Tandem (Many-Worlds)
Sixteen-year-old Sasha Lawson can’t believe her good fortune: überpopular Grant Davis has asked her to the prom. But her ecstasy is short-lived when she finds herself transported to Aurora, Earth’s parallel universe, by Grant’s analog Thomas to impersonate Princess Juliana. Although Juliana is betrothed to Prince Callum in order to ensure a peaceful union between warring countries Aurora and Farnham, she has disappeared, leaving the treaty in jeopardy. Sasha, Juliana’s analog, must convince the country and her betrothed that she is the real princess—or risk her own safe return to Earth. The first title in the Many Worlds trilogy is a fascinating premise made more so by Jarzab’s use of parallel universe theories of physics. Sasha is spirited into Aurora through the tandem, a force field that moves one analog into another universe. Strange but plausible science weds old-fashioned legends of princesses trapped in towers, along with contemporary teen concerns. It’s a great mix, and fortunately, Jarzab leaves readers with the enticing and reassuring promise, “Not the end; only the beginning.” Grades 8-12. --Frances Bradburn