The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him

by Tom Hoffman

"10 out of 10" – 2020 BookLife Prize (Publishers Weekly)
Silver medal winner in 2019 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards
...a Narnia for the modern age, a new classic..." –Readers' Favorite
Finalist in Young Adult Fiction 2019 Best Book Awards
Odo Whitley is translucent, human frosted glass, eyes peering through him, never at him. His achingly lonely existence is upended when a strange girl with flaming orange hair passes him a cryptic note in science class, sending the two unlikely new friends on an interdimensional quest for a mysterious lost doll. With help from the enigmatic man in the gray hat, a huge yellow octopus from Plindor, a lovely old brainless dead lady, and their new boss at the Serendipity Salvage Company, Odo Whitley and Sephie Crumb must travel to the terrifying world of Atroxia and find the doll before it falls into the hands of the murderous children of Sensus.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

353 pages, Paperback

First published January 23, 2019

About the author

A veteran author of thrilling young adult and middle grade adventure stories, Tom Hoffman received a B.S. in psychology from Georgetown University and a B.A from the now-defunct Oregon College of Art. He has lived in Alaska with his wife Alexis since 1973. They have two adult children and four amazing grandchildren. Tom has been a graphic designer and artist for over 35 years. Redirecting his imagination from art to writing, he wrote his first novel, The Eleventh Ring, at age 63.

The Bartholomew the Adventurer Trilogy and the Orville Wellington Mouse adventures are multi-leveled stories and have been compared to classics such as Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and Neverending Story. The books were written for his grandchildren to first enjoy as thrilling adventure tales; then as adults to discover the underlying themes of ethics, metaphysics, philosophy, quantum physics, and spirituality. A common theme is the idea that there is no magic, only science we don't understand. The books were written to provide an alternate way to view the world we live in. To see all life as a single force, all life equally precious, no matter the form. A world where violence is not necessary, a world where the protagonists are changed forever by their difficult choices, by their own sacrifices. A world of empathy, kindness, and love. And of course, ten foot tall ancient robotic rabbits and gigantic carnivorous centipedes living on post apocalyptic planets!

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Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him by Tom Hoffman is such a creative book! A great middle grade book but like Harry Potter, this book will make fans out of all age groups. This is a strange world to begin with and it just gets stranger. A woman uses a special formula with a warning on it, a perfume. It causes her son it be translucent but not invisible. A girl can see auras. They meet and become friends. Then, they meet a very strange fellow they told them about traveling to other worlds. It is an interesting, exciting, very clever book with lots that keeps the pages turning! I can see this being the next big hit with enough exposure! Terrific book!

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?”

Alaska author Tom Hoffman comes to young adult/children’s literature with a degree in psychology from Georgetown University and a BA in Oregon College of Art. Tom’s career has embraced being an artist, a graphic designer, and now an imaginative writer. His previous books are the trilogy -THE ELEVENTH RING, THE THIRTEENTH MONK, THE SEVENTH MEDALION, and the ORVILLE WELLINGTON MOUSE series. Now a fresh new adventure with a different flavor – a time travel/coming of age tale.

This review’s title quote is from Henry David Thoreau and Tom uses it to open his book. He takes a chance with this book, stepping into a fine combination of magic, science and metaphysical realities. While the novel is rollicking in humor and coming of age sensitivities, it continues to follow Tom’s art of creating lovable characters who literally step off the page into our imagination and caring.

For example, Tom opens his story thus: “The old man tapped the simmering flask with a long bony finger, adjusting the hissing blue flame, watching the swirling Vapors cool and condense in a gleaming spiral glass tube. Droplets of iridescent pink fluid trickled through a complex array of piping and filters, their circuitous journey ending at the bottom of an exquisitely carved Crystal Phial. The hurried footsteps we muffled by plush maroon carpeting, but still startled him. He turned quickly, one arm extended, palm facing outward. “Relax, it’s just me.” “It went well? They accepted my proposal?” “It was far from unanimous. They have concerns over the timespan and the lack of hard scientific data to support your initial premise. The Counselor reminded me mow than once how capricious the events of life can be. In the end they agree to let you move forward. You do have a certain reputation.” The old man shook his head. “Sleepwalking fools, seeing only the chaos where there is order. Blind to the hidden threads that connect all things. The events of our world are anything but capricious.” A seductive entry into the mysterious fine tale has been signaled.

