What do you think?
The Lex Chronicles #1
The Edge of Nothing
Lex wakes, tied to a chair. His captors demand vengeance, but for what? No memory of his past--no time to revisit it. Lex fights to survive in a strange world of magic, bizarre creatures, and ancient secrets. In Arameth, nearly everyone knows Lex's face... but they all want him dead.
Portal into an epic fantasy / soft sci-fi mashup teeming with quirky characters, shocking twists, and high-stakes adventure.
If you've never white knuckled a book before, you're in for a wild ride of heroic destinies, romantic sub-plots, and lack of sleep from late night binge-reading.
Portal into an epic fantasy / soft sci-fi mashup teeming with quirky characters, shocking twists, and high-stakes adventure.
If you've never white knuckled a book before, you're in for a wild ride of heroic destinies, romantic sub-plots, and lack of sleep from late night binge-reading.
- GenresFantasy
322 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2018
About the author
Crystal Crawford
45 books37 followersCrystal Crawford writes YA fantasy (and a smattering of other genres) in Florida, where every natural body of water hides something that could eat you, and if they don't get you, the weather might. She lives with her husband and their four kids, who support her dream of writing and drinking far too much coffee. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys napping, reading, playing video games, watching shows with her family, and recording secret singing videos in her closet, though most days you'll find her doing laundry and homeschooling the kids.
Crystal also loves connecting with her readers! For more information, visit http://ccrawfordwriting.com, follow her on Facebook at http://facebook.com/ccrawfordwriting or email her at ccrawford@ccrawfordwriting.com.
Crystal also loves connecting with her readers! For more information, visit http://ccrawfordwriting.com, follow her on Facebook at http://facebook.com/ccrawfordwriting or email her at ccrawford@ccrawfordwriting.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 22, 2018
After 4 hours of listening, main hero started to weep "What is happening to me, what the hell is happening here i dont understand anything" and i must tottaly agree with him.
July 12, 2018
Hoooooo, brother. This story. What an amazing trip this was.
From the very beginning, this book hits you like a train that goes up in a fiery blaze of glory. You land yourself in the story just as the main character, Lex, wakes up and ALSO lands in the story. Having amnesia, he has no idea what the heck is going on, and neither do you as you follow this fast-paced story to the truth. The confusion can be a serious frustration at times, but oh my word, the payoff is worth every. second. This plot never fails to capture your attention, twisting and turning in ways I never even considered, the settings are vivid and feel real enough to visit, and the characters. Oh, the characters. Crystal makes you fall in love with each and every one as she displays their strengths and weaknesses in brutally raw ways. You relate to them on so many levels, can't help but cheer when they succeed, and cheer harder when they fall to get back up.
This book is fantastic. I recommend it to anyone who craves a fast, exciting read full of bright characters, enchanting settings, and a dozen plot-twists. 'Tis not for the faint of heart, though you will feel faint by the end... and then rejuvinated as you realize there is a second book that you need to go read NOW NOW NOW.
From the very beginning, this book hits you like a train that goes up in a fiery blaze of glory. You land yourself in the story just as the main character, Lex, wakes up and ALSO lands in the story. Having amnesia, he has no idea what the heck is going on, and neither do you as you follow this fast-paced story to the truth. The confusion can be a serious frustration at times, but oh my word, the payoff is worth every. second. This plot never fails to capture your attention, twisting and turning in ways I never even considered, the settings are vivid and feel real enough to visit, and the characters. Oh, the characters. Crystal makes you fall in love with each and every one as she displays their strengths and weaknesses in brutally raw ways. You relate to them on so many levels, can't help but cheer when they succeed, and cheer harder when they fall to get back up.
This book is fantastic. I recommend it to anyone who craves a fast, exciting read full of bright characters, enchanting settings, and a dozen plot-twists. 'Tis not for the faint of heart, though you will feel faint by the end... and then rejuvinated as you realize there is a second book that you need to go read NOW NOW NOW.
February 29, 2024
Kept sucking me in. Really intriguing premise that gets slow dripped with just enough revealed to keep you pushing forward to read more.
I had a few ideas of where this was going or could go based on similar setups, but ... it wasn't EXACTLY any of the things I expected.
Trigger: There's more child death in this than I expected. Like death in fantasy books, not really unexpected, but there are two plot points where specifically young children die (including an infant death) that anyone who has had trauma regarding that should probably be forewarned, and other scenes of destruction that more indirectly reference the death of children.
