Latest Read: A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird, #1) by Claudia Gray

A Thousand Pieces (Firebird, #1) by Claudia Gray
Publication date: Nov. 4, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Category: Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Source: Received ARC via Edelweiss (Thanks!)
Summary: Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents are known for their radical scientific achievements. Their most astonishing invention: the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes, some vastly altered from our own. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered, the killer—her parent’s handsome and enigmatic assistant Paul—escapes into another dimension before the law can touch him. Marguerite can’t let the man who destroyed her family go free, and she races after Paul through different universes, where their lives entangle in increasingly familiar ways. With each encounter she begins to question Paul’s guilt—and her own heart. Soon she discovers the truth behind her father’s death is more sinister than she ever could have imagined. (Adapted goodreads.com)

The good

What is it about alternate reality and time travel books that’s so appealing? Maybe it’s the idea that every small choice matters and somewhere out there, another version of yourself is going down a different path in life. To me it’s both fascinating and almost scary to think of how vast the world and time could be and what could be done with that knowledge. A Thousand Pieces of You explores this when Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents create the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes. It’s a powerful invention and when Marguerite’s father is murdered, Paul — her parents' assistant who became a part of their family and now killer — takes the Firebird and escapes to another dimension before questions could be answered. But Marguerite wants answers and revenge. So when her parents’ other assistant, Theo, approaches her with two other Firebirds in hand ready to go after Paul, she goes with him. And as they travel from reality to reality, they discover way more than they bargained for.

Not many people would willing to use a prototype that could send them into an alternate reality. Too many things could potentially go wrong but Marguerite doesn’t even miss a beat. This speaks to her impulsive nature but also the fierce love she feels for her father. She has a wonderful, loving, non-traditional family and she’s close to both her parents and sister. This is so important and shown throughout the book, no matter what reality she’s in. We get to see many different variations of Marguerite (plus Theo and Paul) and I have to say my favorite alternate reality takes place in Europe (that’s all you’re getting from me about it!). But I did think it was interesting to see how at the core, some things are always the same about her. The author definitely sets a fast pace but she also gives us a lot of information in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming and we get to know these characters, especially Marguerite, Paul and her family. We learn soon enough that there is a bigger conspiracy at hand and I enjoyed watching it all unravel.

(Super minor) Reservations

There’s a love triangle but it doesn’t overwhelm the book and for the most part, it’s handled well (meaning it’s in the background). But it just didn’t feel necessary? The author does set up Marguerite’s history with each other guys but it’s pretty clear who’s “the one” and I think that singular romance would’ve been more than enough for this book.

Do I recommend?

I do! If you’re a fan of time travel and multiple reality books, definitely put this on your TBR. I really liked it!

Collaborative feature with Alexa! 

What branch of science would you most be interested in studying?

This is an interesting question for me because even though I really liked my science classes, I never thought about majoring in any of them (I was a computer science major but that doesn't count, right?) But if I had to choose, I think I would choose marine biology or oceanography. Despite the fact that I can't swim, I love the ocean and being near the water so I think either one of those would be a good choice.