A magical book provides narration and transforms a family in this new middle grade novel. How would you to read a book that tells your story, but makes you feel a new and improved version of yourself? The Novus Fabula is meant to be enjoyed and shared, not left on a dusty bookshelf. A final message reminds us that "Everyone's story matters." Piper and Phoenix will capture the hearts of readers and make everyone wish for such a book. And perhaps we already have one. Could Mackey be using the special book as a metaphor for the Bible? It most certainly contains good news.

Thank you to B&H Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

13 s Pauline Reid 388 134

I've never come across this before, but this book is written in the style that it's talking to you, so don't leave any chocolate bar smudges or chicken nugget finger prints anywhere on the book otherwise it will have your guts for garters. "It" even has a name. Novus Fabula. He or She, has got quite a sense of humour and the book tells us the story about Piper and Phonenix who goes and lives with the agonising Aunt Beryl. No no, not the agony Aunt from the newspaper, this is someone different entirely.

Phonenix and Piper are quite entertaining characters, we find out that Phoenix absolutely obsessed with peanut butter. Piper is the oldest of the two and takes charge, as I noticed Phoneix doesn't talk, so a secret code is his secret weapon of choice. This story is to do with their lives at their Auntys place, what they get up to and how they cope with someone they don't particularly .

I would put this as a middle grade (8-12) age bracket
Genre - Fantasy & Magic also I would say that this comes under Christian Fiction.

Overall I enjoyed this book which I won through a giveaway on Instagram, the author has written into the book, titles of childhood books that we all know, such as Harry Potter, The Secret Garden, The Giver. No illustrations, this is truly a chapter book for the advanced reader who enjoys tales of magic similar to, but not as dark as Harry Potter. 228 pages, so if you are buying for this age bracket this would keep them entertained for a while.

Giving this light funny easy read a 5 star rating ?????


Pauline Reid
Reviewer
New Zealandchildrens-books middle-grade10 s Lou Allen246 146

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 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.5 s Natalie all_books_great_and_small 2,444 112

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.6 s Tiffany Martin374 1 follower

We all know what it is 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 help 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 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 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 d that a lot. I usually do not a lot of heavy religious themes but I do appreciate intelligent placement of them. 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 copy4 s Mariale & Pieter Dros81 1 follower

I have to confess for me the beginning of the book was a bit slow but after getting into the story it really gets exciting. The Edge of Everywhen is told by a magical book, its a story about two siblings Piper and Phoenix, who are going through a difícult and very sad time. Their dad is missing in the Middle East. Their life turned upside down when their mom died in an car accident, they had to go to life with a aunt, who they barely know. The Edge of Everywhen is full of mystery and adventures with a beautiful message of hope. Kids will love and enjoy.3 s Robert Fortner1 review

This book seems to be specific for children or seniors. The twists, turns, and beautiful vocabulary lend unique images at all levels. There seems to be only one problem: I NEED MORE! Checking off books read and rating them, one would think I only read heavy mysteries. This is an easy read. Yet it has the same magnitude of intrigue as the larger books. Great writing!4 s Theresa Grissom803 24

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

I really enjoyed this Christian fantasy. It was unique and refreshing. It has a magical feel to it, a bit reading the Narnia series. I loved all the characters in the book and they feel friends now. I look forward to reading more from this author.3rd 4th 5th ...more4 s Jennifer Sullivan341 20

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 and I ended up enjoying it.

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, warm, 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, Novus Fabula, reminiscent of the way Death narrated the story in The Book Thief.

“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 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!

[I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]christian-fiction mg-fantasy3 s Betsy Strauss35 8

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 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.3 s AlexandriaAuthor 7 books36

“Be astonished! Be astounded! For a work is being done in your days that you would not believe if you were told.” Habakkuk 1:5, NRSV

Something astonishing, indeed, awaits you, dear Reader.

On the pages of The Edge of Everywhen, you’ll find a young girl, Piper, frightened and desperate for what has been lost to be returned…

Her brother, Phoenix, an altogether rare young man, longing to be seen and understood…

A father, fighting to be reunited with his family…

And Aunt Beryl, with a cold, reserved heart, longing to be warmed.

Do you hear the echoes of your own story in any of theirs? Then, read on.

But be warned!

Something astonishing, indeed, awaits you, dear Reader, for between the covers of The Edge of Everywhen, you’ll encounter a story that will bring you closer to God and closer to the person you were handcrafted to be.

*

There truly are not sufficient words to express how wonderful this story is, so I’ll leave you with a simple plea: please read The Edge of Everywhen. You won’t regret a minute of this adventure and will, I believe, walk away from it forever changed.

My heartfelt gratitude to A.S. Mackey for having the courage to write this story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.3 s Nicole Grace222 2

I am honored to know The Edge of Everywhen in the same way the Novus Fabula is honored to know each and every reader it meets.

