An intriguing read that could do with some improvement .
I was very excited to win a copy of this book. The synopsis had sparked my interest and I was looking forward to getting started.
It took me a chapter or two to get into this story. At first the main character seemed pretty narrow-minded and unfriendly, but when that got better the story suddenly became very interesting as well. I found myself taking the book with me everywhere I went, so I could find out what would happen to Lyra and Zack.
The whole premise of this book is something I haven't encountered before. I really enjoyed the ghost/timetravel angle and thought most of it was handled very well. I was also grateful for the fact that there was a bit of physics involved. It was explained very clearly, yet it still helped elevated the story from the chick lit-level of the rest of the book.
After a while it became a bit boring, though. The pace suddenly became very slow and while the romance started out pretty interesting, it eventually felt very repetitive and too sugary sweet. When the two love birds find themselves at risk of losing one another or possibly even dying both, it was reminiscent of Twilight pt. 2 (which I found very slow and depressing and did not set a good example for teenage girls at all).
The pace picked up again near the end. Too much, in my opinion. Before I knew it, it was all over and done with. I have to admit I didn't see this particular ending coming, so I can't say it was predictable. However, it did leave me feeling a bit robbed, it could have ended so much better.
The writing style wasn't my cup of tea. I was often annoyed by badly flowing sentences or mistakes. (F.E. "Thought" instead of "though". Or sentences like "I pried my eyes opened." or "Here me out.")
It made me wonder if the author consulted an editor for this edition at all, or even had it proof read. (I see there's an update posted at the top that says "professionally edited: 9/20/2013. So perhaps all those issues have been sorted out for future readers.)
Overall, it was an entertaining read. I recommend it if you're looking for a quick Sci-Fi romance that isn't too nerdy.