Slipstream by Madge MarilMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Slipstream is like good takeout; delivers what you expect, goes down easy, and could probably do with a little more spice. Our protagonists Lilah and Arthur are well-drawn and easy to root for. The plot is a little convoluted and the bad guys are cardboard cutouts that show up only to get knocked over, but Maril's writing is sharp and the action moves as smooth as well-tuned F1 car. The romance is definitely a slow, simmering burn. There are some minor issues with Lilah's characterization; her neurodivergence feels like it walks a tightrope between empowering and othering (people with better knowledge can weigh in on that one) and her queerness seems to float in the periphery in a way that makes me think ex-boyfriend Max was ex-girlfriend Max in earlier drafts. Overall, Slipstream is a fun, flirty ride through a sun-drenched summer of F1 racing. Definitely a worthwhile poolside read.
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