A Journey Through Time and Emotion: My Thoughts on Skipshock
From the moment I first caught a glimpse of Skipshock, I knew it would be more than just another YA fantasy for me. With the lyrical storytelling of author R.W. Toomey, I found a gateway not just into a new world but into a captivating exploration of time, identity, and the bittersweet nature of love. It didn’t take long for me to fall into this inventive universe, and by the time I was about 70% through, I had already preordered the hardback—an investment I’m more than pleased with, especially considering that tantalizing cliffhanger!
At its core, Skipshock beautifully entwines portal and time travel, an ambitious feat that often falters in the genre. But not here. The world-building felt like a breath of fresh air, placing our protagonist, Margo, in a richly layered universe where hours dictate not just time, but life itself. Some worlds exist in fraught four-hour “days,” leading to a unique twist on time that enhances the narrative’s weight. When Margo, a depressed teenager, stumbles from a mundane train journey in Cork to the chaotic world of Moon—brooding and youthful yet carved by the horrors of survival—the stage is set for a gripping adventure filled with the kind of passion that lingers long after the last page.
What I loved most about Skipshock was the tender slow-burn romance between Margo and Moon. Their relationship grows amid the backdrop of revolution and chaos; it was impossible not to root for their connection. Margo’s solitary possession—a watch from her estranged father—initially appears to be just another token of missed opportunities, but it gradually reveals deeper secrets, drawing Margo and Moon closer together as they navigate a fractured universe. Their chemistry crackles with authenticity, capturing that feeling of youth caught between wanting something beautiful yet grappling with the darkness around them.
In terms of writing style, Toomey employs an interesting narrative structure, switching between Moon’s first-person perspective and Margo’s third-person viewpoint. While I grasped the intent—giving readers a lens into Margo’s bewildered perspective in this foreign world—it left me wanting Margo’s voice to be more intimate, a first-person narrative might have fully enveloped us in her emotional landscape. Some POV shifts felt jarring, though they contributed to the high-stakes tension of the plot.
Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the formatting issues in my ARC—it was a tad distracting. However, I refuse to let that detract from the powerhouse story unfolding within those pages. Despite the errors, the foundation of Skipshock is strong, and I found myself willingly overlooking these hiccups, captivated by the originality of the plot and the complexity of its characters.
Skipshock is not just for die-hard fans of time travel fantasies; it’s for anyone craving a fresh narrative infused with heart and adventure. This book resonates on so many levels—exploring themes of love, loss, and identity, it perfectly encapsulates the turbulence of teenage life amid a universe where time is both a gift and a curse. As I closed the book, I felt a bittersweet ache for Margo and Moon, eager for the next installment in this imaginative duology. If you’re seeking a captivating blend of adventure, romance, and thoughtful exploration, Skipshock might just be your next great read.