“Cryptic Spaces: Foresight” masterfully weaves mathematics and mysticism into an engaging young adult adventure. Author Deen Ferrell creates a unique world where mathematical genius meets supernatural ability, following protagonist Willoughby as he discovers both his extraordinary gifts and the dangers they attract.

What sets this story apart is how it grounds its fantastical elements in genuine human relationships and emotional growth. The developing friendship between Willoughby and Sydney provides heart and humor amid the mounting tensions of the plot. While some concepts could be more clearly explained, the story’s blend of science fiction, fantasy, and coming-of-age elements creates an intriguing foundation for what promises to be an exciting series. Ferrell’s ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible while maintaining narrative momentum is particularly impressive.

A brilliant young mathematician named Willoughby teams up with Sydney, a stunning and talented violin prodigy, in this intense time-travel adventure that merges romance, science, and history. Recruited into Observations, Inc., a clandestine organization with time-travel technology, the two find themselves probing humanity’s greatest myths and mysteries—from the Loch Ness Monster and Atlantis to the Bermuda Triangle, zombies, witches, and the secrets of the pyramids.

While traveling through the time grid, they discover that history has a dark side, and what we have believed to be merely myth is part of a pattern—one whose weave could mean the end of everything.

 Nothing in this world is as it seems. Willoughby sees patterns that others cannot, applying his mathematical brilliance to uncover hidden doorways that unlock pieces of a grand puzzle. With each discovery, he realizes how much more remains hidden.

The supporting cast is equally fascinating:

• • Antonio: Seemingly just a barber, he’s actually a highly skilled recruiter with abilities in interdimensional architecture
  • Sydney: Her musical talent reaches beyond the grave
  • James Arthur: A team member with strange healing powers
  • T.K.: Their feisty crew liaison who harbors her own secrets

In this first installment, the team sets out to uncover the truth behind the supposed seer, Nostradamus. Soon they find themselves lost across the corridors of time, fighting for their lives. Does Willoughby alone have the skill to save them? 

What impressed me most about “Cryptic Spaces” was how Ferrell manages to make complex mathematical concepts not just accessible but exciting. The relationship between Willoughby and Sydney develops naturally, providing emotional anchoring amid the fantastical elements of the plot.

If you enjoy series like Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl, Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson, or Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven, this book should absolutely be on your reading list. It offers the perfect blend of intellectual stimulation and adventurous escapism that makes young adult fantasy so appealing.

“Cryptic Spaces: Foresight” is more than just another young adult fantasy novel—it’s a thoughtful exploration of how science and mystery might intersect in ways we’ve never imagined. While I would have appreciated more clarity on some of the more complex concepts, the foundation Ferrell has built promises an exciting series ahead.

Have you read “Cryptic Spaces: Foresight”? What did you think about the blend of mathematics and mysticism? Share your thoughts in the comments below and rate it with stars!