Scan barcode
goodyeargoodbooks's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. The premise is captivating, and the plot progression very clever, however the protagonist verges on self-righteous at times, and the romance was overbearing. Rather than a sci-fi novel with aspects of romance, this was a romance novel using sci-fi as the foil to their love. Also, the characters tended to spend a little too long in one dimension, especially the Russian one – a lot of elements could have been cut in places. Not a terrible book, but not meeting my expectations.
Taken from https://emdoesbookreviews.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/what-i-have-read-during-my-absence/#more-1031
Taken from https://emdoesbookreviews.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/what-i-have-read-during-my-absence/#more-1031
arwenvdleeuw's review against another edition
5.0
I'm totally I love with this book! The cover is amazing, just as the story. I can't wait to read the sequel!
breezy610's review against another edition
5.0
Claudia Gray has did it again. I absolutely adore this book and it taught me to look at facts before jumping to conclusions. I can't wait to see what happens next.
faylines's review against another edition
4.0
SPOILER ALERT
I devoured A Million Worlds With You as I consumed its two predecessors A Thousand Pieces of You and Ten Thousand Skies Above You - in a single, fervorous and delighted sitting.
The series tells the story of teenaged artist Marguerite Caine, the daughter of two genius physicists, and her journey through multiple universes with her parents’ invention the firebird. The concept was a winner for me.
As she did with the first two books, Gray paints each world with the same care as she does Marguerite’s home universe. Each version of Marguerite and those around her are fleshed out in their own right as characters rather than shallow copies. The third book explores the idea that we all have shadows and darkness in us. In the books each character has a best and worst version of themselves. The foremost being the darkest version of Marguerite who has served as a key antagonist in the series. This is brilliant for depth of character as it is impossible to write off anyone - even Triad henchwoman Romola. There is room for redemption. I will come back to this a bit later.
Now. The romance aspect. Paul Markov - the stoic Russian love interest - had me in fits. In the last book he was put back together after having his soul shattered and uses this as an excuse to be especially mopey and fatalistic as he lumbers through a solid chunk of the book. As someone who grew to love Paul Markov (a realisation that came as slowly to me as it did to Marguerite) this was an unpleasant part of the book. I am personally not a fan of the romanticism of doomed love. That said, it was well written and allowed for some great character development for both Marguerite and Paul. Don't despair if you want a dollop of sweetness with your multidimensional travel - there are plenty of sweet moments to make up for Paul’s tantrum. He does evolve towards the end of the book. As Gray has already pointed out with the dark versions of the characters, we all have the worst in us somewhere. Paul shows how we have to choose to be the best version of ourselves every moment of every day. I feel this theme was well explored through Paul’s temper and the struggle Marguerite has watching him and letting him learn control for himself.
The rival for Marguerite’s affection in just about any universe is the roguish hipster Theo Beck. In Ten Thousand Skies Above You we saw a universe in which a Marguerite chose a Theo. Sadly this fuels Paul’s moping. I swear I wanted to slap his pretty face and tell him to snap the hell out of it. Evil Triadverse Theo is fodder for seething rage and tears as his limits are tested by his bosses.
The character exploration is fantastic and the plot is tightly woven. No aspect of the previous books is conveniently forgotten and Marguerite does not blunder on ignorant of her own mistakes (ahem getting another Marguerite pregnant). The biggest let down for me was the ending. This book is primarily about introspection and redemption. Marguerite and Paul must learn about each other and themselves in order to move past Paul’s soul being splintered and the other characters either find or scorn their chances for redemption. For two primary antagonists this - I feel - was forced. A sudden snap to attention, a quick wake up call and two books of unspeakable acts are erased with the sudden proclamation that they were just being selfish. In the space of less than a dozen pages the two greatest villains have seen the error of their ways and come up with a solution to save the multiverse. I was disappointed to say the least.
That said, the ending overall was satisfying and I closed the cover with the sense of elation and sadness that comes when a good book finally releases you and you can come up for air. Despite the few grievances I have cited here, I loved this book and think that it will be enjoyed by fans of the first two.
I devoured A Million Worlds With You as I consumed its two predecessors A Thousand Pieces of You and Ten Thousand Skies Above You - in a single, fervorous and delighted sitting.
The series tells the story of teenaged artist Marguerite Caine, the daughter of two genius physicists, and her journey through multiple universes with her parents’ invention the firebird. The concept was a winner for me.
