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The Girl from Everywhere #2
The Ship Beyond Time
Some things should not be stolen.
After what seems like a lifetime of following her father across the globe and through the centuries, Nix has finally taken the helm of their time-traveling ship. Her future—and the horizon—is bright.
Until she learns she is destined to lose the one she loves. To end up like her father: alone, heartbroken.
Unable to face losing Kashmir—best friend, thief, charmer extraordinaire—Nix sails her crew to a mythical utopia to meet a man who promises he can teach her how to manipulate time, to change history. But no place is perfect, not even paradise. And everything is constantly changing on this utopian island, including reality itself.
If Nix can read the ever-shifting tides, perhaps she will finally harness her abilities. Perhaps she can control her destiny, too.
Or perhaps her time will finally run out.
After what seems like a lifetime of following her father across the globe and through the centuries, Nix has finally taken the helm of their time-traveling ship. Her future—and the horizon—is bright.
Until she learns she is destined to lose the one she loves. To end up like her father: alone, heartbroken.
Unable to face losing Kashmir—best friend, thief, charmer extraordinaire—Nix sails her crew to a mythical utopia to meet a man who promises he can teach her how to manipulate time, to change history. But no place is perfect, not even paradise. And everything is constantly changing on this utopian island, including reality itself.
If Nix can read the ever-shifting tides, perhaps she will finally harness her abilities. Perhaps she can control her destiny, too.
Or perhaps her time will finally run out.
456 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2017
170 people are currently reading
7693 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Heilig
12 books1,325 followersHeidi grew up in Hawaii where she rode horses and raised peacocks, and then she moved to New York City and grew up even more, as one tends to do. Her favorite thing, outside of writing, is travel, and she has haggled for rugs in Morocco, hiked the trails of the Ko'olau Valley, and huddled in a tent in Africa while lions roared in the dark.
She holds an MFA from New York University in Musical Theatre Writing, of all things, and she's written books and lyrics for shows including The Time Travelers Convention, Under Construction, and The Hole. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their pet snake, whose wings will likely grow in any day now.
She holds an MFA from New York University in Musical Theatre Writing, of all things, and she's written books and lyrics for shows including The Time Travelers Convention, Under Construction, and The Hole. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their pet snake, whose wings will likely grow in any day now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 695 reviews
February 25, 2019
"Love isn’t much of a legacy, Mr. Firas.”
“I think there’s none better.”
“It doesn’t last.”
“It doesn’t have to."
This book was so much better than the previous one. I must say when I finished the first book I was a bit disappointed that such an amazing concept hadn’t lived up to its potential but after reading this book I just consider the first book and introduction to the characters and the concept. Both books are built around the ability to travel to any place, at any time given the right map and while the first book highlighted the magic it didn’t do much with the potential that such a power would unlock. This book used that concept very well and focused on the outcomes of exploiting such a power rather than the history of the characters.
After reading this book I realised that such a world with such characters could be used to make a series with each book consisting of different plots and different adventures instead of 2 books where they both seem relatively detached yet only the second book had much of a plot.
Coming back to this book, I was so happy to see the time travel aspect of Navigating concentrated on, more so than the first one in the way that the main purpose wasn’t for Slate to save Nix’s mother but to explore the possibilities of time travel to affect the future and outcome of the story into which they insert themselves. Nix plays a more central role in all the action and is not just playing a part in Slate’s plans and I wish I could see her grow more after the events of this book.
Nix and Kashmir’s relationship grew somewhat in this book but I still didn’t see the progress I hoped for. Both Nix and Kashmir seem to have so much potential both individually and together and I was disappointed that I couldn’t see them flourish. Blake has a bigger role in this book than the previous one as he snuck on the ship as he was no longer safe in his own timeline due to the heist. As I right this review I realise that i keep saying that I’m disappointed with something or wanted more out of something but the book in itself was an entertaining read. A few references from mythology and the relationships between the characters were quite interesting to pick apart because everyone has their own problems and doubts, which seems very morose but went along the story quite well.
I feel like both the possibility of changing the future and the technicalities of it could be more detailed and not so vague for most part of the book. There were a few references from Greek mythology which could have been used as a bigger part of the book and Kashmir’s history could have been more elaborate. While most of Nix’s is on the ship and she doesn’t have much stability I feel like Kashmir’s past didn’t have to be that way for the readers. The other members of the crew were neglected and I felt like a lot of the characters could have had slightly more intricate relationships.
But putting all this aside I absolutely loved the concept of being travel through world, through time, with just the right map and a navigator’s belief in the place they’re going to. The books didn’t go in the direction that I was expecting but I liked the plot of this book and the new characters who were introduced in this book played a massive role in the entirety of this book. I give this book 4.25 stars for the writing and the concept and I would recommend it to you if you want to read something that doesn’t require much thinking for when you’re feeling lazy.
“I think there’s none better.”
“It doesn’t last.”
“It doesn’t have to."
This book was so much better than the previous one. I must say when I finished the first book I was a bit disappointed that such an amazing concept hadn’t lived up to its potential but after reading this book I just consider the first book and introduction to the characters and the concept. Both books are built around the ability to travel to any place, at any time given the right map and while the first book highlighted the magic it didn’t do much with the potential that such a power would unlock. This book used that concept very well and focused on the outcomes of exploiting such a power rather than the history of the characters.
After reading this book I realised that such a world with such characters could be used to make a series with each book consisting of different plots and different adventures instead of 2 books where they both seem relatively detached yet only the second book had much of a plot.
Coming back to this book, I was so happy to see the time travel aspect of Navigating concentrated on, more so than the first one in the way that the main purpose wasn’t for Slate to save Nix’s mother but to explore the possibilities of time travel to affect the future and outcome of the story into which they insert themselves. Nix plays a more central role in all the action and is not just playing a part in Slate’s plans and I wish I could see her grow more after the events of this book.
Nix and Kashmir’s relationship grew somewhat in this book but I still didn’t see the progress I hoped for. Both Nix and Kashmir seem to have so much potential both individually and together and I was disappointed that I couldn’t see them flourish. Blake has a bigger role in this book than the previous one as he snuck on the ship as he was no longer safe in his own timeline due to the heist. As I right this review I realise that i keep saying that I’m disappointed with something or wanted more out of something but the book in itself was an entertaining read. A few references from mythology and the relationships between the characters were quite interesting to pick apart because everyone has their own problems and doubts, which seems very morose but went along the story quite well.
I feel like both the possibility of changing the future and the technicalities of it could be more detailed and not so vague for most part of the book. There were a few references from Greek mythology which could have been used as a bigger part of the book and Kashmir’s history could have been more elaborate. While most of Nix’s is on the ship and she doesn’t have much stability I feel like Kashmir’s past didn’t have to be that way for the readers. The other members of the crew were neglected and I felt like a lot of the characters could have had slightly more intricate relationships.
But putting all this aside I absolutely loved the concept of being travel through world, through time, with just the right map and a navigator’s belief in the place they’re going to. The books didn’t go in the direction that I was expecting but I liked the plot of this book and the new characters who were introduced in this book played a massive role in the entirety of this book. I give this book 4.25 stars for the writing and the concept and I would recommend it to you if you want to read something that doesn’t require much thinking for when you’re feeling lazy.
February 21, 2017
2/21/2017 ONE WEEK LEFT. I MADE A BOOK TRAILER TO DEAL WITH MY NERVES. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdY41...
8/14/16
Man looking back i feel like such a jerk, like what author talks such smack about their own book?
Me, obviously. Me, the jerk.
11/17/15
Currently in first round edits and irrationally angry at this book, good thing i'm not gonna pick a star rating because OH BOY.
8/14/16
Man looking back i feel like such a jerk, like what author talks such smack about their own book?
Me, obviously. Me, the jerk.
11/17/15
Currently in first round edits and irrationally angry at this book, good thing i'm not gonna pick a star rating because OH BOY.
March 3, 2017
Actual rating: 3.5 stars“Our lives are before us, not behind.”
“That depends on where you’re standing on the timeline.”
A couple of months ago when I first held The Girl from Everywhere in my hands, I was expecting a really fun read with adventures, time-travel, hot Persian thieves and an unforgettable image of the 19th century Hawaii. In the end I definitely got my adventures with the charming thief and authentic image of Hawaii, the time-travel part though, wasn't fully explained, and some serious holes in the concept of the Navigation system presented in the book, couldn't let me rest in peace. I was waiting for the sequel to dispel my doubts and satisfy my curiosity. Now after finishing The Ship Beyond Time I am torn: from one side, the sequel definitely answered most of my question, but, from the other side, more appeared and the way Heidi Heilig handled those new questions wasn't 100% satisfactory.