I had a few ideas of where this was going or could go based on similar setups, but ... it wasn't EXACTLY any of the things I expected.
Trigger: There's more child death in this than I expected. Like death in fantasy books, not really unexpected, but there are two plot points where specifically young children die (including an infant death) that anyone who has had trauma regarding that should probably be forewarned, and other scenes of destruction that more indirectly reference the death of children.
August 2, 2018
While I had a bit of trouble getting into this novel, I'm so glad I stuck with it as the payoff was definitely worth it!
Lex, the main character, finds himself experiencing visions. Sometimes, these take place in the world he knows and calls home, and sometimes, they take place in a world more familiar to readers. The novel sees Lex gradually learning more about the visions while being chased across his world by people and creatures he doesn't understand. Throw his doubts about his travelling companions in, and there's a lot of tension and uncertainty in this read!
The author does an excellent job bringing the world to life. The characters are well-developed and very real.
As this is a series, it shouldn't be a surprise that there is a cliffhanger of an ending, but it fits well with the flow of the story.
The hardest part, for me, was figuring out the logistics of the world (what is reality, etc). In fact, I'm still not totally clear on that, but I still really enjoyed the read.
I found that this was, largely, a world I enjoyed visiting, and I'm very interested to learn more about Lex's (and his companions!) fate, as well as more of this world's history and political situation.
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
Lex, the main character, finds himself experiencing visions. Sometimes, these take place in the world he knows and calls home, and sometimes, they take place in a world more familiar to readers. The novel sees Lex gradually learning more about the visions while being chased across his world by people and creatures he doesn't understand. Throw his doubts about his travelling companions in, and there's a lot of tension and uncertainty in this read!
The author does an excellent job bringing the world to life. The characters are well-developed and very real.
As this is a series, it shouldn't be a surprise that there is a cliffhanger of an ending, but it fits well with the flow of the story.
The hardest part, for me, was figuring out the logistics of the world (what is reality, etc). In fact, I'm still not totally clear on that, but I still really enjoyed the read.
I found that this was, largely, a world I enjoyed visiting, and I'm very interested to learn more about Lex's (and his companions!) fate, as well as more of this world's history and political situation.
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
December 25, 2018
The Edge of Nothing, by Crystal Crawford, is a roller-coaster ride. The main character, Lex, "wakes" tied to a chair surrounded by men who want to kill him. But Lex has no memory of anything, let alone what he may have done to anger these men. He manages to escape and befriends a strange girl he's not sure he can trust, Amelia. They escape creatures and land tsunami's, all the while, Lex is having bizarre memories that aren't his own and he still has no idea who he is.
When we finally meet Nigel (one of my favorite characters), learn what is happening, who Lex is, and the truth about this strange world, Arameth, the author does not disappoint. And I must say, Crawford delivers an amazing revelation and her world, Arameth, has quite the unexpected, yet unique and believable explanation.
My favorite aspect of this story is Crawford's characters and her world-building. Both jump off the page as true-to-life. I probably would have given this five stars had I not gotten confused at a few parts. But I must admit that may not be the fault of the author so much as my brain's (at moment's a little too tired) inability to follow along such a deep and sometimes twisty train of thought. But her world building will entertain both fantasy and sci-fi readers alike.
If you enjoy non-stop adventure with entertaining characters in a world that will lure you into believing its possibility, then dive into The Edge of Nothing.
When we finally meet Nigel (one of my favorite characters), learn what is happening, who Lex is, and the truth about this strange world, Arameth, the author does not disappoint. And I must say, Crawford delivers an amazing revelation and her world, Arameth, has quite the unexpected, yet unique and believable explanation.
My favorite aspect of this story is Crawford's characters and her world-building. Both jump off the page as true-to-life. I probably would have given this five stars had I not gotten confused at a few parts. But I must admit that may not be the fault of the author so much as my brain's (at moment's a little too tired) inability to follow along such a deep and sometimes twisty train of thought. But her world building will entertain both fantasy and sci-fi readers alike.
If you enjoy non-stop adventure with entertaining characters in a world that will lure you into believing its possibility, then dive into The Edge of Nothing.
