Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Publisher: Egmont USA

Released: June 14th 2011

Pages: 387 (Hardcover)

Seventeen year old Emerson Cole has had it tough. Around the time of her parent's death, she began seeing visions of people who weren't there. Little does she know that jazz trios and southern belles are only the beginning. After cutting off her meds and coming out of her zombie state, all she wanted was to be normal. But is normal even an option for her anymore? Now she's back in her small town of Ivy Springs to live with her well meaning brother, Thomas, and his wife. 

When she meets Michael, she has no idea how much he'll change her life. But who really is this handsome man who happens to believe in her delusions? He's from a secretive organization called Hourglass, and she might be their greatest hope. She'll come to discover that Michael may hold the key not only to her future, but the power to change the past as well.

Hourglass just might come close to being the best book I've read this year. It's certainly got a distinctive YA charm. I found myself rapidly falling for the characters and getting eager to uncover all the secrets this book holds. 

Emerson has the power to travel back in time, and with the help of her new friends, she might be able to go back and save an innocent man from an untimely death. Time travel was a huge part of this book, and I can say I liked where the author went with it. I personally am a huge fan of stories dealing with time travel! Unfortunately, before I got too excited, I found out early that the book isn't centralized around it. Instead, the book is the perfect blend that should appeal to a diverse amount of readers! 

Emerson is definitely north from normal. She's suffered through a rough couple of years, and has molded herself to protect herself from as much of it as she can. To me, Emerson was just a fabulous character. She's witty, brave, and is so easy to relate to. If I was only defining books by their heroines, she's without a doubt one of my most favorites. I will say that she did make an inaccurate Doctor Who reference.... but I'm just going to let it slide this once.

Of course, I suppose I'll have to acclaim the romance aspect of this book as well. I'm not big on the   whole love scene, but even I have to admit Emerson and Michael had a certain spark that a lot of YA romances lack! The author lets it build up instead of just forcing it to happen.

I adore Myra McEntire's overall structure and writing for the book! It had me from the first page and hooked well after. Like Emerson, I wanted answers, and Michael's usual "it's complicated" never works! Betrayal! Tension! Secrets! It's like a soap opera! (But far less dramatic.) The author didn't force feed you everything at once, and I'm super grateful, because this book has a lot to take in. If you're looking for a fresh and unique book to read, I gladly hand over Hourglass!

Cover: 4/5 Stars
Plot: 4.5/5 Stars
-Palak