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jessyhayward's review against another edition
The concept was very intriguing and the representation of anxiety well-done, but the writing style just wasn’t for me. It felt clunky, odd, and filled with more ‘telling’ than ‘showing’. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it, though - just personal taste, so I’d still encourage others to read it if they like the genre.
skylarkblue1's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
3.5
Oh this book was one hell of a ride. It might be slow, but it doesn't feel like it. It wasn't until I finished the book that I realised not much *actually* happens, it is mainly focused on the characters but the plot is so strong throughout and constant that it doesn't need to have the full spotlight.
The plot is quite simple, but steeped in mystery. Mysterious doors open across the world, followed by holograms touting the end of the world in 6 months - and portray themselves as humanity's saviour. Step through the doors, be saved, and integrate into their alternate universe world. Are they telling the truth?
I would say the story overall is about mental health - at least book 1 is. The main character's severe anxiety and med dependency is the constant talking point but also handled really well in my opinion and was pretty realistic. I liked how therapy was approached, it didn't demonise it or even make out like it cures all and is perfect for everyone.
The mystery is quite strong, I love how it was strung along right up until the fantastic ending. The cliffhanger is a strong one, but it's such an explosive ending that I don't really mind too much.
The sci-fi as well is pretty light, mainly just the futuristic holographic doors that introduces that side of things. It is a book about humanity and survival.
It most certainly has it's issues though. It really needed another proofreader or 2, there's a ton of very obvious and basic typos and issues throughout it - something incredibly surprising for a re-print of a 2016 book... There's also a slight under-thread of the "magical cure" trope (but this does actually play into themes even if not directly addressed imo) and one instance of outing another person without their permission is a good thing? Someone refusing to out another person without permission is portrayed as a bad thing and that was just... kinda uncomfortable honestly. The queer rep is nice, that moment was not. It's also not challenged, it happens, it's made out to be a bad thing and then the characters continue.
I would still recommend it though. This might be my lowest rated recommended book, but honestly I think the story and themes are strong enough to make it an enjoyable and gripping read over the issues with it.
The plot is quite simple, but steeped in mystery. Mysterious doors open across the world, followed by holograms touting the end of the world in 6 months - and portray themselves as humanity's saviour. Step through the doors, be saved, and integrate into their alternate universe world. Are they telling the truth?
I would say the story overall is about mental health - at least book 1 is. The main character's severe anxiety and med dependency is the constant talking point but also handled really well in my opinion and was pretty realistic. I liked how therapy was approached, it didn't demonise it or even make out like it cures all and is perfect for everyone.
The mystery is quite strong, I love how it was strung along right up until the fantastic ending. The cliffhanger is a strong one, but it's such an explosive ending that I don't really mind too much.
The sci-fi as well is pretty light, mainly just the futuristic holographic doors that introduces that side of things. It is a book about humanity and survival.
It most certainly has it's issues though. It really needed another proofreader or 2, there's a ton of very obvious and basic typos and issues throughout it - something incredibly surprising for a re-print of a 2016 book... There's also a slight under-thread of the "magical cure" trope (but this does actually play into themes even if not directly addressed imo) and one instance of outing another person without their permission is a good thing? Someone refusing to out another person without permission is portrayed as a bad thing and that was just... kinda uncomfortable honestly. The queer rep is nice, that moment was not. It's also not challenged, it happens, it's made out to be a bad thing and then the characters continue.
I would still recommend it though. This might be my lowest rated recommended book, but honestly I think the story and themes are strong enough to make it an enjoyable and gripping read over the issues with it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Violence, Outing, and Alcohol
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
While not war exactly, the book covers topics around an apocalyptic scenario and the break down of society in that situation.samanthalomb's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lizdbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Alex is going into her senior year when mysterious holograms with portals show up all over the world, claiming that a comet will destroy Earth in 6 months and offering a one-way ticket to salvation. Who are these "saviors"? Are they telling the truth? Will Alex stay and remain hopeful, or flee into the unknown?
This novel is compelling, interesting, and mysterious with a mad rush to the finish. While the protagonist is full of her own life questions, there is also the pondering of existential questions which made this more enjoyable for me, a full-grown adult. There was quite a bit of...teenager-ness(?) that I found annoying, but then again it isn't written for me.
I definitely couldn't wait to pick up the sequel once I finished this one!
This novel is compelling, interesting, and mysterious with a mad rush to the finish. While the protagonist is full of her own life questions, there is also the pondering of existential questions which made this more enjoyable for me, a full-grown adult. There was quite a bit of...teenager-ness(?) that I found annoying, but then again it isn't written for me.
I definitely couldn't wait to pick up the sequel once I finished this one!
amarylissw's review against another edition
4.0
What I really liked about this book was that it was realistic. For an apocalyptic setting, you run into a problem of human morality and the ways people would react. Many books, I think, incorrectly portray the human race in some ways. But in this story, I think Acevedo did a really good job in correctly predicting what would actually happen if holograms invaded our world. From the governments' hand to individual families to Alex's own fragile thoughts, this book is crafted really well, and shows just how hard humans can fight -- and how easily we can also give in.
ningall1000's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
essjay's review
2.5
Annoyed at the cliffhanger ending and kind of care enough to read the second book, but not enough to think about it for very long.
jessdex's review against another edition
4.0
Ahhhhhh! I read through this book with the quickness. The plot twist really got me.
exlibrislynne's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0