Just Once Upon A Time

by H.L. Edwards

Parents attempt to guide kids with unique abilities toward a normal existence in this fantastical novel about the struggles with otherworldly power. When a bewildered woman named Lisa makes mysterious contact with another planet, she coaxes a fellow apartment dweller to marry her, so she won’t have her baby alone. Together, they raise their child, William, who goes on to have children endowed with special abilities. Despite this, he and his wife hope for a peaceful existence for the rest of their lives. But can people with extraordinary talents really learn to live with superpowers and never use them? Or is ordinary too overrated? Children must manage the challenges of special powers in order to be a regular family in this mind-opening adventure that will extend beyond readers’ wildest imaginations.

257 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Katharine A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book to pre-read for my teenager, who likes a mix of realism and fantasy (with a lot of romance mixed in). Character development begins right on the first page, where we encounter a supposedly perfect family – talented, wealthy, and good-looking. They’re like a kinder, gentler “Succession” without the drugs and conniving. Looks can still be deceiving, however, and there’s a sinister (you might say alien) tone that creeps in. I was particularly drawn to the daughter, Katherine, for her intensity and creative bent. She also reveals a bit of darkness and obsessiveness, upon closer examination – it’s always more interesting to read about characters who aren’t 100% good, but who have a streak of something secret, furtive, strange. Author Edwards weaves a very formal tone in with intrigue and romance. I liked the deep and weirdly immediate love of William and Carolyn Burnham, which added depth to the story (why was Carolyn, a brilliant beauty, so drawn to this awkward figure? Did she sense something about his past, something that enriched her own story?). The formal tone – especially in dialogue – adds to the general creepiness of the storyline. The implications of the family’s “abilities” are so subtle, you might miss them, but wait for them to strike: There are hints dropped from the midst of a clear blue sky to catch and unravel. In fact, this is a story largely told in voices, which makes for a very direct and present experience of the plot-line: We’re facing occurrences right alongside the characters. As a former resident, I enjoyed the details about the city of Chicago and surrounding area. In sum, a read especially for kids interested in “realistic fantasy.”

[K Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Once Upon a Time takes you on a journey through the lives of a family with an unusual secret, inviting you into a world where identity is both a gift and something to hide. H.L. Edwards is an elaborate writer who captures your attention the moment you begin this book. The story is set in today’s era which makes it easy to relate to the characters and how they navigate their world. On top of that, the characters are interesting, and the storyline gets your imagination going. If you haven’t already imagined what it would be like to have superpowers, this book opens your mind to that possibility. A mixture of thrill and suspense, this is a story that does not only underscore the complexity of family dynamics, but the ambiguity in love when wealth is involved. What I enjoyed most about this book were the characters, Edwards' use of dialogue, and the pace of the story. If you’re looking for a fantasy novel, this story is for you. It’s a page turner that’ll keep you wondering. I highly recommend this book!

[Jonn'a Runnels · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bright and inviting cover of the book drew me in immediately and the title “Just Once Upon a Time” made me curious as to what the book is about. The characters in the story start off as a mystery to the reader, but H. L. Edwards quickly sets up the main characters for the book and does a wonderful job with giving the reader past knowledge of the characters, and their relationships, to help us understand them in the present. Edwards does a great job of showing the characters feelings and expressing their thoughts. All of the characters' loving bonds and relationships are made evident throughout the story. The unique plot of the story keeps you asking questions as you read and keeps you engaged with the journey William is on. I think that Edwards does a great job describing the surroundings in the book to give the reader a clear mental picture of what is happening as they read through. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys fantasy and romance as much as I do.