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Loop #2
Twist
Bree Bennis finally has it all - a non-comatose mother, an über-hot (albeit anachronistic) boyfriend named Finn, and a newfound mission to protect the timeline from those who would skew it for their own gain. But when she leans over one day to kiss said boyfriend, her lips meet those of her arch-nemesis, Wyck, instead. The timeline has been altered, and Bree is caught in the crosshairs. But when she goes back to repair the damage, she is stopped by none other than her Future Self, who delivers an urgent message: Someone is kidnapping Shifters from the distant past. It’s up to Bree to stop them. But first, she has to figure out who... and why.
To follow the trail of chronocrumbs, Bree reluctantly accepts her new undercover gig as Wyck’s girlfriend. Everything goes spiffy until Finn shows up in the twenty-third century on the eager arm of a gorgeous fellow Shifter. Blark. Even as Bree struggles with jealousy, she battles the nagging dread that Finn might be better off with someone less chronologically complicated. Her worst fear is confirmed when Finn becomes the kidnapper’s next victim. As Bree zeroes in on the culprit, they unravel her life one timeline change at a time. She realizes that she alone has the power to save herself and everyone she loves. But to do that, she may lose Finn forever.
To follow the trail of chronocrumbs, Bree reluctantly accepts her new undercover gig as Wyck’s girlfriend. Everything goes spiffy until Finn shows up in the twenty-third century on the eager arm of a gorgeous fellow Shifter. Blark. Even as Bree struggles with jealousy, she battles the nagging dread that Finn might be better off with someone less chronologically complicated. Her worst fear is confirmed when Finn becomes the kidnapper’s next victim. As Bree zeroes in on the culprit, they unravel her life one timeline change at a time. She realizes that she alone has the power to save herself and everyone she loves. But to do that, she may lose Finn forever.
325 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2015
10 people are currently reading
2130 people want to read
About the author
Karen Akins
4 books210 followersKaren Akins writes humorous, light sci-fi for young adults and the young in spirit. When not writing or reading, she loves lightsaber dueling with her two sons and forcing her husband to watch BBC shows with her.
Karen has been many things in her life: an archery instructor, drummer for the shortest-lived garage band in history, and a shockingly bad tic-tac-toe player.
**IMPORTANT: All review and publicity requests are handled by my publisher. Please do not message me on Goodreads regarding ARC, swag, or interviews, etc. You can find my contact info on my website for any other requests. Thanks so much! <3, Karen**
Karen has been many things in her life: an archery instructor, drummer for the shortest-lived garage band in history, and a shockingly bad tic-tac-toe player.
**IMPORTANT: All review and publicity requests are handled by my publisher. Please do not message me on Goodreads regarding ARC, swag, or interviews, etc. You can find my contact info on my website for any other requests. Thanks so much! <3, Karen**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
May 4, 2016
I enjoyed LOOP the first book in this duet so much. Although the twisty-ness of the story made my head spin at times, the clever time travel plot was extremely entertaining and it kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. Of course what I loved so much about the story was Finn and Bree's romance. Because of the addition of time travel to their lives, it doesn't start or build in the regular manner and all of that served to make it more engaging. In some senses it is slow burn love story, but not in the typical way and that worked well for me. Although Bree could be frustrating in her stubbornness and inability to reveal information, I enjoyed her voice, and I fell so hard for Finn. When I finished the book, I could not wait to find out what would happen next in the sequel TWIST.
What I was hoping for in TWIST was lots more Bree and Finn time together, especially with them working together and on the same page. I was excited for lots for swoon and hoping for more communication from Bree. Sadly, most of that didn't happen and this book was much more of a frustration than anything else. It also felt much more slower paced than LOOP did. Maybe it was due to my personal frustrations, but I felt like not a lot happens in places. The major issues I had with TWIST -
1) Bree spent 35% of this book fake dating Wyck, and though I appreciated that she wasn't really into the relationship, it bugged me nonetheless. I got very tired of watching her make out with him to "keep him happy" even if she didn't want to kiss him. Unfortunately I'm finding that "it's not really a love triangle" still means it's going to be an issue for me.
2) Compounding that was a complete lack of communication with Finn during that time. They could have had one conversation earlier on in the book that would have cleared up a lot. But without it, I just found myself frustrated and upset over the level of angst. Later in the book Finn is off screen a lot again (and during that time Bree spends even more time with Wyck), making Bree and Finn's time together in this sequel much less than I had hoped to see.
3) There was little to no guidance about what Present Bree was supposed to be doing, and I never understood why Future Bree (or another associate) couldn't sit her down and give out some clear information, instead of constantly being secretive and cryptic. We do get somewhat of an explanation for why the plot unfolded this way later on in the book, but it was too little too late for me. It just seemed like a ploy to add confusion and drama that upped my anxiety level. Even after the explanation, I didn't fully understand why everyone was so cagey for so long.
4) The end. In one sense it was sweet and appropriate for this story. But after the frustration of 60% of the book, I needed for it to continue a little further for me to be fully satisfied. It just wasn't enough for me. I was also hoping to see this story loop back to previous scenes more than it did. And I just wanted more romance overall (truly, we may have seen more kissing scenes between Bree and Wyck than between her and Finn).
As I said, I enjoyed LOOP a lot, but TWIST didn't work well for me. However, if you aren't as bothered by the it's not "really" a love triangle situation, and if you aren't as frustrated with the cryptic information for so long, you'll be ok. I do love Finn so much though
Love Triangle Factor: None. (But some of the drama did bug me)
Cliffhanger Scale: Series end
Some specific spoilery thoughts I wrote - these are more raw and 'in the moment:'
This is one of those books where it's not a love triangle but it still bugged me. If you want more details, I wrote this spoiler while I was reading, it's emotional:
This is about later in this book:
What I was hoping for in TWIST was lots more Bree and Finn time together, especially with them working together and on the same page. I was excited for lots for swoon and hoping for more communication from Bree. Sadly, most of that didn't happen and this book was much more of a frustration than anything else. It also felt much more slower paced than LOOP did. Maybe it was due to my personal frustrations, but I felt like not a lot happens in places. The major issues I had with TWIST -
1) Bree spent 35% of this book fake dating Wyck, and though I appreciated that she wasn't really into the relationship, it bugged me nonetheless. I got very tired of watching her make out with him to "keep him happy" even if she didn't want to kiss him. Unfortunately I'm finding that "it's not really a love triangle" still means it's going to be an issue for me.
2) Compounding that was a complete lack of communication with Finn during that time. They could have had one conversation earlier on in the book that would have cleared up a lot. But without it, I just found myself frustrated and upset over the level of angst. Later in the book Finn is off screen a lot again (and during that time Bree spends even more time with Wyck), making Bree and Finn's time together in this sequel much less than I had hoped to see.
3) There was little to no guidance about what Present Bree was supposed to be doing, and I never understood why Future Bree (or another associate) couldn't sit her down and give out some clear information, instead of constantly being secretive and cryptic. We do get somewhat of an explanation for why the plot unfolded this way later on in the book, but it was too little too late for me. It just seemed like a ploy to add confusion and drama that upped my anxiety level. Even after the explanation, I didn't fully understand why everyone was so cagey for so long.
