Edgewise by krazydiamond

Review

Calponia Anders was a magnet for disaster.

She always thought her luck was as bad as it could get, but she never once considered that she was—in fact—cursed. Not until fate brought her together with Macklemore Edgewise, the proprietor of the Edgewise tavern who happened to be on the lookout for a tavern wench to hire.

Despite Calponia's persistent misfortune and mishaps, Mack agreed to hire her because well... the tavern liked her.

It was a sentient entity after all.

Desperate for a job and on the verge of being homeless, Calponia clung on to the opportunity by her fingernails even though it dragged her into a strange world she had no idea about.

She found out that the Edgewise had a mystical nature; it was a place that existed everywhere and nowhere. It was the between of all places. A sanctuary to all realms and all kinds of creatures. Like the usual patrons who were vouching for her; Cesario: a Shakespearean vagabond, and Eugene, a vampire with a very odd name—or so she thought.

And if one ever found its door, and the tavern accepted them, they had to abide by the rules:

1. Leave all conflicts outside.

2. No murdering one another. Occasional maiming and righteous wounding exempt.

3. Never leave the door open. There's no telling what will sneak in.

The second Calponia sat foot inside the tavern, Mack knew that her misfortune had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with a curse that he labeled the bête noir. Knowing how destructive her curse was, Mack decided to help her and even take her under his wing.

Despite her cursed personage, Calponia agreed to be Mack's apprentice, something that led her into a journey full of many realms with bloodthirsty creatures and dangerous encounters...

It won't take long before you find yourself engrossed in the fascinating world of Edgewise.

The story is immensely enjoyable and unique with perfectly executed worldbuilding. It has it all with its great characters and a storyline to die for. And it allows us an escape from the reality of the world we are living in.

But make sure to always remember the most important rule: whenever you step into the Edgewise, don't ever leave the door open...

Reviewer: aya_sherif