Review: Love Story with a twist
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 20, 2013
I was provided with an eCopy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.I was drawn to this book for a few reasons; 1) because I love the New Adult genre and I was intrigued to read a book in this category by a male author and 2) I love the idea of a story set similarly to the movie Sliding Doors, exploring the 'What if' scenario and how seemingly insignificant actions or decisions can alter our future.Before I began Beyond Parallel, I downloaded the prequel Tales From a Tiny Thai Table. This was a great short story that set the scene for the main novel and offered an insight into the four main characters.Beyond Parallel was a welcome change to the usual contemporary romance novels I have read lately. Don't get me wrong I love heartbreak, secrets and all things 'angsty' but this book was unique for me in the way it questioned 'What if'. This is something I think about often, what if our actions or inactions can alter the path we are on. Is this meant to be? For example, what if you miss your bus and have to walk to work? Is it by chance or by fate that you meet your 'other half' on your new unplanned route?I thought about the threads we weave during our lifetime whilst reading about Bella and Clark's journey. In one instance we see them meet by chance on a bus journey after Bella's best friend Alex is unable to accompany her. In the other reality Bella and Clark don't meet due to aforementioned best friend being fit, well and able to go on the bus journey. From there the story alternates between a life with Bella and Clark as a couple and life with them apart. It may have the potential to be confusing for some readers as the story switches from each reality, but the author aptly entitled the chapters 'With' and 'Without' as a reminder of each life. I was able to follow both story lines with ease. I did at times want to skip ahead and read the next 'With' chapter, but that is purely because I am a sucker for romance. The story was well written and I enjoyed the author's writing style. I felt I could connect to each of the four main characters as I followed their journey.I would describe Beyond Parallel as a coming-of-age tale. Clark, his best friend Sam, Bella and Alex decided to travel the world after graduating college. Each individual had very different reasons and expectations for their trip. It was a story of self discovery, chasing dreams, re-evaluating goals and, in the end, facing reality . I loved the interaction between the characters and the portrayal of their friendships and relationships. They were ordinary relatable people. It wasn't about the innocent girl taming the bad boy, instead it focused on two equally complex characters with their own pasts trying to carve out a journey together.I felt the author encapsulated intimacy and passion without the inclusion of graphic sex scenes and after reading the book I felt this suited the story, the characters and the writing style.I won't spoil how this story ends as I urge you to read it for yourself. I will say, for me, the book ended quite suddenly and I would have perhaps liked just a little bit more of what was to happen after. But then again, I always want more when a good book ends :)This was a good, thought provoking read. Although you could say it wasn't as fast paced and gripping as some of my favourite New Adult books, it was rich in content and description. I loved the exploration of the whole 'What if' scenario and I believe you will do the same upon reading it. ~Ava