4) The end. In one sense it was sweet and appropriate for this story. But after the frustration of 60% of the book, I needed for it to continue a little further for me to be fully satisfied. It just wasn't enough for me. I was also hoping to see this story loop back to previous scenes more than it did. And I just wanted more romance overall (truly, we may have seen more kissing scenes between Bree and Wyck than between her and Finn).
As I said, I enjoyed LOOP a lot, but TWIST didn't work well for me. However, if you aren't as bothered by the it's not "really" a love triangle situation, and if you aren't as frustrated with the cryptic information for so long, you'll be ok. I do love Finn so much though
Love Triangle Factor: None. (But some of the drama did bug me)
Cliffhanger Scale: Series end
Some specific spoilery thoughts I wrote - these are more raw and 'in the moment:'
This is one of those books where it's not a love triangle but it still bugged me. If you want more details, I wrote this spoiler while I was reading, it's emotional:
This is about later in this book:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2017
This review was originally posted on Andi's ABCs
I have basically told everyone and anyone that they needed to read Karen Akin's debut Loop. I seriously loved that book so much. So when I saw it was a duology I knew I needed to read Twist. I loved that Bree and Finn's story wasn't done yet, that there were still ends that needed to be tied up. I was thrilled I would be able to immerse myself in their world again and immerse I did. Twist...LOVED it!
(Spoilers for Loop included. Read that before you read my review!)
Twist picks up right where Loop left off. Bree and Finn are together and shifting happily between their worlds, trying to stop changes that people are attempting to make to the timeline. So far things are going well until Bree's future self stops her from using the reverter to stop a change being made my Bree's former friend Wyck. Future Bree tells Bree that shifters are being taken and this change is the on,y way to help. Now Bree is stuck in a world where Wyck is her boyfriend and Finn is dating someone else. With everything backward Bree must work to figure out who is taking shifters and why. But when Finn is taking Bree has to figure out if being with him is even worth it for his own safety.
Okay so my description of the book does it no justice. I mean no matter what words I wrote it wouldn't. Twist is just too, for lack of a better word, twisty, for me to really explain. This book really hurt my head in places as I tried to figure out exactly what was going on. And then all of a sudden there was a moment in the story that pulled everything together and made it all make sense and made me go, 'OH!!!'. It just pulled all the pieces together in such a way that was almost magical. It made me feel like Bree did, only having some of the parts of the story and then having the whole thing right there. Basically it was awesome.
I won't lie though, my heart hurt for a lot of it because my Bree and Finn live is strong. They have such an amazing, natural chemistry that it was hard to have them so apart. But I got it. It made sense for the story and worked. Actually it made it even better when they were together because then they had to fight the spark. Just another thing to live about Twist.
What Karen Akins did with this duology is give readers a great time travel story that will make your brain hurt with paradoxes and crazy situations, but make you fall in love with the story and the characters. When all is said in done it isn't about time travel and fixing the world the way it should be. It's about finding who you should be with no matter the point in your life. It was fantastic and I can't wait for more from this author who is in my auto-buy list for life.
I have basically told everyone and anyone that they needed to read Karen Akin's debut Loop. I seriously loved that book so much. So when I saw it was a duology I knew I needed to read Twist. I loved that Bree and Finn's story wasn't done yet, that there were still ends that needed to be tied up. I was thrilled I would be able to immerse myself in their world again and immerse I did. Twist...LOVED it!
(Spoilers for Loop included. Read that before you read my review!)
Twist picks up right where Loop left off. Bree and Finn are together and shifting happily between their worlds, trying to stop changes that people are attempting to make to the timeline. So far things are going well until Bree's future self stops her from using the reverter to stop a change being made my Bree's former friend Wyck. Future Bree tells Bree that shifters are being taken and this change is the on,y way to help. Now Bree is stuck in a world where Wyck is her boyfriend and Finn is dating someone else. With everything backward Bree must work to figure out who is taking shifters and why. But when Finn is taking Bree has to figure out if being with him is even worth it for his own safety.
Okay so my description of the book does it no justice. I mean no matter what words I wrote it wouldn't. Twist is just too, for lack of a better word, twisty, for me to really explain. This book really hurt my head in places as I tried to figure out exactly what was going on. And then all of a sudden there was a moment in the story that pulled everything together and made it all make sense and made me go, 'OH!!!'. It just pulled all the pieces together in such a way that was almost magical. It made me feel like Bree did, only having some of the parts of the story and then having the whole thing right there. Basically it was awesome.
I won't lie though, my heart hurt for a lot of it because my Bree and Finn live is strong. They have such an amazing, natural chemistry that it was hard to have them so apart. But I got it. It made sense for the story and worked. Actually it made it even better when they were together because then they had to fight the spark. Just another thing to live about Twist.
What Karen Akins did with this duology is give readers a great time travel story that will make your brain hurt with paradoxes and crazy situations, but make you fall in love with the story and the characters. When all is said in done it isn't about time travel and fixing the world the way it should be. It's about finding who you should be with no matter the point in your life. It was fantastic and I can't wait for more from this author who is in my auto-buy list for life.
May 22, 2015
Karen Akins debut novel, Loop was one of my favorite book in 2014 and my favorite time travel book ever so needless to say I couldn't wait to make grabby hands for the next installement, Twist! I didn't think it was possible but I think I loved this one even more. Filled with non-stop action and pure entertainment from the first page right, intill the end.
Between the spontaneous time travelling, the responsibility of the reverter and trying to maintain a cross-century relationship, Bree is a busy girl, but she's finally happy with the way things have been, but all that changes one night when someone decides to change their timeline and changing Bree's in the process. Shifters are being kidnapped, her once friend Wyck is either the good guy or the bad guy and her boyfriend Finn is the next victim in ICE's plans. It's a race against time and an inevitable fate to save the ones she loves the most, but Bree may end up losing more then she's willing to give up.
Wow! What a mind-bender! Akins really knows how to write some awesome time travelling craziness. Man, my mind is still whirling with everything that's happened. There is so much going on here plot wise I wouldn't even be able to sum it up even if I wanted to, but one things for sure, I could not stop reading this page turning adventure. Time travel books has always been a hard sell for me, I adore the concept mind you but couldn't always get into them till now. I think it's the way Akins tells this story, it's incredibly exhilarating and a heart stopping adventure combined with humor, hug-worthy moments and a passion for the space-time continuum. I was always connected and invested with each character and while I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't a little confused at one point or another, I was still completely aware with everything happening. So in short, there was a lot to process but dame if it wasn't a blast doing it.
I adore Bree and Finn! Seriously, they're one of my favorite couples evah. They give a whole new meaning to complicated long distance relationship, but they make it work. I love their humor and little quirks, I love how they take mundane activities or everyday sayings and jumble it up in such an amusing and adorable way. It's those little things that made me fall more in love with them throughout the story. Bree is amazing in this book, she takes charge, doesn't give up and tries with everything she has while Finn is still the steady, strong, protective and fun loving guy we meet in the first book. Their love story is so dame sweet and it makes my heart happy just thinking about them. The ending is truly bittersweet but when I think of a different way it could have been I realize that Akins really did deliver a perfectly fitted ending that ties up the story in a satisfying and hopeful way.
