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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
Average rating: 3.5
If I had given up this book when I wanted to, the rating would have been 1 or 1.5 stars less. Mostly, because for about 30% of the book I wasn't that interested, and also because I had never read a saga where the narrator changed completely. And I don't mean several POVs. I mean only one POV per book, but from two different characters. Timepeace is told by Kaleb's POV and though I liked his character in the first book, I wasn't convinced by him as the one telling the story until having read 100+ pages. Not that he isn't interesting enough, but we saw him only a few times in Hourglass, and knew almost nothing about his character. Also, I missed Emerson's sarcastic writing style, and Mike-Em moments together. They appear in Timepiece too, but with less protagonism. This book centers in Kaleb and Lily's, Em's bff, love relationship and their quest of Jack through time. More characters make brief appearances in this book, but we aren't told exactly why they are important in the story, whereas some characters that were already introduced in the first book are left neglected (such as Em, Michael and Ava). Don't get me wrong, overall, Timepeace wasn't that bad, but I believe that if the author wanted to use different POVs she could have simply start writing the story in several POVs instead of changing them from one book to the other. It would have been much more bearable. Moreover, she would have been able to have a bunch of characters actively participating in the story instead of being replaced by others.
Still, I have high hopes for the next and last installment in the series (which I think will be told by Dune, who hasn't appear that much in this book either), Infinityglass. Let's just cross our fingers and hope that we don't miss any more characters.
If I had given up this book when I wanted to, the rating would have been 1 or 1.5 stars less. Mostly, because for about 30% of the book I wasn't that interested, and also because I had never read a saga where the narrator changed completely. And I don't mean several POVs. I mean only one POV per book, but from two different characters. Timepeace is told by Kaleb's POV and though I liked his character in the first book, I wasn't convinced by him as the one telling the story until having read 100+ pages. Not that he isn't interesting enough, but we saw him only a few times in Hourglass, and knew almost nothing about his character. Also, I missed Emerson's sarcastic writing style, and Mike-Em moments together. They appear in Timepiece too, but with less protagonism. This book centers in Kaleb and Lily's, Em's bff, love relationship and their quest of Jack through time. More characters make brief appearances in this book, but we aren't told exactly why they are important in the story, whereas some characters that were already introduced in the first book are left neglected (such as Em, Michael and Ava). Don't get me wrong, overall, Timepeace wasn't that bad, but I believe that if the author wanted to use different POVs she could have simply start writing the story in several POVs instead of changing them from one book to the other. It would have been much more bearable. Moreover, she would have been able to have a bunch of characters actively participating in the story instead of being replaced by others.
Still, I have high hopes for the next and last installment in the series (which I think will be told by Dune, who hasn't appear that much in this book either), Infinityglass. Let's just cross our fingers and hope that we don't miss any more characters.
Having the narrator of this book be a boy did not mesh well with the author's style writing. It read as though a female was writing what she thinks a boy would do/how he would act/what he would think.
On the plus side, we finally get some of the questions raised in the last book answered and the development of the mythology is fun.
The characters aren't too likable though. Not that they are unlikable, but they are hard to connect too. They all run around going "you're being selfish, how dare you" when no one is being selfish, and then they go off and actually be self themselves. They are all hypocritical and don't communicate well. Again, it stems from the way it's written. The sympathy for the characters is generated in a distant "oh what a shame" way instead of getting sucked in to the story to the point of crying over a character.
Over the concept of the books is great, but the execution is lacking.
On the plus side, we finally get some of the questions raised in the last book answered and the development of the mythology is fun.
The characters aren't too likable though. Not that they are unlikable, but they are hard to connect too. They all run around going "you're being selfish, how dare you" when no one is being selfish, and then they go off and actually be self themselves. They are all hypocritical and don't communicate well. Again, it stems from the way it's written. The sympathy for the characters is generated in a distant "oh what a shame" way instead of getting sucked in to the story to the point of crying over a character.
Over the concept of the books is great, but the execution is lacking.