But on to the story, in a tight synopsis form: ‘Odo Whitley is translucent, human frosted glass, eyes peering through him, never at him. His achingly lonely existence is upended when a strange girl with flaming orange hair passes him a cryptic note in science class, sending the two unlikely new friends on an interdimensional quest for a mysterious lost doll. With help from the enigmatic man in the gray hat, a huge yellow octopus from Plindor, a lovely old brainless dead lady, and their new boss at the Serendipity Salvage Company, Odo Whitley and Sephie Crumb must travel to the terrifying world of Atroxia and find the doll before it falls into the hands of the murderous children of Sensus.’

Titillating? Yes, and all the more so as the reader becomes involved in this highly imaginative bow to possibilities- written in polished sophisticated prose. This is a very successful novel.

[Tom Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers' Favorite reviews for The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him

Reviewed By K.C. Finn * 5 Stars
This was a truly magical adventure that I didn't want to end. Author Tom Hoffman writes with clarity but with elegance, elevating the young adult form for the whole family to enjoy this magical and deeply involved read. Odo and Sephie's romantic and spiritual bonds make for a compelling central pairing that you really care about and get invested in, whilst the wider 'worlds' of the novel come and go with visceral living colour and intense world building. The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him presents a Narnia for the modern age, a new classic that is sure to be enjoyed by all who come across it. I'd highly recommend it for fans of lavish, layered fantasy fiction with conspiracy, suspense and beautiful wordplay.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus * 5 Stars
The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him is a wise and ineffably lovely coming of age tale that comes complete with vast galaxies, alien beings and a tasty helping of metaphysics as dessert. Watching Odo become complete, as it were, on becoming visible to Sephie is moving and unforgettable; following the two as they set off on amazing, terrifying and exhilarating adventures is an unforgettable experience. Odo and Sephie are marvelous characters; their interactions and their coming of age are joys to behold. Hoffman's story is gorgeously written and a dream to read. Hoffman deftly toys within finite possibilities and orchestrates the most amazing stories. Once again, he's surprised and delighted me. The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him is most highly recommended."

Reviewed by Joel Dennstedt * 5 Stars
So, maybe think of The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him as your personal ticket to amazement and adventure, for Tom Hoffman will indeed amaze you as surely as P.T. Barnum when you follow Odo and Sephie (the Boy and the Girl) on an adventure worthy of a billion worlds, literally, as they foray first to Plindor, where yellow octopi are the norm. Filled with magic, science, metaphysical realities (a Hoffman hallmark, to be sure) and lots of Hoffmanian romantic and self-deprecating humor, you may be certain to encounter this: amazement aplenty, and entertainment served up large. Sit back and prepare to be delighted. Oh yeah, the kids should like it too."

Reviewed By A. L. Peevey * 5 Stars
In The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him, Tom Hoffman creates a charming tale of otherworldly and imaginativec haracters and adventures. Odo is an underdog who never stays down for long. He is not given to pessimism. Sephie Crumb with her brilliant orange hair is perfect as his best friend and someone who accepts him for what he is. Hoffman does not let their relationship transform into romance, but the potential is seemingly hinted at by the end of the story. With his discovery of his otherworldly roots, Odo begins to find purpose in his life and accepts his peculiarities. While fun is to be had in this story, there is also an optimism in it that is impossible to ignore, helping to make it a worthwhile read. Excellently written story that I enjoyed reading!

Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) * 5 Stars
I really enjoyed reading The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him by Tom Hoffman. The book had plenty of unique characters that are likeable and complex. The characters all have unique powers that are very cool, and that readers will wish they had. I thought the story was intriguing, and I liked how the reader finds out stuff about Sephie as she does. The story is very exciting and thrilling. I was hooked by the first page, and I never wanted to put the book down. The book is very well written and descriptive. The story contains some plot twists that will shock the reader. The story is filled with action and plenty of exciting scenes. This is a very enjoyable and entertaining read that I would definitely recommend to everyone.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing from the start, The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him takes the reader to the time when Petunia Whitley’s son is chosen as a science experiment to save the world. Being pregnant made Petunia the perfect candidate since they could hide the translucent formula in her peach scented perfume. The few times Odo is noticed by others are life changing. Sephie Crumb is an odd girl, but that she can see him makes her a unique individual. Together, they make a great team as his job sends him on dimensional travels designed just for him.
 
A veteran writer in thrilling adventures for young people, Tom Hoffman presents The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him. I see the author’s love of science and adventure woven within the pages. He instantly grabs you with the unique characteristic of Odo and his dilemma of not being seen by others. This whole book has a chemistry that sparks interest and mystique. I think young teenagers can relate to Odo and will love reading this coming of age novel.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odo is translucent. Sephie can see him. They meet in science class, and as in many YA books, two unusual youngsters find a bond. Odo goes through a very strange interview after meeting a rather strange man, and he befriends Sephie.

