This is the first book in a new four book series from the talented Anna James. I recently met her at the HarperCollins and Farshore showcase and she expressed her nerves at sending a new book out into the world. However, nerves are not necessary as this is a stellar new world and it is filled with some truly amazing characters.
In this book, the story is set up by the prologue which features a grandfather reading to his grandchildren about Whetherwhy, a magical and mysterious place, some believe it truly exists and others believe it only to be legend. He introduces us to Juniper and Rafferty, 13 year old twins on the day they discover their affiliation to the seasons. Every person in Whetherwhy belongs to one of the four, though there are some who can feel the pull of all four and they become enchanters.
When the twins must part ways, one to Thisledown Academy for Enchanters and the other as an apprentice book binder, their paths truly differ. They will meet new people and discover much about themselves and there is a strain on their relationship.
However, their paths continue to cross and they find themselves on opposing sides of a long held debate between citizens and enchanters. Can they find their way back to the same side? Will they survive the dangers of this debate?
Intensely thrilling at times and wondrous at others, this was one of those stories that I rushed home to continue, and missed meals for. I ignored my family so I could finish the last pages and was bereft to find it over all too quickly.
It is entirely likely that I will begin reading it all over again! The next books will be as brilliant as this and I cannot wait to discover more about Whetherwhy!
My Shelves Are Full 