ARC Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyert

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Pages: 387

Expected publication: January 3rd 2012 (Feiwel & Friends)

Series: Lunar Chronicles (1)

Final Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Twitter | Website

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. 

My Review

In the first chapters of Cinder, debut author Marissa Meyer's intricately woven retelling of Cinderella, we meet Cinder, a cyborg with courage, heart, and spunk.  Meyer does a fantastic job of weaving in elements of the original story - the step-mother and two step-sisters, though one is less wicked than in Cinderella, and a handsome prince.  There's even a ball, which Cinder longs to attend, all the while fearing she won't fit in.  Cinder's vulnerability and the scorn she faces from those who know she is a cyborg rang true and valid throughout the book, and it was how she handled that ridicule and her fear of never finding a place she belonged that immediately endeared Cinder to me.  I connected with her in the opening pages of her story, and at the end of Cinder, I felt a strong kindship with the spirited heroine.  Cinder herself is loyal to those she loves, strong, and no-nonesense at times; she has a huge heart and dreams of escape, of a better life - something surely we can all identify with. 

The plot of Cinder moves along very nicely; I was never bored, and unlike some novels, where scenes are thrown in to pad the bare areas, or stripped to keep the pace clipping along, every word felt like it ought to be savored, and each scene felt as if it played its part and purpose.  In that aspect, this book was what I was looking for - it was a good length, but Marissa Meyer knew when and exactly where to stop in order to leave me hanging. 

The world building was lacking in some ways - World War 4 was alluded to but nothing more - leaving me wondering what happened to the world as we know it, and how New Bejiing rose to power.  The plague constantly worrying the leaders served as an effective ticking timebomb, never giving the reader time to forget the looming threat.  I also wanted to know more about the Lunars, though I suspect they'll continue to play into the sequel/s.  Levana, the Lunar Queen, was ice-cold and probably because I loathed her, I of course wanted to know more about her. 

At time, the similiarties to Cinderella were charming and easy to spot, but never obvious in an annoying way; rather, they added to the story, whether it was advancing the plot, or making a character sympathetic or non-sympathetic.  Marissa Meyer clearly put a great deal of thought and heart into her characters - most of them were very well-fleshed out, and unique.  There were a few whom I wanted to know more about, that I am sincerely hoping we will see a lot more of in the sequel/s. 

One thing that let me down slightly was that early on, I predicted the book's twist, which was somewhat disappointing, especially considering I usually try NOT to think about how a book is going to turn out - I prefer to be surprised.  To me, the twist was very easy to see coming, but that didn't detract much from my enjoyment of the book. Cinder was still a superb read. 

Marissa Meyer knows how to write a book, plain and simple.  Relationships were explored, her characters have genuine and fascinating voices and personalities, even though Cinder's point of view was the only one we saw.  We have villians, and quirky robots, a fun menagerie of non-stereotypes.  The interaction between Kai and Cinder left me wanting so much more, and while there was not much romance, there was enough of a bond developing between them in a slow-burn, that I was hanging on the edge of my seat during their scenes.  The two of them fascinate me, and I especially look forward to learning more about Prince Kaito. 

Overall, Marissa Meyer's stunningly driven retelling of Cinderella, CINDER, is a fascinating twist on a beloved classic, managing to at once remind the reader of the age-old rags-to-riches story while breathing new life into the children's tale, bringing it into a new demographic.  I finished Cinder over the course of about two nights, and I simply had to keep reading, in order to know what happened next to our heroine, whom I deeply admired.  Cinder and its characters will stay with me, making the wait until the sequel, titled (for now) Scarlett, oh-so-long.   

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading.

ARC Review: On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

Expected publication: 12.27.2011 (Harlequin Teen)

Pages: 384

Final Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Source:  E-ARC from NetGalley

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online:  Website | Twitter

Five years ago Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her lucky break came at the expense of her mother’s life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death—by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky—she would never be normal again.

Now she’s the target of Death’s Ravens and an innocent boy’s life is on the line. When Nate Holden—Abbey’s secret crush—starts to climb Alaska’s Denali, the Angel of Death is with him because of her.

Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets.

My Review

In On a Dark Wing, we meet Abbey, a girl whose life has been irrevocably touched by death – starting with her mother’s demise during a car accident involving Abbey, and continuing into her father’s work as a mortician.  It’s been five years since her mother’s death, and it’s clear that losing her mother has marked Abbey’s life in a major way.  My heart went out to Abbey because of the way Jordan Dane showed us Abbey’s grief; it was palpable, it was real, and it breathed life into Abbey’s character.  However, I remain conflicted about this book, for several reasons. 

I think the main issue I had with On A Dark Wing was that, unfortunately, I never clicked with any of the characters, save for Tanner, perhaps.  Abbey was a likeable enough character, and I could certainly understand her, but I never sympathized with her, never really found myself connecting with her, nor with Nate, whose point of view we saw as often as we saw Abbey’s.  The lack of kinship I felt with the main characters was a disappointment for me, but try as I might, I couldn’t do it, and because of that, although yes, I wanted to know what happened next, and ultimately how the book ended, I had to force myself to finish it. 

The multiple points of view threw me off in a big way; I thought the book would have flowed much better solely from Abbey’s point of view, instead, Jordan Dane gives us chapters from Abbey, Nate, Tanner, and even occasionally, Nate’s parents.  Instead of moving along the story or being effective, for me, this was majorly jarring.  About the time I got used to where we were with one character, the book careened into a different point of view, which I think added to my inability to connect with the characters. 

That’s not to say that I didn’t like anything about On a Dark Wing.  Abbey’s crush on Nate was endearing, because I think at some point, every girl was her – unsure of themselves, but sure that if that one certain guy will just give them a chance, life will improve.  Abbey was searching for that validation in Nate, but I was relieved with the direction Jordan Dane took that arc in the end of the book.   I also really loved Abbey and Tanner’s friendship, and how loyal they were to one another.  At times I felt incredibly bad for him, and wanted to shake Abbey, because it was obvious how much Tanner cared for her, while all she could see was Nate.  However, when Abbey finally opened her eyes to Tanner, it felt rushed and forced. 

I wanted more interaction between Abbey and her dad; interestingly enough, of all the points of view we saw, his was never included, and I was intrigued by him.  I really enjoyed what scenes we did get between Abbey and her father, and though those were the most powerful of the novel.  

Overall, although I so wanted to love On a Dark Wing, I couldn’t.  Jordan Dane has a very down-to-earth writing style, that’s easy to follow and enjoy.  I accepted the premise to this book easily enough but felt it lacked follow-through.  Characters were under-developed at times, and unfortunately, because I couldn’t form a connection with the main characters, I couldn’t enjoy this book nearly as much as I wanted to. 

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading.

ARC Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout

Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout

Pages: 266

Published: 12.06.2011 (Entangled)

Series: Lux (1)

Final rating: 4 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Twitter | Blog

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

My Review

Obsidian, the first book in Jennifer L Armentrout's new Lux series, introduces us to Katy; the lead character was someone I immediately adored.  Katy is intelligent, self-aware, and feisty, when provoked.  She's also a book worm and a book blogger, so for me, reading this book and seeing terms like "Waiting on Wednesday" and "In My Mailbox" dotting the pages was a real thrill.   I was drawn to Katy right off the bat, for her good nature and that level below her surface that, once scratched, reveals a character with a ton of potential and a girl after my own heart.  Jennifer did a fantastic job of creating a lead female who is both identifiable and at times, unpredictable.  

The plot of Obsidian moved along fairly well.  There were a few moments where, for me, the pacing felt off, but for the most part I read this book always wishing I could read it a bit faster, because I had to know what happened next.  I've read a great deal more fantasy than sci-fi, so discovering this book was a treat for me.  I love the whole idea behind the Luxen, as well as how Katy takes the revelation that her neighbors are aliens in stride.   She isn't squeamish; nor is she rushing to get involved in their business - how she ends up involved is equal parts frightening, amusing, promising, and sexy all at once. 