>> The best addition to the book was Kashmir's POV. Finally!! we can see what's going on in the handsome head of his. I must say, Kashmir's fears and doubts really resonated with me. We knew that his homeland is actually a myth, the one you will never find on any maps, so the question Kashmir asked himself time and again: Am I a real boy? Or am I a figment of Navigator's - Nyx's - imagination, because it's always up to the Navigator whether they believe in the place they want to visit and thereof making it true.“Then I saw the Temptation gleaming like fool’s gold on the black water, and my anger returned. The ship was hers too; everything was hers. The room where I slept, the life she had saved . . . had she created it in the first place? And even now, my heart. All hers.
I was not a jealous man—it wouldn’t bother me at all if only I had something of my own. So what was mine? The coat I wore? Bought with stolen gold. The money in my pocket? Taken from the harbormaster. I pulled out the handful of tarnished silver; it gleamed dully in the moonlight. I cast the coins into the harbor like dice, like bones. They tumbled into the water and I watched the ripples disappear as though they’d never been.”
>> The above leads me to the the time-travel part: can you change you fate? What if by trying to change the past, you actually trigger the things that will lead to shaping the future as you know it; what if you are the reason things the way they are? And what if you never interfered with the past in the first place: what would the future be like? I must say, that I loved how the author challenged her characters with these questions. It's really hard to grasp the whole concept of cause an effect, like what was first: an egg or a chicken? Does fate exist or the future can be changed? Plus, there's also an ethical question: The Navigators (people who time-travel) interfere with the past, therefore messing with other people's lives: what if their arrival triggered an event, and that event changed the fate of a person, and to somehow level the damage, time creates a fork: one world where a person exists as they were supposed to be before the Navigator's interference, and the other world where changes occurred, and a person wouldn't remember parts of their life these changes touched. I don't know if you get my point, because it's really hard to grasp the whole concept of the multiverses and its consequences, but the whole idea is really fascinating.
“And what of the memories Nix had claimed to have? The memories I was missing? Was my mind so malleable a stranger could change it? Were all of my thoughts now suspect? The wounds and the wonders I’d carried from my youth—the dreams and desires I’d fostered for my future . . . the love and longing for the girl who’d stolen my heart?”
>> Despite my excitement for the time-travel concept, what I was never a fan of - or better say - was never satisfied with is like the author presents the whole Navigation thing to us. I mean, sure, she added time-travel with multiverses to the book and it's really cool, but she never really explained how the whole Navigation happened in the first place: in book 1 we just had a vague explanation that a person just have to close their eyes and dream of the place they wanted to visit. Of course, you have to have a map of the said place, and you can't travel twice in one place, but the devil is in the details, and here I got some kind of subterfuge: don't ask questions about how the navigation works, just swallow the multiverse pill and be happy. No, the world-building doesn't work that way, Ms. Heilig, especially when you add the real physics concept to your imaginary world, be kind enough to match and explain both.
>> I absolutely love the places author chooses for adventures in her books: characters visit real historical places and imaginary worlds: myth, utopia, someone else's fantasy - doesn't matter what it is, because it's always so fascinatingly done, you feel yourself wanting to visit these places too.
>> The love triangle disappeared like it never was here in the first place: which, from one side, is definitely good, because I hated that stupid love-triangle, but, from the other side, you can't just brush out the second love interest the heroine seriously considered the life with in book 1. Like what? Why all of a sudden Nix switched to Kashmir (not that I minded) and forgot all about Blake? I'd just liked a more subtle transition maybe? Of course, I absolutely loved all Kashmir moments (hot times are guaranteed):
“Why? Don’t you know why you love me?”
“I know that I’m happiest at your side,” I said fervently. “I know that when we’re apart, my heart is with you, when we disagree I still want you near. It’s like I was made for you, amira, but I don’t know why.”
“Kashmir . . .” She laughed a little in disbelief. “That’s . . . that’s what love looks like.”
“But is it only a trick of Navigation?” I asked, nearly pleading. “And if so, what is truly mine?”
“I am.”
Her words took me by surprise. She said it so simply—so quiet, so true. Only two words, three letters, one breath, but never had a promise held more meaning. She turned to me then, and in her eyes, I saw not oblivion, but infinity, and the stars were not as bright as her smile.”
But, honestly, sometime Nix's fixation on saving Kashmir from loosing him in the future was borderline obsessive and annoying: at times she resembled a mad woman mumbling all the time, I don't want to loose you Kash, I don't want to loose you... *sigh* The girl can be really daft.
“Do you regret it, amira?”
“Regret . . . what?”
“Meeting me. Knowing me.” He searched my face. “Loving me.”
Everything seemed to stop at the word; it hung in the air between us, tangible and real. “No,” I said at last. “No.”
“But you fear you will someday. That’s why you hold back. That’s why you want to know you can change things before you commit.” He let go of my hand and stood. The distance between us ached like the cold of a winter sea. “You watched your father chase your mother for years, and you wished he didn’t love her. What will you do to my memory when I’m gone? Will you chase it like a dragon? Or will you banish it like smoke?”
>> Some of the characters' actions were questionable in the logic department, and some plot moves didn't add up as well. It's hard to explain without spoilering anything major, so here goes the spoiler part if you read the book
>> The ending was great! I think it's the best part of the book (apart from Kashmir) I loved in this story. I appreciated that the author left some 'cosmic' questions unanswered; the ending is left open with the possibility of more books (so far it's a duology) or the possibility for us, readers, to interpret the consequences of the characters' actions as we wish.
All in all, The Ship Beyond Time was definitely an adventure worth exploring if only for Kashmir, time-travel, imaginary worlds, and freedom of choosing your next destination, feeling the breeze of possibilities in front of you. I wish I could hop on a ship and go on adventure wherever I want. *dreamy sigh* I love the light sense of sadness I am left with after the book is finished, I love that the book made me grip its pages in worry for characters' fates. I love that there's an open ending and not everything is agreed upon. Maybe there will be more books someday, the author definitely left space for that, but if not, I wouldn't be sad either, because some question better left for readers' imagination to decide what fate for our characters lingers on the horizon...
August 3, 2017
I sent this letter to the author and am posting it here because I'm so concerned for other Native people who might pick up this book. This isn't meant to publicly shame the author at all. She seems like a generally good person who has done a lot of great social justice work, and I'm not suggesting that anyone attack her personally. But critiquing the book is another matter. Because the fact is, this book hurt me as a Native person. A lot. And I would hate for it to happen to others. Mild book spoilers below, and content warnings for Indigenous genocide, Indigenous land theft, and harm brought to Indigenous peoples all over the world by James Cook:
I read The Girl From Everywhere and loved it so much. You quickly became one of my favorite authors and social justice advocates. So of course I picked up The Ship Beyond Time. Unfortunately, I have to say that as a Native person, I was really hurt by how you handled the subject of James Cook.
When many Native people hear Cook's name, one of the first words we think of is "genocide." Even just seeing his name on the page can be triggering, and I highly recommend you add a trigger warning for this. I did see "references to theft of indigenous land" on your website, but this isn't sufficient. Cook didn't just take our land. He was also directly responsible for many of our deaths, which I know you're aware of. Please reflect that in your trigger/content warning, and capitalize "Indigenous." It's disrespectful not to. (And no, not every Native person in the world capitalizes it, because we're not all the same, but it's pretty widespread and has become standard in many conversations and publications.) Same with capitalizing the word "Native." And I get that on the internet sometimes people type in lowercase to save time, but unless it's a fellow Native typing, I cringe every time I see those words in lowercase from people who claim to be allies.
I was also really disappointed with the plot elements surrounding the decision on whether to save Cook or not. It just felt...cheap. Like the deaths of my ancestors were a plot point to mildly debate for a little bit before deciding "Nah, we'll save ourselves instead and let Cook carry on with Native genocide." I just...my heart sank.
Also, Nix only seemed concerned about Cook's 3rd voyage, and in the author's note at the end, you made it sound like Cook was a beloved hero on his first two voyages. Umm he did come into contact with various Native peoples all over the world on his 1st two voyages...do you really think those Native people and their descendants consider Cook a hero? Do you really think they'd be cool with Cook bringing settler colonial crap to their lands, as long as he didn't go on that 3rd voyage to other lands?
