Outstanding! A well written and imaginative sci-fi fantasy that reads easily and quickly. It was, literally, difficult for me to put down. As Alex deals with failure and loss, he finds redemption in new friends and he finds unexpected love. His guilt keeps him from opening fully to his new found hope, but even the deepest wounds can be healed by love. Olivia accepts him for who he is and Mike offers not just friendship but understanding. Mike has a deep need for Alex, though, that is rooted in Alex's very being and in the magic he thinks he's lost. But like the love and friendship he has denied himself, his magic too, may still be there, laying dormant waiting for healing. This is a well crafted story that moves rapidly and encourages the reader to hear that healing is possible, and that hope can be found in faith, love, and friendship. ( )