Book Review: Tempest by Julie Cross

Title: Tempest

Author: Julie Cross

Pages: 334

Publication Date: 17^th January 2012

Publisher:  St. Martin’s Griffin

Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository

The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there are no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.

Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world. (Goodreads)

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.

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.