THE EDGE OF IN BETWEEN

An enchanted garden offers an orphan and her cousin a chance to heal their broken hearts.

In this lightly gothic fantasy retelling of The Secret Garden, artistic Lottie uses her special magic to imbue her paintings with a vitality that makes them feel alive. Her talent, like all such gifts in the Land of the Living, is innate. However, not everyone holds onto their magic. Magic and color usually fade as one ages, and people join the Living Gray, unable to use magic or see color and becoming devoid of any pigmentation. Sudden shocks can also drain a person’s magic instantly; after the accidental deaths of her parents, Lottie becomes a Living Gray. She is sent to live with her estranged uncle, who endlessly roams the In Between seeking the ghost of his wife. Lottie and her cousin, Clement, another Living Gray, discover a hidden garden that gives them hope of reclaiming the magic and future they once believed lost. As with the original classic, this story highlights themes of redemption and companionship. The blossoming garden and Lottie’s friendship with Clement help her understand the interconnectedness of emotions and the empowerment that comes with having hope. While the novel is highly imaginative, certain plot and worldbuilding elements feel complex to the point of confusion, disrupting the reading experience. Lottie is cued as White, and Clement has brown skin.

An inventive but overcomplicated twist on a classic.