Product Description

What if everything you loved was suddenly taken away . . .

And everything you feared became your only hope?

Still a teen in human years, Kandide is spoiled, vain, and the personification of perfection. She is also heir to the throne of Calabiyau and keeper of The Gift, the key to survival for all Fae. When a tragic accident leaves her less than perfect, her own mother casts her away to a treacherous world where strange beasts roam the dark, lifeless forest and even stranger Fae rule the land. Kandide must battle hideous creatures, as well as her own internal repulsion for the 'Imperfects' she is now like, if she is to survive. But these are just the beginning of her troubles; within Calabiyau, a presence far more deadly emerges. Joined by her prankster brother, Teren, her tomboy sister, Tara, and a group of misfit Imperfects, the Fae Princess must challenge the darkest of creatures to face an evil worse than any she could have imagined if she is to save the very Fae who sent her away. Calabiyau will forever change, or will it?

Praise for Kandide: 'Kandide gives its readers one captivating, enthralling adventure after another.' --S. Earl Statler, critic correspondent, The Los Angeles Newspaper Group

'Kandide is pure magic!' --Lance Burton, internationally acclaimed magician

'Mixing adventure and fantasy with life lessons is making Kandide and the Secret of the Mists a favorite in my class for two years in a row. We were lucky to read it in pre-publication. Now, this year's students are REALLY enjoying Kandide. . .' --Jeff Smith, teacher, Sable Point Elementary School, Florida

'Throughout my career, I've traveled everywhere and I've seen a lot of magic. Kandide's world is without a doubt one of the most magical places I've ever visited, and I can't wait to go back'--Cyril Takayama, International Magic Star and Magic Castle Magician on the Year

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #322454 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Review
In today's world, we need more love and less hate. When nine- and ten-year-olds use guns to wipe out their innocent peers in schools because of their imperfections and lack of love, what more do we need before taking action? Diana's book, Kandide and the Secret of the Mists, reflects both our world as it is now, and a magical world taking action through the fight against darkness as we are transported into an enchanting adventure. My father, Michael Landon, strove to teach us the power of loving one another as we are, imperfections and all. I carry his torch through a promise of teaching love in Street Corner Dreams Foundation. Kandide reflects our mission, which goes beyond the pages. It's a brilliant adventure for truth seekers of all ages! --Cheryl Landon, co-founder of Street Corner Dreams Foundation, author, teacher, and mother

About the Author
Vanishing avocados, mega-million dollar conferences, haute couture jewels, and mysterious beings--all part of Diana S. Zimmerman's amazing life. Like her fantasy adventure novels, Diana's role in the performing arts, as well as the business world, transcends the ordinary. She has been a performer, entrepreneur, writer, and businesswoman since the age of eight, when she invested all of her resources into a small magic trick. Emerging as the 'World's Foremost Lady Magician' and starring in her own television show, Diana segued into the corporate world as a motivational speaker, as well as a magical spokesperson for companies as diverse as Ore Ida and the Avocado Advisory Board. Today, she is a journalist for the haute couture jewelry industry, an author, and President and CEO of CMS Communications, Intl., a marketing communications/event production agency whose clients rank among the Fortune 500. She has also co-authored a business book called Tactical Abyss, and owns one of the largest collections of Faery art with pieces dating back to the 1700s.

Customer Reviews

Kandide
Kandide and the Secret of the Mists is a great book for all ages. The story tells of a young fairy named Kandide who is very spoiled and vain. When Kandide is struck with a horrible accident and is severly injured she is sent to the Mists, a scary and swampy place were beasts roam and no other fairies are to be found. All alone, Kandide stumbles upon a gate and enters the land of the fairies that she had always been disgusted by. Will Kandide ever find her way home? Will she ever take her rightful place as queen? Or will she be stuck in the Mists forever? Read Kandide and the Secret of the Mists to find out.

Not Since L. Frank Baum!
It has been a century since L. Frank Baum charmed America with the Oz series... Now there is a worthy successor in American publishing--an author that may well break records in the English language now held by the British sensation J. K. Rowling. That writer is Diana S. Zimmerman. Kandide and the Secret of the Mists is that rare work of art that gives us permission to suspend belief and then paints a picture that rings as true as the morning newspaper or your next door neighbor. In this world obsessed with surface beauty, Zimmerman unfolds a story that teaches readers what true, unvarnished beauty really is. This book is a triumph of storytelling. I shall give nothing away... No spoilers. Read the book and be charmed, as I was!!!

Enchanting, Magical, Life Altering Thrill Ride
If you enjoy literature that delivers chills and thrills, a life assessing message and cannot be scientifically explained, "Kandide and the Secret of the Mists" is a must read.

Kandide is an arrogant, pampered and vain princess in the Land of Calabiyau, her mysterious, magical kingdom, where physical perfection is the only thing that matters. But due to a life altering accident she is forced to re-evaluate her life and her perception of the world around her and rely on people she previously shunned, even feared.

In her travels she will encounter creatures and people intent on destroying her and everyone she holds dear. She finds she has an inner strength and courage to deal with all adversaries.

As you follow Kandide on her magical journey of adventure, danger and discovery, you'll witness her realization that her life has been an illusion, a mask hiding the real person she is inside.

I dare you to own this book and not have it change your thinking and your life. Take the voyage of self-discovery and self-acceptance with Kandide and discover the real YOU. It's an enchanting, magical thrill ride that cannot be missed.