The Edge of over There

In this thought-provoking sequel to The Day the Angels Fell, Smucker follows Abra Miller, a 16-year-old who has taken on a great responsibility. Set in a contemporary world with fantastical flourishes, the novel begins with the Biblical Tree of Life regenerating itself, an occurrence that happens sporadically. Abra holds the sword that can kill the Tree and keep humans from becoming immortal by eating the Tree’s fruit. Abra’s atlas, given to her in the previous book, shows that the latest Tree has appeared at the Edge of Over There, an otherworldly place between Earth and Heaven. Abra must enter a secret passageway within a tomb in a New Orleans cemetery, find the Tree, kill it, and return to seal the Tomb. She sets off with Beatrice and Leo, both of whom have connections to the Tree: Beatrice, a mysterious girl who appears suddenly at Abra’s school, makes Abra nervous but also inspires confidence that she can find the Tree; Leo is searching for his father, who spirited Leo’s sister, Ruby, through the tomb years earlier. As they get closer to the Tree, their divergent purposes put them at odds with each other. Blending Biblical elements and urban myths, Smucker creates an enthralling story of supernatural battles between the forces of good and evil. [em]Agent: Ruth Samsel, William K. Jensen Literary Agency (July) [/em]