Bottom line, I loved this book. It has everything I love in an escape, from rip roaring time travel goodness, to head spinning-heart aching romance. This was such a solid sequel and so much fun to read. Loved! I can't wait to see what Akins does next, I'll follow her anywhere.
Between the spontaneous time travelling, the responsibility of the reverter and trying to maintain a cross-century relationship, Bree is a busy girl, but she's finally happy with the way things have been, but all that changes one night when someone decides to change their timeline and changing Bree's in the process. Shifters are being kidnapped, her once friend Wyck is either the good guy or the bad guy and her boyfriend Finn is the next victim in ICE's plans. It's a race against time and an inevitable fate to save the ones she loves the most, but Bree may end up losing more then she's willing to give up.
Wow! What a mind-bender! Akins really knows how to write some awesome time travelling craziness. Man, my mind is still whirling with everything that's happened. There is so much going on here plot wise I wouldn't even be able to sum it up even if I wanted to, but one things for sure, I could not stop reading this page turning adventure. Time travel books has always been a hard sell for me, I adore the concept mind you but couldn't always get into them till now. I think it's the way Akins tells this story, it's incredibly exhilarating and a heart stopping adventure combined with humor, hug-worthy moments and a passion for the space-time continuum. I was always connected and invested with each character and while I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't a little confused at one point or another, I was still completely aware with everything happening. So in short, there was a lot to process but dame if it wasn't a blast doing it.
I adore Bree and Finn! Seriously, they're one of my favorite couples evah. They give a whole new meaning to complicated long distance relationship, but they make it work. I love their humor and little quirks, I love how they take mundane activities or everyday sayings and jumble it up in such an amusing and adorable way. It's those little things that made me fall more in love with them throughout the story. Bree is amazing in this book, she takes charge, doesn't give up and tries with everything she has while Finn is still the steady, strong, protective and fun loving guy we meet in the first book. Their love story is so dame sweet and it makes my heart happy just thinking about them. The ending is truly bittersweet but when I think of a different way it could have been I realize that Akins really did deliver a perfectly fitted ending that ties up the story in a satisfying and hopeful way.
Bottom line, I loved this book. It has everything I love in an escape, from rip roaring time travel goodness, to head spinning-heart aching romance. This was such a solid sequel and so much fun to read. Loved! I can't wait to see what Akins does next, I'll follow her anywhere.
April 30, 2015
(Update: this book is truly great. I do wish the cover were not so ugly, though...)
Holy crap! This book! No wait, BOTH Loop and Twist! I dare somebody, anybody, try to top this twisty-turney, loopidy-loop, timey-wimey story of AWESOME!
So. So. So. GOOD!
(And no! Don't let the description fool you into thinking this particular installment has anything to do with a love triangle! It doesn't!)
A full duology (yes, this is the final book in a duology) review to come!
Holy crap! This book! No wait, BOTH Loop and Twist! I dare somebody, anybody, try to top this twisty-turney, loopidy-loop, timey-wimey story of AWESOME!
So. So. So. GOOD!
(And no! Don't let the description fool you into thinking this particular installment has anything to do with a love triangle! It doesn't!)
A full duology (yes, this is the final book in a duology) review to come!
August 31, 2015
I could never get into this story, hence the long period of time it took me to finish it. The series had potential, but I did not connect with the characters and the plot lacked depth.
March 7, 2015
At the end of last year while on winter holidays I read LOOP in one sitting and I absolutely adored it. It was one of my first reviews of this year and what a way start out. Now TWIST is even better than the first book. No sequel book syndrome, this book sends your spiraling across time and space.
TWIST continues one from the drama that is the consequences of time travel and changing a specific point in time. Bree Bennis has finally got her life under control even her shifts. Her mum is out of a coma, her boyfriend from the Twenty-First century couldn't be more perfect, and no more cryptic messages from her Future-Self or so she thought. LOOP left off with the danger that is Ice, an organisation hell bent on destroying the lives of Shifters and using and experimenting on them. When she became the carrier of the reverter, an object that can identify when someone is making a change in their own timeline, she shifts and stops it from occurring. But with every change, their is essentially a consequence, another echo of a timeline is created. When Bree tried to stop a major change for her and for Finn, her Future Self showed up once again, to keep his, destroy yours, that is her clue and one that would indefinitely revert everything to the true timeline. Bree has to fix every change, but it could also lose everything she hold most dear.
Confused yet?! Well that's alright, I was the same, but that the beauty of her time travel books, especially those that leave your mind whirling when you finish for a time. But to be honest when you turn back to it, your just so entranced by it, it's hard not to love it. It literally is a page-turner, so if I could have read this one in one sitting I would and that's what I love about Akins books. Her plot-lines are utterly flawless, her language and stylistic writing is pure genius, there are just some things that just crack you up with her references. What I loved the most was that some of Bree shifts made her end up in 2016. So close to us, which was fascinating to see Akins view of the world too, in different times and places.
Akins creates the most, engaging, brilliant, comedic, characters. Bree Bennis, has a lot on her shoulders, especially when she has the control of the future in her hand. Bree loves to say 'Oh Blark' or 'Blark' in general which makes me giggle, and I have to say on more than one occasion I have said it myself. Bree isn't your casual, simple, YA character, she has depth, and experience. You can't do anything but just connect and love her. Oh and Finn. Finn, Finn, Finn... he couldn't be more perfect than when he was in Loop. Together, they both face some pure happiness, and love but also loss, sadness and some horrific decisions to be made. No matter what they were destined to be together on any timeline.
I don't know what is to come of Bree and Finn now... I don't know if there is another book in the series yet. But I can't wait for what this series and Karen Akins has to offer next. If you want to read a YA Sci-Fi series, then I recommend this 100%. I've never been so addicted to a time travel, shifting series as this.
Rating - 5
This review can also be found on my blog
TWIST continues one from the drama that is the consequences of time travel and changing a specific point in time. Bree Bennis has finally got her life under control even her shifts. Her mum is out of a coma, her boyfriend from the Twenty-First century couldn't be more perfect, and no more cryptic messages from her Future-Self or so she thought. LOOP left off with the danger that is Ice, an organisation hell bent on destroying the lives of Shifters and using and experimenting on them. When she became the carrier of the reverter, an object that can identify when someone is making a change in their own timeline, she shifts and stops it from occurring. But with every change, their is essentially a consequence, another echo of a timeline is created. When Bree tried to stop a major change for her and for Finn, her Future Self showed up once again, to keep his, destroy yours, that is her clue and one that would indefinitely revert everything to the true timeline. Bree has to fix every change, but it could also lose everything she hold most dear.
