“Everyone’s story matters.”

A cross between The Chronicles of Narnia and The Shack.

Have you ever read a book you felt was written just for you? Well that’s exactly how everyone feels who reads Novus Fabula. When 13-year-old Piper and her autistic younger brother, Phoenix are sent to live with their Aunt Beryl after a tragic accident, it is this book that calls to them and heals them.

This story was delightful. I would give it a standing ovation if anyone were around to see. The writing was exquisite and surprising from a first-time author. I would have expected A.S. Mackey to have a dozen classic children’s books under her belt. I was immediately drawn in by the concept of a story being told from the point of view of the book itself. This brought the story to life and gave me the sense that I had made a new friend. I was a little nervous when I found out this was a Christian fantasy that the story would be preachy or too full of “god talk” for a secular reader to enjoy. While there were a few spiritual moments, they did not make me uncomfortable, nor did they feel strictly Christian. I believe fantasy lovers of all religious affiliations can enjoy this book.

I also loved the portrayal of an autistic character. He wasn’t made to seem incapable, one-dimensional, or a burden. In fact, his character was probably the most important for moving the story forward.

The writing style can be enjoyed by those of all ages. This would be a fantastic family read-aloud. The characters are diverse, layered, and each brings something important to the story. The story itself is of hope and relationships and will leave you in tears at the end.

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.

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.

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

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!

This was a wonderful read. The characters are very relatable. Grabbed me from page one and I simply could not put this down. If you love reading, this is an amazing Book.

The Edge of Everywhen is an interesting book that delves into the unique relationship two siblings have, one being autistic (brother) and the other (older sister) the only one that could communicate with him. The story starts from the book telling the story. It was hard to get past the first couple of chapters because the narrative distracted from the story and the beginning was froth with references to other books that did not aid in the actual story telling, After those chapters the story does progress and if you are willing to wade through the first couple of chapters and adventure truly awaits the reader.

I loved that this was told from the point of view of the book, very unique. I love that this had diversity and showed a character with autism.
It’s very religious. Sometimes it’s subtle and can be easily ignored but other times it’s blunt and hits you over the head with god talk. I would get into the story and then bam religion. I found it very annoying.
Chapter 36 ruined it for me. I thought maybe I had missed a chapter but nope, the story just jumped and I almost stopped reading at that point. I really wanted to love this because magic book but it was not for me.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this magical, Christian fiction story for children. I loved how the author, A.S. Mackey, created a book around a magical book, with quotes at the beginning of every chapter.

The story begins with two young children who have suffered some horrible losses, and their lives are completely turned upside down when they are sent to live with cold Aunt Beryl who appears to not want them in her home at all. If it wasn't for a kind-hearted butler and housekeeper, they'd be completely left on their own. The characterization is well done, so much so that I could feel how hard things are for them.

I also enjoyed the growth the characters experienced in the book. The gradual changes in the relationships were very well done. This is a book that children and adults will enjoy, and I think that a sequel would be welcome. Surely there are more stories to be told from the book.


I am thrilled to say that this is a Christian book. It has Bible quotes, prayers and even talks about God.

This book was a pleasant surprise. I was browsing for new middle-grade books to review and initially selected it based on the cover and short summary. Later when I read the whole summary and realized it was Christian fiction I almost changed by mind about reading it, since my library is in a very multi-national community and there really isn't much demand for children's Christian fiction, but since I had already received the ARC, I decided to go ahead.

Piper and her younger brother Phoenix (who happens to be autistic) suddenly lose their mother in a car accident, and since their father has been missing for 2 years after being kidnapped while working on an overseas construction job they are sent to live with his much older sister, an aunt they don't even know. Their Aunt Beryl is not cruel or unkind, but is very cold and distant. However, her housekeeper Sofia and butler Mr. Greene are very kind, generous, and welcoming. Piper, an avid reader, discovers that her late uncle was a book collector and the mansion houses a magnificent library. There, a peculiar book seems to call to her and Phoenix, begging to be read. But this is no ordinary book, and tells each reader their own special story...

