Casey McQuiston's sophomore novel follows August, a cynical college student who discovers that Jane, the mysterious woman she's attracted to on the Q train, is actually stuck in time—literally trapped on the subway since the 1970s. What unfolds is part romance, part time-travel mystery, and part love letter to queer history and chosen family.

McQuiston excels at creating authentic queer characters and relationships. August's journey from isolated skeptic to someone who fights for love feels genuine, while Jane's backstory as a Chinese-American punk from the '70s adds historical depth. The supporting cast—August's roommates Niko, Myla, and Wes—form a believable found family that grounds the fantastical elements.

The author's research into LGBTQ+ history, particularly around the Stonewall era, enriches the narrative with real emotional weight.

However, the book struggles with pacing and focus. At over 400 pages, it meanders through subplots about August's family drama and her psychic abilities that feel underdeveloped. The time-travel mechanics are deliberately vague, which works thematically but may frustrate readers seeking logical consistency.

McQuiston's writing style is conversational and contemporary, heavy on pop culture references and millennial humor, which can feel forced at times. The romance, while sweet, lacks the electric chemistry that made 'Red, White & Royal Blue' so compelling. This book will appeal most to readers who loved McQuiston's debut and want more queer romance with fantastical elements. It's perfect for those interested in LGBTQ+ history, found family dynamics, and New York City as a character. However, readers seeking tight plotting, subtle prose, or hard science fiction should look elsewhere. The book's greatest strength—its ambitious blend of genres and themes—is also its weakness, as it sometimes feels like three different novels competing for attention.