Barrier: The Other Horizons Trilogy – Book Two by Mary Victoria Johnson

★★★★

Continuing the mystery adventure begun in Boundary

It wasn’t supposed to be her. Of all six teenagers trapped in the Victorian Gothic world of Boundary, Evelyn had always been the one to take the path of least resistance – not liking to question the strange, sealed world around her or wanting to rock the boat. Yet it was Evelyn who escaped Boundary instead of fierce and rebellious Penny. And it is Evelyn who now finds herself on the other side, laden with guilt and loss, and with no idea how to help the friends she left behind.

Plunged into a very different and terrifying time and place, where no one believes her story and the world is engulfed in World War Two, Evelyn is initially placed in boarding school and then sent to a remote farm to help with the war effort. However, dark supernatural forces begin to close in and her Boundary past catches up with her in the shape of Madon, the evil and sadistic Master of her childhood. Evelyn soon becomes embroiled in a malevolent battle over Boundary, multiple universes overlapping each other, and dark forces attempting to break through the barriers that lie between. Can she overcome her fears and self-doubt, and do what she must to rescue her friends?

In Boundary, the first book in the series, the narrator and protagonist was the dynamic and engaging Penny. The focus in Barrier now shifts to Evelyn, who in Boundary was the vain, strait-laced and prudish member of the group. At first, Evelyn is perhaps less compelling a heroine to a modern audience than Penny; however, as the plot develops, this works all to the good. Unlike Penny, who is feisty and determined throughout the first novel, in this book Evelyn goes on a journey, as a character who grows and evolves as the story unfolds. Her struggles to adapt to a new world and life are believably rendered; her fears and lack of confidence in herself ring true. Some readers may find her spoiled, weak and/or irritating, while others may sympathise – either way, she is convincing as a naïve and frightened teenager out of her depth in a scary world.

As in Boundary, the author’s skill at creating atmosphere is evident: the rural isolation of the farm, the hardship and privation of war, the sinister presence of the supernatural “Others”, a first trip to the ocean, and the gloom of city streets in wartime are all vividly depicted. The plot itself contains several twists and surprises, with interesting revelations about the villains and their motivations. At times the story can be somewhat slow and sags a little in the middle, but picks up the pace towards the end with developments both dark and thrilling, cleverly setting up the cliffhanger for the third book. A sequel recommended for Young Adult readers who have read and enjoyed the first novel in this series.

Jo-Anne Blanco (as Arwen Evenstar) for Breakaway Reviewers

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
©Jo-Anne Blanco 2018