Infinityglass (Hourglass #3)

From the first few moments of Infinityglass, it's clear that this is going to be a different sort of story from the first two books in the series. For one thing, as with Timepiece, we have a new narrator -- but this time, there's two of them, and one of them is someone we've never met. And for another thing, it moves out of Ivy Springs, Tennessee, to the bustling streets of New Orleans, Louisiana.

The first voice we're treated to in Infinityglass is the titular character herself, Hallie. Hallie's different from the other female characters in the series; she's bold, reckless, assertive, and a bit on the dangerous side. She also, like the other members of the Hourglass, has the time gene, giving her unique and uncanny abilities. However, Hallie's grown up in a very different environment from the Hourglass folks we know and love, and her attitude about time genes, time rips, and her role in it all does not necessarily jive with what all the characters have believed and discovered in the first two books.

Enter the second narrator, Dune. Unlike Hallie, Dune is a character first introduced in Hourglass, but he's always remained a secondary character, his powers explained, but not explored. In Infinityglass, Dune finally gets his chance to shine. He goes to New Orleans as an expert on the Infinityglass, tasked with figuring out the best way to handle "it" now that they know "it" is a "her." Now, I liked Michael, and I loved Kaleb -- and I know many of you did too -- but Dune is not either of them. He's his own person, strong and quiet, intelligent, analytical, and haunted by a few demons of his own.

One of my favorite things about this series is the diverse cast of characters (both in personality and heritage), and all the different ways a person can be strong and complex. And of course, in true Hourglass series style, there are swoons and kisses galore throughout the book, both from our favorite established couples, and from a sizzling new pairing.

Together, Dune and Hallie try to puzzle out what it means for Hallie to be the Infinityglass, both for her personally, and for the world as a whole, which is still being flooded with ever-intensifying time rips. Meanwhile, the nefarious Jack Landers is still at large, along with Teague, the head of the anti-Hourglass organization Chronos, who wishes to use the Infinityglass for her own, undoubtedly villainous, purposes. The more Dune and Hallie learn about the Infinityglass and Chronos, and Hallie discovers about her frightening abilities, the more it becomes clear that they're going to need help from the rest of the Hourglass team.

The book builds to an action-packed conclusion, allowing the key players from the first two books to return while keeping the spotlight firmly on this book's two protagonists, Dune and Hallie. Questions posed throughout the series are answered, action is abundant, and it ends on a satisfying note full of promise for the future. Just like the first two books, it's chock full of action, kissing, superpowers, witty banter, and pop culture references (including several Doctor Who nods -- of course). I loved it, and I hope you do too.

What I loved: Once again, Myra McEntire takes readers on a fast-paced, smart, funny, and romantic ride. I was so excited to read the alternating view points of both Hallie and Dune. They both are unique and interesting characters full of lots of charm. Seriously, you will find yourself swooning over Dune, I promise! The two view points flow seamlessly back and forth and I didn't miss a beat.

The stakes are incredibly high as Dune and Hallie work together. They have some close calls and are fortunate to have the help of other members of the Hourglass. This is one dynamic team! Each person's abilities and contributions are unique-not only to this story but every other time travel story I've read.

What left me wanting more: This is one series that I am truly sad to see it end. The Hourglass series captivated me from the first book and I've been a fan ever since. Well done, Myra McEntire. This is a fabulous series and I look forward to reading your next stories, whatever they may be!

What I Loved:

McEntire is back with her feisty, witty, and at times wildly inappropriate characters. This time, there's a new girl in town, Hallie, and she's not the type to sit at home quietly and behave herself. In fact, she's even harder to handle than Kaleb, and for those who've read the first two books, you know that's saying something. Dune, one of the Hourglass members, has the pleasure of finding just how feisty Hallie is when he meets her in New Orleans. From there, it's nothing but non-stop action and non-stop swoon.

In INFINITYGLASS, we get both Dune's and Hallie's points-of-view, which is a change of pace from previous Hourglass novels. Hallie's chapters have a Jennifer Garner in Alias vibe as we follow her on one thrilling heist after another. She's badass and scary smart, not to mention an amazing dancer, but she also has a hardcore geek side, just like Dune. Once the two meet, the stakes ratchet even higher. Dune has been searching for the Infinityglass for years. He knows it's the key to reversing all the damage done to time, but as he starts to fall for Hallie, his intentions regarding the Infinityglass are compromised. Their relationship, the care they have for each other's wellbeing, and the sacrifices and choices they make, had me on pins until the very end.


What left me wanting more:

Why does this have to be the last Hourglass novel? This is the type of series I'd keep reading as long as McEntire had stories to tell. Each one has been fast-paced, romantic, SMART, and best of all -- hilarious. McEntire has a gift for humor, which makes these books fast, entertaining reads. There are so many stories left untold: Ava's tortured past with Jack, Lily's escape from Cuba with her family, Nate's time-related ability, and what about Michael? Where's my book from Michael's point-of-view?


Final Verdict:

I'm thoroughly sad this series is over, but what an ending, my friends. What an ending!