In a universe where time is currency and privilege, grieving schoolgirl Margo is swept onto a network of interdimensional trains where days can last hours or weeks, forcing her to pose as a traveling salesman alongside the enigmatic Moon. As they navigate shifting worlds marked by inequality and rebellion, their growing bond and the relentless passage of time challenge their identities and illuminate the cost of hope, love, and survival.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a universe where time is directly tied to power, privilege, and lifespan, the story follows Margo, a grieving Irish schoolgirl, and Moon, a traveling salesman, as their paths cross on a train that moves between interconnected worlds. In this world, traveling north on the train line causes time to speed up—days pass in hours and people age rapidly—while traveling south slows time, allowing for extended youth and prosperity. The society is divided, with the slow worlds being the richest and the fast worlds being harsh and dangerous, and only salesmen are permitted to travel between them, often at great personal cost. The narrative alternates between Margo’s and Moon’s perspectives, exploring themes of grief, rebellion, privilege, and the commodification of time, all set against a backdrop of political oppression and a looming revolution. The book is the first in a planned duology and blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, romance, and young adult fiction, with a focus on the consequences of time manipulation and the systems that control it.

Readers praised the book’s intricate world-building, particularly the detailed mechanics of time across different worlds and the societal structures built around it. The relationship between Margo and Moon was frequently highlighted, with many noting the slow-burn, gradual development of their romance and the emotional depth of their individual journeys. The dual narrative structure, with Moon’s chapters in first person and Margo’s in third, was noted as an effective way to immerse readers in both characters’ perspectives. The writing style, use of imagery, and the balance between action, adventure, and introspective moments were also commended, as was the book’s ability to provoke reflection on real-world issues such as inequality, privilege, and the value of time. Many readers found the ending impactful and expressed strong anticipation for the sequel.

Some readers found aspects of the book confusing, particularly the complex mechanics of time and the calculations of age as characters moved between worlds. The dual perspective, with shifts between first and third person, was occasionally described as abrupt or disorienting. A few readers felt that the romance developed too quickly or lacked sufficient depth, and some noted a lull in the middle of the book. There were also comments about the villain being underdeveloped and the narrative keeping readers in the dark for too long. Additionally, some advance copies were reported to have formatting errors that affected readability, and a small number of readers felt the book’s YA elements or pacing did not align with their preferences.

The book has received a high average rating (4.29 out of 5) from over 600 readers and is set for release in June 2025. It is positioned as both a fantasy and science fiction novel with strong romantic and coming-of-age elements, and is recommended for fans of portal fantasies, time travel stories, and readers interested in social commentary through speculative fiction. The narrative draws comparisons to works like Howl’s Moving Castle, A Wrinkle in Time, and The Mirror Visitor series. The story is not a standalone, and the ending sets up a direct continuation in the planned duology, with many readers expressing eagerness for the next installment.