In this unusual book, a young man named Felix falls through the barriers separating the worlds, falling into a land where mythical creatures roam and magic is dominant instead of science. Cursed with a heart condition that means he doesn’t have long to live, Felix is granted a new hope when he learns of certain magics which might be able to cure him. Thus prompted to quest not only for those magics but for a way home, he embarks on a perilous journey with his new friends, Ironclaw the brazzle (gryphon) and Betony the tangle-girl (elf). However, dark forces at are work in this other world, and they’d love to get their hands on a real live mythical human being. Felix and friends have to avoid the evil Snakeweed and his sinistroms (devil-hyenas) if they want to stay alive, because Snakeweed puts the profits of his magical healing corporation above the safety of the clients, and lives mean nothing to him. That’s right, he’s the head of an evil magical pharmaceutical company that wouldn’t mind expanding to Earth.

The Divide is a fun story that takes the common theme of “person from our world falls into a magical world and must try to get home” and puts some new spins on it, such as using dragons for airplanes, and insisting that human beings are just a myth. The unique cover design, which features a wraparound cover that splits down the middle of the front, is both eye-catching and innovative; it’s also awkward, providing little support for the pages while reading. On the bright side, the right-hand coverflap can be used as an impromptu bookmark without too much fuss. All in all, The Divide is enjoyable and manages to avoid feeling too familiar, while leaving plenty of room for a sequel.