I can't review Obsidian without mentioning Daemon.  Oh, Daemon.  He is THAT character, that I apparently love to fall for - the bad boy with a secret, good heart.  Snarky on the surface, but sink a deeper and you'll discover the boy who will do anything to keep his family safe, and who, when he does care about others, cares so much, but struggles to admit he does.  I fell pretty hard for him, although there were times when I wanted to slap him.  I feel like although Jennifer Armentrout gave us an awesome character in Daemon, and although yes, the sparks were off the charts between Daemon and Katy, that at times it was a bit much.  If there was one thing I'd have craved more of between them, it was more slow-burning scenes, and less snark.  (Though that was highly amusing, don't get me wrong.) However for the most part, when it comes to Daemon and Katy, I am STILL fanning myself. 

I really love Jennifer's writing style, too.  She captures the teen voice very well, but more than that, her characters are all people you can relate to, the type of girl or guys we've all known - some we were friends with, broke up with, or loved to hate.  Bravo to Jennifer for being able to reach out and not only tell a story, but draw me in and make me care about the characters I'm reading about.

My only other two complaints (and they're teeny tiny!) is that I wish the book had been longer, so I could have had more time with these characters, and that I wanted to know more about some of the secondary characters.  There were one or two who I hope in the sequel, ONYX, we get to see more of, since they didn't have very many redeeming qualities.  Overall, I am VERY excited for ONYX, and to give y'all a peek at the cover below!  So if you don't have Obsidian yet...run, don't walk to go snag a copy, because it is steamy, heart-pounding, and unforgettable.  

Memorable Quote

Our kisses slowed, becoming tender, and infinitely more.  It was like we were getting to know each other on an intimate level.  I was breathless and dazed, unprepared for all of this, but my body ached for more than just kissing and touching- for more of him.  And I know he did, too.  His powerful body shook, like mine.  It was easy to get lost in him, lost in this connection between us.  The world - the universe - ceased to exist. 

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading.

ONYX COVER

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

In the meantime... purchase OBSIDIAN at Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

Review: Hushed by Kelley York

Hushed by Kelley York

Pages: 260

Expected publication: 12.06.2011 (Entangled)

Source: NetGalley e-ARC

Final Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Twitter | Website

He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

My Review

The opening pages of Kelley York’s YA thriller, Hushed, introduce us to Archer Pond, a college student who, after failing to protect his best friend, Vivian Hilton from a brutal attack during their childhood, has devoted his existence to righting the wrongs done to her.  I wasn’t sure at first if this book was going to be for me or not – considering it’s no secret our main character has murdered before – but I decided to give the book a try, and I have never been so glad that I did!  Hushed was heart-wrenching, and so breathtaking that I stayed up way too late one night to finish it; Hushed had its hooks in me as deeply as Vivian into Archer, but in the best way. 

I struggled with Archer throughout the book.  There were times where I was not sure if I could like him, much less sympathize with him.  But as Kelley York wound her story around my heart, I found myself gravitating toward Archer, who despite his valiant attempts to distance himself from everyone around him, was at heart, the same scared boy he’d been years ago, during Vivian’s darkest hours.  Archer grew up trying to make up for his perceived weakness, keeping everyone except Vivian at arm’s length, never truly bonding with anyone, be it a friend or a romantic partner.  All his hopes were wrapped up so tightly in Vivian that he never noticed her suffocating him – until Evan. 

It’s been a week since I finished Hushed and I am still thinking about Archer and Evan.  These two are going to haunt me for awhile, I expect.  Evan comes totally unexpectedly into Archer’s dismal existence, at once flipping on a switch inside Archer, bringing a new side of him to life.  Evan strips off Archer’s blinders, and makes him see both his life and Vivian for what they are.  Archer has become Vivian’s creation – he’s nothing without her, but watching him slowly begin to trust Evan, seeing their bond flourish, seeing Archer begin to view himself as something other than an extension of Vivian was so poignant.  With Evan, Archer comes to life in new ways, and what I loved most about them is that was never simply about lust or romance.  It was obvious how Evan felt about Archer, just like it was clear that even though Archer wasn’t sure how he felt about Evan, there was a deep sense of caring and trust between them; the two males were always about friendship and faith, at their core.  I adored the unexpected responses Evan pulled from Archer, and seeing their interaction.  I cried once or twice over them, and a few of their scenes literally took my breath away – they were that gorgeous. 

