BookBrief
Tempest by Julie Cross, book cover

Tempest Summary

by Julie Cross

3.71 Goodreads · 13k ratingsFantasy352 pages17-min summary

Stuck two years in the past, a heartbroken time-traveler races against shadowy 'Enemies of Time' to master his powers and rewrite a tragic future, all while trying to save the girl he loves and possibly the world.

As an Amazon Associate, BookBrief earns from qualifying purchases. How we're funded

By BookBrief EditorialPublished February 2026How we write summaries

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer lives a normal life in 2009, with one secret: he can travel back in time, though his jumps never change the present. This changes when armed strangers burst into his apartment, and his girlfriend, Holly, is fatally shot. In a desperate attempt to escape, Jackson jumps two years into the past, landing in 2007, but finds he cannot return. He cannot save Holly. Trapped in the past, Jackson must adapt to a new life while dealing with Holly's death and the mystery of his inability to return. He soon discovers the same 'Enemies of Time' who attacked him in 2009 are now hunting him in 2007, seeking to recruit or eliminate him. As Jackson learns more about his abilities, his absent father, and the organization pursuing him, he realizes his quest to save Holly might be part of a larger conflict that could decide the fate of time itself. He must master his powers and confront the Enemies of Time, making difficult choices and sacrifices in his bid to reunite with Holly and prevent a catastrophic future.
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Suspenseful, Romantic, Mysterious, Hopeful
Read it if
You enjoy time-travel stories with a strong romantic element and a touch of mystery.
Skip it if
You prefer hard science fiction time travel with strict rules and minimal paradoxes.

Tempest Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. The Fatal Jump

    In 2009, nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a college student with a secret: he can spontaneously jump short distances through time, usually to the past, observing events without changing his present. He lives with his girlfriend, Holly, and his best friend, Adam. One night, their apartment is invaded by armed strangers. During the struggle, Holly is shot and killed. Overwhelmed by grief and panic, Jackson involuntarily jumps back two years, landing in 2007. This jump is different; he is physically stuck in the past, unable to return to his own time, and 2007 is now his present. He is devastated by Holly's death and desperate to find a way back to save her.

  2. Stuck in the Past

    Jackson, now in 2007, tries to understand his situation. He realizes he cannot simply jump back to 2009 to prevent Holly's death, as his abilities seem to have changed. He visits his younger self and Holly in 2007, watching them from a distance, which only increases his pain and resolve. He struggles with the paradox of his presence, knowing that any interaction could change the timeline, possibly creating a worse future or erasing his own existence. He is haunted by Holly's death and the knowledge he cannot prevent it from his current position in time, leading to deep frustration and isolation.

  3. A New Life and a New Threat

    Forced to adapt to 2007, Jackson enrolls in college under a new identity, using his knowledge of future events to get money and establish a life. He meets Dr. Love, a history professor who seems interested in him, and a mysterious girl named Penelope. He also meets other time travelers, including the dangerous Adam, who is not the friend Jackson knew from 2009 but an older, more sinister version. These encounters confirm his suspicion that he is not alone in his abilities and that organizations know about time travel, some with bad intentions. Jackson realizes he is being watched and hunted.

  4. The Enemies of Time

    Jackson discovers two main groups of time travelers: the Enemies of Time (EoT), who seek to control time for their own gain, and the Tempest, who aim to protect the timeline. The people who killed Holly in 2009 are revealed to be EoT members, and they are now hunting Jackson in 2007, trying to recruit him due to his powerful, uncontrolled time-traveling ability. Jackson learns his father, whom he believed dead, was also a time traveler and a significant figure in these conflicts, further complicating his understanding of his past and powers.

  5. Training with Penelope

    Penelope, a member of the Tempest, takes Jackson under her wing. She explains that Jackson's ability to jump into the past and *stay* there, becoming part of that timeline, is rare and powerful. She teaches him how to better control his jumps, to aim for specific times and locations, and to understand the limits and dangers of his power. Penelope stresses the importance of not changing the past, even subtly, to preserve the future. Through their training, Jackson begins to understand his gift, which is unlike any other known time traveler's.

