<div> <b>A compelling and inventive novel set in a world where science and magic are at odds, by Robin McKinley, the Newbery-winning author of <u>The Hero and the Crown</u> and <u>The Blue Sword</u>, as well as the classic fantasy titles <u>Beauty</u>, <u>Chalice</u>, <u>Spindle’s End</u><i>,</i> <u>Pegasus</u> and <u>Sunshine</u></b><br> <br> Maggie knows something’s off about Val, her mom’s new husband. Val is from Oldworld, where they still use magic, and he won’t have any tech in his office-shed behind the house. But?more importantly?what are the huge, horrible, jagged, jumpy shadows following him around? Magic is illegal in Newworld, which is all about science. The magic-carrying gene was disabled two generations ago, back when Maggie’s great-grandmother was a notable magician. But that was a long time ago.<br> <br> Then Maggie meets Casimir, the most beautiful boy she has ever seen. He’s from Oldworld too?and he’s heard of Maggie’s stepfather, and has a guess about Val’s shadows. Maggie doesn’t want to know . . . until earth-shattering events force her to depend on Val and his shadows. And perhaps on her own heritage.<br> <br> In this dangerously unstable world, neither science nor magic has the necessary answers, but a truce between them is impossible. And although the two are supposed to be incompatible, Maggie’s discovering the world will need both to survive.<br> <br> <b>?A delightful read.”<br> ?<u>Publishers Weekly</u><br> <br> ?Bound to appeal.”<br> ?<u>Kirkus Reviews</u></b><br> <br> </div>