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All 17 year old Julia remembers from more than a year ago is falling through the dark with a mysterious dark-haired boy. With her foster mom and sister, she's tried in vain to recover her memories. Her falling nightmare returns each night, and she always wakes from it at 2:20 a.m.--the same time she appeared on the porch of her foster home.
Then the dance goes terribly wrong and Julia learns she's somehow in the wrong time and that her falling nightmare is a glimpse into her real, and dangerous, past. Worse, she's being tracked by a group of immortals called the Timeless, who want to send her back into danger to keep the flow of history in order. Julia must avoid the trip at all costs and learn where she's truly from, because if the Timeless catch her, she will die.
Things only grow more complicated when attractive but brooding Simon shows up at her school. There's something hauntingly familiar about him--so familiar, in fact, that he may have everything to do with the truth that Julia seeks. Julia finds herself growing closer and closer to him as she works to unravel her true past. But Simon has some secrets of his own, and learning the truth may be her end.
Then the dance goes terribly wrong and Julia learns she's somehow in the wrong time and that her falling nightmare is a glimpse into her real, and dangerous, past. Worse, she's being tracked by a group of immortals called the Timeless, who want to send her back into danger to keep the flow of history in order. Julia must avoid the trip at all costs and learn where she's truly from, because if the Timeless catch her, she will die.
Things only grow more complicated when attractive but brooding Simon shows up at her school. There's something hauntingly familiar about him--so familiar, in fact, that he may have everything to do with the truth that Julia seeks. Julia finds herself growing closer and closer to him as she works to unravel her true past. But Simon has some secrets of his own, and learning the truth may be her end.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
29 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Holly Hook
156 books256 followersHolly Hook is the author of the Destroyers Series, which consists of five young adult books about teens who are walking disasters...literally. She is also the author of the Rita Morse series, a young adult fantasy series still in progress, and After These Messages, a short ya comedy. Currently she is writing Twisted, a spin-off of the Destroyers Series due out in December. When not writing, she enjoys reading books for teens, especially ya fantasy and paranormal series with a unique twist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 18, 2016
Review on my blog
I got recommended this trilogy by my boyfriend, who recently went on a cheap kindle binge (currently 99p on Amazon). As shallow as it may sound, I wouldn't generally pick up a box set on Amazon for 99p, because I would have thought it couldn't be that good if it's being sold, as a set, for such a low price. I was pleasantly surprised with this purchase from reading the first book, however.
The story is mysteriously suspenseful and you don't get to find out where Julia is truly from until about halfway through the book. There are subtle hints in the beginning chapters as you and Julia try to find out what's going on in her life. In this way, I felt connected to her as I was figuring everything out at the same pace that she was.
The only thing, funnily enough, that I didn't like was the character of Julia - I don't tend to like main characters in books anyways, that's always been my thing! She took stupid risks and felt so hard done by because she couldn't let out her feelings to anyone when she could have easily confided in Monica, her foster sister. I just felt she was a little silly in her thought processes was all.
The concept of time in the book was originally constructed, and I really like what Hook did with it in her writing, of which I can't really fault. The story flowed and at no point did I ever really want the book to change directions at all.
Overall, 2:20 was a good read and not what I was expecting at all. This has really made me think about how I decide what I'm going to read next as obviously, as they say, you can't judge a book by its cover.
I got recommended this trilogy by my boyfriend, who recently went on a cheap kindle binge (currently 99p on Amazon). As shallow as it may sound, I wouldn't generally pick up a box set on Amazon for 99p, because I would have thought it couldn't be that good if it's being sold, as a set, for such a low price. I was pleasantly surprised with this purchase from reading the first book, however.
The story is mysteriously suspenseful and you don't get to find out where Julia is truly from until about halfway through the book. There are subtle hints in the beginning chapters as you and Julia try to find out what's going on in her life. In this way, I felt connected to her as I was figuring everything out at the same pace that she was.
The only thing, funnily enough, that I didn't like was the character of Julia - I don't tend to like main characters in books anyways, that's always been my thing! She took stupid risks and felt so hard done by because she couldn't let out her feelings to anyone when she could have easily confided in Monica, her foster sister. I just felt she was a little silly in her thought processes was all.
The concept of time in the book was originally constructed, and I really like what Hook did with it in her writing, of which I can't really fault. The story flowed and at no point did I ever really want the book to change directions at all.
Overall, 2:20 was a good read and not what I was expecting at all. This has really made me think about how I decide what I'm going to read next as obviously, as they say, you can't judge a book by its cover.
February 19, 2016
The time travel aspect in this story was really interesting. I liked the small details and the way that we were introduced to the characters, not to mention how the clues that were given to Julia to figure out when in time she was from. I was glad that Julia and Simon stayed together in the end and Julia didn't die or lose her memories.
September 13, 2015
I received a copy of this book for free for an honest review. This book was a great read. The suspense of what is going on pulls you in and keeps you hooked throughout the book. I recommend this book for teens and adult alike. I look forward to the next book in this series!
May 16, 2021
Julia finds herself at a house in the middle of the night. The only thing she can remember is falling and Simon calling to her. When she sees unnatural golden eyes staring at her she frantically knocks on the door. What is more surprising is the person opening the door, she seems to expect Julia, only not in the middle of the night.
