HOURGLASS by Myra McEntire

Title: HOURGLASS
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont
Release Date: June 14, 2011
Number of Pages: 397
Source of Book: Bought the hardcover in it's release month (had to go to three different stores to find it in stock!)
Author's Website: http://myramcentire.blogspot.com/

Goodreads Summary:

One hour to rewrite the past . . .
 
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

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I really, really loved HOURGLASS. It reads like a contemporary with science-fiction (and somewhat supernatural) elements, but also has a little mystery and a little suspense and a little romance and a little bit of family stories thrown in. It's a well-rounded story, and hard to describe or pinpoint exactly what the main focus is because all of the parts are so enjoyable. There's just a good feeling to this story - the setting and vision elements are well described - and I love the little town they're living in.

I liked the main character, Emerson, a lot. She's not in a good place because of the traumatic events of her past and the visions she's seeing, but she's working through it. She's tough and strong and earnest and looking to feel like she's not crazy. Once she learns about and meets other people who have "abilities" she starts to find a place for herself where she can feel she belongs and is somewhat normal. Who can't relate to wanting to feel like you belong?

The whole time travel aspect of the story is really interesting and unique. The Hourglass is mysterious - in fact I want to know more about it - I'm still not sure I understand the organization after the first book. The author did a good job of explaining the physics and the elements of time travel without confusing me and in a little bit at a time way that helped me to absorb it, just as Emerson needed to. Towards the end, there was lots of action and unexpected twists and turns; however, I did feel that it almost went a little too fast at the end (there were so many game changer type things that happened) - I didn't have time to soak in each thing that happened before the next twist - maybe because I was reading it too fast because I wanted to know what would happen?

And, of course, there is romance. There's Michael and then there's Kaleb. I don't want to say too much about them or what their abilities are, but I can say, I can see Emerson's draw toward both of them. One seems way more obvious than the other to just be the good friend, but with the time travel elements, it seems we never know what is going to happen, and both boys are looking out for Emerson.

Secondary characters were great in this book. I loved the relationship Emerson has with her older brother Thomas who has basically had to take care of her, and his wife Dru is one of my favorite characters in the whole story. I'm also waiting for the sequel for Emerson's best friend Lilly to be fleshed out a little bit more - I know there's something we haven't learned about her yet that is going to be important.

Overall, I wanted to jump into this book and live with these characters. I liked them all that much. And the writing made it easy for me to spend a little time with them, although I did feel some parts were a little rushed, but I think because I wanted to savor this story a little longer. I should also mention, it has pretty short chapters, so it is easy to find stopping points, although you won't want to put it down! Overall, I really liked it, but it did feel like a first book to a series, so I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series in 2012!