July 16, 2018
This book was amazing! You feel like you have been dumped into the story just like the hero, Lex, has. He has no idea who he is, where he is, and why on earth everyone is intent on seeing him dead. I wanted to know all of those things just as much as he did; and, because Crawford is that good of an author, I only learned them when Lex did. All of the characters were so incredible and incredibly realistic. I felt like I was in Arameth experiencing all of the dangers and joys right along with them. The story was very clean, and extremely well written. I am glad to know that this is first in what promises to be an excellent series!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only*
July 11, 2018
Love this book. From the very beginning, it draws you in with its unique premise. It pulls you to the edge of your seat and keeps you there with its plot twists and cliffhangers that will take your breath away. You will fall in love with the characters, laughing along with them and rooting for them to succeed. The world of Arameth is enchanting and you won't want to leave. It's a good thing more books are coming because this one will definitely leave you wanting more.
July 12, 2018
I got a free copy from Voracious Readers and at first I thought I might not enjoy it but I was so wrong! I'm nearly finished with this book and I love it so much
July 7, 2018
Intrigue and adventure from the very start! Sympathetic characters whom you care about it. I very much enjoyed reading this and look forward to Book Two.
April 15, 2020
I started listening to this book a couple of weeks ago. I finally finished it today, which is substantially longer than it normally takes me for a book of this length. Part of the reason is definitely because of my current workload, minus my former commute time, minus the other time that I used to be able to listen to audiobooks that I wasn't working on myself due to quarantinish stuff. Bbut part of the reason I didn't finish it sooner was because I had to force myself to listen to it.
I'm conflicted about this book. I really enjoyed the plot, and the writing was good. Not amazing, but engaging. The characters were interesting & the amount that you continue to discover the truth about the characters kept me listening. It did take some time to get into the plot itself though based on the similarities to Inception. Lex, the main character, is constantly shifting from one body & perspective to another. I got a little tired of the phrase “the world tilted.” My initial listening was taking place while I was doing some grocery shopping & it probably affected my initial impression. You don't know what is reality, how anything is connected, and Lex has no memory of who he was before the beginning of the story. You eventually get answers to these questions but not until MANY chapters in. Unless you are able to focus solely on this audiobook to begin, it might be better to read the beginning.
And sadly, that's what I'd recommend based on the narrator's overall performance as well. Gilliam's characterizations are adequate & you can differentiate between the characters fairly easily, but every sentence seems to have the same rhythm. And then there's the emotional range. Its either mellow, conversational, or if a character is in any kind of anxious situation, he's yelling. Quite literally. The author doesn't even have to say “they shouted” and he's shouting. In your ear. Again and again. And again. Tense part? Time to shout. Action scene? Yelling scene. Don't worry, if the author says "shouted so and so," he lets you know too. And when he's yelling you really can't tell one character from another. The sound quality, when not yelling, is decent. I also wasn't fond of how exceedingly caricatured he did Nigel. Reminded me of the teacher who catches Daschel Robert Parr on film putting a tack on his seat.
I enjoyed the story & if it were available narrated by someone else, I would continue the series, but for someone who listens on nice headphones... I can't recommend it at all, and as Gilliam narrates at least the next book in the series, I'm afraid I won't find out what happens in Aremeth.
I did like the way that Crawford treated magic in this world & found the ideas intriguing. I'd be willing to read or listen to more by her any time. Just not with Gilliam as a narrator.
4 Stars on the writing. 2 on the narration.
I received a promotional copy of this audiobook from the author via story origin. My opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced by receiving the promo copy.
Benny Fife Audio | Pick your Genre
www.bennyfifeaudio.com
October 15, 2018
One of the best books I have read in the last year. You will have to special order is as it it was not mass produced. However it is very reasonably priced. From the beginning you are dropped into the complete unknown, and this book has your mind reeling all the way up to the last page, phenominal!
August 18, 2020
Excellent & original. I loved this audiobook. It exactly what I look for in audiobooks. The story was great. I can see how some people in other reviews saying that its a little confusing. I only found it confusing if I was zoning out and not paying attention. Then I'd go back a few seconds and duhhh... everything is easy pzy! But I really enjoyed all the characters! And the narrator was AMAZING. Sometimes the yelling got a little too much for my white girl nordic ancestry. But I did marry an Italian so I am gradually getting used to it. But other than that, he gets an A+ for putting so much emotion into what he was reading. Oh and I love how he played Nigel. This was amazing. I want more. Please Email me AmandaUrbinato1030@outlook..com I would love to continue to review for your audiobooks. They are awesome.
