Official Review: Cracks in Reality by Alex Siegel

Airam Velarde · Post by **Airam Velarde** » 08 Jan 2015, 01:21

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Hidden away in the desert and heavily guarded by the United States Army, is The Vault. This underground fortress contains the most dangerous artifacts and sorcery secrets the Bureau of Physical Investigation has collected throughout its time. If one of these forbidden secrets were to fall into the wrong hands, many lives would be at risk. Unfortunately, Blake, a dangerous and evil master sorcerer, has set his sights on The Vault and the guarded knowledge that could make him the most powerful sorcerer.

Andrew and Charley, two apprentices to a master sorcerer, are sent on the hunt for Blake. They each are gifted in their own arts and are therefore chosen to complete this mission. Andrew is a war mage and capable of great physic combat. Charley, on the other hand, masters physical sorcery. However, before embarking on their mission, they must train under extreme conditions and have the strength to undergo the mental and physical tests prepared by their teacher. Only this way will they be prepared to defeat and kill Blake. In spite of their rigorous training, they soon will learn that it will take a lot more than just skilled sorcery to outsmart Blake. His craftiness and deceitfulness make him a very powerful opponent that is always a step ahead. Will Charley and Andrew be able to solve the puzzle that Blake has craftily created in time?

Cracks In Reality is the second novel in the Seams In Reality Series. Written by Alex Siegel, this young adult novel takes us back to where we last left our apprentices, as they prepare themselves to find and kill Blake. We are met once again by page turning conflicts that envelop our protagonists. This time, Blake has an even more complex plan to trick his adversaries into giving him what he desires. The great mystery he then builds, manages to also engulf the reader as one is led through every twist and turn the author has created. The story soon develops into something more than just a sorcery tale. The great puzzle Andrew and Charley must solve is one that will lead the reader to a most unexpected ending.

In contrast to the first novel, Cracks In Reality takes more time to explore the world Siegel has created. Andrew and Charley are now more comfortable with their powers and are discovering new spells, as well as rules to sorcery. I greatly enjoyed the look into the lives of sorcerers and how what they do, can be a great struggle for them. This novel centers more on the moral conflicts the apprentices must face throughout their mission. They are discovering their own moral values and how this affects their path in sorcery. They are often met with the decision of choosing between good or bad, even while the outcome of the mission is at stake. It was great seeing this new level of the characters’ personalities develop. It places the characters in more realistic struggles and the reader cannot help but think what one might do in these types of situations.

Cracks In Reality is a great continuation to the Seams In Reality Series. We are met with even more interesting plots and a great development in our protagonists. I certainly recommend reading this novel to those in search of a well developed fantasy world that interweaves itself greatly into reality. I am really looking forward to discovering what is in store for our apprentices as the series develops. I give Cracks In Reality 4 out of 4 stars.

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Post by **bookowlie** » 19 Jan 2015, 08:29

What a clear and interesting review! I just noticed that you were able to also read and review the first book in this series. How fortunate!

ALynnPowers · Post by **ALynnPowers** » 30 Jan 2015, 09:21

So lucky you got to read two books in the same series for review! I guess you really did love it!

Airam Velarde · Post by **Airam Velarde** » 03 Feb 2015, 20:46

Thanks for your comments! I was quite lucky to find the sequel to the first book. The story left off on a great part, so of course I immediately chose the second book when I saw it was available. Hopefully I'll be fortunate enough to read the rest of the series.

ALynnPowers · Post by **ALynnPowers** » 04 Feb 2015, 05:22

I love books where there is a whole new world within the story. So interesting to follow and learn about. Like discovering a new country or something.

A whole new world.... (now I will have that Aladdin song stuck in my head for the next week....

)