  6. The Truth About Adam

    Jackson is horrified to learn that Adam, his best friend from 2009, is a high-ranking member of the Enemies of Time. This Adam is an older, more ruthless version who has been manipulating events across timelines. Adam reveals he was responsible for the 2009 attack that led to Holly's death, orchestrating it to force Jackson's powerful jump into the past. Adam's goal is to recruit Jackson, believing his unique abilities are crucial to the EoT's plan to reshape history. This betrayal shatters Jackson's view of friendship and trust.

  7. The Search for Answers

    Convinced his father holds the key to understanding his powers and possibly returning to 2009, Jackson searches for him in 2007. He pieces together clues left by his father and information from Penelope, learning his father was a prominent figure among the Tempest and had developed theories about Jackson's unique time travel. The journey is dangerous, as both the Tempest and the EoT know his movements, each hoping to reach his father first to gain an advantage in their war over time.

  8. Reunion and Revelation

    Jackson finally locates his father, Dr. Meyer, who is alive and well in 2007. Dr. Meyer explains that Jackson is a 'Tempest' – a unique time traveler who replaces his past self, becoming a physical part of that timeline. He reveals the Enemies of Time are trying to control these rare abilities to rewrite history for their own benefit, potentially unraveling time itself. Dr. Meyer also shares that Jackson's jumps are tied to intense emotional trauma, explaining the circumstances of his jump to 2007.

  9. The Plan to Save Holly

    Armed with new knowledge, Jackson believes he can return to 2009 and save Holly. His father warns him about the extreme dangers and unknown results of changing such a significant event. However, Jackson's love for Holly outweighs his fears. He works with his father and Penelope to make a plan, understanding he needs to trigger another powerful, controlled jump, which will require immense emotional focus and a precise understanding of time mechanics. The plan is dangerous and uncertain, with the risk of being trapped in another time or worse.

  10. Confrontation and Sacrifice

    As Jackson prepares for his jump, Adam and the Enemies of Time launch a full-scale assault, determined to capture or eliminate Jackson. A fierce battle follows, with Jackson, his father, and Penelope fighting against the EoT. During the confrontation, Jackson must make difficult choices and witness further sacrifices. He must use all his training and newly understood abilities to evade capture and create the necessary emotional trigger to initiate his jump back to 2009. The stakes are high, not just for Holly, but for the stability of time itself.

  11. The Leap of Faith

    Under immense pressure and emotional distress, Jackson focuses on his desire to save Holly and makes the jump. The experience is disorienting and terrifying, a chaotic plunge through time. He is unsure if he will land precisely in 2009, or if he will be able to change the events of that night. The story ends with him mid-jump, showing the uncertainty and the immense gamble he has taken. His destiny, and Holly's, depend on the success of this unprecedented temporal leap and his ability to navigate the complex web of time.

Principal Figures

Jackson Meyer

Protagonist

A time-traveling college student desperate to save his girlfriend.

Jackson is a nineteen-year-old college student with an extraordinary, inherited ability to jump through time. Initially, he views his power as a harmless quirk, observing the past without consequence. He is deeply devoted to his girlfriend, Holly, and his best friend, Adam. After Holly's death triggers an uncontrolled jump to 2007, Jackson is consumed by grief and a fierce determination to return to 2009 to save her. He is resourceful, resilient, and, despite his initial naivety, grows to understand the profound responsibility and danger associated with his unique form of time travel.

Relationships: Holly (Devoted girlfriend, the primary motivation for his actions); Adam (Best friend turned antagonist/manipulator); Penelope (Mentor and ally in the Tempest); Dr. Meyer (Father) (Long-lost father, a fellow time traveler and mentor)

Holly

Supporting

Jackson's girlfriend, whose death triggers his journey.

Holly is Jackson's loving and supportive girlfriend in 2009. She is portrayed as kind, vibrant, and a central figure in Jackson's life. Her tragic death at the hands of the Enemies of Time is the catalyst for Jackson's involuntary jump to 2007 and his unwavering resolve to alter the past. Although she dies early in the narrative, her memory and the desire to save her drive almost all of Jackson's actions and decisions throughout the book. She represents the innocence and personal stakes that are threatened by the larger temporal conflict.

Relationships: Jackson Meyer (Devoted girlfriend, the primary object of his affection and rescue mission)

Adam

Antagonist

Jackson's best friend from 2009, revealed to be a manipulative time-traveling villain.

