11/16/2015
In this ambitious first novel, Peevyhouse tells five stories, each set further into the future and loosely connected to the others until, eventually, time begins to lose all meaning. Dylan is able to catch glimpses of another, fairy tale–like world, something that has caused him endless trouble. One day, he actually travels to the “Other Place,” where he spies “a distant city of glass like a gathering of soap bubbles,” ruled by a beautiful “Girl Queen.” Our world and an alternate universe have collided, he discovers, and people like Dylan can cross over, at least for a while. In the successive stories, the two worlds become increasingly entangled until disaster strikes. With each tale fitting into different subgenres of science fiction or fantasy—cyberpunk, heroic quest, mystical adventure—and new protagonists appearing every 60 pages, it’s a novel that keeps readers on their toes. Fans of adventurous, challenging fiction from the likes of A.S. King, David Mitchell, and Marcus Sedgwick should find this an exciting ride. Ages 12–up. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. (Feb.)
Now a New York Public Library and Chicago Public Library Best Book for Teens!
"One of the most ambitious YA novels I've ever read. Equal parts fantasy and science-fiction, and presented in five interlocking stories that take place over the course of a century, it's got something to offer just about every reader. Those of us who've been waiting for the next Cloud Atlas have finally found it."—Tommy Wallach, author of We All Looked Up
"Midwinterblood meets Donnie Darko. Taut, tragic, and perfectly executed, Peevyhouse's brilliant debut is the intertwined tale of worlds colliding in which truth becomes myth, fate becomes destiny, and tomorrow's past must transcend yesterday's most dreamed of future."—Stephanie Kuehn, Morris Award Winning author of Charm & Strange
"Tackles ideas about technology, the environment, time, other worlds, and how we relate to one another…This thoughtful, idea-driven read will be appreciated by those who like their dystopian fiction to be a bit more literary."—School Library Journal, starred review
"Strange and compelling."—Kirkus, starred review
"[An]ambitious first novel…that keeps readers on their toes. Fans of adventurous, challenging fiction from the likes of A.S. King, David Mitchell, and Marcus Sedgwick should find this an exciting ride."—Publishers Weekly
"Peevyhouse's ambitious debut offers readers plenty to ponder."—Booklist
"Richly intelligent. . .suitable for fans of Sedgwick's similarly complex The Ghosts of Heaven, and it's an ambitious look at how something that seems small can build into disaster over time. . . . This is one of those rare gems that truly transcend the covers—readers will be left contemplating this world, and many of the characters (even if they only get to know them for 50-60 pages in each novella), long after they complete the book."—BCCB
"Extends far beyond the usual realm of young adult fiction. Consider it dystopia, science fiction, fantasy, or weird fiction, with a spattering of realistic struggles in alternative, uncertain futures. Each novella stands alone, with its own characters and story arc, but when pieced together, they present an overarching mystery that builds slowly and intensifies. There are larger issues here: contemplating purpose, technology in society, the wealth gap, addiction, and desperation. . . . This will appeal to fans of M.T. Anderson or Patrick Ness."—VOYA
★ 01/01/2016
Gr 9 Up—In this series of interconnected novellas, Peevyhouse tackles ideas about technology, the environment, time, other worlds, and how we relate to one another. The novellas are interlocking and puzzlelike, the first set in a very near future and the final one taking place more than 100 years later. The final entry answers many questions raised by the first four, while leaving the entire book pleasantly unresolved. Readers will find much to contemplate and discuss. Those who have read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland will appreciate the layers of literary allusions. Peevyhouse does not spoon-feed her readers; instead she challenges them to bring their critical thinking skills to bear to adequately appreciate the work. While not necessarily for reluctant readers, this title has an audience. Hand this to fans of Marcus Sedgwick's Midwinterblood (Roaring Brook, 2013) or M.T. Anderson's Feed (Candlewick, 2002). VERDICT This thoughtful, idea-driven read will be appreciated by those who like their dystopian fiction to be a bit more literary.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH
Five interconnected novellas feature five teens and five narrators, with each novella moving farther and farther into the future. Delivering both fantasy and science fiction, the cast of narrators engages listeners with the individual characters and the dilemmas they face. Dylan’s impossible questions lead him to another world. Brixney must find a corporate sponsor for her social media site or languish in debtor’s prison. Epony banishes her presence from the Web and begins something brand new. Reef becomes a gamer in a futuristic virtual world. And Quinn, in the far future, discovers the secret that connects them all. Each story is told with an urgency that pulls the listener more deeply into the time-twisting situations. An intriguing must-listen is enhanced by the unique voice that delivers each story. E.A.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine
★ 2015-11-11
Five novellas weave together a possible future of a decaying world where everyone wants to find their way to the Other Place. Cunningly set in a moving future ("one year from now"; "ten years from now"), with stories that look back to one another, these novellas each portray a specific moment while also contributing to a thematic look at missed connections and toxic connections among both individuals and entire parallel worlds. From Dylan, who first finds his way across universes, to Quinn, who will need to destroy a world to save a world, Peevyhouse plays with the unspoken to hint at the larger ideas. Each teen grapples with similar issues, seeking love and purpose, and despite strange futures, the five protagonists remain recognizable and sympathetic. Each protagonist has "vorpal," a kind of will that can be imposed upon others and can bridge to the fairy-tale-like world of the Other Place (it's hinted that it may be shaped partially in response to human desire). The stories beyond the first one (Dylan's) provide a science fiction- and fantasy-imbued examination of the uncertain future of Earth (melting ice caps, rising wealth inequity, social media as collateral), parceled out with hints embedded in slices of individual lives. Strange and compelling, this won't be for every reader; the ones who love it will feel transported to another place. (Science fiction. 13 & up)
