The Edge of Everything is a gripping read from start to finish.
This book is full of wonderful writing, from the immersive descriptions of the world in which Zoe and her family live, to the bleak descriptions of the Underworld. The opening sequence in which Zoe goes in search of her missing brother in the blizzard (and all the events that unfold afterwards) was something that had my heart racing.
The characters feel real – Zoe is a strong, independent teenager dealing with the fall-out from her father’s death, trying to relate to her mother and her younger brother who has his own issues. Like Zoe, X is a character that is both vulnerable and strong and someone you, as a reader, wish to see succeed.
The way Giles writes relationships is spot-on. Zoe’s relationship with her younger brother and her best friend, Val, are spot on. The push-and-pull of Zoe and X’s developing relationship against the odds (and cultural references) was really interesting to read especially given the respect that builds between them. X’s relationship with Ripper was one of the most fascinating to read, especially as Ripper’s story evolves throughout the book, and she became one of my favourite characters to read.
There are a real mix of genres in this book, from a love story to a thriller with sci-fi/fantasy elements, woven in so beautifully that it feels like the real world. While there were a few predictable plot-points, there were enough twists and turns to keep the suspense up and keep me reading just to find out what would happen next.
I rated The Edge of Everything 5 stars. It will be released February 9, 2017.
Noveltea Corner 