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Over Where #2
Aurora Borealis Bridge
NEW FANTASY FROM BEST-SELLING AUTHOR JANE LINDSKOLD
Can it get any stranger? Absolutely!
When Peg, Meg, and Teg were first summoned Over Where, vast and varied life experience (along with wide reading choices) helped them adjust to a world where they were the only humans, magic was real, ships could fly, and reincarnation was a confirmed fact.
In the company of the “inquisitors,” Xerak, Grunwold, and Vereez, the three newly appointed mentors rediscovered the Library of the Sapphire Wind, and, within it, revelations that transformed the young people’s pasts into a vast tangle of lies and half-truths.
But there are still questions to be answered. Before they are done, Meg the retired librarian, Teg the archeologist-turned-mage, and the multi-talented, ever surprising Peg will deal with kidnappings, betrayal, arcane artifacts, romantic intrigues, and the inescapable reality that past lives cast long shadows.
Together, the three mentors and their young allies will uncover the startling truth about what lies on the other side of the Aurora Borealis Bridge—a truth that holds the secret of Over Where, and that will change all their lives forever.
About OverWhere:
"Library of the Sapphire Wind is classic Lindskold... If you’re looking for a well-written book with a fascinating cast of characters moving through an inventive and wondrous world, look no further."—The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction
"The older adventurers add some freshness to the setup, while the animal-headed youngsters charm. This vivid, magical tale is sure to please."—Publishers Weekly
"It expertly balances the thoughtful maturity of its older protagonists with the eager energies of its young ones... Combine that with its infectious sense of wonder, and it becomes something the fantasy world needs more of.?"—H.P. Holo, best-selling author of the Monster Punk Horizon series
About Jane Lindskold:
"Lindskold is one of those authors who write all sorts of books, slipping through various subgenres with the confident stride of a born storyteller who refuses to be pigeon-holed."—The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction
“Intricately plotted. . . . a thought-provoking tale of magic and politics, enlivened by Firekeeper's wry and wolfish point-of-view.” —Publishers Weekly on Wolf's Blood
“Lindskold delivers an exotic historical fantasy that takes the reader from Victorian England to Egypt.” —Publishers Weekly on The Buried Pyramid
“I loved it. A thrilling, edge-of-the-seat read—I couldn't put it down!” —Tamora Pierce on Fire Season (cowritten with David Weber)
Can it get any stranger? Absolutely!
When Peg, Meg, and Teg were first summoned Over Where, vast and varied life experience (along with wide reading choices) helped them adjust to a world where they were the only humans, magic was real, ships could fly, and reincarnation was a confirmed fact.
In the company of the “inquisitors,” Xerak, Grunwold, and Vereez, the three newly appointed mentors rediscovered the Library of the Sapphire Wind, and, within it, revelations that transformed the young people’s pasts into a vast tangle of lies and half-truths.
But there are still questions to be answered. Before they are done, Meg the retired librarian, Teg the archeologist-turned-mage, and the multi-talented, ever surprising Peg will deal with kidnappings, betrayal, arcane artifacts, romantic intrigues, and the inescapable reality that past lives cast long shadows.
Together, the three mentors and their young allies will uncover the startling truth about what lies on the other side of the Aurora Borealis Bridge—a truth that holds the secret of Over Where, and that will change all their lives forever.
