Review: A Sequence of Cosmic Accidents by S.A. Reyhani

The universe makes no mistakes …

A Sequence of Cosmic Accidents is a debut sci-fi fantasy that fizzes brightly with excitement, humour and darkness, an adventure that completely gripped me and took me on an incredible journey to a parallel world I didn’t want to leave …

Twelve-year-old Arian Wight lives in an old Edwardian house in Hertfordshire with his dad. His mum has been dead for a year following a tragic accident and Arian deals with this loss by putting up a Wall of Nothing, not speaking about her and not crying since her death. Just before his mother died, his parents had been approved as fosterers so, when his father receives a call from the Head of Fostering, with an emergency placement, his dad agrees to accept the fosterling. Arian does not want a foster brother – and that is not what he gets as, shortly after the phone call, a girl is left at the door with a rather disturbing letter for his dad.

Madlock has a penchant for red, a strange tattoo and her unusual use of language does nothing to hide her rude behaviour towards her foster family. When Arian’s dad goes to answer the door, she tells her foster brother that she’s from another world, a world of magick and she needs him to help her on a mission. In his desperation to get away from this strange girl, Arian strikes an impossible deal, but a deal that will change his life forever.

When Madlock opens a wormhole, Arian and best friend Pete find themselves in Madlock’s world, Aerth, a world where she is a wanted fugitive, determined to prove her innocence, but could there be any truth in the accusations being made against her? Or could an ancient enemy be twisting the truth for their own goals? Can this trio work together to solve the mystery that has brought them together or will their destinies take different directions?

This is an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat adventure that kept me eagerly turning pages as I was gripped by the danger, intrigue and darker edge as secrets are revealed and unexpected occurrences made me gasp out loud. There is also plenty of humour in this story, especially Madlock’s use of Victorian insults, which works brilliantly to counter the tension and darker moments.

I really enjoyed learning about Madlock’s world, a world which has allowed Magick to flourish, thereby not having the need of technology that our world relies on. The magical system is brilliant and utterly fascinating with children being more powerful than adults and with those immune to magic also playing an important role. There are also some scary creatures and some wonderful companion creatures, something I always enjoy in fantasy adventures. This really is a brilliantly realised, fascinating and complex world that I loved travelling to.

I really liked both Madlock and Arian who are dealing with loss and grief in their own way and who need each other more than each realises. They are both strong characters who make their own decisions based on what they think is the right thing to do even if these decisions may lead to more danger and tension between them. I really liked following the development of the friendship between Madlock and Arian which is certainly fractious at times but is also one that feels authentic.

An exhilarating, magical adventure brimming with danger, darkness and humour that is guaranteed to captivate readers of 9+.

Thank you to Rock the Boat for providing me with a proof copy. It was my decision to read and review this book and my review is my honest opinion.