Review & Dream Cast: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Tile: Since You’ve Been Gone
Author: Morgan Matson
Harcover > 449 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Released: May 6th 2014
Genre: YA > Contemporary > Romance

The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell. 

But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just… disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try… unless they could lead back to her best friend.

Apple Picking at Night? Okay, easy enough.

Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not?

Kiss a Stranger? Wait… what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um…

Purchase:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | The Book Depository | Indiebound

The Why: The first time the cover for Since You've Been Gone started roaming the blogosphere, I just knew I had to get my hands on the book ASAP. The cover is simply gorgeous and it definitely caught my eye from day one. But the cover wasn't the only factor to get me excited about this book. When I saw it was a YA contemporary romance about a girl who must complete an out of comfort zone list left behind by her best friend, it just screamed READ ME NOW! I've begun to realize exactly how much I love contemporaries, especially when I can relate to them on a wide scale, and Since You've Been Gone was nothing but what I needed in my life right now.

The What: Throughout my reading, I could tell right away just how much Morgan put into Emily's world to make the developing emotions and events authentic. I didn't need it to be pointed out to see how much Emily grew as a character and it was great to see the ending results of a very confident and honest girl. Emily's journey was to grow as a person and find her best friend, but what she least saw coming made the story a lot more fun to read and it was great to see how Emily would handle new experiences. Since Sloane was nowhere nearby to help Emily make decisions and determine what she wanted, seeing how Emily went through those hurdles alone showed the advancement of someone who had always been self-conscious to ever try something new before. It was definitely something I could relate to.

When Frank entered the story as someone Emily thought she knew because of what others knew him as, it was hard for me to see how he would fit into the story. Frank definitely has a knack for solving—and creating—puzzles, but not until he put his skills to test and showed his real charm that I felt Morgan made a great decision in creating a character such as him. The small yet growing feelings throughout the story between Emily and Frank was adorable to read about when they both tried to stay oblivious to the fact that there was any type of feelings. It made it a lot more realistic to know that these characters were falling for each other deeply, yet truly, hard for each other knowing it wasn't exactly right and called for. It just came naturally to them the way their budding friendship did. The answers that Emily longed and searched for throughout the entire story of why Sloane left made those answers a lot more believable. It twisted things into something not even I expected, but left no room for me to doubt that Sloane was after all a good person, just lacking confidence.

The Character(s): As much fun as it was to read from Emily's POV and see how she developed as a character, I always found myself hoping every chapter would involve Frank in some way just so I could read about him more. Even when people—including Emily and Sloane—had a preconceived notion of who Frank was, there was still a lot left to learn about him. Frank was not just the smart guy who could speak and act intelligently, he was also kind, honest, and a gentleman. If he were my neighbor or lived close by I wouldn't mind going running with him either.

The Scene(s): If I had to choose one scene from Since You've Been Gone to love the most, I honestly wouldn't be able to choose because there was just so many to like! Instead I'll choose three that I can remember super clearly and that I definitely wouldn't mind rereading over and over again. When Frank invites Emily and two of their other friends over to an empty home for his own spin on camping, let's just say that things ended pretty adorable and it's also when Emily puts into place her confused feelings. The chapter about skinny-dipping had to be the funniest! I couldn't stop laughing like a crazy person for a while, especially when their friend Collins did something that marked him even more as a trouble-maker. Last and not least would have to be where Frank and Emily dance together at a party she thought she was crashing. That chapter showed me as a reader how much Emily was truly developing into her own person and not caring about how ridiculous she might have looked. All that she cared about was having fun, which she hadn't experienced since Sloane went MIA. This chapter marked just how much Emily had grown and it all happened because she was finally letting herself be who she should have always been. Emily thought being defined by others was the best way to go, but ultimately what mattered most was defining herself into the person she wanted to be.

I looked back at him through the rain that was pouring down between us and took a breath to try and say something, when he leaned forward, cupping my cheek with his hand, and kissed me again. (384)

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson was overall an amazing read. I loved, loved it and I know I wouldn't mind rereading the book again whenever I feel I'm starting to miss the characters. Although I'm sure I'll be missing Frank the most in all his swooning glory. I'm also sure that this story will stay on my mind for weeks, if not months, just because it has become a constant thought of mine since I finished it. There's always that nagging thought of what might have happened afterwards when things were finally figured out. I admire how Morgan showcased her MC and made her into a brave character by the end of the book. There were many obstacles for Emily to go through, but ultimately she learned to be a better version of herself. The romance in this story was also super adorable and I hope most readers enjoy the story for what I feel it showcases: a relatable, cute, funny, and perfect summer read!

Totally EPIC! One of the best books I have read. A MUST read!

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Kaya Scodelario as Sloane

Brenton Thwaites as Frank

Ayla Kell as Emily

For Since You’ve Been Gone it was somewhat difficult finding people to fit Emily, Frank, and Sloane. What do you think of my choices? Would you agree or choose someone different for some or all of the characters? What did you think of the story and/or characters?

*GIF* Review by Hillary: Mistwalker by Saundra Mitchell

TITLE: Mistwalker

AUTHOR: Saundra Mitchell

HARDCOVER > 308 pages

RELEASED: February 4th 2014

PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

GENRE: YA > Fantasy > Paranormal

Willa Dixon’s life is planned out: after high school graduation, she’ll spend the rest of her days fishing for lobster in the mercurial Atlantic waters. After all, she’s a lobsterman’s daughter in Broken Tooth, Maine—fishing has been the family business for centuries, and she’s looking forward to being the next generation of Dixon’s on the sea.

But Willa’s plans are shattered one foggy night. When her brother dies on the family lobster boat, her father forbids Willa from setting foot on the deck again. With her family suffering, she’ll do anything to help out—even visit the Grey Man.

Everyone in Broken Tooth knows of this legendary spirit who haunts the lighthouse, controlling the fog and the fate of any vessel within his reach. But what Willa finds in the lighthouse isn’t a spirit at all, but a young man trapped inside until he collects one thousand souls. Desperate to escape his cursed existence, Grey tries to seduce Willa to take his place.

With her life on land in shambles and her future uncertain, will she succumb?

Purchase @ Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository | Kobo | Indiebound

The very first time I saw the cover for Mistwalker was late last year. I can’t remember every detail of my thoughts towards the plotline for this book, but I do remember falling in love with the cover. The dark colors that contrasted with the light coming from the lighthouse and the waves of the water creating movement along with the cover models gorgeous red hair just had me wanting to get my hands on this book ASAP. When I learned that my wishes would come true, you can say I was more than happy.

In the end, I’m afraid, it’s a curse to get everything you want. (p18) 

After living through the excitement and finally diving into the story, I started to feel…bored. I always, always give a book a chance and will finish even if it feels like I’ll never be able to, but for the first time I started contemplating DNFing this book. Even when the descriptions were practically vivid from the start and the MC was likeable, the storyline felt nothing but short of my expectations. I always read at night, that has always seemed the best time to read, but I actually couldn’t read more than a chapter per night because I found my eyes getting tired from the lack of anything to pull me through.

I can say with absolute authority that one doesn’t notice a cloak of fog if one is too entirely entranced with the creature wearing it. It’s the thing beneath, the thing you cannot imagine, that captures you. (p29).

By the time some type of action for this story started pulling me through, I found myself feeling slightly wary because I wasn’t sure if this was a spur of the moment type of thing or if things would start looking up for this story. The long awaited meeting between the MC and Grey Man finally occurred and it looked like the story was finally creating a plot that was interesting enough to continue the book. 

He broke. I saw it in his eyes. In the trembling of his hands. It was like he’d been sleeping two sleeps, one of curses and one of fantasies. I’d just shattered the only beautiful one for him. (p250)

 There was also a moment where something totally surprising occurred in Mistwalker and it left me wanting to find a book buddy I could do this gif with.

The clean, black-capped shape of the lighthouse loomed in the distance. Automatically, I turned to it. Like it was my new north star—like it was my last chance. (278)

With this surprising occurrence I thought the ending would be something to celebrate with fireworks, but instead it left this image in my head that wasn’t all that exciting. 

I already knew the ending, so it was hard to get excited about the journey. (51)

I was my own captain, and I had to think about the stars and the seas and my path through them. (308)

Overall, Mistwalker by Saundra Mitchell had beautifully written descriptions throughout its pages, but lacked a plot that could have me wanting to read more. The MC of this story and her best friend, Willa and Bailey, were strong-willed and had me cheering for them all the way, but there were moments where Willa’s stubbornness had me face palming from frustration. Grey was interesting, but I never really felt like I could cheer for the happiness he wished for. What he desired seemed so selfish and what Willa desired (at the end) was selfless. This realization gave me insight to why these characters clashed every now and then throughout the story. The goals they had made them differ too much from each other to the point where they couldn’t agree almost at all. Willa’s self-sacrifice for her family at the end left me anxiously wanting to know if that would lead her to her own downfall or to her rising as a character. The decisions she made at the end were also easy enough to understand and in and of itself was a sort of happy ending, but it left me wishing for another ending. Even if Mistwalker didn’t do it for me as I had hoped for, I still look forward to reading other Saundra Mitchell books and books under other pseudonyms. This story is good for readers who admire vivid descriptions, but if you’re looking for a good plotline, this book might not be for you. 

I liked it a lot. Would recommend.

 

 

Review by Hillary: Anything to Have You by Paige Harbison + Dream Cast

Title: Anything to Have You
Author: Paige Harbison
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: YA > Contemporary > Romance
Paperback > 303 pages
Released: January 28th 2014

Nothing should come between best friends, not even boys. ESPECIALLY not boys.

Natalie and Brooke have had each other's backs forever. Natalie is the quiet one, college bound and happy to stay home and watch old movies. Brooke is the movie—the life of every party, the girl everyone wants to be.

Then it happens—one crazy night that Natalie can't remember and Brooke's boyfriend, Aiden, can't forget. Suddenly there's a question mark in Natalie and Brooke's friendship that tests everything they thought they knew about each other and has both girls discovering what true friendship really means.

Purchase @ Amazon | B&N | Kobo | The Book Depository | Indiebound

Anything to Have You was one of those books that come at you out of nowhere. In no shape or form did I ever hear about this book before its blog tour back in January. That goes to show how many books manage to be out of my radar until readers and bloggers really start talking about it. This book held so many expectations from me, I’m sorry to say that this story did not really meet those expectations. Although most of the story did not work for me, there are still some positives. For one, the story was an easy and fast read and the MC of this story was someone I felt I could relate with up to a point. I also thought the story offered a really valuable lesson that could only be learned through reading this story.

“When I talked to people, I felt like I could never think of the right response or anything clever to say. I was fine with people I really knew. Smart, and even funny sometimes. But with strangers or acquaintances, I was a mess.” (30)

I think what caught my initial attention towards this book at the start was how the blurb described two best friends fighting over the same guy. It is definitely an overused cliché out there, but it is also a type of addiction for someone like me who has watched countless of TV shows along the same lines. The story starts out with Natalie, the girl who describes herself as a “homebody” and who I would describe as an introvert. Brooke is her best friend who did not really describe herself as anything until towards the end, but I already knew right away from the start what I would describe her as, vain. Mean, I know, but if you have read this book or you will soon you will know what I mean. Aiden was an exception, sort of. In the beginning I thought Aiden was the sweet and understanding guy every girl dreams of having in their life, but as I kept turning pages I started to see a side to Aiden that I did not really like at all. I did not come up with a word for that side of him, but that side of him was definitely not favorable. I would describe the way I felt for him as a love-hate relationship.

“It occurred to me only then that we were at the end of our night.It was that moment of truth where we would either say goodbye…or he would stay.” (122)

This story is so hard to describe my feelings for because it all just feels like a jumbled mess. I loved how Natalie was the quiet and sometimes shy girl who does not mind having a good time every now and then, but it did bother me that she let Brooke push her around to do the things she knew in her gut were not right. At the start Natalie does internal thinking about the people she knows at school and who generally revolve her everyday life and she swears she would never go back to the girl she used to be during her freshman and sophomore years in high school, but then Brooke convinces her to let loose and get out there a little more. This is where my problems with Brooke started. Actually it started from page one since she has no filter, but the physical part of it started at the party where everything went wrong. I hated that Brooke just had to tell Natalie nicely to get out there more and have fun and she knew Natalie would listen. Brooke literally had Natalie wrapped around her little finger just as she did with Aiden. One reason I would describe Brooke as vain was because she thought beauty was the answer to everything. If she was physically pretty than there was no reason why guys should not pay attention to her, right? No. I would like to believe guys look beyond the physical parts of the opposite gender. Aiden is much harder to describe. He is a cross between a sweet guy to a jerk that has no boundaries when it comes to certain situations. There were moments I was rooting for him all the way and then there were moments where I wished to slap some sense into him. I wanted him to finally let out what was really bothering him and not keep it tight lipped as he was for most of the story.

“And maybe, for once, I wasn’t so out of place. Maybe I never had been. Maybe I had always been this girl, hiding under glasses and big sweaters. And if I had realized it a little sooner, there was a chance that maybe I wouldn’t have given up Aiden so easily to begin with.” (199)

I think what Harbison did right for this story was keeping her characters somewhat real and giving them realistic flaws that anyone could have, but I’m pretty sure that the flaws in the story went a little too far. Either that or I have yet to meet people like the ones in this story. What I was a little on the fence about for this story was the blossoming relationship between Natalie and Aiden. They felt right for each other most of the time, but the times that they felt a little off were those awkward moments I was cut between wanting to laugh at or scream out in frustration. Other than that, I feel that their much deserved relationship bloomed into something amazing and sincere. Brooke was heartbroken about this fact, but I could not feel an ounce of sympathy for her when she was cheating behind Aiden’s back and not really giving a thought of the implications it would do in their relationship. I am glad that Brooke learned from her mistakes in the end and her party ways were learned from to create a girl who could be happy about her life and appreciate the things she did have. I was worried for most of the book that Brooke would never change, so that ending was definitely something for me to appreciate and be relieved about. It also left some hope for happiness towards Brooke who was anything but happy throughout the story.

“Love is the one thing that, no matter how much you want it, if it’s not there, there is nothing you can do to get it. No measure of hard work, begging, crying, wanting or needing; nothing in the world can make love happen out of nothing.” (245)

Anything to Have You by Paige Harbison is a conflicting story to describe, but it ultimately pushes some boundaries for the YA genre I have come to know in these recent years. The characters had their fair share of flaws and problems to deal with, but in the end I felt that Natalie and Aiden did a better job at developing throughout the story while Brooke took some time to get there. The pages were easy to fly through, making it an easy and quick read which had me drawn in for most of the story. Some parts were surprising while others just had me hanging my head in shame for certain characters. The ending did not feel too wrapped up nicely which was great and although many parts had me sighing in confliction, I still felt myself enjoying certain moments. As hard as it was to recognize the message in this story, the moment I did see it I was happy that it was not all parties and fun times, but also about a character that had to confront their demons and live with what they already had instead of craving more. Do I recommend this story? I would like to say of course, but in the end I feel it depends on what readers enjoy.

3.5 STARS - I liked it a lot. Would recommend.

---

I thought it would be fun to find a dream cast for the three main characters in Anything to Have You. It took some brainstorming, but ultimately I think the people I found and chose to be Natalie, Brooke, and Aiden fit amazingly. Let me know if you agree or think there is someone else that would be better for any or all of the characters down in the comments.

Sammi Hanratty

Sammi Hanratty as Natalie— It was in no way an easy feat to find someone to look and be like Natalie because I just felt Natalie had to be played by someone who looks innocent, but can also hold her own when need be. Not until the other night while watching a movie on Lifetime with this actress did I think something along the lines, “She would make a great Natalie!” So it was a cross between Sammi Hanratty and Sarah Hyland and in the end I chose Sammi for having that good girl vibe in her facial features.

Cassidy Shaffer

Cassidy Shaffer as Brooke— Brooke was even tougher than Natalie. I was trying to find someone that gave off a vibe that said ‘look at me and only me’ and there are not too many people that do those types of photos. Especially when you are trying to avoid looking conceited to others. I thought Cassidy made a great Brooke because she looked the part. Not exactly conceited, but yeah…

Gregg Sulkin

Gregg Sulkin as Aiden— Aiden is not exactly easy either, but it was much easier to figure out a guy that would play his part more or less just right. Gregg is also easy on the eyes and that is how I would imagine Aiden to be. Although if Gregg really did play Aiden, he would have to get on to learning a Southern accent since he is English. Just look at that smile though...

Review by Hillary: Angelfall by Susan Ee

Title: Angelfall 
Series: Penryn & the End of Days #1
Author: Susan Ee
Publishing Company: Skyscape
Genre: YA—Paranormal/Fantasy
Pages: 283
Released: August 28th 2012

It’s been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister, Penryn, will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own buddies, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels’ stronghold in San Francisco where Penryn will risk everything to rescue her sister, and Raffe will put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

 Purchase @ Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Indiebound | The Book Depository

Usually when I buy a book it’s because there are so many other readers out there recommending the book that I believe I should read the amazingness for myself as well. In this case, the way I ended up getting my hands on Angelfall changed things for me. I actually saw this book at one of the retail stores I visit often and even after picking it up and reading the synopsis on the back, I just couldn’t make myself buy this one and its sequel despite the voice in my head disagreeing with me. There are rare cases where I’ll see a book, go home and think about it for a few days, and then ultimately decide whether I want to buy it or not. This was one of those rare cases and this is what I ended up finding out for myself; I should start listening to my gut instinct a little more.

I can’t say I wasn’t engrossed in the story from page one because I was. I liked how I felt like I’d been plucked out of my oh so boring life and thrown into a new, scarier world. However, this also provided a few problems and I’ll explain those later. For now though, the action from practically the start is what kept me reading this story rapidly. I just wanted to know what would happen next and I do believe I was caught up in the ‘just one more chapter’ phase most good books provide for readers. I was even more startled to realize that I’d only begun the story during the morning only to finish later on around mid-afternoon. That definitely does not happen often enough and this one time that it did, well I was just amazed at what the author had created in her story to make me finish it so quickly.

The story starts out with Penryn Young who is ready to face on the world to keep her only two family members safe from harm. Penryn was definitely one of the bravest characters I’ve read from in a long time and it felt like a fresh breath of air. I definitely feel that this type of character had been consciously missed and yearned for without my knowing and it could also contribute to my fast reading. There were moments where I was worried, scared, and fascinated for and by Penryn because she definitely couldn’t be called weak. All of her self-defense training before the angels came to her world definitely helped empower Penryn into a strong and awesome character. I was envious at times because of what she could do, but I also couldn’t help but cheer her on.

Penryn was the only one I got to learn about most in the start, what with her sister being taken and her mother missing half the time left all of the personal stuff about them out of the story. Penryn basically explained a little about their personalities, but not very much. This brings me back to what I said I would explain. Since the story started out so quickly, I felt like there wasn’t much character growth to begin with mentally because Penryn was always preoccupied half the time by looking out for herself or Raffe. I also didn’t see much more growth throughout the story except for the moments where I saw Penryn start to confide and depend on Raffe a little more each day they were together. Those were probably the highlighting moments of her character growth. That and the action packed last few chapters that had my heart racing in worry and blood freezing in fear and creeped out-ness. Besides the character growth though, I feel that the pacing was great. There were hardly any freezing moments that had me wishing for something to pop out and make things interesting again because basically there was action-y, interesting moments throughout the book.

Angelfall by Susan Ee was an interesting, new, and greatly written story. I absolutely cannot wait to start World After (which will happen soon I hope) and see what more Penryn and Raffe will contribute to the story. I loved how the first book made the spark between them really subtle and I’m hoping that will only intensify in the sequel. I also hope that I get to learn much more about both their characters in the sequel because I do believe there is much more to be learned about them. I also want to see them bring more inner emotion into the story. I can’t wait to see how much more action the second installment will bring and only hope that it equals or advances to that of the first installment. I hope this book takes more notice because I definitely feel it’s worth it!

 Totally Awesome! I loved it, would read again.

Blog Tour & Review: Erasing Time / Echo In Time by C.J. Hill + Giveaway!

Hello everyone  -  Welcome to the Echo In Time Blog Tour! 

Hillary (my part-time reviewer) and I are super excited to be part of this fantastic tour to promote the Erasing Time series.  Hillary has reviewed both Echo In Time (book #2) and Erasing Time (book #1) and will be sharing those with all of you today. 

Also, author C.J. Hill is giving away 1 print copy of Erasing Time to one lucky readers of my blog.  Be sure to enter the giveaway below to win.

So let's begin with Hillary's review of Erasing Time.

Title: Erasing Time 

Author: C.J. Hill  (Pseudonym), Janette Rallison 

Paperback, 368 pages

Published August 28th 2012 by Katherine Tegen Books

Genre: Science Fiction > Time Travel

Reading Level: Young Adult

ISBN 0062123920

When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that's so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can't go back home.

The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The same government has implanted tracking devices in the citizens, limiting and examining everything they do. Taylor and Sheridan have to find a way out of the city before the government discovers their secrets. To complicate matters, the moblike Dakine has interest in getting hold of them too. The only way for the girls to elude their pursuers is to put their trust in Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city.

Full of adrenaline-injected chases and heartbreaking confessions, Erasing Time explores the strength of the bonds between twins, the risks and rewards of trust, and the hard road to finding the courage to fight for what you believe in.

Purchase @ Amazon | Kindle 99¢ | B&N | Kobo (coupons) | The Book Depository

Since finishing Erasing Time I feel as though my mind is spinning like a whirlwind from everything I just read. Going into this first installment, I really had no idea what I was putting myself into. I did get to read a quick synopsis on the book and yet I felt like I had no idea what the heck I was getting myself into. I’m so glad I got this first book without really thinking about it though because it felt like the best decision I ever made once I’d finished reading it. Even now while trying to decide what to write for this book, I feel like I’m in such a daze that I’m speechless. All of my thoughts directed towards this book are a jumbled mess in my mind and all I can do is try to fathom the right thoughts. First things first, I’m so sorry if this doesn’t come out right and secondly, I totally recommend readers that like all and any type of fiction to pick up this book! You won’t regret it!

Erasing Time started out like most other books would, a chapter with an itsy-bitsy explanation of what’s about to happen soon starts out explaining from a supporting character we soon learn is very important to the story. Even from the start I knew I was going to like Echo. Why? Well, I feel that when a secondary character starts out letting you know they’re not keen on an idea that everyone else is set on (or in this case their government) there’s usually a good reason and in this case there was; those people were set on doing what they wanted for the wrong reasons. Afterwards we get to meet teenagers and twin sisters Sheridan and Taylor who are in their room talking like any other siblings would when BAM! A light comes out of nowhere. At first I was a little leery about this feat, but the chapter before prepared me for what was about to happen so I wasn’t that surprised. I was surprised though that the author didn’t info dump me the first chance she had and for that I was very grateful. The pacing from the moment I started the book until I ended it was perfect.

I was also leery about the fact that nothing had really shocked me and I was kind of set on what my rating would be for the book. That is, until the biggest plot twist hit me in the face and I could do nothing but applaud C.J. Hill in my mind. That definitely was the breakthrough I was waiting for and I was practically jumping out of my seat from surprise and excitement. I did have to wait a while for that moment to come, but even then I didn’t care. I was just happy that something, anything proved I could still be surprised of a book as long as it was set just right and in the perfect moment. I also loved how the story kept me entertained. I kept laughing out loud like a crazy person throughout the book. I’ve definitely haven’t experienced anything like that in a while and it was a welcome change.

The main characters were easy to get along with, though I definitely did choose my favorite out of the twins. I chose Sheridan from the first moment the story started and not only because of what Echo noticed in her, but what I did as well while reading from her perspective. Despite the fact that Sheridan and Taylor are twins, there’s definitely a big enough difference between them that I ended up choosing my favorite. Throughout the story, the major theme I kept seeing was how Sheridan was willing to sacrifice herself to save her sister. Taylor didn’t show any signs that she would do the same. Sheridan was definitely a character I could relate to on many points and I’m looking forward to reading more from her. Echo was also a character I clicked with from the start. He was easy to connect with and he was also easy to trust. Up until this book, I never noticed just how much time it takes for me to trust a character, albeit if they’re the main or secondary character, but I always keep my heart guarded for a while. In this case, I opened up to Sheridan and Echo pretty quickly and I was glad I did. There were many reasons to trust each of their judgments.

Erasing Time by C.J. Hill was a quick read that threw me through many loops, turns, and surprises. I learned to care for two of her characters through and through pretty quickly and the pacing of the story was a welcome change. I also couldn’t stop thinking about how this first installment would transcend into its sequel. I’m definitely looking forward to reading Echo in Time and I can’t wait to see just how much the plot advances from point A to Z. I’m hoping C.J. Hill manages to throw me another major surprise that will definitely earn the book more brownie points. For now I’m patiently waiting and hoping that more readers out there read this book ASAP! You definitely don’t want to miss out on such an entertaining, well-developed, thought out and amazingly written story!

*Quotes That Made Me Think & LOL*

“Echo shrugged shoulders broad enough that her high school football team would have loved him. ‘Language evolves. If someone from Shakespeare’s time had visited your day, would he have understood you?’” (pg. 23)

“She looked at his lips and could barely speak at all. It didn’t help that she could see Taylor out of the corner of her eye making kissy faces. Taylor was supposed to be working on some phonetic alphabet charts that Echo had downloaded, but she was obviously listening to them instead.” (pg. 244)

4.5 - Totally EPIC! One of the best books I have read. A MUST read!!

Hillary's review for Echo In Time

Title: Echo in Time (Erasing Time #2)

Author: C.J. Hill  (Pseudonym), Janette Rallison 

Paperback, 400 pages

Published: December 23rd 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books

Genre: Science Fiction > Time Travel

Reading Level: Young Adult

ISBN 0062123963 

Echo in Time delivers on "the possibility of an equally thrilling sequel" (Kirkus Reviews) to Erasing Time.

After being pulled 400 years into the future, twins Taylor and Sheridan have found some refuge from the government of Traventon, which used the dangerous Time Strainer to yank the girls from the past. Yet the threat of the dangerous technology still looms. Taylor and an ally, Joseph, are selected to go on a mission to destroy the time machine and weapon. But their actions before they do may have major consequences for the future and the past.

Action-packed and romantic, this futuristic sequel to Erasing Time is perfect for fans of dystopian and sci-fi novels such as The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Across the Universe by Beth Revis, and Matched by Ally Condie.

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Before diving into the world of Erasing Time I had no idea to what extent the genre of Science Fiction could go to. In just this past year I might have read at least two or three in the same genre, but they definitely showed signs of needing more, but thankfully those were the start to a series. However, starting Erasing Time and ending with Echo in Time I can definitely see just how much a talented author can extend a fictional world. The sky is literally the limit and C.J. Hill definitely made me crave more of the same genre that would hopefully be as awesome as the world she created.

Throughout my reading of Echo in Time by C.J. Hill I felt a roller coaster of emotions. I can recall feeling confusion at first because I was so accustomed to reading (mostly) from Sheridan’s point of view in book one and I hadn’t expected to be reading from Taylor’s view in book two. I felt worried most of the time as well because there were so many moments that had me holding my breath, waiting to see that things would turn out alright no matter the circumstances. I was also really engrossed in the story from practically page one. I could hardly find time to peel my eyes away from the pages, afraid that I would miss something totally awesome and huge. I had to stay up until around three in the morning for a few days because I had to know what was going to happen next, that’s how engulfed I was in the story.

I’m so glad that I didn’t have such a huge reading gap in between book one and two. But even if I had, I could tell just how much  C.J. Hill worked to put information from book one into the second story just so readers wouldn’t forget anything. All of those points in the story had me smiling because I could remember them vividly like if I’d just read them the day before. The story was perfectly paced just as its first book. While I could tell what might happen next, some things I hadn’t realized or thought of hit me smack in the face, leaving me completely caught off guard and baffled. For a small moment, somewhere from the beginning, I felt that I knew where book two would go, that I had it figured out. But I was so wrong. C.J. Hill once again managed to surprise me, but not one or twice, more like a handful of times and that was what kept me turning the pages with awe and curiosity. I couldn’t wait to know what the next page would hold; I wanted to find out everything ASAP.

I mentioned how surprised I was to find out that the majority of the chapters were told from Taylor’s point of view in third person. I wasn’t used to it because the majority of the chapters in book one were told from Sheridan’s POV. I definitely had gotten accustomed to seeing through her eyes and hearing her voice in my mind. In a way I’m glad that C.J. Hill did this for us readers, even if we didn’t expect it, because in book one I didn’t understand what was going through Taylor’s mind and sometimes I couldn’t trust her as much either. Did it annoy Taylor that Sheridan would sacrifice herself to save her? That she was more sensitive and attentive to others needs more than her own? That a guy they’d met would choose her sister instead of her? These were a few questions that crowded my mind for a while after reading Erasing Time and I’m glad that C.J. Hill strategically switched the persona we would be reading from because I got to learn more about the character I least knew about and least knew how to feel about. After reading Echo in Time I’m glad that I got to learn from each character more thoroughly. I feel like I know everyone a lot more than I first started out with. I’m pretty sure I can tell Taylor and Sheridan apart now because the way they think is completely different. I will never think twins think alike again, not even fictional twins. Other than Taylor, I got to read from a handful of other characters POV’s and it was interesting. Some of those characters were new faces and some were not, but I felt that it was essential to read from them all either way. Everyone somehow connects and contributes something to the otherwise huge plot that loomed in the distance but not too far away. 

Echo in Time by C.J. Hill was mind boggling, exciting, and amazing in and of itself. I don’t think I could have ended the year with a better series than C.J. Hill’s Erasing Time series. I started out apprehensive about everything at the start of book two and also reading from Taylor’s POV instead of Sheridan’s, but ultimately I’m glad that I got to get a feel for Taylor because while I may have started out wary about her in book one, I totally ended up respecting and loving her equally as much as I did for Sheridan. Now I can see the advantages of reading from both their views separately because it allowed me to see things differently just as much as their personalities are different. I wish I could tell everyone how utterly awesome not only this second installment was, but just what exactly happens. Of course I can’t spoil anything, but I can say that the ending of this book will definitely not leave anyone disappointed. Nothing was left out and for that I was grateful, although I can’t say some looming questions aren’t roaming around my mind. The author was careful and attentive to her characters, but she also didn’t baby them as I’ve learned lately that no author should do. Difficult decisions, situations, and events occurred throughout the story that left me worried and I believe those are what made this the best Science Fiction series I’ve read as of now. I’m not sure if anyone else out there could get as remotely close to what C.J. Hill has created, but I do know that I look forward to reading her other books.

4.5 - Totally EPIC! One of the best books I have read. A MUST read!!

About The Author: C.J. Hill

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 CJ Hill is a pen name for a YA author who is best known for writing romantic comedies. (Slayers will be her 18th published book.) Her writing has shifted away from the romantic comedy genre, so her editor thought a pen name would be a good idea. (New books will include: dangerous dragons, time travel to dystopian worlds, and flesh-eating beetles.) Since the publisher refused to let her have the pseudonym : The Artist Formerly Referred to as Princess, she chose a name to honor her mother. CJ Hill was her mother's pen name, or at least it would have been if her mother had published. Her mother wrote a few children's books and a middle grade novel but was taken by cancer before she had fully learned the craft.

Most writers' first novels aren't publishable. CJ Junior's first novel wasn't, but somehow was published anyway. Now, even though it is out of print, it remains forever available on Amazon, where it taunts her with its badness. This was another good reason to use a pen name.

CJ Hill has five children, three of whom like her on any given day depending on who is in trouble. She has lived in Arizona for the last half of her life, but is still in desert denial and hopes that one day her garden will grow silver bells and cockle shells or maybe just tomatoes.

Author C.J. Hill has offered to giveaway a hardback copy of the first book in the series, ERASING TIME to ONE winner – US Only.  To enter please use the rafflecopter form below.

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