It is a year later and she still has no memory of her past, even though she has been searching for clues with the help of her foster sister Monica. Julia still feels like she doesn't fit in this timeline until her worst fears are confirmed. The time police shows up on her door determined to take her back where she belongs. But as she hears screams in the distant, she fights the pull of the rift, if she doesn't she won't survive. Will Julia remember her past on time to survive the ordeal that is waiting for her?
A very interesting approach of Time , like it is a villain. It is action packed time travel story that will leave you on the edge of your chair. It's about family, friendship, romance, history, betrayal, time travel, action and adventure.
It is a year later and she still has no memory of her past, even though she has been searching for clues with the help of her foster sister Monica. Julia still feels like she doesn't fit in this timeline until her worst fears are confirmed. The time police shows up on her door determined to take her back where she belongs. But as she hears screams in the distant, she fights the pull of the rift, if she doesn't she won't survive. Will Julia remember her past on time to survive the ordeal that is waiting for her?
A very interesting approach of Time , like it is a villain. It is action packed time travel story that will leave you on the edge of your chair. It's about family, friendship, romance, history, betrayal, time travel, action and adventure.
July 27, 2017
Excellent story
I love the direction of this story. I love stories that tie into real life events. Can not wait to read more.
I love the direction of this story. I love stories that tie into real life events. Can not wait to read more.
January 20, 2020
Didn't finish
December 5, 2025
I own the trilogy. I love Holly Hook and her writing. I really enjoyed the books.
June 18, 2017
17 year old Julia's first memory, is appearing outside of the now foster home and nothing before that. She lives with her foster mother and foster sister. They are both really nice to her and she has quite a nice life. It's rare to find good family dynamic in ya book.
Anyhow, she wakes up from the same nightmare every night at 2:20.
She has lived at this home for about a year and is asked by popular guy to a school dance. That is where all goes wrong. She learns that she is somehow in a wrong time and that there are people that are trying to fix that.
I liked the book and flew through it, but at the same time I wished it was a bit.. deeper. A bit more depth to the story, and characters would make this book really amazing.
Really nice light summer book.
Happy reading!
Anyhow, she wakes up from the same nightmare every night at 2:20.
She has lived at this home for about a year and is asked by popular guy to a school dance. That is where all goes wrong. She learns that she is somehow in a wrong time and that there are people that are trying to fix that.
I liked the book and flew through it, but at the same time I wished it was a bit.. deeper. A bit more depth to the story, and characters would make this book really amazing.
Really nice light summer book.
Happy reading!
September 3, 2018
I stumbled across this when I was roaming Amazon for free books. I think it ended up being about 95c and I was bored so I thought why not?
Well, am I freaking glad I clicked this book? Hell yes.
I haven't read many time-travelling books but this has inspired me to read more historical and time-travelling books. Now, don't get me wrong, this book is set in the modern day times but it has a historical link that blew my mind away in one of the many, epic plot twists.
17-year old Julia, can't remember anything about her past from when she was dropped at the doors of a foster care home. A year later and she still has no idea where she came from, but she's slowly learning to adapt to her surroundings even though she speaks like she was from another time.
She then meets the lovely (not so lovely) Frank and Isobel, That's right. Julia isn't from modern time but that's all I'm telling you. (Where she ends up is a great shock).
Whilst avoiding Isobel and Frank, because she doesn't want to leave Nancy (foster mum) or Monica (foster sister/ best friend) she meets another mysterious stranger - Simon. She has an undeniable pull towards him, which was a bit too quick for my liking.
What I loved about this book:
Although it was a bit too pushed and quick, I really adored Simon and Julia's connection. It seemed so pure and innocent. You could tell he was willing to do anything for her to escape her fate.
NO LOVE TRIANGLES! That is a big, check for me. I don't mind love triangles when they're pivotal to the plot, or are at least interesting.
It was a really unique twist on the whole time-travelling thing. It's not a black and white "let's go back in time" sort of story.
The complex characters. Isobel, oh Isobel, I really want to learn more about your past and why you rebelled and tried to help Julia stay away from her destined time.
What I disliked about this book:
I said it before, and I'll say it again, I like when relationships develop throughout the book. I don't like when it jumps the gun at the beginning and by the second chapter the main character just can't stop thinking about the random boy she knows nothing about. However, with that being said, the connection does get explained and I can understand it a bit better - enough that it won't derail my overall thoughts about the book.
Well, am I freaking glad I clicked this book? Hell yes.
I haven't read many time-travelling books but this has inspired me to read more historical and time-travelling books. Now, don't get me wrong, this book is set in the modern day times but it has a historical link that blew my mind away in one of the many, epic plot twists.
17-year old Julia, can't remember anything about her past from when she was dropped at the doors of a foster care home. A year later and she still has no idea where she came from, but she's slowly learning to adapt to her surroundings even though she speaks like she was from another time.
She then meets the lovely (not so lovely) Frank and Isobel, That's right. Julia isn't from modern time but that's all I'm telling you. (Where she ends up is a great shock).
Whilst avoiding Isobel and Frank, because she doesn't want to leave Nancy (foster mum) or Monica (foster sister/ best friend) she meets another mysterious stranger - Simon. She has an undeniable pull towards him, which was a bit too quick for my liking.
