Review: Wonderfully written for MG readers and adults!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 22, 2011
Twelve year old Phinnegan Qwyk loves to read and fairy tales at that. Rushing home from school one day, his father has a new book for him. When he falls asleep reading that night, he awakes to find his window open and wet footprints on the floor. When he goes to investigate, he find a curious looking fellow in his father's office. What he has come across is a Fae named Periwinkle Lark. A Fae! Just like in his fairy tales! When the Fae is summoned back to his land on charges of treason, among other bogus charges, Phinnegan accidentally goes with him. On a quest to find his way home, he comes across all sorts of "make believe" creatures including pixies, trolls, and giants. The road home is long, and not everyone Phinnegan comes across is what they seem but our young hero learns a lot about himself and magic along the way.A Place Beyond The Map is what children's dreams are made of. Well written enough for readers around the age of 8 or 9 but also an excellent read for adults. I loved reading this book! Not only did it keep me entertained from beginning to end, but it didn't feel like I was reading a book centered towards mid-grade readers. I can only hope that there will be another book to follow as some things were left hanging. I would love to read this to my two youngest step-daughters who are 9 and 11 (not that they couldn't read it themselves). I really liked how Phinnegan never looses hope, no matter how dire the circumstances he finds himself in. Thews has penned an excellent and  highly recommended tale for all ages of readers!