And not only is Nix only concerned about Cook's 3rd voyage, but she's specifically only worried about Hawaii. I get that she's from there, but what about all the Native people Cook screwed over along the west coast of the U.S. and Canada on his 3rd voyage? And the Native people in New Zealand? They don't even get a mention in the book.
And Nix's effort to stop Cook from going on his 3rd voyage felt like an afterthought. All the action is done, she mutters a quick sentence to Cook about how he'll die on his 3rd voyage if he goes...and that's it. That's all the effort she puts into saving thousands of Native people.
This plot point could've been a decent dilemma if handled properly, but it wasn't. It needed so much more nuance, more internal and external debate, more historical context, more everything. And I don't think it's a plot point that should've been attempted by a nonNative. I feel so dismissed right now. How can you champion punching Nazis but then have Nix so dismissively save James Cook of all people?
I'm not even angry anymore, I'm just feeling really heartbroken right now. I don't say that to deliberately guilt you, but I'm not going to downplay the hurt this book caused me. I can't recommend it to any Native people I know. And I can't tell you what to do of course, but publicly addressing this would go a long way. Not only to provide a trigger warning/content warning for other Native people, but to show that you're genuinely listening and taking steps to improve.
Thanks for reading.
Update Aug. 2, 2017: I still haven't heard anything from the author privately or publicly.
I read The Girl From Everywhere and loved it so much. You quickly became one of my favorite authors and social justice advocates. So of course I picked up The Ship Beyond Time. Unfortunately, I have to say that as a Native person, I was really hurt by how you handled the subject of James Cook.
When many Native people hear Cook's name, one of the first words we think of is "genocide." Even just seeing his name on the page can be triggering, and I highly recommend you add a trigger warning for this. I did see "references to theft of indigenous land" on your website, but this isn't sufficient. Cook didn't just take our land. He was also directly responsible for many of our deaths, which I know you're aware of. Please reflect that in your trigger/content warning, and capitalize "Indigenous." It's disrespectful not to. (And no, not every Native person in the world capitalizes it, because we're not all the same, but it's pretty widespread and has become standard in many conversations and publications.) Same with capitalizing the word "Native." And I get that on the internet sometimes people type in lowercase to save time, but unless it's a fellow Native typing, I cringe every time I see those words in lowercase from people who claim to be allies.
I was also really disappointed with the plot elements surrounding the decision on whether to save Cook or not. It just felt...cheap. Like the deaths of my ancestors were a plot point to mildly debate for a little bit before deciding "Nah, we'll save ourselves instead and let Cook carry on with Native genocide." I just...my heart sank.
Also, Nix only seemed concerned about Cook's 3rd voyage, and in the author's note at the end, you made it sound like Cook was a beloved hero on his first two voyages. Umm he did come into contact with various Native peoples all over the world on his 1st two voyages...do you really think those Native people and their descendants consider Cook a hero? Do you really think they'd be cool with Cook bringing settler colonial crap to their lands, as long as he didn't go on that 3rd voyage to other lands?
And not only is Nix only concerned about Cook's 3rd voyage, but she's specifically only worried about Hawaii. I get that she's from there, but what about all the Native people Cook screwed over along the west coast of the U.S. and Canada on his 3rd voyage? And the Native people in New Zealand? They don't even get a mention in the book.
And Nix's effort to stop Cook from going on his 3rd voyage felt like an afterthought. All the action is done, she mutters a quick sentence to Cook about how he'll die on his 3rd voyage if he goes...and that's it. That's all the effort she puts into saving thousands of Native people.
This plot point could've been a decent dilemma if handled properly, but it wasn't. It needed so much more nuance, more internal and external debate, more historical context, more everything. And I don't think it's a plot point that should've been attempted by a nonNative. I feel so dismissed right now. How can you champion punching Nazis but then have Nix so dismissively save James Cook of all people?
I'm not even angry anymore, I'm just feeling really heartbroken right now. I don't say that to deliberately guilt you, but I'm not going to downplay the hurt this book caused me. I can't recommend it to any Native people I know. And I can't tell you what to do of course, but publicly addressing this would go a long way. Not only to provide a trigger warning/content warning for other Native people, but to show that you're genuinely listening and taking steps to improve.
Thanks for reading.
Update Aug. 2, 2017: I still haven't heard anything from the author privately or publicly.
February 11, 2017
Oh man. I don't even know where to start with this one.
I loved the set up for this book. I really enjoyed the first book, but I was eager to see how the relationship between Nix and Kashmir progressed. And for the most part, it didn't disappoint. There are definitely some things that transpired between them that made me angry, but I was mostly happy.
Plot wise, I was captivated. I loved the story and how things happened. This time around, I didn't let myself get bogged down with the mythology and it made all the difference. The ending is slightly bittersweet, but mostly satisfying. I'm curious to see if there will be another book.
And if you're not reading this series, you need to change that asap.
**Huge thanks to Greenwillow Books and Edelweiss for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved the set up for this book. I really enjoyed the first book, but I was eager to see how the relationship between Nix and Kashmir progressed. And for the most part, it didn't disappoint. There are definitely some things that transpired between them that made me angry, but I was mostly happy.
Plot wise, I was captivated. I loved the story and how things happened. This time around, I didn't let myself get bogged down with the mythology and it made all the difference. The ending is slightly bittersweet, but mostly satisfying. I'm curious to see if there will be another book.
And if you're not reading this series, you need to change that asap.
**Huge thanks to Greenwillow Books and Edelweiss for providing the arc free of charge**
April 20, 2018
3.5*
This was a satisfying conclusion but I was a bit bored in the middle if I am being honest. The beginning and end were really interesting but the middle I just honestly found a bit boring. The conclusion was very satisfying though and was not wrapped pretty like a lot of book series, which I appreciate. They characters are still fun and have amusing dialogue. My only complaint about the characters is that Nix could be annoyingly stubborn, but aren’t we all.
My quick and simple overall: good, just was not into the middle. The beginning of the book and end are strong though.
This was a satisfying conclusion but I was a bit bored in the middle if I am being honest. The beginning and end were really interesting but the middle I just honestly found a bit boring. The conclusion was very satisfying though and was not wrapped pretty like a lot of book series, which I appreciate. They characters are still fun and have amusing dialogue. My only complaint about the characters is that Nix could be annoyingly stubborn, but aren’t we all.
My quick and simple overall: good, just was not into the middle. The beginning of the book and end are strong though.
May 25, 2017
4.5
Not sure if I loved this /quite/ as much as the first one, but I can't put my finger on why.....so maybe I did? Idk. This book DOES focus on one of my favorite mythical cities, Ys. I'm a huge Breton history and folklore nerd so this was a personal bonus. THERE IS MORE KASH. Lots more. Way more. It's great. And there's lots of canoodling. *eyebrow waggle*
Waiting on the maps in the finished copy.......
Not sure if I loved this /quite/ as much as the first one, but I can't put my finger on why.....so maybe I did? Idk. This book DOES focus on one of my favorite mythical cities, Ys. I'm a huge Breton history and folklore nerd so this was a personal bonus. THERE IS MORE KASH. Lots more. Way more. It's great. And there's lots of canoodling. *eyebrow waggle*
Waiting on the maps in the finished copy.......
December 9, 2019
3.5 stars
I didn't find myself as invested in this one as with the first book. However, the time-travel aspect is something I always find fascinating and Heidi Heilig does a wonderful job with it.
I didn't find myself as invested in this one as with the first book. However, the time-travel aspect is something I always find fascinating and Heidi Heilig does a wonderful job with it.
January 30, 2018
What a brilliant follow up and conclusion to this absolutely enthralling time travel adventure. I wish I could say that I'll be seeing more of Nix and Kashmir (easily a couple of my favorite YA characters), but I appreciated the ending which is both hopeful, bittersweet, and left just the right amount of open. If you haven't tried this series yet, what are you waiting for? To say I'm looking forward to Heidi Heilig's future projects is an understatement!
June 24, 2017
Awesome sequel! It was action-packed and had much more plot development, much more myths and legends, and much more swoony times with Kash. :D
I only wish the we got a bit more character development with some of the secondary characters (and a smidge disappointed by the ending but probably because I wanted more).
Review to come on Happy Indulgence
I only wish the we got a bit more character development with some of the secondary characters (and a smidge disappointed by the ending but probably because I wanted more).
Review to come on Happy Indulgence
March 29, 2017
Such a great book! And a great second half of the duology, so enjoyable, and how things wrapped up! Great book!
April 2, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a free copy via Edelweiss for review purposes.
