THAT COVER!!! Wow. It is stunning, and it matches the story in every aspect with the inside of the book is also beautifully designed.
Umm...This book was confusing! I was very lost for the first half of the book.
Smucker has a fantastic writing style, but I did not connect with the novel at all. I found the characters are static and non-emotional. They have many memories of the previous encounter with the Tree of Life. Because of all the flashbacks, I would highly recommend that you read "The Day the Angels Fell" first.
The story gave off a ton of Narnia-like vibes with the allegories and the 'Edge of Over There', the land that can only be accessed at seven spots throughout the world. This work relies heavily on the Legend of the Seven Gates, Marie Laveau, and the Tree of Life. The Christian allegories were prominent and interesting to read about.
This book certainly has an interesting concept, but the characters are what pulled my rating down.
For those who like fantasy, this would be a great choice.

Personal Rating: 2 Stars
Content Rating: 3 Stars

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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The Edge of Over There
The Day the Angels Fell #2
By Shawn Smucker

When Abra Miller and Sam Chambers were present at the battle of the Tree of Life their lives changed and took different paths. Abra was left with a sword that she along could touch and with a dream. The dream of that night and a message that Mr. Tennin left with her before he was lost to this world.

And Abra on that night her friendship with Sam ended. Time has passed and Abra's life has come to an end and Sam is about to hear Abra's story. A story that a stranger is about to reveal to him. A story that took Abra on a mission to destroy a second Tree of Life. A Tree that is at the Edge of Over There and if any eat of its fruit all could be lost.

But to stop this threat Abra must travel to New Orleans where a Gateway that no living person should ever cross must be opened and entered. But Abra's journey is about to be joined by a young man who has been seeking this very Gateway since the night he lost his family to it.

But can she withstand this place of sorrow and pain? This place of temptations will be her battlefield and she is about to discover just how alone she truly is.

The Edge of Over There takes us to the point where The Day the Angels Fell left off. And we along with Sam are about to discover just what he abandoned Abra to face alone. Reading the first book is not a necessity as this story follows Abra more than Sam but it wouldn't hurt to have a greater backstory understanding before reading this book. Fans of Speculative Fiction will enjoy this book and series. I'd say if you like any of the following authors you'd want to give Shawn Smucker a try:
Robert Liparulo, Frank E. Peretti, James Rubart or Billy Coffey. There are some similarities to these authors work that if you are looking for someone new to read I can see this being a nice fit.

And here's hoping that the hints of a third book are soon to come to fruition as I'm anxious to learn what is next to happen. Does it delve further into Abra's story or will we instead turn to Sam? Either possibility could happen and I really want to know.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion ~ All thoughts expressed are my own. ( )

I did not know that this was the second book in a series. There is a fair amount of time when this does not matter. Yet, in this case, I felt like it did matter. While, I did know that this book was going to be fanatical/mystical, I did not realize how much I would be lost in translation. Again, as I stated a moment ago that some of this translation may have been resolved had I read the prior novel.

I will say it was not for a lack of trying with this book. I did try to stick it out in the hopes that it would get better for me. It did not end up being the case. I just got more confused. It was not until I read another readers review that explained things for me better. At that point I did pick up this book again to try giving it another chance. After several more chapters and no improvement I gave up on this book at the half way mark. This book just was not for me. ( )

I am unfortunately very disappointed with this book.
It started out great, and gave me the same vibes as the first book (which I listened to on audiobook which may have affected my views of it but, anyway...).

As soon as Abra, B, and Leo meet up, however, it felt VERY rushed and awkward. I lost a lot of interest and it kept dwindling from there. I ended up not caring at all to what happens to almost any of the characters in this book. I didn't understand why there was a war in the first place (seemed counterproductive to making everyone immortal). Hell, I didn't get why most things were happening in the first place. I barely understood why Frenzies existed (it was kind of explained but barely).
I felt like Leo could have had SO much more fleshing out. He was so terribly blank. When we first meet him there's so much potential. Then he grows up and all he does is move and talk and tell you he feels things he never shows.
And I didn't feel like Abra went through any development at all.

I wish I had received this ARC sooner in hopes that some of what I say may have influenced change (maybe it is in the final copy?)

I didn't notice much for grammar or punctuation mistakes, just:
pg 116: ''...forgive him his obsession...'' ((missing comma))
pg. 223: Missing a period before ''Will. Not.....'' ( )

This is a wonderful science fiction series. Both books in the series have been fantastic. I don’t understand why anyone would want to live forever. I would have to help Abra destroy the tree of life. I do understand wanting to use it to make someone healthy again but not to live forever. This has a lot of twists and turns. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )