A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird, 1)

Okay guys let's talk multiple dimensions and the paths not taken. I've been fascinated by the concept since at least Sliders (which if you don't know what that is then go stand in the corner thank you), but probably as far back as the first time I saw the original Star Trek episode of the Mirror Universe. There's a me somewhere in the infinite realities that doesn't like to read! I'm sure she doesn't understand the hell she's brought on herself. I should build a machine to go help her..This sub genre of scifi has taken the YA scene by storm in the last couple of years - there's Kasie West's PIVOT POINT, Elizabeth Norris' UNRAVELING, Anna Jarzab's TANDEM, Erica O'Rourke's DISSONANCE, Cristin Bishara's RELATIVITY, Cat Patrick's JUST LIKE FATE, E.C. Meyer's FAIR COIN...and those are just the ones I remember reading. Lord knows what ones I've missed lately. So A THOUSAND PIECES OF YOU had some competition in other words.But I loved the living daylights out of this book. Natascha (of Bloody Bookaholic) and I read this together via facebook messenger--sharing our reactions and such as we went along. Here's some (non-spoilery) reactions we had:...Okay I lied its all kind of spoilery XD Tasch mentions in her GR review that we called some of it--which I think most readers will pick up on certain plot points. Quite honestly the plot follows some well worn tracks. Especially if you watch, read or have an interest in dimension/reality hopping. What shines through the best here are the characters and how Gray uses those tropes.We spend a fair amount of time in only two dimensions--one in which Marguerite is a Russian noble (her mother is a Russian immigrant, there is context for this) and another where its Ocean Girl mostly underwater. I'll speak a faint spoiler here, the ramifications from the Russian dimension have long lasting effects on Marguerite. In Gray's notion its not your body that jumps, its your consciousness and you inhabit whatever is closest to your "self" while the original consciousness is basically put to sleep (sort of).There are two love interests -- Theo and Paul, but that's not quite right to explain it that way. Marguerite feels a connection to Paul, not exactly romance, but as if he understands her. As she mentions her parents had a rotating stable of grad students and interns that frequently became "part of the family", but she paid very little attention to them overall. Paul and Theo, for different reasons, became important people in her life. For good and ill.Closer to the end revelations are handled either really well or kind of drawn out. Your mileage may vary on what I think worked and didn't work however, since a lot is predicated by how well you bought into earlier relationships/situations. If you've read Gray's books, especially any first books in her other series, you'll see a familiarish trend to the story beats. This is perfectly fine, I went into the book expecting this in fact since I'm a big fan of following a formula (or loose outline) that works. Again its the characters of this book that make it stand out.Marguerite is, by her own admissions, not a scientific genius like her parents. She's fine with that, they're more then fine with that, she has her own calling (art). Actually let me just pause to extoll the fact her parents are supportive as hell. We mainly see her "dimension" in flashbacks, but throughout the rest of the book when an incarnation of her parents are present, they are unfailingly supportive of her. They're not pushing her to be a science wonder kid, they don't want her to put aside her passion for what they think is better. Yes they want her to do well at school, but they don't require her to follow in their foot prints.Which is probably good since Marguerite has about as much scientific ability as I do, which is to say none.Meanwhile let's discuss Paul (aka Father Murderer) and Theo (aka Totes Not Jealous). At first we see way more of Theo then Paul; Theo goes off with Marguerite to chase after Paul, Theo is there explaining things to her, Theo is there "protecting her". Paul meanwhile is off running around doing...something that I can't explain for spoiler reasons and the first time we actually get to spend time with Paul (outside of memories/flashbacks) is in Russia Dimension. And that doesn't go as planned.Theo is...hard to pinpoint. I do think if things had happened in a different order, or if we weren't seeing it from Marguerite's POV, I would have felt differently at times. As it is Marguerite's opinion of Theo is colored by her overwhelming opinion of Paul to the point where when Theo disagrees with her her demeanor gets downright hostile. And this is one of my few nitpicks. Until we see Marguerite and Paul together, her emotions go from one end of the spectrum to the other. She wants to give him the benefit of the doubt...but the evidence...and Theo is just as bad.Later, after Russia and things happen that affect Marguerite more profoundly then any other character, a tension envelops the three that made sense, but not for the reasons Gray illustrates. Spoiler starts here: [spoiler]In Russia, Paul is unable to retain control of his dimension's "self" so he is subsumed by the Russian Paul. Marguerite, who retains her connection, falls in love with Russian Paul and not just because he reminds of her Paul. Russian Paul ends up sacrificing his life for Marguerite and she feels immense guilt over this. To the point where she feels like she's betraying Russian Paul by having confusing feelings and emotions for her Paul. But she doesn't explain this to ANYBODY. Instead she internalizes it, gives Paul, who made his feelings for her clear several times, a cold shoulder.[/end spoiler]I think its great that Gray had Marguerite so morally conflicted. The situation is one that some (though not all) authors of this genre encounter, but rarely does it seem to have actual effect. Part of this I think is because in Gray's world there is a clear difference between the "native" resident of the dimension and the "interloper". And I understood WHY Marguerite felt the way she did. However the resolution felt abrupt given the emotional gravity of it.Honestly this is a wonderful, great book. Its attention grabbing, its intriguing and Gray builds a universe that has so much potential.

