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Julia Vanishes
Catherine Egan

Knopf
June 7, 2016/ ISBN 9780553524840
Fantasy

Reviewed by Jan Fields

 

In a world where there is nothing worse than being a witch, Julia has a single power -- she can vanish, which makes her an excellent thief and spy. Her latest job, spying on an odd household full of secrets, will pay her very well indeed, as long as Julia survives it and can stomach what she must do. But the job isn't the only distraction in Julia's life as a serial killer stalks the city, making it dangerous for even a disappearing girl to pass through the night with her secrets.

Julia Vanishes is the first in a new fantasy trilogy and full of interesting world building and scary politics. Julia makes no bones about being a hero, but even a thief has lines she must not cross, so the novel drives her across as many of them as possible. It's fascinating to watch Julia deal with her world, her powers, and the cost of her own moral decisions.

Beautifully written and fast-paced, this compelling novel kept me turning pages to the very end. And for me, one more excellent quality was the feeling of wholeness to this first novel. Though eager to see what happens to these characters next, Catherine Egan avoided the "cliff-hanger ending" to the novel, which I never enjoy. So, from beginning to end, I found this one an entertaining and provocative pleasure.

Reviewer Janis Fields is the author of over two dozen books for children and adults including Threads of Deceit, Ghost Light Burning, Wellspring of Magic, and Emerald Dragon.
Reviewed 2016
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