Last year I read The Girl from Everywhere, Heidi Heilig's debut SFF time-travelling novel, and I LOVED it. You can read my review here, but I basically praised the characters, the character dynamics and interactions, the setting, and the SFF elements. I loved EVERYTHING. I especially loved Kash. So I was fairly sure that I was going to love this one too, and no surprise, I did. I loved it even more than The Girl From Everywhere, which I didn't think was possible.
The Ship Beyond Time picks up immediately after the events of The Girl From Everywhere, and it's straight back into the action. As her father gives up trying to save Nix's mother, and erase Nix's existence in the process, Nix's dreams of her future become a possible reality. But then she learns that she's destined to lose the one she loves and she can't bear the thought of losing Kash, not when their relationship is only just beginning to blossom.
As another Navigator promises Nix the secrets of changing the past, Nix and the crew of The Temptation travel to a utopia in hopes of avoiding Kash's fate. The novel revolves around questions of fate and free will - can the past be changed?
Heilig has a lush prose that makes her books really easy and pleasant to read. It's not too convoluted and it's full of emotion and lush descriptions. Ker-Ys was so vividly depicted you felt that you were there, exploring the dark tunnels and the lavish castle alongside Nix. Heilig makes the character so real, that you feel emotionally invested in each and every one them (except maybe Blake -- I seriously dislike Blake). They're so complex and curious, willing the change the past for love. I, once again, adored Kash. I adore his devotion to Nix, his wit and his charm. I really enjoyed reading from his POV (more please!). I admire Nix's independence, intelligence, and her kindness. The "villian" was complex too, his motivations based on power and recognition. He wasn't a simple villian though, because he thought he was doing a good thing -- but in the end fate and destiny got him.
As a history geek I really enjoyed the blending of present, magic, history and mythology, and Heilig does it so seamlessly. If you're a fan of history, time-travel, science fiction, or mythology, I would highly recommend this action packed, well-developed series.
Last year I read The Girl from Everywhere, Heidi Heilig's debut SFF time-travelling novel, and I LOVED it. You can read my review here, but I basically praised the characters, the character dynamics and interactions, the setting, and the SFF elements. I loved EVERYTHING. I especially loved Kash. So I was fairly sure that I was going to love this one too, and no surprise, I did. I loved it even more than The Girl From Everywhere, which I didn't think was possible.
The Ship Beyond Time picks up immediately after the events of The Girl From Everywhere, and it's straight back into the action. As her father gives up trying to save Nix's mother, and erase Nix's existence in the process, Nix's dreams of her future become a possible reality. But then she learns that she's destined to lose the one she loves and she can't bear the thought of losing Kash, not when their relationship is only just beginning to blossom.
As another Navigator promises Nix the secrets of changing the past, Nix and the crew of The Temptation travel to a utopia in hopes of avoiding Kash's fate. The novel revolves around questions of fate and free will - can the past be changed?
Heilig has a lush prose that makes her books really easy and pleasant to read. It's not too convoluted and it's full of emotion and lush descriptions. Ker-Ys was so vividly depicted you felt that you were there, exploring the dark tunnels and the lavish castle alongside Nix. Heilig makes the character so real, that you feel emotionally invested in each and every one them (except maybe Blake -- I seriously dislike Blake). They're so complex and curious, willing the change the past for love. I, once again, adored Kash. I adore his devotion to Nix, his wit and his charm. I really enjoyed reading from his POV (more please!). I admire Nix's independence, intelligence, and her kindness. The "villian" was complex too, his motivations based on power and recognition. He wasn't a simple villian though, because he thought he was doing a good thing -- but in the end fate and destiny got him.
As a history geek I really enjoyed the blending of present, magic, history and mythology, and Heilig does it so seamlessly. If you're a fan of history, time-travel, science fiction, or mythology, I would highly recommend this action packed, well-developed series.
May 8, 2020
I haven't read a book this quickly in...quite a while. I'm absolutely DEVASTATED that there isn't a third book.
This series has absolutely swept me away, and I'm so in love with the magical time travel and characters. Extremely bummed that this is the end. Would highly, highly recommend.
This series has absolutely swept me away, and I'm so in love with the magical time travel and characters. Extremely bummed that this is the end. Would highly, highly recommend.
April 26, 2017
What a book, I loved this even more then the first.
Nix is on the way to NY, her Dad is coming down from a drug addiction and not in the best shape, and she's received a prediction that her Love: Kash is going to die at sea.
While going out on shore leave in NY Nix and Kash are stopped by a girl who can't remember much but knows she had a letter and a map to deliver to Nix.
Inside Nix finds a map to a Utopia, a mythical island, and also a promise of help. Can Nix change the future? Defeat fate? Will the world split off into paradoxes if she does? Will her family and friends disappear? How will the world remake itself if the past is tampered with...
This book had the same amazing world as the first, I mean a mythological island? Surrounded by sea walls to stop it from becoming the next Atlantis and a fairy tale about the island disappearing happening in only a few days.
Nixie loves adventure and I was right along side her. Mermaids, Monsters, A Pit, A Crazed king, a foretold disaster. Bring it on! I believe in my girl Nix and if I had the chance to go into a fictional world I wouldn't object to being apart of this crew and calling her captain.
One of the things I was surprised I liked was the dual narration, having Kash's POV was awesome. Kash is such a complex character, he's charming and a smart ass, but knows what is right from wrong. He's also having a life crisis about if he's real or not.
This duology was all types of fun and my heart stopped more then once at the last 50 pages.
Thank you to the publisher Hot key books for allowing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Nix is on the way to NY, her Dad is coming down from a drug addiction and not in the best shape, and she's received a prediction that her Love: Kash is going to die at sea.
While going out on shore leave in NY Nix and Kash are stopped by a girl who can't remember much but knows she had a letter and a map to deliver to Nix.
Inside Nix finds a map to a Utopia, a mythical island, and also a promise of help. Can Nix change the future? Defeat fate? Will the world split off into paradoxes if she does? Will her family and friends disappear? How will the world remake itself if the past is tampered with...
This book had the same amazing world as the first, I mean a mythological island? Surrounded by sea walls to stop it from becoming the next Atlantis and a fairy tale about the island disappearing happening in only a few days.
Nixie loves adventure and I was right along side her. Mermaids, Monsters, A Pit, A Crazed king, a foretold disaster. Bring it on! I believe in my girl Nix and if I had the chance to go into a fictional world I wouldn't object to being apart of this crew and calling her captain.
One of the things I was surprised I liked was the dual narration, having Kash's POV was awesome. Kash is such a complex character, he's charming and a smart ass, but knows what is right from wrong. He's also having a life crisis about if he's real or not.
This duology was all types of fun and my heart stopped more then once at the last 50 pages.
Thank you to the publisher Hot key books for allowing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review
December 14, 2016
Oh fucking goddamn holy shit this was better than the first? It moved faster, I cared more, what a fucking ride
March 26, 2017
I aspire to the level of thoughtfulness it would take to write like Heidi.
July 5, 2023
scratch everything i said about the girl from everywhere, this book made up for it and more
August 17, 2017
2.5 stars
The Ship Beyond Time was not a strong conclusion. I nearly DNFed this book multiple times. In fact, it took a steadfast focus to stop myself from skimming through to the end. I was not engaged in the story in the slightest. The plot was messy. It felt completely rushed and disjointed. Maybe I am just not intelligent enough to puzzle it together from the half-strung theories Nix seemed to understand in an instant? Whatever my excuse may be, I still found it incredibly difficult to wrap my head around this particular time travel lore. I was constantly trying to figure out what the characters were trying to achieve. Just when I thought I knew what they were trying to accomplish, they would make a sudden realisation and just… change all their plans. It left me flailing in confusion and anger more times than I could keep track of. It did not help that I was not on board with a few of the plot threads. For example, I found the memory aspect of the story a little half-hearted. Kashmir’s reaction was reasonable (honestly, I felt so bad for him this entire book, but I’ll get to that in a minute) but everyone kind of just jumped on board with Nix’s ramblings. I was also just confused about the Ker-Ys myth. I could never remember the details of the original myth, let alone where it had diverged.
The characters were also a mess. Nix is just not a character I connect to on any personal level. I do not think she is poorly written by any sense but she kinda felt like another Etta and… I don’t know. She is just not particularly memorable to me and I found her fits of anger unfounded and irritating. Kashmir’s POV should have been amazing since he was such an outstanding character in the first book. His sass and humour shine through and provide a lot of needed relief from the intensity of the plot. I really enjoyed his internal monologue as well, as he struggled to come to terms with his identity and past. What bugged me about his chapters were how whiny he got about the romantic situation. Just like Nicholas in Wayfarer, I felt Heilig did not do his voice justice by wasting t on petty drama. I will say that as a character, I did still adore him. I wanted to jump into the pages and give him a hug. He was having such a hard time wrapping his mind around his origins and Nix just did not understand.
