The Glittering Edge

By Author / Illustrator

Alyssa Villaire

Genre

Romance & Relationships

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Penguin

ISBN

9780241739594

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

01-05-2025

Synopsis

An instant #1 UK Bestseller. An unputdownable gothic contemporary fantasy with the feuding families of Romeo and Juliet, the dark magic of Krystal Sutherland and a love triangle to rival The Inheritance Games.

The locals of Idlewood whisper of a tragic love story that began a decades long blood feud. For as long as anyone can remember, the De Luca witches and the wealthy Barrion family have been sworn enemies. Ever since the curse that changed their fates forever. Now, if a Barrion falls in love with you, you'll die.

When Penny Emberly's mother becomes the curse's latest victim, she must bring together two bitter rivals, Alonso and Corey, in order to save her mum's life and stop the feud for good. But as the trio navigates unpredictable magic, the tangled web of their family histories, and complicated attractions, it becomes clear that there's more than dark secrets at play. Can Penny find a way to break the curse . . . without losing her heart in the process?

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Reviews

Linda

The next book in this series now, please… From the very first page, The Glittering Edge swept me off my feet and dropped me into the small, enchanting town of IdleWood. The author's writing is so immersive that you can almost feel the magic in the air. The story quickly unfolds into something deeper, more original, and emotionally gripping. The Glittering Edge is not just good, it's a refreshing and unpredictable take on the genre.

The heart of the story lies in its characters. Penny, Alonso, and Corey are raw, charming, and impossible not to root for. Their emotions feel real, their struggles, magical or not, are deeply relatable. They're teens dealing with heartbreak, loyalty, and supernatural chaos, but also with very human feelings of love, fear, and hope.

The romance between them is one of the best I've read in a long time. Yes, I know it's a predictable love triangle and not everyone likes them, however, in this book I feel it works and that it's an essential part of the plot. The dynamic between Penny, Alonso, and Corey creates just enough tension and chemistry to drive the story forward in compelling ways. Who will Penny fall in love with? Will she be able to keep the boys working with her, or will they end up fighting over a curse that has plagued their families for so long?

The plot is layered and cleverly constructed. What begins as a seemingly simple mission soon spirals into a tangle of family curses, ancient grudges, and secrets begging to be uncovered. The legend behind the two families adds a mystery to the plot, along with Penny's quest to break the curse that now threatens her mother that gives the story a perfect blend of urgency, mystery and of course, romance. All of this, due to the content within the story, is suitable for the 14+ reader.

The ending, which I didn't see coming until it was too late, is a thrilling ride packed with emotional reveals and magical mayhem. If you're a fan of lovable characters with messy emotions, and just the right amount of magic and romance, this book is for you. And with more to come in the series, I'm already counting the days until the next book.

432 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian