Review of 'Yesterworld'

The second novel in the Downworld series follows Marina back through the door to Yesterworld to undo the damage done.

Excellent Storytelling

Let me preface this review by stating that I was unaware Yesterworld was the second book in a series.

However, despite not having read Downworld (I have since bought the book), I could follow this novel easily.

Following Marina, we are given a rundown of the first novel’s events and why the doors are important. More importantly, we’re given the emotional toll the events of the previous novel took on Marina. Despite not reading the first novel, I felt her heartache, her struggle to make this new reality she has found herself in.

The way the story develops is so easy to follow, as well as the science. Time travel is always a complex theme; sometimes, the story risks becoming too complicated.

However, Phelps tells a story that is easy to follow and engaging. Each time Marina and Adam enter the doors, they change their future. Phelps gives just enough detail and information to grab the reader and make them understand the motives behind Adam and Marina.

Sometimes it is complex, but again, it is easy to understand because Phelps focuses on building up the dialogue between the characters.

However, any time I was lost had more to do with the fact that I hadn’t read the first book.

Strong Characterization

Nevertheless, I was hooked by Yesterworld.

Phelps makes Marina so relatable and emotional. Like I said above, the reader can feel the emotion from her, and that has to do with the detailing.

The smallest motions, the inner dialogue, and inner turmoil bleeds off the pages. Marina is a genius, headed to MIT, but the first novel’s events cost her dearly. It cost her the love of her life, not once, but twice in this novel.

The heartache is real, and the reader feels it.

And as for Adam, the way Marina sees and interacts with him is addictive.

They begin as enemies, but that quickly becomes a truly emotional romance between the two characters.

Initially, I was wary of Adam, thinking he was the villain of this story. However, as the story progresses, we discover he has his own demons.

That angst and guilt, this life of jumping through doors, is something only Marina can understand. And for her, it is the same.

The romance that resulted from that bonding took my breath away.

They don’t look at each other with guilt or fear. They see one another as human beings who did things they believed would improve everything, even if their motives stem from selfishness.

The chemistry between the two built and grew from the beginning, and given all the heartache that Marina suffered, the way Adam treats and admires her makes the reader attached. These two characters balanced each other so well that the romance was tender and even heartbreaking at the end.

Final Thoughts

Yesterworld took my breath away. I fell in love with the story, characters, and with Adam, and I’m hoping book three will come out soon…but not before I read book one.

• Writing Quality : 10/10
• Character Development :10/10
• "Couldn't Put It Down"-ness : 10/10
• Intellectual Depth: 10/10
• Originality: 10/10
• Overall Rating: 4.75 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband, son and daughter and their two cats.