This story is narrated by this mysterious book, <i>Novus Fabula</i>, reminiscent of the way Death narrated the story in <i>The Book Thief</i>.

“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, from the moment the first word is penned until the book’s last Reader has drawn their final breath. Let me show you.”—Novus Fabula

This was a very touching story, told in a unique way, and is definitely the kind of book I would have loved as a child. It reminds me a bit of A Wrinkle In Time, Pollyanna, The Magic Garden, and the previously mentioned The Book Thief. It has slightly magical, a bit old-fashioned feel (though it has a contemporary setting) and will appeal to fans of fantasy. While it is Christian fiction, I did not find it to be too heavy-handed, or exclusionary of other belief systems, and does not overshadow the story. The story references several classic children's books, including some of those mentioned in this review, and even Harry Potter. Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and A Wrinkle In Time would be sure to enjoy this book as well!

My 5th grade self ate up the adventures of RL Stine characters back in the 80s. This generation has Piper and Phoenix....
As the book opens at their Atlanta, Ga home in present day, you quickly discover that their father mysteriously disappeared and has been missing for months. If that wasn't bad enough, they tragically lose their mother shortly after. The siblings are then forced to go live in Maine with their snoddy Aunt Beryl; whom they haven't seen since they were babies. Luckily, there is a small cast of lovable characters (and animals) to ease them into the new life. However, just when they think they are adjusting, they are drawn into the library by a talking book (who also happens to be the narrator). If that sounds corny, honestly it's not. It allows for a great omniscient, objective story. Piper is a super contienscious, book loving older sister. Her brother, Phoenix, is a creative, autistic mastermind who lives his sister above all. I recommend the book to any one upper elementary or older.... Adults included! It is a great, fast paced, Christian based adventure. And for avid readers, there are so many great name dropping surprises (Harry Potter, JRR Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, etc).

A book about a self-proclaimed book nerd and narrated by a magical book? Count me in. Books about books are either great or pretty meh. I am happy to report that this one is on the pretty great side of the spectrum. While it was a tad to comprehend where this book was going at the very beginning, it quickly came together and hooked me. Each of the characters also had something important to add to the story, so it was almost like peeling an onion.

When their mother dies in a car crash, the two are shipped off to an Aunt Beryl's house where they feel like unwelcome intruders. The butler and housekeeper are kind, but their aunt ignores them and tells them areas that they have to stay away from. One of those areas is the library, which of course the kids can't stay out of, especially when one of the books calls to them. Piper is especially upset when she overhears her aunt planning to get rid of all of the books and put up fakes.

The book that glows and calls to them is in fact our narrator. The Novus Fabula is a special book that helps the children get through this trying period of their lives. Piper and Mr. Greene, the butler, also talk a great deal about how books in general can help you get through difficult situations and the power that books have.

The Edge of Everywhen is a magical book about finding your story. Sometimes you need a little push to get through the hard parts of life, but faith, friendship, and family can help you get through. This is a very special middle grade novel.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to book in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This book is an amazing read for children. I had tears in my eyes at the last few chapters!
Such an imaginative and endearing story that children will absolutely adore! This book has some amazing quotes in it at the start of each chapter and has a fantastic cast of characters. The story grips you from the beginning and I couldn't stop turning the pages.

When I first spotted this book on NetGalley I was intrigued by the title and the cover looked appealing. The synopsis seemed like something I might enjoy too, so I requested a copy not realising that it had a religious aspect, which is not something I usually look for in a book.
Once I discovered that, I was a little more reluctant to read it but I decided to give it a chance. The premise of using a book as the narrator, and not just any book, but a magical one that changed according to the reader was a really fun and interesting idea, and it played out well over the course of the book. I really liked the two siblings, Piper and Phoenix, and loved the bond between them, and how well that dynamic was explored in the book. The plot had a good set up, but unfortunately it was a little less dynamic than I would expect in a book aimed at middle grade children, and I fear some might lose interest. While there is clearly a religious aspect, it was not overpowering , however I think it is still something that should be made more obvious in the publisher's description and synopsis.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

The Edge of Everywhen is a heartfelt story about Piper, a voracious book lover, and her younger brother Phoenix. The book is laced with a message of hope as each character struggles through something unique to them. A love of literature is threaded through the pages and each character is a memorable one.

