Genre: YA Science Fiction
Pages: 358
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis:
After the death of his parents, Fin Mallory is accepted on full scholarship to a private boarding school. The other students see him simply as a charity case who doesn’t belong. When Finn joins the history club, his life completely changes. This history club is way more than it appears, and the stakes for participating are high. But this unlikely group of students will find their place in this found family.
Review:
I immediately fell in love with the tone and the voice of this story. I love the quippy humor and dynamics between the characters.
The dialogue will give you all the feels and the budding romance is so cute. Finn and Everly are an unlikely duo that bond over a shared grief from unimaginable tragedies in their lives.
Their relationship is far from simple, however, and we get to experience the rollercoaster of an emotional ride with them.
The narrator gives us insight into multiple characters’ points of view. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story because we got to delve deeply into how each of the characters experiences the world around them.
All the characters have depth and backstory and I enjoyed getting to know them more throughout the story. They are all unique and likable and there’s even neurodivergent representation.
I actually felt a significant connection to all the characters, which is not something I typically find happening. They are all endearing – especially the spunky little robot that I wish we got to see more of.
I’m a little surprised that the students weren’t more disbelieving about the time travel thing. I also wish that the time trials themselves were more in-depth. This plot aspect felt a little rushed, which is sad because these action scenes had me hooked and I wanted more.
On a personal level I related to Finn’s experience at being the new kid in a private boarding school. His animosity and standoffishness is visceral and relatable.
I liked that one of the themes explored in this story is the concept that you can’t help being born rich any more than you can help being born poor and we shouldn’t judge people simply on the basis of their family status.
I loved all the fun, imaginative technology and gear that they use. This book has some interesting takes on science fiction concepts in a way that is fun and exciting.
There are some heart-warming surprises at the end, as well as a great set up for the next book in this series – which I can’t wait to read!
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Tiny Fox Press for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for my voluntary feedback! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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