The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

There’s science fiction that dazzles you with its scale — and then there’s sci-fi that quietly moves you with its heart. The Space Between Worlds does both, but with compassion and curiosity at its core.

The premise: multiverse travel exists, but you can only visit worlds where your alternate self has died. Cara, a survivor from the rough outskirts of society, is one of the few who can safely travel across realities. She starts collecting data for the wealthy city that built the technology — until she stumbles into secrets that blur every line between identity, privilege, and belonging.

It sounds heavy, but the book’s spirit is resilient and full of warmth. Johnson’s world feels gritty and real, yet she never loses sight of her characters’ humanity. Cara’s voice is sharp, funny, and alive, and her journey toward self-acceptance feels both cosmic and deeply personal.

What makes it shine is its emotional intelligence — it asks “who would you be if you had the chance to live differently?” and doesn’t settle for easy answers. If Project Hail Mary is about solving problems, The Space Between Worlds is about understanding yourself in the spaces between.

A multiverse story with brains, heart, and hope — sci-fi that remembers what it means to be human.

Rating: 🌍💫💖🚪🪞 (5/5)