Erasing Time
C.J. Hill
Publication date: August 28th 2012
by Katherine Tegen Books
In this high-action and romantic futuristic adventure, there is no escape from the future for two contemporary girls pulled out of their own time.
When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that’s so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can’t go back home.
The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The moblike Dakine fights against the government, and somehow Taylor and Sheridan find themselves in the middle. The only way to elude them all is to trust Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city.
Time travel is a very, very tricky prospect to play with. I was satisfied by the way CJ Hill explains how it works in this novel. Albeit there being a lot of science details I didn’t completely comprehend, I found it was a smooth explanation that avoids bizarre time loops and infinite paradoxes. The reason for the scientists to want to play with time travel is a bit weak, however. I kept forgetting why it was imperative to get a hold of this Tyler, lessening the threat I felt towards the government. There is an integration of different groups which are essentially controlling this society (think Mafia and religious groups) that makes it more sinister, or atmospheric, while keeping it within the realms of probability.
The world 400 year in the future that Taylor and Sheridan get thrown in is obviously very different from our present: Language has evolved, fashion is incredibly bizarre, society as a whole is a brand new world. There is a large dystopian feel that is compelling and gives a very dreary tone to the plot. Nonetheless, the world building is not as complex as I was hoping. For the most part, we’re stuck inside this city; a bubble with an intimidating political system, but no real-world description or history. How do people outside the city live? How bad is it out there? What happened to bring about this future? What we do get is a lot of inner city living which is at least fairly well thought out — especially the realistic evolution of language. The fashion, though not exactly far fetched, seems… implausible. But, who knows what’s in store!? Despite it being interesting, in the end I felt we spent too much time running around in detours to get to the real plot. I was craving to see the outside world, to journey to where they were planning to go. Not until the last 100 pages do we get a glimpse of this vast, post-apocalyptic setting these twins got warped in. Even then, it’s only a glimpse. However, this last quarter becomes intense and exciting where we’re learning to fear this big futuristic world, begin getting the truth alongside its own citizens, and seeing the results of a war long past gone. Finally getting to the big picture. This is what I love about post-apocalyptic settings and I’m thinking the next book will be more my speed.
The inclusion of twins in this novel is unique and gives us a different character dynamic to study. Both girls are vastly different from one another and, even though only one of the two sisters gets a perspective, we get to know both of them individually. Taylor is the smart science geek, whilst Sheridan is fascinated by English and literature. This gives us a very intelligent plot with lots of scientific/programming data, as well as some literature and religion details. On the other hand, besides this shell, the characters aren’t very highly developed. They have roles to play, and they play them well, but their personalities don’t stand out and breathe life within them. This is the same for our male — and future — perspective, Ethan, which I found mostly one-dimensional and unconvincing. There was a big lack of communication between him and the girls that became irritating, and the biggest reason for the plot to take so long to lift off.
One thing to, sadly, have survived 400 years, is insta-love. Or at least an insta… whatever this was. Not surprisingly with an instant “fling”, the romance in this novel is bland with little to no chemistry. Luckily it doesn’t appear to be a big part of the plot, leaving it a minor issue for now.
Even though I seem to be mentioning a lot of negatives, the premise in Erasing Time is very engaging and I was thoroughly intrigued by this new world, and especially riveted by its last 100 pages. It’s an animated futuristic setting that is equally enchanting and terrifying.
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| 3 Hot Espressos |
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Jennifer Messerschmidt
I would love to time travel to 400 years into the future. I would love to time travel anywhere but it is tricky. What rules there are and how it will affect the past or future. I definitely think a lot could change in 400 years! Look at the 1600s. Things have changed a lot. So weird to think of. I love books about twins. I would never want one but I find them interesting lol Sounds good but I am sad to hear it has insta love and a boring love interesting.
Kris (Imaginary Reads)
I’m glad to hear that the world is unique and interesting. While it looks like it gets off to a rocky start, it sounds like it gets better. Hopefully the second one will more fully round out the world and characters!
Amy
I enjoy time travel books. I find them interesting. It sounds like the time travel aspect is done well, but it’s a shame that the characters fell a little flat. This sounds good, but nothing that I would be rushing out to read. fantastic review babe!!
