Journey to the Fringe

By Kelli Swafford Nielson

 Long ago, Stone Mages were revered in Lyria. They were men and women who could use powerful tradestones to harness their unique gifts of wind, rain, and earth to help those around them. But war with the Southern realm has threatened the mages with extinction. The truth about the tradestones has been lost, and the remaining magic is dwindling.

When Princess Ivy, the beloved daughter of the king, is abducted, it seems that all hope for Lyria is lost as well. But when an unlikely group of loyal subjects embarks on a dangerous journey to the far-distant Fringe, the hope of restoring crown and kingdom is renewed. Among the group is Simon, a fool with wisdom beyond his years; Gilda, a nonmagical witch; Burr, a young thief; and Merrick, a jaded sea captain. Their quest will test their courage, their strength, and their friendship.

But at the Fringe, they encounter a truth that will change everything they thought they knew about themselves, and this small band of heroes must embrace the power that is their birthright and stand together as Stone Mages of Lyria.


I was excited to read this book, in hopes that I'd found a new and totally fun series (I admit I was hoping for something like Fablehaven) and was slightly disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it was good, it was entertaining, it had good vs. evil, magic, friendship, romance...it still sorta fell flat for me though. I'm trying to figure out why, maybe it was the fact that I never got a terrific handle on the characters, and the point of view switched throughout the novel. I think that lent a hand to it feeling a little more like a plot-driven book instead of a character driven book (which I infinitely prefer). I'm not sure I'll read the next book if there is one, (I'm still unclear as to if this is a series or not). I'll probably have to be in just the right mood if I pick it up. This is a book for lazy reading and fantasy fun.

I give it a 3 out of 5 (average)