This action-packed and very current novel begins in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown in New York City. Jamie Gray, a Ph.D. dropout, is fired by their entitled tech CEO and, desperate, ends up delivering food as a contracted driver for the same app company that fired them. One fateful delivery later to a college acquaintance and Jamie’s luck is turned. Jamie is offered a job with an “animal rights organization” — in a parallel dimension! Jamie finds life in alternate Earth to be filled with new friends and even more fascinating monsters.
This book redefines fast paced. I certainly appreciated that the action started almost immediately and then almost never stopped. I enjoyed the lighthearted tone and easy acceptance the characters had, despite finding themselves in an entirely new and previously unimagined parallel world. (No time wasted on pointless cognitive dissonance!) Despite the excitement and danger, the characters had an easy camaraderie and I laughed often at their snarky banter.
This story will likely be enjoyed by people who are already fans of John Scalzi, and I think it will create new fans as well. It will also appeal to anyone who appreciates kaiju, dinosaurs, and other huge, reptilian monsters. Great if you’re looking to dive head first into a fun, light read.
