The Absolute Book

How it reads

The Absolute Book is fantasy (portal fantasy, specifically), and its dominant mood is adventurous. It's driven by momentum, discovery and getting into trouble. The pace is moderate — neither a page-turner nor a slow burn — so it holds up whether you read it in long sittings or short ones.

It's set in several locations, in the present day, told in the third person, staying close to one character. Its central concerns are secrets, family and power and politics. In weight it sits in the middle: substantial without being heavy going.

It stands alone, so there's nothing else you need to read first or after. The ending is bittersweet: it resolves, but at a price. It's a long book, and a real commitment. It's moderately known: read by plenty of people, but not a household name.