First Place for Suspense in the 2019 Independent Press Award
”…a deliciously twisted sci-fi mystery with plenty of danger and romance!” Official Review, ILoveUniqueBooks.com (5 out of 5 stars)
Skylar Haines has struggled with personal demons most of her life, going to dark extremes to subdue anxieties rooted in her tragic past. On a perpetual hunt for the next adrenaline hit, she discovers a … rooted in her tragic past. On a perpetual hunt for the next adrenaline hit, she discovers a passion for flying and becomes a hard-edged stunt pilot, verging on obsession. In the sky, following her most daring airshow, she encounters a mysterious storm and almost collides with another aircraft, sending her into a perilous dive. Guided by a mysterious voice, she manages a safe landing but finds herself transported to another time.
Eight months before she was born. One week before her father was murdered.
Though baffled by her circumstances, Skylar soon arrives at a single certainty: Before her lies a remarkable chance to change her family’s destiny drastically for the better — or possibly even worse — depending on the choices she makes, before her window of opportunity closes.
High Flying by Kaylin McFarren is a book with many genres: psychological, drama, action, adventure, comedy, suspense, and a touch of romance. The introduction instantly captured me because it gave me an impression that a great adventure awaits. It was then followed by a narrative poem that was still a part of the book’s introduction to an amazing story, and the author sure did write an amazing one.
There are many things I love about this book: (1) The dramatic opening that showed Skylar’s personality and anxiety disorder. I was able to relate to her anxieties and how she’s coping or not coping with different situations, (2) Skylar’s character is one that will be loved by many because of her courage and determination to go through life, (3) Skylar’s conversations with her dad were amusing, (4) The dialogue, in general, made me feel like I was watching a movie and could vividly picture the humorous scenes, dramatic outbursts, and entertaining action scenes, (5) The title is perfect for the story, referring to Skylar’s career as a pilot, and a metaphor related to drug-smuggling, (6) It teaches the value of family and friendship, (7) I was instantly excited upon reading the introduction, “In the beginning, God created man, but things didn’t get interesting until man created the airplane and a strong-minded woman to fly it,” (8) Every chapter has a quote related to its contents, and lastly (9) Considering its cliché theme, the storyline is quite impressive. I never thought I’d like another time travel story, but I did.
Surprisingly, despite the many things I love about this book, there is one thing I don’t like about it: it has poor editing. The good thing is, it didn’t impact my reading experience. Overall, I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars. It’s packed with all genres possible in one book, so there are no dull moments. Each chapter kept me wanting for more, so I finished reading it in less than a day. That being said, I highly recommend this book to ALL mature readers, regardless of what genre of book you prefer.
High Flying by Kaylin McFarren is an enthralling, suspenseful thriller. Readers will be on the edge of their seat while devouring this electrifying, 5 star novel and story.
Starting with a punch we open the first page and meet Skylar Haines, immediately entering into her dark world. Skylar, despite her awful upbringing, is a dynamic young woman who we can instantly root for. What caused her psychological need to hurt herself is unfolded, like layers of an onion, throughout the book.
With an absorbing, fast-paced plot that keeps you turning the pages quickly, and Kaylin McFarren’s strong writing style you will find it hard to put this book down.
Time travel stories can be confusing, but not so with High Flying. The story only covers three time periods, which are clearly defined and easy to follow. As with all great time travel tales we are presented with second chances and an opportunity to right a wrong. What I loved about Skylar’s adventure wasn’t so much the chance to change the past, but an opportunity to accept the present. Will understanding the past help her to embrace herself in the future? Will the pain of the past bring enough healing into the present to allow her to love in the future?
Skylar is such a strong character and seems so self-reliant, and yet the need for affection and a loving touch is always just under the surface making her so endearing. There are other remarkable main characters in the book, like her father Dylan, holding the male-lead. He is a complex person, and I couldn’t make out if he was good or bad… until the end. Very clever writing! There is a good mix of supporting roles, but Skylar is the star who shines brightest.
Most of the book takes place in 1997 in Chino CA and revolves around drug smuggling. Skylar finds herself in-between police and criminals and ends up in some tricky situations. All she really wants to do is save her friend but this seems impossible as she is sucked into an adrenaline packed caper with ruthless killers.
This story is a gripping, page-turning, adventure thriller, holding your attention until the very last page. With outstanding well-developed characters, an exciting storyline and plot and the author’s unique expressive writing style, High Flying by Kaylin McFarren is an absolute must-read novel and highly recommended by Chick Lit Café.
“High Flying,” is a fast-paced, suspenseful, psychological thriller. Readers will find themselves with their hearts pounding while they read this! In addition to addressing some sensitive topics such as self-mutilation, and suicide, the author also touches upon a serious subject that is near and dear to my heart. This involves the drug cartel and drug trafficking.
