The first chapter draws in you and makes it almost impossible to put the book down. Readers find by the end of the first two paragraphs that they must know the answers to several questions. Who is she? Why is she is the water and most importantly, what happens next? Thankfully, the second part of the chapter picks up six days earlier.
Tangle of Time by Gin Westcott starts off as a thrilling mystery but this book is more than that. It is also science fiction and fantasy rolled into one. It's not often that a story successfully encompasses several genres but that is what Westcott has done with the novel a Tangle of Time. It's a story that has something for everyone.
Even though the book starts off at a breath-taking pace, it does slow down for several chapters. Readers that love knowing character backstories will appreciate how well Westcott's are developed. After reading about the group's family life and their connection to each other, it's easy to envision yourself in the story.
The writing is descriptive and provokes visual images of the characters and the surroundings. It also accurately depicts the diverse makeup of friends most college students have. In a way, this makes it a modern fantasy story that will have readers of all ages imagining the possibilities if the event's in the book happened to them.
Gin Westcott doesn't make light of the responsibility the characters face. Mae sums it up perfectly when she takes a minute to think about the enormity of their plan. "They were playing God with history and had barely started to make the changes they intended. This power the three of them held was enormous, and the task before them was utterly terrifying."
A Tangle of Time is ultimately a book about friendship. It follows the adventures of Mae, Greg, Toke, and Dexter. Some have been friends for years, while others are just meeting the rest of the group. It doesn't take long for the four to become a tight group. Westcott also made sure to include the fights and struggles that always come when a group of friends are tested. It adds even more realism to the characters, which is not always easy in a time traveling fantasy book.
By the last paragraph the questions you had at the beginning will be answered. This doesn't mean that readers can take a deep breath and relax. There is still a friend to rescue and they need to catch up to him through time. Readers will be left breathlessly awaiting the sequel to a Tangle in Time. This debut book will leave you hooked. - Entrada Book Review