About OverWhere:
"Library of the Sapphire Wind is classic Lindskold... If you’re looking for a well-written book with a fascinating cast of characters moving through an inventive and wondrous world, look no further."—The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction
"The older adventurers add some freshness to the setup, while the animal-headed youngsters charm. This vivid, magical tale is sure to please."—Publishers Weekly
"It expertly balances the thoughtful maturity of its older protagonists with the eager energies of its young ones... Combine that with its infectious sense of wonder, and it becomes something the fantasy world needs more of.?"—H.P. Holo, best-selling author of the Monster Punk Horizon series
About Jane Lindskold:
"Lindskold is one of those authors who write all sorts of books, slipping through various subgenres with the confident stride of a born storyteller who refuses to be pigeon-holed."—The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction
“Intricately plotted. . . . a thought-provoking tale of magic and politics, enlivened by Firekeeper's wry and wolfish point-of-view.” —Publishers Weekly on Wolf's Blood
“Lindskold delivers an exotic historical fantasy that takes the reader from Victorian England to Egypt.” —Publishers Weekly on The Buried Pyramid
“I loved it. A thrilling, edge-of-the-seat read—I couldn't put it down!” —Tamora Pierce on Fire Season (cowritten with David Weber)
1 pages, Audio CD
First published April 12, 2022
12 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Jane Lindskold
127 books655 followersJane Lindskold is the author of more than twenty published novels, including the eight volume Firekeeper Saga (beginning with Through Wolf’s Eyes), Child of a Rainless Year (a contemporary fantasy set in Las Vegas, New Mexico), and The Buried Pyramid (an archeological adventure fantasy set in 1880's Egypt).
Lindskold is also the author of the “Breaking the Wall” series, which begins with Thirteen Orphans, then continues in Nine Gates and Five Odd Honors. Her most recent series begins with Artemis Awakening, released in May of 2014. Lindskold has also had published over sixty short stories and numerous works of non-fiction, including a critical biography of Roger Zelazny, and articles on Yeats and Synge.
She has collaborated with several other SF/F writers, including Roger Zelazny, for whom, at his request, she posthumously finished his novels Donnerjack and Lord Demon. She has also collaborated with David Weber, writing several novellas and two YA novels set in his popular ”Honorverse.” She wrote the short story “Servant of Death” with Fred Saberhagen.
Charles de Lint, reviewing Changer, praised "Lindskold's ability to tell a fast-paced, contemporary story that still carries the weight and style of old mythological story cycles."[1] Terri Windling called Brother to Dragons, Companion to Owls "a complex, utterly original work of speculative fiction." DeLint has also stated that “Jane Lindskold is one of those hidden treasures of American letters; a true gem of a writer who simply gets better with each book.”
Lindskold was born in 1962 at the Columbia Hospital for Women, the first of four siblings and grew up in Washington, D.C. and Chesapeake Bay. Lindskold's father was head of the Land and Natural Resources Division, Western Division of the United States Justice Department and her mother was also an attorney. She studied at Fordham, where she received a Ph. D. in English, concentrating on Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern British Literature; she successfully defended her Ph.D. on her 26th birthday.
Lindskold lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband, archaeologist Jim Moore.
Lindskold is also the author of the “Breaking the Wall” series, which begins with Thirteen Orphans, then continues in Nine Gates and Five Odd Honors. Her most recent series begins with Artemis Awakening, released in May of 2014. Lindskold has also had published over sixty short stories and numerous works of non-fiction, including a critical biography of Roger Zelazny, and articles on Yeats and Synge.
She has collaborated with several other SF/F writers, including Roger Zelazny, for whom, at his request, she posthumously finished his novels Donnerjack and Lord Demon. She has also collaborated with David Weber, writing several novellas and two YA novels set in his popular ”Honorverse.” She wrote the short story “Servant of Death” with Fred Saberhagen.
Charles de Lint, reviewing Changer, praised "Lindskold's ability to tell a fast-paced, contemporary story that still carries the weight and style of old mythological story cycles."[1] Terri Windling called Brother to Dragons, Companion to Owls "a complex, utterly original work of speculative fiction." DeLint has also stated that “Jane Lindskold is one of those hidden treasures of American letters; a true gem of a writer who simply gets better with each book.”
Lindskold was born in 1962 at the Columbia Hospital for Women, the first of four siblings and grew up in Washington, D.C. and Chesapeake Bay. Lindskold's father was head of the Land and Natural Resources Division, Western Division of the United States Justice Department and her mother was also an attorney. She studied at Fordham, where she received a Ph. D. in English, concentrating on Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern British Literature; she successfully defended her Ph.D. on her 26th birthday.
