Reviews

I thought based on the blurb that this was going to be more literary/magic realism, but no, it's a straight-out sci-fi alternative universe story. Which is fine, I like alternative universe stories. I could do without the main character incessantly thinking to herself every page or so, "I wonder, in another universe... am I doing something different to this". Yes probably mate, that's how it works, we get the theme, move on. This was another novel where I enjoyed the first half and then my enjoyment petered out. Maybe in another universe I would have enjoyed it more.

ols_333's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sheilaghs_wheels's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced

3.0

reliures's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.75

Literary sci-fi mystery, following a forensic biologist called Pepper, whose life is changed when her biological mother, a famous but mysterious painter known for her paintings rumoured to access other universes, suddenly disappears.

I mostly liked this book, especially the plot but also the use of alternative worlds to talk about themes of choices and consequences but also, motherhood, relationships, happiness felt original.

The author’s writing was really good, sharp and engaging.

The plot itself was also interesting but I felt the execution was lacking.

The main character’s lack of self esteem and references to alternative versions of herself was an interesting characteristic yet sometimes of her actions and thoughts felt a bit repetitive. I did like her relationships with her adoptive mothers and with her husband especially their nerding over historical and scientific knowledge.

I felt the mixed of genres could have been smother, and I think I would have preferred to see more sci-fi, more exploration on the way the paintings work and also the character’s scientific knowledge (that came a bit at the beginning and then very late into the book),

I struggled with the pacing, especially because I felt some plot parts could have been more developed and others felt superfluous. Also the beginning was too slow and at one point as the story started to become more interesting, the pace picked up way too fast.

A good debut book with an original plot that despite a lack in its final execution, shows promise for her future books.

3iii8v's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

(I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
This book is like a mix between The Midnight Library by Matt Haig & the mobile game Death Palette and I love both of them so freakin' much so need I say more?

laurapoulosky's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I enjoyed this unique, original novel about Pepper, the bio daughter of a reclusive artist, quite a bit. The idea of multiverses in which different versions of ourselves and our lives are playing out was interesting and i was entertained by Pepper's adventure.

More...