This is another instance where I really wanted to like the book. The premise reminded me a lot of Stranger Things and Coraline, both of which I really loved. However, this book just fell short for me on the execution.

The book opens up with our main character, Marina, transferring to a new school. She lost her brother several years ago to a tragic accident and her and her family are still learning to cope with that loss. Strange things begin happening at the school, and soon enough, Marina finds that her school is sitting on top of portals to the past, present, and future. But dangerous things happen if the portals are messed with too often. Marina soon discovers that the answers to her brother’s accident may lie within the portals.

Like I said, this book had a great set up. But right off the bat we are met with insta love as our main character meets Brady, whose very presence and hair flips makes Marina feel safe. Then the romance progresses into a love triangle of sorts that I wasn’t the biggest fan of. Even the romances outside of our main characters felt a bit off. For instance, one character is in a relationship, then finds themselves stuck with another character for a month (with no hope of traveling back to the other love interest) and they quickly fall in love, constantly calling each other baby.

I didn’t dislike everything in this book. There were definitely some great moments sprinkled throughout. For instance I loved the scene where Marina steps through the portal for the first time, seeing her brother for the first time in years. I could feel everything she went through in that scene. I just wish there were more moments like this.

This is only my opinion. I wish the author success in her future endeavors and a huge congrats for being published!