"Not everything works in reverse, Ozzy. It's like a prism. Light goes in one way and comes out another way. It's still light but vastly different." (Kaida Hutchenson)
Prism has a unique premise. Kaida, Zeke and Joy are stranded in an alternate reality an accident on their class field trip. This alternate reality is a scary world with no medicine, health care, nurses, doctors and hospitals.
The lack of world-building in Prism makes the plot weak. There are so many plot threads that aren't dealt with and information that is mentioned and then brushed aside. There are unresolved character arcs, a government and its corruption that isn't dealt with, holes in the explanation of the inner-workings of an alternate reality as well as a world without medicine that doesn't make much sense.
The resolution of Prism is extremely unfulfilling. This book ends with so many questions and a feeling that Kaida didn't achieve what she set out to do nor did she solve the problems that she was supposed to solve. And also the little things like, What happens to Ozzy?, Does Kaida find a way to get back to the alternate world? What is her life like now? Does her new found relationship with Zeke and Joy remain the same? Does she ever find Erin White? What happens to the Kaida in the alternate world and does she experience the repercussions of the actions of the Kaida in our world?
I also feel extreme character detachment. I didn't feel anything towards the characters and their romances. Kaida, Joy and Zeke are the main characters and I enjoyed the development from hate and not knowing each other to friendship. However, Zeke wasn't properly portrayed as a main character and I don't understand his role in Prism. I also enjoyed the sibling relationship that Kaida has with her brother, Jace.
Prism is a fast read with a unique plot. However, the plot execution is weak and the characters aren't easy to connect with which makes for a detached reading experience.
"Sometimes when you're in a situation that you know is important, you take note of all the details around you without even realising it." (Kaida Hutchenson)