Confused yet?! Well that's alright, I was the same, but that the beauty of her time travel books, especially those that leave your mind whirling when you finish for a time. But to be honest when you turn back to it, your just so entranced by it, it's hard not to love it. It literally is a page-turner, so if I could have read this one in one sitting I would and that's what I love about Akins books. Her plot-lines are utterly flawless, her language and stylistic writing is pure genius, there are just some things that just crack you up with her references. What I loved the most was that some of Bree shifts made her end up in 2016. So close to us, which was fascinating to see Akins view of the world too, in different times and places.
Akins creates the most, engaging, brilliant, comedic, characters. Bree Bennis, has a lot on her shoulders, especially when she has the control of the future in her hand. Bree loves to say 'Oh Blark' or 'Blark' in general which makes me giggle, and I have to say on more than one occasion I have said it myself. Bree isn't your casual, simple, YA character, she has depth, and experience. You can't do anything but just connect and love her. Oh and Finn. Finn, Finn, Finn... he couldn't be more perfect than when he was in Loop. Together, they both face some pure happiness, and love but also loss, sadness and some horrific decisions to be made. No matter what they were destined to be together on any timeline.
I don't know what is to come of Bree and Finn now... I don't know if there is another book in the series yet. But I can't wait for what this series and Karen Akins has to offer next. If you want to read a YA Sci-Fi series, then I recommend this 100%. I've never been so addicted to a time travel, shifting series as this.
Rating - 5
This review can also be found on my blog
July 6, 2015
**I received this book for free from (St. Martin's Griffin) via (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Young Adult, Science Fiction, Time Travel
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Twist is the final installment in the Loop Duology and the perfect title for this book. Bree Bennis, our heroine with the time traveling gene, truly believes that things are looking up. After-all, her mother is no longer in a coma, her relationship with Finnigan (Finn) Masterson is going amazingly well, and she adores Finn's family. So, what could possibly go wrong? Well, if you are Bree, almost everything! This is the book where Bree's entire life ends up in turmoil. From watching a 17th century Haven for Shifters burn to the ground, to ICE and their plans for shifters and non shifters alike by making Bree scramble around blindly, to not knowing when and where Future Bree will appear with yet another vague message or warning.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd 01/21/2015 via NetGalley* Published: March 31st 2015 by St. Martin's Griffin
*Genre* Young Adult, Science Fiction, Time Travel
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Twist is the final installment in the Loop Duology and the perfect title for this book. Bree Bennis, our heroine with the time traveling gene, truly believes that things are looking up. After-all, her mother is no longer in a coma, her relationship with Finnigan (Finn) Masterson is going amazingly well, and she adores Finn's family. So, what could possibly go wrong? Well, if you are Bree, almost everything! This is the book where Bree's entire life ends up in turmoil. From watching a 17th century Haven for Shifters burn to the ground, to ICE and their plans for shifters and non shifters alike by making Bree scramble around blindly, to not knowing when and where Future Bree will appear with yet another vague message or warning.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd 01/21/2015 via NetGalley* Published: March 31st 2015 by St. Martin's Griffin
May 12, 2015
Original Link to the review at my blog Le' Grande Codex - here
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They are a pair - Loop & Twist .... Really they are because now that I have read both, things start to make better sense. Of course the cover wasn't my favorite of the lot but I didn't really care for it much seeing as we got a great story in the proceeding pages. Needless to say that this duology won me over. 'Loop' presented the puzzle & 'Twist' its pieces & together they make a complete and quite possibly a wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey set.
Things were finally stabilizing for Bree. Her mother was safe, she and her time-traveling boyfriend Finn have been busily trying to maintain a loving relationship (much better this time). All the while spontaneously shifting (time traveling) to set the events right and safeguard the precious reverter. But then as you would have it, things start to go from bad to worst. Wyck and his dubious reasons to interfere and the ICE upto their nefarious means again and disappearing shifters. Twist definitely had the action to a 'T'.
Loop-ing & Twist-ing and Loop-ing & Twist-ing .... Mind-bender of a marvelous read. Karen Akins sure knows to implement that age-old formula of how to keep your readers in a bind. Karen Akins you rock. Really 'Loop' only gave us a hint of what she could do if allowed to run wild witht he genre and she proved that with 'Twist'. So much action. So much twist & turns so many clues to follow and so many timelines to travel. Bree ..... Be it Past, Present or Future has her hands full in dealing with this travesty.
Bree and Finn. They are strong and particularly sweet. Their banter, the wit, sarcasm and their resourcefulness endears them to us. Come on they give a completely new meaning to the erm complicated and long-distant. For a minute there reading through the chapters I was pretty anxious because things seem to be confusing and going from bad to worst but in the typical twist-y time travel way, things unraveled .... (I was pretty much at wit's end trying to keep all I read in mind) .... Akins sure knew what she was doing, as a conclusion of all conclusion hits. A fitting end of course maybe a teeny-tiny bit bittersweet but a fitting end. Will definitely be looking to what Akins comes up with next.
"An electrifying and zestful time travelling sequel"
April 3, 2015
This review was originally posted on Ticket to Anywhere
Place(s) Traveled To: London, England (1666) // Washington, DC (23rd Century) // Chinocteague, North Carolina (2016)
First Line(s): There are forty-seven rules every Shifter must obey. I'd broken all but two of them.
Place(s) Traveled To: London, England (1666) // Washington, DC (23rd Century) // Chinocteague, North Carolina (2016)
First Line(s): There are forty-seven rules every Shifter must obey. I'd broken all but two of them.
Twist by Karen Akins is the sequel to last year's Loop (my review) and the conclusion of the duology started in that book. Twist was a book that I was really excited to read beause I loved Loop so very much and I was really looking forward to more Finn and Brie snarky goodness. Only what I was hoping for and what Twist actually was never really meshed in my head. Twist quickly falls into the 'lets separate the happy couple' trope and I, for one, hated that. So much of what I loved in Loop was missing in Twist because there wasn't a whole lot of time with Brie and Finn in the same place. Instead Brie was almost always with Wyck who she was pretending to date and then getting the occasional clue from future Brie just as now Brie was about to end things.
*pauses for a big sigh*
Future Brie.
Oh my stars did this annoy me more in this book than in the first one. So much crypticness that lead to so many misunderstandings when everything could have more easily been resolved if the characters just TALKED TO EACH OTHER. Regular readers on my blog know that lack of communication as a plot point is one of my biggest pet peeves. Head banging against the wall inducing even. And since much of Twist relies on this trope, well, lets just say that it wasn't a quick read for me. I wasn't as engaged in this book and kept putting it aside in favor of other books.
Despite my annoyances I still got invested in the story...just not as much as I would have liked. My heart still broke but it wasn't until around the 80% mark that I felt things really take off in the story. Up until then I may have been fine just putting this one aside forever and never reading it until the end. I still liked Brie and her snark but I wasn't a huge fan on where Akins took her characters in this one. Which is always a danger, I suppose, when characters in a series find their happily for now at the end of the first book. But with all the other things going on in Brie's world, what with the changing timelines and all, why did we need the added drama of a separation as well. For me, Twist would have been stronger if Finn and Brie spent the book working together and becoming stronger as a couple. Not spending most of it apart and having to deal with bad characters from the fist book getting a redemption story.
Then you have the ending. An ending that I'm still trying to decide on if I like it or not. I mean I get it, I think it fits with the story. But at the same time its a little unsatisfying to me as a reader. I just wanted ALL THE THE THINGS and I didn't get them. At least, not in the way that I wanted them to be. I still think that Karen Akins is a strong writer and I loved her world building. I will still eagerly pick up her next book but while I will re-read Loop I don't think that Twist is a book that I will pick up again. It was hard enough to finish the first time and I don't think I want to put myself through that again.
Add Pivot Point by Kasie West to Goodreads. (Click here for my review.)
Add A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray to Goodreads. (Review coming soon.)
This review was originally posted on Ticket to Anywhere
January 21, 2015
So first of all I want to say I LOVED this one. It was one of those books that I raced through in record time and had a rip roaring brilliant reading experience. The second thing I want to say is the story does not start here, it starts in “Loop” and whilst I was vaguely befuddled early on in this story due to having completely missed that fact, for me it worked really well.
It is so well written that very shortly you will know what is going on. Well thats a lie, but you won’t have missed out by not reading the first book in the series – however my recommendation would be that you do. Simply because if it is as good as this one then you will have a whale of a time, erm, travel. Of course as I am reviewing this early (via netgalley or due to my own time shift I shall leave you to decide) you can read one then the other with no waiting.
So Bree then is actually happy. She has her boyfriend, her mother is fine but then as things do when you can shift back and forth in time, things start to go a bit haywire, to put it mildly. Stuck with her arch nemesis and trying to sort out a myriad of twists in time, this is a terrific adventure that will keep you right on your toes.
One of the strengths of this novel for me was the intelligent and terrific development of the story – sometimes time travel stories can end up with immense plot holes that leave you scratching your head – not so here, even though during the reading of it the head scratching may happen, especially when you try to imagine being in Bree’s shoes and having to see how each individual action may further confuse issues. Add to that the fact that Karen Akins does not sacrifice characters for plot, all of them are extremely well drawn and likeable – even the villains. Definitely the most fun I’ve had with a book for ages.
The world building is dazzling especially as the author has to manage so many little nuances, different times and places and yet manages to keep you where you need to be whilst offering you a lot of things to think about. I am a big fan of that – trust the reader to keep up and just go go go! There is a lot of go in this story and the journey is a magical one.
I don’t think I need to say much more really. It is a story to surprise and delight you, twist you and turn you, keep you on the edge of your seat and also give your brain a bit of a workout as you try to keep up with Bree, Wyck, Finn and the myriad of other magnificent characters you will find within – I am very ready for more, whilst this instalment is well rounded I imagine there is a part three on the cards. I can’t wait!
Highly Recommended.
Happy Reading Folks!
It is so well written that very shortly you will know what is going on. Well thats a lie, but you won’t have missed out by not reading the first book in the series – however my recommendation would be that you do. Simply because if it is as good as this one then you will have a whale of a time, erm, travel. Of course as I am reviewing this early (via netgalley or due to my own time shift I shall leave you to decide) you can read one then the other with no waiting.
So Bree then is actually happy. She has her boyfriend, her mother is fine but then as things do when you can shift back and forth in time, things start to go a bit haywire, to put it mildly. Stuck with her arch nemesis and trying to sort out a myriad of twists in time, this is a terrific adventure that will keep you right on your toes.
One of the strengths of this novel for me was the intelligent and terrific development of the story – sometimes time travel stories can end up with immense plot holes that leave you scratching your head – not so here, even though during the reading of it the head scratching may happen, especially when you try to imagine being in Bree’s shoes and having to see how each individual action may further confuse issues. Add to that the fact that Karen Akins does not sacrifice characters for plot, all of them are extremely well drawn and likeable – even the villains. Definitely the most fun I’ve had with a book for ages.
The world building is dazzling especially as the author has to manage so many little nuances, different times and places and yet manages to keep you where you need to be whilst offering you a lot of things to think about. I am a big fan of that – trust the reader to keep up and just go go go! There is a lot of go in this story and the journey is a magical one.
I don’t think I need to say much more really. It is a story to surprise and delight you, twist you and turn you, keep you on the edge of your seat and also give your brain a bit of a workout as you try to keep up with Bree, Wyck, Finn and the myriad of other magnificent characters you will find within – I am very ready for more, whilst this instalment is well rounded I imagine there is a part three on the cards. I can’t wait!
Highly Recommended.
Happy Reading Folks!
March 29, 2016
This duology was pretty great. Lots of fun time travel, great characters, a fast-moving plot, and you can really tell Akins mapped the whole thing out, as I found very few dangling plot lines. I also like that you never quite know who you're following in the story, past, present, or future Bree. It makes the story more entertaining. Great short series for any Whovian
March 17, 2022
So good. The time travel stuff always hurts my brain, and was really hard to get into at first but once I hit 75 pages I was sucked back in to Bree and Finns story!
I loved this world and how clever it was with shifters and non.
Thanks to Andi for sending me this duology! It was perfection!
I loved this world and how clever it was with shifters and non.
Thanks to Andi for sending me this duology! It was perfection!
May 12, 2015
TWIST’s title is a perfect fit for this action-packed, edge-of-your-seat, twisty-turny thriller of a sequel that is so full of twists and loops and the potential for temporal paradoxes it will absolutely blow the mind. It’s a story whose buildup to the finish is gripping and nail-biting and deliciously anxiety-inducing, and whose ending is of the jaw-dropping variety. It’s an amazing sequel that is not to be missed.
When someone messes with the timeline, Bree Bennis is usually there to make sure the changes are reverted. But when her Future Self prevents her from altering the latest change to the timeline, Bree finds herself caught in an existence she doesn’t want, with a boyfriend she definitely doesn’t want, and a puzzle to solve that threatens to complicate things even more.
With a timeline that keeps changing for the worse, only one cryptic clue to follow, and future versions of people she’s not entirely sure should be trusted giving her guidance and getting in her way, getting answers and getting back to the existence she knows and the boy she loves won’t be easy. And with the number of permanent alterations already made, it might not even be possible.
Karen Akins does not make things any easier for her heroine in TWIST. In fact, she makes things even more challenging. Bree’s attempts to right things are thwarted at every turn, the risks she has to take are more dangerous, the consequences of failure more devastating, and the possible outcomes even more heartbreaking.
The author adds in more loops, more alternate realities and characters, more of a mystery, more suspense, creating a read that is positively riveting and mind-boggling and electrifying. She delivers a story that is fascinating and complex and trippy and awesome. The pace is lightning fast. The plot is engaging and exciting. The main character is incredibly likable, fun and funny. The ending is surprising and shocking.
TWIST will grab hold immediately, will keep you guessing, will make you think, and will ensure that you’re hooked until the very last word on the very last page. There will be smiles. And there will definitely be tears. But this is one story that you won’t be able to resist falling in love with.
When someone messes with the timeline, Bree Bennis is usually there to make sure the changes are reverted. But when her Future Self prevents her from altering the latest change to the timeline, Bree finds herself caught in an existence she doesn’t want, with a boyfriend she definitely doesn’t want, and a puzzle to solve that threatens to complicate things even more.
