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iamkallia's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
estradamc's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Went into this expecting an exciting thriller but it ended up being repetative and more reflective than I thought it would be. Found one of the main characters to be unlikable and the other infuriating. The big reveal is disappointing and left me with more questions rather than answers and the pace of the book doesn’t pick up afterwards. The ending was unsatisfying and I felt like it took the lazy option for getting an emotional response out of the reader. I had such high hopes for this book and was pretty disappointed.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
One of the nice side effects of having a bookstagram and bookblog I will never get used to, is the moment authors or publishers reach out, send a message and ask me to read a copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. This book already was on my wishlist on Amazon, so when I got a message from the publisher via Netgalley that I could get an arc of this book if I wanted I didn't hesitate. And this morning I very happily started this story.
The concept of this story is quite interesting and very atmospheric. Quite a few times we see the same two people cross paths. Every time their relationship is different. They can be lovers, friends, family. They can know each other an entire life or they can only cross paths briefly. However, it's quite clear that every time they meet they leave a lasting impression on the other. And after a few lifetimes the characters start to realize when meeting the other for another first time, that they're a little TOO familiar.
From that moment they start learning and discovering. With each new lifetime they unravel more secrets and they also get closer to the why and the how. I have to admit that eventually, when the how and the why is revealed, I was a little disappointed. It felt like the explanation took away from the atmosphere, made it a little less special and meaningful. I think this might be one of the first times where I think no explanation would have worked better for me than the one that was given.
However, I still really enjoyed the book and I certainly don't regret reading it. I quite loved the idea that there is no one in the world who can truly know you, since you show different sides of yourself to different people. I enjoyed watching all their different lives, the way they slowly changed as people and still stayed themselves at the very core. I enjoyed the way they interacted and the way they challenged each other.
The destination was maybe not what I wanted, but the journey was still worth it.
The concept of this story is quite interesting and very atmospheric. Quite a few times we see the same two people cross paths. Every time their relationship is different. They can be lovers, friends, family. They can know each other an entire life or they can only cross paths briefly. However, it's quite clear that every time they meet they leave a lasting impression on the other. And after a few lifetimes the characters start to realize when meeting the other for another first time, that they're a little TOO familiar.
From that moment they start learning and discovering. With each new lifetime they unravel more secrets and they also get closer to the why and the how. I have to admit that eventually, when the how and the why is revealed, I was a little disappointed. It felt like the explanation took away from the atmosphere, made it a little less special and meaningful. I think this might be one of the first times where I think no explanation would have worked better for me than the one that was given.
However, I still really enjoyed the book and I certainly don't regret reading it. I quite loved the idea that there is no one in the world who can truly know you, since you show different sides of yourself to different people. I enjoyed watching all their different lives, the way they slowly changed as people and still stayed themselves at the very core. I enjoyed the way they interacted and the way they challenged each other.
The destination was maybe not what I wanted, but the journey was still worth it.
taeli's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
isuhhh_23's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
the first 60% started off a little slow but i loved the exportation of fate and faith. then, the book takes a total 180 and we get the big reveal it feels like none of that matters anymore. it goes from being reflective and emotional to being totally sci fi. i’ve seen lots of comparisons to “addie larue” but luckily i didn’t see the similarities
kaelaceleste's review
3.0
I mostly liked this? Intriguing concept and I did not see the twist coming but I also didn't think it was that mind-blowing.
Each chapter reads like a short story of one of their different timelines of their lives, which I initially liked. But it started to get repetitive and hard to follow, and I ended up liking the characters less as it went on. It just felt like nothing was getting resolved for so long. The twist itself also left me more confused than satisfied and I really did not like the ending.
Idk. I think it took itself a little too seriously for my taste and started out strong but ultimately was just ok for me. Definitely not bad, and it's hard to say much without being super spoilery. I'm sure someone out there would like this but it wasn't rly for me.
Each chapter reads like a short story of one of their different timelines of their lives, which I initially liked. But it started to get repetitive and hard to follow, and I ended up liking the characters less as it went on. It just felt like nothing was getting resolved for so long. The twist itself also left me more confused than satisfied and I really did not like the ending.
Idk. I think it took itself a little too seriously for my taste and started out strong but ultimately was just ok for me. Definitely not bad, and it's hard to say much without being super spoilery. I'm sure someone out there would like this but it wasn't rly for me.
cadmanreads's review against another edition
5.0
Updated review. 5 stars.
One of my favourite books released in 2021 that doesn't get enough love on Bookstagramme, Tube or Tok.
It follows two characters, Santi and Thora, that are destined to meet through multiple lifetimes.
The link between them changes each time and the book follows their lives as they deal with the memories of their past relationships.
I love the exploration of how each character was affected by their experience, how they interacted with each other and what the book says about life and love.
Trying to pin this down to a genre I'd say its a 'fantasy sci-fi romance'.
I agree with other reviewers that this book would sit nicely on a shelf with 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue', 'The Midnight Library' and 'The Time Traveler’s Wife'.
Original review.
5 stars
I think this might be a book that stays with me.
One of my favourite books released in 2021 that doesn't get enough love on Bookstagramme, Tube or Tok.
It follows two characters, Santi and Thora, that are destined to meet through multiple lifetimes.
The link between them changes each time and the book follows their lives as they deal with the memories of their past relationships.
I love the exploration of how each character was affected by their experience, how they interacted with each other and what the book says about life and love.
Trying to pin this down to a genre I'd say its a 'fantasy sci-fi romance'.
I agree with other reviewers that this book would sit nicely on a shelf with 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue', 'The Midnight Library' and 'The Time Traveler’s Wife'.
Original review.
5 stars
I think this might be a book that stays with me.
reneeisto's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tbm239's review against another edition
Santi is an unbearable jerk in every life and I can’t take it anymore. He is ALWAYS looking at Thora like he needs to guide her or save her from something. Regardless of his relationship with her. It’s horrific to try to sit through.