The pacing in Hushed was right on track – slowing down when it needed to, to better focus on the relationship blossoming between the experienced Evan and the innocent Archer – and then speeding along toward the tense climax.  I also really enjoyed the different relationships between the characters, especially that of Archer and Marissa, Vivian’s mother.  None of the characters felt like stereotypes.  I was disappointed with how things turned out with Archer and his mom, since that relationship had suffered so much since the death of Archer’s father, alluded to several times throughout the book. 

Finally, there is Vivian, the worst sort of female.  Objectively, I can see how she was meant to be an incredibly sympathetic character, but I despised her.  Yes, she was a victim at one point in her life, but between her own tendency to place her trust and blind faith in the wrong people, and her parasitic relationship with Archer, I mostly spent the entire book wanting to shake her.  I liked her at first, but as her character degenerated further, she made me a bit ill.  By the end of the book, I couldn’t find any reason to feel sorry for her.  She wanted to destroy Archer, and any happiness he had found, and I was never so happy as I was when he started to see her for what and who she was, although that was very heart-breaking, in its own way. 

Overall, despite a few gripes I might have had with the story (mainly how one or two of the arcs turned out), Hushed gripped me from the start, and refused to let me go.  I had to keep reading.  I had to finish, to know how it turned out.  And now, I find myself hoping that Kelley York might one day revisit these characters, if only because I’m still wondering and worrying (and swooning) over Evan and Archer, and waiting to see where they go from the ending of Hushed.  Kelley York’s debut novel is sweet and tender, exhilarating and difficult, explosive and heartrending – genre-bending YA fiction at its best. 

Be sure to check back here on December 16 – as part of the HUSHED blog tour, I will have an interview up that day with Kelley York!  

Memorable Quote

The mattress shifted with added weight and Evan slid into bed alongside him. Archer wavered in that beautiful, dreamy place between asleep and awake, where nothing felt real and yet too-real all in the same breath. He drifted closer, searching for more of that comfortable heat, and Evan welcomed him with open arms. Fingertips trailed the

length of his spine, from the small of his back to the nape of his neck and back again. Comfortable. Comforting.

“Don’t go,” he murmured.

It wasn’t until Evan whispered, “I won’t,” that Archer was finally able to sleep.

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading. 

In My Mailbox: #14

{ ++ } Kristi at The Story Siren hosts this weekly meme which gives bloggers a chance to highlight the books we bought, checked out, won, or otherwise procured over the last week.  And whether I've came into money (brb, laughing forever) or only had the goods to splurge on a book or two, they all deserve some love.

{ ++ } This is my first IMM in a couple of weeks, so enjoy!  I'll be doing this probably once a month from now on!  Be sure to leave me links to your IMMs so I can come visit.  :)

Received for Review

Cinder by Marissa Meyer [ Goodreads | Amazon ] 

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti [ Goodreads | Amazon ] 

Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout [ Goodreads | Amazon ] 

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane [ Goodreads | Amazon ] 

Pure by Julianna Baggott [ Goodreads | Amazon ]

Hushed by Kelley York [ Goodreads | Amazon ]

The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark [ Goodreads | Amazon ]

Purchased

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon [ Goodreads | Amazon ]

Darker Still by Leanna Renee Heiber [ Goodreads | Amazon ]

Chime by Franny Billingsley [ Goodreads | Amazon ]

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent [ Goodreads | Amazon ]

{ ++ } So what did y'all get this week?  Anything fabulous?  Leave me links so I know and can come visit your IMM! 