With a timeline that keeps changing for the worse, only one cryptic clue to follow, and future versions of people she’s not entirely sure should be trusted giving her guidance and getting in her way, getting answers and getting back to the existence she knows and the boy she loves won’t be easy. And with the number of permanent alterations already made, it might not even be possible.
Karen Akins does not make things any easier for her heroine in TWIST. In fact, she makes things even more challenging. Bree’s attempts to right things are thwarted at every turn, the risks she has to take are more dangerous, the consequences of failure more devastating, and the possible outcomes even more heartbreaking.
The author adds in more loops, more alternate realities and characters, more of a mystery, more suspense, creating a read that is positively riveting and mind-boggling and electrifying. She delivers a story that is fascinating and complex and trippy and awesome. The pace is lightning fast. The plot is engaging and exciting. The main character is incredibly likable, fun and funny. The ending is surprising and shocking.
TWIST will grab hold immediately, will keep you guessing, will make you think, and will ensure that you’re hooked until the very last word on the very last page. There will be smiles. And there will definitely be tears. But this is one story that you won’t be able to resist falling in love with.
October 14, 2016
This is beautiful! I am actually crying!
First off, Karen Akins, you are bloody brilliant! I would kiss that brain of yours right now! Okay! That sounded a little creepy. Sorry.
I don't have words to describe how good this book is. SO FREAKING GOOD!
I will admit that a few chapters in, I was confused for a while as to what exactly was happening. But that was just a few paragraphs. Then the book got better and better and better. It was so epic! EPIC!
Bree, you beautiful lady! She is hands down one ofthe bravest women that I've read of. And the best. And Finn? That guy is so freaking good! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
I wish I could write more about this book but I cannot. It left me speechless. Karen deserves way more recognition and this book deserves more love. True brilliance and man, does it grip you and play with your emotions!
I am going to go cry in the corner for another few days. Bye!
P.S: Karen, I freaking love you! I wish I had discovered these books earlier. Finn and Bree are honestly right on top of my OTP list! (They beat Destiel and Malec and Amy-Rory.) I am in love with this book and the writing and the characters and the story and.. I'll leave now. Bye.
First off, Karen Akins, you are bloody brilliant! I would kiss that brain of yours right now! Okay! That sounded a little creepy. Sorry.
I don't have words to describe how good this book is. SO FREAKING GOOD!
I will admit that a few chapters in, I was confused for a while as to what exactly was happening. But that was just a few paragraphs. Then the book got better and better and better. It was so epic! EPIC!
Bree, you beautiful lady! She is hands down one ofthe bravest women that I've read of. And the best. And Finn? That guy is so freaking good! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
I wish I could write more about this book but I cannot. It left me speechless. Karen deserves way more recognition and this book deserves more love. True brilliance and man, does it grip you and play with your emotions!
I am going to go cry in the corner for another few days. Bye!
P.S: Karen, I freaking love you! I wish I had discovered these books earlier. Finn and Bree are honestly right on top of my OTP list! (They beat Destiel and Malec and Amy-Rory.) I am in love with this book and the writing and the characters and the story and.. I'll leave now. Bye.
November 21, 2025
This is a particularly magnificent and dazzling mind twister. The name is apropo, Twist blew me away.
Bree must track down the instant the time line started to change. The point shifter interference started creating the ripples that are destroying her world but by doing that she might forever loose her true love.
Akins creates a highly complex, mind bending experience. Just when you thought you knew where this plot was heading you are totally taken by surprised. Don't get me wrong her twists totally work; they are just absolutely unexpected.
I know the description sounds like a love triangle but that can't be further from the case. Yes, the changes made to her reality put her in a relationship with her enemy, Wyck, but her heart belongs to Finn.
What would you do to save the one you love? Bree is going to face that and much more...
From the start this book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions while teasing you with possibilities.
Akins' imagination + masterful and vivid world building = one incredible story.
I received this ARC copy of Twist from St. Martin's Griffin in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication March 31, 2015.
Bree must track down the instant the time line started to change. The point shifter interference started creating the ripples that are destroying her world but by doing that she might forever loose her true love.
Akins creates a highly complex, mind bending experience. Just when you thought you knew where this plot was heading you are totally taken by surprised. Don't get me wrong her twists totally work; they are just absolutely unexpected.
I know the description sounds like a love triangle but that can't be further from the case. Yes, the changes made to her reality put her in a relationship with her enemy, Wyck, but her heart belongs to Finn.
What would you do to save the one you love? Bree is going to face that and much more...
From the start this book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions while teasing you with possibilities.
Akins' imagination + masterful and vivid world building = one incredible story.
I received this ARC copy of Twist from St. Martin's Griffin in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication March 31, 2015.
February 21, 2017
1.5/2 stars.
This was the worst ending to a duology but I mean having read Allegiant and Mockingjay I honestly don't know why I'm so surprised.
You know, it might be me but I was so confused by that ending. What was that!? I'm not talking about the plot part but like the actual dialogue and the doubles and futures and Wyck and future her and... what the hell happened
I think that the romance was really not that serious for that to be what happens - I see the full circle but I don't really like it or enjoy it really. I got to a point where I was just skimming the pages to get to the ending.
There wasn't even really a climax! I mean there was but there wasn't.
Also,
Ugh, waste of time. I'm glad a I took it out the library.
Wouldn't reread, won't recommend.
This was the worst ending to a duology but I mean having read Allegiant and Mockingjay I honestly don't know why I'm so surprised.
You know, it might be me but I was so confused by that ending. What was that!? I'm not talking about the plot part but like the actual dialogue and the doubles and futures and Wyck and future her and... what the hell happened
I think that the romance was really not that serious for that to be what happens - I see the full circle but I don't really like it or enjoy it really. I got to a point where I was just skimming the pages to get to the ending.
There wasn't even really a climax! I mean there was but there wasn't.
Also,
Ugh, waste of time. I'm glad a I took it out the library.
Wouldn't reread, won't recommend.
January 26, 2016
I so wish for a 4.5 star rating right now. Why isn't that a thing on Goodreads? I loved Twist. Any uncertainty I had about Bree in Loop went away. And I love Finn's quirkiness. I still want so much more out of that Epilogue...but it was so good. And not at all the ending I expected. But so good. This book was a lot less confusing...but i'm not sure if that was because I understood it more based on having been immersed in the Loop world already or if it was explained better. Either way, it was a little less confusing.
"What the gray shades of blarking pegamoo crapsicles on a stick?" (pg 284) Honestly, I felt like this all the time myself. (How did all of that even happen...I'm still not 100% sure.) I put this on my clean list with an asterisk because there were an awful lot of made up curse words...but they were so funny. Bree is hilarious. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
"What the gray shades of blarking pegamoo crapsicles on a stick?" (pg 284) Honestly, I felt like this all the time myself. (How did all of that even happen...I'm still not 100% sure.) I put this on my clean list with an asterisk because there were an awful lot of made up curse words...but they were so funny. Bree is hilarious. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
March 6, 2018
I received this book as an ARC through Goodreads. Twist drew me in immediately and I was hooked from the beginning. I enjoyed this book more than the first book Loop. I felt like the time travel was less confusing and that the made up language (which was VERY distracting in Loop) had been toned down quite a bit. The world Karen Akins created as a setting for her series was just as vivid and well-planned out in Twist as it was in Loop. This is one of those books that can be enjoyed by both adults and YA alike and I look forward to her next book!
April 14, 2015
I love this series. I read the first one off a recommendation from a random goodreads-er and was instantly hooked. Thankfully the timing worked out that I didn't have long to wait for number two. This one kept me guessing - and revising my guesses - through pretty much the whole book! I'm sure there were probably some plotholes, as is the nature of TT stories, but Akins does such a good job addressing the fact that TT is just weird (the chicken-egg thing!) that I didn't notice - or care. I reallllllly hope there's a third!!
May 22, 2015
I LOVED this doulogy! SO smart and a fun quick read!
It was none stop from the beginning with all the time loops, and twists- a perfect Summer read (anytime really, it was really was alot of fun!)
It did lend itself to "but wait, if that changes in this timeline, does it affect X?" questions rolling around in my head..but still so much fun and so tightly written. It was a blast! I almost wish there were more adventures, but with some reservations, cause this was a great ending.
It was none stop from the beginning with all the time loops, and twists- a perfect Summer read (anytime really, it was really was alot of fun!)
It did lend itself to "but wait, if that changes in this timeline, does it affect X?" questions rolling around in my head..but still so much fun and so tightly written. It was a blast! I almost wish there were more adventures, but with some reservations, cause this was a great ending.
April 18, 2015
this one was not nearly as good as the first one and the time travel rules were difficult for me to follow and there was not enough of my favorite couple. It was a satisfactory ending to the series.
December 4, 2015
Oh, my heat melted all over this! This sequel might not have been as good but it was satisfating. Except for the ending. A very i>Legend ending.
May 27, 2020
4 Stars...
I'm not sure if I liked this one more than book 1, but I loved the ending. Once again, it was a confusing read at times and honestly there are things I still don't quite understand, but it was an enjoyable clean book. I really liked the love story between Bree and Finn and, just like book 1, it didn't take over the story, but it was still there and so sweet. My major problem with this book is the same one I had with the first one----it dragged on. I don't think the story needed to be so long, it felt like it needed to be revised some. Other than that, it was a fun, sweet, and adventurous read. The ending did give me the feels---so heart breaking, but so necessary and done so well. Great job Akins and I am so glad this story (like so many others) wasn't drawn out into a 3rd book.
I'm not sure if I liked this one more than book 1, but I loved the ending. Once again, it was a confusing read at times and honestly there are things I still don't quite understand, but it was an enjoyable clean book. I really liked the love story between Bree and Finn and, just like book 1, it didn't take over the story, but it was still there and so sweet. My major problem with this book is the same one I had with the first one----it dragged on. I don't think the story needed to be so long, it felt like it needed to be revised some. Other than that, it was a fun, sweet, and adventurous read. The ending did give me the feels---so heart breaking, but so necessary and done so well. Great job Akins and I am so glad this story (like so many others) wasn't drawn out into a 3rd book.
Read
June 24, 2016Title: Twist
Author: Karen Akins
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pages: 336
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Science Fiction, Time Travel
Rating: 5/5
Goodreads Blurb:
Bree Bennis finally has it all - a non-comatose mother, an uber-hot (albeit anachronistic) boyfriend named Finn, and a new-found mission to protect the timeline from those who would skew it for their own gain. But when she leans over one day to smooch said boyfriend, her lips meet those of her arch-nemesis Wyck instead. The timeline has been altered, and Bree is caught in the crosshairs. But when she goes back to repair the damage, she is stopped by none other than her Future Self, who delivers an urgent message: Someone is kidnapping Shifters from the distant past. It's up to Bree to stop them. But first, she has to figure out who... and why.
To follow the trail of chronocrumbs, Bree reluctantly accepts her new undercover gig as Wyck's girlfriend. Everything goes spiffy until Finn shows up in the 23rd century on the eager arm of a gorgeous fellow Shifter, Blark. Even as Bree struggles with jealousy, she battles the nagging dread that Finn might be better off with someone less chronologically complicated. Her worst fear is confirmed when Finn becomes the kidnapper's next victim. As Bree zeroes in on the culprit, they unravel her life one timeline-change at a time. She realizes that she alone has the power to save herself and everyone she loves. But to do that, she may lose Finn forever.
‘Loop’ was one of my favorite books of 2014. So, needless to say, I had huge expectations for this book. And, I am happy to say, that I was not disappointed.
‘Twist’ was exceptional: there were so many great things about it. First off, the plot was incredibly interesting. This wasn’t really a shock seeing as how the previous book was fantastic. You can check out the review for that book, ‘Loop’, here. First of all, the fact that this book was based on time-travelling made it all the more thought-provoking. Secondly, the mystery of hunting down the kidnapper was incredibly intricate. There were so many twists and turns as well as a plethora of moments when I was incredibly shocked by all of the mind-blowing changes that the criminal was causing by altering the events of the past. Just having to read about how different types of people reacted to the changes in the timeline was fascinating. And as the book progressed there are so many more pieces to this complicated puzzle that are revealed. By the end of the book, the plot has taken such a drastic turn that you would never expect what happened. I know I definitely didn’t.
One of the best parts of this book was the world-building. There were so many mind-blowing time-travelling details that made this book amazing. At first they were a bit confusing, but it was after rereading them that the true impact of these words became apparent.
And then there were the characters. There was Bree, the heroine. She was incredibly independent, courageous and overall, the perfect heroine. There was a clear and direct path into her thoughts, something that I felt wasn’t there in the first book ‘Loop’. But besides that, she had a lot of the same characteristics as she had before. She was witty, strong, and persistent. Additionally, now that she’s in charge of reverting all changes made in the timeline, it’s easier to see how she reacts to great burdens of responsibility.
Another thing relating to the characters is that I had really liked all the questions Finn asked in ‘Loop’ seeing as how this was the first time he had actually time-travelled. In ‘Twist’, a part of me was sad that that part of Finn was gone, but another part of me was happy. This was because in the previous book, when he was asking all the questions about the future, there wasn’t much that you could glean from his character. Now, in the sequel, it was easier to really analyze Finn’s character and get a good idea on who he really was. And he was amazing. He was the perfect boyfriend who completely supported Bree and was always there at her side. But not only that, he never doubted her – not for a second. Besides that, he was witty, charming, and for lack of other words, the perfect guy for Bree to fall in love with. He definitely grew as a character as the book progressed.
Then there was the romance plot. I’d have to say that this one was better than the one in the previous book because the emotions between Bree and Finn flowed so well. In ‘Twist’, there weren’t any awkward encounters where the two first discovered their emotions – they were already together. And, beyond that, when Finn is put in danger, even though Bree has doubts about their relationship, she continues to risk her life to save him. It’s easy to see how much she loves him as she puts everything at risk to give Finn the perfect life that isn’t so chronologically complicated.
