A review by daidui
Falling Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix

2.0

Margaret Peterson Haddix has been a cherished part of my reading journey since childhood, and her stories have remained close to my heart over the years. With "Running Out of Time" holding a special position among my favorites, I eagerly anticipated her latest offering.

Haddix's storytelling prowess shines in the intriguing premise and setup of her newest book, drawing readers in with her signature flair for captivating scenarios. The initial revelations propelled me through the first half of the book with unbridled enthusiasm. However, as the narrative progressed, I found myself increasingly plagued by unresolved questions and gaping plot holes.

In "Running Out of Time," Jessie's predicament felt palpably urgent due to the constraints closing in on her from all sides - the relentless ticking of time, her limited understanding of the world beyond, the absence of allies, and the barriers to communication between inside and outside worlds. Conversely, Zola's journey lacked the same sense of imminent danger, leaving ample room for alternative escape plans that seemed glaringly obvious and far simpler than the chosen course of action in the story.