Tempest [Hardcover]

I've never actually read any time travel books before so I was really excited when I received my copy of Julie Cross's debut novel, Tempest. But most importantly, as much as I had no idea what to expect at first, it turned out to be a fantastic book I could barely put down - something which I'd definitely recommend to anyone who likes an exciting, action-packed young adult romance.

I must admit that Jackson and Holly - the two main characters- did not really appeal to me at first. While the story was interesting and it kept me going, I kept thinking about how cold Holly's personality was and how much of a `spoilt brat' Jackson was. What made me even more doubtful was the fact that this whole time-travel thing with its parallel universe theory and different time lines is quite a confusing issue and Cross keeps you in the dark for a long time. Hence my initial worry about not understanding the story and not being able to emotionally connect to the characters. But what can I say? I was completely wrong.

The characters completely grew on me and I realized how much I misjudged them at first. Jackson is a down-to-earth guy with a likeable nature, someone who's very charismatic and who will no doubt be a favourite with the female audience. I found it quite touching that even though he's a cool, rich and popular guy, he had a great relationship with her sister who passed away a few years prior to the beginning of the story, and how much his family meant to him. And how much he loves Holly, of course. The author did a great job letting us a take a glimpse behind the cool exterior and see his more emotional, softer side.

Cross raises several questions in her novel and you can't help thinking about them either. What happens to your body during a time jump? How come Jackson can go back in time but not forward? Even though she reveals bits of information from time to time, we are constantly faced with new questions we want to find an answer for. Time travel is a tricky issue, a topic that could easily confuse readers but Julie Cross handles it very well, without making it too simplistic or utterly complicated.

Tempest is a brilliant debut novel with a touch of romance and action - a real page turner with a potential to be the next big thing, and a fascinating story that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning. The second part of the novel raises another question which has, along with Jackson's solution, completely taken me by surprise and I'm eagerly waiting for the sequel and finding out how their story continues.

You know your girlfriend is in danger if she stays with you and the only way to protect her or keep her alive is to let her go. Would you?

I am not usually a great fan of books involving time travel - I find most of them far too confusing - so I can't compare this one to others in the genre. However, I think `Tempest' is an exciting story with a cast of great characters and I am sure it will appeal to lots of teenage readers.

It is 2009. Jackson has discovered that he can travel back in time and along with his non-time-travelling/IT-geek friend he is experimenting to see exactly what he can do. This all changes when his girlfriend, Holly, is shot by men who burst into her room one night and Jackson leaps back in time to discover why this happened and to see if he could prevent it happening. He becomes trapped in the past, 2007, and discovers so much more than he ever dreamed of!! It is a complicated plot and although Jackson cannot get back to 2009 he can go back and forth between earlier years and 2007 and here lies the potential for the plot to get very confusing indeed as he does jump back and forth quite a bit. However by helpfully dating each chapter the author has ensured that readers (well, this reader anyway) can follow as Jackson slowly becomes aware that he is not just a lad who happens to have a strange special power he is part of something much much larger. Jackson is everything a hero should be. He is brave and resourceful, but also has a softer side. He loves Holly and the whole adventure starts with his desire to keep her safe, and this remains his prime concern right to the end. He misses his twin sister since she died several years before the book starts. I suspect she may feature more prominently in later adventures, but at this time Jackson has to be content with travelling back in time to visit her. He is a caring young man, loyal to his friends but still ready for the adventures and challenges ahead. This is the first book in the trilogy so there are plenty more dangers for Jackson face.

I originally saw Tempest in the book store after seeing the cover (which is gorgeous) and also reading the blurb I was instantly intrigued. Time travel? Enemies of time? Sign me up! It was definitely a topic that I haven't read much of in YA and was looking forward to a breath of fresh air when it comes to plot lines and I wasn't disappointed.

Tempest is the first book in a trilogy and is very different from any YA book I've read in the recent past, with it's secret organizations and Jackson's amazing ability; I really loved the concept. However understanding all that happened in the book took a lot of concentration, the description and explanation behind how Jackson can do what he does is quite complex and took me a couple of times to reread and digest and understand the information.

I did have a little trouble with some of Jackson's commentary; he does make some comments that are sexist and misogynistic, that made me dislike him and his judgements - I didn't find him as relatable and real as other male protagonists that I've read. Also the story is written as if Jackson is thinking and that kind of style of writing is never my favourite so it took a little while to get used to. But I carried on despite these comments because I think the storyline was worth it. (Also I had John Green in my mind, realising that we don't have to like the characters we read about)

As for Jackson's girlfriend Holly I loved how he discovered different sides to her, through the different years he visited her (I wish I could go visit my friends from two years ago because you just forget how quickly people grow and change because of the events that happen to them) but as far as romance goes I wouldn't say that was a main part of the story, it was mainly geared towards Jackson discovering not only how to use these time travelling abilities he has but also learning about those who are trying to use him because of them.

However the story is very complex and interwoven with so many different things that when one of your questions is answered there's still a million more you want to find out. This made the book incredibly intriguing and kept me guessing and gasping with surprise all the way to the end. It was very unique and demands your interest.

My favourite character was actually Adam, Jackson's incredibly clever friend who helps him along his journey from discovery and testing his abilities to helping him save himself. I would have liked a little more time for Adam to shine (hopefully in the next book!) because he seemed to have a lot more to offer, not just his knowledge.

Tempest, Julie Cross' debut novel, takes the concept of time travel and shakes things up - a great read for those who love fast paced, action with an interesting twist.