I obtained an advanced reader copy of this novella from the author on the understanding I would provide an honest review. This is another of those quirky offerings from the award-winning Grimbold stable – they certainly have an eye for intriguing reads…
It’s the same old story: Time traveler meets girl, time traveler tells girl she’s the future president, time traveler and girl go on a road trip to prevent a war…
Petra Vincent is at the end of her rope – or rather, the edge of a bridge. Her world is falling apart around her and she sees no way out of the meaningless existence the future has in store. But when stranded time traveler Moses Morgan tells her that she will one day lead the country out of the rubble of a nuclear civil war as President of the United States, she’s intrigued – and when another time traveler starts trying to preemptively assassinate her, she realizes Moses might be telling the truth…
So this is an action-packed story where the main protagonist, Petra, finds her life turned upside down by an encounter with Moses, just at a point in her life where everything is going wrong. I found Petra sympathetic as her problems were immediately believable and contemporary and I also liked the fact that it took her some time and a frightening encounter before she began to accept that he might be back from the future with a very important message.
Unfortunately, his appearance draws down other attention, which is far less welcome. Davenport was a convincing villain and I was really rooting for Petra to survive so that she could become the great leader Moses knows from his history books. As she goes on a desperate road trip to meet her estranged father, this turns into a classic chase. What I hadn’t expected, was the ultimate twist at the end – I certainly didn’t see it coming and it was a doozy. I went back and reread the start just to ensure that Rossman hadn’t cheated in any way – she hadn’t. It’s really clever and memorable and turns the book into something else altogether.
This is an entertaining, well-written take on the time travelling trope and if you enjoy those types of stories and want a fast-paced read, then I highly recommend this one.
10/10
I used to avoid time travel stories. Then, I tried a couple and enjoyed them. This sounds entertaining and you sure loved it:)
It’s a fast, really entertaining read – and you’re right, Laura – it’s made my list of outstanding reads this year…
What an interesting premise, I’m intrigued😁 Thanks for sharing this one, Sarah!
You’re welcome, it was a joy to read:)
WOW! This one is definitely a “Gotta’ Read.”
I think you would thoroughly enjoy this one, Rae:)
I’m usually wary of time-travel stories, but I might make an exception for one that hides such an unexpected surprise at the very end… 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I loved it – the sheer quirky nature of this story won me over.
Nice review, Sarah! 🙂
You know, I can’t believe that we haven’t had a female president in the U.S. yet! Lol. You Brits are ahead of us there, as you’ve had TWO female prime ministers already! 🙂
Anyway, this plot caught my attention right away because the female protagonist will be a future U.S. president. And I NEVER get tired of time travel plots!! In fact, I’m now reading a book with such a plot, and I HIGHLY recommend it to you! It’s titled “The Little Shop of Found Things”, by Paula Brackston. The story takes place in England, too. It’s VERY intriguing!
So I’m adding this one to my Goodreads shelves right away! Thanks for sharing!! HUGS!! ❤ ❤ ❤ 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thank you for the recommendation – I enjoy Paula Brackston’s writing. I have read a couple of books in her Shadow Chronicles series – https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2014/12/30/review-for-the-witchs-daughter-book-1-of-the-shadow-chronicles-by-paula-brackston/
So I shall definitely track this one down! And yes… it would be fabulous if you guys had a female president, wouldn’t it? Hugsxxx
A joy to read and 10/10. Thanks, I’ll make a note of this one.
Lynn 😀
I think you’d enjoy this one, Lynn – especially that ending…
Usually I’m not one for time travel stories, but this one sounds indeed very good. If only the cover was more enticing…