Published by: Egmont
Publication Date: 14th June, 2011
Source: Bought
One hour to rewrite the past . . .
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?
Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.
Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.
My Review:
Favourite quote: "Most of what I say is complete truth. My edit button is broken."
I was excited to read Hourglass. I mean how could you not be with such an intriguing synopsis and gorgeous cover. And while I ended up really enjoying Hourglass I did struggled at the beginning.
The start was a bit slow for me. It lacked that something special that makes you get caught up in the story and care about what is happening. But half way through things changed and there was action, plot twists and chemistry between the characters and I began to feel captivated by Hourglass. And even though the concept of time travel is not unique this did feel like a fresh take on this supernatural element.
Emerson is an enjoyable protagonist. She is brave, strong and quick witted character and is a stand outs in the sea of likeable YA lead females. Then there is Michael, he is loyal, smart and gorgeous. You know the typical leading man. I liked him but he is kind of forgettable once you read the book. There is nothing wrong with him I just didn't feel the swoon.
The secondary characters however are strong and distinctive. I especially loved Kaleb (a lot more than Michael, no there is not a love triangle, well not really, okay only a little). And the villain he would have to be one of the most surprising and fascinating characters in the story.
The romance was sweet. Much like the rest of the book it took me a bit to warm up to it. I got frustrated at the beginning because the characters had this instant-attraction-love thing but did this no whole we can't be together dance. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. And it didn't at the beginning. But as I got to know the characters better and understand the reasons behind their actions I ended up liking the romance.
Overall, despite my rocky start with Hourglass I did really enjoy it. And will be definitely reading more of this series.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 3.5/5
Cover: 4.5/5 - Cover is even more gorgeous in real life.
For more info: Visit Myra McEntire's website.
For more reviews: Steph Su Reads or Goodreads.
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25 comments:
I'm glad that you enjoyed Hourglass. I'm so intrigued by this book.
I get what you mean about slow starts and and needing that something special. Also, I never realized how interesting this book seems to be.. I just thought the cover was intriguing, but after reading you review and the synopsis, I am wishing listing it for sure!
I am glad to hear that despite the slow start, things got better. I would probably take a while to warm to to the romance aspect too, since I do not like insta-love. I had no idea this is a series. Hmm. I would probably wait a while before I read this book.
So glad you enjoyed it. I have it waiting for me :) Donna
Great review! I wanted to read this book based purely on the cover (there I go being judgey again), but the story sounds interesting, too!
The story does sound pretty different. And I'm not into the whole first-sight romance thing either, but sometimes it just works. Thanks for the review :)
I'm glad you liked this Nic. I've heard mixed reviews but I think it is something I will enjoy :)
I have heard many great things about this book. I love the quote! I really have to read this book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :D
Have definitely been intrigued about this one since I first read the summary and saw the cover. I am one of those readers that if I am not quickly pulled into the story, I lose interest, so I am glad you stuck with it and that it does get better. Great review.
Good to know that it gets better after a slower start. Then I'll know not to DNF too early on.
So glad to read this review Nic! I've read nothing but rave reviews for it, so it was really nice to read some of the issues you had with it. I like knowing those going in, especially when one of the issues is a slow start:) Awesome review!
I love it when secondary characters play a bigger part in the story then what expected. It makes the story way more interesting! Love this review!
What? Feeling the swoon is the most important part of the story for me! Sadness that it wasn't there in Michael.
IDK about this one Nic. I've never had much interest in reading it, but I do like time travel stories, especially if they have a fresh take. Still, I don't know if I'd have the patience to warm up to the story.
Thanks for the review. It will do for my curiosity of this book for now. :)
I felt the same way about their connection, took me a while to feel it as I was expecting something different. I really liked Emerson too, such a fun character! Glad I'm not alone, this book was so hyped up.
I was actually pretty enthralled with this one from the beginning, I guess because I was so curious about what 'the Hourglass' was, and I liked Emerson right away.
I did love Em/Michael, but the fact that they couldn't be together never really made sense to me all that much. And you're right, Kaleb was a lot more interesting than Michael.
I've seen both rave and bad reviews for this book. I liked your balance. I wasn't sure if this is for me, but now I know I need to be in the mood because of the slow start. Seems to be worth the effort. Thanks!
I'm glad this one picked up after that rocky start. I think it sounds really good. I'll be buying it the next time I splurge on Amazon.
Oooh, I see you are reading Everlasting. Can't wait to hear what you think!! :)
I had heard so many good things about this one that I'm glad you mentioned it was a bit slow at the start :)
I'm still thinking about reading it, but I think I just might do it soon :D
I'm really looking forward to this one. Great review as always, Nic!
Good points. It took me a while to warm up to this too. I ended up liking the 'bad boy' better than Michael. I'm flawed!
~Alyssa
Teens Read and Write
Slow starts generally kill a book for me, but I'm glad to hear the book's redeeming qualities outweighed the rocky start. Fab review, Nic :)
Hmm doesn't sound too bad, but I don't think I'll go out of my way to get a hold of it. Really nice review, Nic! :)
I've heard so many good things about Hourglass. I've got to read it too.
I love the cover and have this one on my wishlist so thanks for letting me know it starts off slow but then gets better. It's too bad that you found the romantic lead a little forgettable though.
Oh no! no swoon! That's tragic! Great review Nic!
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