As she did with the first two books, Gray paints each world with the same care as she does Marguerite’s home universe. Each version of Marguerite and those around her are fleshed out in their own right as characters rather than shallow copies. The third book explores the idea that we all have shadows and darkness in us. In the books each character has a best and worst version of themselves. The foremost being the darkest version of Marguerite who has served as a key antagonist in the series. This is brilliant for depth of character as it is impossible to write off anyone - even Triad henchwoman Romola. There is room for redemption. I will come back to this a bit later.
Now. The romance aspect. Paul Markov - the stoic Russian love interest - had me in fits. In the last book he was put back together after having his soul shattered and uses this as an excuse to be especially mopey and fatalistic as he lumbers through a solid chunk of the book. As someone who grew to love Paul Markov (a realisation that came as slowly to me as it did to Marguerite) this was an unpleasant part of the book. I am personally not a fan of the romanticism of doomed love. That said, it was well written and allowed for some great character development for both Marguerite and Paul. Don't despair if you want a dollop of sweetness with your multidimensional travel - there are plenty of sweet moments to make up for Paul’s tantrum. He does evolve towards the end of the book. As Gray has already pointed out with the dark versions of the characters, we all have the worst in us somewhere. Paul shows how we have to choose to be the best version of ourselves every moment of every day. I feel this theme was well explored through Paul’s temper and the struggle Marguerite has watching him and letting him learn control for himself.
The rival for Marguerite’s affection in just about any universe is the roguish hipster Theo Beck. In Ten Thousand Skies Above You we saw a universe in which a Marguerite chose a Theo. Sadly this fuels Paul’s moping. I swear I wanted to slap his pretty face and tell him to snap the hell out of it. Evil Triadverse Theo is fodder for seething rage and tears as his limits are tested by his bosses.
The character exploration is fantastic and the plot is tightly woven. No aspect of the previous books is conveniently forgotten and Marguerite does not blunder on ignorant of her own mistakes (ahem getting another Marguerite pregnant). The biggest let down for me was the ending. This book is primarily about introspection and redemption. Marguerite and Paul must learn about each other and themselves in order to move past Paul’s soul being splintered and the other characters either find or scorn their chances for redemption. For two primary antagonists this - I feel - was forced. A sudden snap to attention, a quick wake up call and two books of unspeakable acts are erased with the sudden proclamation that they were just being selfish. In the space of less than a dozen pages the two greatest villains have seen the error of their ways and come up with a solution to save the multiverse. I was disappointed to say the least.
That said, the ending overall was satisfying and I closed the cover with the sense of elation and sadness that comes when a good book finally releases you and you can come up for air. Despite the few grievances I have cited here, I loved this book and think that it will be enjoyed by fans of the first two.
nishaali's review against another edition
5.0
Claudia Gray’s new sci-fi series has captured the imagination of many readers. This is a book I definitely judged by the cover (guilty!) and like a lot of people, I think it is undeniably gorgeous. I like that it hinted at the protagonist’s talent as well as the dimension-travelling theme of the book rather than just a generic pretty cover which can be common these days.
A quick summary: Marguerite Caine is the daughter of world-famous physicists who have managed to invent a device, the Firebird, which enables inter-dimensional travel. But knowledge like that puts the entire family into danger and soon Marguerite’s parents are betrayed by their assistant Paul. Marguerite, joined by Theo, another of her parents’ assistants, is soon jumping dimensions chasing after Paul in a bid to avenge her murdered father. However, she quickly realises people and things are not as they seem and some would kill to get their hands on the secrets of the Firebird…
The story was set up using flashbacks showing how the Firebird came about and the dynamics between the characters. Marguerite has grown up having her parent’s assistants around and often living with them in the family home. Paul and Theo have been around longer than usual and have become fixtures in the Caine home and so Paul’s betrayal stings Marguerite badly. It was inspiring to see her fight through her raw grief for her father and pursue Paul despite the dangers.
I loved the intricacy of the world building which is crucial to any fantasy or sci-fi book and Claudia Gray has done a fabulous job. Each dimension that Marguerite travelled to was really creative in its inception and (sometimes radically) different so it kept me on my toes trying to anticipate how similar or different each new dimension would be. I particularly enjoyed reading the science behind the Firebird (I know!) and it made the whole premise more believable.
Read the rest of the review on my blog: bookishatheart.com
A quick summary: Marguerite Caine is the daughter of world-famous physicists who have managed to invent a device, the Firebird, which enables inter-dimensional travel. But knowledge like that puts the entire family into danger and soon Marguerite’s parents are betrayed by their assistant Paul. Marguerite, joined by Theo, another of her parents’ assistants, is soon jumping dimensions chasing after Paul in a bid to avenge her murdered father. However, she quickly realises people and things are not as they seem and some would kill to get their hands on the secrets of the Firebird…
The story was set up using flashbacks showing how the Firebird came about and the dynamics between the characters. Marguerite has grown up having her parent’s assistants around and often living with them in the family home. Paul and Theo have been around longer than usual and have become fixtures in the Caine home and so Paul’s betrayal stings Marguerite badly. It was inspiring to see her fight through her raw grief for her father and pursue Paul despite the dangers.