Adam is initially introduced as Jackson's best friend and roommate in 2009. However, the Adam Jackson encounters in 2007 is an older, more sinister version, a high-ranking member of the Enemies of Time. He is intelligent, cunning, and ruthless, willing to sacrifice anyone, including Holly, to achieve his goals. Adam reveals that he orchestrated the attack in 2009 to force Jackson's unique time jump, aiming to recruit Jackson for the EoT's plans to control and rewrite history. His betrayal profoundly impacts Jackson.

Relationships: Jackson Meyer (Childhood friend, later revealed as a manipulative enemy); Enemies of Time (High-ranking member and leader)

Penelope

Supporting

A knowledgeable and skilled time traveler who mentors Jackson.

Penelope is a member of the Tempest, the organization dedicated to protecting the timeline. She first appears as a mysterious figure in 2007, observing Jackson. She becomes his primary mentor, teaching him how to understand and control his unique time-traveling abilities. Penelope is pragmatic, brave, and deeply committed to her cause. She provides Jackson with crucial information about the warring factions of time travelers and helps him navigate the dangerous world of temporal mechanics. She forms a close bond with Jackson, becoming a trusted ally.

Relationships: Jackson Meyer (Mentor and ally); Dr. Meyer (Father) (Colleague and ally in the Tempest)

Dr. Meyer

Supporting

Jackson's father, a renowned time traveler and leader of the Tempest.

Dr. Meyer is Jackson's father, whom Jackson believed to be dead. He is a brilliant scientist and a prominent figure within the Tempest, deeply invested in understanding and protecting the integrity of time. He is the one who ultimately explains the true nature of Jackson's unique 'Tempest' ability and the grave dangers posed by the Enemies of Time. He is wise, protective, and provides Jackson with the crucial information and guidance needed to pursue his mission to save Holly and potentially the world. His reappearance is a pivotal moment for Jackson.

Relationships: Jackson Meyer (Father and mentor); Penelope (Colleague and ally in the Tempest)

Dr. Love

Supporting

A history professor who is secretly involved with time travel.

Dr. Love is a history professor at the college Jackson attends in 2007. He initially appears as an eccentric but seemingly normal academic. However, it soon becomes clear that Dr. Love is aware of time travel and the various factions involved. He acts as a subtle informant and observer, providing cryptic clues and guidance to Jackson, often without directly revealing his affiliation. His role is to subtly nudge Jackson towards understanding his abilities and the larger temporal conflict, without overtly interfering.

Relationships: Jackson Meyer (Observer and cryptic guide); Tempest (Implied affiliation/sympathizer)

Themes & Insights

The Burden of Choice and Consequence

Jackson's journey is defined by the choices he must make and the far-reaching results of those decisions, especially concerning time travel. He constantly deals with the ethical problem of changing the past, even to save Holly. The novel shows how even small actions in one timeline can have catastrophic ripple effects across others. His choice to save Holly, despite the warnings, highlights the weight of personal desire against cosmic responsibility.

“Every choice you make, Jackson, sends ripples. In time, those ripples can become tidal waves.”
Penelope

Love and Sacrifice

At its core, the novel is driven by Jackson's unwavering love for Holly and his willingness to sacrifice everything – his present, his safety, and potentially the stability of time itself – to save her. This theme explores the depths of human affection and the extreme lengths one might go to protect a loved one. It also touches upon the sacrifices made by others, like Penelope and Dr. Meyer, who risk their lives and their places in time to protect the greater good.

“I would burn the world to save you, Holly. Every single timeline.”
Jackson Meyer

Identity and Self-Discovery

Jackson's journey is also one of self-discovery. He begins as a normal college student unaware of his powers. Being stranded in 2007 forces him to create a new identity, and learning about his father's past and his unique 'Tempest' abilities changes his understanding of who he is. He moves from a passive observer of time to an active participant, embracing his destiny and the responsibilities that come with his extraordinary gift, ultimately defining himself through his actions.

