A Review of “The Edge of Everywhen”

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.

The Edge of Everywhen is available on Amazon. A free printable activity book is available on the author’s website.

About The Edge of Everywhen

A unique middle-grade novel, The Edge of Everywhen tells the story of Piper, a 13-year-old self-proclaimed book nerd whose world has been upended after the death of her mother. She and her autistic little brother (and best friend) Phoenix cling to one another as they are forced to move a thousand miles away from everything familiar and live with their rich, estranged aunt.

Piper reaches to the books on her shelf for comfort, but it is one unique book, Novus Fabula, who offers true guidance as the omniscient narrator in the story. It watches them arrive at their aunt’s home, with tired hearts and stones in their stomachs, and now its whispered voice must point the children to depend upon the sovereignty of God during the most dire times as they await word of their missing father.

“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

Full of mystery and intrigue, The Edge of Everywhen story bridges the chasm between faith-based and fantasy kid-lit genres. It is a book-lover’s book, carrying the reader right into the adventure as Piper and Phoenix embark upon a life-changing journey, in search of their father and of a faith to call their own.

About A.S. Mackey

A.S. Mackey is proud to be represented by agent Elizabeth Bennett at the Transatlantic Literary Agency. She is a member of the Shoals Writers Guild and the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She is happily married to Chad, and she is the mother of three adult children and a son-in-law. She currently resides in Florence, Alabama.

Connect with A.S. Mackey through her website or on Facebook or Twitter.