A compelling and inventive novel set in a world where science and magic are at odds, by Robin McKinley, the Newbery-winning author of The Hero and the Crown and The Blue Sword, as well as the classic fantasy titles Beauty, Chalice, Spindleâs End, Pegasus and Sunshine
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Maggie knows somethingâs off about Val, her momâs new husband. Val is from Oldworld, where they still use magic, and he wonât have any tech in his office-shed behind the house. Butâmore importantlyâwhat are the huge, horrible, jagged, jumpy shadows following him around? Magic is illegal in Newworld, which is all about science. The magic-carrying gene was disabled two generations ago, back when Maggieâs great-grandmother was a notable magician. But that was a long time ago.
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Then Maggie meets Casimir, the most beautiful boy she has ever seen. Heâs from Oldworld tooâand heâs heard of Maggieâs stepfather, and has a guess about Valâs shadows. Maggie doesnât want to know . . . until earth-shattering events force her to depend on Val and his shadows. And perhaps on her own heritage.
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In this dangerously unstable world, neither science nor magic has the necessary answers, but a truce between them is impossible. And although the two are supposed to be incompatible, Maggieâs discovering the world will need both to survive.
âA delightful read.â
âPublishers Weekly
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âBound to appeal.â
âKirkus Reviews