What I loved about this book:
Although it was a bit too pushed and quick, I really adored Simon and Julia's connection. It seemed so pure and innocent. You could tell he was willing to do anything for her to escape her fate.
NO LOVE TRIANGLES! That is a big, check for me. I don't mind love triangles when they're pivotal to the plot, or are at least interesting.
It was a really unique twist on the whole time-travelling thing. It's not a black and white "let's go back in time" sort of story.
The complex characters. Isobel, oh Isobel, I really want to learn more about your past and why you rebelled and tried to help Julia stay away from her destined time.
What I disliked about this book:
I said it before, and I'll say it again, I like when relationships develop throughout the book. I don't like when it jumps the gun at the beginning and by the second chapter the main character just can't stop thinking about the random boy she knows nothing about. However, with that being said, the connection does get explained and I can understand it a bit better - enough that it won't derail my overall thoughts about the book.
October 19, 2013
Rating: 3.5/5
"It's always 2:20 when I wake up dead."
Review:
I enjoyed the book quite a bit. This reminded me a lot of TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow - concept wise at least. The setting was nearly the same, but this was a very different take on it.
In 2:20 we are introduced to the concept of the Timeless. They're people chosen by 'Time' (Time is seen as this mysterious entity throughout the book) to make sure that nobody tampers with any events in the past.
The book's extremely slow in the beginning but it becomes really fast-paced at the end. The introduction and world building could've been better- we hardly know anything about the Timeless. Or maybe there's more in the 2nd book?
It's hard to talk about the story without giving too much away. Julia discovers that she is a 'Rogue' - a person who has cheated time, and is alive in a time she shouldn't be. She has to find a way to thwart the attempts of Time (and the Timeless) to send her back to the time she's originally from. Simon promises to help Julia on her mission.
I thought it was quite obvious when Julia was from throughout the book (Or maybe it's because of the similarities to TimeRiders). I found it weird that Julia trusts Simon almost blindly; I suppose I can't really blame her- she did just learn that her entire life was a lie.
The one thing that bothered me was that Julia hated the Timeless almost immediately. Even though they did try to kill her, it felt like she hated them almost on principle.
EDIT: Yeah, I do realize how that sentence sounds. BUTbutbut I stand by it; read it, and you'll see what I mean.
All in all, a pretty exciting read. Can't wait for the next one! :D
Also, I just know that there's a backstory with Isabel. Give me moar!!
** I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **
"It's always 2:20 when I wake up dead."
Review:
I enjoyed the book quite a bit. This reminded me a lot of TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow - concept wise at least. The setting was nearly the same, but this was a very different take on it.
In 2:20 we are introduced to the concept of the Timeless. They're people chosen by 'Time' (Time is seen as this mysterious entity throughout the book) to make sure that nobody tampers with any events in the past.
The book's extremely slow in the beginning but it becomes really fast-paced at the end. The introduction and world building could've been better- we hardly know anything about the Timeless. Or maybe there's more in the 2nd book?
It's hard to talk about the story without giving too much away. Julia discovers that she is a 'Rogue' - a person who has cheated time, and is alive in a time she shouldn't be. She has to find a way to thwart the attempts of Time (and the Timeless) to send her back to the time she's originally from. Simon promises to help Julia on her mission.
I thought it was quite obvious when Julia was from throughout the book (Or maybe it's because of the similarities to TimeRiders). I found it weird that Julia trusts Simon almost blindly; I suppose I can't really blame her- she did just learn that her entire life was a lie.
The one thing that bothered me was that Julia hated the Timeless almost immediately. Even though they did try to kill her, it felt like she hated them almost on principle.
EDIT: Yeah, I do realize how that sentence sounds. BUTbutbut I stand by it; read it, and you'll see what I mean.
All in all, a pretty exciting read. Can't wait for the next one! :D
Also, I just know that there's a backstory with Isabel. Give me moar!!
** I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **
June 29, 2013
(Source: I received a digital copy of this story for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Holly Hook.)
16-year-old Julia has a recurring nightmare. In the dream she’s falling, and there’s a boy by her side. The boy calls out her name, and then she hits something and wakes up. Every time she wakes from the dream it’s 2:20 am, and she doesn’t understand why she always wakes at this time.
After her date for the spring formal tries to attack her and she escapes, Julia meets a boy called Simon, who shocks her because he is the boy from her dream.
Simon explains to Julia that she’s a time-traveller, pulled through time because of her tragic death in another time, and that her spring formal date is trying to send her back to that time where she will die.
It’s now up to Julia to try and remember the significance of her dream, and the significance of 2:20, so that she can change things for the better.
Can Julia work out why she’s falling in her dream? What is the significance of 2:20? And is Julia fated to die again?
This was an interesting YA time travel story, and I totally didn’t guess the significance of ‘2:20’!
Julia had absolutely no idea that she was from another time, and although she knew that her dream was weird, she had no idea why she kept having it.
Simon tried really hard to explain to Julia what was going on, even though to literally tell her was impossible. I liked how these two interacted though, and the blossoming romance between them had some really sweet moments.
The storyline in this one was very interesting. It started off as just a time travel story, but when it was revealed which time Julia really came from, and the tragedy that had caused her to time travel the story took on a whole new dimension! I thought this twist to the story was pretty clever, and made the story that little bit more interesting.
