Mina's adventure continues in this sequel to the award-winning Time Zero. In book one, Mina and her friends narrowly escaped fundamentalist-ruled Manhattan. Now, they've been taken in by the Unbound, a modern community that wants to shelter and care for them. Mina, however, becomes increasingly nervous as she and her friends are forced apart, and she's asked to alter her clothing, behavior, and even her faith. As she struggles to hold onto her identity, she also grapples with her secrets, even as the Unbound endeavor to discover each and every one.
Carolyn Cohagan began her writing career on the stage. She has performed stand-up and one-woman shows at festivals around the world from Adelaide to Edinburgh. Her first novel, The Lost Children (Simon & Schuster, 2010) is a middle grade fantasy which became part of the Scholastic Bookclub and was nominated for a Massachusetts Children’s Book Award. The first book in her YA trilogy, Time Zero (She Writes Press, 2016), won eight literary honors, including the 2017 Readers Favorite Award and the 2017 International Book Award. In 2020, she and her mother, painter Lynn Cohagan, collaborated on the Creative Writing Journal: Clever Prompts for Clever Children. Carolyn is the founder of Girls With Pens, a creative writing organization in Austin dedicated to fostering the individual voices and offbeat imaginations of kids ages 8-15.
Last year I read Time Zero, the prequel to Time Next. While it wasn't my favorite book in the world, I found it to be an enjoyable, eye opening read, and I was curious to see how the story would continue.
As it turns out, Time Next blew Time Zero right out of the water! I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed it. The plot was enthralling and fast paced; the characters were interesting and well developed; and once again Carolyn Cohagan brought about a lot of important questions relating to women and society.
Time Next picks up right where Time Zero left off. Mina has escaped Manhattan with her friends; however, instead of being free she's found herself in an entire new society, one filled with its own set of rules and beliefs.
I had a hard time of remembering exactly what had happened in the first book, but as the story continued and Carolyn gave brief reminders of previous events, it became incredibly easy to follow along.
In Time Next, Carolyn did an incredible job of of developing the new world. I was slightly worried about leaving Manhattan. I wondered if the new setting would be as interesting, but the Unbound territory was full of excitement, intrigue, and suspense. At first, it seemed a lot better than Manhattan. The rules weren't as strict, the people seemed happy, and the leader seemed young and willing to help; however, nothing was nearly as perfect as it seemed. My favorite part of the new world, however, was the surplus of food for thought it brought along with it. It was interesting to see how the Unbound found themselves to be "better" than the people of Manhattan, but in reality they did the same things they so strongly spoke out about only via different methods. It was also fascinating to see the world through Mina's eyes. In the first book, Mina's so convinced that the outside world will be so much better, but in Time Next she realizes that maybe there were good parts to her world, that maybe there never can be a perfect society. I appreciated that nothing was cut and dry, that Carolyn made Mina's journey three dimensional and perfectly imperfect. I feel that this series would be such a great book club pick. There's just so much to discuss, especially in today's climate.
In the first book I wasn't the biggest fan of Mina; however, she truly grew on me this time around. I loved seeing her become more independent, more willing to risk everything to get what she wanted. She's a smart, resourceful girl, and it became incredibly evident in this. I also liked that Mina was willing to help others, that she tried to open herself up to new environments and new people, no matter how much they scared or intimidated her. I witnessed so much progress in this, and I couldn't have been prouder. I also enjoyed the new characters introduced. Carolyn truly had a unique bunch. Some were evil, some were nice, and some were unreadable; however, each brought something interesting to the table. The two Mina teams up with as the book continued, however, were my favorites. I look forward to seeing their dynamic evolve as the series continues.
My only compliant? I wish there had been more romance; however, it wasn't the biggest problem in the world.
Overall, Time Next was a fantastic follow-up. Full of action as well as suspense, Time Next offers up an enthralling adventure as well as a thought provoking story. I can't wait for book #3!
After the first book I was expecting all sorts of awesome.. I’ll be brutally honest this was a huge let down. Mostly about Mina pining over boys. There could of been so much done and so much excitement thrown into this book but it was just - bland and boring. I struggled to finish it and I won’t be picking up the third which is a huge shame as the first was brilliant and action packed. Such a pity.
