Kandide and the Secret of the Mists

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.,

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.

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.