Review: Phantom Universe by Laura Kreitzer

From Goodreads: Sold into slavery to pirates at the young age of four, Summer learns to survive the rough seas of subterfuge and thieves through silence. When the boat she’s lived on most of her life is destroyed, Summer finds herself washed up on the shore of a new world, a phantom universe full of the bizarre and extraordinary. She meets Gage, the one boy who understands the girl with no speech. But when their lives are put on the line, will Summer finally call out? Or will all be lost in the fathomless depth of silence?

Review: I admit I was hesitant going in when I was faced with some graphic abuse/torture scenes. Anyone who reads my reviews knows these always upset me. However, the scenes are necessary to introduce us to the protagonist, Summer, and help us understand her; and they are done in a way not as to make us cringe or just for the sake of showing it, but for character building and an emotional connection to the MC, which I felt greatly. The author takes great care during these scenes and I was able to be sucked into the story. Summer is a wonderfully likable, and believable character. Because of things that have happened in her life, she is shut down emotionally and verbally. I was able to connect with her through her thoughts alone. She is so completely internal, and I was so completely connected to her, I felt each of her emotions deeply. The world Ms. Kreitzer creates is fantastic. We are taken from the current time now, on a pirate ship where Summer makes a connection with Landon, her savior, protector, and best friend, to a world two hundred years in the future, where she meets Gage, her new salvation, strength, and love. The description of the future world is amazing. The hierarchy of the world and explanation for how everything works into the overall plot is mind boggling, yet at the same time simple enough to easily be believable. I was able to enjoy the story without spending time trying to understand its dynamics. The relationships Summer forms with those around her are so utterly real, I forgot I was reading at times. This is truly a unique, original, and emotional novel. The ending was satisfying as I was given an explanation for events, and those Summer cares about are there at the end to support her. But it also leaves you anticipating the next book that much more! 

With its wonderfully crafted characters, rich description, emotionally-charged scenes, and overall originality, I give Phantom Universe 4 flames!

Paperback, 228 pages

Expected publication: February 15th 2011 by Obsidian Mountain Publishing