Lightning

Not for me
I'm all for fast-food books : fun page-turners, not memorable but enjoyable
This is junk food : bloated and badly written, peppered with the author's toxic politics (violence is bad but non-violence is equally bad, that's why true Americans need to carry guns) and pretending to be smart (the main character's head hurts when trying to understand time travel paradoxes)

I really liked this book, and not just because the lead character's name is Laura.

This book bravely asks what would happen if we follow a strong female lead from Lemony Snickett's Series of Unfortunate Events into Terminator but the plot suddenly Alex Macked into Kung Fury.

I almost DNF'ed this one but I just couldn't look away after page 156.

At its core this story could've been solely about female self-actualization, empowerment, and strength. Laura and Thelma are such badasses and watching them overcome so much adversity in their lives was pretty thrilling, so their relationship was one of the only things that kept me reading. Then, the story betrays all that character-building by launching into a very pulpy second half with some hysterical character reveals.

Maybe Stefan's backstory should've been introduced in pieces earlier than halfway through the book? But even then I don't think that would've made me want him gone any less. Yes, I have the gal to read a book with time-traveling Nazis and say the ending was too contrived but hear me out:

There is no conceit under the sun that could make a Nazi relatable.

If destiny is immutable, then stick to your guns.