I loved the intricacy of the world building which is crucial to any fantasy or sci-fi book and Claudia Gray has done a fabulous job. Each dimension that Marguerite travelled to was really creative in its inception and (sometimes radically) different so it kept me on my toes trying to anticipate how similar or different each new dimension would be. I particularly enjoyed reading the science behind the Firebird (I know!) and it made the whole premise more believable.
Read the rest of the review on my blog: bookishatheart.com
toobusy's review against another edition
3.0
I found this book very predictable and kinda boring. The love triangle felt forced and tiresome. It was an okay lighthearted read but I don't think I will be continuing the series.
trin's review against another edition
3.0
Since I liked Claudia Gray's Star Wars novel, [b:Lost Stars|25067046|Lost Stars (Journey to Star Wars The Force Awakens)|Claudia Gray|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437275239s/25067046.jpg|44751860], I decided to try some of her original YA fiction. A Thousand Pieces of You involves alternate universes (yay!) and a love triangle (bleh, of course). The romance never really worked for me -- I didn't click with Paul (Boy #1) and the twist involving Theo (Boy #2) seemed obvious to me from the beginning. However, despite these emotional misses, Gray absolutely nails the complex feelings between her heroine Marguerite and her famil(y)(ies), and she's deft at portraying grief as well. Likewise, her attention to detail -- one of my favorite things about Lost Stars -- flourishes here. While perhaps a bit over the top, her various universes are all fun -- she engages fully with her concept, never flinching from potential silliness. Oh, Marguerite's a member of the Russian royal family in this reality? I'll admit I rolled my eyes and then -- well damn, I really dug it. Gray goes all-in, and her enthusiasm makes her very easy to follow.
Lost Stars read like really good fanfic -- instead of the bland, boring fanfic a lot of tie-in materials are -- and frankly, A Thousand Pieces of You does, too. This is absolutely a compliment.
Lost Stars read like really good fanfic -- instead of the bland, boring fanfic a lot of tie-in materials are -- and frankly, A Thousand Pieces of You does, too. This is absolutely a compliment.
smateer73's review against another edition
4.0
This book was really good. The theories behind cross-dimensional travel were well done, and all the characters have so many layers (literally) and the plot was so intricate, with new exciting details being revealed at exactly the right pace. The romance didn’t feel forced either, and wasn’t that horrible.
carlisajc's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars. Not perfect, but I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one.
outoftheblue14's review against another edition
3.0
Marguerite Caine è una ragazza di diciott'anni che vive in California con i genitori, due importanti scienziati. Secondo i genitori di Marguerite, esistono infiniti universi paralleli, che si sviluppano a partire da una singola differenza con il nostro universo. Il padre e la made di Marguerite hanno anche inventato un congegno, il Firebird, che permette a chi lo porta di spostarsi tra gli universi. All'inizio della narrazione, il padre di Marguerite è rimasto ucciso in un incidente stradale causato da Paul, uno dei suoi giovani assistenti. Paul ha anche rubato il Firebird ed è fuggito in un universo parallelo. Theo, amico di Marguerite e anche lui assistente dei signori Caine, propone a Marguerite di dare la caccia a Paul usando un Firebird di riserva.
E' un romanzo pieno d'azione e di colpi di scena. Gli universi che Margeurite attraversa sono molto diversi tra loro: in uno lei è rimasta orfana da bambina e si è trasferita a Londra; in un altro, è granduchessa di Russia, figlia dello zar. Ma in tutti i mondi si ritrova accanto a Paul, per cui prova sentimenti ambivalenti, confusi dal fatto che prova qualcosa anche per Theo. Secondo me, l'autrice gioca un po' troppo sul triangolo amoroso.
Comunque, sono curiosa di vedere come si evolverà la storia.
E' un romanzo pieno d'azione e di colpi di scena. Gli universi che Margeurite attraversa sono molto diversi tra loro: in uno lei è rimasta orfana da bambina e si è trasferita a Londra; in un altro, è granduchessa di Russia, figlia dello zar. Ma in tutti i mondi si ritrova accanto a Paul, per cui prova sentimenti ambivalenti, confusi dal fatto che prova qualcosa anche per Theo. Secondo me, l'autrice gioca un po' troppo sul triangolo amoroso.
Comunque, sono curiosa di vedere come si evolverà la storia.