“A Thousand Pieces of You” is a thrilling fantasy story that could have been so much more.
It tells a story of Marguerite who’s physicist parents invented Firebird, which allows users to jump into multiple universes or dimensions. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered and his killer and assistant Paul, runs away to another dimension, Marguerite follows suit with their second assistant, Theo. She is leaping into another versions of herself, meeting alternate versions of everyone she knows, which makes her question Paul’s guilt.
First things first, even though this book is a work of fiction, the science in it is appalling. Supposedly, the Firebird can only move consciousness through the dimensions, not the physical objects, yet the Firebird itself, being in a form of a locket, travels to another universe. Also, since the device can only move consciousness, it would be logical that the body the person is originally in would remain, like an empty vessel. Meanwhile that body disappears all together for some reason, becomes invisible for the time being. The science just doesn’t stick in this story, it seems to be conveniently made up and forgotten, whatever is needed at the time. Therefore, in order to even try and enjoy this read, you should just let it go if you can.
The plot of the story is very intriguing and not like anything I’ve read so far. Fast-paced, it keeps you on your toes. The world building is phenomenal and there is few of them to build. Each one interesting and unique, creative.
I adored secondary characters, however I could not stand Marguerite at certain points. She was just a slow and ignorant girl. She took other Marguerite’s bodies and did her own bidding, without thinking about consequences for them. Her choices were very questionable, so were her morals. Not the best protagonist.
Of course, let’s not forget, the ever present love triangle. I do not remember the last YA novel that did not have it and at this point, I don’t even have the energy to talk about it. It is such an unnecessary topic in books.
Overall, I wish if someone felt confident enough to include so much science in a book, to do some basic research and backtrack their own words and story line to ensure it makes sense. By all means, feel free to make up your own rules, but damn it, stick to them! The plot kept me going, it was by far the best part of this read and what made it worth it. Phenomenal and gripping writing of the world and the journey, however Marguerite lacked good personality.
Hope you enjoyed this review, let me know what you think in the comment section below! And if you’ve read this book, what did you think?
That’s everything for today, so, until next time, Dream On, Dreamers!
The Wolf Pad 