April 20, 2019
Who am I? Who is Lex? I am Lex. What is Lex? Interesting twists and characters inhabit a world where things do the unimaginable and people aren’t what they seem. Then experience this world through the eyes of Lex, who can’t remember except in flashes of images which turn out to be memories and you get a feel for the roller coaster ride that is The Edge of Nothing. (Though this was in 3rd person POV, Lex’s perspective comes through loud and clear.)
Although confusing at times (well … what do you expect … Lex is confused), the story finally rights itself and the knot of mystery begins to untie. This was a fun, engaging read that created a desire to peel back the layers of truth surrounding Lex and his friends as he bounces between two realities. I finished it quickly and recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy as well as those who like to delve into mysteries with interesting implications.
Although confusing at times (well … what do you expect … Lex is confused), the story finally rights itself and the knot of mystery begins to untie. This was a fun, engaging read that created a desire to peel back the layers of truth surrounding Lex and his friends as he bounces between two realities. I finished it quickly and recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy as well as those who like to delve into mysteries with interesting implications.
July 14, 2020
"Lex is a seventeen-year-old with no memories before this morning, and no clue why a group of villagers want him dead. Realizing they have mistaken him for a destructive magicborn who slaughtered innocents in their village, Lex flees for his life—only to discover he’s more tangled in the conflicts of the past than he ever imagined. And the mysterious girl he stumbles upon during his escape creates a whole new set of problems...
An epic fantasy / portal fantasy / soft sci-fi mashup, this book is teeming with quirky characters, fantastical creatures, surprises and suspense"
I agree with this synopsis and/or blurb. I loved the first two books of this trilogy. I also agree with previous reviews that like Lex we are thrown into the story and action and are a bit confused, like the main character, Lex.
Disclaimer: I received a free promo code via story orgin. I am voluntarily reviewing.
An epic fantasy / portal fantasy / soft sci-fi mashup, this book is teeming with quirky characters, fantastical creatures, surprises and suspense"
I agree with this synopsis and/or blurb. I loved the first two books of this trilogy. I also agree with previous reviews that like Lex we are thrown into the story and action and are a bit confused, like the main character, Lex.
Disclaimer: I received a free promo code via story orgin. I am voluntarily reviewing.
October 26, 2022
Fix the audio I beg of you!
Narrator: no drastic differentiations to speak of, pleasant tone of voice. Audio glitches every once in a while, duplicate takes of the same sentence weren’t edited out properly. Yelling needs to be leveled out so your ears don’t bleed at the sound jumó.
Parents: pretty bloody but would be appropriate for 13/14+
Language: none
Violence: PG-13
Sexual content: G
Story: I’m going to try to not repeat everything others have said… but the audio quality and editing detracts SEVERELY from this series. I restarted this book twice thinking maybe I just missed something; I didn’t. The start of this book is incredibly confusing and as you move through the story you remain semi confused but some things clear up at a painfully slow pace. I understand Lex’s irritation with himself like it’s my own, but that doesn’t make the story more enjoyable.
I enjoyed the clean lack of sexual content and language (not common for the genre) but I wish there had been a more coherent storyline along with better audio quality, editing, and differences between characters. The yelling could have been better recorded in a way that doesn’t wreck the audio even more.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Narrator: no drastic differentiations to speak of, pleasant tone of voice. Audio glitches every once in a while, duplicate takes of the same sentence weren’t edited out properly. Yelling needs to be leveled out so your ears don’t bleed at the sound jumó.
Parents: pretty bloody but would be appropriate for 13/14+
Language: none
Violence: PG-13
Sexual content: G
Story: I’m going to try to not repeat everything others have said… but the audio quality and editing detracts SEVERELY from this series. I restarted this book twice thinking maybe I just missed something; I didn’t. The start of this book is incredibly confusing and as you move through the story you remain semi confused but some things clear up at a painfully slow pace. I understand Lex’s irritation with himself like it’s my own, but that doesn’t make the story more enjoyable.