“You are not just a traveler, Jackson. You are a Tempest. A force of nature.”
Dr. Meyer

Betrayal and Trust

Betrayal is central, particularly through Adam. Jackson's best friend turning out to be a manipulative antagonist shatters his view of trust and forces him to rethink his relationships. This betrayal highlights the dangers of misplaced trust and the difficulty of telling friend from foe in a world where identities and loyalties can shift across timelines. Conversely, the development of trust between Jackson, Penelope, and his father becomes crucial for his survival and mission.

“The hardest part about time, Jackson, is knowing who you can trust when everyone has a past… and a future.”
Dr. Love

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Uncontrolled Time Jumps

Jackson's initial, spontaneous, and traumatic time travel.

This device establishes Jackson's unique ability. Initially, his jumps are involuntary and short, allowing him to observe the past without altering it. However, Holly's death triggers a powerful, uncontrolled jump to 2007, physically stranding him in the past. This serves as the inciting incident, propelling the plot forward and forcing Jackson to confront the true nature and dangers of his powers. It also sets up the central mystery of why his abilities changed and how he might return.

Temporal Paradoxes

The inherent contradictions and dangers of altering the past.

The novel frequently explores the concept of temporal paradoxes, particularly the 'grandfather paradox' or the idea that changing the past could erase one's own existence or create a fractured timeline. Jackson's father and Penelope constantly warn him about the dangers of altering events, even subtly. This device creates tension and raises the stakes, as Jackson's attempts to save Holly are fraught with the risk of unintended, catastrophic consequences, highlighting the delicate balance of time.

The Temporal War (Enemies of Time vs. Tempest)

The overarching conflict between factions vying for control over time.

This device provides the larger narrative framework and the primary source of external conflict. The existence of the Enemies of Time (EoT), who seek to manipulate history, and the Tempest, who strive to protect it, establishes a clear good-versus-evil dynamic. This war explains the attack on Jackson's apartment, Adam's betrayal, and the constant threat Jackson faces. It elevates the personal stakes of saving Holly into a battle for the very fabric of time, giving the story epic scope.

Tempest Quotes

“Time isn’t a river. It’s a vast ocean, and we’re just tiny boats, sometimes caught in currents, sometimes becalmed.”
Jackson's father explains the nature of time travel.
“Every choice you make, no matter how small, creates a ripple. And sometimes, those ripples become tidal waves.”
Jackson reflects on the consequences of his actions.
“The past isn't just something that happened. It's a living thing, always trying to pull you back.”
Jackson struggles with his memories and the pull of his original timeline.
“Love isn't about finding someone perfect. It's about finding someone who makes your imperfections feel like they belong.”
Jackson thinks about his relationship with Holly.
“Sometimes the greatest mysteries aren't in the stars, but in the spaces between people.”
Jackson ponders the complexities of human connection and secrets.
“You can't outrun your own history. It follows you, even across timelines.”
Jackson realizes that his past actions have consequences no matter where he goes.
“The hardest part of being a hero isn't the fight, it's choosing what to sacrifice.”
Jackson faces a difficult decision to save his loved ones.
“Hope is a dangerous thing. It can keep you alive, but it can also blind you.”
Jackson's internal monologue about his pursuit of a better future.
“Some truths are meant to stay buried. Digging them up only causes more pain.”
A warning given to Jackson about uncovering secrets.
“The future isn't fixed. It's a thousand different possibilities, waiting for you to choose one.”
Jackson is encouraged to believe he has agency over his destiny.
“Even when everything changes, some things stay the same. Like the way your heart beats for someone.”
Jackson reflects on his enduring feelings for Holly despite timeline shifts.
“Memory is a tricky thing. It can be a comfort, or it can be a cage.”
Jackson grapples with fragmented and altered memories.
“Sometimes you have to break things to put them back together the right way.”
Jackson considers the radical actions needed to fix his timeline.
“The greatest power isn't the ability to travel through time, but the courage to live in the one you're given.”
A profound realization Jackson has about accepting his reality.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What year is Jackson Meyer originally from when he experiences Holly's death?

    1. 2007
    2. 2000
    3. 2009
    4. 2011
    Show answer

    C. 2009 Jackson Meyer is in college in 2009 with his girlfriend Holly when the strangers burst in and Holly is fatally shot.

  2. Question 2

    What is unique about Jackson's time jump immediately after Holly's death, compared to his previous jumps?

