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A review by andrewbenesh1
A Million Worlds with You by Claudia Gray
5.0
This is a fun and satisfying conclusion to the firebird trilogy. While the final chapters feel somewhat rushed they fit logically within the universe and problems that are established in the prior books. I find myself thinking a lot about Gregory Bateson's work on isomorphic structures, which is a very strange thing to find yourself thinking about when reading what is effectively teen sci-fi romance. I think this is ultimately a testament to the quality of the author's writing.
As with the other two books in the series, the book struggles with whether or not to pursue a romantic triangle fullheartedly or whether to simply to be a background element that interacts with the plot. I think this is ultimately successful,; the primary motivator is not the constant interplay between Marguerite's romantic feelings for Theo or Paul, but rather a question of individual responsibility, family loyalty, and ethics on very meta perspective.
The conclave of Marguerite's was hands down one of the most entertaining and intriguing things I read in some time. The way Claudia Gray manages to both play with and yet respect the relationships that are built between different characters in different universes is very impressive. in particular I found the way she wrote about the differing perspectives of Marguerite in the Russiaverse and Mafiaverse to be insightful and well-constructed. Similarly, her handling of family relationship Dynamics show significant insight into normative family processes that is often lacking in young adult fiction.
My only real criticism of this work is that certain narrative techniques feel a bit overused. For example, many chapters open with a sort of shock statement - a quick learner to that often is a misunderstanding or grand oversimplification of a situation that serves to draw the reader in but at times it can feel a little forced and distracting from the main plot line. Then again I know I'm not the target demographic for this book, so that may be a narrative choice that fits just fine with the intended readers. Overall,I found the trilogy pleasant to read, and emotionally satisfying, and worthwhile. Claudia gray has once again shown her ability to write compelling characters into interesting and complex situations while maintaining a deep respect and appreciation for the uniqueness of each character. having previously read her entries into the Star Wars universe - Bloodline and Lost Stars - I would expect no less. Well done Claudia Gray!
As with the other two books in the series, the book struggles with whether or not to pursue a romantic triangle fullheartedly or whether to simply to be a background element that interacts with the plot. I think this is ultimately successful,; the primary motivator is not the constant interplay between Marguerite's romantic feelings for Theo or Paul, but rather a question of individual responsibility, family loyalty, and ethics on very meta perspective.
The conclave of Marguerite's was hands down one of the most entertaining and intriguing things I read in some time. The way Claudia Gray manages to both play with and yet respect the relationships that are built between different characters in different universes is very impressive. in particular I found the way she wrote about the differing perspectives of Marguerite in the Russiaverse and Mafiaverse to be insightful and well-constructed. Similarly, her handling of family relationship Dynamics show significant insight into normative family processes that is often lacking in young adult fiction.
My only real criticism of this work is that certain narrative techniques feel a bit overused. For example, many chapters open with a sort of shock statement - a quick learner to that often is a misunderstanding or grand oversimplification of a situation that serves to draw the reader in but at times it can feel a little forced and distracting from the main plot line. Then again I know I'm not the target demographic for this book, so that may be a narrative choice that fits just fine with the intended readers. Overall,I found the trilogy pleasant to read, and emotionally satisfying, and worthwhile. Claudia gray has once again shown her ability to write compelling characters into interesting and complex situations while maintaining a deep respect and appreciation for the uniqueness of each character. having previously read her entries into the Star Wars universe - Bloodline and Lost Stars - I would expect no less. Well done Claudia Gray!