The Edge of Everywhen by AS Mackey
Product Details
Web ID: 16528537Very intriguing
The following is a review through the eyes of a teenager. The Edge of Everywhen gets you into the people. It can be very frightening and sometimes make you shake to your bones. Other times it’s pleasant with your lemonade or hot cocoa in hand as if someone is talking to you. Personally, I think that this book should be for ages 15 or higher because there are war scenes in it. At the beginning of each chapter there is a quote from people, sometimes from the Bible. Some downsides, in this book they mention other books including Harry Potter, Narnia, and Lord of the Rings. I don’t like or want to know anything about Harry Potter because there is nothing Christian about it. They also talk about magic. I don’t like that word unless you’re meaning Supernatural. They talk about superstition which isn’t fun to read about either. The author does have prayer, the Bible, and believers in there. Along with food, intrigue, danger, and adventure. So, buckle up for the strangest ride of your life. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
POV of book
“My name is Novus Fabula. What’s that you say? Books cannot speak? On the contrary, Dear Reader. Quite the contrary.” This is a story about two siblings, Piper and Phoenix, uprooted from their home, recovering from the death of their mom and the disappearance of their dad. They move to their aunt Beryl’s home, a mansion looking place that immediately intrigues them. It is the library, however, that draws them in and one very specific book. A book that sheds light onto their lives and the lives of those around them. One of my most favorite things about this story is that it is written from the perspective of Novus Fabula, the book the kids find in the library. It was a new adventure for me, reading from this POV. Some parts made me chuckle. The writing style reminded me of stories I would have read as a young kid years ago and for that I was excited. It had that little bit of nostalgia for me. However, I was not satisfied with the ending. It was an “Okay” one for me, I think my hopes were up high for this book and I was disappointed. There felt like something was missing at the end and I still cannot put my finger on it. *I received this book from B&H Kids in exchange for my review. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way*
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
The Edge of Everywhen
I DNF'ed at 44%. Let me explain. The book was not bad at all, there were many things that I enjoyed. I really liked seeing all the bookish references to Narnia, Harry Potter, LOTR, The Hobbit, and a variety of other books. I also liked seeing autism in Christian middle-grade fiction that is not portrayed as a 'problem' needing to be 'solved'. However, what I found lacking was a plot. Maybe it is just not the right time for me to read this book but I was not seeing the point of it. Whenever I put this down, it was harder and harder to find the want to pick it up again. It just didn't immerse me in the story. Another little thing that bugged me was the repeated use of the phrase, "(s)he let out the breath (s)he didn't know (s)he'd been holding". Take note that I read from an ARC and that it could be different in the final copy but it was disappointing to see this very common 'easy-button' phrase used so often. Rating: 3/5 Language: n/a, I didn't finish but I am fairly confident that it will not have any Romance: none up to 44% Spiritual: the Novus Fabula is very much an allegory for Christ Violence: the children's father was tortured, mother died *I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
The Adventure Begins!
Piper and her little brother, Phoenix, have lost both parents and are sent to stay with their Aunt Beryl, whom they have never met. Not only is their aunt unusual, she holds them at arm's length emotionally, lives in a big mansion and has a list of rules that must always be followed, no matter what. Since Phoenix has autism and doesn't speak, Piper has always looked after his special needs. Will her aunt trust Piper enough to listen to her? During all these changes, Piper begins to feel a book is calling to her from Aunt Beryl's forbidden library. Mystery and lots of questions start cropping up. Can a book read differently, depending on who looks at it, and how can it signal to someone? Why does Aunt Beryl dislike them, what really happened to their father, and is Phoenix beginning to talk? Most of all, does God care about them? Young reader's imaginations will be pulled in by all the unanswered questions, intrigue and adventure this tale packs in. Despite the somber tone the aunt sets, the caring butler and cook offer bright spots and fun for the children. This faith-based modern story is in the same vein as the beloved Nancy Drew or The Hardy Boys books. I highly recommend this 5-star book to youngsters through 10th grade. B & H Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, The Edge of Everywhen, for the purpose of review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Captivating debut
As a reader, we believe the words of a book has its own magic. It has meaning and comes to life in many instances. Well, author A.S. Mackey took it a step further and gave us a book that speaks to us (in a way). Meet Novus Fabula, the narrator in The Edge of Everywhen, published by B&H Publishing. Novus Fabula is a book. What's so special about this is that we're reading this story about a pair of siblings from the perspective of a book. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? The cover itself as you can see will draw any bookloving reader in, but the adventure that is before us (and Piper and Phoenix) will captivate us unexpectedly. I wasn't sure what to expect, but being moved to tears at various points of the story definitely wasn't one of them. Add in the entertaining factor, plus the sibling bond that warms one's heart makes for quite a read in book categorized as middle grade fiction. I kept imagining this with visuals. So on a side note, would love to see this in an illustrated edition! There are inspirational elements scattered throughout that was thoughtful but not intrusive. I also love reading references and quotes from various classics. In all, the Edge of Everywhen is a story that will engage readers - different areas for different readers, but definitely a refreshing debut for the author. Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Healing through Story
I was curious to read this Christian fiction with a fantasy twist. Young Piper and her younger brother Phoenix are sent to live with their wealthy aunt in Maine after their father goes missing and their mother dies in a car accident. It's a rough start for all as they adjust to living in new situations. I loved the old school feel of this story. As the modern kids step into their aunt's world of dinner parties, formal dining rooms, and butlers and cooks, they're forced to slow down and process their circumstances. Stories restore their souls. The healing begins when Phoenix reads a book, which is the narrator of the story, from their aunt's forbidden library titled "Novus Fabula." As hard as this story began, the beauty of healing pours through this story and makes the bitter beginning sweet. I had a little bit of a hard time getting into the story, but once I was in, I was hooked. Everyone's story is important. Even in times when you can't see Him, God is there, carrying you through the tough times. On a side note, I loved all of the book references in this story. It was like browsing through a great library. I was reminded of some of my favorites and found a few that I haven't read that I will be checking out soon! ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Valuable Lessons
The Edge of Everywhen, by A.S. Mackey, is a recently published book that combines fantasy with real and valuable life lessons. This novel tells of how the main characters, Piper and Phoenix mourn the loss of their mother, how they learn to overcome their tough circumstances, and how they don’t lose hope in reuniting with their long, lost dad. Even though the book was a little scary when describing the state that their imprisoned dad is in, the story was intriguing, held my interest, and made me keep wanting to read more. I liked how the book provided many unexpected twists and turns, the plot was well thought-out, and how the whole story came together at the end. I think this book would be suitable for kids around the age of 11 or 12.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Different but good
Great characters --especially Piper, Phoenix and Mr. Green. Overall, a good story. Interesting premise, with the narrator. On the negative side, I didn't completely get the point of it all. I do, in a way, but there's just a little something missing. Maybe there is a sequel? Anyway, I'm all for books for kids written by Christian authors. We need more of them!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com