After meeting that man and the interview, the story becomes a quest that includes creatures from other dimensions, other planets, and dangers and allies. Odo and Sephie start off together but the adventurers grow from a pair and gain and lose members. Along the way Sephie and Odo find and develop powers or skills, and learn more of their histories.

This is YA fantasy. No consideration of suspension of belief is called for because it's necessary and assumed. Rooting for the adventurers is easy, and even facing dangers, there is only minimal violence. Author Hoffman does bring in some themes of leadership and ecology, but not much. I would expect a youngster would enjoy this thoroughly. It's books like this that remind me why I find YA fantasy enjoyable, adult, not so much.

[Valery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him by Tom Hoffman is magical. A coming of age tale with a bit of time travel, this is quite a unique book. The main character is Odo, and he is translucent, not exactly see-through but almost. He appears to have been born that way, all because his Mom likes peach scented perfume. Weird. He has passed through his young life of about 16 years being basically unseen. That is, until he meets a strange girl with the flaming red hair. This is a great mashup of coming of age, teenage angst, rooting for the quiet kids in class, magic and the metaphysical. A great book that features cool and relatable characters, two formidable young people on a special quest, and the essence of vivid imagination. Time travel rounds out the story, making this tale a wondrous combination of exciting, confounding, and humorous adventures. A strong recommendation for this book, and a great addition to any young person's library.

[Jimmy Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of an invisible boy who finds his new path

Odo is a 16 year old shadow who lives life without being seen. With almost see through skin, he is ignored until he meets stephie and their journey begins. The story is entwined with humor, magic, emotion , and much much more. I found myself pulled into this mystical journey in search of a doll in a mad race between them and a band of Sensus killer children. The story has hope and inspiration along with a sense of urgency and possible despair. I really enjoyed the book and felt the characters can be someone you would run in to at school and be friends with. The story is descriptive and keeps your attention while completing the mission. I recommend this one to all the fantasy lovers and all those who love to root for the little guy. Good story and a very entertaining read.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and charming.

I often wonder why, even as an adult, I still enjoy stories meant for the much younger crowd. But after reading this story , I think I know. Odo and Sephie are two kids thought of as odd by society in general. And even Pro's parents have no hope that he will ever achieve much in life due to his off condition-- being translucent. But, Odo is determined to not let their negative attitude direct his path, and when Sephie befriends him, the two are unstoppable. This story doesn't stop. It's a great ride as the friends are recruited to find a missing doll and they move across space, time, and in and out of other dimensions. But what I most like about the book is that there is no meanness, no cruelty, and where revenge could be inacted, there is instead, mercy--a lesson we all could learn.

[Janice E. Ryberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story!

I know this story was intended for a hunger audience, but it is charming and exciting and I enjoyed it very much. The different worlds and inhabitants was described with much enthusiasm and traveling through the universe is a great plan. I look forward to more stories with Odo and Sephie. Enjoy!

[mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure, Beautiful worlds and amazing characters, just the right amount of angst.

What a lovely cast of characters with unexpected adventure and the idea that different can be treasure.

This is a fantastic read for all ages.

[Shelton Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING: This review contains a summary of the plot, major plot points, and major spoilers. If you're reading this review before reading the book, please skip over this.

This book is amazing. The characters, the different universal races, everything in this is phenomenal. For anyone who thinks/thought the Translucent Boy is figuratively translucent, I thought that too. I thought this would be the love story of the century, but it's actually a universe-traveling, slightly time-bending sci-fi novel, and the Translucent Boy is literally translucent. Literally human frosted glass. This is somewhat of a young book to read, but just because it's young doesn't mean it's bad.

I give this book a 5-star rating because the characters are amazing. The concepts of space-time traveling are very clever, well thought out, and interesting. The alien species' appearances are fun to visualize. And, last but not least, this book has a very feel-good ending which leaves all readers (in my opinion) with a smile.

There are lots of funny moments in this book, so I don't have one specific favorite. There is one great part in Chapter 42 when "Jarin's creatures were not little rambunctious mice as Odo had optimistically suggested, but were hideous two foot long insects with shiny blue iridescent shells..." This is when Jarin, a fairly important character, thought there were little demons inside a room in an abandoned world, but were instead small-ish bugs, still scary, but weren't terrifying at all.