Sometimes, I'll read a book and think: "Oh no. How am I going to review something this awesome?"This is one of those times.I pretty much knew from the get-go that I would enjoy A Thousand Pieces of You. I've always liked the idea of multiverses, and the idea of a girl who has to leap into those universes a la Sliders, just sounded too good to resist. What I didn't expect though, was just how much I would love this book. It's creative and inventive, but it's a book with concepts, relationships and a romance, that kept me thinking long after I had finished reading.Claudia Gray introduces us to Marguerite, a seventeen-year-old budding artist who is on the verge of doing the most difficult thing she's ever done in her life: leap into a different universe to try and track down her father's killer. To make matters worse, the suspected killer is Paul Markov, an enigmatic young graduate student that Marguerite had only recently begun viewing with very different eyes.But from the instant that Marguerite steps into a different universe, things begin unwinding quickly. She learns that her understanding of how multiverses work is only a fraction of the reality, and her father's death is far more complicated than expected. To top it off, she's beginning to understand that there are some things, like love, which are universal no matter which universe you may currently be in.Gray has created a story that is part science-fiction adventure, part revenge tale and part romance, all of which adds up to an enthralling tale. From the moment that readers make that first leap with Marguerite, Gray shows us that despite the differences between the universes, individuals and concepts are always inclined to develop in a way that show a degree of adaptable universality. Marguerite's parents are brilliant scientists in every world and always find each other, while Marguerite always finds a love of art.But beyond that, emotional intentions are always inclined to develop the same way. Marguerite quickly learns that romantic interest from Theo and Paul are universal wherever she goes, while she will likely always struggle with the same emotions, regardless of which Marguerite she happens to be. Similarly, certain more sinister intentions from external science fiction forces are likely to develop along the same lines as well.While the primary focus of the book is on the science fiction and romantic elements, Gray also makes it a point to include some intriguing questions on the morality of jumping through universes and inhabiting the you of that universe. Marguerite in particular, is faced with making choices that is right for her, but may have long-lasting ramifications long after she leaves that Marguerite behind. I can easily anticipate parents, educators and readers using the questions that are brought up by Marguerite's realization that jumping through worlds will create ramifications, and discussing just how they would handle said ramifications.With beautiful writing, stunning world-building and a protagonist with a personality and a story that will keep a reader on their toes, this is one book from Claudia Gray that readers won't want to miss. I know that I was absolutely blown away after reading this, and I believe that you will be too.(And BONUS: This is the first book in a trilogy, so we have more Marguerite and Paul to look forward to!)***Final verdict:A Thousand Pieces of You works for so many reasons.For the science fiction fans, Claudia Gray has penned a tale that will have readers questioning the possibility of multiverses, and how the small choices in those respective universes, can lead to vastly different outcomes. Marguerite jumps into universes that are both vastly similar and incredibly different from her home universe, and it'll intrigue readers to imagine how each universe evolved into what she finds in the present.For the romance fans, the relationships between Marguerite, Theo and Paul, will definitely make the hearts of readers swoon everywhere. Gray innately understands just how one girl can be attracted to two very different men and vice versa, and shows just how that attraction beautifully and effortlessly evolves into something more.For the adventure/mystery-fans, there's plenty of thriller moments, which will keep hearts racing, and attention focused.Finally, for those who are looking for a kick-ass heroine who fearlessly leaps into unknown dimensions to face obstacles unknown, this is the book for you. Marguerite is brave, intelligent and charming, with a keen mind and sly sense of humor that slips in just at the right times. This is one girl who is going to take charge of anything and everything life throws at her in any universe, and readers will undoubtedly be counting down until they can leap into a new universe with Marguerite again.I highly recommend this book for all readers, but especially for fans of Lauren Miller and Erica Rourke's Dissonance.

