When the Bough Breaks: A Novel of the Serrated Edge (Mass Market Paperback)

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

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Equipped with more inherent psi power than any mortal or elf, an abused little girl threatens to destroy Earth and the Faerie world, unless the elves can stop her.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Baen; Other Printing edition (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.com Sales Rank: #741,319 in Books (See Bestsellers 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

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 (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars GREAT, November 19, 1998

By A Customer

This is an extraordinary book all of those who have read Lackey's Valdemar series would love this book(I know I did). It's got everything!!!! Magic, Elves(and wow on those Elves)(tray cool!!) And enough excitement and danger to keep you reading!!!!