Title: Tempest
Author: Julie Cross
Series: (Tempest #1)
Expected publication: January 3rd 2012 by St. Martin’s Griffin
 

I received an eARC from St. Martin’s Griffin via Netgalley. Thank you.

I’m quite selective with time traveling as the book’s subject. But when I read the summary it fascinatingly piqued my interest. So I decided to give it a try, I mean, I’m not essentially avoiding them. Besides, Timeless worked for me (though I’m banking more on the romance rather the time traveling—silly me), Hourglass was ok too, a bit techish but so-so. Tempest by Julie Cross is a bit of those two. Just a right amount of science fiction, heart wrenching suspense and mystery delivered by an amusing narrator—Jackson Meyer. The verdict? I liked it! I’m also glad that the information was not overwhelming but certainly not insufficient. While there were still some vague details that weren’t clarified—yet. But that made want to read the sequel, especially how the book ended. Aaaaw, Jackson. 🙁

Jackson Meyer can time travel, he called it jumping. Unlike those typical time travelers we knew, he can’t affect history. Nothing changes in his present timeline, or what he called ‘homebase.’ But when his girlfriend Holly was seriously shot he jumped back two years in the past but was unable to return to 2009 (his present, and original time). Now he’s stuck and her girlfriend is dying in the future. He decided to know more about his ability, to return and save Holly. But while looking for information, he managed to untangle secrets—about his so-called father, his identity, and the people who also have the same ability as him.

Sometimes, I have problem with male characters’ POV written by women. Their tone at times sounded unconvincingly male. But one thing I absolutely liked about this book was Jackson—he sounds exactly like a guy. It was really believable; it wasn’t over the top, like a lot swearing to make it sound tough, just… you know manly and age appropriate. So overall, Jackson shines—bright. I also liked Adam, he’s the mandatory geek friend (in science fiction, they are a must!). But you know what, he was so unintentionally funny, I dunno know why, I’m pretty sure he’s not joking (it’s the sarcasm perhaps) but he made me snickered a few times. I really liked him. Holly, on the other hand… not so much. She’s so bland. So that said, I don’t like the romance of this book. But I’m glad that it wasn’t the book’s focal point. Because there’s enough mystery that kept me going. And I’m more focused on the idea of time traveling than anything else. I admit the first half of the book was tad dull but once the pieces of information were divulge little by little, I started to get hooked. And was just surprised to know the book already ended. Yep, I’m that hooked.

Tempest is one of those books that made me bend my rules, broke through my standards. I liked it despite the flaws. It’s a gem on its own right. It was one heck of entertaining book for me. And I couldn’t wait to read the sequel.