Lindskold lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband, archaeologist Jim Moore.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 29, 2022
The mentors helped Grunwold in book 1 of Over Where. Vareez still wants to find her child and Xerak his master. Now that they have two parts of the Ba Djed the Library of the Sapphire Wind can scry for the child and the master wizard. No luck for Xerak, but they learn the child is half way around the world. They do Vareez's quest first.
I was a bit surprised. I assumed it would take the rest of the book to resolve that quest and there would be a third book to find Uten Kekui. They resolved the issue of Brunni in just a couple of chapters. Then on to Xerak's quest. The Library still couldn't find the wizard, they have to find the missing piece of Ba Djed first. Again resolved much quicker than I thought.
This book could almost have been separated into five or ten novellas. Don't worry, there was continuity. All six of our protagonists, seven if you include Kaj, get to show their skills and continue their growth. Some scenes were easier to visualize that others. Strong, well developed, characters. 4.1 stars.
I was a bit surprised. I assumed it would take the rest of the book to resolve that quest and there would be a third book to find Uten Kekui. They resolved the issue of Brunni in just a couple of chapters. Then on to Xerak's quest. The Library still couldn't find the wizard, they have to find the missing piece of Ba Djed first. Again resolved much quicker than I thought.
This book could almost have been separated into five or ten novellas. Don't worry, there was continuity. All six of our protagonists, seven if you include Kaj, get to show their skills and continue their growth. Some scenes were easier to visualize that others. Strong, well developed, characters. 4.1 stars.
November 29, 2023
Jane Lindskold wraps up this story in this duology quite nicely, finishing the story she set out to tell, but leaving open the door for more stories in this universe (she's already written and released book 3 in the Overwhere series). While this does nicely wrap everything up, it is kind of mixed for me.
I really enjoyed the whole plotline at the beginning of the book to find Vereez's daughter. I enjoyed the search for her, as well as the reveals that came with the story, as well as that subplot's conclusion. There is a "negotiating" sequence that was by far the best and most interesting part of the book to me. Lindskold did a great job of differentiating the characters of Meg, Peg and Teg (which I was unsure about those names, but they work for me now), and I thought that Teg, who got the most to do in this book, had a great character arc.
I did not, particularly enjoy the plotline about Xerax finding his master. First of all, I thought the magic talk was a little overboard here. I also didn't love everything the book did with Xerax and his master, which I'll leave at that for spoilers sake.
There is a creative choice in this book which links the world of Overwhere with ours. This isn't terribly surprising, as this duology heavily borrows from fairytale/fantasy stories like The Chronicles of Narnia. I thought the way that Lindskold combined the worlds was interesting, but not ideal. I would have preferred them to have more separate histories, and thought that the explanation here rewrote Christian history (kind of like "The Golden Compass" does) rubbed me the wrong way. I think it certainly made the story engaging, but I think there was a way to do this without changing the Bible.
The book does evoke old school adventurism which is really fun. There are elements of the style that I really enjoy and don't as much, so its had to pick out how I feel about the style overall. The covers for these books really capture that old school adventurism feel mixed with fantasy/fairy tale, and they really stood out when I showed them to my co-workers.
Overall, this book has some elements that I really loved, and some elements that I just didn't jive with. If you enjoyed book 1, I think I can say you'll be at least satisfied with this book, but I don't know if you'll love it. It might depend on the reader. For me, the book gets a 6 out of 10.
I really enjoyed the whole plotline at the beginning of the book to find Vereez's daughter. I enjoyed the search for her, as well as the reveals that came with the story, as well as that subplot's conclusion. There is a "negotiating" sequence that was by far the best and most interesting part of the book to me. Lindskold did a great job of differentiating the characters of Meg, Peg and Teg (which I was unsure about those names, but they work for me now), and I thought that Teg, who got the most to do in this book, had a great character arc.
I did not, particularly enjoy the plotline about Xerax finding his master. First of all, I thought the magic talk was a little overboard here. I also didn't love everything the book did with Xerax and his master, which I'll leave at that for spoilers sake.