I'm not quite sure where to go with this one. I started out loving it, had a few jaw-drop, WTH moments, but ended up liking it just fine. It's going to be hard to say exactly why, but I'll give it a go.
I REALLY liked that this book was narrated from Kaleb's POV. I liked him a lot from Hourglass and thought he had a lot of potential. He didn't disappoint me in Timepiece. I thought he did a nice bit of growing up and maturing, and I enjoyed being on that road with him. I felt like we really got to know him a lot better here than we ever did in Hourglass. I like that he's more than just a pretty face here.
With that, I didn't really 'get' his relationship with Lily. They just didn't seem to go together very well. Sure, there's the whole opposites attract thing, and I appreciate that there wasn't any insta-love going on, but it still didn't really make sense to me. I may need some time to ponder.
I did like the story a lot. The stakes have been ramped up and Jack is back and 'badder' than ever. I really dislike that guy. It will be very interesting to see how far things have to go before he's stopped once and for all.
I think that Myra McEntire really has a strong storyline in this series and a way of describing things that makes me feel like I'm there. I've never been to the areas she talks about, but I can totally picture things in my head. I think she's a great writer who is definitely only getting better as time goes on. Story-wise, I think I enjoyed Timepiece more than Hourglass. It was the character development that sold me on Hourglass.
I like where the story is going and I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment. Even though this isn't my favorite second book ever, it's definitely a LOT better than some second books I've read and it's one that I'll gladly display on my shelves and pull out when I need a comfort read with an old friend. Overall, I think it ended up being pretty darn 'drool worthy'.
I REALLY liked that this book was narrated from Kaleb's POV. I liked him a lot from Hourglass and thought he had a lot of potential. He didn't disappoint me in Timepiece. I thought he did a nice bit of growing up and maturing, and I enjoyed being on that road with him. I felt like we really got to know him a lot better here than we ever did in Hourglass. I like that he's more than just a pretty face here.
With that, I didn't really 'get' his relationship with Lily. They just didn't seem to go together very well. Sure, there's the whole opposites attract thing, and I appreciate that there wasn't any insta-love going on, but it still didn't really make sense to me. I may need some time to ponder.
I did like the story a lot. The stakes have been ramped up and Jack is back and 'badder' than ever. I really dislike that guy. It will be very interesting to see how far things have to go before he's stopped once and for all.
I think that Myra McEntire really has a strong storyline in this series and a way of describing things that makes me feel like I'm there. I've never been to the areas she talks about, but I can totally picture things in my head. I think she's a great writer who is definitely only getting better as time goes on. Story-wise, I think I enjoyed Timepiece more than Hourglass. It was the character development that sold me on Hourglass.
I like where the story is going and I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment. Even though this isn't my favorite second book ever, it's definitely a LOT better than some second books I've read and it's one that I'll gladly display on my shelves and pull out when I need a comfort read with an old friend. Overall, I think it ended up being pretty darn 'drool worthy'.
Really enjoyed the 2nd book to this series!! It's really been interesting and enjoyable going through things with a different set of eyes. At first it took me a little bit to remember who was talking; however, very enjoyable and love the storyline and the people in it! I've enjoyed the characters all that more and can't wait to get into the 3rd book!!
This review appears on my blog, Starting the Next Chapter.
After the events of previous weeks, Kaleb Ballard is spiraling out of control. Suffering from confusion and resentment, he has turned to the bottle to help him drown out the chaos he feels. Little does he know he is about to get a wake-up call in the form of time slips he can now see, the return of Jack Landers, and the introduction of spit fire and Emerson's best friend, Lily, into his life. As Kaleb deals with his feelings of resentment and burgeoning feelings for Lily, things are getting crazy in Ivy Springs. Can Kaleb, Lily, Emerson, and Michael pull it together in time to avoid the ultimate disaster?
Oh, my! I thought I enjoyed Emerson as a main character, but Kaleb's point-of-view was something else! Here is a character that puts new meaning to the phrase, "more than meets the eye." Kaleb brought a fresh new voice to the table that added an entirely new dimension to the story. I also enjoyed getting to know Lily more as a character. Her interactions with Kaleb, Emerson, even her grandmother made for some great reading. She's such a fiery character that it's hard to overlook her.
