THE BREAKING OF TIME

In Hebert’s fantasy novel, a suburban sorcerer tries to reckon with his past and protect his family.

Daniel Ward is an accountant with a house in the suburbs, a wife, and two kids, but his perfectly crafted, white-picket-fence existence is a lie, concealing something much stranger and much more dangerous. Daniel is a magic-user who’s lived for several centuries as part of a mystical order known as the Arvynth. They’re dedicated to preserving the Silence—a force that’s opposed to any and all disorder. Daniel possesses the rare ability to affect time itself, which those in his circle see as taboo; however, he abandoned the Arvynth quite a while ago and chose to live in hiding as a mortal after growing disillusioned with the order’s beliefs. When his 10-year-old son is nearly hit by a truck, Daniel’s panic overtakes his caution and he does something he hasn’t done in decades—use his magic: “The years I’d spent pretending to be ordinary—gone, shattered like ice on pavement.” This moment of desperation leads to further danger and intrigue for Daniel and his family, which leads the sorcerer to use every tool at his disposal. This work will grab readers’ attention early as Hebert combines a diverse array of genres—fantasy, thriller, family road novel, and others—into a fast-paced, character-driven adventure. These eclectic influences lead to an exciting read that ultimately centers on a clear, simple, and familiar storyline. The book’s intense pacing, driving narrative, and occult worldbuilding work so well, in large part, because they remain so tightly anchored by the strong characterization and compelling relationships of David and his loved ones. The novel is helped along by the author’s tight, clear prose and strong instincts with action scenes.

An exciting, tightly written tale of magic.