The other secondary characters were just… not themselves. Bee and Rotgut were mysteriously absent for the majority of the story and Slate just lost his spark. I really wanted to see how his relationship with Nix would evolve after the events of the first book but he barely made his presence known. He was not given the chance for character development. I also have to say that I was entirely disappointed with how Blake’s character was portrayed. As much as everyone else seems to despise him, Blake wormed his way into my heart. He was so loyal, genuinely kind to Nix and he adapted so well to the timeline differences. He was naturally curious and passionate about Hawaii and justice. I know he made some awful choices but the intent behind those decisions was pretty sound in my opinion. He was the only character that seriously considered the wider impact of their time travelling, rather than how it served them personally. I really liked that about him. I did think that introducing: .
The romance did nothing for me. For one, we still have the remnants of a love triangle for the majority of the story. I hate to think how many times I have written this sentence: it was unnecessary. Why are authors still writing their characters into these sorts of unrealistic, drama-prone situations? I like Kashmir. I like Blake. I somewhat thought Nix was okay. I did not particularly care about any of them together and was so done with the situation.
Heilig does have an amazing writing style, though, and the premise of a time-travelling pirate-ish crew still excites me. I think The Ship Beyond Time could have been a truly solid book if the world-building and character development had been stronger. Heilig can definitely write the bare bones of a good story and I look forward to seeing her develop her skills in her future stories.
Review copy provided by the publisher for an honest review.
The Ship Beyond Time was not a strong conclusion. I nearly DNFed this book multiple times. In fact, it took a steadfast focus to stop myself from skimming through to the end. I was not engaged in the story in the slightest. The plot was messy. It felt completely rushed and disjointed. Maybe I am just not intelligent enough to puzzle it together from the half-strung theories Nix seemed to understand in an instant? Whatever my excuse may be, I still found it incredibly difficult to wrap my head around this particular time travel lore. I was constantly trying to figure out what the characters were trying to achieve. Just when I thought I knew what they were trying to accomplish, they would make a sudden realisation and just… change all their plans. It left me flailing in confusion and anger more times than I could keep track of. It did not help that I was not on board with a few of the plot threads. For example, I found the memory aspect of the story a little half-hearted. Kashmir’s reaction was reasonable (honestly, I felt so bad for him this entire book, but I’ll get to that in a minute) but everyone kind of just jumped on board with Nix’s ramblings. I was also just confused about the Ker-Ys myth. I could never remember the details of the original myth, let alone where it had diverged.
The characters were also a mess. Nix is just not a character I connect to on any personal level. I do not think she is poorly written by any sense but she kinda felt like another Etta and… I don’t know. She is just not particularly memorable to me and I found her fits of anger unfounded and irritating. Kashmir’s POV should have been amazing since he was such an outstanding character in the first book. His sass and humour shine through and provide a lot of needed relief from the intensity of the plot. I really enjoyed his internal monologue as well, as he struggled to come to terms with his identity and past. What bugged me about his chapters were how whiny he got about the romantic situation. Just like Nicholas in Wayfarer, I felt Heilig did not do his voice justice by wasting t on petty drama. I will say that as a character, I did still adore him. I wanted to jump into the pages and give him a hug. He was having such a hard time wrapping his mind around his origins and Nix just did not understand.
The other secondary characters were just… not themselves. Bee and Rotgut were mysteriously absent for the majority of the story and Slate just lost his spark. I really wanted to see how his relationship with Nix would evolve after the events of the first book but he barely made his presence known. He was not given the chance for character development. I also have to say that I was entirely disappointed with how Blake’s character was portrayed. As much as everyone else seems to despise him, Blake wormed his way into my heart. He was so loyal, genuinely kind to Nix and he adapted so well to the timeline differences. He was naturally curious and passionate about Hawaii and justice. I know he made some awful choices but the intent behind those decisions was pretty sound in my opinion. He was the only character that seriously considered the wider impact of their time travelling, rather than how it served them personally. I really liked that about him. I did think that introducing: .
The romance did nothing for me. For one, we still have the remnants of a love triangle for the majority of the story. I hate to think how many times I have written this sentence: it was unnecessary. Why are authors still writing their characters into these sorts of unrealistic, drama-prone situations? I like Kashmir. I like Blake. I somewhat thought Nix was okay. I did not particularly care about any of them together and was so done with the situation.
Heilig does have an amazing writing style, though, and the premise of a time-travelling pirate-ish crew still excites me. I think The Ship Beyond Time could have been a truly solid book if the world-building and character development had been stronger. Heilig can definitely write the bare bones of a good story and I look forward to seeing her develop her skills in her future stories.
Review copy provided by the publisher for an honest review.
December 11, 2018
A middle grades storyline with YA/adult themes. Thumbs down. I could have done without reading this sequel. The take on time travel is unique but the details are far fetched (even for a fantasy world). I would have given another star but seriously what's with the detailed sex scene? This would have gotten a resounding recommendation from me for tweens, but not now. Know your lane and don't try to be something you're not.
March 2, 2019
I don't know if it's the right word but I just love how passionate and deep Heilig makes the narrating character. I'm still obsessed with the romance in all its cheesy glory
March 18, 2017
My rating:
3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4).
Sequels are always best when they take what worked in the first book and expand on it - add depth to it. This book accomplished that in some ways, and in other ways it fell a bit short.
I'll start with what I liked:
--In the The Girl from Everywhere, we know the characters can travel through history and more interestingly - through myth and legend. We saw them stop in Hawaii during the 1880's, where the events took place. And for a brief time, there was that journey to a mythical tomb. But this time -- most of the book revolves around their time in a mythical city called "Ker Ys", (which I'd never heard of before but found interesting) - that is set to drown by the end of the myth.
The most interesting part about this is that the entire journey is made for the purpose of answering the question that every good time travel story asks - is changing the past and altering your fate possible? The mystery that came with this definitely made this sequel come on top of the first one.
--But what made the story so intense is that this time it's not Nix's mother's fate they're trying to fix but Kashmir's. Nix's worse fears are coming true. In the first book, she held back on admitting to her feelings for Kashmir because she did not want to love the way her father did - too fiercely and unable to face loss. But now her father tells her that it's her fate to "lose the one she loves to the sea" and to be heartbroken as a result. Does Nix learn from having watched her father obsess to near madness her whole life? No - it's because of what she's seen in him that her fears are already so deep set.
I really liked this part of the book - her struggles with her father becoming an internal conflict with herself now. Nix's anxiety wasn't just about saving Kashmir but about saving herself. She was even afraid of things like depression being hereditary after watching her father fall deeper and deeper into it for years.
Even though her actions seem over the top at times, the book shows how she learns through her own mistakes and choices. It was a necessary journey and character growth for Nix.
--Another thing I liked is how the author, again, takes pieces of history and weaves them with myth to shape her own story. The "villain" of this story, Donald Crowhurst, is based on an actual person (read author's note) who had set out to travel around the world but then disappeared, leaving ramblings in his logbook that made people conclude he'd lost his sanity. But here in the book, Crowhurst, is a 'navigator' like Nix and her dad, who claims to have found all the secrets to their shared ability. And when he offers to teach Nix by showing her how he altered a myth, she takes the risk to go to him there for answers - to save Kashmir from his fate.
--In the first book, I said my favorite part was Kashmir and that I hoped for more insight into his character in the sequel - and I got my wish! This time, he gets chapters in his point of view and they do not disappoint (even though they were too few). We see more depth here. Kashmir (who comes from a fantasy world) starts to question his own reality. He starts to wonder if he is even real -- questioning his past, his memories, his emotions. The idea of never having been an actual part of the world bothers him much more than the thought of leaving it.
--I really liked how Nix and Kashmir's relationship played out in this book. For a while, their internal struggles come between them -- Nix still holds back from Kashmir, while he wants to hold onto what they already have. (Who doesn't like some well written angst?)
But they have such beautiful moments in this book. I love how their problems are resolved, so there's absolutely no worries there!
--And like the first book, this one is emotional and bittersweet, and that depth to the characters and their relationships is the story's biggest strength.
