By Juliana Riverin
Staff Writer
Time travel may be a common conflict in fiction, but if Karen Akin’s debut novel “Loop” is any indication of where the genre is heading, here is hoping it never goes away.
The novel’s captivating premise serves as a suitable backdrop for the relatable cast of characters, while the fantastical world delights readers with an imagination.
“Loop” tells the story of 16-year-old Bree Bennis, a time-traveler, or “Shifter,” from the 23rd century, whose life becomes considerably more complicated after she accidentally brings back a boy, Finn Masterson, from modern day Maryland. As they search for a way to get Finn home, Bree and Finn stumble upon a conspiracy surrounding Bree’s entire world that makes them question their morals and could alter the fabric of time itself.
Although the theme of time travel is common in fiction, Akins ensures individuality in “Loop” by emphasizing the unique details in its premise. Akins manages to merge a fantastical vision of the future, where homelessness and disease are all but eradicated,with amazing technology, such as time-traveling and anti-gravity belts. The unique setting of a mostly positive place provides a counter-point to the bleak, dystopian trend in young adult literature.
Another refreshing thing that separates “Loop” from other similar novels is its lack of emphasis on romance. Although there are romantic relationships in the book, such as Bree and Finn or Bree’s friends Mimi and Charlie, they are not the primary focus of the story, instead serving as a minor plot element. This narrative focus is a welcome change considering the recent onslaught of breathless romantic plot lines in other young-adult novels.
Despite the fact that their romantic relationship is not the main facet of the story, the relationship between main characters Finn and Bree serves to preserve an element of fun in the story. Although “Loop” has the potential to be a much more somber novel, due to the moral corruption emphasized throughout, the near-constant stream of sarcasm and jokes that flows between Bree and Finn balances out the dark nature of the conflict.
The engaging main characters are complimented by the minor characters, all of whom are also relatable, keeping the outlandish premise from feeling too over-the-top. Mimi, Charlie and Wyck, for example, are all fairly stereotypical friends: funny, supportive and quirky. Although they are clichés, it does not work against the story because it provides a sense of familiarity for readers, keeping them from being overwhelmed by a world so far from reality.
The only frustrating thing about the novel is its chronology. Because parts of the story do not happen in a proper linear timeline, the reader is forced to piece together the story’s events, disrupting the flow of the conflict more often than not.
The unique premise of “Loop” ensures continued excitement and interest while the relatable characters keep the futuristic novel from being disorienting.
“Loop” is available digitally and in retail for $15.12.
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