This book really surprised me. I wasn't sure I was gonna like it, even during many points while I was reading it, I was still very unsure. But I think I might have loved it.

I loved the characters. The were so flawed and human but also incredibly relatable and likable in the sense that I wanted to route for them even when they disagreed with each other. It helped that two of the characters making poor choices were children, that helped me be waaaay less annoyed by their poor choice making because it seemed pretty in character for kids their ages. And speaking of which, how children act at various ages is something a surprising number of authors fail to pull off believably, but Sukol nailed the age-appropriate behaviors and even speech of these kids.

The queer representation in this book was also *chef's kiss* in my opinion. One of the most authentic (though understated) representations of bi/pansexuality I've seen in a queer book.

The pacing of this book was slow but I still thought it unfolded in a really satisfying way. It gave vibes of watching someone's careful reflections of life despite the fact that there are 4 POVs. And each POV feels very distinct and well written.

I loved the inclusiveness of languages in this book. It included languages outside of English but I never felt like I was struggling to figure out what anyone was saying when they weren't speaking English like I have in some books that don't provide translations. This might have something to do with the fact that I have some passable French knowledge but even the Spanish bits didn't Make me feel lost like I've seen in other stories that attempt this kind of thing.

My only complaints about this book are about the world building and on occasion the prose. A lot of the purpose was pretty excellent despite the fact that it's not particularly poetic or elegant. I'm glad for that because I don't think that style wouldn't have for with this story well. Instead the prize shifted depending on the POV we were reading. So the pragmatic characters had slightly more direct prose, the dreamier characters had slightly more meandering prose, the more rigid child had slightly shorter and more concise prose and the slightly flightier child had slightly more dynamic prose. I'm addition each one sounded like it came from a differently aged person as well. A lot of these shifts in pride were subtle which is even more impressive in my opinion. So mostly, I think the prose was exceptional. There were a few scenes however where it felt a little like, "they went there, he said, she said, they walked over there..." And it felt a bit boring stylistically in addition to the purpose of the scene feeling a bit muddy. It's very likely this is a scene or plotting issue though. If the scene isn't really fulfilling a necessary function, then the purpose might be fighting is purpose a bit.

The world building was definitely interesting in many ways, but the attempts to bring the rather into the details of the world felt sluggish and clunky. I felt like it took us to long to get a sense of what this future was like and how far gone it was. Honestly even after finishing, I feel full of questions about the world this story takes place in. Many of my initial wonderings were answered but some it seemed took far to long to get to.

This book was originally published under the name Cycling to Asylum and I really approve of the name change. While cycling was not insignificant by any means to the events in this book and clearly valued by the characters, it want as connected to the themes of the book as the new title which I think does a much better job of alluding to the political AND psychological focus of this story.

Overall I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a slow stroll through a look at hopefulness in a politically and psychologically troubling world. Bonus points for interest in a bi/pansexual male main character and an interest in cycling.

Invisible Line presents a timely and deeply personal vision of political exile and cultural displacement, but its quiet, introspective tone often works against its momentum. While the novel explores meaningful themes—family, identity, and activism—with care, the pacing lags and the narrative sometimes lacks urgency. The shifting perspectives offer variety, yet not all voices feel equally distinct or compelling. Still, Su J Sokol’s speculative lens and emotional insight make this a thoughtful if uneven read for fans of character-driven hopepunk.

This book, set in the near future, is a great dystopian novel about activism. I enjoyed the underlying themes of not being able to outrun your past and standing up for something to believe in. This novel sends a powerful message that strikes true even today. We must stand with conviction. This was a fast read for me, and I could not put it down.

A politically relevant treatise on the evil of fascism and the importance of putting your political beliefs first. I enjoyed this book and felt it was timely and also prescient.