Book Review: Timekeeper

Timekeeper (Timeless #2)

By: Alexandra Monir

Published By: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: January 8, 2013

Page Count: 288

Buy it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Source: ARC Kindly Provided by Publisher via NetGalley

Audience: Young Adult - Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Review of Book #1: Timeless

Review of Short Story #1.5: Secrets of the Time Society

I read Timeless and Secrets of the Time Society earlier this year and fell in love with Monir's writing and characters. I couldn't wait to return to the early 1900's and spend more time with Michele and Philip. The wait was well worth it.

Timekeeper begins with little time passing between the previous works. The opening scene reveals a new Philip Walker in 2010 who has no knowledge of Michele. The beginning of the novel was difficult for me at times because I missed the sweet romance between these two characters. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear how Philip made it to the present and why he doesn't retain all of his old memories. I loved this new little twist that I didn't predict.

One thing that sets this novel apart from the first one is the plot and pacing. This one rushes at you and there is a lot more conflict. I did miss the romance elements - they are there - but they do not play as much of a dominant role as they did in Timeless. This novel focuses more on Michele and her quest for answers - both about her parents and the Time Society. The increased action took me by surprise, but I loved every moment. It takes awhile to get used to the structure of this novel; it comes complete with dreams, diary entries, entries from the Time Society's handbook, and the main narration. Once I realized all these elements would play a crucial role and I knew to expect them, I really liked that the format was not traditional. The diary, in particular, adds layers to the story that readers would not have received from the typical narration.

Another element I loved about this novel was all of the lore surrounding the Time Society. I liked that it was finally part of the forefront rather than relegated to back up status. The first novel left me with so many questions about time travel, but those loose ends were tied up by the end of this novel. As with the first novel, I also loved the rich historical details that litter the text. The history nerd in me longs to see New York in the early 1900's. Sadly, I don't have a Timekeeper's key, and will have to settle for looking at old photographs.

I don't know if there will be more books in this series, but I am sincerely hoping for more. This novel ends with a strong sense of resolution, but leaves a few open doors for future stories. I love the mixture of history and fantasy in this series; it never ceases to sweep me off my feet. You won't be able to help falling in love with Monir's characters.

One Last Gripe: The scene on Brooklyn Bridge seemed a bit rushed to me. I did, however, really enjoy the rotating time periods.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: I was intrigued by the diary entries

First Sentence: Time may be the master of most human beings, but yours is a body and soul it cannot conquer.

Favorite Character: Michele

Least Favorite Character: Rebecca

Summary:

When Philip Walker appears as a new student in Michele Windsor's high school class, she is floored. He is the love she thought she lost forever when they said goodbye during her time travels last century. Overjoyed that they can resume the relationship they had a lifetime ago, Michele eagerly approaches him and discovers the unthinkable: he doesn't remember her. In fact, he doesn't seem to remember anything about the Philip Walker of 1910.

Michele then finds her father's journals, which tell stories of his time-traveling past. As she digs deeper, she learns about his entanglement with a mysterious and powerful organization called the Time Society and his dealings with a vengeful Windsor ancestor. Michele soon finds herself at the center of a rift over 120 years in the making, one whose resolution will have life-or-death consequences.

Alexandra Monir's Timekeeper combines breathtaking romance with a tale of complex magic in a sequel that will have every reader believing in the transcendent power of love.