Now onto what I didn't really like:
--One of the things I was hoping for in the sequel is to get clearer answers on how the time traveling works. This book's main plot revolved around the question of what would happen if you try to change the past or alter history/myth. Basically, every theory is thrown in here - there's the one about alternate realities resulting from every different choice, and on the other hand there's the idea of only one timeline that shifts to fit the changes. But it kind of remained open to interpretation. (Best to read the next spoiler only if you've read the book) That's my gripe here, the more answers we got, the more questions followed. It got frustrating going in circles, which made me almost lose interest at some points.
--And we still don't know why and how Navigators exist. It wasn't really discussed.
--Regarding Nix's decision to go to Ker Ys (Only if you've read the book)--
((All that said, I really liked the ending and outcome - and was totally satisfied by it. ))
--Oh, and I did not like Blake. I had hopes that he would be a fun addition to the crew, and yeah he and Kashmir became friends of a sort, but he ended up being a disappointment. There's no annoying love triangle this time, since now Nix has admitted her feelings for Kashmir - and she and Blake hadn't ended things on good terms in the last book. But mostly, Blake's true love is the paradise he lost in Hawaii - and just like Nix is fighting to save her love by learning how to change the past, Blake feels the same way.
All in all -- I really liked the book. Time travel, myths, unhinged villains, swoon-worthy male character and romance - and most of all: great character development overall! And it added to my appreciation of duologies -- there's enough time to develop story and character without dragging the plot unnecessarily.
If you've read and liked the first book, you will definitely find a lot to like about this book!
-------
And if you love time travel stories as much as I do, I also recommend Passenger (and its sequel, Wayfarer). It's a duology as well, and it might not include fascinating mythical worlds (or Kashmir!), but the time travel system/origin is pretty impressive, with very few holes (if any) in the explanation.
"It's never up to you what happens. Your only choice is what to do when it does. What kind of person will you decide to be?”
Sequels are always best when they take what worked in the first book and expand on it - add depth to it. This book accomplished that in some ways, and in other ways it fell a bit short.
I'll start with what I liked:
--In the The Girl from Everywhere, we know the characters can travel through history and more interestingly - through myth and legend. We saw them stop in Hawaii during the 1880's, where the events took place. And for a brief time, there was that journey to a mythical tomb. But this time -- most of the book revolves around their time in a mythical city called "Ker Ys", (which I'd never heard of before but found interesting) - that is set to drown by the end of the myth.
The most interesting part about this is that the entire journey is made for the purpose of answering the question that every good time travel story asks - is changing the past and altering your fate possible? The mystery that came with this definitely made this sequel come on top of the first one.
--But what made the story so intense is that this time it's not Nix's mother's fate they're trying to fix but Kashmir's. Nix's worse fears are coming true. In the first book, she held back on admitting to her feelings for Kashmir because she did not want to love the way her father did - too fiercely and unable to face loss. But now her father tells her that it's her fate to "lose the one she loves to the sea" and to be heartbroken as a result. Does Nix learn from having watched her father obsess to near madness her whole life? No - it's because of what she's seen in him that her fears are already so deep set.
“You’ve fought me for years, but now that it’s about Kashmir—”
"What did you really expect, Slate?” My voice shocked me—the anger in it. “After all this time watching you, what did you think I would do?”
"I don’t know!” he shouted, flinging his arms into the air. “Maybe learn from my mistakes?”
"I did,” I shot back. “Just not the lessons you thought. And now I have the chance to learn from experience.”
I really liked this part of the book - her struggles with her father becoming an internal conflict with herself now. Nix's anxiety wasn't just about saving Kashmir but about saving herself. She was even afraid of things like depression being hereditary after watching her father fall deeper and deeper into it for years.
Looking at Slate, his bent shoulders, his hollow eyes—I knew I could not let it happen to me. I would not end up like my father.
Even though her actions seem over the top at times, the book shows how she learns through her own mistakes and choices. It was a necessary journey and character growth for Nix.
--Another thing I liked is how the author, again, takes pieces of history and weaves them with myth to shape her own story. The "villain" of this story, Donald Crowhurst, is based on an actual person (read author's note) who had set out to travel around the world but then disappeared, leaving ramblings in his logbook that made people conclude he'd lost his sanity. But here in the book, Crowhurst, is a 'navigator' like Nix and her dad, who claims to have found all the secrets to their shared ability. And when he offers to teach Nix by showing her how he altered a myth, she takes the risk to go to him there for answers - to save Kashmir from his fate.
--In the first book, I said my favorite part was Kashmir and that I hoped for more insight into his character in the sequel - and I got my wish! This time, he gets chapters in his point of view and they do not disappoint (even though they were too few). We see more depth here. Kashmir (who comes from a fantasy world) starts to question his own reality. He starts to wonder if he is even real -- questioning his past, his memories, his emotions. The idea of never having been an actual part of the world bothers him much more than the thought of leaving it.
“You won’t find Vaadi Al-Maas on any modern maps.”
"Because it was a myth.”
I bit my lip. “Yes.”
"Then what am I?”
"Kashmir—”
"If you can create a myth, why not a man? Am I merely a figment of some cartographer’s imagination? Or did you make me up when you arrived?”
"No, Kash. I . . . No. Don’t say that. You are . . . you’re very real to me.”
But it wasn’t what he needed to hear. He shook his head. “I need to be more than what is reflected in your eyes. Otherwise . . .”
For a moment, he was at a loss for words, and the confusion of it made him look so young.
"Otherwise what?”
"Otherwise what am I without you?”
--I really liked how Nix and Kashmir's relationship played out in this book. For a while, their internal struggles come between them -- Nix still holds back from Kashmir, while he wants to hold onto what they already have. (Who doesn't like some well written angst?)
“So I should do nothing? You want to be lost?”
"Of course I don’t! But I don’t want to lose you either.”
"You won’t.”
"I already am.” His voice was bitter; he kicked at a bottle cap. “There’s a wall around you now, amira. You built it with your father. I don’t know who holds the key.”
But they have such beautiful moments in this book. I love how their problems are resolved, so there's absolutely no worries there!
--And like the first book, this one is emotional and bittersweet, and that depth to the characters and their relationships is the story's biggest strength.
Now onto what I didn't really like:
--One of the things I was hoping for in the sequel is to get clearer answers on how the time traveling works. This book's main plot revolved around the question of what would happen if you try to change the past or alter history/myth. Basically, every theory is thrown in here - there's the one about alternate realities resulting from every different choice, and on the other hand there's the idea of only one timeline that shifts to fit the changes. But it kind of remained open to interpretation. (Best to read the next spoiler only if you've read the book) That's my gripe here, the more answers we got, the more questions followed. It got frustrating going in circles, which made me almost lose interest at some points.
--And we still don't know why and how Navigators exist. It wasn't really discussed.
--Regarding Nix's decision to go to Ker Ys (Only if you've read the book)--
((All that said, I really liked the ending and outcome - and was totally satisfied by it. ))
--Oh, and I did not like Blake. I had hopes that he would be a fun addition to the crew, and yeah he and Kashmir became friends of a sort, but he ended up being a disappointment. There's no annoying love triangle this time, since now Nix has admitted her feelings for Kashmir - and she and Blake hadn't ended things on good terms in the last book. But mostly, Blake's true love is the paradise he lost in Hawaii - and just like Nix is fighting to save her love by learning how to change the past, Blake feels the same way.
All in all -- I really liked the book. Time travel, myths, unhinged villains, swoon-worthy male character and romance - and most of all: great character development overall! And it added to my appreciation of duologies -- there's enough time to develop story and character without dragging the plot unnecessarily.
If you've read and liked the first book, you will definitely find a lot to like about this book!
-------
And if you love time travel stories as much as I do, I also recommend Passenger (and its sequel, Wayfarer). It's a duology as well, and it might not include fascinating mythical worlds (or Kashmir!), but the time travel system/origin is pretty impressive, with very few holes (if any) in the explanation.
January 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, and as a duology it's definitely one of my favourites. Heidi Heilig's writing is beautiful, but also fast paced and exciting. Also, time traveling sailors/pirates with smooching.
February 14, 2017
3.5 stars
Just like The Girl from Everywhere I received a signed copy of this book (the ARC) from the kind and lovely Heidi Helig herself. Thank you so much Heidi! <3
I had a high expectation for The Girl from Everywhere and was disappointed because the actual book didn't live up to it. That's why I lowered my expectation going into this book and it was a good thing that I ended up enjoying it more. Dare I say, The Ship Beyond Time was a lot better than its prequel but still not as good as I'd love it to be.
The book picked up not long after the first book ended. The crew was back in The Temptation and was about to leave Hawaii after the mess they've caused. There was a quick recap, enough to refresh the memories of those who read the first book long ago, but not too boring for those who binge read both books like I did. For me, it was off to a great start. Then the plot takes turn and turned out this was more complicated than the first book.
It's a good thing that we already had the rules of navigation covered in the first book because in this book, we're exposed to yet another rule : changing the past. In fact, the whole plot is revolved around these questions : could we change things? And if we could, then should we? There were some debates around it involving Nix, Kash, and Blake. We were also introduced to some new vital characters such as Crowhurst, Dahut, James, and Gwen. At first it was confusing! Characters come and go and for a while I really was questioning their purpose. But then everything tied together and made sense.
However, I still feel like the plot was all over the place , just like the previous book. Fantasy is my favorite genre but I really had a hard time grasping the plot. I mean, I understood the big picture but the way it was told was... well, all over the place. Like there's this vital character who only appeared near the end of the book. There was a hint of him but there wasn't enough for me to connect it to the real person. I don't know if there's too many information, too little time to process, or the way it was told was simply vague? Maybe it's just me though.
Another good thing about this book is that it doesn't feel like a history book anymore. I mean, the first book was pure info dump and this one still has a lot of facts, mythology, and history lessons, but they way they were told was better and more smoothly. Plus this time I didn't let myself become too preoccupied by those facts, so it was easier to enjoy.
Aside from the new characters, we still have all the old crews. I warmed up toward Nix because in this book, her character became stronger and less boring. To put it simply, she has more personality this time. However, Blake was still as bland as a white sheet. He's too naive and boring and.... and annoying. I dreaded every conversations that involved him, not to mention the thing he did to Kashmir. And to think he still had the nerve to do what he did after. Just, NO. Slate became more interesting and complex and due to certain twist, we got to see the other side of him!
To me, the highlight of this book was definitely Kashmir. I already liked him since the first book but he shone more brightly in this one! Mostly because HE GOT HIS OWN POV! Granted it was only for like 4-5 chapters but those chapters are the ones I enjoyed the most <3 he's so charming and complex and I love the fact that he was questioning his own purpose and existence because for some reasons, it added depth to his already incredible personality! Other than him, I also loved Bee and Rotgut.
ALL IN ALL The Ship Beyond Time was a good conclusion and a better book than the prequel, but it still hadn't meet my expectation. However, I love its theme, its diverse characters, all the maps inside, and Heidi's writing so I'm definitely going to give Heidi's future books another chance :)
Just like The Girl from Everywhere I received a signed copy of this book (the ARC) from the kind and lovely Heidi Helig herself. Thank you so much Heidi! <3
I had a high expectation for The Girl from Everywhere and was disappointed because the actual book didn't live up to it. That's why I lowered my expectation going into this book and it was a good thing that I ended up enjoying it more. Dare I say, The Ship Beyond Time was a lot better than its prequel but still not as good as I'd love it to be.
The book picked up not long after the first book ended. The crew was back in The Temptation and was about to leave Hawaii after the mess they've caused. There was a quick recap, enough to refresh the memories of those who read the first book long ago, but not too boring for those who binge read both books like I did. For me, it was off to a great start. Then the plot takes turn and turned out this was more complicated than the first book.
It's a good thing that we already had the rules of navigation covered in the first book because in this book, we're exposed to yet another rule : changing the past. In fact, the whole plot is revolved around these questions : could we change things? And if we could, then should we? There were some debates around it involving Nix, Kash, and Blake. We were also introduced to some new vital characters such as Crowhurst, Dahut, James, and Gwen. At first it was confusing! Characters come and go and for a while I really was questioning their purpose. But then everything tied together and made sense.
However, I still feel like the plot was all over the place , just like the previous book. Fantasy is my favorite genre but I really had a hard time grasping the plot. I mean, I understood the big picture but the way it was told was... well, all over the place. Like there's this vital character who only appeared near the end of the book. There was a hint of him but there wasn't enough for me to connect it to the real person. I don't know if there's too many information, too little time to process, or the way it was told was simply vague? Maybe it's just me though.
Another good thing about this book is that it doesn't feel like a history book anymore. I mean, the first book was pure info dump and this one still has a lot of facts, mythology, and history lessons, but they way they were told was better and more smoothly. Plus this time I didn't let myself become too preoccupied by those facts, so it was easier to enjoy.
Aside from the new characters, we still have all the old crews. I warmed up toward Nix because in this book, her character became stronger and less boring. To put it simply, she has more personality this time. However, Blake was still as bland as a white sheet. He's too naive and boring and.... and annoying. I dreaded every conversations that involved him, not to mention the thing he did to Kashmir. And to think he still had the nerve to do what he did after. Just, NO. Slate became more interesting and complex and due to certain twist, we got to see the other side of him!
To me, the highlight of this book was definitely Kashmir. I already liked him since the first book but he shone more brightly in this one! Mostly because HE GOT HIS OWN POV! Granted it was only for like 4-5 chapters but those chapters are the ones I enjoyed the most <3 he's so charming and complex and I love the fact that he was questioning his own purpose and existence because for some reasons, it added depth to his already incredible personality! Other than him, I also loved Bee and Rotgut.
ALL IN ALL The Ship Beyond Time was a good conclusion and a better book than the prequel, but it still hadn't meet my expectation. However, I love its theme, its diverse characters, all the maps inside, and Heidi's writing so I'm definitely going to give Heidi's future books another chance :)
March 31, 2021
The main plot for Nix is Kashmir’s fate. Nix is trying to save Kashmir from drowning by going to a mythical city that is said to have been flooded. That really made no sense, but Nix is desperate to not loose Kash. At the end of the first book it seemed like Nix was caught in a love triangle, but in this story Blake is cast aside for Kash.
Kash is also from a mythical city so saving Dahut becomes even more important for Nix as she tries to change her future. These time-travelers do change the future by going to the past, but what then happens to their supposed future before the time-traveler? These questions don’t really get answered, but the concepts get explored which left me really thinking about fate.
This story has the crew exploring a mythical city, it’s castle, and memories. The city itself is beautifully described. There are mermaids, monsters, an oubliette, and plenty of places to hide a key.
Dahut keeps a diary of events which she seems to have no memory of. Once again, there is the question of fate because of course knowing something changes the way you move forward. If you can’t remember then that knowledge is lost. The same holds true for Nix knowing now that she is destined to loose her love. If she never knew that she might not have chosen Kash so much and been so desperate to save him.
This story blends a mythical city with real people. Crowhurst becomes king of Ker-Ys and uses Lethe water to take away memories to seduce Dahut, the king’s daughter, to go along with his plan. In real life, evidence found after Crowhurst’s disappeared on his 3rd voyage suggests that this attempt ended in possible insanity and suicide. The question then becomes, does Nix suggest the voyage to him, or was he going to do that anyways? The future is uncertain even here.
This story introduced Kashmir’s POV into the story. Kash is so smitten by Nix. They are obviously destined for each other, or is that what the author wants me to think? This story also explores how much Nix doesn’t want to end up like her father, mourning a lost love and living with depression. I loved that this book left some things open, while answering a lot of questions. There could be more to this story or it could all end right here. Either way I really enjoyed this book.
July 18, 2018
This duology was definitely not something I would normally pick up so I'm glad I tried it even though it really wasn't for me.
March 22, 2017
2.5 A few of Heilig's similes are gorgeous—and I'm overcome with envy: throat wounds puckered like red lips, sea spray like diamonds, stars like pearls. A per usual, her character insight is in-depth, yet TSBT's pacing is slow and its ending uncertain.
Yet Kash continues to be his charming, poem-loving, thieving self—and Heilig's diverse character cast is on point: Persian, Chinese, Indian, gay and straight. An exquisite time travel fantasy on the notions of fate and free will.
Yet Kash continues to be his charming, poem-loving, thieving self—and Heilig's diverse character cast is on point: Persian, Chinese, Indian, gay and straight. An exquisite time travel fantasy on the notions of fate and free will.
June 1, 2017
"Regnabo, regno, regnavi, sum sin regno.
I shall reign, I reign, I have reigned, I have no kingdom."
I LOVED The Girl from Everywhere, so I was really excited to read The Ship Beyond Time. I wanted more of the characters I fell in love with and their time-traveling, map-jumping world. I’m happy to say we get even more action and suspense in this follow up with a lot of surprising depth too - that really had my emotions going up and down like crazy.
Things I Liked :
Like in the first book, The Ship Beyond Time has a TON of action sequences. The story opens with a bang and we move on full throttle. The actions scenes are incredible intricate and blend past, present, and future with fate, destiny, and free will.
I really loved the parallel of Nix’s journey in this book, with Slate’s in the previous. Nix and her father finally seem to be a unified front, but now Nix must confront a future she dreads. Fated to lose the one she loves - much like her father in the previous book - Nix tries to do everything she can to keep Kashmir safe. It was really interesting to see Nix in this role. She and Slate butted heads so often in the last book because he was trying to save Lin, and dealing with the consequence, so it was nice to see Nix having to confront those difficult questions of fate, love, loss, and want you’re willing to sacrifice.
I LOVED that Kashmir has his own POV chapters in this story, because he was dealing with some really heavy stuff. Kash is still the charming and cocky thief we love, but he really starts to question his existence: His home was a myth so who’s to say he’s not a myth as well, is he just a creation of the cartographer or Navigator who found him? It’s some very heavy stuff that really packs an emotional punch, making the book have an overall more somber tone, but it really adds depth to Kashmir’s character.
There were some really nice twists that I did not see coming. And some new Navigation mythology introduced that really changes the game.
Like the previous book, The Ship Beyond Time has references to different cultures. I really loved all of the hints to Greek mythology, because I’m trash for all things Greek mythology related and I loved seeing how these different cultures changed what we knew about Navigation and our characters.
Things I Didn’t Like :
I didn’t think it was possible, but this was even more confusing that The Girl From Everywhere. There is so much back and forth time jumping, overlapped with memory loss and false memories/dream sequences that it can get pretty crazy. You HAVE to pay attention when you are reading this duology. By the end of the book everything becomes clear, but you need to focus to get there.
Gwen is a new character introduction who I felt I never really got to know. I would have liked more of her backstory with the Temptation crew, and how she got roped into the schemes of the book. She showed up like 3 times, at some integral scenes, but I felt like she could have been more of a presence or at least I could have not been indifferent to her.
I don’t even know how to talk about Blake. I felt like his actions were very much in character, but were also extremely selfish (not completely unlike Nix’s). Did he do what he did because he was fated to? Was this what was always supposed to happen? Can he be judged for it? Blake, like Kashmir, really brings some deep philosophical questions that don’t have a clear answer. All I know is that I would not have been as forgiving as Kashmir and Nix.
This was not a happy ending, but a satisfying one to this duology, if for no other reason than it made me think and feel a lot of emotions. This book added some really incredible depth to this series and these characters. I loved traveling across time and reality with them. I felt the love and family they had created. This is a fantastic action-packed adventure story with all the heart and personal growth you want.
March 25, 2018
I loved THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE and I found myself utterly swept away by THE SHIP BEYOND TIME. It actually took me a couple of weeks to read it, not because it was hard to get through, but because this is the kind of book I wanted to just lose myself in, so I refused to even pick it up unless I had time to do so. This is a book to savor, from the lush, intricate worldbuilding, to the complex characters and their shifting relationships, to the rich premise that Heilig constantly takes in bold, unexpected directions. Heilig writes my very favorite kind of fantasy: the kind that engages both your brain and your heart. Nix is one of my favorite YA heroines; she’s smart and studious and full of agency, and strong without ever falling into Girl Warrior tropes. Her conflicted relationship with her father is one of the highlights of the books, and is heartbreakingly resolved in this book. And the swoon level in this book is high; let’s just say that getting several chapters from Kashmir’s point of view felt like a gift. If you’ve been looking for a wonderful fantasy novel to lose yourself in, dive deep into THE SHIP BEYOND TIME.
May 1, 2017
I liked this second book even more than I liked The Girl From Everywhere, and I thought several times about posting a comment while reading, indicating how caught up I was in the book. But then I didn't want to pause long enough to do that. And then I was a little confused at the ending and had to back it up to figure out what had happened (audiobooks, go figure). Anyway, it was engrossing. It held my attention. I listened to the entire audiobook from the library in less than 2 days while I actually had other stuff going on. So I risked being "that mom" who was had headphones on and wasn't listening to all of the pearls of wisdom my kids voiced while they were playing videogames and while we were riding in the car, etc. I did put it away while we were at church yesterday and my youngest son was up at the front of church with the rest of the kindergartens getting their First Bible's blessed. I'm not a monster. But in the car on the way to brunch, you guys in the back seat, feel free to argue all you want, Dad is driving so he'll decide where we go, and I'm sailing on a ship to a mystical land and don't care about the great IHOP vs. buffet place debate of 2017 (IHOP won).
Things I liked about this book:
1. They dispatched with the "love triangle" rather quickly, and then we got to see a lot more Kashmir. Yeay, I love Kahmir, and even his POV chapters were quite awesome. I do think Blake got the shaft in the rather summarily dismissal Nix gave him, but whatever. The budding romance between Kash and Nix was very good and showed a lot more maturity for Nix than the first book.
2. The had some "serious discussions" about how time travel works, whether there is a multiverse or whether these time travelers actually cause the rest of the poor schleps living on earth to make a "seismic shift" and then have "fuzzy dreamlike memories" of the reality they were inhabiting before the big shift occurred. I loved these conversations as I'm a sucker for time travel and the multiverse. I don't know that any grand conclusion was drawn though, and the whole map / single use like a tissue method of time navigation still was a little sketchy.
3. They go to a mythical land, which causes Kashmir all sorts of existential angst, as he is also from a mythical land, and does he even really exist except as a product of Nix' mind. This leads to a huge debate on free will vs. destiny and whether the universe will "self-correct' regardless of all of our efforts. To inject some Robert Burns into this review (as I should do more often):
The best laid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang aft a-gley
They sure do, as Nix (nearly?) causes the fortune tattooed on her father to become a self-fulfilling prophesy.
Less awesome - well, there were some parts near the end that were disappointing, but nothing to detract from my whole overall positive feelings. The biggest is a spoiler
Overall if was a very pleasant read, and I would definitely read other books by this author.
Things I liked about this book:
1. They dispatched with the "love triangle" rather quickly, and then we got to see a lot more Kashmir. Yeay, I love Kahmir, and even his POV chapters were quite awesome. I do think Blake got the shaft in the rather summarily dismissal Nix gave him, but whatever. The budding romance between Kash and Nix was very good and showed a lot more maturity for Nix than the first book.
2. The had some "serious discussions" about how time travel works, whether there is a multiverse or whether these time travelers actually cause the rest of the poor schleps living on earth to make a "seismic shift" and then have "fuzzy dreamlike memories" of the reality they were inhabiting before the big shift occurred. I loved these conversations as I'm a sucker for time travel and the multiverse. I don't know that any grand conclusion was drawn though, and the whole map / single use like a tissue method of time navigation still was a little sketchy.
3. They go to a mythical land, which causes Kashmir all sorts of existential angst, as he is also from a mythical land, and does he even really exist except as a product of Nix' mind. This leads to a huge debate on free will vs. destiny and whether the universe will "self-correct' regardless of all of our efforts. To inject some Robert Burns into this review (as I should do more often):
The best laid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang aft a-gley
They sure do, as Nix (nearly?) causes the fortune tattooed on her father to become a self-fulfilling prophesy.
Less awesome - well, there were some parts near the end that were disappointing, but nothing to detract from my whole overall positive feelings. The biggest is a spoiler
Overall if was a very pleasant read, and I would definitely read other books by this author.
July 13, 2020
I honestly have to unfortunately give this a one star rating because I was confused with some things and why this was written in my brutal honest opinion. I was seriously bored with this one and was so close to DNF'ing this one so many times but then I'd talk myself into keep going hoping it would get better and for me it just didn't cut it. I don't know why.
So to sum up both books for me.....
I was bored in other words mainly with this second book. I don't know why I couldn't get into these and even though the first book The Girl from Everywhere was a 2 star and lacked for me but this one however I just personally felt like it shouldn't have been written if I'm going to be honest. I don't know. I'm just glad many others ended up liking this duology and even though the first book looked promising to me I guess they just weren't for me.
Though I've debated if I'd recommend them or not and I guess I have to say yeah. I would still recommend them considering many others liked and/or enjoyed these while I for some reason couldn't. And yet I'm just not as big of a fan of time travel type stories and it really depends on the story for those big time and I felt these kinda lacked a lot for me but didn't seem as much of historical fiction as they (or only book one) was labeled as and maybe that's why I didn't like it as much. So if you're one who likes time travel like books go for it and pick these up cause you may just like these and I hope you do. :)
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