Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

One hour to rewrite the past . . .

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 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?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

Review:

Myra McEntire’s Hourglass is truthfully not like any paranormal book I have read before. Unique, mesmerizing, romantic, and full of many memorable as well as loveable characters, it simply was paranormal fiction at its finest.

For Emerson Cole, not everything has been the same since she was fourteen, because at that age was when she started seeing things- things that no one else could see. Ever since then, she and her brother have tried their best to alleviate the problem- medication, doctors, etc. However, everything changes when her brother calls in the people of Hourglass, because not only is the consultant (Michael) sexy, swoon worthy, and best of all, around her age, but the process begins to help. She begins to feel okay again; she is gaining control over her ability; and she is starting to fall in love with Michael. However, what happens when she learns the truth surrounding Hourglass- the danger and the secrets that lurk around every single corner and what it means for her? Will she run screaming the other way, or will she risk her life to save the day? More importantly, will Michael ever give her a chance? Only time and more pages will tell in this sultry as well as stunning paranormal debut.

I know I say this a lot, but with Hourglass, it is especially true: I adored the characters in this. From witty and valiant Emerson, to the quiet yet sizzling Michael Weaver, to the ultimate yet lovable player Caleb, nearly every single one stole the stage and came to life. I especially loved Emerson, because not only was her character relatable, but I felt her feelings over her “ability” were pitch perfect so to say. Better yet, I loved her relationship with Michael, because not only did it cause for some steamy moments, but a lot of heart as well. Her moments with Caleb were amazing as well…I seriously do not know which guy I would pick I were her.

The plot of this was also memorable. I enjoyed the idea of an Hourglass as well as the people who came with it. I also liked how Myra explored the abilities of each character, and the harm as well as help they could do. Moreover, there were plenty of evil twists and turns thrown in too that always managed to stir everything up. For the better or worse? You will have to read it yourself to find out!

Myra’s writing was also decent. She did a great job with characterization and plot detail. The only thing I was not too big about in this one was the fact that some of the secondary characters were a bit underdeveloped and I did feel the plot occasionally stalled.

Even with that, Hourglass still is a promising debut. I'll be eagerly awaiting the the sequel, that's for sure.

Grade: A-

Hourglass will be released June 14, 2011!

Source: Jenny at Goodman Media- thanks!