A review by betweentheshelves
A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar

adventurous emotional tense medium-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

Josefa has come up with a plan to steal a priceless artifact from the Titanic, the Rubaiyat. In order to pull it off, she had to form a team. So, she finds an artist (Emilie), an acrobat (Hinnah), and an actress (Violet). Stealing the Rubaiyat is the key for all of them to get a better life. To achieve their goals.

However, Josefa wasn't honest about the nature of the mission. Careless mistakes and a possible new romance through a wrench into their plan. When tragedy strikes the Titanic, they all realize they might be in more danger than they ever thought possible.

Thanks to HarperTeen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar to review! I didn't know I needed a sapphic heist on the Titanic story, but here we are! It's a unique place to set a heist novel, but it surprisingly works really well. Knowing what happens on the Titanic adds an element of urgency to the novel, even if the characters themselves don't know it. I was impressed by Jaigirdar's pacing, and it really drove the entire story forward.

And the characters! We get four points of view throughout the book, which always runs the chance of the voices all blending together. But each of the characters felt unique enough, and they all added a new element and perspective to the story. They each have their own strengths they bring to the table. The main romance also felt natural; the two characters had excellent chemistry.

All in all, even if this book might end in tragedy, the setting and the plot at times make you forget it. I definitely recommend picking it up when it comes out in December!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings