Sideswiped by Kim Harrison
Published by Pocket Star
Published on: August 10 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 80
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Don’t miss this thrilling first look into the elite world of Peri Reed, government agency operative extraordinaire, and catch more of her character in The Drafter, the first book in the all-new suspense trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison, out September 1.
Every hero, even the accidental ones, have a beginning.
Silas’s radical theory that drafters are not replaying time as much as they are temporarily sliding into an alternate universe has never been well-received, but frankly, the darling of Opti’s research has enough clout not to care, until a professor with a grudge tries to put a permanent end to it. Love can’t alter time, and sometimes, even being able to rub out a single mistake isn’t enough…
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I’m kind of at a loss . . .
I don’t like time travel. Unless it’s in one direction and more or less permanent. Technically, I don’t particularly like it even then, but in that context it doesn’t bother me, so that’s something at least.
I don’t like the time travel you more frequently encounter, b/c it’s too easy . . . Authors can’t seem to help themselves, and they take more liberties than they ever would under any other circumstances b/c who-the-hell-cares?-we-can-just-go-back-in-time-and-FIX-it.
I bloody hate that.
But that’s not what’s going on here . . .
In Peri Reed’s world, a very small fraction of the population has the ability to “draft” or move backwards in time. An equally small fraction of the population has the ability to “anchor” a Drafter’s dual memories, preventing . . . insanity? Brought on by numerous versions of reality?
Drafters and Anchors predictably work together in teams of two.
The problem is that I don’t really see the point.
You see . . . there are extreme limitations on this drafting ability:
Ethan could draft more than a minute into the past, but he could only physically affect a circular block. Heidi had never exceeded ten seconds, but her reach was a breathtaking mile across.
I don’t know about you, but “more than a minute” sounds like it’s meant to be impressive . . . But even if Ethan could draft a full minute back in time with Heidi’s “breathtaking mile” reach, what the hell could that actually accomplish?
Unless they’ve also got clairvoyants (no sign of that) to direct the drafters in advance to where they need to be, only being able—at the outside limit—to go sixty seconds backwards (sideways?), isn’t really helpful in the greater scheme of things.
And the likelihood that someone who happens to be able to draft, also happening to be Johnny-on-the-spot when the ability would be helpful is . . . not incredibly likely . . .
So again, I ask . . . What’s the point?
Maybe there will be further explanation in the full-length novel that I’m definitely planning to read b/c:
1. Kim Harrison.
2. Aside from the questionable usefulness of the drafting ability, this prequel was highly engaging.
In only sixty or so pages, Harrison once again demonstrated her ability to create compelling, extremely likable characters. Plus her sometimes eyebrow-raising flair for simile and metaphor has grown on me over the years . . .
I still find it hard to believe that anything could be like “trying to get lemonade from a cow patty,” but it makes me laugh that she would say so.
But none of that matters b/c Harrison is an autobuy author for me, so I will be reading THE DRAFTER regardless of the questions SIDESWIPED has raised. I’ll report back, hopefully with more information, as soon as that’s accomplished. Stay tuned . . .
IN HINDSIGHT after being thoroughly confused about the seemingly pointless drafting ability (and after discussing it with my book bff who agreed with me), I mentioned the concept to my husband who annoyingly hit the nail on the head:
“Well, obviously, they’d be highly trained for some kind of dangerous government job, increasing the likelihood that the ability would be useful.”
GAH. *kicks aluminum can*
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My name is Jessica and I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I’m trying my hand at writing, but mostly I read. My favorite genres are Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, and the YA versions of those genres, but if there is a book of a different color getting lots of buzz, I’ll read it too, just to be informed. If I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably on Goodreads or Pinterest or baking blueberry pies because I love them.
Sounds like an interesting novella, and since I am getting The Drafter for review, I might go ahead and grab this one up. 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Friday Meme’s: A Whole New World
Kim Harrison has a new series??? This is going on my TBR ASAP…haha Thanks for sharing Jessica, happy Friday! 🙂
Lori recently posted…Book Spotlight: WOLF TROUBLE by Paige Tyler {Ask Xander + Giveaway}
Ooo, a novella set in the Peri Reed universe? I’m really looking forward to this new series by Harrison. I actually like it when magic/time travel has severe limitations, it makes it more believable for me
Celine recently posted…Review: Jackaby by William Ritter
I’ve been thinking of maybe getting this. I now think I have to because like you, I’m not into time travel too. I may need this to get acclimated to the world building better and faster for when Drafter comes out.
Braine recently posted…Loved It: The Dating Intervention by Hilary Dartt + Giveaway
I really like time travel books, but I’m extremely picky. I agree the doesn’t matter because I can undo it thing is awful! I think this one will work though because they have set rules. Gotta hate it when the guy is right haha.
Molly Mortensen recently posted…Nice Dragons Finish Last By Rachel Aaron
I’m working my way through The Drafter now and I’m really enjoying it. Lots of twists and turns. I think you’ll like it =)
Cat recently posted…Review: Crystal Kingdom (Kanin Chronicles #3) by Amanda Hocking
I had no idea there was a prequel novella to this series, because I’ve already read, and totally loved The Drafter, Jessica. I, however, do love time travel. And I thought the way this worked here was so well done, and that things made a lot of sense after a while. Of course, Peri wouldn’t really agree with me. I need to get my hands on this!
Lexxie recently posted…Review: Immersed – Katie Hayoz
Could be good 🙂
blodeuedd recently posted…Mark of the Black Arrow – James R. Tuck and Debbie Viguié
I have the Drafter coming up for review so maybe I’ll check this one out and read it closer to review time.
Now if someone wants you to get into a blue phone box, don’t go. Just tell them you don’t like time travel. 😉
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen
I have the Drafter to read but I didn’t know that she had a little story out too. I’m curious now!
I’m with you Jessica, I dislike time-travel. I totally loved loved Harrison’s Hollows series and cried when the series ended. I’m super sceptical about her new series, and your review of this novella has confused me. Typical husband though, I’m sure mine would say exactly the same! ;] Can’t wait for you to read the first full length novel know and tell us what you think. 🙂
Gah! I was getting a little nervous, Jessica. I picked up Sideswiped last week because I, too, love Harrison and I’m eager to see something new from her. I don’t think I have an opinion on time travel though – perhaps I just haven’t read enough of it to feel one way or another. But I love that you talked things over with your book bff and your hubs…even if he did point out something you didn’t see. I wouldn’t have thought of it either. 😉
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…#COYER Review ~ Spin ~ CD Reiss
Okay, I definitely need to try this one! I loved her other series so I think this will be a hit with me as well.
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