A.S. Mackey's debut was a uniquely moving story, and yet still filled with references and allusions to feel nostalgic for anyone who loves children's books. The story is told from the perspective of a powerful book titled the Novus Fabula, and experiencing such a unique and fitting narrative voice reminded me of when I read The Book Thief for the first time. The sentience and wisdom of the Novus Fabula was reminiscent of The Great Good Thing and Between the Lines. The dynamic between Piper and Phoenix, two siblings relying on each other in the wake of a parent's death, reminded me of The Sisters Grimm, Main Street, and 39 Clues books, which were all series that I adored growing up.

The Edge of Everywhen contained so many reminders of other books, yet, as a whole, I have never read a book it before. It truly highlighted the way the right story can be healing in times of trauma, and the echoes of familiar stories found within its pages speaks to the way we are transformed and shaped by the stories we love.books-about-books-for-book-lovers finished-during-corona-lockdown ngd-arcs ...more3 s Rose (Adventurous Bookworm)1,013 157 Read

I DNF'ed at 44%.
Let me explain. The book was not bad at all, there were many things that I enjoyed. I really d seeing all the bookish references to Narnia, Harry Potter, LOTR, The Hobbit, and a variety of other books. I also d 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.3 s Marla156 6

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-arc of this title.

Wow. WOW. This book is incredible. It is a story that I feel children and adults need to read. It is powerful.

Siblings Piper and Phoenix have endured more than any children should have to go through. Their father has disappeared, and their mother was suddenly killed in an accident. Sent to live with their mysterious Aunt Beryl, this story is about love, hope, and redemption.

I loved watching Piper and Phoenix find themselves. I think the way that the author portrayed Phoenix (who is autistic) is wonderful - he is highly intelligent, capable, and kind. Piper is an incredible big sister, who has had to grow up far before her time. Her fierce love for her brother drives nearly everything she does. Sofia, Mr. Greene, and Aunt Beryl are wonderful characters. The subplot following their father is heartbreaking and beautiful. I honestly cried at the end.

To quote Mr. Green: "Some things in this world are just pure magic."arc children-s middle-grade ...more3 s Hannah CurrieAuthor 6 books263

This book was awesome. So well written and imagined. My favorite thing was how it was the book itself telling the story (and all the other book friends it mentioned). I've never read a book from the point of view of a book itself. So cool! Dear Reader.... :)

It wasn’t quite what I’d expected reading the blurb but was still really fun. I read it aloud to my eight- and ten-year-olds and we were all captivated by the story. I loved the way it focused on how everyone has a story and there’s always more to a person than you first see. Really fascinating.

My ten-year-old's review:
I loved this book. It had a part which I didn't expect but what did happen was even better. I d the way the two kids found out that there was more to their aunt than they thought and she wasn't as grumpy and mean as they thought. I learnt some new words and sometimes the way the book skipped back and forth between the kids and their dad was a bit confusing but after a while it made sense. Some of the bits were really funny and I laughed really hard. I would recommend it for ages nine to teens. 4 s Pâmela da Silva LimaAuthor 1 book9

I'm writing this as I'm tearing up because this book moved me in a way I didn't knew I could be moved (not anymore anyway).
Even if I didn't go to the same experiences as Piper, I felt so much her as a teen. I wish I had read it in that age, it would be my own Novus Fabula.
I love how this story is told, how we can hear the book speaking. I also love how it was a calm, deep tale, instead of an action packed story (I those too, but it felt better this way).
Also, Phoenix is everything to me. I love him. He's the magic in this book.
(Maybe it's important to say, I'm not a religious person, let alone e christian one, and I loved the book)
To all the book lovers out there, this one maybe is not for you, but I swear it's about you.favorites3 s Becky1 review1 follower

A wonderfully engaging tale! This book immediately draws the reader in and is ingeniously narrated by a Book. The Book narrator name-drops classic authors and books throughout, encouraging a love of literature. The subtle weaving of a deep foundation in faith was refreshingly without agenda. As an adult reader, I found myself wishing for a more developed and layered story, and wonder if middle grade readers might feel the same way. Regardless, I find myself pondering the story and the characters enough to realize that it does have a deep impact which tells me that the story line was engaging enough to merit a 4 star review.3 s Jordan Cuellar86 3

I really enjoyed reading this one to my kids. I loved that the author included people with disabilities (autism and dyslexia specifically) and portrayed them beautifully. This book approached grief and loss in a real and yet still kid-friendly way, and I loved the power books and stories had to heal the broken places in the characters’ hearts. 3 s Avonlea Gal206 7

From the book references to the actual book quotes at the beginning of the chapter, I loved every second of this book. Honestly, a person who didn’t love books would find this vaguely confusing.
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