{ ++ } Tomorrow: my review of Carrier of the Mark!  Be sure to stop back by to check it out.  :)

ARC Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington + Giveaway

Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Expected publication: 11.22.2011 ( Harlequin Teen)

Pages: 336

Final rating: 5 of 5 stars

Further information: Goodreads | Amazon

Source: NetGalley e-ARC

Find the author online: Blog |

‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’

Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanor and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

My Review

Where to begin with Hannah Harrington's debut novel?  From the  opening lines, all the way to the final sentences, Saving June had a tight hold on my emotions and on my heartstrings.  I think part of that was the subject matter, while another part was seeing the journey Harper Scott, the main character makes over the course of the book.  Harrington has created a unique, identifiable character in Harper, the second daughter, who feels as if she has lived her entire life trying - and failing - to measure up to June, her older sister.  In the wake of June's suicide, Harper devises a plan: since she couldn't save her sister, she will take June's ashes to California, a place June always wanted to live.  And it's here that the book really begins to take form and resonate.  

Joining Harper on the road trip are her best friend, Laney, and Jacob Tolan.  The three make for an unlikely trio in Jake's van, Joplin.  Harper is weighed down by the loss of her sister, and the burden of watching her mother drown her sorrows in the nearest bottle.  Laney has a perfect life on the outside.  And Jake has secrets of his own.  Watching the three of them interact was a joy.  Both Jake and Laney made me laugh, and by turn, tear up more than once.  Laney is a wonderful foil to Harper, and I really enjoyed the glimpses Hannah Harrington gave us into their friendship, and the bond that they share.  And Jake, with his love of music.  I think I swooned over him more than once - about as often as I wanted to shake him for, as the summary promises, that infuriating demeanor.  

It isn't a straight shot to California.  The three stop several times along the way, for various adventures, ranging from tagging along on a protest and going to a punk rock concert, all of which is totally new to Harper.  Chapter by chapter, Harrington peels away at the surfaces of each of the three characters, in order to showcase their hidden quirks, and facets to their personalities.  There is more than meets the eye to each relationship the characters have with those around them, and I was fascinated by it all.  I absolutely loved how all three of their points of view on one subject or another were challenged at some point, forcing them to stretch their perceptions.  

And I can't do this book justice without mentioning Harper and Jacob's relationship.  Jake and Harper continually pushed one another's buttons.  They drove me absolutely crazy.  They would have a tender moment, and then one of them would back off and completely blow it.  I would think I had Jake all figured out, then he would prove me wrong - same with Harper.  These two really pulled me through the gamut of emotions - happiness, nervousness, sorrow, and hope.  In the end, they turned out to be really good for one another, although at one point, I had made up my mind that I loved them so much as they were, I didn't want them to cross the line into romance.  There was such a fabulous slow burn building between them, and a dynamic that I couldn't get enough of.  

But what made this book real for me, what caused it to stick out in my mind, to the point that sitting here writing this review a good week after I finished the book, I'm thinking back on parts and wanting to reread it, is the emotion.  I adored how music played into the book, and even that became an outlet for catharsis.  When Jacob played "Hey Jude," I played it, too.  I cried along with Harper more than once.  Hannah Harrington takes her characters on a journey - and as a a reader, I went along without question.  Harper's grief is so real, so genuine, that it affected me, reading.  The sorrow, the love, the memories - it all really caught a hold of my heart while I was reading this book.  (Side note: I listened to Miranda Lambert's "Over You" while reading this book and now it will always remind me of Saving June: "but you went away, how dare you, I miss you.  They say I'll be okay but I'm not going to ever get over you.")   I think the most striking emotional outlets for me were the parts that revolved around music: Jake and Harper dancing, Jake's song, etc. 

Overall I highly recommend this book.  I will most definitely be purchasing a finished copy.  In fact, I loved it so much that I thought I'd do a giveaway - US AND International!  Read on for details!  (P.S. If I reach 350 followers here by the time the giveaway ends, I'll add a SECOND winner...)

Memorable Quote

June is gone.  For the first time, the enormity of that hits me.  Every muscle aches, my heart most of all.  I am throbbing with how much I miss her.  It hurts worse than anything.  I don't know how I'm supposed to be expected to live day to day carrying this kind of pain.  I don't know how I'm supposed to go out there, spread her ashes and let her go. 

I want to stop running away from everything. 

I want to find something to run toward.   - Harper

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading. 

