Review: Pretty good! Definite cliffhanger, leaves you wanting more!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 18, 2011
PARALLEL, by Claudia Lefeve, is a refreshing book about the possibility of alternate universes and a girl who possesses a great power to affect them. Etta, an orphan, was tossed from foster home to foster home for as long as she can remember. In her final year as a minor Etta lives at the Dominion House for Girls. Her future is unclear but she will be free of the Social Services System. But when she meets Cooper Everett, her life is turned upside down. He takes her to another universe in which she never previously never existed. But as she enters it, a whole life is spun for her and its her job to live it, until her greater purpose is realized.This book was one of the best alternate universe stories I've ever read. The explanation of paradoxes and how 'universe traveling' was never heavy and I didn't find any loopholes or questions that were unanswered. Lefeve's talent of world-building was showcased on each page and it really added to me liking the book as much as I do.I found Etta a bit wise for her age but that all came with being an orphan. She had a mature outlook on life and she never really fit in with others her age. I loved watching her powers manifest and I am anxious to see what happens with those in the next book. I really liked the dynamic between Etta and Cooper. I didn't really understand his connection to her until the end and let me tell you it's a jaw dropper!Overall, this was a great introduction to the Travelers series. I like the direction that Lefeve is going and I am excited for reading the rest of the series to find out more about Etta's gifts and her role in helping out her universe.