This is one of the most underrated books I've read in a LONG time. It's such a beautifully written sci-fi romance, without being too hardcore on the sci-fi. I loved Marguerite and the writing style was so accessible.Marguerite is the daughter of two famed physicists. As creators of the Firebird, a device that allows travel between alternate dimensions, Marguerite's family attracts widespread attention. But now her dad is dead and Marguerite knows his murderer, Paul, has hopped dimensions to evade capture. Armed with a Firebird and her thirst for vengeance, Marguerite follows after Paul with her friend and parents' grad student, Theo. As she chases Paul through several alternate dimensions, she finds numerous versions of his personality is consistent to what she knows is true: Paul is gentle, kind. He isn't capable of murder. But why did he run? The closer Marguerite gets to answers, more questions arise until she uncovers truths she wasn't prepared for, and all fingers point back to the one place she least suspected...I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It's SO inventive and imaginative. The different dimensions Marguerite visits are wonderfully thought out and described. Each world was so vivid I could picture them easily. Moreover, it wasn't overly sci-fi. It's accessible, readable, and doesn't get so complicated that it's unreadable. The author has been amazing at keeping something so complex so accessible. I would love for this book to be made a TV series, that's how much steam I think it's got.And talking of steam, the romance subplot in this book is hot! I've never been more pleased when two characters kissed.Read this book to be swept away on a romantic, sci-fi adventure. Big thumbs up!

‘A Thousand Lives. A Thousand Possibilities. One Fate.’Marguerite Caine is the artsy child of two brilliant scientists, who have managed to invent a device called the Firebird that allows people to move between alternative dimensions. There’s a slight drawback to this though as you move into your own alternative life, and take over your other body. There’s a risk you might forget your real dimension as the new one takes over in which case you’ll be stuck forever. It also has limitations – if you don’t exist in a certain reality, you can’t travel there.After the death of her father, Marguerite is determined to track down his killer, all the evidence left behind points at one of her parents’ assistants, the bright but socially awkward Paul. Determined to discover the truth with the other assistant, Theo, Marguerite uses the Firebird to jump through the various versions of herself to find Paul but what she finds is a lot more complicated. As Marguerite gets lost in all her different lives, one thing becomes clear: her father’s death isn’t what it appears to be and her feelings for Paul aren’t easily swept aside.I can’t really say too much without giving some major spoilers. There’s spying, an evil corporation, conspiracy, plotting and a Russian royal affair to steal a piece of your heart – all of which Marguerite is at the centre of. Why her? What’s so special about the distinctively average daughter of two brilliant minds? It’s well written, action packed and a great read.

I've had this book on my wishlist for a while now so when it was on offer on Amazon (UK) I instantly bought it, however, I felt let down by it as I was expecting so much more from it.This cover is stunning and was one of the main reason why I was drawn to this book. What I love the most is the artistic look of the cover which is fitting seeing as the main character is a bit of an artist. I also love the colours that have been used. As well as the artistic look the locations used on the cover is also in keeping with the actual story.I was expecting so much from this book after reading so many rave reviews add to that the stunning cover it got me very excited but sadly I was disappointed. I felt it dragged in the beginning but there was some amazing moments I just wish it was a bit more consistent. What I enjoyed the most about this book was the whole sci-fi side of the story with the whole jumping to alternate dimensions is unique to anything that I have read before. The Firebird device I felt could've been explained a little bit more and the reason behind visiting those particular dimensions. The romance side of the story annoyed me and is what really dragged the story down as I just didn't believe in the feelings between any of the characters plus it felt a bit out of the blue. Everything was a bit too predictable for my liking I would have liked to have seen some shocks thrown in there. The ending was kind of okay as it did make me want to find out what is going to happen next but on the other hand it felt a bit rushed.For the most part I didn't really like most of the characters, there may have been one that I actually liked though. Marguerite was a very annoying character as I felt she came across as selfish it was as if as long as she was okay she didn't seem to care about the Marguerite that she took over. In the beginning she was okay and felt she had potential but in the end she didn't really grow as a character. Paul was the character that I really liked even when he wasn't the Paul that Marguerite knew I liked him as he just came across as a likeable character who wanted to do good. Theo was annoying throughout apart from in the end and even though I know why this was I couldn't get over it as it wasn't explained until the end so the damage was already done.Overall, for me this was a big let down as I was expecting so much more from this book but in the end it just never took off.

