Andrews’s deft world building introduces readers to an alternate Earth where a narrow band of land known as the Edge separates mirror worlds of the Weird and the Broken. The Weird is a land where blue-blooded aristocrats rule and magic is embraced by all while the Broken is the world as most of us know it and devoid of magic. Residents of the Edge are of mixed heritage and can move through both worlds though not without discomfort.
Rose is a strong young woman who took on raising her little brothers when she was still a teenager. She gave up her private dreams to provide Jack, a changeling and Georgie a necromancer with a stable home life but it hasn’t been easy. Determined to prove herself at her high school graduation, Rose practiced her magic flash with unexpected consequences. As a result, when Declan, a devastatingly handsome blueblood showed up in her yard, Rose was justifiably dubious of his motives. With the appearance of magic-hungry hounds threatening her community and loved ones, Rose must put aside her reservations and work with Declan.
First in a new series, Andrews expands the urban fantasy genre by coming up with a new twist to magic yet keeps it firmly grounded in day-to-day worries as Rose struggles to eek out a living. The character development is flawless, the plot inventive and the pace defies readers to put the book down. The romantic tension between Rose and Declan adds a nice dimension as does Rose’s place and history within her community. This one is a winner and shows there is still plenty of room for surprises in a genre riddled with tired replays.
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