When the World Was Flat (and we were in love)  by Ingrid Jonach

 Published: September 3^rd 2013

 Looking back, I wonder if I had an inkling that my life was about to go from ordinary to extraordinary.

When sixteen-year-old Lillie Hart meets the gorgeous and mysterious Tom Windsor-Smith for the first time, it’s like fireworks — for her, anyway. Tom looks as if he would be more interested in watching paint dry; as if he is bored by her and by her small Nebraskan town in general.

But as Lillie begins to break down the walls of his seemingly impenetrable exterior, she starts to suspect that he holds the answers to her reoccurring nightmares and to the impossible memories which keep bubbling to the surface of her mind — memories of the two of them, together and in love.

When she at last learns the truth about their connection, Lillie discovers that Tom has been hiding an earth-shattering secret; a secret that is bigger — and much more terrifying and beautiful — than the both of them. She also discovers that once you finally understand that the world is round, there is no way to make it flat again.

An epic and deeply original sci-fi romance, taking inspiration from Albert Einstein’s theories and the world-bending wonder of true love itself.

First off, brilliant cover.

The synopsis for this book gave me high hopes for this story and needless to say, I was excited to read it. The reviews from other readers were all over the place. Some absolutely adored this book, some found flaws with everything.

I loved, loved, LOVED this book. The premise was just so cool. Jonach has a distinct style of prose and I really enjoyed it. The story was fast paced, and the characters were loveable. The world crafted within, When The World Was Flat is vivid and animated. Within the first few chapters the imagery is so crisp and clear you may as well be staring at a photograph.

Lillie has absurdly creepy dreams and at the mention of each nightmare you can actually feel chills going up your spine. This adds to her mystery and her appeal. I think this is why I liked this character so much. She wasn’t the typical damsel in distress. She was unique and had depth.

The story goes much further than the typical YA romance. There is a profound back-story that really makes you question our universe, and life itself.  I think everyone in the world has one time or another experienced déjà vu, well; this book explains as to why. The explanation is actually quite striking, and although it is fiction, it is believable.

I find that if an author has created a story powerful enough to linger in your mind beyond the last page, it is a success.

If writers words can spark passion within the reader, they are clearly in the right line of work.

Thank you, Strange Chemistry for this fantastic review copy.