There is a creative choice in this book which links the world of Overwhere with ours. This isn't terribly surprising, as this duology heavily borrows from fairytale/fantasy stories like The Chronicles of Narnia. I thought the way that Lindskold combined the worlds was interesting, but not ideal. I would have preferred them to have more separate histories, and thought that the explanation here rewrote Christian history (kind of like "The Golden Compass" does) rubbed me the wrong way. I think it certainly made the story engaging, but I think there was a way to do this without changing the Bible.
The book does evoke old school adventurism which is really fun. There are elements of the style that I really enjoy and don't as much, so its had to pick out how I feel about the style overall. The covers for these books really capture that old school adventurism feel mixed with fantasy/fairy tale, and they really stood out when I showed them to my co-workers.
Overall, this book has some elements that I really loved, and some elements that I just didn't jive with. If you enjoyed book 1, I think I can say you'll be at least satisfied with this book, but I don't know if you'll love it. It might depend on the reader. For me, the book gets a 6 out of 10.
May 17, 2022
Wow! Amazing book. do yourself a favor and read this series
As always, do t try to predict the end of a Jane Lindskold book. You can’t do it. The tale of three mentors who take on the task of advising three young beings not of Earth, find themselves making new self discoveries and better yet, that they are valued for the knowledge and skills they have acquired across their lives. A wonderful read with a strong twist at the end.
As always, do t try to predict the end of a Jane Lindskold book. You can’t do it. The tale of three mentors who take on the task of advising three young beings not of Earth, find themselves making new self discoveries and better yet, that they are valued for the knowledge and skills they have acquired across their lives. A wonderful read with a strong twist at the end.
May 16, 2023
A nice resolution to the story - I can see how this could have initially been published as a big novel cut in two. Some more might and magic in the latter half, and balanced character development. 9/10
April 14, 2022
Well, the second half of this novel sure packs a punch!
The first half, published as Library of the Sapphire Wind, reads more like a YA book.
We have three young (twenty-something) people who are searching for something. In our world, we would say that each has a "quest". Each is considered a "holdback" in their world because something in their life is "holding them back" from finally growing up and becoming adults.
The three women from our world were literally summoned as mentors to aid these three “inquisitors”.
Grunwold's holdback is that his father is dying from a baffling illness so that inquiry is taken up first in book one.
In book two, Vereez is looking for her lost "sister" (who turns out to actually be her daughter. given up for adoption four years ago). This holdback quest turns out to be a whole adventure in itself.
In the second half of book two finally, it is Xerak's turn. He is technically still an apprentice because he has not seen his master in over a year. His master seems to have vanished one day and that was it.
By the time that the group starts to look for Xerak's master, they have really come together and function well as a tight group supporting each other in ways magical as well as physical.
The second half of this novel did NOT read as a young adult novel anymore, in my opinion.
The young "inquisitors" have grown up during the course of these inquiries.
In our own world, of course, turning 18 years of age recognizes our young people as having gained their majority and now they can sign contracts, etc., as legal adults.
In their OverWhere world, the adults are supposed to declare teens & twenty-somethings adult. Age has nothing to do with it.
Thus, Vereez and Grunwold must both overcome their respective holdbacks AND get their respective parents to recognize them as adult.
And Xerak must find his master to be released from his apprenticeship and be recognized as a master himself.
Highly recommended for longtime fantasy readers and readers who enjoy fulfilling quests. I particularly enjoy parallel world stories, especially ones where characters can go back and forth from the respective planets at will.
This is a rich tale indeed and I understand now why it needed to be broken into two parts to tell the entire tale.
The first half, published as Library of the Sapphire Wind, reads more like a YA book.
We have three young (twenty-something) people who are searching for something. In our world, we would say that each has a "quest". Each is considered a "holdback" in their world because something in their life is "holding them back" from finally growing up and becoming adults.
The three women from our world were literally summoned as mentors to aid these three “inquisitors”.
Grunwold's holdback is that his father is dying from a baffling illness so that inquiry is taken up first in book one.
