Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - The Space Between Worlds

So so excellently crafted from the narrator voice to the build up of MULTIPLE worlds and the mechanics of traversing and the interactions between natives of different Earths, to the character development of the protagonist and the not quite expected ending. This story gave me so much and I’m in awe of the careful weaving that went into every reveal of circumstance and dialogue. Maybe it’s because I’m queer but the ending made me so very happy. I felt like everything was fought for through the plot and the characters’ very active scheming against one another. I can’t believe I actually read through this so slowly at first, but then got more intrigued about the conflict with each Part after I got used to the setting. That shows me how much I value good endings. Incredible story :)

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turrean's review

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dark sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

Here is the multiverse, and the door to every world is a mirror that reflects the worst parts of the one you originally came from. Cara has to fight her way toward some kind of redemption against the twin backdrops of the safe, manicured city of a privileged, wealthy society that feeds like a tick on the poor, who dwell in a Mad Max-style wasteland. Most of the speaking roles are played by troubled, fit, 20-something badasses.

I read about two-thirds of the book before switching to skim mode.

The fictional science and the fictional mythology of the passage of multiverse travelers is fascinating. The focus, though, is very much on the emotional and social implications of a power structure completely and absolutely grounded in systemic classism and racism. The main character carries a monstrous burden of abuse and twisted guilt, and must always struggle against the pull of a toxic relationship that offered cruelty and evil, but also power and safety.

Every time Cara mulled over the differences between THAT Nik Nik and THIS Nik Nik, I was terrified she'd give in to the pull of that connection.

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avisreadsandreads's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense 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

4.0

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mikwrites's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-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? No

4.5

Really intriguing story and world building. Cara is a compelling character as are most of those who surround her. I enjoyed the narrator as well. I felt the ending was a bit too tidy, personally, after a story with so many twists and turns and revelations.

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