future from occurring. Hey is a chiropractor and certified fitness trainer, and although this is her first novel, she demonstrates an impressive command of language and form. The chapters are crisp, and they entice the reader to continue without depending on contrived cliffhangers. The relationship between Stanlin and Sylvia is especially well done: sweet, respectful, and genuine, with a hint of longing for more. The narrative includes an almost red-herring plot device that revolves around a toddlers kidnapping, a thread that at first seems incidental to the overarching doomed-world scenario. Though not all readers will appreciate the twist, Hey ties the story lines together in the end, carrying through the theme that little things-even the seemingly inconsequential efforts of one person (or one alien)-can make a big difference. Heys vision of life on Stanlins home planet of Capton is similar to Sylvias on Earth. Stanlin and his parents enjoy cups of hot keechin, an herbal stimulant beverage, in the morning. After serving Stanlin some Earth fruit, Sylvia reminds him, Wait-you need to throw away your fruit pits. Stanlin replies that On Capton, all our fruits and vegetables have edible coresIts what Im used to. As differences between cultures go, its not much, and hardcore sci-fi readers might find this to be a flaw. It works effectively here, though, allowing Hey to focus on the most important aspect of Stanlins planet-its technology. Even the criminal behavior as described by Hey is well suited to a young-adult book. Resulting from a traumatic childhood, a brain injury, and a case of XYY syndrome that causes him to be super-aggressive, the villains behavior is believable without requiring an overly involved treatise on the nature of evil. Religion, too, is handled deftly and with respect; it provides motivation for the disturbed villain but also bonds Stanlin and Sylvia, who find their two belief systems to be very similar. Throughout the book, Stanlin, Sylvia, and several other characters serve as good role models for teens. Though the mixed-up chronology from chapter to chapter can be confusing at times, Stanlin and Sylvia is an excellent novel for young adults or anyone who enjoys entertaining science fiction. Peter Dabbene - ForeWord Clarion Review 4 out of 5 stars About the Author Dr. Cynthia Hey is a chiropractor, certified fitness trainer, and writer. Born and raised on Long Island, she began writing short fiction in grammar school, and continued to do so through her years at Huntington High School and James Madison University. But when she chose the chiropractic profession, her writing changed to nonfiction. She won the 2001 Total Solutions Seminar Essay Scholarship Award; authored the "Words on Wellness" blog for The Reporter, a California newspaper; and wrote a