In book two, Vereez is looking for her lost "sister" (who turns out to actually be her daughter. given up for adoption four years ago). This holdback quest turns out to be a whole adventure in itself.
In the second half of book two finally, it is Xerak's turn. He is technically still an apprentice because he has not seen his master in over a year. His master seems to have vanished one day and that was it.
By the time that the group starts to look for Xerak's master, they have really come together and function well as a tight group supporting each other in ways magical as well as physical.
The second half of this novel did NOT read as a young adult novel anymore, in my opinion.
The young "inquisitors" have grown up during the course of these inquiries.
In our own world, of course, turning 18 years of age recognizes our young people as having gained their majority and now they can sign contracts, etc., as legal adults.
In their OverWhere world, the adults are supposed to declare teens & twenty-somethings adult. Age has nothing to do with it.
Thus, Vereez and Grunwold must both overcome their respective holdbacks AND get their respective parents to recognize them as adult.
And Xerak must find his master to be released from his apprenticeship and be recognized as a master himself.
Highly recommended for longtime fantasy readers and readers who enjoy fulfilling quests. I particularly enjoy parallel world stories, especially ones where characters can go back and forth from the respective planets at will.
This is a rich tale indeed and I understand now why it needed to be broken into two parts to tell the entire tale.
November 4, 2022
In many ways Aurora Borealis Bridge improves upon the previous installment. New characters come into play, acting as catalysts for growth and development in our beloved inquisitors. The fantastic creatures and settings are expanded upon, providing more eye candy for the imagination. Most importantly, Lindskold gives a solid origin story to Over Where that is satisfying and well thought-out. The story ends in a manner that ties up some important plot points while leaving the door open or readers to return one day, should the author be so inspired.
Pros:
More depth to the world and its creatures
Good character development
Our three mentors are as lovable as always
Satisfying ending
Cons:
A bit slow to start, but picks up quickly after that
Pros:
More depth to the world and its creatures
Good character development
Our three mentors are as lovable as always
Satisfying ending
Cons:
A bit slow to start, but picks up quickly after that
November 25, 2022
This book is very similar to the first one. It's a little slow and ultimately mediocre: not bad, just not great either. However, I liked the ending when the connection between the two worlds was explained. It was a cute novel.
May 4, 2022
Love love love!!!
I loved that the women were older, with experience, not some half baked teenaged girl with no sense. I absolutely cheer than all ages and walks of life are represented here with unique challenges, even the mentors. People continually learn about themselves and learn to challenge and reframe existing "beliefs".
It is a magical adventure and I really hope more is to come in this series!
I loved that the women were older, with experience, not some half baked teenaged girl with no sense. I absolutely cheer than all ages and walks of life are represented here with unique challenges, even the mentors. People continually learn about themselves and learn to challenge and reframe existing "beliefs".
It is a magical adventure and I really hope more is to come in this series!
April 9, 2022
fantastic
Great immersive read. The characters are delightful at the same time as being very real, each with strengths and weaknesses that make for a versatile ensemble.
Only regret in reading is that the end came too soon!
Great immersive read. The characters are delightful at the same time as being very real, each with strengths and weaknesses that make for a versatile ensemble.
Only regret in reading is that the end came too soon!
April 28, 2022
A satisfying End to the duology
Thoroughly enjoyed solving the other quests of the hold backs and learning more about Over Where. Characterization remained engaging and interesting plot. Highly recommended.
Thoroughly enjoyed solving the other quests of the hold backs and learning more about Over Where. Characterization remained engaging and interesting plot. Highly recommended.
September 5, 2022
Reading from the second book in a series can often be a hindrance to understanding the current book. That was my situation when I began this book. No knowing the prior book left holes that I had fill; this book lacks a prologue that would have helped. The concept of two worlds, one with magic and one without, populated by strange creatures in one and humans in and from the other is fascinating. Of course, ignoring human physics and biology in the “magic” world was disconcerting at first, but further reading and envisioning during the story humanized those creatures. Only the infrequent references to the creatures animal characteristics reminded me of their different nature. I enjoyed that three of the humans were women and late middle age or older and were more than equal to the male creatures and were mentors. This book is an easy read, but I only read it during lunch, which explains why it took a while to finish it.
