According to me a Prologue or the 1st Chapter of a book is THE reflection - SO it must capture my attention from page 1 I will continue a few more chapters to give the Book a fair chance to change my mind!
SO Herewith my review!

3* review ? Loved it ;-)!



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The synopsis here is one that tells what the story is about and without spoilers. I'll let that stand for the book.

This is the first time I've listened to Grace narrate. I really like how she puts extra thought into Tesla's voice. His voice has a mechanical sound to it, as though it's over a computer and emotionless. We get two main POV's, yet Grace helps put emotions and character into other characters in the story when they speak. We get the main feel of Ember and Lex through their views as we hear their emotions and how events affect them, Grace voices those feelings deeply as well.

We get the story from 2 POV's, Lex and Ember. Each a member of a different group of kids who fight each other - The Hollows and Tesla's Institute. If we get mention of one thing in one group, it's usually explained in more detail in the other. It feels like a show and explain process. Rather interesting as we get to see how things affect the story, characters or time, and why.

Lex and Ember seem strong in the time stream abilities and fighting. Lex feels he's comfortable in the Hollows group, with friends that are dear to him. Ember has her dear friends in the Tesla Institute and follows what is taught to her, but she has a feel as she does question a few tactics and way of things. Ember feels as she's not as comfortable at the Tesla Institute, but that's her home as well. It's not a bad place, she's not in danger there, but their way of things and her unknown past seem to clash in her heart. Ember does realize why through the book, and finds her way to somewhere else.

The story is fast moving from the start. There are fights between Tesla Institute kids and Hollows kids, even training between Lex and Stein. We get our fill of fights here, and that's okay with me!

The beginning of this book shows us the characters but it feels as there isn't a defined conflict yet. Sure, There are small missions and we see that The Hollows and Tesla Institute kids don't get along, but nothing big to give us the feel of where the story is going. We do get introduced and get to know the characters in this time getting us to like the feel of this world and idea of Rifters, even what can happen in the time stream to them. As we get to know our main characters we see how they love deeply for another, holding on to that love with the lose of their memories before Rifting. They will do anything for that other person, and Lex does. This brings the two worlds crashing together more than they have fought in the past.

There is an attraction between characters. There are relationships and we see love between Lex and Stein, both Hollows and strongest Rifters. Stein is a strong girl. She fights and knows how to handle herself. She's fearless.

In time the series title and direction of the book becomes clear. The Lost Imperials and Ember and Lex's POV's are all connected. This story is about them, how they lost each other and found each other again. But, it's not the connection you would think. ;) It's something deeper and longer lasting. We also come to learn why these children are picked to be rifters. Interesting.

The one thing that could be a problem with time travel is a paradox, and these kids face what could create it and what could happen if they try to change things. Should they chance it? And face the consequences?

This world of time traveling and Tesla is riveting for me. I'm drawn to the creation here. The story is strongly character driven from the kids that rift through time. ( )

I met Tyler Jolley a few years ago at BEA while he was promoting this book and recently I was asked if I would be interested in reading the other books in the series, obviously since I know and talk to Tyler on the interwebs fairly often I thought ‘heck yes!’ and I am SO glad that I agreed (and I am also glad it didn’t suck because Tyler seems like a pretty cool guy – So Yay! For not sucking!)

Extracted is the first book in The Lost Imperials series and it majestically sets the steampunk stage – warring time-traveler groups, awesome protagonists, and the crazy scenes and schemes captivate the reader from the very beginning of the story.

We follow alternating points of view, Lex and Ember, though their adventures and really it is the best of both worlds – since there is a male and a female POV this book really is for everyone (well at least lovers of YA fantasy). The book begins with an ongoing war between two groups of time travelers: those looking to cause chaos, the Hollows, and those looking to fix the mess the Hollows left behind, Tesla’s Rifters– all leading to a much grander overlaying theme. Inevitably, Lex and Ember must work together to make sure they have futures in the time stream they are in and at all.

Sherry and Tyler did such a wonderful job with these characters – they were engaging and funny, interesting and emotional, and I loved every minute reading their tales. The plot is fast paced and both keeps you guessing but also gives you just enough of what you want to get through the story.

As the story progresses you have more and more of an urge to read it – it is heart pumping and thrilling all the way to the last page. ( )