*This book is a Christian faith based book, so be sure to go into it expecting scripture and talks about God, prayer, and the Bible.*

Thank you to B&H Publishing and A.S. Mackey for a copy of this lovely book in exchange for an honest review!

Piper and Phoenix have just lost their mother she died in a car accident. As for their father he has been missing for two years. Now they have to go live with their Aunt Beryl. They only met her once before this. When they arrive their Aunt Beryl tells them they can't touch this. They also aren't allowed to go into certain rooms, they aren't allowed to run around. If this isn't already enough for Piper to deal with. She is also taking care of her brother Phoenix he has autism. Piper helps him out a lot with what he needs. She is also protective of him as well.

This is the first book like this that I have read. I must say I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading more books from this author.

The Edge of Everywhen follows the lives of Piper and Phoenix Guthrie, who have just lost their mother, Naomi, in a freak car accident and their father, Gordon, has been missing for the past two years. Piper and Phoenix have to go live with their Aunt Beryl in Maine, after only meeting her once many, many years ago. This isn't an ideal situation for either of them, as Piper feels like she has to step up to the mother role for Phoenix, as he has ASD, and doesn't cope well with changes and new people. Sofia and Mr Greene, the cook and the butler respectively, play such an important roles within the book, providing maternal and paternal like figures in their lives as they cope with a major change in their lives. 

Aunt Beryl's house is made to feel like a prison for the children - they can't run inside, they have to eat their meals at a very set structured time, Beryl is very cold towards the children, they aren't allowed in certain rooms in the house, which to Piper's dismay, the library room is off limits. That is until a book speaks to Phoenix and Piper, and then Phoenix sneakily takes it from the library, filling the spot with one of Piper's books shes received from home. This book changes the lives of everyone in the house, for the better of course. Then everything in Maine starts to look up for Piper and Phoenix because of this little, blue glowing book. 

This book is nothing like I've ever read before, especially a middle grade book. I did initially struggle with this book, as the first chapter is wordy, but I couldn't help but be sucked in by a book written from the perspective of another book, Novus Fabula. I was so curious to continue reading to see where the story went. I initially requested it because of the cover, I kind of expected a Chronicles of Narnia hope, which it didn't hit that mark, but it was completely different in it's own right. 

I truly loved the slow progression of Phoenix - it really hit me in the heart feels. It was the most beautiful part of the book, which I think would have been missed for the middle grade audience, but would hit the heart strings of any reader that is older than middle grade.

I'm not someone who would normally pick up a Christian fiction novel, but the religious aspects within the novel were done really intelligently and well, and in a way that was subtle but I also found them important in the novel. 

This novel was just a beautiful book all about healing, family ties and learning to grow. The writing was perfect for a middle grade audience, but easily as good for any other reader too!

Thank you very much to B & H Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

We all know what it is like to have a book’s words resonate deeply without our hearts long after we have completed it.

For me, this is one of those books. From the moment I was introduced to it’s characters and up until I read the last word, I felt a deep connection with the message and story.

Following the tragic death of their mother and disappearance of their father, Piper and her younger brother Phoenix are sent to live with their very wealthy Aunt Beryl Bouchard. Sadly, Aunt Beryl seems less than thrilled to be stuck with the two kids and would much prefer to have them stay out of her way. Luckily, both children are fairly well behaved and have the company of two lovely others who stay on the property, a butler named Original Greene and a housekeeper named Sofia.

We soon realize that Piper loves reading and is very protective of her younger brother, Phoenix. Piper’s younger brother is autistic and has not spoken in years.

Soon, the two children literally hear a special and magical book, named Novus Fabula, speaking to them, and it wants to tell them a story…..their story. But will they listen to it? And do/can the others in the house hear the book, too?

It was EASY for me to immediately fall in love with this story. The children swept me off my feet as I know what it is like to lose a parent. My own father passed away when I was twelve.

