Jesca Gershon-Sera has nightmares that cause sleep paralysis. These horrific dreams soon become a humming she feels in certain situations, along with the sense some people aren't what they appear to be. The worst of these dreams involves her adoptive parents' murders, something she doesn't believe s... more

Jesca Gershon-Sera has nightmares that cause sleep paralysis. These horrific dreams soon become a humming she feels in certain situations, along with the sense some people aren't what they appear to be. The worst of these dreams involves her adoptive parents' murders, something she doesn't believe she can prevent, until another presence steps in to show her the way. Soon, she learns she's a guardian and her duty is to protect the world from those of Sonde, a parallel universe. The long battle for dominance engulfs Jesca, and she learns she has a deep connection, like that of soul mates, to another guardian. But she can't stay with this man, and he severs the link between them so they can get about their duties. Without family close, Jesca is learning a new city, honing her abilities, and making friends. Yet, she's always on edge, wondering which friend will turn on her, will be the enemy. Venessa Kimball weaves a tale combining science about wormholes with religion with ease. Her well-rounded characters are very human, with flaws that keep them back from easily achieving their goals. The reader will sympathize with Jesca being ripped from her comfort zone to a training session most will groan thinking about. The posting to Miami seems like a dream, with beaches, an easy school schedule, and new friends popping up from everywhere, but for Jesca it's being alert every minute, ensuring she doesn't fall into a trap. This introduction to the Piercing the Fold series will have the reader hanging on to the last work, waiting breathlessly for the release of Surfacing the Rim. I found this to be a great read, for anyone interested in travel between alternate universes. It will attract an audience in young adults who are looking for a new voice and a main character they can relate to.