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TimeShifters #2

Capturing Today

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Her blood makes her a target.

A year ago Gabby Creed discovered she’s a Shifter—a protector of not only humans, but history itself. Shocked to learn her mother may still be alive, Gabby vows to use her shifting abilities to track down the truth, hoping to bring her mom home before her father’s depression deepens beyond the point of no return. The only problem? Gabby's not shifting.

The Shifters discourage her from searching for her mother. So when a Shade—the natural enemy of all Shifters—follows through on a promise, Gabby’s left wondering who she can trust. The Shifters who have been her friends? Or the Shades who are ready to give her answers?

She might be able to sort through her confusion if she wasn’t also battling her feelings for her Trainer, Michael Pace. But making choices about her mom, the Shades, and Michael might prove too much to handle. Perhaps capturing today means letting go of past hopes. If only she can.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2015

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Jess Evander

3 books4 followers

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda Stevens.
Author 8 books353 followers
June 17, 2015
It's been eight months since the end of Saving Yesterday, and Gabby Creed is feeling like a failure. Her pre-ordained Pairing is interested in another girl; her father is getting arrested for drunk driving and refuses to emerge from his hole of depression, convinced Gabby will leave him again at any time. But there's her biggest failure: in eight months, Gabby hasn't seen her Shifter friends, hasn't seen Michael. She hasn't shifted. She's concluded that her previous failures in shifting missions have made Nicholas reject her for good. So when Erik shows up, offering her a chance to shift again, how can she say no? Sure, the Shifters all say he is the enemy of Nicholas and everything good, but he's offering everything she's ever wanted. And the Shifters haven't always been the most forthcoming bunch. Maybe they're wrong about Erik.

Unlike some middle-of-the-trilogy books (which have no new plot of their own and could probably be skipped if necessary), this book goes in a brand new direction with the plot and pushes Gabby into brand new growth. The pacing remains relentless. New details are revealed about the Shifters and Shades that make the storyworld even more compelling. New, devastating stakes continue to rise all the way to the final page.

The historical scenes are written with care and appropriate gravity. I hadn't known about the tragic capsizing of the ship Eastland in the Chicago river, and Evander's handling of the event as well as Gabby's reaction to it made me ponder the lesser known stories in history, what made history remember the Titanic and forget the Eastland. It's only one scene in this book, but it's a memorable scene.

Gabby has grown since the last book, but she also has growing left to do, and it's delightful to read a book in which you can feel the author's knowledge of both these things (without ever intruding herself onto the page). The story is weighted with Gabby's quest to belong, her willingness to give up everything to save her parents, and her struggle to trust anyone at all. None of it is quick-fixed, and none of it is glossed over; yet the pacing doesn't suffer for this. The plot is constantly escalating, and the final twist is something I defy any reader to see coming. Gabby's sarcastic voice delivers some hilarious one-liners even in dark moments, but Evander never pushes this too far, never makes Gabby feel "too cool" or unaffected by the chaos around her.

This series is Gabby's journey, but I can't review CAPTURING TODAY without mentioning old secondaries who gain new layers here (Donovan and Lark) and new secondaries I'm now rooting for (Yasmine and Carl). I especially loved Donovan this time around. And, of course, our leading man ... Michael. We get a good amount of page time with him in this book (considering necessary plot elements sometimes take Gabby away from him), including some great revelations of competence and personality, things that were hinted at in the first book but shown more clearly here. Michael is a rarity in YA fiction: a hero who doesn't spend all his time brooding mysteriously or grinning with mischief. Instead, he is a rule-follower for his cause, smiling despite the sadness in his past, ceaselessly kind and selfless without realizing it. We also get to see that he conducts his missions differently now than he did before he met Gabby. This is the mark of a couple I can root for: Michael and Gabby challenge and inspire each other to be better people, not with cliched "you make me want to be a better person!" speeches but with actions.

This book has solidified my love for the TimeShifters series. I need that third book. I need Michael and Gabby to be together and safe (please?). I need to know what plot twists Evander has in store for us next and how she's going to resolve that stakes-through-the-roof final page.
Profile Image for Stephanie Roberts.
32 reviews5 followers
August 10, 2015
I read this book in almost just one day. It was so good I couldn't put it down. As I'm personally going through some tough times it was a great escape for my mind. I very much connect with Gabby and and her trust issues. I was so thankful that the author really lets you see inside Gabby's actions the way that she did and how they were so built upon issues she had carried her whole life because so many of us live this way. It makes the characters so much more relatable instead of being these super hero people that don't struggle with daily life issues, they have real problems they have to deal with in the middle of a very intense plot. I love the historical aspects! I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Zac.
46 reviews67 followers
March 10, 2016
Definitely stronger than the first book! I liked it, though there were still a few problems I had with it. A solid 4 stars!
Profile Image for Jessica Pool.
255 reviews
December 14, 2017
Good but missing something

I like this series but I think there was something missing It fell little fly for me I ma thankful it was Clean and appropriate for a young teen audience
Profile Image for Charity Tinnin.
349 reviews
February 22, 2016
While Saving Yesterday made me fall in love with Gabby and Michael, Capturing Today made me want to cry with and hug most all of them (save the villains). Seriously, I think Evander was trying to kill me. As we've come to expect with the middle arc of a series, everything just got worse. I wanted to grab Gabby and Michael and Lark and Donovan (Yes, even Donovan!) and Eugene and Eddie (EDDIE!!), wrap them in cotton wool, and stuff them in my pocket for safe keeping. For them, I'd fight Erik any day. Really. I'm not scared of you, you psychopath.

Okay, so I may be just a tad over-invested, but it's 'cause I love these guys and their lives aren't easy, but I have hope, hope that instead of being the Shifters' downfall, that Gabby might just be their salvation. At least that's what I want. That and to find out more about Donovan's past (you know what part I'm talking about if you've read it) and to watch Gabby and Michael finally, finally get it together, be honest, and happy. Together. I need that in particular badly.

So, to sum up? Give me book three today!!!!!
Profile Image for Kim Vandel.
Author 4 books43 followers
March 21, 2016
Capturing Today is as fun and fast-paced as its predecessor Saving Yesterday, but there’s more to Capturing Today than an entertaining read. Jess Evander digs in to Gabby's character, giving readers a story that will grip their hearts, not just their imaginations. Gabby is a real girl with real issues. She struggles to figure out where she belongs and who's telling her the truth. She fights so hard to avoid letting anyone down when all anyone does is disappoint her.

Evander does a fantastic job with Michael Pace’s character as well. He's the kind of hero you want in your story (and in your life). Evander achieves that very hard to find balance of strong and selfless without making Michael too perfect. He's flawed in ways that make him very real and make you love him even more.

I also enjoyed getting to know more of Donovan's story, and I'm eager to see how it plays out in book three. I’ll be waiting--impatiently--for the third installment of the TimeShifters series.
Profile Image for Stacey.
80 reviews4 followers
June 16, 2015
I'm a huge fan of Gabby and Michael. I've waited a long time for this second book and it didn't disappoint!! Jess knocked it out of the park with this second book. I loved the chemistry between Gabby & Michael and how they are pulled together and pushed apart. The way Jess deals with secondary characters (pairings) is also spot on. I couldn't have enjoyed this book more. I wish I could say more about Erik, but I don't want to give anything away. WOW! I can't wait for book 3. Write on Jess. Hurry! This book is geared toward young adults, but easily enjoyed by adults.
Profile Image for Della Loredo.
Author 7 books8 followers
August 10, 2016
Time-shifter Gabby Creed, having learned that her supposedly long-dead mother may be alive after all, does all in her power to reunite with her. One complication: She'll have to betray her new Shifter friends -- just when they need her most -- to have any chance at rescuing her mom.

Another great read. Really hoping the third comes out soon!
Profile Image for Ginger Venturoni.
2 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2015
Great sequel!!!

I've been waiting for this since finishing Saving Yesterday, and it doesn't disappoint. A fun read with twists and turns. Ends with a great set up for book 3 (which can't come out fast enough!
Profile Image for Jenna.
1,625 reviews14 followers
July 21, 2015
I just love Michael Pace how can you not, He is the sweetest guy.

OOh Gabby I really wanted to slap you around a couple off times, self pity doesn't look good on you and only brings you trouble.

162 reviews
March 4, 2016
In Capturing Today, Gabby travels thru time on another amazing adventure. I love her story. It left me yearning for the next chapter in her life!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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