Here's a summary of the plot: Odo Whitley has been translucent, literally human frosted glass, his entire life, and no one has seen him clearly. All because his mother liked the smell of a mysterious peach perfume. One day, a girl named Sephie Crumb passes a note to him in science class saying "It's not your hair, it's what's under it." One Saturday, Odo finds an ad for the Serendipity Salvage Company, a place where he can choose his hours to work and have an adventurous job. The ad also said they must be translucent to get the job, so basically a match tailored just for him. Odo gets the job and gets a mysterious envelope containing a starting amount and a ring. Some time passes and he decides to start work after he has to deliver a package to a house. After the package is delivered, they meet a man in a gray hat who gives Odo and Sephie some "way stones" which are used for universal travel, and gave them their home stone. They go to a planet to find things out about alien life, and everything is wrong there. Everyone is in a coma-like state just frozen while also finding a doll Sephie is being "drawn towards". They go back to say what it was like, and now they're off to find a planet called Plindor. After confusion about what a transfer station is, Sephie finds out she's not a human, but instead a Fortisian, and they get to Plindor unpleasantly invited. After being captured by the Magician, who is a Fortisian in disguise, and being tortured for some time, they're off to find a town called Bandiir. Eventually, they find it, and now they need to go to Atroxia to save the universe from Sensus and find someone named Addy. They get there, and Atroxia isn't at all like how it was described to them (it was described as horrible but it was quite nice) because an entirely different race of life called Stirpians populated the planet after the Atroxians, unfortunately, destroyed themselves. After finding all of this out, they're off to find Sensus in the quarantine dome. After heading through Old World (the last remnants of Atroxia before Stirpians took over) and going through walls, they eventually find Sensus and fix his brain disease which made him go mad and take over some of the universe. After they save the universe and head home, they discover that the man in the gray hat sent the perfume to Odo's mother (and he feels extremely guilty about it, too). After Odo contemplates life, he eventually starts forgiving him, and Odo and Sephie go back to school embracing who they are. I did leave out quite a few things because this book is jam-packed with plot points.

As of this story, there aren't really any themes I can think of, given I don't dig deep into morals. I'm almost certain one could be "Embrace yourself for who you really are" just because of the ending, and "forgive others" because of what the man in the gray hat did to Odo. No matter the moral, the book is still very great.

[Nico Gompel · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a book that does not seem a lot like an adult book, the diction, the grammar, and the word choice proves why it was nominated for the best young adult book award in 2019. The creativity of this story is something I could never imagine was really capable of doing. The book is very confusing and weird, so I will summarize it very shortly without spoiling anything. Odo Whitley is translucent, human frosted glass, eyes peering through him, never at him. His achingly lonely existence is upended when a strange girl with flaming orange hair passes him a cryptic note in science class, sending the two unlikely new friends on an interdimensional quest for a mysterious lost doll. The girl he endures the journey with is named Sephie Crumb. They get a job at a place called the Serendipity Salvage Company. Odo believes it is a salvage company, but it is really a company that saves people from other dimensions by protecting them. The murderous children of Sensus need that doll in order to take control of other dimensions. So, Odo and Sephie are tasked of retrieving the doll to save other worlds from the children of Sensus. They do get the doll, because there is a sequel to this story, but I will not say how they got it. This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time, because it brings the creativity of imagination to an adult format book. Odo himself is 15 years old, and it is 3rd person told. Hoffman has shown again why he is so creative with his books with this one: a book of a boy who is translucent that saves the world. This is not a children's book. In fact, in the first 3 pages, I have found approximately 15 or 16 words I have never heard of, and I am in 10th Grade. This once again proves that even though that it says that it is for advanced young readers, the elements of the story makes it what it is and the elements of this book are very emotional and serious to a person like me. I definitely recommend this book to any other high schooler and any other person, because this book truly represents what can be from nothing, like the case of Odo.

[Linda Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young adult fantasy

During the difficult times we live in, it was fun to read about Odo and all his friends and the worlds they visited and helped.

[Sherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting story

I really enjoyed this book. I think the little bits of wisdom were beautifully incorporated into the story. Also the story line was refreshingly original. Time travel, space travel, adventure and friendships. I really enjoyed it all.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him
Author: Tom Hoffman

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 19 readers:
18 would read another book by this author.
18 thought the cover was good or excellent.
19 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
19 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
19 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘Cool magical adventure with tons happening. Liked the characters, loved the plot.’ Boy, aged 14
‘I loved the chemistry between the two characters. The author is very good at developing characters and making the reader care about them and what happens to them.’ Girl, aged 14
‘Odo is a bit odd but he also never seems to give up and is a sort of positive character. The whole translucent thing is really clever. The girl is just as odd but I love that she sees Odo. I think they will get together in the end. I will read the next book to see what happens.’ Girl, aged 15

To Sum It Up:
‘A strongly plotted adventure filled with charismatic and enthralling characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Rea Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAGICAL, INSIGHTFUL & VISIONARY

Who among us doesn’t know what it feels like to be translucent? A shell or a shadow that others can easily bypass, ignore, or dismiss as irrelevant? In a world where solidity is strength, transparency can only equal powerlessness, right? But what if it doesn’t? What if it’s precisely what’s required to save a troubled planet in another dimension, and in the process, save your own?

Such is the destiny of our translucent hero, Odo Whitley, and his sidekick, Sephie Crum, the only person on Earth who sees Odo clearly. Together they take off on one of the masterfully conceived adventures for which author, Tom Hoffman, is fast becoming known. Humor and wit abound in this story, as does a healthy sprinkling of environmental sensibility issued from the mouths of alien creatures far more advanced than we Earthlings.

In THE TRANSLUCENT BOY, Hoffman deftly weaves metaphysical insights with the science of deep physics to create a signature storytelling formula of logical, matter-of-fact magic. The adolescents (and adults) who read this novel will surely find themselves transformed into deeper, more empathetic thinkers who care about their planet and all sorts of dissimilar people formerly ignored or dismissed as translucent, unimportant, or just plain odd.

Get the book for your YA, but be sure to read it yourself.

[MimiAmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a glorious adventure with moments of terror, hilarity, kindnesses and heroics! I read it straight through and sincerely hope that there will be another book featuring the same main characters. I love it and highly recommend it. I will definitely be looking for more stories by the very talented and creative author, Tom Hoffman.

Read via Kindle Unlimited

[Karyl Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

This book was a fun read. It moved along a little more slowly than I really like, and there was something about the writing style that jarred a bit, but for something entertaining on a sick day it worked out just fine.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a middle grade book. I read it thinking I would like it, but it wasn’t what I expected. If you have 4th graders and up that are into sci-fi/fantasy stories, then they will like this. Adults.....maybe not so much.

I thought the characters were well written, but they didn’t seem to talk their age at times. Sephie kept calling Odo by his full name the entire time which got annoying by Chapter 10.

The worlds were fantastically written and well thought out, but at times, it seemed as if part of the description was written by a younger child.

It was very back and forth like that. It was like it was trying to appeal to all ages, but was missing the mark to be appealing to adults. That’s why I gave it the 3 stars. I think you get kids might enjoy it, but it was definitely not for me.

[SafaTheSofa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an okay story, but in many regards it was lacking. First off, I think the plot is so basic, the book is appropriate for 3rd through 5th graders, and readers more mature that than will find it boring. Second, the protagonists were honestly kinda dumb--giving away priceless information, and trusting anyone. The worldbuilding was pretty bad; there was only one species, and everyone was obviously nice or obviously mean. 3rd, the villain was met in the last 5th of the book, and was soooo annoyingly weak. Overall, would not recommend.

[Susan Lyttek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expected more

Based on the reviews, I expected more depth to the story, more surprises. I like the characters of Odo and Sephie, but the environmental storylines felt flat and predictable. Was really hoping for something with more impact, especially after the comparisons to my favorite book--The Phantom Tollbooth.
Maybe the characters will be enough to compel other readers to read the next book. Unfortunately for me, they aren't.

[Rich Bisanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves ten stars

Stevie and Odie are friends who are both different in a conventional world where different is disdained. They embark on a series of adventures, form shifting, learning new things and in the end healing the world's they visited. Best book I've read in a long time.

[Jennifer M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was really fun. It’s more of a children’s book but it was very enjoyable. The creativity of other worlds and traveling between them was so much fun. If you want to let go and just enjoy being awed by unknown worlds and their people this is a great read.

[Janice Anitsakis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars, not allowing my rating

[Lynn Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it 💕

The title is what got me to pick up the book....the story is what kept me coming back to it. This is a wonderful read. You won't be disappointed.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great chapter book for children. Has enough excitement for them to want to read or have read to them.

I'm not big on fantasy so...

[Brittany M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a page turner and I love the metaphysical concepts sewn throughout the book in a light manner which gives a different way to think about such topics.

[Ann Angelini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonders of other worlds.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!

[Cheryl Jumps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opus

Very interesting story I loved Enephalo Girl! She can read brain waves I do Electroencephalograms = EEG These Show the electric activity of the brain