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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Book Review: Tempest by Julie Cross

SUMMARY: 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.



OPINION: 5 STARS

The Short Version: 
Brilliant, wowing and addicting, Tempest is a fantastic mix of action, emotion and fun. With a very likable and swoonworthy protagonist, and an action packed and mind blowing plot, this one will easily grab readers from page one and not let go even after the final page is done. Masterfully blending the past and present, and easily transitioning between the different time jumps, Tempest is a stellar debut from a talented author.

The Extended Version: 
Jackson is a fantastically well done central character, definitely the kind of guy who makes mistakes and has his immature moments, while still having this fierce internal drive and sense of passion. Charming and witty, and endearing to no end, he is both the kind of character readers will root for and melt over. His character growth and development from start to finish is exceptionally well done, bringing him to life in inexplicable ways and pulling readers in to his story. Even more notable about his development is the way he changes within each time jump, fitting within where he is and changing relevant to the time, yet also have this phenomenal overall growth and range. Though a playboy in some ways, yet sensitive and loyal in others, Jackson is just broken enough without being unredeemable.

The remainder of the cast has a very strong presence and development, and it’s impossible to discuss any single one without giving spoilers to the book. Regardless, the way they crop up and play into the overall plot with each time jump and new twist in the story fleshes them out, and keeps them beautifully in line with whatever specific year they are in. Cross navigates these character changes easily, blending them perfectly into the book without the reader’s immediate notice.

The plot is stellar, mind boggling in its intricacy and detail, and astounding in its magnitude. Cross interweaves the past and present beautifully, using it to build her world and confines without blatantly data dumping on the reader. Taking things far deeper than even a reader might wonder, Cross drizzles clues throughout while still having enough unique and unexpected twists to keep readers from predicting most of the book. Holding a strong romantic element without being a blatant romance, this is definitely a book for readers both male and female.

Writing that is rich in voice, emotion and description show not only Cross’s talent and abilities, but build Jackson in a fantastic way that will set him apart from other characters. Perfectly placing the reader in each new year and setting, and building each individual scene boldly in the reader’s mind, the description is as smoothly woven into the book as everything else. Jackson’s motivations, drives and view of the world are laid out, giving the reader perfect access to him without intentionally holding back any secrets.

A perfect example of talent and brilliance, Tempest pulls in numerous new or uniquely twisted elements to create a stunning and amazing read. Leaving readers desperate for more, yet tying up the bigger events of this book in a very fantastic and endearing way, Cross has laid the groundwork for an unpredictable next installment that is guaranteed to be just as awing. With a phenomenal blend of storyline and characterization, Tempest is a perfectly done time travel mystery that will be a hit with readers of all ages.

Details:
Source: ALA 
Reading level: Ages 14 and up 
Hardcover: 352 pages 
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: January 17, 2012

Audiobook sample can be found here, something you definitely want to check out!

1 comment:

  1. I love time travel stories so I've had this book on my radar for a while :) Hopefully I'll get to read it soon!

    ♥Isalys / Book Soulmates

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