Books like Quantum Leap: The Novel

Video review: https://youtu.be/_4thbjS2fOII'm so confused. How the hell is a novel tie-in to a television show that's been off the air for two decades one of my favorite reads of the year? I'm gonna need answers. Or at the very least I'm gonna need to explain myself.So I was slumpin' hardcore before I picked this one up. I only own it because I found a stack of Quantum Leap novels during a library sale. They were having a fill-a-bag-for-a-buck sale so I brought a trash bag and loaded up. (Don't judge me...) Anyway, I scored eight books in this series the first time around, and have since gone back and scored a ninth. Quantum Leap: The Novel, also titled Quantum Leap: Carny Knowledge (yes they're the same book), was one of those first eight I took home. I didn't think I'd ever get around to reading any of them, but I was sure they'd be a great conversation starter anytime I kidnapped...I mean, anytime I have friends over for tea and crumpets.Lemme set the stage for you...I was stuck in the middle of The Talisman and The Obsoletes, not really enjoying either one, when I opened this one on a whim and holy shit am I glad I did. I had a blast. From page one all the way to the end, I never wanted to put the book down. I had no idea what was coming, nor did I really have any expectations. I felt like a kid again. The writing isn't anything special, but it's far from unreadable. Where this book shines is the attention McConnell gives her characters. She pays respect to the original cast while creating all new characters that feel alive. I'm surprised at how secretly and subtly deep this book is, too. It tackles such topics as misogyny and grief, the latter displayed by Al's need to replace a previous love. I truly appreciated the backstory give to Al. This book did everything that I feel a novelization of a popular intellectual property should do, give the reader a deeper experience that the screen version allows. Everything I've ever wanted to know about the Imaging Chamber, the cave system wherein Project Quantum Leap is located, and what the fuck happens to Sam's body while he's head-hopping through time is answered in this book. But what impressed me most is the engaging narrative. No, the writing showcased here is not perfect. McConnell relies heavily on adverbs, and tends to over explain simple things, but she's never boring. This is a speedy experience, one that was wrapped up long before I wanted it to end. That being said, had the book gone on any longer, it would've certainly overstayed its welcome. In summation: I'm just as surprised as you are that I rated this one five stars but it is what it is. I had a buttload of fun with Quantum Leap: The Novel and I'm pretty sure any fan of the old television show will dig it as well. I don't expect the rest of the books in the series to be this good, especially not the ones that aren't written by McConnell, but I'm certainly going to give them a try. Final Judgment: The sleeper hit of 2019