I wasn't sure how Myra McEntire was going to top the events that took place in Hourglass, but I should have known she would pull something truly mind-boggling and amazing out of her hat. Both settings (Ivy Springs and Memphis) are made all the more captivating through the time slips that become more and more present throughout the story. The pacing is done very well and suffers few to no snags. Even though there is a lot of information to take in, it is handled in such a way that it isn't overwhelming and is fairly easy to keep up with. Overall, Timepiece is a no-holds-barred, riveting, and all-around fun novel.
Timepiece has managed something I didn't think would be possible. You see, I enjoyed it even more than I enjoyed Hourglass, and that's saying something, as I rated Hourglass as a 5. All I can say that if this trend continues, Infinityglass is going to be absolutely phenomenal. The change in narration and the higher stakes all made for a fantastic read that left me reeling and wanting more, all at the same time. This series is one you definitely don't want to miss.
Obligatory legal statement: This digital review copy was provided to me free of charge by the publisher via Netgalley. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.
After the events of previous weeks, Kaleb Ballard is spiraling out of control. Suffering from confusion and resentment, he has turned to the bottle to help him drown out the chaos he feels. Little does he know he is about to get a wake-up call in the form of time slips he can now see, the return of Jack Landers, and the introduction of spit fire and Emerson's best friend, Lily, into his life. As Kaleb deals with his feelings of resentment and burgeoning feelings for Lily, things are getting crazy in Ivy Springs. Can Kaleb, Lily, Emerson, and Michael pull it together in time to avoid the ultimate disaster?
Oh, my! I thought I enjoyed Emerson as a main character, but Kaleb's point-of-view was something else! Here is a character that puts new meaning to the phrase, "more than meets the eye." Kaleb brought a fresh new voice to the table that added an entirely new dimension to the story. I also enjoyed getting to know Lily more as a character. Her interactions with Kaleb, Emerson, even her grandmother made for some great reading. She's such a fiery character that it's hard to overlook her.
I wasn't sure how Myra McEntire was going to top the events that took place in Hourglass, but I should have known she would pull something truly mind-boggling and amazing out of her hat. Both settings (Ivy Springs and Memphis) are made all the more captivating through the time slips that become more and more present throughout the story. The pacing is done very well and suffers few to no snags. Even though there is a lot of information to take in, it is handled in such a way that it isn't overwhelming and is fairly easy to keep up with. Overall, Timepiece is a no-holds-barred, riveting, and all-around fun novel.
Timepiece has managed something I didn't think would be possible. You see, I enjoyed it even more than I enjoyed Hourglass, and that's saying something, as I rated Hourglass as a 5. All I can say that if this trend continues, Infinityglass is going to be absolutely phenomenal. The change in narration and the higher stakes all made for a fantastic read that left me reeling and wanting more, all at the same time. This series is one you definitely don't want to miss.
Obligatory legal statement: This digital review copy was provided to me free of charge by the publisher via Netgalley. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.
3.5 stars
-sometimes the plot seems to jump around a little. I'll think I missed something but the action's just a little choppy.
-Kaleb seemed to be thinking about Lily's curves unrealistically often. Although I guess maybe some guys are like that?
-Emerson needs to stop punching stuff. It's cute because she's so tiny?
-sometimes the plot seems to jump around a little. I'll think I missed something but the action's just a little choppy.
-Kaleb seemed to be thinking about Lily's curves unrealistically often. Although I guess maybe some guys are like that?
-Emerson needs to stop punching stuff. It's cute because she's so tiny?
Timepiece is the sequel to Hourglass, which is awesome and crazy and a wee bit over-the-top but not so much that I can’t love it anyway.
Whereas Hourglass is told from the point-of-view of reluctant time-traveler Emerson Cole, Timepiece‘s narrator is her boyfriend’s best friend, the dark and brooding Kaleb.
The Plot
[Spoilers from Hourglass ahead. Skip down to My Thoughts if you haven't finished it yet. Then GO FINISH IT.]
Timepiece picks up shortly after the conclusion of Hourglass. Emerson and Michael have been reunited, much to Kaleb’s dismay. They have succeeded in their mission to rescue Kaleb’s father, Liam, the director of the Hourglass. The devious Jack Landers is still on the loose, and no one has any idea what his endgame is.
Additionally, Kaleb and the other young members of the Hourglass are starting to be able to see rips, something that only Emerson and Michael could do before. And the rips are getting bigger.
No sooner have we digested this information than a new, mysterious baddie shows up and hands Kaleb an ultimatum in no uncertain terms: Deliver Jack Landers, or life as he and his friends know it is over.
Soon Kaleb, Emerson, Michael and the entire Hourglass crew — complete with some new recruits — are searching for Jack, using every trick in their arsenal, both technological and supernatural. But Jack always seems two steps ahead. And time is running out.
My Thoughts
Timepiece starts with a bang. New, bigger bad guys are immediately introduced and the stakes are promptly upped. We were introduced to the basic mechanics of this time-slippy world in Hourglass; this time we get into details. We find out more about most of the secondary characters. The action increases significantly.
Bottom line: If you thought Hourglass was fun, Timepiece is going to blow your socks off.
I’ve got to admit, I was a little tentative at first about the switch to Kaleb’s point of view. I felt like I had developed a good relationship with Emerson in the first book, and I was comfortable viewing the world through her eyes. Plus, the Kaleb we meet in Hourglass, and at the beginning of Timepiece, is a crass, womanizing drunk. Charming, sure, but I spent a good portion of the first few chapters wanting to smack him upside the head.
Luckily, while I can’t say that I wound up agreeing with all of Kaleb’s choices, I was able to understand him, sympathize with him, and really like him. Even when he was being a womanizing drunk. He was a great narrator, and it was really interesting viewing this crazy world through his eyes.
It was also fun to see Emerson and Michael from someone else’s point of view. In Hourglass, their relationship is all fluttery feelings and absurd chemistry and sparks of electricity. In Timepiece, we can see how that gets a little annoying to the people around them.
We get to know the secondary characters better, especially Emerson’s best friend Lily, which made me super happy. I was really hoping we’d find out more about her, since I really enjoyed her character in Hourglass. There’s still a few characters I would like to know more about. Maybe the third book will use one of them as narrator?
Jack Landers is a great villain. He’s evil and scary and dark, but not cartoonish. He’s given a solid back story, so that you understand him but still don’t like him. He’s smart and cunning and not given to extensive monologuing or pointless vendettas. You can really understand why he would be two steps ahead of our group of heroes, without making him ridiculous or them stupid.
As far as the story in Timepiece, I was riveted from the first chapter through the last page. There is a ton of action in this book. The stakes are higher, the powers more developed, the craziness heightened. Like Hourglass, it had a few twists that I absolutely did not see coming, yet none of them felt contrived.
There is a love story in Timepiece, but it is not a love triangle, thank goodness. I was scared, going in, that I was going to have to put up with Kaleb and Michael being all angsty and territorial about Emerson throughout the book (as Kaleb obviously has feelings for Emerson in Hourglass), but that fortunately did not happen. As it was, I really like the way the romantic angle was handled. It felt real. It wasn’t all sparks and sighs and fluttery feelings, which is nice, because I don’t think that’s the way romance normally happens.
Overall, Timepiece was a fun and exciting story. I really enjoyed the characters and was never quite sure what was going to happen next. The book ends with an obvious setup for a third book, but while I am itching to read more about the world of the Hourglass (which will probably be a while, since Timepiece hasn’t even been officially released yet), I still felt completely satisfied at the conclusion.
Whereas Hourglass is told from the point-of-view of reluctant time-traveler Emerson Cole, Timepiece‘s narrator is her boyfriend’s best friend, the dark and brooding Kaleb.
The Plot
[Spoilers from Hourglass ahead. Skip down to My Thoughts if you haven't finished it yet. Then GO FINISH IT.]
