Set in a universe where time is key to power and privilege,this dazzlingly inventivegenre-defying fantasy romance is the first in a duology by best-selling author Caroline O’Donoghue. Margo is a troubled schoolgirl. After the death of her fathershe’s on her way to a new boarding school in a new city. Moon is a salesman. He makes his living traveling through a series of interconnected worlds on a network of barely used train lines. They never should have met. But when Margo suddenly appears one day on Moon’s traintheir fates become inextricably linked. If Margo wants to surviveshe has to pass as a traveling salesmantoo–except it’s not that easy. Move north on the train line and time speeds upa day passing in mere hours. Move south and time slows down–a day can last several weeks. Slow worlds are the richest ones: you live longeryour youth lasting decades. Fast worlds are sharpcrueland don’t have time for pleasantries. Death is frequent. Salesmen die young of skipshock. That isif they’re not shot down by the Southern Guard first. As Margo moves between worlds and her attachment to Moon intensifiesshe feels her youth start to slip between her fingers. But is Moon everything he seems? Is Margo? Told through the eyes of both naive Margo and desperate Moonthe unforgettable realm of Skipshock will shake the way you think about lovetimeand the fabric of the universe. The first in a planned duology from the best-selling author of the Gifts seriesthis utterly original epic is a must-read.