When the Bough Breaks: A Novel of the Serrated Edge [Mass Market Paperback]

Mercedes Lackey (Author), Holly Lisle (Author), Larry Elmore (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1993

In the latest installment of the SERRAted Edge series, elf-driver Maclyn, his road crew mechanic/mother Dierdre, and the spirit of an ancient Celtic witch come to the rescue of one frail blonde girl, who just might be the strongest psi power on either side of Faerie--and who just might destroy both worlds if her pain isn't healed. Others in the series are Born to Run and Wheels of Fire.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Baen (January 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671721542
• ISBN-13: 978-0671721541
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #915,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A realistic depiction of MPD w/in a gripping urban fantasy., June 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: When the Bough Breaks: A Novel of the Serrated Edge (Mass Market Paperback)

I read all and own most of Lackey's novels, including collaborations. I particulary like her urban fantasies because they grapple fearlessly--and realistically--with real-life issues. In When the Bough Breaks, the authors portray multiple personality disorder very truly, yet merge it seamlessly with the other aspects of the story. Don't get me wrong! This is not some psychological narrative, but another excellent combination of fantasy and modern life from master storytellers. I highly recommend it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Serious Subject, September 20, 2005

By 

Marc Ruby™ "The Noh Hare™" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: When the Bough Breaks: A Novel of the Serrated Edge (Mass Market Paperback)

It's embarrassing when a book has been sitting on a 'to be read' pile for so long the pages are yellowing. And I like Mercedes Lackey. Perhaps it was the idea of Elf racecar drivers that put me off. It seemed like stretching the elf prototype a bit. And maybe it's just a little too cutesy.

Yet 'When the Bough Breaks' is anything but a cute story. Racing is a backdrop for the story of an Elf (Mac Lynn) who is uncomfortable with his heritage and falling in love with a human (Lianne McCormick) for the second time. He should know better one would think, but there is something in the Elven mind that is drawn to drama. But even that isn't the real center of the story.

Amanda is a pre-adolescent girl who comes from an abusive family. Not a little abusive, but a lot abusive. So abusive that her personality has divided in order that some parts of her mind can never have to know the horrible truth. So abusive that her massive psychic talent has awakened and, if she cannot learn to master her anger, it may very well bring the Elven world down. The only think holding together is that one of her personalities isn't hers, but that of an ancient druid witch.

Mac and Lianne struggle to extract Amanda from her wealthy but hopeless environment, but are hampered on all sides. Not only is Amanda herself a threat, but several psychic hunters are determined to kidnap Mac or Amanda and enslave them for their powers. It will take a miracle for this to work out well, and, frankly, well just may not be an option.

As much as I applaud Lackey and Lisle for making a real statement about the horrors of child abuse, the plot is heavy handed in other places with less effect. There's are too many things going on and this weakens the plot line around Amanda. And Mac Lynn's antics provide a distracting and almost innapropriate contrast to the core issues. I would have liked to see this be a simpler, darker story with a less predictable conclusion.

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-provoking and informative, May 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: When the Bough Breaks: A Novel of the Serrated Edge (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a brilliant book. It manages to deal with a very topical issue, without being too preachy. I particularly liked the ending where the villian gets his just desserts ~ if only such options were possible in real life!!