With Tandem, the first in a new YA trilogy, Anna Jarzab has filled what appears to be a gap in sci-fi stories for young folks. Why are there so few parallel worlds stories and so many post-apocalyptic dystopias? Nothing against post-apocalyptic dystopia. But there have to be other things to write about. This book is a great entry into a neglected category. The characters are real and drew me in. I had great sympathy for the plucky heroine (Sasha) who is drawn out of her own world and into a parallel universe as a missing princess, no less. And the romantic lead (Thomas), who also has a double on our version of earth is a strong yet sympathetic character. The political intrigue in the alternate world (Aurora) is beautifully set-up. I have to say that at some points in the earlier part of the novel, the pace lags a little while Jarzab sets up the politics, but that can't be helped with world-building at this level. And the pace in the second half of the book is terrific. Did I mention I like a fast-paced sci-fi adventure romance???
And I can't say that the ending disappointed me. Anyone who reads this blog knows that one of my pet peeves is trilogies/series that utilize cliffhanger endings to ensure a readership for the next book. Not so with Tandem. While obviously there's more story to be told, the characters' individual journeys are nicely wrapped up with acts of heroism and sacrifice. I want to read the next book, but I'll be happy in the meantime because the ending here was satisfying. Even though some of the characters (maybe all of them) are still arguably in danger at the end of the book, no one's fingertips are clutching a window ledge (although one character ends up dangling from a rooftop in the middle of the book. Hope that doesn't give too much away.)
I haven't read anything else by Jarzab, but I'm going to remedy that soon She's a confident, daring writer who has managed to contribute something new and different to the YA sci-fi marketplace. Parallel worlds rule! (Anyone remember the TV series, Sliders, BTW?)
And I can't say that the ending disappointed me. Anyone who reads this blog knows that one of my pet peeves is trilogies/series that utilize cliffhanger endings to ensure a readership for the next book. Not so with Tandem. While obviously there's more story to be told, the characters' individual journeys are nicely wrapped up with acts of heroism and sacrifice. I want to read the next book, but I'll be happy in the meantime because the ending here was satisfying. Even though some of the characters (maybe all of them) are still arguably in danger at the end of the book, no one's fingertips are clutching a window ledge (although one character ends up dangling from a rooftop in the middle of the book. Hope that doesn't give too much away.)
I haven't read anything else by Jarzab, but I'm going to remedy that soon She's a confident, daring writer who has managed to contribute something new and different to the YA sci-fi marketplace. Parallel worlds rule! (Anyone remember the TV series, Sliders, BTW?)
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