The ending to this one was also pretty good, and it will be interesting to see where the story goes from here.
Overall; a time-travel story with a twist.
6.75 out of 10.
16-year-old Julia has a recurring nightmare. In the dream she’s falling, and there’s a boy by her side. The boy calls out her name, and then she hits something and wakes up. Every time she wakes from the dream it’s 2:20 am, and she doesn’t understand why she always wakes at this time.
After her date for the spring formal tries to attack her and she escapes, Julia meets a boy called Simon, who shocks her because he is the boy from her dream.
Simon explains to Julia that she’s a time-traveller, pulled through time because of her tragic death in another time, and that her spring formal date is trying to send her back to that time where she will die.
It’s now up to Julia to try and remember the significance of her dream, and the significance of 2:20, so that she can change things for the better.
Can Julia work out why she’s falling in her dream? What is the significance of 2:20? And is Julia fated to die again?
This was an interesting YA time travel story, and I totally didn’t guess the significance of ‘2:20’!
Julia had absolutely no idea that she was from another time, and although she knew that her dream was weird, she had no idea why she kept having it.
Simon tried really hard to explain to Julia what was going on, even though to literally tell her was impossible. I liked how these two interacted though, and the blossoming romance between them had some really sweet moments.
The storyline in this one was very interesting. It started off as just a time travel story, but when it was revealed which time Julia really came from, and the tragedy that had caused her to time travel the story took on a whole new dimension! I thought this twist to the story was pretty clever, and made the story that little bit more interesting.
The ending to this one was also pretty good, and it will be interesting to see where the story goes from here.
Overall; a time-travel story with a twist.
6.75 out of 10.
July 9, 2013
2:20 is the first book in the Timeless trilogy. The story follows Julia as she experiences nightmares of her death at 2:20 am. She tries to figure out the meaning behind it. She gathers a few clues during the school dance at the beginning of the book – realizing there are people called the Timeless that are trying to put her back into her past or rather her nightmare and death. She meets a new student at her school named Simon, who tries to help her figure out her past. Can she figure out her past in time? Can she change her past before she dies?
Characters:
The story is written in first person following Julia. Julia is a teenager who has had a rough past. Her mother was a drunk and now she lives with Nancy – her stepmother. She is saving up to go to college (by working at a daycare) and trying to set her future right. Every night she has a nightmare that she is falling and a guy is trying to catch her. However, he is saved and she dies – waking up. Yes, she wakes up at 2:20. Simon is a new student who knows what is happening to Julia, but he is unable to tell exactly what it is. Simon is a nice guy who shares her past. He truly tries to help her throughout the book.
Plot:
The plot follows Julia as she learns about her nightmare and why 2:20 is so important. The last half of the book picks up in action. It’s the sort of story where you kind of know what will happen, but exactly how it will pan out with the characters is not so clear. I won’t say much more to avoid spoilers. It was a quick read for me and really got my attention when Julia understood about her death and her fight to change it. I think there could have been one or two more sentences at the end. It felt slightly cut off. Don’t worry. It wasn’t an unfinished story – more like an unfinished paragraph.
The Bottom Line:
Overall, I enjoyed the book. If you like young adult books with time travel, mystery, and a little paranormal storyline, then you might like this book.
Characters:
The story is written in first person following Julia. Julia is a teenager who has had a rough past. Her mother was a drunk and now she lives with Nancy – her stepmother. She is saving up to go to college (by working at a daycare) and trying to set her future right. Every night she has a nightmare that she is falling and a guy is trying to catch her. However, he is saved and she dies – waking up. Yes, she wakes up at 2:20. Simon is a new student who knows what is happening to Julia, but he is unable to tell exactly what it is. Simon is a nice guy who shares her past. He truly tries to help her throughout the book.
Plot:
The plot follows Julia as she learns about her nightmare and why 2:20 is so important. The last half of the book picks up in action. It’s the sort of story where you kind of know what will happen, but exactly how it will pan out with the characters is not so clear. I won’t say much more to avoid spoilers. It was a quick read for me and really got my attention when Julia understood about her death and her fight to change it. I think there could have been one or two more sentences at the end. It felt slightly cut off. Don’t worry. It wasn’t an unfinished story – more like an unfinished paragraph.
The Bottom Line:
Overall, I enjoyed the book. If you like young adult books with time travel, mystery, and a little paranormal storyline, then you might like this book.
May 3, 2013
Julia is invited to the Spring Formal by Frank. She’s surprised that Frank is not asking one of the Snob Squad. When she discovers that Frank has secrets she is no longer surprised but frightened in Holly A. Hook‘s 2:20, book 1 of The Timeless Trilogy. Simon rescues her and she realizes he is like Frank. Julia trusts Simon though she does not know why. Simon has secrets he cannot share with Julia even if he wants. Simon helps Julia unravel her nightmare. When she realizes what it means she knows what she must do even if it brings her death. What is the secret that Frank and Simon hold? Does anyone else know that secret? Will Julia succeed in discovering that secret? Will that secret bring her death? Or will she beat death?
2:20 is a great beginning to The Timeless Trilogy. Holly A. Hook builds a world by showing it to us a piece at a time and we learn the rules as we go along, just like Julia does. I liked Julia. She is a strong lead character in this Young Adult series. She questions. She fights. She gets her answers. Simon is a good foil for her. He is compassionate. He fights for her. He wants to give her answers but cannot so he provides clues for her. It is up to her and us to figure them out.
The secondary characters are a good mix. They are mainly in the background and step forward to keep the story line moving, especially Frank. At first, I was like Nancy, Julia’s foster mother, and liked Frank but when he turned so did I. He creeped me out. Isabel, a member of the Snob Squad, was not what she seemed. She knows more than she lets on especially when she works in tandem with Frank. Something is not right with her but I don’t know what it is.
The plot of 2:20 is exciting. It is full of action and adventure. It moves quickly and I cannot explain why without giving the story away. All I can say is read 2:20. I am anxiously awaiting the chance to read the next book of The Timeless Trilogy.
2:20 is a great beginning to The Timeless Trilogy. Holly A. Hook builds a world by showing it to us a piece at a time and we learn the rules as we go along, just like Julia does. I liked Julia. She is a strong lead character in this Young Adult series. She questions. She fights. She gets her answers. Simon is a good foil for her. He is compassionate. He fights for her. He wants to give her answers but cannot so he provides clues for her. It is up to her and us to figure them out.
The secondary characters are a good mix. They are mainly in the background and step forward to keep the story line moving, especially Frank. At first, I was like Nancy, Julia’s foster mother, and liked Frank but when he turned so did I. He creeped me out. Isabel, a member of the Snob Squad, was not what she seemed. She knows more than she lets on especially when she works in tandem with Frank. Something is not right with her but I don’t know what it is.
The plot of 2:20 is exciting. It is full of action and adventure. It moves quickly and I cannot explain why without giving the story away. All I can say is read 2:20. I am anxiously awaiting the chance to read the next book of The Timeless Trilogy.
February 5, 2016
I’m very much in to time travel and YA, so I knew this was going to be an enjoyable read. And, I was right.
The novel dragged a little in the beginning, but the second half of the book completely made up for that.
Julia wakes up, outside, on a porch, unsure of where she is or how she got there. As she looks down at her watch, a strange kind of watch for her, she notes the time. So begins this novel of action, immortal beings, time travel, and some really well put together history, once you realize where Julia’s from.
The second half of the book was emotional for me, and this garners a lot of respect. Julia’s time can definitely dredge up some emotion, so be prepared for that, and the author does a wonderful job at portraying this. Through the emotion, however, there is still a lot of nail-biting action. I was cheering for them to beat back time the whole way through.
Which brings me to my next point: time. I loved the mysterious element of time as simply a force, something intangible but able to affect the lives of so many and change them in an irreversible way. What an original concept; at least I haven’t seen it anywhere.
I enjoyed the romantic elements in this book as well. I’m all about teenage romance (I’m sort of all about YA in general,) but young love is fresh to me. Julia and Simon have a very interesting relationship, and I don’t want to give anything away, but I appreciate that they act a certain way because of something found out later in the story. It really helps to tie the romantic parts of the story together.
One thing that I did notice was a few typos throughout the book. Because I read everything with a screen reading software, any sort of misspelling is immediately noticeable and disrupts the flow a bit. The story was still good enough that this hardly detracted, but it made itself known.
Great first start to a series, and I can’t wait to read the next one.
The novel dragged a little in the beginning, but the second half of the book completely made up for that.
Julia wakes up, outside, on a porch, unsure of where she is or how she got there. As she looks down at her watch, a strange kind of watch for her, she notes the time. So begins this novel of action, immortal beings, time travel, and some really well put together history, once you realize where Julia’s from.
The second half of the book was emotional for me, and this garners a lot of respect. Julia’s time can definitely dredge up some emotion, so be prepared for that, and the author does a wonderful job at portraying this. Through the emotion, however, there is still a lot of nail-biting action. I was cheering for them to beat back time the whole way through.
Which brings me to my next point: time. I loved the mysterious element of time as simply a force, something intangible but able to affect the lives of so many and change them in an irreversible way. What an original concept; at least I haven’t seen it anywhere.
I enjoyed the romantic elements in this book as well. I’m all about teenage romance (I’m sort of all about YA in general,) but young love is fresh to me. Julia and Simon have a very interesting relationship, and I don’t want to give anything away, but I appreciate that they act a certain way because of something found out later in the story. It really helps to tie the romantic parts of the story together.
One thing that I did notice was a few typos throughout the book. Because I read everything with a screen reading software, any sort of misspelling is immediately noticeable and disrupts the flow a bit. The story was still good enough that this hardly detracted, but it made itself known.
Great first start to a series, and I can’t wait to read the next one.
May 17, 2015
2:20 was awesome from page 1. The mystery of where—or rather when—Julia comes from kept me glued to the page. Once that’s revealed, it’s game on to try and change her fate. I’m impressed with any author that can take on something as complicated as time travel and have it make sense in the end. Holly Hook did so wonderfully. I still don’t know exactly how it’s all going to play out without completely changing the history books, but I’m excited to see.
Julia is a great heroine. Since no one can tell her anything (either they don’t know or are physically incapable of it), she has to figure out most of it on her own. I really liked Julia because she actually did things. She wanted answers, she sought them no matter how difficult or scary it would be for her. She wanted someone’s life to be saved, she tried to save it herself. She didn’t just sit back and let others do everything for her while she watched and hoped.
