Kerstin Gier
Henry Holt and Company
May 10th 2011
Young Adult | Fantasy | Historical
Time Travel
Henry Holt and Company
May 10th 2011
Young Adult | Fantasy | Historical
Time Travel
Official Blurb -
Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!
Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.
Gideon seems to be the case of a character that is possessed by another being. He will randomly do things that are completely out of character. He does these things so often that it begins to seem his character is entirely unstable. Or perhaps he is part of some very deep attempts to manipulate. I do not like how naive Gwyneth is but it fits her character. She seems to have a voice a bit younger than I would expect a sixteen year old to have. If I had to guess I would say between fourteen and fifteen would better fit her thoughts and actions.
The story plot is so full of secrets it can barely hold together. On top of which is the time traveling conundrum which lends holes and confusion. If it weren't for the epilogue I wouldn't have any temptation to read the next book.
It can be summed up in secrets, jealously, power struggles, and the worlds fate in immature hands. As far as time travel books go it is an average by my standards. I wish there were a bit more solid direction to balance out the common troubles of time travel. I think they cut the book off too soon before it could really develop. Many of the characters are entertaining but the plot needed more time. I think the side characters are more interesting than the direction of the plot. Namely the ghosts left me with a great longing to know more. How did they end up that way and what if something could be done about it? Maybe just such answers will come my way in future books. A decent read but I would hold out until the sequels before throwing this on top of your pile.
Content:
Sexual: Clean
Violence: Moderate
