Review: a little series that has much to recommend it
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 06 8, 2013
I had read and reviewed The Mine, which is the direct lead in to this particular story, and picks up to follow Grace and Joel through more adventures.  Focusing on Grace, it was an interesting choice to have her travel both forward and back in time, getting a sense of Joel's confusion and difficulties.However, like the first story, this book was not without its own peculiar set of issues.  I will say that Heldt's prose is lovely and he writes descriptive passages with flair and they provide a great sense of place and time.  However, the frequent inclusion of these descriptions, and a very thorough detailing of backstory prevented clear forward motion which made the story drag dramatically, especially for those who have read the first book.  With such unique and memorable character creation from The Mine, it was detail that did not serve the current story, and actually made connecting with Grace more difficult.Even with those difficulties to pacing, Heldt's conversational style of storytelling does manage to save the story- pushing through to come to the end, and the little twists that provide some answers are incredibly well crafted and thought through. This is a little series that has much to recommend it, the time travel is done well, even with the minor pacing and styling blips.  This is an author who is finding his own particular style, and telling a story that will entertain fans of time travel stories: the points of view provided by the encountered characters that illuminate their own period of history as well as the difficulties they face are a nice bonus and bring the feel of the time closer to the reader.I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.