Review: Dissonance by Erica O'Rourke

Thursday 4 December 2014

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Dissonance by Erica O'Rourke
Released: 14th August 2014
Series: Dissonance #1
Published by: Simon and Schuster
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Pages: 496
My Rating: 3 of 5 stars
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Delancey Sullivan knows for sure that there is more than one universe. Many more. Because every time someone makes a choice, a new, parallel world spins off the existing one. Eating breakfast or skipping it, turning left instead of right, sneaking out instead of staying in bed - all of these choices create an alternate universe in which an echo self takes the road not travelled. Del knows all of this because she's a Walker, someone who can navigate between the worlds, and whose job is to keep the dimensions in harmony.

But Del's decisions have consequences too. And when she secretly starts to investigate other dissonant worlds she's intrigued by the echo versions of Simon Lane, a guy who won't give her the time of day in the main world, but whose alternate selves are uniquely interested. But falling for Simon draws Del closer to a truth that the Council of Walkers is trying to hide - a secret that threatens the fate of the entire multiverse.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Dissonance is an enjoyable YA science fiction novel that doesn't shy away from getting technical where the author has cleverly devised a world that makes travelling into parallel realities possible. With a situation that presents 'Baroque events', 'echoes' and the 'Key World' as the norm, it is clear that the worldbuilding in the story is on point and creatively executed. While there may have been a few 'information overloads' in some points, for the most part the mystery and fascination at the overarching concept is what makes this book unique and an enthralling read.


The echo looked identical, and the frequency warbled, gradually shifting away from the Key World like a violin part played by a cello. As the events here diverged from the Key World, the threads of this reality would settle into place, taking on their final resonance.

I may not be a science nerd, but I still find the idea of the 'multiverse' a very intriguing one. I have read a couple of books which deal with that notion in various ways, though in Dissonance I find it is given even greater meaning through its impact on people's lives. I love how the fact that our choices we make in our lives can create so many infinite possibilities and paths are formed which we take. In a family of Walkers who travel into the 'pivots' and fix the realities where frequencies are distorted or unstable, Delancey is fully aware of the implications of her decisions, even though she is at times quite reckless.

There's a danger in being drawn to something that's not real, in giving yourself to something you can never be a part of, instead of making your life where you are. But those infinite worlds, with their infinite potential, beckoned irresistibly.

The little passages at the beginning of each chapter which seem to be from the textbooks which cover being a 'Walker' and what it entails adds to the realistic feel of the novel, even though the premise is anything but. Even so, Delancey's feelings for Simon, the popular guy whose 'echoes' keep appearing in every reality she enters, are true. While the romance aside from the multiverse element was a tad cliched, I was glad that the ending to this book was not. It really does make you think, challenging your mind to trace back the steps of what has happened and in all, hopefully be looking forward to the sequel.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In all, Dissonance was a satisfactory read, and an excellent YA science-fiction novel which doesn't focus too heavily on the romance all the way through. The characters were well-developed, the conspiracies intriguing, and I do want to know what happens next.

18 comments :

  1. Ooh, this one looks pretty good. I've had my eye on it ever since the release of the US cover (sadly I prefer that to the edition we get) but I'm still going to read this, of course. I love the concept of the story, so I hope I enjoy it. Great review. :)

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    1. I have to admit, I prefer that one too - but the words inside are still definitely worth the read! Hope you like it too Kara :)

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  2. Oh my! I knew I had heard about this book somewhere and so I looked it up. I love this cover so much more than the US one. I'm stuck with that one.
    Awesome review, I'll be sure to read it now :)

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  3. I haven't heard a lot about this one before, Genie, but I've been really curious about it lately. I just love the US cover...and the synopsis is pretty great. I'm glad that the worldbuilding is fantastic! I definitely think I'll give this one a read sooner rather than later...who knows, maybe book #2 will have those little kinks that stopped you from loving it ironed out? Thanks for a wonderful review! :D

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    1. Yes - worldbuilding is so important in books like this Ebony, and it was done to a really high standard :) I'm definitely looking forward to book 2!

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  4. Hmmmm... I do like a good conspiracy and a book that makes me think! I'd never really considered picking this one up. Perhaps I thought it wouldn't be for me? I do like the US hardcover so much more. This one looks a bit plain to me (hahaha super shallow). Good world building and a romance that wasn't overwhelming? Maybe I should give this one a go after all... Fantastic review, Eugenia! x

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    1. I'd say it's definitely worth a try Jess - it's a science fiction novel that although long in length, doesn't skimp on the worldbuilding which some of the others can do.

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  5. I love multiverses but rarely find they're done correctly (eg. A Thousand Pieces of You). I've never heard of this one, but I am a sucker for great world-building. Much more than the romance at least, but I'm glad both aspects are done correctly. Wonderful review, I will keep an eye out for this!

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    1. Thanks Joy :) It's one of the lesser-known books that focus on the multiverse theory (since A Thousand Pieces of You seemed to really dominate this year), but I'd still recommend it.

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  6. I tried reading this one a few months ago but I don't think I got past page 30 or so. Most people seemed to think this was 'average' and I wasn't sure it was worth it (plus, it was a library book.) I trust you though, so maybe I will pick this up again? Thanks for the wonderful review, Eugenia :)

    x Ely

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    1. At least with a library book you've pretty much got nothing to lose, and this one is definitely a decent sci-fi once you get into it :)

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  7. I bought a copy of this not too long ago, and this is one of the first reviews I've seen for it. It doesn't seem like it's all that popular. The premise reminds me a little of A Thousand Pieces of You and All Our Yesterdays. I love that YA is heading towards more science fiction novels lately, I love technology based dystopian or future worlds, but the info dumping has me worried, usually that's the quickest way to turn me off a book. Brilliant review poppet, might read this one after Christmas <3

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    1. It does have similarities to those two for sure, and the scientific element part of this one is fascinating if you can try and get your head around it! Hope you enjoy it when you get around to it Kelly :)

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  8. Wow...not focusing really heavily on romance?!! That's a change. XD I kind of want to read this, but I heard it was a bit confusing and, to be honest, I suck at confusing/science-y things. I just, my brain = not computing. STILL. I really like the American cover. ;-) And I'm totally shallow enough to want to read this off cover alone.

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    1. I know right? I definitely is refreshing! It can be a bit confusing at times, but if you're in the right mood to read it. and don't mind sifting through the information to get to the wow moments, then I'm sure you'd enjoy it :)

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  9. I'm glad you liked this one, Eugenia :D

    I thought the world building was AMAZING and I loved the explanations of the multiverse with the threads and whatnot. I find it hard to remember a book that was explained as awesomely as this one was.

    I am also glad that the romance wasn't the #1 feature in this novel, but didn't take a backseat, either. I think there was a really nice balance to it.

    I cannot wait to read the sequel because the ending kind of had me reeling in its awesomeness/cliffhangerness!

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    1. Yep, the worldbuilding was really detailed which portrayed a solid image of how the concept actually worked. The romance was balanced really well, I definitely agree! Thanks for stopping by Chiara :)

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