Some Laneys Died: A Skipping Sideways Thriller
Laney’s world collapsed when she caught her dad cheating. He begged her not to tell, but she did. Her family fell apart and regret consumes her, especially when she learns every decision she makes spawns a new universe for the opposite choice.
If only she could skip sideways to the Laney who didn’t tell.
But her only escape is through her imagination, until a news story blurs the lines between worlds. Two girls were murdered at the same time and same place as her father’s adulterous act. Strange events lead Laney to believe their bones are connected to her and the sister she always wanted.
Laney now has another decision to make. Some Laneys say yes, while others say no; some live and some die.
And some skip between worlds.
Plot/Idea: 7 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Prose: 9 out of 10
Character/Execution: 8 out of 10
Overall: 8.00 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot: Skipstone tells a tense, layered story about a girl capable of rapidly visiting alternate realities. While grappling with family betrayals, guilt, and unraveling a mystery, Laney explores the impact of life choices and how they shape who we become.
Prose/Style: The prose is rich, polished, and effectively serves the complex nature of the narrative.
Originality: Perplexing and often ambiguous, Skipstone's integration of themes relating to family, morality, and deception, affords emotional weight to what might be a simple story of exceptional abilities.
Character/Execution: Laney is a distinctive, complex, and layered character living extraordinary circumstances. Side characters are equally well-established and multidimensional.
Date Submitted: July 12, 2020