I enjoyed the clean lack of sexual content and language (not common for the genre) but I wish there had been a more coherent storyline along with better audio quality, editing, and differences between characters. The yelling could have been better recorded in a way that doesn’t wreck the audio even more.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 5, 2020
2.5★s…
I wish I could have listened to the entire story. It had a somewhat confusing start but was still intriguing. Frustratingly, I had to stop at the middle of Chapter 7 when the narrator LITERALLY started screaming & yelling!!! Instead of narrating, "she screamed" or "he shouted", the narrator actually did just that.
I physically cannot listen to this book anymore. I'm even know gritting my teeth & in the throes of a massive headache. If you do give it a listen, PLEASE, do not listen via headphones or buds when he starts screaming!
My star ratings include these 5 elements:
.5★ story line (promising)
.5★ engaging characters (interesting)
1★ use of world building (good from start)
.5★ the ending (because I can't say)
0★ narration or editing (see above)
I wish I could have listened to the entire story. It had a somewhat confusing start but was still intriguing. Frustratingly, I had to stop at the middle of Chapter 7 when the narrator LITERALLY started screaming & yelling!!! Instead of narrating, "she screamed" or "he shouted", the narrator actually did just that.
I physically cannot listen to this book anymore. I'm even know gritting my teeth & in the throes of a massive headache. If you do give it a listen, PLEASE, do not listen via headphones or buds when he starts screaming!
My star ratings include these 5 elements:
.5★ story line (promising)
.5★ engaging characters (interesting)
1★ use of world building (good from start)
.5★ the ending (because I can't say)
0★ narration or editing (see above)
April 18, 2020
I received this book from Voracious Readers for an honest review. This was a really interesting book. It starts off with Lex. He wakes up in a farm house and doesn't remember anything except his name and his age. Shortly after all heck breaks loose and Lex is able to escape. Where he ends up saving a girl named Amelia from a weird bat like creature. From here things start to get really weird. Through out the book we learn Lex's real identity and what his flash backs mean. This is a great opening to a series. It has enough action to be interesting and enough intrigue to keep you turning each page. I really enjoyed this book and am interested in pursuing the rest of the series to find out more about the prophesy.
February 12, 2020
The book is worth staying with, Lex has visions. They can take place where he is or he is suddenly in another unknown place. He has to learn of his visions as he is chased by creatures or people he doesn't know. In the beginning he awakens and he doesn't remember who he is or what he is doing. I got confused at times but the author kept me straight. This plot never failed to keep my interest. The Narrator does a great job. I love that this story is clean without any frank sex. The world of Arameth is so wonderful. You will be glad there is a book number two.
August 22, 2022
This was my first experience with Crystal Crawford's work, and I found it entertaining. The story started with the main character not able to remember who he is and being held captive. The tale was fast-paced and filled with magic, unusual creatures, and plenty of action. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Brad Gilliam's narration was great as he provided various voices for the different characters. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
September 15, 2022
Crystal Crawford writes an interesting and engaging story with The Edge of Nothing. The emotion evoked by the characters situations is amazing and really brings the whole story together. The characters are well developed, the story is well written, and Crystal makes you want more! I look forward to the next book in the series. Audio Version: Brad Gilliam did a great job with the story, characters, and overall narration.
July 29, 2023
At first I wasn’t sure what to think of this story, but I soon realized that the confusion I felt was what the main character was going through & this was intentional. As I read further, I was intrigued & soon fully immersed in the story. Now I want to find out what happens next! This is a clean fantasy where people from one world are caught in another world! Very exciting!
September 19, 2023
Reverse Jumani
So, I thought I had this book figured out… but then there was a twist I didn’t see coming… then before I knew it, I was duped again. This book had me on my toes in a wonderful alternative world immersion. Great storyline and character development. I’m glad I gave a new author (to me) a chance with the sci-fi/fantasy genre.
So, I thought I had this book figured out… but then there was a twist I didn’t see coming… then before I knew it, I was duped again. This book had me on my toes in a wonderful alternative world immersion. Great storyline and character development. I’m glad I gave a new author (to me) a chance with the sci-fi/fantasy genre.
February 13, 2020
The Edge of Nothing
Interesting characters and many twists in this start to the series
Interesting characters and many twists in this start to the series
December 20, 2020
Be careful when you begin reading this book. You won't be able to put it down. Fabulous YA adventure fantasy story!
June 11, 2022
Immediately drawn into the story and into the characters on a fast paced adventure of friendship and danger.
January 12, 2026
Great worldbuilding and great characters, it takes a while till you really are in the story but it is worth it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews