Thursday, June 21, 2012

Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire


"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. 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?"



Title: Hourglass
Author: Myra McEntire
Release Date: June 14, 2011
Publisher: Egmont USA
Pages: 387, Hardcover

Hourglass is unlike ANY novel I have read before. That's what I love about time-travel novels; they are always so different and unique. Except, Myra McEntire was clever enough to mix in some paranormal romance in there as well. I was extremely hesitant about continuing this book when I first started, simply because I expected one thing and got another, but in the end, I am so glad I persevered and finished it, because I can't be more excited for Timepiece.

The reader is introduced to Emerson Cole, a girl who can see ghosts of the past. Enter Michael, a boy who is here to help Emerson. They weren't supposed to fall in love. Soon enough, Emerson finds out about the Hourglass, a group of people who are in charge of time-travel, and the people who can time-travel. Emerson is submerged in a completely different world, and finds out she is more important than she thought. She is taken back through time to save lives, and gets involved in a magical and dangerous world.

Emerson Cole was an amazing character. Her emotions when thinking about her parents were raw and I really felt it. She's also sarcastic, which I loved. Also, her generosity to save others to make other people happy was heart-wrenching. Michael was just too sweet. Their relationship was so genuine and adorable. Kaleb, even though a flirt, was still enjoyable to read about him. He was special and memorable for me.

The plot was absolutely great. Everything was put together very skillfully and I couldn't have asked for better. Especially the huge plot-twist towards the end--wow, I did not see the coming. Talk about SURPRISE. With every turn of a page, Myra McEntire just keeps the surprises coming.

One of the main elements I loved the most about the book was Myra McEntire's writing. I'm not sure if it was the font or the layout of the book, but everything just flowed together so well (it HAD to be her writing). I could feel myself reading the words very smoothly and without trouble. I really enjoyed myself. Kudos to you, Myra, for being able to write so effortlessly!

Overall, I am very satisfied with this book. I do sense the coming of a love triangle about to happen (which could potentially become annoying..), but the plot is so great that I highly recommend Hourglass to anyone who loves a tender romance and a mind-blowing time-travel novel! I am beyond excited to read Timepiece!

Grade: A

Source: Library 

6 comments:

  1. I'd love to land my hands on this book too, I'm a fan of time-travel! So many promising reviews, and yours just make me tempted to rush to the bookstore right this instant :)

    I'm now a proud new follower of your blog, do drop by mine @ bookaworld.wordpress.com too!

    -Alicia
    bookaworld.wordpress.com

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  2. I loved this book, too! Emerson was definitely a likable, snarky protagonist and Myra's writing was such a highlight! I loved how humorous Myra's writing was. <3 I haven't read Timepiece yet, but I plan on doing so soon. I hope you love it as much as Hourglass when you get to it! Excellent review. <3

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  3. YAY! So glad you liked this book :) Can't wait until you finish Timepiece!!!

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  4. I loved that the story picked up immediately in the first chapter. It slowed down for a bit after that for a couple of chapters but it quickly picked up again. Once it picked up again, I found it hard to put this book down until I finished. I love the concept of time traveling that McEntire has introduced in this series because it's so interesting and different from what I have previously read. I love how it's all starting to come together now and I found that I was able to follow along with all the science of the time traveling a lot easier in this book. I loved the ending the most and it was not what I was expecting to happen at all. I definitely can't wait to read what will happen in the next book now.

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