I am conflicted how to judge Interworld. On the one hand, the book was co-written by Neil Gaiman - one of my favourite fantasy writers - and I am tempted to compare it to his other novels. On the other hand, Michael Reaves - known primarily as a screenwriter for superhero TV shows and the novelization of Star Wars movies - also contributes. Since I am unfamiliar with Mr. Reaves's work, I should probably just this book against all other YA fantasy novels.

For the record, the book is fine by the second standard; but disappointing by the first.

Interworld  tells the story of Joey Harker - a teenage boy, who finds himself transported across multiple dimensions where he learns that each dimension has its own variation of Earth and its own variation of Joey Harker and that these Harkers have special talents that make them an ideal space force to protect the universe from the bad guys. Joey joins the force after discovering he has a special talent for finding paths between dimensions.

The idea of multiple versions of our planet and universe is not new; nor is the idea  of a team of heroes fighting the bad guys across space and  dimensions; nor is the story's conflict between magic and science. The characters have potential, but none are really fleshed out to my satisfaction. Even the villains lack motivation other than their desire for revenge and domination.

I liked the character of Hue - an interdimensional creature, who speaks only in shifting colors and saves the day on multiple occasions.

As a pulp science fiction story, it is not bad. As a young adult novel, it is above average. As a Neil Gaiman story, it is below what I have come to expect. Overall, it felt rushed. "Interworld" was originally conceived as a television show and it feels like it was designed with that adaptation in mind.

Interworld is part 1 of a trilogy and it interested me enough to continue to book 2.