I liked Simon for the most part. He was a sweet person, and it was obvious he really loved Julia. He was always there to offer help and provide it when needed, but he also trusted Julia’s judgement and let her take the reins when that was the best choice. There were a couple of times when his emotions darkened to slightly scary levels, but it was never directed at her or anyone undeserving of them. I sense depths within him, and I hope they will be explored further.
The other two characters that really caught my attention were Frank and Isabel. We don’t know much about them at this point, but I just know there’s a back-story there. I really REALLY hope we get to hear it.
Overall, this was fantastic. I highly recommend it. Now excuse me while I go off and buy all of the author’s other books.
Julia is a great heroine. Since no one can tell her anything (either they don’t know or are physically incapable of it), she has to figure out most of it on her own. I really liked Julia because she actually did things. She wanted answers, she sought them no matter how difficult or scary it would be for her. She wanted someone’s life to be saved, she tried to save it herself. She didn’t just sit back and let others do everything for her while she watched and hoped.
I liked Simon for the most part. He was a sweet person, and it was obvious he really loved Julia. He was always there to offer help and provide it when needed, but he also trusted Julia’s judgement and let her take the reins when that was the best choice. There were a couple of times when his emotions darkened to slightly scary levels, but it was never directed at her or anyone undeserving of them. I sense depths within him, and I hope they will be explored further.
The other two characters that really caught my attention were Frank and Isabel. We don’t know much about them at this point, but I just know there’s a back-story there. I really REALLY hope we get to hear it.
Overall, this was fantastic. I highly recommend it. Now excuse me while I go off and buy all of the author’s other books.
August 27, 2015
2:20 is the first book in the Timeless Trilogy, written by Holly Hook. At the time of this review, it’s free for your Kindle. It’s a young adult read, with Julia, the main character, being seventeen years old, and a lot of the scenes take place at the school.
I really enjoyed this fantasy novel and plan to read the rest of the series. Although it deals with time travel, it has nothing to do with machines. Time is more like an entity that pulls certain people to become immortal Timeless ones. It’s a very creative take on time travel.
The author didn’t give the story away with too many hints, so the mystery and intrigue kept me going. Julia has no memory of her past, and when strange beings begin to enter her life, she desperately searches for answers. It kept me hooked, as I wanted to know more. Then it ended in a bang–lots of action.
Since this is a young adult read, I’m more conservative when it comes to a clean rating, and I give this one a thumbs up. No cursing, and the romance is sweet. The main character is not a spoiled or rude teenager acting like a brat. She has a great relationship with her foster mother and foster sister, and I liked her personality. It’s a solid clean read.
As for the negatives, there really wasn’t much. I can only think of two things that I shook my head at. One has to do with an accent the characters should have had when I learned where they were from. The other has to do with Simon’s secrecy and his saving the life of a child without being seen. Overall, those two things didn’t take too much away from the story, and I’m giving it four stars for creativity, a solid plot, likable characters, keeping it clean, and keeping me interested. Oh, and I love the covers!
I really enjoyed this fantasy novel and plan to read the rest of the series. Although it deals with time travel, it has nothing to do with machines. Time is more like an entity that pulls certain people to become immortal Timeless ones. It’s a very creative take on time travel.
The author didn’t give the story away with too many hints, so the mystery and intrigue kept me going. Julia has no memory of her past, and when strange beings begin to enter her life, she desperately searches for answers. It kept me hooked, as I wanted to know more. Then it ended in a bang–lots of action.
Since this is a young adult read, I’m more conservative when it comes to a clean rating, and I give this one a thumbs up. No cursing, and the romance is sweet. The main character is not a spoiled or rude teenager acting like a brat. She has a great relationship with her foster mother and foster sister, and I liked her personality. It’s a solid clean read.
As for the negatives, there really wasn’t much. I can only think of two things that I shook my head at. One has to do with an accent the characters should have had when I learned where they were from. The other has to do with Simon’s secrecy and his saving the life of a child without being seen. Overall, those two things didn’t take too much away from the story, and I’m giving it four stars for creativity, a solid plot, likable characters, keeping it clean, and keeping me interested. Oh, and I love the covers!
May 3, 2015
When Julia showed up at her foster mother's house at 2:20 in the morning, she had no idea who she was or where she came from. Now, almost a year later she is going on a date with the most popular guy in school, Frank. When he tries to kill her and reveals that he is a timekeeper sent to bring her back to her real time, she runs. The next day she meets Simon, another Timekeeper that seems familiar to her. She realizes that they use to be in love and she would do anything to get him back, but he is unable to tell her about their past and where she came from. Will they find a way to make sure Frank cannot kill Julia? Will they stay together through it all and will Julia finally find out their history?
Like many books lately, this book started out flat but got better. At first I was ready to leave it and find something else to take up my time, but thought better of it. Now I know that it was good I stuck it out. Like I said, it got much better and I loved the historical aspects and how accurate they were.
At first it had insti-love, and that was another reason that I almost put it down, but then I realized that in the past they had time to fall in love, and even though Julia doesn't remember that, she still gets a feeling that she really likes him and Simon genuinely loves her.
