(Science fiction. 14 up)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Equal parts sf time-travel saga, secret-agent action thriller, and romance, this series starter takes time getting its bearings, even as dramatic scenes place its hero, Jackson, in inexplicable danger. For fans of puzzle-within-puzzle plots, this won't be a deterrent. Son of a New York City CEO, Jackson knows he is able to step back in time and has been testing his abilities with his science-nerd friend, Adam. But Jackson's girlfriend, Holly, is in the dark until two sinister men corner the couple and begin shooting. Shocked, Jackson is thrown far into his own past. Certain that the Holly he knows in 2009 is dead, he sets out to know an earlier version of her, while also learning that his own father may not be who he says he is. The CIA is involved, as is a doctor who engineered a terrible experiment. Significant ambiguities remain throughout the final act as Jackson makes some tough choices, though for some readers this may actually keep them panting for the sequel.--Cruze, Karen Copyright 2010 Booklist

Gr 8 Up-"Okay, so it's true. I can time travel. But it's not as exciting as it sounds." Actually, it is every bit as exciting as it sounds. And the more Jackson learns about his powers and the nature of time travel, the more thrilling this novel gets. At first the teen treats his ability as a benign experiment and fodder for his geeky buddy's theorizing, but soon his talent becomes the key to saving his girlfriend and, quite possibly, the world. After watching Holly get shot, Jackson learns that most of what he knows about himself and his family is a lie and that powerful, opposing forces are willing to do just about anything to have him and his developing powers on their side. While the details of time travel are complex, they don't overpower the story, which remains focused on Jackson's relationships with Holly and his father. Teens looking for a romantic, high-adrenaline novel will have a hard time putting this one down. Jackson's sacrifice at the end will tug on heart strings and leave readers hungry for the next installment in a projected trilogy.-Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School, CA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Nineteen-year-old Jackson has fun when he finds he can travel through time--until someone shoots and kills his girlfriend, Holly. Now Jackson and his brainy friend Adam must figure out how to save Holly and evade the Enemies of Time who are pursuing Jackson. This trilogy-opening novel is a fast-paced, gripping read, with a subtle romantic element. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Debut author Cross launches a trilogy with an exciting and complex page-turner about difficult choices. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer can travel in time, but he's no Doctor Who-he can only make short jumps backward, and he can't change anything. It's all harmless experimentation until his girlfriend, Holly, is shot when two gunmen attempt to kidnap him. Panicked, Jackson jumps back two years and gets stuck there. The consequences of unprepared time travel and Jackson pretending to be his 17-year-old self are amusing, but as he explores his life and pursues Holly (now his girlfriend-to-be), the already gripping story escalates. Jackson discovers his father's secret life with a shadowy government agency called Tempest, and father and son become tangled with violent rival time travelers determined to alter the course of history. As Jackson explores his powers, he has no idea which side to trust or who is trying to kill him, and failure to make the right decisions threaten worldwide repercussions. It's a story packed with moments both tender and electric-Cross's zippy writing and fresh plot are an exhilarating combination. Ages 14-up. Agent: FinePrint Literary Management. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.