If you love literature and reading books (and if you have read a lot of books, whether as a child or adult), you will adore the many references throughout this book. They abound. I was smiling so much as memories came flooding back from all the actual books, and even movies made from books, referenced in this novel. It’s wonderful.

The healing religious elements in this novel are so subtle and I liked that a lot. I usually do not like a lot of heavy religious themes but I do appreciate intelligent placement of them and this is one of those times.

We all have things that happen in our lives, whether it is losing a loved one, having some sort of ailment or illness, or knowing someone who is going through or has been through the same. It can ultimately be anything. And it is at these times that we might feel utterly alone or abandoned by everyone around us…our friends, our family even. And sometimes, even God. But, it is at these times when you need God the most, that you will realize that He is there.

This is a lovely, powerful, and invigorating work of middle grade fiction. It made me smile. It made me cry. But mostly, it helped me heal and I love it for that.

Thank you so very much Netgalley and B&H Publishing Group for the advanced reader’s copy

Narrated by a magical book The Edge of Everywhen weaves a beautiful story of dealing with grief, change and what it means to believe. Piper and Phoenix have had their worlds turned upside down with the death of their mother and with their father still missing they are forced to go live with their very strict aunt who couldn't be less happy to have them. Along the way they find a book that helps them to deal with the hard things in their life and learn that some times you have to have a little faith in the things unknown.
A story woven with beautiful vocabulary this isn't a book you should sleep on. Discover the magic for yourself and learn to believe just like Piper and Phoenix.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an early copy in exchange for an honest review.**

"Everyone's story matters."

What an impact this story had on me! The narrator is unique and unexpected yet adds such an endearing touch to the story. There are many wonderful novels spanning over the years that are eluded to throughout the book. It made me want to enter and experience them for the first time all over again. Mackey's writing style kept me reading way past my bedtime. Both readers young and old will enjoy the story within these pages.

What would you do if you lost your mother and your father and you had no choice but to go live with an old aunt that you didn't even know? You would be super sad, right? This is what has happened to 13-year-old Piper and her brother, Phoenix. Their father worked in construction and was sent overseas by the American government to rebuild ruined hospitals and schools in a country torn apart by war. One day he went missing and has not been heard from in two years. Then one night their mom was coming home from work on a rainy night when her car was in a wreck and she passed away. With no other family but an old aunt that lives thousands of miles away from their home, they are forced to go and live with her in Maine. When they arrive at the house they are given very strict rules for the huge mansion of a house that seems more like a museum than a house. They are not allowed to run in the house, they are forbidden to eat anywhere except the kitchen, and they are absolutely prohibited from ever going into the library. This might be okay for some but for Piper and Phoenix, this is bad for two reasons - 1) they are avid readers and love all books, and 2) there is a book that seems to be calling their names. That may sound crazy because a book can't talk... or can they? When Phoenix takes the book, Novus Fabula, from the library their lives are forever changed. With the help of Mr. Greene, the butler, and Sofia, the cook, and their aunt's three dogs, Piper and Phoenix begin to slowly heal. But when they find out a secret that their aunt has been keeping, will things ever be the same again? Is their dad alive and if so, why hasn't he come home to them? Will Piper and Phoenix discover that magic truly does exist and if so, will they discover the source? Will Aunt Beryl ever warm up to Piper and Phoenix and make her house a home or will they always feel like an outsider? Read this incredibly amazing story to find out!

This Is one of the most refreshing books I have ever read! Piper is a girl after my own heart! Her love of books and reading makes my heart smile! She is also extremely loyal to her friends and family. Even when things are not going her way (like when all of her books were taken away from her) she still showed respect to those in charge. She was also dealt some tragic cards and even though her faith in God wavered she never truly gave up in Him. This is one of the most heart-warming stories I have read in a very long time! This has quickly become a #1 story in my book! Please do not miss this book about tragedy, rebounding from that tragedy, family, friendship, love, mystery, magic, and most of all that God is in control and when we are ready to accept Him He will be there for us!