I read Time Zero several years ago and was blown away. I have recommended it to so many people since then and consider it a favorite from that year. I bought Time Next immediately when it came out but it has taken me until now to read. I wish that I hadn't bothered because I do not think that I can recommend Time Zero after reading this. I am unsure what happened but this book had known of the magic or compelling plot points. Mina, who I loved in the first book, just seemed to completely wilt in this book. I could not care as to what was going to happen next and I was left shaking my head throughout the book. I need to go read other peoples reviews to see if I am the only person that felt this way.
Absolutely riveting second book in this series. I love the world that Cohagan creates and this one was no exception. It felt particularly timely and powerful in today's world. Can't wait for the third one!
While different from the first book, Time Next continues to be just as fast-paced and intriguing. It kept me occupied from day one. We read the first book for school and I ended up enjoying it so much that I decided to read the second. (I happen to know the author from writing classes I took, and I read her first book The Lost Children aloud to my classmates. It is very interesting to hear how her voice has changed.) If you enjoyed Time Zero's political and social mirror, you'll enjoy seeing the perhaps not-so-fictional parallels to our world. Thanks for giving girlhood a new lens, Ms. Carolyn.
A pretty decent sequel to "Time Next". It found it fast paced, and easy to read in just two evenings. However a couple of issues kept me from giving it 4 stars.
If the first book was a look at extreme Islamic-esque religious beliefs, this one goes all in for extreme Christian-esque beliefs, especially Evangelical beliefs. Book 1 was all about wearing veils that covered you from head to foot, not being allowed alone with a boy, and being forced into arranged marriages. Book 2 was all about purity balls, confessing your sins, being born again, and thinly-veiled white supremacy.
There is some about the way the main character, Mina, thinks and speaks that makes her initially seem kind of empty headed, and I think this could annoy readers who are used to dystopian novels with kickass, rebellious Katnisses. This book I finally put my finger on what Mina reminds me of: actual cult survivors. I've read a few memoirs written by people who have escaped religious cults (such as FLDS), and they often describe their experiences in the same kind of stiff "I did this, then I did that" style. They describe their conflicted feelings of still believing their past beliefs even when confronted with wider worldviews, and how easily they can fall under the spell of a newer "safer" religious teachings. Essentially, it takes a long time to shake off brainwashing....and that's how I'd describe Mina. She was raised extremely sheltered, expected to marry whomever her parents arranged for her, and not speak her mind. Therefore it's not surprising that even when she's no longer in the same danger, she still has kind of a stunted sense of rebellion. Her relationship with Juda feels a tad superfluous in this book, since they barely see each other. When they do, he's a jealous ass (so I'm kind of hoping he gets left in the dust in the third book), but Mina calls him out on it a little, so she's making progress, I think.
I think this would have been a 3.5 or a 4 star book, except there were a few moments where I had to suspend my disbelief. One of the things I liked about the first book was that there was minimal futuristic technology to explain, but this one definitely took that up a notch. Teens or troublemakers are tracked when out of doors by tiny robotic "bees" that buzz over their heads and track their movements. Later, we learn that Another technology thing is the use of StickFeet, an aerosol spray that you literally spray on your hands and your feet that allows you to scale walls like Spiderman. I was going to roll with this one (when it was used on the exterior of a house to climb out of a window) but later on a few of the main characters use it to
*mutters scientifically*
So, that little deux ex machina irritated me so much that I have to round this book down to a flat 3 stars. I liked it, but I didn't LIKE like it. I'll probably read the trilogy finale, but I don't foresee purchasing these for my own collection of dystopian novels.
Time Next by Carolyn Cohagan is the second installment in The Time Zero Trilogy, preceded by book one, Time Zero. Manhatten has been taken over and is being ruled by hard-core fundamentalists. The main character Mina and her friends – known as the Manhatten Five - have been provided what appears to be both safety and shelter, which they desperately need, by an underground group called The Unbound. They are relaxed in a haven where the structure is far less rigid and oppressive. Slowly though, the friends begin to find themselves separated and Mina has drastic changes forced upon her. Once more, the situation feels hopeless and whether or not escape is an option once more, or where they might even flee to, is placed in the lap of Mina
Time Next by Carolyn Cohagan is a well written follow-up to Time Zero, with a new world brought to life and an upside-down flip with regard to its scenery. Still, Cohagan does a wonderful job of developing Mina, Jude, and the group (as well as the environment itself) with fully-fleshed out detailing. Cohagan's skill most certainly lies firmly in the art of creating a compelling narrative. The dialogue and angst can sometimes be a little grating, but in the context of a plot and story line that has all the makings of an excellent piece of fiction, it's not a detraction. Nothing is, as The Time Zero Trilogy is a fantastic work that will undoubtedly please a wide audience, standing out from within its popular genre.