ARC Review: Tempest by Julie Cross

Tempest by Julie Cross

Expected publication: 01.17.2012

Pages: 352

Series: Tempest (1)

Source: ARC received via NetGalley

Final rating: 5 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Twitter | Blog

The year is 2009.  Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler.  Recruit… or kill him.

Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.

My Review

Every once in awhile a book comes along that's different, unique, in that it reaches out and grabs at you, pulls you headfirst into the story, and does not let go.  For me, Tempest was that book.  I read it over the course of one day, and agonized over having to leave it for any amount of time.  I cried my eyes out a few times, actually sobbed, at the depth of emotions this book made me feel.  I finished it about two weeks ago and I'm still thinking about it, wondering what the sequels will hold, wishing it was time for any information on the sequel.  I'm still thinking about Jackson, about Holly, and about all the other characters I met while reading this book.  I'm having a little bit of separation anxiety, now that it's over.  This book affected me, way deep down.  It changed a small part of me, took me out of my comfort zone, in reading a book narrated by a male, and has lingered with me.  Julie Cross has gained a reader for life in me. 

In Tempest, we meet Jackson Meyer, who is for all intents and purposes, a normal, 19 year old male: except, oh, he can time travel.  Along with his geeky friend Adam, Jackson has experimented a little bit with his new found ability - discovered on accident - but nothing consequential.  I loved Jackson immediately.  Julie Cross wrote for him very believably - Jackson was one of those guys who wanted to hug one minute and shake the next: clueless sometimes, but with a good heart.  I kind of latched on to him, and found myself cheering for him throughout the book.  I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book, being that it is from his point of view, but it worked out very well.  Julie's writing is very smooth, flows easily, and Jackson is a sympathetic narrator. 

I also fell really hard for the actual plot of the book.  At one point early on, Jackson states, ...I have to constantly remind myself of one very important fact: Hollywood gets everything wrong when it comes to time travel.  And in Julie Cross's Tempest, Hollywood does have it all wrong.  Cross has created a new sort of mythos when it comes to time travel, those who can travel, how they can, and what they are after.  Over the course of Tempest, we learn more about Jackson's abilities, as well as meet other travelers: good and bad.  I'm really intrigued by "the bad guys," of this series, and their motivations.  I feel like we'll see a lot more of them in the next two books, which is good!  There's a really interesting history and dynamic there that I'm interested in seeing how it all plays out, especially a few things that were hinted at near the end of Tempest. 

Of course I can't properly review this book without talking about the romance.  I loved every minute of Jackson and Holly's interaction.  I thought it was fascinating, getting to see him with 009 Holly and with 007 Holly.  It really made me think about the difference a few years can make in a person's life, seeing the two versions of Holly.  I thought they were very sweet and cute and loved the progression of their relationship.  Holly was a really strong character, which was nice to see!

I'm also still geeking out over Adam Silverman.  I didn't expect to love him as much as I did, and I think that's mostly because of 007 Adam.  He had some great one-liners and some moments of comic relief.  And Jackson's father is very fascinating.  Personally, I hope he has as big of a part in the sequel as he did in Tempest, because I really love how their father-son relationship evolved in the book.  I feel like all the secondary characters were fleshed out very well, but there are definitely some minor characters I want to see more of in the sequel. 

The parts that struck me the hardest were Jackson's interaction with one of his family members.  I can't say who, since that's a spoiler, but I lost it a couple times.  Every one of those few scenes was so precious to me.  I feel like in some ways, those scenes were the heart of the book, at least for me. 

I adored this book.  I can't give it any less than 5 stars, even with there being a couple of a little too convenient plot arcs.  I highly, highly recommend you either preorder a copy, or go out and buy a copy in release day.  I don't think you'll regret it!

Recommended for: fans of Diana Gabaldon, Myra McEntire.  (I haven't read a lot of time travel books; however, I have a mad love for Doctor Who, so if you are a Whovian, you'd probably also enjoy this novel.)

Memorable Quote

I retrieved my journal from the bag lying in the grass and wrote only four words.  A reminder for days even more difficult than this one.  Because the truth is...even though I have no idea what comes next... at least for today: I have no regrets. - Jackson

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading.