“Hello, Reader. I am honored to know you.” Tragedy is sometimes followed by mystery, at least that’s what faces 13-year-old Piper and her brother, Phoenix, who has autism. Mourning the loss of their parents, they must move a thousand miles away to live with their insufferable Aunt Beryl. But it is in their aunt’s cavernous library that Piper and Phoenix hear a mysterious book calling to them. … mysterious book calling to them. Its name is Novus Fabula, and its story will change their lives forever.
“What’s that you say? Books cannot speak? On the contrary, dear Reader. Quite the contrary. Books are one of the few things on this earth that truly speak. Let me show you.”
Join Piper and Phoenix in the Verboten Library as they begin an intriguing journey of grief, wonder, and the search for Truth. If you stand with them at the edge of everywhen, you just might discover the story you need to hear as well.
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Piper and Phoenix’s father went missing two years ago. Now, after the death of their mother, they must move in with a rigid and wealthy aunt they’ve only met once. Isolated by distance and a lack of cell service and Wi-Fi, the children seek new ways to occupy their time, including snooping around their aunt’s library—the library she’s forbidden them from entering. But a special book hidden amongst their aunt’s extensive collection calls to them, beckoning them with the promise of a story that will change their lives.
A.S. Mackey’s The Edge of Everywhen is a Christian fantasy tale for middle-grade readers. It offers mystery and intrigue wrapped in a heartwarming story of redemption and restoration.
In a fun twist, the magical book, Novus Fabula narrates the story from an omniscient point of view. Lyrical prose cultivate an enchanting atmosphere well-suited for such a tale. However, it’s the emotional stakes and the unfolding mystery surrounding the children’s missing father, their aunt and the aunt’s collection of books that will intrigue readers.
The Edge of Everywhen also features two neuro-diverse characters: Phoenix, who is autistic and nonverbal, and Sofia, who is dyslexic. While Phoenix’s prophetic visions (a familiar biblical concept) feel a little out of place in the story, Mackey brings both characters to life with dignity.
The Edge of Everywhen contains themes of grace and redemption throughout. But it ends with a message of sharing our blessings with others, demonstrated by the children’s act of donating Novus Fabula to their local library.
This book was awesome. So well written and imagined. My favorite thing was how it was the book itself telling the story (and all the other book friends it mentioned). I’ve never read a book from the point of view of a book itself. So cool! Dear Reader…. 🙂 It wasn’t quite what I’d expected reading the blurb but was still really fun. I read it aloud to my eight- and ten-year-olds and we were all captivated by the story. I loved the way it focused on how everyone has a story and there’s always more to a person than you first see. Really fascinating. Recommended for kids aged 8-15.
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.
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? u2060
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. u2060
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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.
As a voracious reader, with a background in middle school education, this debut YA novel by A.S. Mackey kept my attention and I wondered what Piper and Phoenix would discover next as the well-written story was interesting, faith-driven, and unique.
Its meaning goes beyond the pages and finds a soft space in your heart. Once her readers finish this novel, they’ll be wanting another one in their hands as soon as possible.
This is a wonderful novel to tuck into as it will sweep you away from everyday life and plant you in it’s moving story.
I received this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to write nor post a review.