Timepiece picks up shortly after the conclusion of Hourglass. Emerson and Michael have been reunited, much to Kaleb’s dismay. They have succeeded in their mission to rescue Kaleb’s father, Liam, the director of the Hourglass. The devious Jack Landers is still on the loose, and no one has any idea what his endgame is.
Additionally, Kaleb and the other young members of the Hourglass are starting to be able to see rips, something that only Emerson and Michael could do before. And the rips are getting bigger.
No sooner have we digested this information than a new, mysterious baddie shows up and hands Kaleb an ultimatum in no uncertain terms: Deliver Jack Landers, or life as he and his friends know it is over.
Soon Kaleb, Emerson, Michael and the entire Hourglass crew — complete with some new recruits — are searching for Jack, using every trick in their arsenal, both technological and supernatural. But Jack always seems two steps ahead. And time is running out.
My Thoughts
Timepiece starts with a bang. New, bigger bad guys are immediately introduced and the stakes are promptly upped. We were introduced to the basic mechanics of this time-slippy world in Hourglass; this time we get into details. We find out more about most of the secondary characters. The action increases significantly.
Bottom line: If you thought Hourglass was fun, Timepiece is going to blow your socks off.
I’ve got to admit, I was a little tentative at first about the switch to Kaleb’s point of view. I felt like I had developed a good relationship with Emerson in the first book, and I was comfortable viewing the world through her eyes. Plus, the Kaleb we meet in Hourglass, and at the beginning of Timepiece, is a crass, womanizing drunk. Charming, sure, but I spent a good portion of the first few chapters wanting to smack him upside the head.
Luckily, while I can’t say that I wound up agreeing with all of Kaleb’s choices, I was able to understand him, sympathize with him, and really like him. Even when he was being a womanizing drunk. He was a great narrator, and it was really interesting viewing this crazy world through his eyes.
It was also fun to see Emerson and Michael from someone else’s point of view. In Hourglass, their relationship is all fluttery feelings and absurd chemistry and sparks of electricity. In Timepiece, we can see how that gets a little annoying to the people around them.
We get to know the secondary characters better, especially Emerson’s best friend Lily, which made me super happy. I was really hoping we’d find out more about her, since I really enjoyed her character in Hourglass. There’s still a few characters I would like to know more about. Maybe the third book will use one of them as narrator?
Jack Landers is a great villain. He’s evil and scary and dark, but not cartoonish. He’s given a solid back story, so that you understand him but still don’t like him. He’s smart and cunning and not given to extensive monologuing or pointless vendettas. You can really understand why he would be two steps ahead of our group of heroes, without making him ridiculous or them stupid.
As far as the story in Timepiece, I was riveted from the first chapter through the last page. There is a ton of action in this book. The stakes are higher, the powers more developed, the craziness heightened. Like Hourglass, it had a few twists that I absolutely did not see coming, yet none of them felt contrived.
There is a love story in Timepiece, but it is not a love triangle, thank goodness. I was scared, going in, that I was going to have to put up with Kaleb and Michael being all angsty and territorial about Emerson throughout the book (as Kaleb obviously has feelings for Emerson in Hourglass), but that fortunately did not happen. As it was, I really like the way the romantic angle was handled. It felt real. It wasn’t all sparks and sighs and fluttery feelings, which is nice, because I don’t think that’s the way romance normally happens.
Overall, Timepiece was a fun and exciting story. I really enjoyed the characters and was never quite sure what was going to happen next. The book ends with an obvious setup for a third book, but while I am itching to read more about the world of the Hourglass (which will probably be a while, since Timepiece hasn’t even been officially released yet), I still felt completely satisfied at the conclusion.
Immediately after finishing Hourglass I went to the library and snatched this one. It was...not as awesome. I don't think McEntire should have switched to Kaleb's point of view. I'm just not as interested in him or his crush on Lily. Moan moan whine he feels emotions moan whine moan moan.
So. Meh.
So. Meh.
