Book Review - The Switch by A.W. Hill

The Switch follows 15 year old Jacobus, who pushes a mysterious switch in an odd old house, and starts an adventure into the multiverse to try and get back. Numerous versions of Jacobus exist, all slightly different from the 'original', but can Jacobus make it back to where he started? Because, no matter what you might think, perhaps your life really is better the first time round.

I loved the concept behind this.The belief that there are multiple worlds that run parallel to our own is nothing new, but I appreciated this fresh yet simple approach. One giant switch, seen in multiple forms, can lead to any number of possibilities. The plot is fast, flipping from world to world rapidly as Jacobus tries to get home with increasing difficulty. And even with a fast plot, time is still left to dedicate to world building and explaining the (sometimes quite complex) ideas behind multiverse theory and the associated physics. It could have been very easy to get either bogged down in this, or become confused, but the author does a good job of delicately balancing the two.

I also enjoyed the interactions between Jacobus, and his growing number of friends he meets along the way. In particular the enigmatic veteran Gordon, and the universally constant Jemma. I liked that there was always an underlying link between Jacobus and his 'home world', which helped to underpin the story and stop it unravelling rather quickly. The gradual build up within each universe - starting with small changes and building up to more extreme versions of Jacobus' universe was also a  great idea, as it built up the tension simultaneously within the story-line.

That said, I did find Jacobus a rather fickle character to get to grips with. When he first pushes the switch it's with friend Connor, however on entering the next universe and finding Connor an enemy, he's quick to drop him and move onto the next friend. There's no reconciliation to start with, and Jacobus doesn't really seem all that bothered. I found this lack of emotion rather odd, considering he was suppose to be his best friend. Their eventual reunion felt a little off because of this.

I sometimes also found that the continuing jump from world to world meant there was some missed potential to further explore the more 'extreme' worlds. In particular, I would have liked to have spent more time in the Red Temple/Hiver universe, as the ideology really intrigued me. However, I do understand that for a story with such a limitless potential for worlds, this may not have been practical.

I thought the conclusion was fitting for the novel, and tied together all the concepts nicely.

In conclusion, I found this a solid little YA/science fiction novel. A stronger relationship between some of the lead characters and more dedicated time to specific interesting worlds would have enhanced more rating, but I really enjoyed this.

 - 3 stars