Across the Great Barrier

Eff, a young woman with untapped magical potential, finds herself at a crossroads. While others expect her to embrace her inherent power and perform feats of wonder, Eff grapples with the weight of such expectations, uncertain if she desires the accompanying responsibility. Adding to her internal conflict is her twin brother, Lan, a formidable mage himself, who resents the attention Eff garners. Despite her insistence on her ordinariness, circumstances conspire to push Eff beyond the protective Barrier Spell, accompanying a new professor into a land teeming with both magical and wild perils. To navigate this treacherous territory and return home, Eff must draw upon every ounce of her strength, both seen and unseen. This novel is a quintessential Patricia C. Wrede story, showcasing her signature blend of accessible fantasy, compelling female protagonists, and sharp wit. *Across the Great Barrier* embodies her talent for creating relatable characters wrestling with self-discovery amidst extraordinary circumstances. Wrede's adeptness at world-building, where magic is both wondrous and a tangible force, is on full display here, as is her exploration of themes like familial expectations and the courage to define one's own path. For fans of her beloved *Enchanted Forest Chronicles*, this novel offers a similar charm and adventurous spirit, solidifying its place among her best works for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and Wrede's unique narrative voice.