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A review by storyorc
The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The time travelling aspects are a trove of surprises, and a touch of existential horror, as the author demonstrates the butterfly effect over and over. The mechanics behind it were also quite carefully thought out, which made for a satisfying time of trying anticipate what would happen (I don't consider the fact that I guessed the twist a bad thing). The ships, exoplanet, and protocols surrounding time travel were just cool.
The characters were where I struggled. Brock was my favourite for the range and competence he displayed and a few other had their moments -Moss with herself on the tree or the Courtney hologram, Petal/Vivian turning into a detective, Nicole flipping the script on Moss - but for the most part they seemed thin or more tools of the plot than people. This may have been exaggerated by the multiverse element of the plot which can make anything start to feel pointless if you're not careful.
It was also neat to see a protagonist with one leg navigate both daily life and physically demanding situations in a way that was neither completely unaffected nor completely helpless.
The characters were where I struggled. Brock was my favourite for the range and competence he displayed and a few other had their moments -
It was also neat to see a protagonist with one leg navigate both daily life and physically demanding situations in a way that was neither completely unaffected nor completely helpless.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Police brutality, and Murder
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Ableism and Misogyny