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Publisher: Egmont USA
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Source: ARC received from publisher
Tell Me More: I remember being firmly on the fence regarding Hourglass, the first book in this series--there were an equal amount of good and bad aspects to the story, including love triangles and fun supporting characters. Timepiece has left me on the fence still, despite a more action-packed plot and more background information about the Hourglass.
My two main issues with Hourglass were character development and the ubiquitous love triangle. While the reader does get more in terms of character development, especially with Kaleb, the romance feels just as contrived in this installment. If you'll remember from my review of Book 1, I liked Kaleb (more than I liked Michael) and I could easily see Em having a more meaningful relationship with him. The uniqueness of Kaleb's character is watered down in Timepiece, to the point where he and Em even started to sound alike. And that comparison doesn't do either of them any favours--everything I liked about both of these characters seemed to be lost in the mist of PLOT TWISTS!! TIME TRAVEL!! DRAMA!!! I can usually appreciate well-written bad boys, but Timepiece hit me at a time when I was getting sick of them. Kaleb's melodrama was not something I could appreciate.
There was also a lot of unleashed violence in this book, from Kaleb's verbal shots to Em punching everyone in the face to the descriptions of kissing scenes making me feel like I was witnessing two people attacking each other instead of being in love. It becomes noticeable because it's not in keeping with the tone I think McEntire was trying to set in the story. It started to feel like shock for the sake of shock, and I did feel startled because for the most part, the story dragged. Unfortunately for Timepiece, it suffers from sophomore syndrome. There was a wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey character to it that failed to make the story more intriguing. I couldn't find it in me to really care about the characters, so even when the plot took them on a rollercoaster of drama, I wasn't affected or interested in what would happen. While I want to know how it all ends, it doesn't feel like InfinityGlass will have fixed the narration/character issues that keep me from enjoying the book, and that is disappointing.
The Final Say: Time-travel takes a backseat to teenage romance and drama in the newest addition to the Hourglass series. If you like complex, compelling plots and solid characters, Timepiece may leave you wanting more.
Publisher: Egmont USA
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Source: ARC received from publisher
Tell Me More: I remember being firmly on the fence regarding Hourglass, the first book in this series--there were an equal amount of good and bad aspects to the story, including love triangles and fun supporting characters. Timepiece has left me on the fence still, despite a more action-packed plot and more background information about the Hourglass.
My two main issues with Hourglass were character development and the ubiquitous love triangle. While the reader does get more in terms of character development, especially with Kaleb, the romance feels just as contrived in this installment. If you'll remember from my review of Book 1, I liked Kaleb (more than I liked Michael) and I could easily see Em having a more meaningful relationship with him. The uniqueness of Kaleb's character is watered down in Timepiece, to the point where he and Em even started to sound alike. And that comparison doesn't do either of them any favours--everything I liked about both of these characters seemed to be lost in the mist of PLOT TWISTS!! TIME TRAVEL!! DRAMA!!! I can usually appreciate well-written bad boys, but Timepiece hit me at a time when I was getting sick of them. Kaleb's melodrama was not something I could appreciate.
There was also a lot of unleashed violence in this book, from Kaleb's verbal shots to Em punching everyone in the face to the descriptions of kissing scenes making me feel like I was witnessing two people attacking each other instead of being in love. It becomes noticeable because it's not in keeping with the tone I think McEntire was trying to set in the story. It started to feel like shock for the sake of shock, and I did feel startled because for the most part, the story dragged. Unfortunately for Timepiece, it suffers from sophomore syndrome. There was a wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey character to it that failed to make the story more intriguing. I couldn't find it in me to really care about the characters, so even when the plot took them on a rollercoaster of drama, I wasn't affected or interested in what would happen. While I want to know how it all ends, it doesn't feel like InfinityGlass will have fixed the narration/character issues that keep me from enjoying the book, and that is disappointing.
The Final Say: Time-travel takes a backseat to teenage romance and drama in the newest addition to the Hourglass series. If you like complex, compelling plots and solid characters, Timepiece may leave you wanting more.