This is one of those covers that makes you stop in a bookshop or resist scrolling further down the recommended books on the screen isn't it? It's beautiful. The question is whether you should have resisted or whether you need to read this as soon as you can. Well...it's somewhere in the middle.This book has everything I could have possibly asked for - a mysterious murder, a convincing plot and multiple dimensional travel (and a gorgeous cover!). Perfect. So what's the deal? Marguerite Caine, the daughter of two of the worlds most talented physicists wants revenge. Her big brained physicist parents have developed some mind blowing technology; The Firebird. What's that? Well it's a unique pendant that can be used to allow the users consciousness to travel to a different dimension. Infinite dimensions actually. Not only this but it has some other clever tricks too including the ability to "remind" the user of who they are when their consciousness starts to slip into that of the alternate version of themselves. Which is all brilliant (if slightly confusing), until Paul Markov, a family friend and intern to the Caine's, steals the Firebird technology, kills Marguerite's father and then jumps into another dimension to hide! So what's a girl, and her attractive, physics-minded friend, to do but to follow the murderer into multiple dimensions until she can seek vengeance and kill the man who killed her father.The opening few paragraphs of this book are mind-blowing. Marguerite is initially so set on revenge that her character is interesting, angry and kept me hooked from the start. I absolutely loved how hell bent she was on following Paul, someone she considered her friend, into multiple dimensions to kill him. What a great start. I especially enjoyed that Marguerite was conflicted about her friend-turned-murderer and thought Gray demonstrated this really cleverly.The explanation of the physics of the Firebird and multi-dimensional travel was kind of glossed over and the lack of information blamed on Marguerite's ignorance of physics. In some ways this made it more accessible, a little bit funny, and the simplistic representation of travelling through dimensions via your consciousness was easier to understand in this way. I did think it was a bit of an easy way out and made Marguerite seem a little less observant as a narrator but I think Gray got away with it enough for the concept still to work.However this next line sums up my most favourite parts of this book, but also encompasses what I felt was its biggest pitfall: "I would love you in any shape, in any world, with any past. Never doubt that".It's really important to take note that this is ostensibly a love story, NOT a murder mystery. Equally it's important to note that because of this it isn't the fast-paced adventure you might have imagined but rather is a slow burner. Initially when you read the blurb it's easy to be pulled in by the interesting premise and the sci-fi twist on it. Despite the fact that this book does deal with the murder, it's barely mentioned and the book swiftly becomes a starry-eyed romantic chase. And I'm not at all saying this is a bad thing, but it certainly wasn't what I was expecting. It did however deliver me the most exciting idea from this book: Wouldn't it be interesting to meet all the different variations of yourself? Who are you in a different life? What if you hadn't met that person you thought was the one? Or were you always meant to in every lifetime? Is there really such a thing as fate? This absolutely fascinated me and I couldn't stop it running through my mind hours after the story finished. For this reason alone I think this is a must-read and I will certainly be reading the sequel.However, within the same vein, I really wish this had been explored more. The seed was planted, absolutely, but it wasn't really grown apart from my own mind venturing into the various implications of what it would mean to be able to become all of these people at once. I really wish we had been shown the full impact that multi-dimensional travel could have, but instead our characters are jumping into dimensions sometimes extremely different from their own and seem to seamlessly fit into them without really exploring how the worlds differ or how Marguerite seems to know what every version of herself knows without being told. Just a lot of opportunities missed I think which is such a shame.I also felt as the story progressed and became more about falling in love with the same person regardless of dimension rather than about solving a murder, Marguerite became less interesting. She was so besotted and so focussed on the one she loved that her murdered father seemed to be forgotten until he popped up as another version of himself from time to time. I did think when he was shown in other dimensions that the way Gray handled this was confident and well developed, but it was lost amongst all of the starry eyed teenage angst.Despite this, I think this book has an awful lot to offer a reader. The concept is genuinely great even despite not being explored enough. Additionally, I really did like the characters and the story developed well along with them. I don't think this book is for those people really wanting to explore what the potential of multi-dimensional travel is, it is a love story, but it's a very good love story with a cool twist and I highly recommend it.

I loved loved loved loved loved this book and it's sequel. Can't wait for the third. From the outset it grabbed me and I couldn't put it down. The writing is easy to read but vivid and beautiful at the same time. Written for the young adult genre I think, though this certainly crosses genres. Such creative new worlds were described that you wanted to fall into some of them. Shouldn't judge a cover, but love the front cover too!!