I received this book free for review, but all opinions are my own and the review is completely unbiased.
Time Next is the second book intrying Carolyn Cohagan’s dystopian series, the Time Zero Trilogy. I have read and reviewed the first book, Time Zero, also.
Time Next follows the characters out of Time zero. I don’t want to spoil it, so I will keep t brief; after a startling turn of events at the end of Book one, some of characters end up finding themselves totally out of their comfort zones.
The plot of this book was once again really good, it kept my interested and didn’t feel at all like a filler novel, because a lot of second books in trilogies feel like they are trying to bridge the gap between the first and large book.
This book made me cringe a lot though- there were moments which I feel were very pointless and could have been done better to progress the storyline. A couple of points throughout the novel, I found myself cringing at Mina. She wasn’t being headstrong but foolish at time, and I guess from a fifteen year old that’s expected, but she ended up getting on my nerves a little. Who I really liked was Mary. I felt like her name should have been Martha- though. I thought that she was such a great character- witty and wonderful. I really pitied amber and felt more towards her than anyone else in the novel.
I wasn’t a big fan of the Juda-Mina relationship in this novel. It felt awkward and cringey. Juda was being way too protective. Towards the end of the book it became more natural though, but I think that due to the way it began, i will always see it as kind of cringey and awkward.
The writing in this book though, wow. Cohagan’s writing was absolutely amazing. The amount of detail that she puts in is amazing and I love it. She can really build a setting and a scene, so I can really visualise what is going on.
I would recommend this series, I have high hopes for the next story and I think it will be great. The previous novel I would probably say is better in terms of characters but the plot line and writing in this book is great. Thanks again for the novel. I think I would give this 3.75 stars because it wasn’t the best, and not the worst.
The first book was good, this one was brilliant. I am so glad I decided to read this, even though I haven't been in the mood to read sequels lately.
I was not expecting Mina to end up dealing with another kind of religious abuse at all, and was completely taken aback, because this is very much more the kind of religious fundamentalism I am used to as opposed to the kind in the first book. I was so frustrated in parts with what the characters were dealing with. The utter hypocrisy out of the leaders of the Unbound was maddening, and very relevant to what is happening in the West today. Western Evangelical Christians will condemn the misogyny of fundamentalist Islam, but then perpetuate exactly the same views as they do and barely treat women better themselves in some cases.
If you read the first one and enjoyed it at all, definitely read this one. It's not often that I find a sequel to be better than the first book in a trilogy but this certainly was and I can't wait to see what book three has in store.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
So, Mina, Juda, and her group escape from the Wall, and now find themselves it what seems like the modern world. Track houses, electricity, food, malls, and freedom. But, once again, this group is ruled by their own prophet/leader. We see another form of religious oppression, but this one feels like freedom to Mina, but with the cost of being separated from all her friends.
To stay in this new location, Mina is asked to believe that her old world was full of lies. She finds this hard to do since she believed in her original prophet. I felt this an odd thing because she just left a place full of anger, hatred and repression, but somehow she is shocked when told that it wasn't true. Anyway, now she is a puppet of this new leader, one who thinks Mina and her group, the Manhattan Five, are the answer to prophecy. Get ready for a whole new ride. I love that the author now takes a detour and new view at the same old problem. 4 stars!
After reading Time Zero I was so looking forward to the sequel and it did not disappoint!!!! I was enthralled from the first page and could not put it down. Mina and her friends survived their escape from Manhattan to the outside but now they have to navigate through a new religion , rules and people using them for their own advantage. Mina now must rely on herself as well as learn who to truly trust in this new world. Which is never easy. And the fact that Carolyn Cohagan based everything on real life is extraordinary! Women throughout the world have to endure everything that Mina and her friends do. It's truly heartbreaking. I can't wait to see how this all ends!!!!
Big thanks to Goodreads for me winning this in a giveaway. I had to do extra reading for this one, since I hadn't realized it was a sequel when I entered! Much like the first book, this holds on strong to the YA dystopian format. Again, that's not necessarily a bad thing because the story was still interesting. Interesting enough that I'm annoyed book 3 isn't out yet. I will say that I'm getting a little annoyed by the "all men bad, all religion bad" mantra. I get that it's kind of the theme, but I'd like to hope some redeeming qualities get pointed out in the end. Unlikely, I know. Oh well. I'm still gonna read the third when it comes out.
