Review: Invictus by Ryan Graudin

Invictus

by Ryan Graudin

September 26, 2017

464 pages

Goodreads   Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Time flies when you're plundering history.

Farway Gaius McCarthy was born outside of time. The son of a time-traveling Recorder from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in Rome in 95 AD, Far's birth defies the laws of nature. Exploring history himself is all he's ever wanted, and after failing his final time-traveling exam, Far takes a position commanding a ship with a crew of his friends as part of a black market operation to steal valuables from the past.

But during a heist on the sinking Titanic, Far meets a mysterious girl who always seems to be one step ahead of him. Armed with knowledge that will bring Far's very existence into question, she will lead Far and his team on a race through time to discover a frightening truth: History is not as steady as it seems.

In this heart-stopping adventure, Ryan Graudin has created a fast-paced world that defies time and space.

Review

Invictus was a load of fun! It had the high intensity I always associated with sci-fi reads. The story seemed familiar yet completely original. I've read a similar time travelling book but Invictus stood out with the additional space traveling.

The world-building in Invictus was fabulous. My heart was pumping with excitement at visiting the different time periods and historical events. It's a world with endless possibilities and Ms. Graudin explores them. This one vast universe doesn't stop surprising us and its inhabitants.

Second to the world I loved how action-packed the story was. The characters were constantly on the go moving from one daring stunt to another. I could really feel the nerves in the air with the adrenaline rush mixed with a dash of fear as they gave their all to each heist. The level of energy in the story rivaled the enormity of the stakes at hand as we realized our beloved characters' fates. The idea that every action has a counter-reaction is perfect. I'm a fan of the bittersweet but hopeful conclusion.

The crew aboard the Invictus were not all related but they felt and moved like a true family. Each member played a crucial role (even the red panda!) in order for the team to succeed. Their teamwork was impeccable. Even as they faced threats that were bigger than themselves they never strayed from one another. I loved their bonds.

There were two romantic couplings in Invictus. I liked one more than the other but that's completely a personal preference given one relationship was already established while the other happens during the story. I enjoy witnessing a relationship develop more then seeing another needing constant reaffirmations. I did root for both to survive and have their happily ever after! Thinking back there's actually a third couple who were integral to the story but they were never really a focal point. This becomes clear when you read the book.

Invictus is a must-read book for fans of time travelling and space travelling. It's a two-for-one deal that promises a ton of adventures, passion and death-defying stunts ;)

 

 

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.