At first I had no idea what the book was going to be about, and the cover doesn't give you many ideas but now I can honestly say that it was a good idea for me to read the book! I would really recommend it for fans of Suzanne Weyn's Distant Waves.
***Thanks to Story Cartel and the author for letting me read and review this book!***
Like many books lately, this book started out flat but got better. At first I was ready to leave it and find something else to take up my time, but thought better of it. Now I know that it was good I stuck it out. Like I said, it got much better and I loved the historical aspects and how accurate they were.
At first it had insti-love, and that was another reason that I almost put it down, but then I realized that in the past they had time to fall in love, and even though Julia doesn't remember that, she still gets a feeling that she really likes him and Simon genuinely loves her.
At first I had no idea what the book was going to be about, and the cover doesn't give you many ideas but now I can honestly say that it was a good idea for me to read the book! I would really recommend it for fans of Suzanne Weyn's Distant Waves.
***Thanks to Story Cartel and the author for letting me read and review this book!***
May 20, 2013
2:20 had a interesting premise. However the execution was slightly lacking. The beginning was a bit dull, but things did pick up after the halfway point. Julia's interaction with the characters was odd. She believed Frank & Isabella too quickly to be realistic. As for Simon, she trusted him and felt way more comfortable around him than an acquaintance should, even to the point of kissing. I understand why, but at that point, she didn't have her memories back, so that scene could have waited, even if it 'felt right.' Julia said on more than one occasion that Simon spoke in an old-fashioned way. I didn't see that in what I read. He just didn't use slang, is all. The twist I didn't see coming, surprisingly, which intrigued me. The clues given, with no preconceived notion on the readers' part, really didn't make the truth obvious. Those few factors could have belonged anywhere, anytime. It was good as far as surprises go, but as for trying to figure out the mystery while reading along, they didn't help much. The story ends rather abruptly, laying way for the sequel I suppose.
All in all, 2:20 was a very interesting idea. With a little more work it could be amazing.
I received a free copy from the author for a review.
All in all, 2:20 was a very interesting idea. With a little more work it could be amazing.
I received a free copy from the author for a review.
April 27, 2016
I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Julia can’t remember any of her past when she is left on the doorstep of her foster family, Nancy and Monica. All she remembers is screaming and a boy in her nightmares, which wakes her up at 2:20am. The boy in her nightmares turns up at her school one day. Is he the key to Julia remembering her past? Is he the key in her surviving what she finds out? This book will ask and answer both those questions.
I really enjoyed this book. I really felt for Julia, unable to remember her past. It must have been so frustrating for her, knowing there was something in her past but not remembering one tiny detail of it. The book was very descriptive throughout, especially towards the end. Throughout the book, the author kept me guessing as to where Julia was from, and when it was finally revealed, it surprised me.
The author really did her research into Julia’s past, as everything that was mentioned and described in the book matched up to reality. I actually felt as though I was there, experiencing everything alongside Julia.
There were a few minor grammatical errors, but the storyline was kept flowing in such a way that they did not distract me from the main story.
Julia can’t remember any of her past when she is left on the doorstep of her foster family, Nancy and Monica. All she remembers is screaming and a boy in her nightmares, which wakes her up at 2:20am. The boy in her nightmares turns up at her school one day. Is he the key to Julia remembering her past? Is he the key in her surviving what she finds out? This book will ask and answer both those questions.
I really enjoyed this book. I really felt for Julia, unable to remember her past. It must have been so frustrating for her, knowing there was something in her past but not remembering one tiny detail of it. The book was very descriptive throughout, especially towards the end. Throughout the book, the author kept me guessing as to where Julia was from, and when it was finally revealed, it surprised me.
The author really did her research into Julia’s past, as everything that was mentioned and described in the book matched up to reality. I actually felt as though I was there, experiencing everything alongside Julia.
There were a few minor grammatical errors, but the storyline was kept flowing in such a way that they did not distract me from the main story.
August 29, 2015
I was given a free copy of 2:20 for an honest review. Julia is brought to her new foster home. Nancy and Monica live there. She doesn't remember her past, so Nancy allows her to read her file. Julia came through a rift in time, installing of dying when she should have. Time says these people have to be returned to the time they came from and let there life play out as it was meant to end. Frank and Isobel have been sent by Time to send Julia back. Simon looks familiar and she soon realizes he was part of her past. The problem is that no one can tell her anything about where she comes from and what was the disaster that she escaped she must remember by herself. She and Simon make plays to flee so that she is not around at the time and date she has to go back to her time. But Frank and Isabel show up and Frank pushes Julia through the rift back to where she comes from. From the memories that she had recovered can she survive the disaster that is suppose to kill her. Read this great book to find out where she came from and can she find a way to survive with Simon and her family. This is a great book for the teen/young adult readers, but can be enjoyed by all ages.
November 23, 2014
Julia has frightening nightmare every night waking up at exactly 2:20 A.M. and usually unable to go to sleep afterwards. Julia doesn't know what these nightmares mean but if she doesn't get some sleep soon she's going to go crazy. Julia's date for The Spring Formal is acting strange and unsure why. Frank and Isabel together attempt to return Julia to her own time but Julia escapes them. Frank and Isabel are members of Timeless sent to retrieve people in the wrong time like Julia. Simon appears to have the answers Julia needs to figure out her nightmares. Will Frank and Isabel send Julia back? Can Julia really trust Simon? What do her nightmares really mean? Your answers await you in 2:20.
