Bridge, the protagonist, is paralyzed by the sheer volume of alternate realities and the fear that she's living the "wrong" life. This exploration of choice paralysis in the face of endless possibilities forms a compelling core theme. The novel delves into the existential anxiety of wondering "what if" and the seductive but perilous allure of trying to "fix" your life by accessing these other versions.

The narrative is driven by Bridge's complicated relationship with her deceased mother, Jo, a maverick neuroscientist who dedicated her life to chasing the dreamworm, the artifact that allows travel between realities. Bridge grapples with her unresolved feelings for her mother, questioning her motives and ultimately seeking closure even as she follows in Jo's footsteps. This exploration of grief, forgiveness, and acceptance adds an emotional depth to the high-stakes sci-fi plot.

As Bridge delves deeper into the multiverse, she encounters the dangerous consequences of manipulating reality. She realizes that even seemingly small changes can have ripple effects, leading to unforeseen and often devastating outcomes. The novel raises questions about the ethics of interfering with other versions of ourselves and the potential chaos of disrupting the delicate balance of the multiverse.