Wakers (The Side Step Trilogy #1) by Selina E. O’Connor: A Journey Through Timestreams
When I first encountered Wakers, the debut of Selina E. O’Connor’s new YA series, I was immediately captivated by the premise of clones with implanted memories navigating alternate realities. There’s something undeniably intriguing about the philosophical questions of identity and choice woven into a story about young characters on the brink of significant transformation. With its rich ideas and distinctive narrative style, I was excited to leap into this multifaceted world.
At its core, Wakers follows Laz, a clone grappling with his unique ability to "side step" into alternate versions of his reality. This isn’t your standard time travel adventure; instead, it’s a nuanced exploration of choice and consequence, where Laz must confront the implications of his decisions across myriad timestreams. I found myself particularly drawn to the philosophical underpinnings of Laz’s struggle: "Who is the ‘I’ that side steps and remembers?" This kind of introspective questioning captured my heart and mind, and I often caught myself mulling over its implications long after putting the book down.
The narrative is alive with dynamic interactions, particularly with Ivy, Laz’s companion who helps him learn to navigate his abilities. Their friendship, sprinkled with youthful flirtation but never crossing into territory beyond innocent kisses, keeps the drama engaging without overshadowing the central themes. While the pacing varies and the plot occasionally feels like it meanders, the compelling character growth and vivid world-building kept me invested.
O’Connor’s writing style is refreshingly introspective, perfectly attuned to a YA audience while also appealing to the philosophically inclined reader. The quotes scattered throughout the text, such as "Such are the sad dreams of the somewhat depressive high school senior who finds himself having to do, not a man’s job, but a god’s job," illustrate the weighty thoughts that populate Laz’s mind. This blend of humor and depth resonated with me, and I appreciated the balance between lighthearted moments and heavier existential inquiries.
Wakers certainly has its flaws; the execution of its magnificent premise sometimes falters and can feel a bit underdeveloped. However, as the first installment in the Side Step Trilogy, I’m hopeful for a richer exploration in future books. Laz’s journey, marked by self-doubt, courage, and friendship, opens the door for growth and exploration that I can’t wait to see unfold.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend Wakers to readers who enjoy thought-provoking YA novels that blend sci-fi with deep philosophical questions. If you’re intrigued by stories that challenge your understanding of identity and morality, and you enjoy the thrill of alternate realities, this book is for you. Though it leaves some threads untied, it offers the promise of a larger narrative to come, and I, for one, am already looking forward to the next leap into this universe. O’Connor’s unique vision has certainly made an impression on me, and I am eager to see where she will take us next!
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