Review: I LOVED this (and yes, I say that with both shouting caps and exclamation)!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 5, 2014
I felt like I waited forever for this second book in the series, and it lived up to all my expectations.First, the characters are amazing! They make you laugh and consider a deep philosophical idea all in the same paragraph. They have layers and faults that just make them real. They are not only likable characters, but ones that make you wish they weren't fictional. Because, really, how much fun would it be to hang out with these guys? I wonder what nickname Saria would give me....and would she ever tell?Next, the plot keeps you guessing. Every time you think you may know what will happen next, you are swept away in a plot twist! The fact that I got so caught up, I shouted out loud and didn't even care that I was surrounded by hundreds of people, is a sign that this is a great story!! I was captivated from the beginning. It has SO much history and emotional depth. Saira goes through a lot of self discovery and acceptance. She gains insight into herself (and even those around her) that allows her character to transition from teen to young woman.Which brings me to my last point, Ms White is an  AMAZING author. She has the ability to create characters that we not only root for but hurt with, a plot that keeps us biting our nails, and still manages to throw in a few history, fashion, and fire making lessons. (I had to search just how chocolate can be used to make fire.) Authors may make sh$& up, but it seems to me that Ms White does it with a basis of facts and history, adds a sprinkling of juicy theories, and finishes it with some 'why the heck nots' just for fun. Her ability to keep track of the time travel aspects as well as creating (and easily explaining them to the reader) the repercussions of time stream splits boggles my mind.I am anxious to see what happens next....how do you top Queen Elizabeth I....