Review: All Our Yesterdays by: Cristin Terrill

All Our Yesterdays by: Cristin Terrill (2013)

360 pages

Genre: YA/Sci-Fi/Time Travel

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Source: The Library

Purchase: Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

Goodreads Summary: What would you change?

Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.

Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside.

Marina has loved her best friend, James, since they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it... at least, not as the girl she once was. Em and Marina are in a race against time that only one of them can win.

All Our Yesterdays is a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice.

My Review

So because I’ve waited so long to write this review after I read the book I’m having a hard time coming up with things to say even with my notes. Therefore, because of that little problem and since I don’t want to give away any spoilers I’m just going to break it down into a little list of what I did and didn’t like.

What I Liked

• It starts off strong. I got pulled into the story early on and I couldn’t climb back out, nor did I want to.
• I love the time travel. It’s done exceptionally in All Our Yesterdays!
• The author does an amazing job with the descriptions of pretty much everything and everyone. 
• Yes, yes, yes to all the action!
• The characters are rather unique and pretty memorable. The friendships, the crushes, and  the awkwardness is above par. All the characters are guaranteed to make you feel something toward them, but Finn is my favorite.

What I Didn't Like

• All Our Yesterdays was a tad bit confusing at times, but the ending was the most confusing. I may love time travel, but sometimes it can be frustrating.
• It was a little too predictable for the most part and pretty easy to guess what was coming, but given that I was fully shocked near the end made up for this.

I recommend this to anyone looking for a unique young adult novel, especially those of you who love time travel.