Embracing the Magic of Small-Town Life: A Review of The Glittering Edge (The Idlewood Duology, #1) by Jess Villaire
As a self-proclaimed lover of all things magical and whimsical, The Glittering Edge instantly captured my attention with its inviting premise of small-town charm sprinkled with a dash of magic. I received an ARC of this delightful young adult novel through NetGalley (thank you, by the way!), and it felt like a sweet escape into a world where the mundane meets the extraordinary.
What stood out to me the most were the extraordinarily relatable characters, particularly Penny and her wonderfully unconventional family. Raised by a single mom and a fabulous gay best friend who runs a local café and moonlights in drag shows, Penny’s world feels warm and familiar. The interactions between her and her mom radiate such affection that even while cozied up alone on my couch, I felt wrapped in a comforting hug. Jess Villaire effectively captures that dynamic, especially when Penny’s mom is absent for much of the story, making their connection even more poignant.
Then there’s Corey, the gentle boy in what turns out to be a love triangle. In a world where YA often favors the brooding ‘bad boy’ trope, I found myself rooting for him wholeheartedly. His character offers a balance to the more tumultuous elements of the story, and I appreciated the way Villaire developed his warm, kind-hearted persona.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the love triangle. At 27, I think I might have aged out of this trope. Sure, Penny’s indecision is a classic teenage dilemma, but the ultimate choice she makes leaves a lingering question mark in my mind. I couldn’t help but feel that she chose the “wrong” boy, especially paired with Alonso’s off-putting bad-boy act. His relationship with Penny rubbed me the wrong way, particularly a line towards the end that suggested Penny’s actions warranted impulsivity from him. My thoughts echoed in the back of my mind, "Ew!" It felt both immature and out of touch, establishing more cringe than chemistry, which left me hoping for a more thought-out dynamic.
Reading The Glittering Edge, I couldn’t shake the feeling that while I still enjoy YA, I found this particular title leaning into the more juvenile aspects of the genre. There was an air of inexperience that permeated the story; even a hint of a sex scene felt almost like a feather-light touch rather than a deeper dive. Maybe it’s a “me” issue—after all, ten years can shift perspectives mightily. But then again, that’s the beauty of YA, isn’t it? It captures the tumult of young love and the vibrant chaos of adolescence.
Despite these reservations, I can confidently say that The Glittering Edge will resonate with many young readers, particularly those intrigued by light-hearted narratives and relatable character dynamics. It’s a charming read for anyone still discovering the magic of their own lives or navigating the tricky waters of first loves.
In conclusion, Villaire’s debut in The Idlewood Duology offers warmth, laughter, and a sprinkle of magic that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of cozy, small-town tales. While it may not align with my older perspective, I can see many readers falling head over heels for Penny’s journey—and perhaps, just maybe, for the right boy in the end. As for me, it’s back to the drawing board of finding that next perfect read!
Discover more about The Glittering Edge (The Idlewood Duology, #1) on GoodReads >>