I discovered this book by Libba Bray via Seven Sisters; something about it really intrigued me. Well, a lot about it intrigued me. It’s hard to explain the plot, but I’ll try. It’s 1895 and Gemma, who witnesses her mother’s suicide via a vision, gets sent off to Spence finishing college where she discovers a secret, magical Order that has access to the realms — the place between worlds. She makes friends — Felicity, Pippa and Ann — and with them discovers her magical powers and all that comes along with it.

Okay, I don’t make it sound very good. But it is, really. Well, mostly. I really enjoyed 3/4 of the book. It was funny, it was mysterious and suspensful; it capitvated me. I found myself drawn to the book and mulling it over when I wasn’t reading it (which wasn’t often). That’s a sign of a really good book for me.

But the end — ah, the elusive good ending — just didn’t live up. It was all set up and very little pay off for me. It all came to quick, and didn’t wrap itself up. Too many loose ends (is there going to be a sequel?). It’s not that I mind loose ends… no, it is. I mind loose ends.

Still, I think it’s worth the less-than-stellar ending for the rest of the book. It really is a lot of fun to read.

An addendum: I’m in Wichita, and as I was wandering through Borders (hadn’t found the indie bookstore yet) looking for a place to nurse baby K, I discovered that there is in fact a sequel (a “companion” as the cover page stated). Maybe that one will tie up the loose ends. 🙂