The Edge of Over There {A Book Review}

Before the Tree of Life, everything in Abra Miller's life had been predictable. But after the Tree and the lightning and the angels, everything felt tenuous, like holding a soap bubble in the palm of her hand. She spent years looking for signs of that other world, waiting for it to break through. When it didn't, her friendship with Sam Chambers grew cold and distant, and they both wondered how any of it could actually have happened.

Four years later, 16-year-old Abra's long-delayed quest to find the next manifestation of the Tree of Life is renewed when she sees a woman walking up the road--a woman who looks exactly like Sam's dead mother. The woman directs her to New Orleans where she will find the grave of Marie Laveau, one of seven gateways between this world and Over There. As Abra enters The Edge of Over There and begins her pursuit of the Tree once more, she doesn't know whom to fear or whom to trust. But she's starting to think that some doorways should never be opened.

Shawn Smucker is an author and co-writer who lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He followed up his award-winning novel, The Day the Angels Fell, with the sequel, The Edge of Over There. You can find out more about him at his website: http://shawnsmucker.com

As I started to read this book, I couldn't help but feel as though I was starting in the middle of the story. What was happening? Why does it seem like I had missed something?

Simply put, I had! I had missed that this was Book TWO in the 'Day That Angels Fell' series. So, before reading this one, I would highly suggest reading that one first. Throughout, enough back story was given that I felt that I could understand a little bit better as to what was going on, but this was certainly one of those that I could definitely sense that I was in fact missing something. Still, this was my fault for not looking further into it and not something that I could hold against the book itself. Despite my confusion it was clear that the story itself was well thought out and beautifully written... and certainly unlike anything I'd read recently with it's mysterious supernatural tales. The story jumped back and forth between characters and often left at a cliffhanger that kept you reading on and on to find out what might happen next.

It's also important to note that this is a young adult novel. While at 31 year old I am far from the target audience, if you ask me, a good story spans across all ages and I can certainly see this one doing just that. I enjoyed the story, but likewise I know that this is something that I would have enjoyed reading as a teenager too. To be honest, I actually still enjoy many young adult novels as I don't have to worry as much about adult content (though coming from a Christian publisher, this is not something we'd have to worry about here anyway). Speaking of, though it is from a Christian publisher and certainly features themes of good vs. evil, I didn't find it to overwhelmingly Christian and it could be something that appeals to ALL audiences.

Overall, it was an entertaining read. While the supernatural type tale might not be for everyone, I enjoyed it myself and I'm sure many- young and old alike- will as well...after reading book one, of course!

'The Edge of Over There' is available at your favorite book retailers.