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A review by bookmaddie
The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I haven’t read sci-fi in AGES, but the parallel world premise of this book really sparked my interest. I don’t know what it is about parallel worlds, but sign me up, I am ready. I loved how Caralee, the main character, was able to have so many different experiences of people in her community—those she loved and those she hated. It was really beautiful how she was able to find closure for some past relationships as she forged new ones, with the ‘same’ individual. The way parallel worlds allows for a variety of relationships with the same person to be explored is really beautiful, and I am obsessed with this concept.
Also, Caralee is just amazing! She is so strong, brave, determined, loving, observant, clever and moRE. I love how her queerness was totally accepted and not an issue at all. This was such a departure from how queerness is often perceived in our world, and it was so refreshing and beautiful.
This was a more plot-heavy book than I am used to, and while I enjoyed the constant problems and solutions, I did find some plot points a bit confusing. Also, I just wanted more history and in-depth world building. I wanted to know the history of this entire place and how it came to be. I do wonder if that’s a carryover from my love of literary fiction that tends to go really deep in characterization of a person and place. I do think the book could’ve been a bit longer and answered a few of those questions.. but also are we meant to be a bit confused, just as Caralee is when she visits a new world?
If you are at all intrigued by parallel worlds, planet traversing, and political and family subterfuge, definitely give this one a go! It is tender, exciting and brazen. Such an amazing read, and I can’t wait for more work from Johnson!!
Also, Caralee is just amazing! She is so strong, brave, determined, loving, observant, clever and moRE. I love how her queerness was totally accepted and not an issue at all. This was such a departure from how queerness is often perceived in our world, and it was so refreshing and beautiful.
This was a more plot-heavy book than I am used to, and while I enjoyed the constant problems and solutions, I did find some plot points a bit confusing. Also, I just wanted more history and in-depth world building. I wanted to know the history of this entire place and how it came to be. I do wonder if that’s a carryover from my love of literary fiction that tends to go really deep in characterization of a person and place. I do think the book could’ve been a bit longer and answered a few of those questions.. but also are we meant to be a bit confused, just as Caralee is when she visits a new world?
If you are at all intrigued by parallel worlds, planet traversing, and political and family subterfuge, definitely give this one a go! It is tender, exciting and brazen. Such an amazing read, and I can’t wait for more work from Johnson!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Terminal illness