It’s the summer of 1986 and reluctant prodigy Nick Hayes is a student at Cambridge University, working with world-renowned mathematician Professor Halligan. He just wants to be a regular student, but regular isn’t really an option for a boy-genius cancer survivor who’s already dabbled in time travel.

When he crosses paths with a mysterious yet curiously familiar girl, Nick discovers that creases have appeared in the fabric of time, and that he is at the centre of the disruption. Only Nick can resolve this time paradox before the damage becomes catastrophic for both him and the future of the world. Time is running out—literally.

Wrapped up with him in this potentially apocalyptic scenario are his ex-girlfriend, Mia, and fellow student Helen. Facing the world-ending chaos of a split in time, Nick must act fast and make the choice of a lifetime—or lifetimes.

Game on.

It’s pretty bonkers to me that Mark Lawrence is releasing an entire trilogy in one year! But with the third book of his Impossible Times trilogy, Dispel Illusion, out in the world (just digitally so far), here we are. I absolutely adored the first book, One Word Kill, with its blend of gut-punchy nostalgia & time travel mind-fuckery. And really, Limited Wish is every bit as good, and maybe even a little better!

I feel like all I do is give out spoiler warnings these days, but you know the drill: This review will definitely have spoilers for One Word Kill, so if you haven’t read it and plan to, why don’t you make like a tree, and get outta here!

The story picks up not too long after the events of One Word Kill, with 16-year-old Nick trying time navigate his way through Cambridge University, where he is working with a famous mathematician. The gang still gets together to play Dungeons and Dragons, but the dynamics have…shifted. Elton is struggling to be able to spend time with Nick, and has left the group. Additionally, Mia is bringing her new boyfriend to the game, which is obviously a bit awkward for Nick, and doesn’t exactly bring out his best side.

But Nick has also met someone new, a girl named Helen. Nick can’t shake the feeling that he’s met Helen before, even though she insists that’s not the case. But when you’re caught up in a whole time travel fuckaro like Nick…well, you pay attention to the signals.

There’s not a whole lot more I’d want to reveal plot-wise, as this is a really short novel. But needless to say, things have escalated in every imaginable way, and there are some VERY tense scenes in Limited Wish! For me, time travel stuff will always be difficult to grasp…and there are for sure some moments/concepts in this series that threaten to break my brain if I spend too much time thinking about them. But the good thing about the Impossible Times books is they are so wrapped up in humor, and heartfelt, gut-punchy moments, that even the more confusing time travel aspects kinda blend right in.

Mark Lawrence has created something really special with the Impossible Times series…the 80’s setting is deeply nostalgic without ever being tongue-in-cheek. And this cast of characters is incredibly likable and believable…I mean I am FULLY INVESTED in what’s going to happen with these kids in Dispel Illusion!! Just totally loving this series!!

Now, ALL THAT SAID…the cover. I will never understand the decision to change the appearance of the cover from One Word Kill to what we got with Limited Wish. What happened to the glossy letters & the little metallic flecks?! The cover for Limited Wish is completely matte. Like….WHY IS THIS A THING THAT HAD TO HAPPEN?!!?! I remember being blown away when One Word Kill arrived at my house. The art had SO MUCH MORE depth than it seemed based on the images online. Oof…a minor complaint, but I was really sad to not see the same level of detail with Limited Wish.