Living in the Imperial Valley, which was briefly mentioned in this book, I frequently see the results of the trauma caused by this issue. It is also interesting to note that the members of the drug cartel have homes on this side of the border so that they can keep their children safer. They take care of themselves while destroying the lives of others. This is well demonstrated in “High Flying.”
It was also fascinating to watch the protagonist’s character evolve as she gains insight into why her family was the way that they were. The knowledge made her stronger as she fought to try to create a new future for them. I appreciate that in spite of the new knowledge, the characters were still flawed. This made everything more believable. The time travel aspect added a greater dimension to this story. It was handled well in a way that made it seem plausible. The author also did a great job of smoothly going between the past and the present, so that readers will not be confused by where they are at in the story.
It was a pleasure to read another great novel by Kaylin McFarren. Her current fans and readers who enjoy suspenseful thrillers will enjoy “High Flying.”
This book was wonderful! Skylar has had a rough life and trying to do well for herself. Reading this takes you away from what you expect and helps you believe that anything can happen. Always make decisions and set you mind to them. Everything will work out in the end. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours and Kaylin McFarren for making this review possible.
I am not much into sci-fi but I enjoy a good time travel story. McFarren’s tale has great characters. I found it sometimes difficult to keep track of the relationship between characters once they moved back in time, but it didn’t distract me. I especially loved the friendship between Skylar and Roxie. This fast-paced, suspenseful story is one of second chances and forgiveness with a little romance mixed in.
McFarren isn’t afraid to write of topics that some avoid, specifically cutters and drug cartels. Skylar is forced to come to terms with who her father really was. Was he a good guy or a bad guy? So many secrets. She has to sort all this out for herself. Skylar has the unique opportunity to learn why certain people are in her present life by learning where they fit in in the past.
FLYING HIGH is a great story, but it could have used better editing, especially as the end of the book neared. So try to ignore that and focus on the thoroughly enjoyable story.
High Flying is an action-packed novel from start to finish! The author deftly weaves together a story of adventure, suspense, mental illness and time travel. Skylar is a fascinating character, tortured by her past, struggling with personal demons and anxiety, who must decide if she’s willing to change her family’s destiny. This book is an adrenaline rush, a page-turner that takes the reader on a high-flying ride!
“High Flying” by Kaylin McFarren. This is the first book I have read by McFarren and it won’t be the last. “High Flying” is one of those books that have you hooked from the first page and doesn’t let go until you turn the last page. “High Flying” has it all action, adventure, thrills and time travel. The author keeps you on the edge of your seat. I did not want to stop reading even when I hit parts that made me hold my breath. This thriller of a book is an exciting and fast-paced time travel mystery novel, it also touches some very sensitive issues like dealing with self-harm, depression, drugs, loss and anxiety. I liked that the author added a note at the beginning of the story it warned readers about the potentially sensitive topics that are written about. High Flying is very well written and keeps you turning the pages. The main character is very well developed and believable Skylar is a very strong female, someone for young females to look up to, the adults on the other hand are very unlikeable. “High Flying will keep you guessing with all the twists and turns. This book has something for everyone. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours, Get Red PR and Kaylin McFarren for my copy of High Flying.
Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “High Flying” by Kaylin McFarren
Kaylin McFarren, Author of “High Flying” has written an exciting, intense, intriguing and entertaining novel. The Genres for this story are Fiction, Science Fiction, and Suspense. There also is time- travel. The author describes her characters as troubled, dysfunctional, complicated, and complex. Some of the characters have low self-esteem and low feelings of self-worth.
Sklar Haines is very anxious and finds herself most comfortable when she is flying a plane. While performing in a stunt show, Skylar encounters unusually bad weather and finds herself in a different time, before she was born. Is it possible to right some of the wrongs in her life? Can Skylar make changes and come back to her home time? There are dark deep secrets, betrayals that Skylar sees in her family and neighbors. “High Flying” reminds me of the movie “Back to the Future”. I recommend this intense and suspenseful book.
Adventurous storyline weaving aviation and time travel in an unforgettable book. McFarren’s fresh voice combines love, family, sacrifice, and intrigue – some of my favorite themes!
A unique premise
McFarren pens a remarkably unique story in High Flying. This is the first story of McFarren’s that I’ve read, and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author. The story brings the reader in to Skylar’s life, and journey. It’s more than just a time-travel journey into the past, it was more like she was slammed into the past. Skylar’s internal journey was also part of her discovery of herself, and she’s faced with something with both impossible circumstances. I liked McFarren’s writing style, and how the story played out. She writes well, and I like that the story is both predictable and unpredictable. Filled with twists and turns, fitting the theme of the story.