October 28, 2024
A solid "cozy" adventure book. I like all the characters and the adventure is mostly wholesome but there are a few parts that jolted me out of the story.
The story wrapped up all the loose ends satisfactorily and still left it open enough to have more adventures with all of the characters. I am curious to see what the third book is about.
3/5 stars.
The story wrapped up all the loose ends satisfactorily and still left it open enough to have more adventures with all of the characters. I am curious to see what the third book is about.
3/5 stars.
June 16, 2023
Together with the first book, The Library of the Sapphire Wind, a fun and exciting story. A retired librarian, an archaeologist, and a divorced mother and grandmother are called into another, very different, world where magic is commonplace to help three twenty-something seekers solve the issues that are holding them back from adulthood. Together they uncover secrets revealing and possibly save the world.
I've pre-ordered the next book. Though this story is complete, I want to see what these characters get up to next.
I've pre-ordered the next book. Though this story is complete, I want to see what these characters get up to next.
January 5, 2024
I must say that the first half of this book was a bit slow. Set up is fine generally. But boy howdy once it gets rolling, it doesn't let up. The author does a great job of expanding the world without forcing it. And by the time you get to the end, you end up wanting more. The imagery of the Angel and the Leviathan battles is really well done. Any book that references the art and craft of spinning yarn is okay in my book. The way that is brought into the world is very compelling. And the characters really zing in this one. Very impressive.
January 17, 2024
I read this one slowly over a couple months. I have not read the first one. I think I would like to (and there's a sequel). It's a portal fantasy, with three youths on a quest, and they have summoned to their aid a trio of elderly/experienced women from our world. So there ends up being about 7 main characters, who each have their own arcs, and also a lot of worldbuilding going on, with magical artifacts and reincarnation and multiple locations. Classic type of fantasy, except the amount of time we spend with the septuagenarians.
August 27, 2022
This was an excellent book! I loved the characters. They were believable and relatable. The story was exciting. I couldn't put the book down. Jane Lindskold is a talented writer. I highly recommend this series!
Read
March 31, 2023I tried several times, but I couldn't get into it.
November 18, 2023
An enjoyable second in this fantasy/adventure series.
April 13, 2024
Almost 5 stars (solid 9/10). The characters stay very true to themselves. Enjoyed the contrast between life and law.
May 20, 2025
Very nice!
May 30, 2022
In the first book three animorphic characters in an other world summoned three older ladies to their world, and it was the job of the older ladies to be mentors to the animorphic characters as they pursed their personal quests. In the first book they completed one of the quests, which was to find the cure for sickness that was slowly killing the father of one of the animorphic characters.
In this the second book, the quests continue. They find the missing child of the second animorphic person, and find the disappeared master of the third. In doing so, the humans and the animorphics find out the roots that support both of their worlds are beginning to fail, and it become incumbent on them to right the situation.
The overall plot is really good, but sometimes Lindskold's writing can be very pedestrian.
In this the second book, the quests continue. They find the missing child of the second animorphic person, and find the disappeared master of the third. In doing so, the humans and the animorphics find out the roots that support both of their worlds are beginning to fail, and it become incumbent on them to right the situation.
The overall plot is really good, but sometimes Lindskold's writing can be very pedestrian.
April 6, 2022
The retired librarian, archeologist on leave, & alt-rock singer from "Library of the Sapphire Wind" embark on a new mission--to rescue a kidnapped 4-year-old before her personality is over-written, to locate a missing wizard, & to find a talisman from OverWhere misplaced on Earth which is needed to preserve the Bridge of Souls that permits the dead to reincarnate. The indomitable trio, magically transported from their Bay Area book group into an alternate world of animal-headed beings, discover unknown talents as they use their accumulated wisdom to help their young proteges with their problems. Another delightful episode in the saga of Over Where.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews