Another Dimension of Us by Mike Albo

Abstract

Reviewed by: Another Dimension of Us by Mike Albo April Spisak Albo, Mike Another Dimension of Us. Penguin Workshop, 2023 [320p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593223765 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593223789 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 9-12 In this heady sci-fi exploration of the astral plane and time travel, several teens converge to save their loved ones from a grim fate at the hands of a voracious demon. Love feels impossible in 1986, as Tommy hides his feelings about the boy he likes, afraid of the homophobia that has ramped up even more in the face of the AIDS crisis. In 2044, on the other hand, discrimination and hatred have mostly been sorted out to allow people to exist as they choose, but life is currently on hold, limited by a series of virus variants that have isolated Pris and the rest of the world. When Tommy’s crush Renaldo and Pris’ best friend Jayde become stuck on the astral plane, Tommy and Pris are left behind in their respective times to bring them back using an old guide to trans-dimensional travel (Tommy was shown it by Renaldo; Pris found it in a long-abandoned house). It’s a complex plot, made more so by the wide array of chapter perspectives from different characters, but it all comes together in a remarkably smooth way, the layers of story building to an appropriately tragic and beautifully sculpted conclusion, even down to a convergence of worlds as a character from 1986 is a teacher in 2044. A persistent thread of sympathy extends to the demon’s sister, who has been trying to stop him for years, even while she still loves him. While science fiction buffs may be the most likely audience, romance readers will also find a stunning love story within the shifting timelines. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois