Why is a good book so good? “The Wrong Side of the Rift” seems to be a standard Young Adult Paranormal novel. Magic in an otherwise normal present-day setting. Intertwining conflicts with magical beings and teenage bullies. A quest to solve an unsolvable problem.
But normal as this book sounds, I found myself reading longer than I had planned. There I was, looking up in confusion, as I pulled myself into the real world, away from the enthralling atmosphere of the story.
How does Libby Heily do it? It’s all a matter of balance. This author knows when to push the emotion and when to back off: when a conflict has gone far enough, and when to keep the fight going. I recall one point where I was just starting to feel the main character was becoming too negative. On the next page she did something to redeem herself, and I felt a sense of relief and satisfaction. All was as it should be. I was ready for the next battle, with the right people on the right side of the fight.
Plenty of action, plenty of atmosphere, great setting description (due to the nature of Grape’s burgeoning magic, odours are very important). A reading experience that really draws you in.
This is the second in a series, and while you don’t have to read the first book – Ms. Heily cleverly slips in enough backstory to keep us aware of what has happened – I suspect you will enjoy that one, too.
Highly recommended for Paranormal fans.
(5 / 5)