Jac
I’m always nervous about time travel, it’s so easy to not do it right so I’m glad to hear it works in this…
I think I’ll give this one a try! Even though it has insta-love *ugh* I’m hoping I can look past that…
-Jac @ For Love and Books
Alexa
I was really intrigued when I saw this one was about twins! I’m kind of sad that it seems like their characters are sort of meh, but I’m still looking forward to checking this out.
Katie @ BlookGirl
Wonderful review, muffin. I have this marked on my Wish List if for nothing other than to see how the author handles time travel. I’m writing my own time travel book and am always fascinated by how other authors explain it.
I love the premise of the novel, but am disappointed that it wasn’t as _quite_ as good as it sounds. Nonetheless, it appears you enjoyed it overall and that’s good enough for me! 🙂
Candace
I agree that this wasn’t a mind blowing read and could have had more development. But because I enjoyed the funny bits of it SO much I actually gave it 4 stars.
I didn’t consider the instant attraction as insta-love because it really was just attraction (w kissing) but I agree that it was a little bland.
I guess I pretty much agree with your review but I still found myself really enjoying it. I even decided to put it on my keeper shelf.
Kristin @ My ParaHangover
It sounds like the book just tried to take on too much and it’s structure kind of failed along the way, not holding it up, no? But I’m glad it picked up the last bit! I bet you’re right about the second book, though!!! Great, honest review!!!
Giselle
@Candace: I guess this “insta-love” was more like an instant attraction, and within what? Hours. Bleh. It all falls to the same category for me. An instant relationship that garners no chemistry because it’s so sudden. At least it wasn’t an instant undying love, which would have been much worse O_O
Eileen
Awesome review! Eww…insta-love? I really hate that sometimes. I’m glad the time travel was well done, although it seems like there wasn’t a lot of stuff to back it up? And the characters sound really great, excluding Ethan. I’m glad you liked this one!
Savannah Valdez
I’m so excited to read book. I was hoping you give it a better rating though. Still, I’m interested. Thanks for being honest.
Camille Picott
I love the concept of exploring the evolotion of language. I slogged through a lot of Old Endligh in college and I could hardly believe it WAS considered English. Nice review!
Vegan YA Nerds
“One thing to, sadly, have survived 400 years, is insta-love.” This made me laugh, love it! Why wasn’t it killed off in the future?!
Well, despite the negatives I think I want to give this a go, I want to read some more sci-fi so I’m been taking note of books to add to my list!
Mary @ BookSwarm
Time travel can be very hit or miss for me (unless it’s Doctor Who. He’s always a hit–#10 FTW!) so it’s good to hear that keeps the reader engaged, even though it’s not a perfect read.
Vivian @ Vivaciously, Vivian
Gosh, the premise sounds SO tempting, and I absolutely LOVE time travel AND twins <3 Was so excited, was bouncing up and down in my seat XD I'm sorry to hear that there was an insta-…whatever that was for you, and for the not so complex world building. I don't think I'd be too impressed by it either. Still, looks like an enjoyable read overall. Thanks for the review!
Addie R.
I didn’t realize how lack of world building in dystopias affected me until now since I’m reading one and it hasn’t said much about their history. So that might be a drawback for me in Erasing Time. Although I do love it when twins are the main characters and am intrigued by time traveling so I’m still gonna give this one a go! Thanks for the review! :))
Lalaine
Anohter new found! eeep. Its good to hear that its engaging, thats enough for me to read and finish a book. Thanks and great review Giselle! xoxox
ficbookreviews
Maji Bookshelf
I saw the three star rating first and was like ok, this might be good. And I read your review and was ok good so far, I will pick it up, then I reached the end and read the dreaded words “Insta-Love” …. Now I understand. I think I will pass up on this novel since I am not a fan of time travel to begin with.
great review Giselle!
Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf
Jenni @ Alluring Reads
This seems like one where the second book in the series would be better. Seems like maybe the first book was more so setting the stage for the series. That’s annoying but sometimes it makes for awesome follow ups. Happy you still enjoyed this despite it’s obvious flaws. Great review love.