Emotions and loss transcend time, and this young girl only sees both as being beyond anyone's control.

Sora and her family are vacationing in Japan when the earthquake hits. While a 'normal' earthquake would have already been devastating, this one causes pockets in time. Some places move faster, while others are slower. None can be understood and all are dangerous. Sora's mother was lost during the catastrophe, leaving her father and her behind. But unlike most, they are studying time and the areas, venturing secretly in when no one is allowed. Plus, Sora has noticed shadows, which no one else seems to see. When her father goes missing, she sees no choice but to hunt him down because she suspects he's slipped into another time. But it's a dangerous venture...one that could leave her as nothing but a pile of ash.

I do love the cover on this one, and that alone made me one to pick this one up. Luckily, the surmise is interesting, too. The prologue grabs with the first scene as Sora and her father experience the earthquake, and the world turns upside down around them. Then, it fast forwards to her graduation, where she's still suffering under the loss of her mother (years later), but considering the various time pockets, which have formed, her attitude is understandable. Her determination to work with her father to uncover the secrets of these scattered time areas, makes her easy to root for...especially when she begins to see shadows and her own father seems to be slipping as if caught in his own, odd time bubble. It's an intrigue world and circumstance, which leaves many questions and offers the hope that she'll not only figure things out...but maybe find her mother again. So, get ready for a deep dive into emotions, loss, and hope because this read dances around that heart the whole way through.

The addition of the catfish adds the right touch of magic to keep dreams flying...since the time pockets are quite dangerous. And all of this sticks enough in 'reality' to keep the scenes and characters familiar and sympathetic. There's even romantic nods and friendship to make sure everything is grounded, and warmth and hope. Still, with all of this going on, it is not a fast-paced read. Sora's thoughts run deep as the reader sinks into her head. For those who tend to enjoy more action and adventure, it's on the slow side, and there are still many questions left open at the end about the fantastical aspects. Those readers, who enjoy the emotional ride and are more into the heart than the reason, are in for a treat. ( )