Loved this one just as much as the first one in the series! The world and the characters are so well developed, it’s hard not to get attached to them and sucked in. Like the first, there are many religious practices that are actual practices around the world and seem mind boggling and made up. This one also deals with gay conversion therapy, people’s belief in the rapture and the practice of purity balls to celebrate a woman’s virginity. The author includes several references at the end of you want more information about what you have just read and I found myself down a fascinating rabbit hole about these topics and more.
Time Next is a really good book. There are elements I did not enjoy but they were well done. My favorite aspect is the way the teenagers remind me of kids I know. They are very well developed.
This is not a standalone. It is the second book of three in the Time Zero Trilogy. To the best of my knowledge, it is the only related series.
I absolutely loved this book! I will absolutely continue the series. This book does not have cursing or intimacy but due to sensitive subject matter and mature content, I would highly recommend it for anyone 16ish or older.
It’s rare that a sequel lives up to its predecessor, but this one did, and then some. I zipped through it in two days. Yet again, Carolyn Cohagan has created a new world out of whole cloth, one every bit as vivid, credible, and terrifying as the one Mina left behind. I ended every chapter breathless, and wondered time and time again how the characters would get out of their impossible situation. The only thing I wish I knew by the time I got to the end is, when is the final book coming out???
Also: lady bug. OHMYGOD YES. (No spoilers but once you’ve read the book, you’ll know what I mean.)
Cohagan delivers heart-stopping action at every dark turn in book two of her acclaimed Time Zero trilogy. Mina and her eclectic cohorts are forcibly separated from one another after escaping their former patriarchal-ruled extremists-ridden Manhattan and find themselves in a new and seemingly ideal world. Appearances and people are wickedly deceiving as they uncover the truth of the Unbound and its diminutive leader's intentions. Very timely tale with terrific teachable moments for young and old.
I absolutely loved this book. It picks up right where book one left off... with the same intensity and pacing. Personally, I find that middle books in trilogies can often feel unsatisfying, like you're just killing time til book three, but that wasn't the case with "Time Next." The author does an incredible job creating this new world and allowing plot to unfold through Mina as she struggles to understand what is happening around her. I can't wait until the next chapter!
The author did an excellent job of developing her characters in this sequel to Time Zero. The story was a riveting page-turner that I never wanted to put down and kept me at the edge of my seat constantly. There were no lulls in the book where nothing was happening, so it kept me interested in every chapter. I say that this book will be one that I revisit often!
I loved the first book and the second book was just as great. Honestly, it seems the Manhattan Five just cannot catch a break. The thrill ride is just as real in the second book as it is in the first. I’m on edge for the third book to release because I love the characters (mostly Juda and Mina) In this trilogy.
I'm not sure why every character has to be so incredibly annoying. Mina is possibly the most annoying YA dystopian heroine who has ever existed. And why are all the 15-year-olds only thinking and talking about love and marriage?
Anyway, I'm going to read the third one, even though I'm sure it will make even less sense than this one did.
Moving right along to book #3 in the trilogy, and book #2 was just as good as Book #1. I’m kind of amazed how much I am enjoying this series. I find the comparison of oppression between the old society and the one the group escaped to very intriguing. And both groups hate the other one. Sound familiar? I’m already well into the last book and know this is a series I will be sad to see end.
Time Next is the PERFECT sequel to Time Zero. It puts Mina in a new setting that challenges her more than ever. Suddenly all alone, she struggles to fit into her new world, and find her old friends. But is this the better book? I loved Time Zero, but I think so!
And now I’m annoyed again although delightfully so. Who knows how long we will have to wait for the final book since the release date hasn’t been announced? I hope they finally get relief from an area of hatred.
I am 70 and this book is extremely relevant in the politics of 2022. Suppression of women's rights are at the top of patriarchal minds today. Time to fight for our rights!!!!
...I don't know what to say here. I gave Vol. 1 of this trilogy 5 stars for the originality and the quality of the charactersi. The plot of this one falls well short of it. It is clearly written for adolescents and was not very satisfying.
I thought Time Next was eerily close to our modern day and dealt with the same themes of political identity that teens are struggling with today. It is a must-read.