I admit that I was partially interested in this book because it reminded me of a couple of different movies/books. In particular 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' (apparently I like different things then every other reviewer here as I've never read or seen Jumper or Time Traveler's Wife). At first it went over my head, the time travel stuff, because everything I've ever read/seen has always said 'Change the past, change the future'. It didn't seem right that no matter what Jackson did he could not change the future while in the past.

It started to make sense though as I saw the plot that Cross was building upon.

Despite how the book seems to be marketed, its heavy on the science fiction angle. Mostly because there's a lot involved with explaining the time travel physics (like how small jumps = no effect, large jumps = alternate realities) and Jackson's best friend is a geek (but a cool one who can hack the government). The underlying tension throughout the book as Jackson struggles to find a way to save Holly in the present (2009), while getting to know her in the past (2007) comes to a head at the end that proved he had grown as a character.

The subplots are plenty--mysterious father, deceased sister showing up at random moments, shadowy organization that is very much against what Jackson is trying to accomplish. And to add to that, a lot of characters are introduced who will likely have larger roles throughout the next two books.

The only thing that began to irritate me was that nothing was as it seemed, so the game changed so often I got confused. The only concrete detail of the book was that Jackson loved Holly and would do anything for her. Everything else--up to and including his personal history--were up for debate throughout the book. Its not that Cross made no sense, just that the facts kept being changed and given the nature of the book I wasn't sure who knew what at any given time.
( )

2.5 Stars

Well lots of other people loved this book and I can understand why.

I was pleased I finished it as a lot of questions about the time travel theory created by this author were cleared up in the last parts. I think this story needed to be edited to make it a bit tighter and less jumbled. I know jumping around between different timelines was the way the author chose to reveal significant pieces of information but it felt like too much work as a Reader, for too little pay off. By pay off I mean I didn't really feel invested in the story or the relationships so the jumping around in time just felt tiresome to me. There was just so much going on that I didn't have time to get anchored into any one aspect. I would have liked it more if either the romance was cut out and it was about saving the sister and exploring what was hinted at in terms of her special ability, or the focus was the entirely the romance. There was just too much happening. I loved the concept I just don't think this execution worked for me. ( )

This book is very exciting and fast paced. I could not put it down from the moment I started it. I liked that it is not the traditional time travel story. Although, it did get a bit confusing at points especially towards the end. The ending was disappointing because there really isn't anything final. I usually judge a book by its ending so I really have to wait for the next book in the series to come out next year before I am totally convinced. Overall it was an enjoyable read and I can't wait to read the next one. ( )

Loved this romantic, suspenseful adventure. can't wait for book #2! ( )

My Early Reviewer review disappeared when I accidentally unclicked 'your library'. Here's what I could find from my thread in 2012:

YA sci-fi. Jackson can travel through time. His girlfriend Holly gets shot and he tries to go back in time to stop it, only to get stuck in the past. Add in some murders, CIA, jumping off buildings, etc.

I'm a really lazy reader and trying to figure out the time jumps kind of gave me a headache, but I'll see if the library has the sequel when it comes out. 3/5 ( )