I’m afraid I struggled a bit with this book. As I've mentioned in other reviews, I find it difficult to get into a book if I don’t find some connection to the characters. That’s purely a personal problem and not a reflection on the writer of this book at all but … his characters all have the same voice. I find it very hard to tell them apart, and their language choices and cadences are the same whether it’s Mathew from Boston, or Ludik and Brinn from the magical world, or Miranda, the adult. They use the same slang, the same snark, the same everything, and — overall — it didn’t do it for me.

Ludik, as a deaf character, is interesting. Because we see the story mostly from his point of view — and his deafness — it’s not so much of an issue for him as it is dealing with strangers who treat him poorly because of it, or who look down on him. As far as Ludik is concerned, he’s just himself and I find that kind of refreshing that he’s aware of his disability, but because it’s been with him from birth, he treats it like he would being left handed. It’s just part of who he is.

Mathew doesn’t fare so well. For one, I didn’t find him as developed as Ludik, and he didn’t seem to take his world hopping seriously. Neither he nor anyone else had much of a reaction to what was going on around them; it was all just taken for granted. One thing did I like was that the kids read younger. They weren’t written as twenty somethings, they were teenagers, and I do think this book might work better for a younger audience.

The magic system and the worlds themselves — and how they came together — was well done. The writing was a bit stilted, especially in the dialogue portions, and the pace was a little on the fast side with the focus being on moving the story along. The book does end on a cliffhanger, hinting at more adventures in this world. All in all, while it wasn’t for me, I do hope this book finds its audience. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for granting me an ARC.

Very nice book! It was very easy to read and story is interesting.

I liked how magic was, though I wish it was more often explained what mage does what. It was explained at one point in the book and never again, and for some I never got what they do. Best would have been a page or two after the book with information. Then I can easily always check.

It ends nicely with hint for a next book. If there will be a next one, I will very likely read it.

Pacing could have been a little better, in the beginning it goes well, then it's a bit slow at around 30%, and last 20% feel a bit rushed. The rest is fine, so it's not a big problem.

Well written adventure packed story of a boy who is hard of hearing. I like that element which added a different dimension to the story. Full of magic and action. Probably suited to YA market. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

Review: This was a fantastic novel that purveys a deep sense of hope for a lone young man looking for closure. Ludik is artfully drawn and developed as he advances through life. His situational encounters build character as they are tethered to a solid story line action.

The magic is as simple as it is elegant. The collision of characters from two different worlds adds a bit of levity throughout the story.

Each character is drawn with care, and by design, pulls deeper the readers interest. I had a great time reading this. It is one of those rare novels that you really want to read slowly to rebuke the ending.

4.9/5

A Deaf boy who goes to a library and begins a cool adventure.
It gave me Harry Potter vibes with the book that writes words by itself.
Refugees fleeing from a running mountain to a camp was very intriguing to me.