Mini Book Reviews: INSURGENT & HOURGLASS

Contrary to what the lack of reviews posted on this blog might have you believe, I’ve been reading, except I might have been slacking a little on the review front, especially as I haven’t written a review since March. Oops.

So as I’ve really enjoyed the mini book review format and it seems the easiest way to review my favorite reads of the last few months, here are my thoughts on two fabulous books:

Let’s start with the back cover copy of Insurgent by Veronica Roth:

Photo credit: Mine 

“One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris’ initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.”

Insurgent is a fantastic (if not slightly infuriating—but in a good way) sequel. One of my favorite aspects about the Divergent trilogy is the characters—they’re complicated and layered, make (plenty) of mistakes and have their own flaws and struggles to deal with. As a bonus, Roth doesn’t rely on the traditional love triangle seen so often in YA novels—instead, she chooses to explore the complexities and difficulties of a relationship, which turned out to be very effective (and also often the source of the aforementioned frustration). 

For those of you who have read Divergent and haven’t yet picked up the sequel, I highly recommend it, and for anyone else who enjoys well-written dystopian YA books, I can’t recommend this trilogy enough.

Now the Goodreads summary of Hourglass by Myra McEntire:

“One hour to rewrite the past . . .

Photo credit: Goodreads

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 also 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?”

I’d been meaning to read Hourglass for a while, and I’m glad I finally did. Emerson’s voice is entertaining and kept me smiling throughout the story, the plot is intriguing and exciting and the romance wasn’t overdone, which was nice to see. I loved the humor scattered throughout the book and I found myself flipping through the pages to try to answer the many questions that surround Emerson’s unusual sight.

I’ll be reading the sequel (Timepiece) shortly and look forward to entering the world of Hourglass once again. For those who like paranormal YA, I suggest you add this one to your TBR list—it’s a fantastic addition to the genre.

Have you read either of these novels? What did you think? If not, feel free to share your recommendations!