Betwixt by Tara Bray Smith

Betwixt intertwines a complex maze of dust, fey, other world connectedness, teenage angst, and characters who know themselves yet are scared of their own strengths and power. Mystery, relationships, independence, love and fear spin throughout the story. The writing is well crafted. The characters' responses and intuitions, consequences and narrative lead the reader into the unveiling truths and evolving roles and power shared by the main three characters. Intentions and motivations are not always clear and the story feels deliberately unresolved.

I would offer the book to teens who enjoy a complex story and who aren't looking for a feel good book. Great cover. It is a strong debut YA novel, but not really possessing a timeless quality for Thumbs Up.

NAY