It was the kind of August day that hinted at monsoons, and the year was 1774, though not for very much longer.
Sixteen-year-old Nix Song is a time-traveller. She, her father and their crew of time refugees travel the world aboard The Temptation, a glorious pirate ship stuffed with treasures both typical and mythical. Old maps allow Nix and her father to navigate not just to distant lands, but distant times - although a map will only take you somewhere once. And Nix's father is only interested in one time, and one place: Honolulu 1868. A time before Nix was born, and her mother was alive. Something that puts Nix's existence rather dangerously in question . . .
Nix has grown used to her father's obsession, but only because she's convinced it can't work. But then a map falls into her father's lap that changes everything. And when Nix refuses to help, her father threatens to maroon Kashmir, her only friend (and perhaps, only love) in a time where Nix will never be able to find him. And if Nix has learned one thing, it's that losing the person you love is a torment that no one can withstand. Nix must work out what she wants, who she is, and where she really belongs before time runs out on her forever.
Nix and her dad, Slate, are time travellers. They use maps to take them anywhere in the world and at anytime they choose. But will her Dad’s obsession with going back to find her mother prove a danger to Nix herself? Can you re-write history and still leave the present intact?
Travelling with Nix and her Dad are a loyal band of friends who help sail the ship. Arriving in Hawaii they are all placed in danger by one of Slate’s mad schemes. Will Nix ever find peace and happiness? Is the love of her life closer than she thinks?
A wonderful time travelling adventure that I found very hard to put down. The characters are loveable and the romantic hints dropped throughout the book are beautifully written. Filled with myths and legends and based very loosely on facts, young readers who like historical fiction will absolutely love this book.
Best suited to girls Year 8 and above.
Reviewed by Michelle