[Review] Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Title: Hourglass (Hourglass #1)

Author: Myra McEntire

Publisher: Egmont USA (June 14, 2011)

I was anticipating this book so much that I feared it wouldn't live up to my expectations. But guess what? Hourglass was just plain awesome! I was worrying for nothing! This book was every bit as good as I'd imagined and maybe even more. I felt like I was racing through time with the characters and many of the plot twists had me going, Whoa. Never saw that coming. It was impressive how Ms Mcentire managed to drop all the big surprises and secrets at just the right moments-everything just fit perfectly!

Em was a witty, sarcastic, and tough heroine who wasn't afraid to show it when she was angry, even if she was drooling over Michael (this, I found perfectly understandable). When Michael was babying her around, thinking she couldn't cope with all the secretive stuff about the Hourglass society, she stood up and demanded to know the truth because it involved her. I was like, This is the attitude I want, girl! Give it to him! I cannot tolerate wishy-washy protagonists who whine all the time about being kept in the dark, while refusing to take action and find out what was going on. This, I'm happy to say, is exactly what Em was not.

But beneath all her snarky comments and strong front, Em also had a vulnerable, soft side. This aspect of her personality emerged during her interactions with Thomas, her brother, and his wife, Dru. Her brand of inner fangirling was just hilarious! I nearly fell out of my chair giggling whenever she said something embarrassing in front of Michael and got all awkward afterward.

The romantic tension between Em and Michael was just SIZZLING. I half-expected them to start making out there and then on their first meeting, but of course, that didn't happen! I have no idea how many sparks flew before they finally kissed, but when they did, you can practically see fireworks everywhere. God, I sound like so corny and cheesy now, but the chemistry between this power couple was really one of the key reasons that made Hourglass exceptional.

Uh, did you think I would actually miss out Kaleb? No way, the way he was described made him sound so hunky! If you like the authentic, tough, devilishly charming bad boy type with a soft heart, you'll probably fall head over heels in love with Kaleb. He's definitely not the pretentious "I'm-not-good-for-you" kind of guy! However, as much as I found Kaleb drool-worthy, I also felt that he was introduced too late into the story to really make a HUGE impact. It was a little unrealistic that he fell so deeply for Em just after a couple of meetings, when he had been a notorious heart-breaker the first time they met. I mean, Em IS lovable, but to instantly reform a serious playboy is a pretty difficult feat to achieve within a few days.

Anyway, I love Lily. Alot. She was extremely comical whenever Michael was around and I would love to have a best friend like her! Readers can expect a little twist that involves Lily and hidden abilities. I don't feel ashamed for spoiling you because there's some pretty obvious foreshadowing which made the revelation less shocking and more predictable! I'm totally shipping Lily and Kaleb together. Pretty please?!

Word play was used alot, which really lightened the slightly-heavy and serious atmosphere of the story! I particularly liked this example:

"Are you ready to get back?" he asked. I didn't raise my eyes, but I could hear the amusement in his voice. "Or do you have some time today?"

"I'm all yours." I slipped out before I could stop it. "Er...I mean, I think I'm going to be in trouble either way, since I spent the night with you...here, I mean, spent the night here." I stopped talking and sighed deeply. "I have time."

The ending of Hourglass was also really well done. You know those books ending with killer cliffhangers to pave the way for a sequel? I always end up tearing my hair out in pure frustration, because more often than not, I would have to endure another year of agony before I get to see how the story will be unfolding! But thank Heavens, Hourglass was concluded in a way that made me feel satisfied, but also super excited and hyped up for the next book.

This is a unique and promising novel that puts a different spin to time travel and science fic, a topic which I previously assumed was utterly dry and boring. The story was so engaging I found myself completely absorbed, such that I didn't even notice the clock ticking away and finished it in one setting. I would recommend this one to anyone up for something different with a distinctive voice.

Two favourite quotes:

•  Michael to Em: "You look like a miniature burglar."
•  My ass was grass, and big brother was the lawn mower.