“This psychologically incisive supernatural novel by Bruzas blends the eerie cadence of dark fairy tales with modern suspense to probe themes of obsession. Sylvie’s unflinchingly self-critical yet deeply empathetic first-person narration captures both the claustrophobic logic of her OCD and the aching vulnerability of a girl desperate to be seen and loved. It all adds up to a sensitive, fully fleshed-out portrayal of one teen navigating grief alongside mental health challenges.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Recommended, particularly for readers who enjoy retellings inspired by fairy tales.”—School Library Journal
“A mystery that would be at home in the pages of Grimm’s fairy tales . . . A complex book that draws you in and keeps you guessing, Bruzas’ latest is perfect for lovers of the creepy, haunting side of fairy tales. Bruzas places old-world magic into a modern context, while empathetically portraying the struggles caused by OCD and disordered eating.”—Booklist
“An offbeat . . . darkly intense modern fairy tale.”—Kirkus
“In The Broken Edge of the World, Alena Bruzas crafts a sensitive portrait of discovery and self-acceptance, wrapped inside a modern prairie fairy tale. The magic, and the characters, are grounded in the earth of the carefully rendered Nebraska backdrop; despite the tale’s danger, I found it to be a rich and comforting read.”
–Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Three Dark Crowns
“With deft, atmospheric prose and lush, otherworldly lore, Bruzas captures the essence of self-identity, belonging and the kind of love that both consumes and inspires. A dazzling modern fairytale.” —Kika Hatzopoulou, bestselling author of Threads That Bind
“The Broken Edge of the World is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of self-acceptance that captures the candid reality of living with mental health issues. Bruzas masterfully portrays the raw, authentic pangs of first love while weaving in luminous threads of magical realism. Truly unlike anything I’ve read before.”
–Jackie Khalilieh, award-winning author of Something More
“One part fairy tale, one part love letter to Nebraska, The Broken Edge of the World is a unique and haunting exploration of the intersection of love, family secrets, and mental health. Sylvie’s struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder is written with care and sensitivity, on a backdrop of achingly beautiful prose and enigmatic magic.”
–Allison Bitz, psychologist and award-winning author of The Unstoppable Bridget Bloom
