Monday 3 June 2013

All Our Yesterdays Review


"You have to kill him."
 
Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain. Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside.

Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was.

All Our Yesterdays is a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice.

I’m just going to come out and say it, All Our Yesterdays is my new favourite and I’m totally in love with it *clutches book close to chest*.  If you know me at all, you’ll know that I’m a huge fan of time travel novels so when I first heard about this book, I was all over it.  The thing with time travel novels though is that they’re not necessarily an easy read.  You NEED to keep up together with the plot otherwise you lose it and it’s sayonara, goodnight or you turn to the beginning and start again. With that in mind, it probably wasn’t the best idea to read this on night shifts but once I’d settled into the story...I couldn’t stop reading and when it ended? There were tears and snot and thoughts of “bloody hell, that was brilliant”.  That was a direct quote from my past self FYI. 

All Our Yesterdays is told in alternating point of view from past Marina and future Marina (Em) although we get the impression that future Marina is more present day. Em is on a mission, one that she’s attempted several times before but doesn’t remember – she has to kill the boy she loves and if that isn’t the best hook EVER, I don’t know what is.    What follows is a heart stopping, action packed journey to do the unthinkable but can she actually do it?  Is it right to punish someone for something that they haven’t even done yet?

If I had to tell you what the strongest part of this book was, I’d honestly have to say everything.  Not only did it have a brilliant hook, and an AMAZING plot with constant conflict and tension, but the characters were fleshed out really well and felt completely real to me.  Future Marina (Em) was not only on a mission to change the future but she was also on a personal journey to love herself and I really enjoyed that aspect of her character.   Finn was the best companion to have with her - he’s charming, funny and puts people at ease. Let’s hear it for the genuine nice guys!!!

And James.  What to say about James, a guy that made me love him and hate him in equal measures.  Excellent writing from Cristin had me conflicted from the start and he was one of my favourite characters to figure out.  What I REALLY liked about all the male characters was that there were no bad boys, no tattoos, no motorbikes – just normal guys who could easily be your best friends.

All Our Yesterdays is an intelligent time travel novel with a very plausible plot and for a debut novel? I’m positively blown away to be honest.  And yes, I cried at the end because DAMN, that ending was magnificent.  This could easily be a standalone book but I’m pleased to say that there will indeed be a sequel and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.  The most exciting part?  Think about it...this is a time travel novel and so literally ANYTHING could happen.  When you’ve finished reading the book, I want you to just take a moment and think about how much that fact blows your mind.  Seriously.

This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and definitely one of the strongest debut novels I’ve ever seen.  I’m not even sure I can do it justice with this review but TRUST ME when I tell you that you simply MUST get your hands on this book or die trying!

All Our Yesterdays is published on 1st August, 2013.  To find out more about Cristin Terrill and her books, please click here to visit her website.

4 comments:

  1. Totally agree - I loved this! I didn't know there would be a sequel - thought it was a standalone as everything seemed pretty well wrapped up at the end, but, YAY!

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  2. This book sounds incredible! And unique. I don't think I've read anything like it which is what's making me so intrigued! I'll definitely be checking it out if you say it's one of your best of the year :D

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  3. Wow, this sounds just amazing! I love time travel books too but god, they can be complicated! Definitely going to have to get this :D

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  4. Another rave review! I keep seeing them for this book. Really going to have to read it soon!

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