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Description
In a wasteland where eternal daylight has eliminated time itself, fifteen-year-old Ezra encounters the wealthy and rebellious Amaryllis Ruben, recently expelled from boarding school and hiding secrets even she doesn't understand. As war threatens Britain in 1937, Ezra becomes entangled with Amaryllis and her father Arnold, an eccentric playboy who is secretly building a machine to manipulate time and protect his daughter forever. Ezra must navigate this strange world of privilege and forbidden science while uncovering the truth behind the Ruben family's dangerous ambitions.
Quick Summary
If you're looking for a story that bends the rules of growing up, this one really sticks with you. Amy Ruben is stuck at age twelve forever because her brilliant but obsessive father built a machine to keep her young, and she's getting pretty tired of being treated like a kid when she feels so much older inside. The twisty plot throws her into a world of dangerous enemies and strange magic, and Amy has to figure out who she really is when everyone around her including her own dad treats her like a permanent child. Fans of fairy tale retellings and books about complicated families will find a lot to love here, especially readers who enjoy stories with a slightly dark edge and real emotional depth. Parents should know it gets pretty intense in places with some creepy moments and weighty themes about control, identity, and what it means to grow up on your own terms. The writing is sharp and keeps you turning pages despite the hefty word count, making it a solid pick for teens who like fantasy that doesn't shy away from the messy parts of family life. If you enjoyed "The Misfits" or stories where the protagonist has to outsmart grown-ups while dealing with supernatural threats, this hits similar notes.