On The Fringe by Courtney King Walker

Claire is struggling to overcome the murder of her childhood friend and secret crush, Daniel. Everyone else seems to be moving on with their lives, but she's still trying to cope. The fact that she finds herself alone and drowning on her 16th birthday isn't helping.

Neither is thinking she sees Daniel's face in murky water as she mysteriously resurfaces. But something happened during those four and a half minutes that will make her realize it was not just her imagination.

As Claire and Daniel try to grasp a possible reconnection, other grudge-holding beings have plans of their own. Now, the two of them have to decide if their fleeting relationship is worth the possibility of Claire being trapped on the fringe forever.

Beautifully told, On the Fringe intertwines fresh ideas about devotion, revenge, and the consequences that come with life and death.

Goodreads Summary


Most children have a childhood crush, Claire has a crush on her best friend's brother, Daniel.  She has what appears to be a deep, abiding love for him.  Childhood love can't last forever, though Claire's is torn from her in a way that is far from typical.  Daniel is at a party when he is shot...in the head.  Claire is crushed, the author does a great job of portraying Claire's emotions sincerely during this part. 

On Claire's 16th birthday, not long after the murder, she finds herself drowning.  Somewhere in that in between time, when Claire touched death, she sees Daniel.  After Claire is pulled from the water, she finds she can still see Daniel.  Claire doesn't want to give up this newfound joy, the story takes off from here. 

As a character, Claire is easy to like.  The reader can tell her love for Daniel is real.  She is a sympathetic character, she lost her love at a young age and is having a hard time.  She is a nice character, is willing to help even when the going is tough.  Daniel is much the same, it is easy to see why Claire would like him so much.  The other secondary characters are fun to get to know, especially Claire's best friend. 

The events in this book were fast-paced and exciting, the author describes the events, especially the drowning, in vivid detail.  The ending was perfect, the reader won't be able to imagine it any other way.  This book is highly recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.