Well-Crafted Science Fiction with a Twist
What I Liked:
Writing Style. I enjoyed Newitz's writing style, it was a mix of lyrical and scientific. The writing style and well-crafted plot kept me reading even when I was thinking about putting to down after some of the more graphic scenes. I will be checking out more from Newitz in the future and giving her first novel a second chance.
Duel Storylines. I liked how Newitz contrasted between a point of view of a non-time traveler with a time traveler who is constantly going between different times. I felt that the use of a more contemporary storyline with Beth in 1992 balanced out the heavy science fiction in the second point of view of Tess in 2022.
Original Plot. I picked up my ARC right away because of the intriguing plot. It gave me what I was expecting and more. I don't tend to read science fiction but found myself engrossed with Newitz's original version of time travel.
Characters. The novel switches between two different main characters. I found myself more engaged with Beth's chapter set in a single timeline and I wish the story was mainly told from her point of view. Tess was also an interesting character but I felt she was somewhat lost with the heavy focus on time travel.
Twists. There is a twist that happens near the end of the book that I did not see coming at all. It was shocking and added a new layer to the novel.
Feminist Message/Historical Elements. Newitz includes a section about the historical elements she incorporated into the novel at the end. I suggest checking it out beforehand if you find the plot confusing or want to know more about her sources. I felt that the use of actual history but with a twist added to science fiction plot and it was an interesting way to get across the strong feminist message. The author tackles a lot of genres and messages and I felt that she did a great job with it. I cannot wait to see what she does next!
What I Disliked:
Ending. I felt a little unsatisfied with the end. I wanted a clearer ending and more explanation about the time travel war. It was a bit too open-ended for me.
Explicit Content. I found some of the sex and violence too much for me. I felt that some of the scenes could have been toned down or omitted. I would not recommend it for people who do like to read those things.
Rating:
3.5 Stars Out of 5 Stars
Writing Style. I enjoyed Newitz's writing style, it was a mix of lyrical and scientific. The writing style and well-crafted plot kept me reading even when I was thinking about putting to down after some of the more graphic scenes. I will be checking out more from Newitz in the future and giving her first novel a second chance.
Duel Storylines. I liked how Newitz contrasted between a point of view of a non-time traveler with a time traveler who is constantly going between different times. I felt that the use of a more contemporary storyline with Beth in 1992 balanced out the heavy science fiction in the second point of view of Tess in 2022.
Original Plot. I picked up my ARC right away because of the intriguing plot. It gave me what I was expecting and more. I don't tend to read science fiction but found myself engrossed with Newitz's original version of time travel.
Characters. The novel switches between two different main characters. I found myself more engaged with Beth's chapter set in a single timeline and I wish the story was mainly told from her point of view. Tess was also an interesting character but I felt she was somewhat lost with the heavy focus on time travel.
Twists. There is a twist that happens near the end of the book that I did not see coming at all. It was shocking and added a new layer to the novel.
Feminist Message/Historical Elements. Newitz includes a section about the historical elements she incorporated into the novel at the end. I suggest checking it out beforehand if you find the plot confusing or want to know more about her sources. I felt that the use of actual history but with a twist added to science fiction plot and it was an interesting way to get across the strong feminist message. The author tackles a lot of genres and messages and I felt that she did a great job with it. I cannot wait to see what she does next!
What I Disliked:
Ending. I felt a little unsatisfied with the end. I wanted a clearer ending and more explanation about the time travel war. It was a bit too open-ended for me.
Explicit Content. I found some of the sex and violence too much for me. I felt that some of the scenes could have been toned down or omitted. I would not recommend it for people who do like to read those things.
Rating:
3.5 Stars Out of 5 Stars