The Edge of Everywhen by A.S. Mackey

Now that I have a middler schooler, I'm finding that it is increasingly harder to find good, fun, Christian fiction books for her. It seems like there isn't much new current christian fiction being written for this group of kids. So, I was excited to see this new book, The Edge of Everywhen by A.S. Mackey that just released in May 2020 from B&H Publishing.

From the Back Cover:

"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. 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.

My Thoughts:

This is not your typical book, The story is told from the perspective of a book known as Novus Fabula. I thought this was definitely a unique way to tell a story. I appreciated that the author explored the idea of autism with the character of Phoenix. I think it's great to encourage readers to grow in their understanding of disorders, and how they can help others feel more included. One thing I didn't like about this book is that God is referred to as "the Big Man." This only happened once, but I find that this whole idea of "the Big Man upstairs" is disrespectful.  Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this book. The story shouted the idea that everyone has a story and "everyone's story matters." It encourages kids to look beyond the exterior and see what may be troubling another person's heart. Overall, a great read for kids that adds a little magic.

My Rating: ★★★★

About the Author:

Allison Mackey’s debut book was a Steno pad full of poems, given to her parents as a gift when she was eight. She wrote her first sci-fi novel at age fifteen (it was horrid), but she still went on to solidify her love for creative writing with a degree in English literature from the University of Georgia. A member of the Shoals Writers Guild and the mother of three adult children, Allison lives in Florence, Alabama, where she and her husband are church planters and worship leaders.

***I received this complimentary book from B&H Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.