I wanted to like this book as the premise sounded really interesting.  But it just didn't feel like it was going anywhere.  The characters were insteresting and I liked the diversity of the brother.  Unfortunately, the story stalled out and I didn't finish it.

*a full review will be uploaded on my blog soon. I’ll add the link when I upload it*

I decided to pick this book up immediately when I saw it was about a sister and her autistic brother. It sounded magical and intriguing, but that was definitely the main reason.

I know autism is a very complex thing, but since I’m the sister of an autistic brother, I was just so enthusiastic about a story that represented that.

Let’s start off with that: there were a few lines that really got me, where I thought: wow, that hit close to home. So I’d say that part of the book is definitely one of the strongest parts. The autism of Phoenix himself was very different from my brothers though, so I can’t completely judge it, but I still saw aspects of my brother in him.

I definitely wanna thank the author for that.

The thing with this book for me, though, definitely was that it started of great! I was hooked and I just wanted to find out more! But then I was about halfway and all I could think was: okay, I enjoy reading this because the writing style is good, but there’s nothing happening.

I don’t know. It just felt like this book didn’t have enough plot to be a book. 

The only thing I can’t say anything about is the Christian aspect of this book. I’m not Christian but that doesn’t mean it changes the book for me in any way. It was interesting to see the author’s perspective on things, but it was not at all my favourite part of the book.

Overall I think this was a disappointment. Even though I related to some things,I just didn’t get what I expected (in a rather bad way).

*I will go in deeper on things like characters, writings style and other things in my full review.*

Love,
Alissa

This is a magical, contemporary novel following Piper and her brother Phoenix who has autism. I would recommend it to readers of middle-grade novels but I could definitely see parents reading it to their younger children. I enjoyed it as an adult too.

I requested this book from Netgalley.com and the publishers were kind enough to let me have a copy.

At the beginning of the story the children’s father has disappeared and when they also lose their mother, they are sent to stay with their Aunt in her house. This house has a large library and in it there is one magical book. 

One unusual thing about this story is that it is told from the perspective of the book. This made the style of writing both whimsical and endearing. 

I enjoyed meeting all the characters and in particular seeing how Phoenix’s autism affected him and his sister.  

I loved the magical nature of the story. It felt like both a modern contemporary novel and a fairytale.

Each chapter begins with a quote, some of which are Bible verses. I loved that there were many spiritual threads and metaphors running throughout the story. 

I would recommend this book, particularly to any younger Christian readers.

“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.

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.

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).

I did not like this book at all. The beginning was strong, but it slowed down, and once I realized I was 30% into the book, I noticed that nothing had happened. There was no sense of urgency, which made the mystery of the book fall flat. I did like that the narrator was the book itself, and I did like Piper and Phoenix, but that's about all I liked from this book.

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.