Review of Skipshock
As I dove into Skipshock, the latest offering from the talented author L.C. O’Rourke, I found myself spellbound in a universe where time bends and the rules of reality are turned on their heads. I stumbled upon this quirky blend of portal and time-travel fantasy, and I must admit, every page turned was a delightful surprise that kept me on my toes. By the time I was 70% through, I loved it so much I couldn’t resist preordering the hardback. And now, as I sit here wrestling with that excruciating cliffhanger ending, I’m left craving more of this fun and refreshing universe.
At its heart, Skipshock deftly weaves the narrative of Margo, a seemingly ordinary, melancholic teenager, and Moon, a broody and enigmatic traveling salesman. Their worlds collide in the most unexpected way—a train journey from Cork to Dublin takes a sharp turn, and they’re thrown together in a fractured universe where time isn’t just a line but a labyrinth. The unique premise of pocket universes, with some days only clocking in at four hours, adds a fascinating layer of intrigue. This time-travel fantasy engages in themes of loss, identity, and revolution, all while delivering a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance that had me rooting for Margo and Moon from the very start.
The worldbuilding is nothing short of original, with O’Rourke skillfully crafting a vibrant backdrop filled with intricate details. The concept of skipshock—akin to a more torturous form of jetlag—that shortens the lives of those traversing these worlds, is both compelling and tragic. Margo’s lone possession, a watch from her distant father, becomes a symbol of hope and possibility, leading her (and us) down a rabbit hole of secrets that unveil deeper truths about her past.
O’Rourke’s writing style captures the urgency and excitement of the narrative while allowing for introspection. I truly appreciated the juxtaposition of first-person chapters from Moon’s perspective against Margo’s third-person narration. While the intention to convey Margo’s foreign view was clear, I wish her chapters had mirrored Moon’s in first person to deepen the connection with her character. Despite the abruptness of the POV switches, the pacing maintained my engagement throughout.
I must mention that my uncorrected proof had a few formatting hiccups—something I expect will be polished for the final release. At times, these errors made the reading experience a bit rocky, yet the strength of the story and the charming chemistry between Margo and Moon kept me glued to the pages. In fact, it was so enticing that I genuinely questioned whether I might DNF it a couple of times, yet my enthusiasm for the plot always drew me back in.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Skipshock for YA fantasy lovers looking for an inventive, emotionally rich journey. L.C. O’Rourke has not only crafted a captivating narrative filled with unique worldbuilding but has also created relatable, deeply flawed characters in Margo and Moon. This delightful ride through twisted time and pocket universes is sure to resonate with those seeking adventure and romance. If you find yourself yearning for a read that ignites your imagination while tugging at your heartstrings, look no further than Skipshock. Trust me, you’ll want to reach for that hardback the moment it hits the shelves!