"Miguel Rivera's debut novel is a layered treatment of redemption, purpose, and commitment. Its narrative is often brutal, sometimes violent, and immensely human. This is not a typical fantasy novel. Rivera has shown that new dimensions of time and space do not compromise the collective values that define our humanity. His characters resonate and are memorable. I look for great things from this new novelist, who knows how to infuse a compelling story with suspense, purpose, and wisdom."Greg Fields, author of The Bright Freight of Memory, PEN/Faulkner Award nominee "Miguel Rivera's fastpaced, gripping narrative draws the reader like a powerful magnet. How could one resist 'Dee' DiBenedetto, his young, very attractive heroine, born in a lawenforcement family, who likes martial arts and boxing? . . . Ironically, unexpectedly, Rivera mischievously enjoys moving our expectations out from the detective trope just to open up new dimensions, offering turningpoint surprises that will show why Darlene is a spectacular, largerthanlife character. Where does Darlene really come from? What destiny must she fulfill? "Philosophical scifi at its best, Pivotal Universe will certainly open up one's mindliterature as the ultimate technology to enlarge one's mental screen."Heloisa Prieto, Brazilian awardwinning, bestselling author of The Musician "Miguel Rivera is a gifted writer with an incredible imagination. Pivotal Universe brings us into a world quite different from our own and leads us on a wonderful journey. Great read, highly recommended."Angelina Kelly, Inkslingers Writers' Group