Sunday, April 20, 2008

Beyond the Reflection's Edge by Bryan Davis




Published by Zondervan
Released May 2008
ISBN-10: 0-310-71554-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-310-71554-2


A dynamic introduction to the new Echoes from the Edge series by Bryan Davis, Beyond the Reflection's Edge will leave you riveted to your seat as you enter the fast-paced world of sixteen-year-old Nathan Shepherd.

Nathan has an ideal life. Travelling world-wide with his parents for their careers in music, he also has become quite the violinist--almost an equal to his mother's talent. During an evening performance, his parents suddenly disappear and are found murdered down below the staging area.

With only a piece of mirror and his father's notes, Nathan flees for his life and goes into hiding at Tony's (his father's best friend) house. Tony's daughter Kelly is swept into the adventure as she and Nathan determine the significance of the mirror and the reason behind his parents' deaths.



Dynamic Uno here: Zondervan had a couple extra Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) of Beyond the Reflection's Edge by Bryan Davis, and I volunteered to read it and post about it here for them.

When I first cracked open the book I wasn't sure what to expect. After all, I read more chic lit and mysteries rather than fantasy, so I figured that I would read through the book and hope I understood what was happening in between the pages. Imagine my surprise when I came across two murders within the first couple of chapters and people running for their lives with car chases and wrecks. (Now that's my type of book!)

Nathan and Kelly are realistic characters and could be the kids next door. (Although with their problems, I'm kind of hoping not. My neighbors are weird enough without having people jump through dimensions and having murderers on the loose.) Their adventures between the different dimensions and interactions with the various doppelgangers had me trying to figure out who were the "bad guys" and who were the "good guys." I was hooked and couldn't put the book down until I reached the last page, and even then I can't wait for book two in the series because I want to find out what happens next.

Teens of all ages will enjoy this wonderful book and I plan on purchasing this series for our school's library for my fantasy and even non-fantasy readers. Pick it up and let me know what you think!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I had the great privilege of pre-reading this book. I am not allowed to spoil the surprise, so I will only say that after being enthralled by the world Bryan Davis created in Dragons in Our Midst and expanded upon in Oracles of Fire, I eagerly anticipated his new series, Echoes from the Edge. The characters, like those in his first two series, are realistic, relatable teens that readers of all ages can identify with. I see echoes of myself in Daryl, who constently alludes to and quotes from such favorite fantasies as Lord of the Rings and Narnia, as well as The Wizard of Oz.
My good intentions to read only a chapter of Beyond the Reflection's Edge daily evaporated. I read the whole book in less than four hours. The first chapter contained more emotion and action than some books ever reach. From there, the story builds in depth and action to an extraordinary conclusion. Unlike some books, Beyond the Reflection's Edge yields more excitement with each re-reading. I can't wait for the next installment!

The Dynamic Uno said...

I know exactly what you mean! Thie book sucked me in and I just had to find outr what was going to happen next! I'll definitely check out the other books by Bryan Davis--I'm a new fan! Thanks for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

Echoes from the Edge is yet another outstanding book by bestselling author Bryan Davis. The way all of Mr. Davis's books are written with such intricacy and depth never ceases to amaze me. From the very first page the reader in plunged into excitement with Nathan, the main character who is left orphaned with just a strange mirror that sees thing that are not really there and his tutor, Clara. For an musician like me, this book is wonderful because the way the author blends music and the different dimensions in wonderfully written. The way Nathan felt whenever he played his violin, is exactly how I feel whenever I play my piano, to glorify God. It is also a great ministry tool, to give an friend who is not Christian. This book contains excitement, drama, friendship, love, loyalty, and a wonderful message. I highly recommend this book to anyone! I have been a fan of Mr. Davis's book since I first read Oracles of Fire#1. It really explains the history of his other series, Dragons in our Midst. That is my favorite book of all time!

Unknown said...

Beyond the Reflection's Edge is a literary roller coaster that never slowed down. I loved every minute of it. I don't think I will be able to find a book of this caliber anywhere else among the genre. Bryan Davis did a masterful job and I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel.