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dilchh's review
4.0
Intense is the word that comes to mind when I have to describe this book. Well, that and sweet also. I actually read the book for just a day! That’s how intense it is. All four stories of Kat and Matt really hook me up and I couldn’t stop, lest I forgot where was the last time I read it. And, to my utter surprise, this didn’t turned out to be anywhere near sappy love story (not that there’s anything bad with a sappy love story, mind you). Sure, their somewhat tragic love story might fall in the category of sappy love story, but that was just icing on the cake, and probably in a way it was the base but, the writing was incredible and thorough and creative and interesting that, believe you me, had you given this book a read, you’ll probably understand my sentiments.
Sure, the story was written beautifully and I had thoroughly enjoyed the interaction of the characters, and not to mention the layout of the book, which were not just paragraphs over paragraphs, so that’s interesting, but I have to say that the book ended flatly. Incredibly flat, if I’m being completely honest. Put it this way, reading the whole story is like riding a massively fun roller coaster, urging you to prepare yourself for that twist in your stomach when the cart would go upside down, but then the ride had ended and you never did get your upside down moment. So, you’re left feeling depleted and you hate yourself for enjoying the ride while it last but immediately cursing yourself when it had ended, and you know that riding it again would be boring.
Granted that there will be a sequel to the book, so maybe the upside down moment would be in the second book? I can only hope so. Alas, I still gave the book a five star for it’s impeccably entertaining characters in the story and the many beautiful and interesting conversation between them. In the meantime, I’ll be waiting for the next book, I suppose.
Sure, the story was written beautifully and I had thoroughly enjoyed the interaction of the characters, and not to mention the layout of the book, which were not just paragraphs over paragraphs, so that’s interesting, but I have to say that the book ended flatly. Incredibly flat, if I’m being completely honest. Put it this way, reading the whole story is like riding a massively fun roller coaster, urging you to prepare yourself for that twist in your stomach when the cart would go upside down, but then the ride had ended and you never did get your upside down moment. So, you’re left feeling depleted and you hate yourself for enjoying the ride while it last but immediately cursing yourself when it had ended, and you know that riding it again would be boring.
Granted that there will be a sequel to the book, so maybe the upside down moment would be in the second book? I can only hope so. Alas, I still gave the book a five star for it’s impeccably entertaining characters in the story and the many beautiful and interesting conversation between them. In the meantime, I’ll be waiting for the next book, I suppose.
katykelly's review
5.0
A teenage romance with a difference - historical, timeslip, futuristic - all in one!
Very clever as well, and easy enough to follow despite different settings and characters. I really enjoyed this.
It starts in the future as two students meet and connect - Katherine and Matthew discover they have a connection in their families as well. And then we start to see a connection in the past - versions of the two of them meeting at historically significant times - in the Crimea, the siege of Carlisle.
And then of course, we also see the typed notes on their activities - someone is watching them through history, rarely intervening, but watching them fall in love and die then meet again.
Just what is going on?
Fascinating idea, and the back and forth between times draws you in. I found I liked all the periods, and all the different Katherines and Matthews, as well as the period detail. Great descriptions of time and place. and I love the futuristic sections as well.
By the end you do feel that most of the questions you have are answered, and there's room for more potentially.
I loved James' idea, and the connections made between times, characters and lives. Would love to see this on the screen with the right people in the roles, especially Katherine - she's the stronger of the two and I'm half in love with some versions of her myself. They are a great couple in teen fiction and the story is completely unique.
I'll be recommending this in my school library, one for age 12-16 (especially those who like historical fiction, fantasy and plots that need a little concentration).
Very clever as well, and easy enough to follow despite different settings and characters. I really enjoyed this.
It starts in the future as two students meet and connect - Katherine and Matthew discover they have a connection in their families as well. And then we start to see a connection in the past - versions of the two of them meeting at historically significant times - in the Crimea, the siege of Carlisle.
And then of course, we also see the typed notes on their activities - someone is watching them through history, rarely intervening, but watching them fall in love and die then meet again.
Just what is going on?
Fascinating idea, and the back and forth between times draws you in. I found I liked all the periods, and all the different Katherines and Matthews, as well as the period detail. Great descriptions of time and place. and I love the futuristic sections as well.
By the end you do feel that most of the questions you have are answered, and there's room for more potentially.
I loved James' idea, and the connections made between times, characters and lives. Would love to see this on the screen with the right people in the roles, especially Katherine - she's the stronger of the two and I'm half in love with some versions of her myself. They are a great couple in teen fiction and the story is completely unique.
I'll be recommending this in my school library, one for age 12-16 (especially those who like historical fiction, fantasy and plots that need a little concentration).
bookmaster4's review
4.0
This is a super cute book! I love how the author weaves the different timelines together. The little constants throughout, from the “delicate flower” comments to the thing with the pens, it made all the versions seem a but more like reincarnations instead of random people with the same names. I loved the little detail of the font change for each timescape. There was a great mixture of humor, romance, and heartbreak. The ending felt a bit rushed and the little darling didn’t make much sense but I hope it will make more sense after the next book, which I will be reading as possible!
emilye3's review
DNF’d @ 25 %
Wasn’t holding my attention and was confusing. Not sure what the point of the story is or if it was going to be explained but I had enough. Just not for me.
Wasn’t holding my attention and was confusing. Not sure what the point of the story is or if it was going to be explained but I had enough. Just not for me.
sarahlreadseverything's review
4.0
Although I found the writing a little immature at times and in reality this is probably really hovering between a 3.5 and a 4, overall I really enjoyed the blend of historical fiction and sci-fi, the mystery that arches its way through the book (what on earth is going on?) and the interesting narrative form, with various timelines and methods of depicting the story (letters, emails, diaries etc.). Am looking forward to watching this author develop and the next part of the duology.
starrysea98's review
3.0
I didn't really think this was a bad book per se, more like I've read so many other takes on this particular trope that are much better - some of which include fanfiction. The whole time travelling thing just didn't cut it for me.
I love the idea of soulmates - someone you're meant to be with and whom you'll always find. That's part of the appeal this book had for me. Sadly, I did find this slightly boring and ridiculous. I also thought the various skipping of settings was choppy and somewhat random.
I suppose the only good thing to come out of this book is the build up to the sequel, which only comes at the end of the book. Like, the last few pages.
I love the idea of soulmates - someone you're meant to be with and whom you'll always find. That's part of the appeal this book had for me. Sadly, I did find this slightly boring and ridiculous. I also thought the various skipping of settings was choppy and somewhat random.
I suppose the only good thing to come out of this book is the build up to the sequel, which only comes at the end of the book. Like, the last few pages.
tomstbr's review
3.0
DNF. If I can't be bothered with a book I at least continue until halfway. So it is with this.
I mean, I get it. It's good. It's for teen girls. It's actually decently written, and has a very fun, as well as unique, premise. I don't need to know how it ends, but I'd still recommend it for lovers of YA.
I mean, I get it. It's good. It's for teen girls. It's actually decently written, and has a very fun, as well as unique, premise. I don't need to know how it ends, but I'd still recommend it for lovers of YA.
daniellemurinas's review
1.0
The idea of two people being reincarnated over time is fascinating, and for me this was the best thing about this book. But after I finished it I was left with so many questions. Every conclusion seemed to be rushed, and I would have liked for everything to be a little more explained. The book also seemed to focus on four main time periods, but towards the end other time periods were casually mentioned, which I think added to my entire confusion. But overall I did enjoy this book, even if it did not live up to all my expectations.
ciaran_t_96's review
4.0
I've never really read a book quite like this in layout and style. I love the theme and characters, the story like us interesting and honestly I didn't want to put it down.
I think I would have enjoyed it more of there were more of the chapters based on the 'current lives' of the main characters but the focus seemed to be in the last which didn't really lead up to their present lives but more to the end of the book.
Lauren James took an interesting concept and added a bit of science fiction and history to it to come up with this interesting story. However as much as I enjoyed reading about the fictional events of Matthew and Katherine I think the story ended a bit abruptly and randomly...which makes me believe it was to lead into the next book where the story would get resolved.
I think I would have enjoyed it more of there were more of the chapters based on the 'current lives' of the main characters but the focus seemed to be in the last which didn't really lead up to their present lives but more to the end of the book.
Lauren James took an interesting concept and added a bit of science fiction and history to it to come up with this interesting story. However as much as I enjoyed reading about the fictional events of Matthew and Katherine I think the story ended a bit abruptly and randomly...which makes me believe it was to lead into the next book where the story would get resolved.