All the birds in the sky by Charlie Jane Anders
Published: January 26th 2016 by Tor Books
Genre: Fiction, fantasy, science fiction, magical realism
Pages: 320

This book is what happens when you throw absolutely all the rules out of the window. Just when I thought I had a grasp on what was going on, it changed. I have never read a book like this, and I’m not sure that’s a good thing.

The story begins with Patricia and Laurence who are young outcasts. Patricia is a witch who speaks to animals and Laurence is a scientist/inventor who has invented a time machine that can transport him two seconds into the future.

The world outside them doesn’t seem to share in the knowledge of the world they live in, it’s reminiscent of Matilda how they are so special and the grown ups around them dismiss them completely and all come off as mean obstacles.

And just as I get used to these two kids living in each their own genre, an assassin with the thought process of a five year old shows up! (What?)

Just as I am gently stepping out of the box and getting used to the unusual narrative, they age and find schools that speaks to their special talents and a whole new world opens up. It goes from YA to an adult book and from peculiar to irksome.

I think this book might fall into the love it or hate it “genre”. It feels to me like a book that is very special but that I just don’t understand. All the mysticism bores me and the central relationship irritates me. I don’t like Patricia and Laurence together, I get the sense that Patricia feels superior and Laurence is so insecure he tries too hard to prove himself.

To be honest I was drawn into the book by the cover, which I find beautiful. (Yes, I judged the book by it’s cover!) Perhaps, had I done a little research first, I would have known that this wasn’t really up my alley. Also I found it in the YA section, but this definitely isn’t a YA book.

I don’t even know what this is, it defies all description. If you want a mindfuck kind of experience, I recommend this book. If you prefer a story stay within certain lines, then get something else.