Borderline (novel)
Borderline is a 2016 fantasy novel authored by American writer Mishell Baker. Serving as the inaugural installment of the Arcadia Project trilogy, it received nominations for both the Nebula Award and the World Fantasy Award.
Background
Set against a contemporary backdrop of Los Angeles, Borderline depicts a reality where portals to the Fey world exist. The story follows Millie, who becomes part of a covert group known as the Arcadia Project, tasked with overseeing the hidden Fey influence. Millie is a double amputee and survivor of a suicide attempt, living with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Drawing from her own experience with BPD, Baker crafted the novel around this condition, situating it in her native city and within the entertainment industry familiar to her. The narrative incorporates cinematic terminology and settings reflective of filmmaking.
Baker’s intention was to portray BPD—a condition often misinterpreted—through Millie’s multifaceted persona. The book emphasizes characteristics such as provoking strong negative reactions, intense emotional volatility, and perceiving people and concepts in polarized terms. Additionally, Baker integrated a gaming-inspired approach to storytelling, imagining reader participation through hypothetical decisions that influence the plot’s trajectory, adding an interactive dimension despite its linear structure.
Plot summary
Following a suicide attempt resulting in the loss of both legs, Millie Roper resides in a psychiatric facility. Once a promising film student, she now confronts significant mental and physical health obstacles alongside financial strain. When Caryl Vallo offers her employment with prospects of entering the film industry after one year with the Arcadia Project, Millie agrees and moves into a shared residence with other members.
Millie discovers that the Arcadia Project is an international secret agency responsible for managing interactions with fairyland. Her initial mission involves locating Rivenholt, a missing noble from the Seelie court. Throughout her investigation, she learns that numerous well-known actors and directors are connected to their Fey "echo"—a soulmate figure through whom their talents are amplified. Rivenholt’s echo is David Berenbaum, a prominent filmmaker who cannot assist in finding him.
Fey who remain too long in the human realm begin to fade, as do their echoes’ abilities and lifespans. There is increasing concern that Rivenholt may have been kidnapped or harmed, potentially provoking severe repercussions from the Seelie court. Utilizing her filmmaking expertise and experience living with disabilities, Millie advances the inquiry, uncovering stakes that extend far beyond initial expectations for both worlds.
Reception
Amal El-Mohtar’s review for NPR describes Borderline as a "remarkably smooth and assured launch" for the Arcadia Project series, combining brisk pacing with humor and weighty themes. She highlights Millie as a bisexual filmmaker who "examines, curates and constructs narratives," portraying her as "brash, angry, incisively self-aware," with narration that skillfully balances character depth and mental health without allowing either to dominate.
Publishers Weekly awarded a starred review, praising the "fully realized, flawed, and compelling characters" alongside expert urban fantasy storytelling. The sensitive depiction of Millie’s complex diagnoses enhances character depth and enriches an absorbing blend of mystery and fantasy. Likewise, Library Journal gave a starred review, noting Baker’s debut takes gritty urban fantasy into new territory with imperfect characters, harsh lessons, and humor; Millie’s internal conflicts provide authentic contrast to supernatural aspects.
In its critique, Kirkus calls it an engaging introduction to an urban fantasy series featuring a "tough yet likable heroine." The review commends the steady pacing and diverse environments but remarks on certain unlikely plot points. Millie’s "determined will to survive" combined with honest self-reflection evokes admiration rather than sympathy. The novel’s energy, wit, and decency amid adversity indicate promising potential for subsequent installments. Overall, it addresses themes like physical disability and mental illness without compromising dynamic storytelling.
Characters
- Millie Roper: Once an independent filmmaker and a double amputee living with borderline personality disorder, Millie becomes involved with the Arcadia Project under the impression it is a nonprofit dedicated to mental health advocacy in cinema, only to discover it oversees gateways connecting our reality to the Fey realm.
- Caryl Vallo: An unconventional recruiter responsible for introducing Millie to the Arcadia Project.
- Teo Salazar: A skilled chef diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Teo partners with Millie on her initial mission and shares a residence with her at Arcadia Residence Four; their relationship starts off with tension.
- Gloria: A southern-raised blonde of short stature, characterized by narcissism and an antagonistic demeanor toward Millie.
- Tjuan: Gloria’s partner, a disgraced screenwriter who displays signs of paranoia.
- Song: Overseer of Arcadia Residence Four, recognized for her empathy and role as a single mother.
- Johnny Riven/Viscount Rivenholt: A missing film star who is secretly a noble within the Seelie court.
- David Berenbaum: A celebrated film director in his seventies, creatively inspired by his muse, Viscount Rivenholt.
- Vivian: A cruel talent agent operating in Hollywood.
- Inaya: A top-tier celebrity whose association with Johnny triggers an inquiry.
- Clay: A law enforcement detective investigating Rivenholt, frequently at odds with Millie.
- Foxfeather: A Seelie baroness known for her unique preferences.
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | James Tiptree Jr. Award | — | Winner |
| Nebula Award | Novel | Winner | |
| 2017 | RUSA CODES Reading List | Fantasy | Winner |
| World Fantasy Award | Novel | Winner | |
| 2019 | Mythopoeic Awards | Adult Literature | Winner |
Notes
- The nomination applies to the entire Arcadia Project series