Reviews

On the surface this is a SciFi thriller about multiverse travel. But at heart it is about fate, found family, and the violence of classism, racism, colonialism, and homophobia. The writing is quite fluid and sometimes beautifully poetic.

The first ten percent or so takes patience as you get oriented to the world and the mechanics of how multiverse travel works, but after that it is engrossing, with dynamically flawed characters and twists galore.

The book has rich secondary characters whose development is rounded out by meeting the same characters in different worlds.

There is a bit of romance between the main character Cara and her colleague Dell. It is quite a lot of pining, punctuated with occasional moments of potential. I give it one swoony heart 💖

This book has quite a lot of diverse representation. Not only are Cara and Dell in a sapphic romance, but they are both women of color: Cara and other characters are Black, while Dell is Asian. The book deals with attitudes toward queer relationships as well as with the intersection of class, race, and sexuality.

Overall I found this to be a beautiful read. I was excited to see that Johnson’s next book is set in the same world, centered on a tertiary character from this book. I will definitely read it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 💖

Content Warnings

momo1017's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

It was ok. I enjoyed the beginning, but around 40% I lost interest and turned to the audiobook. Won’t be picking up the next book. I enjoyed some of the introspection that occurred.

lucycordes's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Solid 4. Interesting concept, some compelling characters, but could have been more fleshed-out in places

rattification's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional medium-paced

5.0

This is a 1000000/10 book and I wish I could read it over and over again for the first time. I will be slightly unhinged for a moment with mood spoilers about the end of the book.

I have become a black hole after completing this book. I feel like I've been destroyed. the end isn't even explicitly sad. like if u cry every time

wondernikel's review against another edition

Go to review page

1.0

Well, I was sure I would enjoy this one! But I couldn't get into the characters and the main character just bugged me! I loved the concept though, wish it held my interest!

heartsdesire's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

if i could give this book 6 stars, i so am would.

More...