Having just finished Timekeeper, I was beyond excited for Chainbreaker. And I was not at all wrong. If I thought I loved the first, I fell head over heels with the second!
Summary
Clock mechanic Danny Hart knows he’s being watched. But by whom, or what, remains a mystery. To make matters worse, clock towers have begun falling in India, though time hasn’t Stopped yet. He’d hoped after reuniting with his father and exploring his relationship with Colton, he’d have some time to settle into his new life. Instead, he’s asked to investigate the attacks.
After inspecting some of the fallen Indian towers, he realizes the British occupation may be sparking more than just attacks. And as Danny and Colton unravel more secrets about their past, they find themselves on a dark and dangerous path–one from which they may never return.
Review
My overall impression? Absolute love. This book had more depth, more nuance, more characters, more of everything and it was all fantastic.
I am consistently impressed with the seamless way Sim incorporates different perspectives and timelines and this book was no exception. In fact this book was even more because it introduces Colton’s perspective and his dreams plus the mythology. My inner nerd heart was so happy with how the timelines blended together and revealed different things about each. Phenomenal!
I loved that one of our central themes: the sacrifice of love for the greater good is still there. And it is so good to see it again! Sim complicates that, asking us more profound questions and introducing varying layers.
Additionally, Chainbreaker introduces intrigue on many levels. There’s more family drama, more politics, and more depth to the entire book. The ways the characters change and their world folds in on itself was just perfection to see on the page. Parallel characters and situations turn this into a whirling ball of intricacy. I really loved the way Sim looks at her characters, examining them. It’s a book that delivers a small slice of what it is like when we are driven by ideas, good or bad, and the ways in which we pursue those goals. Are our goals still noble when we take lives?
The true beauty of this book unfurls like a flower as we quickly become immersed in this new setting and with higher stakes. Daphne’s character growth was not only touching, but so refreshing to see on the page as she struggles with her identity. And Colton and Danny still stop my heart. (BUT that cliff hanger ending is the real heart stopper. I need to be stuck in a stopped town to last until the next sequel).
You can get your copy of Chainbreaker on Amazon(US), your local indie, and add it to Goodreads.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Discussion
What is the last OTP you’ve read?
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