The last 100 pages made this book for me. The beginning was almost slow, which isn't entirely accurate because it wasn't really, but I found the characters almost unlikeable. They were stereotypes and I found it hard to care about what they did for a good part of the book. And some of their qualities really irked me. I so wanted to love this book since the copy on the cover copy appealed to me very well and (I'm embarrassed to admit this) I love the cover art. The characters felt a little off for their supposed age group. Are middle schoolers so obnoxious and universally name calling? Was I that way? I shudder at the thought. ( )

An unusual fantasy with a touch of existentialism and strongly developed male and female characters. My favorite was Aunt Kit, a practicing pagan in touch with the earth and the other side. Her nephew, Edward, the main character, thinks she's crazy. Feenix is a pistol, Danton is true and loyal, and Brigit is the silent hero from ancient Irish lore. ( )

Warning: this review is very ramble-y.

I'm REALLY sorry, this was a DNF for me.

When I received this book I was super excited, despite the fact Middle Grade books and I have a love/hate relationship. The premise sounded so interesting! And, I am very fond of the cover. (Alert: Cover Snob coming your way...)

Anyway, the reason I stopped reading in that I felt the characters were flat... and two things just got on my nerves.

1. The main character knocks over a girl's purse because everyone knows that all girls hate it when their purse's contents are spilled onto the floor. And of course, "girly junk" comes flying out. And then the girl continues to growl in fury at him.

UGH! There are so many things wrong with that scene. First, hmm, a bit stereotypical? Hmm?

I know that this won't bother most people, but... I don't know, it just got on my nerves. (As I have stated above already.)

2. The author uses these annoying phrases left and right. Probably because this is MG... but I am a middle-schooler and I know that back in 3rd-5th these childish phrases would still get on my nerves.

(Note: These are from an ARC. So, they may be different in the hardbound copy.)

"A bee up her butt"
"As if a bird had just pooped on his desk"
"Wowie Zowie"
"Sunshiny Smile"

So, in other words, this book was just not for me. To try to end this review on a good note, I am going to list a quick few things that made it less of a "truly terrible" read and more of a "dislike-a-bit" read.

1. There was some sarcasm I appreciated.

2. I believe whole-heartedly the book would have gotten better if I got through the beginning. I just couldn't make it through though. Ergh. I did kind of scan the middle and end...

3. The plot was decent and creative.

So, bye! And if you TRULY think you would like this book, check out the positive reviews along with the negatives to make your decision. Also, ask friends (That is how I do it. Not that I am a genius or anything.) Thank you for reading!

P.S this is 100% honest despite winning the book on First Reads.
( )

I very much enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, though I never quite understood Edward. It was a fun adventure and I liked the growth of the actors in the tale. Thank you Algonquin for another fine book. You guys are the best! Thank you for the opportunity to view this book before publication. I will be sure to pick it up for my library. I will be glad to be able to share this with young readers. ( )

8th grader Edward spends most of his time trying not to be noticed. He lives with his odd aunt and has decided that nothing really matters and he'd rather think than participate in the world around him. Unfortunately, pushy Feenix (Edith) seems to delight in tormenting "Dweebo" and pretty much everyone else who she comes into contact with. It's just her way of making everyone participate. The third protagonist is silent Brigit, the new girl at school, that nobody knows much about. Certainly they don't know about the secret she's hiding and why she doesn't speak.

These three are forced together when a Time Fetch, sent out by the Keeper, is accidentally picked up by Edward and then taken by Feenix. Guided only by cryptic comments and strange, quasi-mythical forces, the three must stop the foragers and the chaos that threatens to destroy time and engulf them all.

This debut fantasy reminded me strongly of Diana Wynne Jones, but it just doesn't have that sense of character that pulls the chaotic magical elements and hints of mythology along. The time fantasy was very Diana Wynne Jones, with mythical creatures who mysteriously hint at their true natures, a truly fearful blending of Norse myth and Grimm fairy tales, and a gradual building of magical forces. Edward's aunt was also very much in the tradition of DWJ, with her combination of eccentricity and intelligence. The protagonists start out as DWJ people, being neither particularly lovable nor sympathetic, but they just don't stay strong throughout the whole story. There's never any reason for Edward's attitude and Feenix eventually seems more like a posturing mean girl than the strong, unique woman she's destined to become.

Verdict: This wasn't perfect, but for a debut fantasy it's not bad. DWJ fans will probably really like it, and I was quite taken with it myself, despite the flaws. However, DWJ is not particularly popular at my library, alas, so I will probably pass on it myself. If you have an audience for this type of fantasy though, it's worth adding. I will also add that I was quite awed by how British this American book by an Iowan author sounded though!

ISBN: 9781616202200; Published August 2013 by Algonquin/Workman; ARC provided by publisher at ALA annual 2013