Wow.

I haven’t read a book as amazing and intriguing as this one in a while. The story starts as one of time travel and heists, but morphs into one with the complications of the multiverse, identity, and memory. It’s rather fast-paced and executed very well.

The characters have a complex dynamic, a bit like the cast of Six of Crows. Far and Eliot took some time to warm up to, but I found myself liking them sooner rather than later. Gram felt almost like a side character for the first third of the book, though once he came out of his shell, so to speak, he was sweet and awkward and nerdy. (I think he might’ve been a person of color? I’m not sure; at one point there was a passage that mentioned how people always looked at him differently, in past and present. If I’m mistaken here, I’m very sorry. I don’t think it was brought up again.) I loved Imogen’s optimism and the fact that she changed her hair color every day. Goals, to be honest; if only I wasn’t so lazy. Priya (I know for sure she’s Indian and Hindu) might be my favorite. I loved that she was calm and steady but still compassionate, and she was a medic.

However, the best character, hands down, (or paws down) was Saffron the red panda. He ran off with Eliot’s wig. He hid up in the pipes with old heist outfits. He left hair chalk-colored paw prints around the ship. He was adorable and he must be protected. (I always fall for the animals lol oops.)

Far and Priya’s relationship happened early in the story, but over the period of almost a year that was skipped as the crew went on heists, pre-Eliot. I would’ve liked to see them come together in a bit more detail, but they were still a good couple. Gram and Imogen, on the other hand, had a lot of tension and mutual feelings without the courage to act on them. The rest of the crew shipped them, I shipped them, and when they finally became a couple, it made my heart happy.

Some of the historical site descriptions were a bit lackluster at times, but I could tell nonetheless that it was all thoroughly researched. I thought the time travel aspect was unique, and although I found the multiverse confusing at first, I caught up quickly and enjoyed the twist it gave the story.

I rushed to finish this before bed last night so I’d be ready to return it to the library today, and might’ve missed some minor details, but regardless, I loved the ending. Of the last 150 pages, 100 were intense battle and chase scenes, and the other 50 were seeing how everything played out. I was very satisfied, although I wouldn’t have minded a brief epilogue.

One other thing worth mentioning: this is a stand-alone sci-fi novel. Those are typically uncommon, so having such a great novel without any sequel commitment is refreshing.

All in all, this book absolutely exceeded the low expectations I had when I started. It sucked me in and took me along for the ride. I really enjoyed this novel, and will be reading Ryan’s other books soon.

Don’t sleep on this novel!!!