I'll start out with the update because it's fairly short. So here it is:
I'm going on vacation tomorrow (err, today? It's 1 a.m. lol). I'm going to Europe to visit some family members for two weeks. We're only bringing one computer and we might not have internet all the time, so I'm going to be MIA for a bit. I'm bringing a lot of books with me, so when I can get on I'll post up reviews for them. But yeah, from the 11th to the 26th (or 25th, not sure yet) I'm not going to be able to post that much. But I'll have a lot of reviews up when I get back.
Okay, now on to the review of Hourglass:
Title: Hourglass
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont USA
Published: June 14, 2011
Pages: 397
My Rating: 4/5
Misc.: First in Hourglass trilogy
I really liked this book. I've seen a lot of mixed reviews on this book, so I wasn't sure on how I would feel about it, but I really liked it. There was a bit of instalove (just a bit), but for once, I honestly didn't mind it. And that is saying something. I loved the characters, and I thought the plot was very well planned out.
I read this book in under a day. And seeing how it is basically 400 pages, this never happens. So yes, this book was fast paced. It follows the main character, Emerson, as she slowly learns why she is able to see people from the past and what this means for her. She meets Michael, who helps her learn to accept the visions and somehow is able to answer her questions about who she is.
This brings me to the characters. I loved the characters. I loved how there was no back stabbing best friend and her brother/guardian was very realistic. Emerson and her brother have that sibling love/hate relationship, but as her brother is also her legal guardian, he did have parental qualities to him as well. He was probably my favorite character aside from the main characters. And then there was the romance in this book. This book left me smiling like an idiot when I read all the romantic parts (this rarely ever happens, I swear). And then the villains. They were a tad bit classic villain, but still. You love to hate them.
The plot was well thought out, too. When I first started reading the book, there was no way I could have guessed what would have happened. But the mystery and the pacing pulled me forward. I can't really say much more about the plot than what the Goodreads summary says because then I might spoil something. But it was really well planned. However, the reason I gave this book a 4/5 instead of a 5/5 was because of the end. I just felt it could have been done better. There was just some... unnecessary complications in my opinion. Again, I can't really say what they are because that would be spoilery.
Overall, I would recommend this book. I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did, so I'm glad I picked it up. It might not be for everyone, but I'd say give it a try. Now I just can't wait for the second installment.
One hour to rewrite the past . . .My Review:
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.
Synopsis taken from goodreads.
I really liked this book. I've seen a lot of mixed reviews on this book, so I wasn't sure on how I would feel about it, but I really liked it. There was a bit of instalove (just a bit), but for once, I honestly didn't mind it. And that is saying something. I loved the characters, and I thought the plot was very well planned out.
I read this book in under a day. And seeing how it is basically 400 pages, this never happens. So yes, this book was fast paced. It follows the main character, Emerson, as she slowly learns why she is able to see people from the past and what this means for her. She meets Michael, who helps her learn to accept the visions and somehow is able to answer her questions about who she is.
This brings me to the characters. I loved the characters. I loved how there was no back stabbing best friend and her brother/guardian was very realistic. Emerson and her brother have that sibling love/hate relationship, but as her brother is also her legal guardian, he did have parental qualities to him as well. He was probably my favorite character aside from the main characters. And then there was the romance in this book. This book left me smiling like an idiot when I read all the romantic parts (this rarely ever happens, I swear). And then the villains. They were a tad bit classic villain, but still. You love to hate them.
The plot was well thought out, too. When I first started reading the book, there was no way I could have guessed what would have happened. But the mystery and the pacing pulled me forward. I can't really say much more about the plot than what the Goodreads summary says because then I might spoil something. But it was really well planned. However, the reason I gave this book a 4/5 instead of a 5/5 was because of the end. I just felt it could have been done better. There was just some... unnecessary complications in my opinion. Again, I can't really say what they are because that would be spoilery.
Overall, I would recommend this book. I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did, so I'm glad I picked it up. It might not be for everyone, but I'd say give it a try. Now I just can't wait for the second installment.
I can't wait to read this book! I have it sitting in my TBR pile. I actually haven't seen any negative reviews of it, maybe they're just not popping up for me, heh. Glad you liked it though!
ReplyDeleteHi! Just wanted to let you know I mentioned you in my post today for a Liebster Blog Award. You can check it out HERE. ~Trish
ReplyDeleteThis book is already on my TBR list. There has been such buzz about it!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I’m a new follower—wonderful blog! Stop by my blog and follow me too? :) http://rachelbrookswrites.blogspot.com/
I really loved this book! I agree with pretty much everything you said. :)
ReplyDeleteCheck out my review of Hourglass!
http://onceuponaprologue.blogspot.com/2011/08/review-hourglass-by-myra-mcentire.html
I really want to read this book soon! I love the cover also. New follower.
ReplyDeleteTia @ Falling For Books