Natalia‘s review of Time Thief (Traveller #1) by Katie MacAlister.
Outcast due to their ability to manipulate time, shunned by the mortal and immortal worlds alike, a Traveller’s life is anything but easy.
Peter Faa is a member of the Watch tracking down a murderer, and unfortunately, all clues seem to point toward his own estranged family of Travellers. Any of his cousins could be guilty, but which one? They’re all experts in the art of stealing time…
After surviving a lightning strike, Kiya Mortenson is determined to get just one thing in her life right. And if that means taking a job as nanny to five pugs on a campsite in the Oregon wilderness, then so be it. It doesn’t hurt that the job comes with some spectacular male eye candy, including her new boss’s gorgeous grandson. If only she didn’t keep having this strange sense of deja vu…
When Peter discovers his own family is stealing time from Kiya, all bets are off. While she may drive him crazy at times, it’s clear that it’s not just lightning that’s creating some serious sparks between them. And he’s not going to let secrets, lies, or a devious murderer keep Kiya from where she belongs: at his side.
What a fun start to a new and interesting series!
Kiya Mortenson is not in a very good place so to speak. She’s just been struck by lightning for the second time, her car is virtually junk yard material, and she has no money to solve the pesky inconvenience of being stuck on the side of the road. In no time though, she finds a Good Samaritan that not only pays for the towing of her car, but gives her an idea for a job that could render enough funds to fix her beloved car.
Peter Faa is the son of a Traveler, also known as an immortal that can steel time in order to travel through it. However, he is estranged from his family. This puts him between a rock and a hard place because various murders are implicating his family and it is up to him to find out who is committing these heinous crimes. But how is he supposed to figure it out when he’s not even allowed to go near their homes?
Coincidentally, while she is on a job for his grandmother, Peter stumbles upon Kiya, and sparks fly!
At first, I wasn’t sure about this book. The premise is of course interesting and unique. I’ve always been fond of books with time travel, so the idea of being able to actually steel time from others seemed awesome to me. However for the first parts of the book, I was quite lost. I didn’t understand what travelers were supposed to be exactly, and how the world worked. As the book progressed, I understood that it was all supposed to be part of the mystery of the book. I truly appreciate the glossary included at the end because it left me with an understanding I didn’t think I’d get. Still, I’m a little puzzled as to how the world of the travelers is supposed to work. I’m thinking that maybe the author will get deeper in to world building in the books to come.
The two main characters were just two cute! I loved Peter’s way of speaking. It was so clever, humorous and refined at the same time. I adored Kiya’s absolute honesty, and how in touch with her own psyche she was. Her ID and egos are riots. I love that she always says exactly what she’s thinking. As someone who struggles with that myself, I could identify with her greatly.
The chemistry between Peter and Kiya was fantastic. It was so believable! I love how they bantered with each other, and how no matter what happened between them, each stayed true to their personality.
I look forward to the next book in this series. This is my first book read by this author, and as promised, I was in no way disappointed.
Grade: 4 out of 5
This book is available from Signet. You can purchase it here or here in e-format. This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.