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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
When I realized it had some mathesce pictures and such I was a bit wary that I wouldn't be able to get fully invested in the story as math is my biggest enemy. But I didn't need to worry at all. The story was very engaging and hard to put down. Would definitely read more by Femi Fadugba in the future
Great book, being from London its always fun to see books set where you grew up and things that are instantly recognisable even if some aren't the best
This is an amazing book - both scifi and thriller, and about the physics of time travel as well. Set around South London, and in a world of gangs, it brings the tensions of being a young person in this area to life. The book cleverly combines a thrilling story with the science of time travel. All the physics is explained in the story, with enough detail for a person who doesn't understand science too well (me!) to follow. The physics is also set out at the end of the book for anyone who wants to follow this further. It's a great book on so many levels, completely unique, and I think your students will absolutely love it!
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I loved the portrayal of Black British London in this story, and the struggles the main character went through. However, this was plugged very heavily as a time travel story, and I was left disappointed that we didn't get much of that.
I felt that the author was so caught up in the actual science - pages and pages trying to explain scientific concepts that I didn't understand and nearly ended up skim reading - that he forgot to make the plot make any sense.
I couldn't see at the end of the story what Esso had actually changed, if Rhia's world was the world he changed then we got no glimpses of the consequences if he hadn't. I would be interested in watching the Netflix movie if it does appear, but that looks to be stuck in development hell right now.
I felt that the author was so caught up in the actual science - pages and pages trying to explain scientific concepts that I didn't understand and nearly ended up skim reading - that he forgot to make the plot make any sense.
I couldn't see at the end of the story what Esso had actually changed, if Rhia's world was the world he changed then we got no glimpses of the consequences if he hadn't. I would be interested in watching the Netflix movie if it does appear, but that looks to be stuck in development hell right now.
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved this book can't wait for the sequel next year. I originally got a early copy of the book on netgalley but with it taking me longer to read (work long nights) I ended up buying a copy from my local waterstones so that I can re read it whenever I want (more than likely just before the sequel next year)
I'm a sucker for science fiction books especially time travel. But to get me interested in the actual science involved, set in South East London, representing people that I can relate to, well that's something else.
Review to follow soon. It's a goodun
Review to follow soon. It's a goodun
omg it was actually very interesting yet i didn't understand any of the physics that was talked about however the concept of the time travel and everything was very cool. the mc's were Black and were 15/16 + gave a great insight into south London gang culture so that was good . at the start i felt it was a little bit slow paced but it all led up to the end and u were able to understand why everything happened the way it did. also me playing football actually came in handy for once as i understood the references rhia made when she was okaying a match ect
A science heavy sci fi time travel story. But very well crafted and really fun
I just read the last 100 pages in under an hour so yeah it was good.
This book has been quite hyped up already before its release but also now that it has been released and for good reason, as the book is quite good. Blending sci-fi and time travel and gritty narrative, The Upper World is an exciting read that demands to be read.
Before I start the review, I have to say that it did take me a whole to get into the book, but I think this was more restraint than anything because once I was in the story, I was sold.
I have to admit when the book is good, it is really good. Femi Fadugba has a way of crafting a narrative that is highly addictive to read. This is especially the case with the twisting narratives of the story, switching between Rhia and Esso.
By switching the stories and having the action play out, the last 100 pages played out in my head like a film and when the action got going, I was hooked. I was racing the time that I needed to sleep, but the story was so addictive that I read the last 100 pages in about half an hour.
It might be because I haven't read a good sci-fi fantasy story in a while and my head was telling me that this was what I needed or it could be that he knows how to write a story. It could also be done which I can say it was.
The heading was so thrilling and to see all of the time travel elements finally come together was what I needed. Seeing how Esso was going to get the situation sorted and how Rhia and Esso were going to time travel in the first place.
Seeing other reviews and considering Femi Fadugba's background, it is no surprise that the time travel is well-researched and easily explained throughout the book, especially for a YA audience. The use of diagrams was also helpful in the explanation of the overall book.
Even though I have discussed a lot about time travel and the sci-fi elements, the book is also rooted in reality and I think that Esso is a well likeable character that is easy to follow and root for. With them both having two different backgrounds, Rhia was well-developed and I cared about her life and her problems.
They both add to the story and bring it to life making it overall a great read! I recommend.
The Verdict:
The Upper World is a unique read that demands to be read and talked about. Put it on your TBR immediately!
This book has been quite hyped up already before its release but also now that it has been released and for good reason, as the book is quite good. Blending sci-fi and time travel and gritty narrative, The Upper World is an exciting read that demands to be read.
Before I start the review, I have to say that it did take me a whole to get into the book, but I think this was more restraint than anything because once I was in the story, I was sold.
I have to admit when the book is good, it is really good. Femi Fadugba has a way of crafting a narrative that is highly addictive to read. This is especially the case with the twisting narratives of the story, switching between Rhia and Esso.
By switching the stories and having the action play out, the last 100 pages played out in my head like a film and when the action got going, I was hooked. I was racing the time that I needed to sleep, but the story was so addictive that I read the last 100 pages in about half an hour.
It might be because I haven't read a good sci-fi fantasy story in a while and my head was telling me that this was what I needed or it could be that he knows how to write a story. It could also be done which I can say it was.
The heading was so thrilling and to see all of the time travel elements finally come together was what I needed. Seeing how Esso was going to get the situation sorted and how Rhia and Esso were going to time travel in the first place.
Seeing other reviews and considering Femi Fadugba's background, it is no surprise that the time travel is well-researched and easily explained throughout the book, especially for a YA audience. The use of diagrams was also helpful in the explanation of the overall book.
Even though I have discussed a lot about time travel and the sci-fi elements, the book is also rooted in reality and I think that Esso is a well likeable character that is easy to follow and root for. With them both having two different backgrounds, Rhia was well-developed and I cared about her life and her problems.
They both add to the story and bring it to life making it overall a great read! I recommend.
The Verdict:
The Upper World is a unique read that demands to be read and talked about. Put it on your TBR immediately!