I LOVED THIS BOOK! I know it's only February, but I can already tell that this one is going to be a strong contender for my favorite book of the year.

The story starts when Elliot, a red headed, smart-mouthed, lonely 13 year old is taken to the middle of a field were his ability to see a magic wall grants him access to the Boarderlands- a Narnia-like world of elves, dwarves, harpies, trolls and mermaids. He is enrolled in the fantasy version of a military academy where most students via for prowess at archery, javelin throwing, and sword fighting. Elliot's many years of being bullied have given him a defiant pacifist stance. He refuses all weapons classes and dives instead into map-making, history, languages and cultural studies. He falls in love with the magic of this new world and with one manifestation of this magic in particular- fellow student Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle, a badass, and the only elf currently enrolled. When Serene clashes with the school administration because she wants to take more courses than are allowed for one student, Elliot immediately volunteers to tutor her on the academic subjects. Unfortunately, his least favorite classmate, Luke Sunborn, volunteers to tutor Serene in all the sporty subjects. Luke Sunborn is a golden boy, heir to the most famous human family, tall, handsome, good at everything. Naturally, Elliot thinks he is the worst. But Luke and Elliot agree to a one year truce as they both strive to help Serene.

And so begins a beautiful, funny, fierce coming of age fantasy story with elements that made me curl my toes in delight. Elliot is bisexual, and his crushes and romantic mishaps form the emotional core of this story. The other major theme is his deep commitment to nonviolence and peace building. His goal is to use sass, subterfuge, blackmail, and manipulation to build a web of treaties between all of the peoples of the Borderlands. It's the only way he knows to keep the people he loves safe from the world and it's constant wars.