Official Review: Seams in Reality by Alex Siegel

Airam Velarde · Post by **Airam Velarde** » 21 Dec 2014, 00:55

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Seams in Reality" by Alex Siegel.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Andrew is no longer your average college freshman. A meeting with an unusual professor has led him to discover a new and dangerous world that has been hidden from everyone’s eyes. This same professor, Tonya, is offering him passage into the world of sorcery. He, alongside a smart and capable young woman, Charley, have been chosen to be apprentices to a master sorcerer and develop the great talent they have hidden. Under Tonya’s guidance they will learn how to bend reality using seams. These seams are breaks in the universe wall brought upon by great tragedy. Sorcerers rely on these seems for their power, they must be near one in order to perform their spells. But performing spells is harder than it looks. One wrong move and the young apprentices could end up dead or trapped in an illusion.

However, Andrew soon learns there are things far more dangerous than his sorcery lessons. He discovers his new world has for a long time been wrapped up in a government conspiracy that has left sorcerers constantly being watched and monitored. One of the sorcerers who has rebelled against this is Blake. A dangerous man who will stop at nothing to quench his thirst for power. His schemes will leave Andrew and his companions entwined in a web of deceit and murder. Will Andrew be able to develop his inner strength and new skills to stop this powerful sorcerer?

Seams in Reality is a young adult novel written by Alex Siegel. It is the first book in a series following Andrew. Andrew is your ordinary college student leading a pretty mundane life, except for when he discovers sorcery of course. Although he is the protagonist of this story, I found that he does not eclipse other characters. They all become valuable to the plot and the important aspects of each are brought to surface. Their interactions with each other I found to be very enjoyable as they depict a more realistic side to the novel. One relationship that is a great example of this is Andrew and Charley’s. Although they may be developing feelings for each other, it is certainly not a clichéd young adult romance. They each have their feelings to take in consideration, especially Charley who has been through bad relationships in the past and would rather take it slow. Their relationship does not rush to that romantic finale. Instead it shows this will develop at its own pace and time as the series progresses.

One character that deserves to be mentioned is Blake. Blake is not your everyday villain. He seems passive enough but he always has an ace hidden up his sleeve. He manipulates the characters as he manipulates the reader. You don’t know what he might do next and the motives behind his actions are obscured. Eventually the mystery builds up and it leads you right to a surprising ending.

What I enjoyed most about this novel is the way science and sorcery are blended. It is not just a story about magic, but it manages to incorporate itself into the real world by using laws of the universe. For example, while Andrew is training, he is told that knowledge of physics and chemistry are essential in order to perform spells correctly. This I feel gave it a unique touch compared to other sorcery novels. Not only this but, the fantasy concept soon turns into a mystery one. An unexpected turn of events has our sorcerers, now playing detectives to solve a crime that has left many casualties. Seams in Reality can easily be described as a book with many facets. Which in turn keep the reader turning pages and developing an interest in this sorcery world that Siegel has artfully created.

I really recommend reading Seams In Reality to anyone that takes delight in books about sorcery and the like. Siegel has certainly developed this world very well and I feel it will be to the great enjoyment of the young adult audience. I am very curious about what is in store for our sorcerers next as this has been a great start to a promising new series. I give Seams In Reality 4 out of 4 stars.

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Buy "Seams in Reality" on Amazon

Skillian · Post by **Skillian** » 29 Dec 2014, 22:15

I really like the idea of there being seams between realities. Like where parallel universes meet.. or something. Very cool. Thanks for the review. *adds to reading list*

-- 08 Jan 2015, 22:42 --

I Just downloaded this on amazon. So I will be giving some feedback soon! Thanks again for the review.

Airam Velarde · Post by **Airam Velarde** » 16 Jan 2015, 16:43

Skillian wrote:I really like the idea of there being seams between realities. Like where parallel universes meet.. or something. Very cool. Thanks for the review. *adds to reading list*

-- 08 Jan 2015, 22:42 --

I Just downloaded this on amazon. So I will be giving some feedback soon! Thanks again for the review.

Thanks for your comment! You should definitely leave some feedback after you're done

I hope you enjoy reading it!