Series: Wielder World
Volume: 1/?Publisher: Self-Published/Lagomorph Press
Genre/s: MM Urban Fantasy
Length: -
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✰✰
Reggie Wolfe is a Wielder, it means that he has his own unique supernatural power, and only very few people know about it, as in the case of men the ability to Wield the Nerve of the World has certain consequences, and one of them is madness. Working as an Assistant Professor, Reggie should be completely safe and shouldn't get into any trouble. But it turns out that he can't be indifferent when someone needs help. And that's how he meets Kyle, a student at his university, who is a target of recruiters working for one of the dangerous local cults. Reggie decides to help the young man, which turns out to be more difficult in many respects than it seems.
"Edge of Desperation" is the first installment of the "Wielder World" series by Nat Kennedy. The author takes us on an adventure in a world similar to ours, but at the same time different, because its citizens are aware of the paranormal powers that some people have. I like this idea very much, but I admit that we often don't feel this magical side of the world presented in this story. The mentioned magic is undeniable and we have the opportunity to take a look at it at the very beginning, but in the later part of the story it is largely hidden, though not by the author, but by our main character. This is a great loss, because the universe of "Wielder World" is really fascinating, thought-out and well-built. It is presented in a very natural way, which doesn't shout "paranormal!", but simply makes us become a part of it, so we behave as if it were our own. When reading this story, we really hope that over time we will be able to get to know this universe better, because although, as I mentioned, "Edge of Desperation" lacks a more accurate "magical" construction of the world, it is undeniably unique.
Another thing I would like to discuss is the narrative. I don't deny that I'm not quite sure of my own preferences in this topic, because every novel gains its charm thanks to a different kind of narrative, so I think that it is impossible to decide on one form of it and stick to it. But let's focus on this novella. I think the third person narrative fits "Edge of Desperation" perfectly and I like the fact that the narrator focuses not on every character, but on the chosen one, in this case on Reggie. However, the problem is that our field of view is very narrow, because we have absolutely no insight into what is happening to other characters. Well, this is completely understandable, because we are part of the events shown in this story from Reggie's point of view, and only Reggie's. To be honest, I really miss the second perspective of the narrative, following the story from someone else's point of view, preferably from this novella's second important character's, therefore Kyle's.
I've mentioned the characters, so I will stick to this topic. I think that they are a big advantage of "Edge of Desperation" because each of them is interesting in his/her own way. They are already valuable as individuals and as such they have a lot to offer, if only we let them spread their wings. I'm sure you already guessed that I really like the two main protagonists, Reggie and Kyle, who have something in them that makes us like them very quickly. I admit that Kyle's undoubtedly charming way of being is my weakness, as well as his gothic style, almost childish cuteness and stubbornness which reminds me of a kitten. But Reggie is my greatest love, and this is because his chivalry, spirit to fight in the name of good and willingness to help conquered my heart. It is worth noting that we are dealing here with two completely different men, so it is not surprising that the dynamics of these two characters is simply perfect. My only regret is that the author didn't put more emphasis on it.
To tell the truth, although the novella is undoubtedly very interesting and keeps readers in suspense, it lacks more specific, "active" action. "Edge of Desperation" is not focused on building relationships between the characters, or on romance, so we kind of expect that the action will be the center of it. Unfortunately, the novella is a mixture of all the elements I've mentioned so far, including the construction of the world and characters. It seems to me that it focuses mostly on Reggie's everyday life, as for most of the story the action gives way to it. In fact, it's only at the end that something really starts to happen and I admit, at that point "Edge of Desperation" is becoming a truly attractive and engaging story.
In conclusion, "Edge of Desperation" is a novella with both advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account when reading this book. Anyway, this is undoubtedly a story worth or attention, because it's the beginning of a really interesting series and that's where we meet the characters whose adventure in "Wielder World" is also ours. "Edge of Desperation" is worth giving a chance.
Headcanon: When Reggie is sick and can't move, Kyle sometimes makes him meals and forces him to eat them, even if they are not tasty, because something has not worked out.
Fanfiction idea: To make Kyle tired, Reggie takes him to the swimming pool. He doesn't take off his T-shirts, but he has the opportunity to watch the half-naked young man without feeling overwhelming guilt.
AU idea: Reggie is a high school teacher who has to take care of a new apprentice. Kyle turns out to be a walking bomb of energy, ideas and flirtations, so it's not easy for Reggie to keep the man at a distance and behave professionally.
MOODNOARD IN PROGRESS
I love your headcannon here. (and I want to read all your fanfic ideas!) And Kyle as a kitten, I can see it. He's just got a pierced ear. :) Thank you for this thoughtful and very thorough review. It's nice to see where the novella is lacking, but I'm also glad that with these thin spots, you still enjoyed it! Thanks for the review!
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