I wasn't sure of the concept for the book until I reached the halfway point. I found the characters to be interesting and compelling. The Story was cleverly told. I would read more of this author's work in the future.
I wasn't sure of the concept for the book until I reached the halfway point. I found the characters to be interesting and compelling. The Story was cleverly told. I would read more of this author's work in the future.
December 3, 2013
Mediocre beginning, and Just as confusing. I'm used to fast reads, and while the author really had a good idea, it just didn't have enough information forthcoming to make sense. The characters were sloppily added, and some of the idea's just didn't flow for me. I think the author will have an EXCELLENT book, if she'd just fix a few things. Make the timeline a bit better instead of throwing characters in whenever your plot goes dead, and you need a revival. I love the idea of 2:20 also and the beginning needed more character information. Maybe you need to lay out who the characters are before submitting them to main characters. The part where the HUB comes into play I felt was conflictive of what you were telling us. Im glad you let us review this book, but I definitely can see what this book could be with a few more rewrites.
May 1, 2013
I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy! When I figured out what the 2:20 stood for I couldn't believe it. That is when the book really took off for me.
Julia had a bad childhood where she was forced to take care of her alcoholic mother. She ends up living with a foster mom. Around the time of her first anniversary with Nancy, weird things start to happen. She has the same nightmare each night and wakes at 2:20am each morning.
Slowly she starts to remember her past. She is help a little by the man in her dreams, but she has to figure it all out on her own to save herself.
Since it is a trilogy the book just ended...I need the next book!!!
I gave it three stars because it started out slow for me, I was a bit confused as fantasy is not something I normally read.
Julia had a bad childhood where she was forced to take care of her alcoholic mother. She ends up living with a foster mom. Around the time of her first anniversary with Nancy, weird things start to happen. She has the same nightmare each night and wakes at 2:20am each morning.
Slowly she starts to remember her past. She is help a little by the man in her dreams, but she has to figure it all out on her own to save herself.
Since it is a trilogy the book just ended...I need the next book!!!
I gave it three stars because it started out slow for me, I was a bit confused as fantasy is not something I normally read.
November 25, 2015
2:20 is the first in the Timeless Trilogy by Holly Hook. It's a YA read consisting of time travel, action, intrigue, espionage, plot twists and romance, with some tugging on heart strings.
Time travel is not normally a genre I delve into, however, I am glad that I picked this story up to read.
I do have to admit that I struggled with the style of writing to begin with, I felt it read more like a diary in places, some of the scenes felt a bit flat and there was a bit of unnecessary repetition in places for me, however, the story was definitely intriguing enough that my curiosity in how the story was going to piece together and what the finale was going to be kept me reading and interested til the end.
Now I can't wait to read til the end of the trilogy to see how it all plays out.
Time travel is not normally a genre I delve into, however, I am glad that I picked this story up to read.
I do have to admit that I struggled with the style of writing to begin with, I felt it read more like a diary in places, some of the scenes felt a bit flat and there was a bit of unnecessary repetition in places for me, however, the story was definitely intriguing enough that my curiosity in how the story was going to piece together and what the finale was going to be kept me reading and interested til the end.
Now I can't wait to read til the end of the trilogy to see how it all plays out.
September 2, 2015
This book was very well done. Its a very unique story and although romance and love are themes, they are not the focus. I loved the moment I realized what was happening and I gasped. I enjoyed the relationship of the characters and how very sweet Simon was. The last quarter of the book was nail biting and I couldn't put it down. I am really looking forward to reading the next book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2017
I absolutely loved this novel and can't wait to read the next in the series to find out what happens. This novel kept me on my toes and each new page posed a new twist that I wasn't expecting, which was amazing. And 2:20 was told in a manner that kept you engaged and left you aching for more of the story.
Holly Hook is a brilliant writer and I can't wait to read more of her novels, and more of the Timeless series.
Holly Hook is a brilliant writer and I can't wait to read more of her novels, and more of the Timeless series.
May 23, 2015
Amazing Book! Loved the characters the way the story unfolds. I don't want to spoil anything as the story unfolds, but I have always been fascinated with this event in history!!!!
Can't wait to read 11:39! Once you understand what 2:20 is then 11:39 gives you a taste of what the next one will be about!!!
Can't wait to read 11:39! Once you understand what 2:20 is then 11:39 gives you a taste of what the next one will be about!!!
November 19, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Book one in this series has more twist and turns than you can throw a rock at but it works. Holly is the queen of twist as she takes you on this time travel mind boggling adventure. Time, Love, Family and loss of memory make this journey memorable. Can't wait to see what adventures are next for these two as they seek to outdo time!
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September 1, 2016Book one in this series has more twist and turns than you can throw a rock at but it works. Holly is the queen of twist as she takes you on this time travel mind boggling adventure. Time, Love, Family and loss of memory make this journey memorable. Can't wait to see what adventures are next for these two as they seek to outdo time!
January 8, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very interesting, fast paced book that I really enjoyed. I liked both Julia and Simon, and seeing how they dealt with the situations they found themselves in.
This is a very interesting, fast paced book that I really enjoyed. I liked both Julia and Simon, and seeing how they dealt with the situations they found themselves in.
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