Unraveling

August 1, 2017

Gr 8 Up-The first two books of a planned trilogy introduce readers to a fantasy world with glimpses of the familiar all around them. Unblemished finds 17-year-old Eliyana mourning the loss of her mother and somewhat secretly in love with the guy next door. All that changes when she discovers that her entire life has been built on half-truths and she is forcibly returned to the Second Reflection, a world that resembles, but isn't quite, the New York City she knows and loves. In the Second Reflection, Eliyana discovers the birthmark across her face designates her as an important piece in the battle between good (the Verity) and evil (the Void). Unraveling picks up immediately after the first book and focuses on the love triangle between Eliyana, Joshua, and Kyaphus that began in book one. There is much to like in the start of this series-the adventure, the idea of multiple worlds and various powers (Callings) that the inhabitants have-but the world-building is at times overly complex. Rather than explaining the Verity, the Void, and other magical elements within the context of the story, the characters often stop all action and spell things out, which breaks any flow the author has built. Pop culture references are liberally sprinkled throughout both volumes and already feel dated (Shania Twain, Titanic, Phantom of the Opera), particularly in Unraveling. VERDICT Purchase only where readers clamor for world-bending, Christian fiction, and love triangles; otherwise, skip it.-Heather Webb, Worthington Libraries, OH

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