And finally, there was the conclusion. I’d have to say that this part of the book was the best. And all I can say without giving the ending away is that it was absolutely striking and completely unexpected.
All in all, this book was first-rate. The time-travelling twists and turns were absolutely amazing to read about and incredibly complex – ‘Twist’ definitely isn’t a beach read. The characters were better than before, as was the romance plot. And the conclusion was fantastic – a fitting ending to a great two books. I definitely recommend this book to people who love time-travel, adventure and romance books.
Author: Karen Akins
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pages: 336
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Science Fiction, Time Travel
Rating: 5/5
Goodreads Blurb:
Bree Bennis finally has it all - a non-comatose mother, an uber-hot (albeit anachronistic) boyfriend named Finn, and a new-found mission to protect the timeline from those who would skew it for their own gain. But when she leans over one day to smooch said boyfriend, her lips meet those of her arch-nemesis Wyck instead. The timeline has been altered, and Bree is caught in the crosshairs. But when she goes back to repair the damage, she is stopped by none other than her Future Self, who delivers an urgent message: Someone is kidnapping Shifters from the distant past. It's up to Bree to stop them. But first, she has to figure out who... and why.
To follow the trail of chronocrumbs, Bree reluctantly accepts her new undercover gig as Wyck's girlfriend. Everything goes spiffy until Finn shows up in the 23rd century on the eager arm of a gorgeous fellow Shifter, Blark. Even as Bree struggles with jealousy, she battles the nagging dread that Finn might be better off with someone less chronologically complicated. Her worst fear is confirmed when Finn becomes the kidnapper's next victim. As Bree zeroes in on the culprit, they unravel her life one timeline-change at a time. She realizes that she alone has the power to save herself and everyone she loves. But to do that, she may lose Finn forever.
‘Loop’ was one of my favorite books of 2014. So, needless to say, I had huge expectations for this book. And, I am happy to say, that I was not disappointed.
‘Twist’ was exceptional: there were so many great things about it. First off, the plot was incredibly interesting. This wasn’t really a shock seeing as how the previous book was fantastic. You can check out the review for that book, ‘Loop’, here. First of all, the fact that this book was based on time-travelling made it all the more thought-provoking. Secondly, the mystery of hunting down the kidnapper was incredibly intricate. There were so many twists and turns as well as a plethora of moments when I was incredibly shocked by all of the mind-blowing changes that the criminal was causing by altering the events of the past. Just having to read about how different types of people reacted to the changes in the timeline was fascinating. And as the book progressed there are so many more pieces to this complicated puzzle that are revealed. By the end of the book, the plot has taken such a drastic turn that you would never expect what happened. I know I definitely didn’t.
One of the best parts of this book was the world-building. There were so many mind-blowing time-travelling details that made this book amazing. At first they were a bit confusing, but it was after rereading them that the true impact of these words became apparent.
And then there were the characters. There was Bree, the heroine. She was incredibly independent, courageous and overall, the perfect heroine. There was a clear and direct path into her thoughts, something that I felt wasn’t there in the first book ‘Loop’. But besides that, she had a lot of the same characteristics as she had before. She was witty, strong, and persistent. Additionally, now that she’s in charge of reverting all changes made in the timeline, it’s easier to see how she reacts to great burdens of responsibility.
Another thing relating to the characters is that I had really liked all the questions Finn asked in ‘Loop’ seeing as how this was the first time he had actually time-travelled. In ‘Twist’, a part of me was sad that that part of Finn was gone, but another part of me was happy. This was because in the previous book, when he was asking all the questions about the future, there wasn’t much that you could glean from his character. Now, in the sequel, it was easier to really analyze Finn’s character and get a good idea on who he really was. And he was amazing. He was the perfect boyfriend who completely supported Bree and was always there at her side. But not only that, he never doubted her – not for a second. Besides that, he was witty, charming, and for lack of other words, the perfect guy for Bree to fall in love with. He definitely grew as a character as the book progressed.
Then there was the romance plot. I’d have to say that this one was better than the one in the previous book because the emotions between Bree and Finn flowed so well. In ‘Twist’, there weren’t any awkward encounters where the two first discovered their emotions – they were already together. And, beyond that, when Finn is put in danger, even though Bree has doubts about their relationship, she continues to risk her life to save him. It’s easy to see how much she loves him as she puts everything at risk to give Finn the perfect life that isn’t so chronologically complicated.
And finally, there was the conclusion. I’d have to say that this part of the book was the best. And all I can say without giving the ending away is that it was absolutely striking and completely unexpected.
All in all, this book was first-rate. The time-travelling twists and turns were absolutely amazing to read about and incredibly complex – ‘Twist’ definitely isn’t a beach read. The characters were better than before, as was the romance plot. And the conclusion was fantastic – a fitting ending to a great two books. I definitely recommend this book to people who love time-travel, adventure and romance books.
July 26, 2020
I found this book confusing and hard to follow. I really enjoyed the first book which is why I read this one. It has been 4 months since I read the first book so I didn't really remember what happened. In this book, there were no reminders as to the events of the first book; it just jumped into the story. It took me about 50 pages in before I remembered what had previously happened. I also found the ending to be super confusing. I really have no idea what happened at the end.
I would recommend to read the first book and this book right after each other to fully understand the story.
I would recommend to read the first book and this book right after each other to fully understand the story.
March 5, 2021
I loved Loop. (If you haven't read it, you need to read it before reading this book because it picks up where Loop ended.) To be honest, I struggled to get into the first part of this book. However, once I got about a third of the way through, I could not put it down. I loved seeing the pieces come together. There are interesting twists and all sorts of things that will make you think. This book, like Loop, is clean with the exception of maybe two swear words. I enjoyed it and would recommend it for readers in high school or older.
April 2, 2020
It should go without saying that books on time travel may be difficult to read, but I was stimied more than a few times while reading this book. While I enjoyed the characters, I had a difficult time believing their motivation, and how some of them came to possess certain skills or knowledge. With that being said, the book wrapped nicely for the reader.
I appreciate that the author kept things “clean” as not all YA fiction does. Thanks for being an author of character!
I appreciate that the author kept things “clean” as not all YA fiction does. Thanks for being an author of character!
September 4, 2019
I feel nothing atm.
Not that the ending wasn't good. It was, and so very sweet. It just wasn't enough.
With the shit ton of angst and sorrow and WTF's i had to read to get to the HEA.
Im just like what the heck? Thats it? well that was a wast of my life I'll never get back.
Not that the ending wasn't good. It was, and so very sweet. It just wasn't enough.
With the shit ton of angst and sorrow and WTF's i had to read to get to the HEA.
Im just like what the heck? Thats it? well that was a wast of my life I'll never get back.
December 14, 2017
Loop was good. It was a tightly written story. However, this second book was all over the place and had too many subplots to follow. 😞
August 7, 2018
this book was so confusing..i wish i could talk with someone who read it because..i just can't understand half what went on
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