Out of Time

Curse Hunters: 1

ISBN: 0-441-00751-1 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com

An interesting concept and a likable protagonist enliven this otherwise depressing tale of supernatural menace.

Reviewed by David on May 28, 2001

Genre: Fantasy (Magic)

Synopsis: Emma Merrigan, a fifty-year-old college librarian has a comfortable existence. But when she attempts to help a student couple given to sudden fighting, her almost forgotten nightmares begin again. There is more than natural anger involved in the case, and Emma's troubled childhood holds the key to the supernatural threat.

Full Review: This contemporary fantasy novel is somewhat depressing, not because of the horror (which is quite subdued), but because of lack of control and knowledge for much of the book.

To contrast that, Emma and her friends are both very believable and quite sympathetic; the humor is natural if a bit on the ironic side, and despite the gloom, Emma's and her friends determination to see it through is pleasant.

The book appears to set up for a sequel; if Emma becomes a more active participant in the future, the reader may look forward to her sense of humor and determination.

Note: the sequel, Behind Time is being published on July 3, 2001.

Overall: 6; Plot: 6; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5; Originality: 6;

ISBN: 0-441-00751-1 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com