Bryan Davis

Eternity’s Edge, the second installment in the Echoes from the Edge trilogy is filled with non-stop action, interdimensional travel and mystery. It has been a few months since I read the first book - Beyond the Reflection’s Edge - and I wish I had reread it prior to delving into the second novel. Davis wastes no time engaging readers in his alternate universe.

The characters we came to know in the first title are up and running from the first page, and Davis maintains a grueling pace with show more nary a pause for air. The typical exposition reminding readers of the events of the previous novel is next to non-existent, so you may want to read the first title again to get your bearings on the world that Davis has created. Due to the complexity of his work – featuring multiple words with identical characters on each earth – it took some time to reorient myself, identify the different worlds, the origins of each character and so on.

As Nathan and Kelly Red’s search to find Nathan’s parents continues they quickly learn that Interfinity — the coming together of all three worlds: red, blue and yellow — is close at hand. The interdimensional wounds are growing, and with Solomon Shepherd, Nathan’s father, nowhere to be found, Nathan finds the fate of the three worlds resting in his hands. Wrestling with his priorities, Nathan attempts to make sense of a conflict that he does not yet fully understand.

The friendship between Nathan and Kelly develops into a sweet and chastely romantic love that is surprising in its depth and authenticity. The two cling to each other while separated from parents, friends, and the complete lack of normality in the worlds they find themselves exploring. While I’m not a supporter of youthful romance, Nathan’s deep integrity and commitment to purity shine through in all of his actions. He is truly a chivalrous young man, and I admire his deep sense of morality and concern for others. His relationship with a younger version of his mother develops into a sweet filial love as well. Mothers take note; Nathan is a wonderful role model for the young men in your life!

While some of the mysteries presented in the first title are brought to some sense of resolution, many more are brought forward. This uncertainty and lack of a clear overview is both frustrating and fascinating, and I read at a break-neck speed in my attempts to discover the secrets of this alternate universe and how exactly God is involved in the entire situation, for He certainly is. By the end of the book much remains to be discovered and a seemingly overwhelming amount of work lies before the young hero and heroine before the rift in the universal fabric can be healed completely. The prolific loose ends and unanswered questions are sure to keep Davis fans on edge as they wait for the release of the third and final novel. Looking back on my review of the original novel I can clearly tell that my fondness for the series has only grown with this new addition.

As a young adult I absolutely adored reading stories that featured interdimensional travel, alternative realities and the like. Thankfully Davis, a Christian author, has entered the genre. Though written for teens, adults who enjoy speculative fiction should not miss this series; many of today’s finest authors are writing for young people, particularly in speculative fiction.

Though filled with danger and a clear separation of good and evil, Davis’ prose is clean and wholesome. Violent events instigated by the forces of darkness – vision stalkers such as Mictar whose origin we do not yet understand – continue to occur and are disturbing; this is definitely a title for older readers. Davis’ blend of faith, science fiction, and music create a unique and captivating tale. This second installment begins to develop themes relating to the Christian faith, such as sacrificial love, though it’s too early to tell where Davis is headed with them. With his skillful blending of the Christian faith together with a high intensity story line Davis has created a book that is never heavy-handed, and is highly entertaining.

Reviewed at http://quiverfullfamily.com show less

NOOOOO!!! My book just ended and I wasn't ready for it to be over yet! This was another outstanding book by Bryan Davis. Each book I read by him is as impressive as the one I read before. He has a way with creating the world he puts the characters in that brings the story to life. The characters are people you want to know, and when the book ends....I can't believe the book ended!! I have got to get my hands on the next book and fast, I MUST know what happens.

This book brings together show more fantasy, religion, heroism, chivalry, bravery, love and friendship together, and before you know it, 400 pages have flown by and it honestly hasn't seemed like you have been reading that long. I am now, more than ever, a fan of Mr. Davis.

This book has me guessing at every turn. Who really is on the right side, who may have alterior motives? Great authors have this ability, and Davis has shown he is fantastic at this twist. At the end of this book, I know the characters well, and I know who I like, but am I liking them for the wrong reasons? Could they be working some hidden angle? These characters are definitely 3 dimensional, and once I catch up on a few books that I have to read, I'm diving right back into this amazing world created just for us by Mr. Davis. show less

…” This morning might hold my last chance to escape execution.” What? Ok, that has my attention. Megan Willis is a strong, determined soul, caught in an impossible situation. She is willing to do what it takes to be reunited with her mother.
She has seen horrors, not even grownups have witnessed. (Like trafficking of human children, and villains that are doing experiments on kids. It was not a graphic discussion, just mentioned.) Megan races against time, because today could be her show more last.

The stakes are high, Megan is forced to make hard choices in doing what she believes is right. Things have changed and shift into high gear facing challenge, after crazy challenge. I appreciated how the author showed this young one’s inner struggle with “kill or be killed.” Life was a gift. Does there have to be killing? Could things be handled another way? Do the ends justify the means for the greater good?

The author is brilliant and imaginative as he does a beautiful job of taking readers on a fast-paced adventure that has themes of compassion, forgiveness, family, and shows how they are learning what is right and/or wrong for themselves. I like what the author said about love, and strong family bonds with people God puts in our path and those connected to us by blood. I enjoyed how Megan learns about real love, …” Real love sacrifices. It shows mercy. It heals. “

There is a plethora of evil villains out to get Megan and her team. They can’t run away from them fast enough. I could visualize the Star Wars/Star Trek feel of this space opera, I mean going places they’ve never been before, and meeting all types of creatures with a variety of languages being spoken. I adored the authors’ well-timed humor in some heavy situations. It was fun to see kids could just be kids when they had a chance to. I loved seeing this story played out through children and what they learned & watched their parents do. They don’t do everything exactly as their parents would, because they see things differently now that they had to make hard choices.

This is a wonderful, fascinating, absorbing summer read. It’s a fun escape and one that would work well for your next book club pick. I hardly noticed how long this book was, I was caught up in the adventure, and couldn’t put it down.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher/NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/ show less

Really, 3.5 stars.

This YA fantasy grabbed me, sucked me into the story, and didn't let go. Jason, being the main character, was most fully realized and developed, but I enjoyed Koren, Elyssa, Randall, Tibbets, and the others, too. The dragon Arxad was most intriguing as well.

What I liked about this book is that it didn't follow a predictable pattern. The dragons have their own sophisticated culture, with humans as slaves. Humans on both worlds were mostly serfs or slaves and that didn't seem show more likely to change. The arrogant and somewhat bratty son of the governor becomes part of the solution instead of staying part of the problem. Story-telling can be a powerful weapon. Young men and young women can both be brave leaders.

This book is the start of a series, and while part of the adventure wraps up, there are many unanswered questions and unresolved issues. The author has a lot of story left to tell.

The author's style makes for easy and enjoyable reading--enough description to allow the reader to see the action, lots of dialog, and fast-moving action. show less