    1. He travels to a different dimension.
    2. He can't return to his original time.
    3. He can now change past events.
    4. He loses his memory of the future.
    Show answer

    B. He can't return to his original time. After Holly's death, Jackson jumps back to 2007 but discovers he is stuck there and cannot return to 2009, unlike his previous harmless jumps.

  3. Question 3

    Who are the antagonists that pursue Jackson in both 2009 and 2007?

    1. The Guardians of the Past
    2. The Time Travelers' Guild
    3. The Chronos Collective
    4. The Enemies of Time
    Show answer

    D. The Enemies of Time The book explicitly states that the people who shot Holly in 2009 are referred to as 'Enemies of Time' and they come looking for Jackson in the past.

  4. Question 4

    What is Jackson's primary motivation for trying to return to his original time?

    1. To finish his college degree.
    2. To save Holly from being fatally shot.
    3. To warn his parents about future events.
    4. To prevent a major historical catastrophe.
    Show answer

    B. To save Holly from being fatally shot. Jackson is 'desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly' after she is killed.

  5. Question 5

    What is the initial perceived effect of Jackson's time jumps before Holly's death?

    1. They create paradoxes in the timeline.
    2. They cause objects to disappear from the present.
    3. Nothing changes in the present after his jumps.
    4. They alter people's memories.
    Show answer

    C. Nothing changes in the present after his jumps. The text states that before the incident with Holly, 'nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there's no space-time continuum issues... it's just harmless fun.'

  6. Question 6

    When Jackson is stuck in 2007, what does he begin to do regarding his abilities?

    1. He tries to forget about them entirely.
    2. He attempts to recruit other time travelers.
    3. He learns what he can about his abilities.
    4. He immediately tries to assassinate the Enemies of Time.
    Show answer

    C. He learns what he can about his abilities. Stuck in 2007, Jackson 'settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities' while trying to return to the future.

  7. Question 7

    What is the ultimate decision Jackson faces, beyond just saving Holly?

    1. Whether to join the Enemies of Time.
    2. How far he's willing to go to save Holly and possibly the entire world.
    3. If he should reveal his powers to the general public.
    4. If he should erase his own existence from the timeline.
    Show answer

    B. How far he's willing to go to save Holly and possibly the entire world. The synopsis concludes by stating Jackson 'must decide how far he's willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.'

  8. Question 8

    What is the 'offer' or ultimatum presented to Jackson by the Enemies of Time?

    1. To join their ranks or be erased from history.
    2. To recruit him… or kill him.
    3. To help them find a lost artifact or watch Holly die again.
    4. To give up his powers or never see Holly again.
    Show answer

    B. To recruit him… or kill him. The Enemies of Time 'will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.'

  9. Question 9

    What key pieces of information does Jackson try to gather while stuck in the past?

    1. Clues about his mother, the future stock market, and his own destiny.
    2. Clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself.
    3. Clues about Holly's family, ancient civilizations, and time travel technology.
    4. Clues about future political leaders, the origin of his powers, and a hidden treasure.
    Show answer

    B. Clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself. The synopsis states Jackson is 'piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself.'

  10. Question 10

    What genre elements are most prominent in 'Tempest' according to the description?

    1. Historical fiction and contemporary drama.
    2. High fantasy and dystopian literature.
    3. Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Romance.
    4. Thriller and biographical non-fiction.
    Show answer

    C. Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Romance. The book description explicitly lists the genres as 'Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Romance.'

Tempest FAQ

What is Jackson Meyer's unique ability at the beginning of the story?

Jackson Meyer possesses the ability to travel back in time, but initially, these jumps are perceived as harmless and don't alter his present. He can visit past moments, observe, and return without consequence, treating it as a curious personal phenomenon rather than a powerful gift.

What tragic event triggers Jackson's more significant time jump and the central conflict?

The central conflict is ignited when strangers burst into Jackson's apartment in 2009, leading to a struggle during which his girlfriend, Holly, is fatally shot. In his panic and grief, Jackson instinctively jumps back two years to 2007, a jump that proves irreversible and traps him in the past.

Who are the 'Enemies of Time' and what is their initial goal concerning Jackson?

The 'Enemies of Time' are a mysterious organization that pursues Jackson, first in 2009 and then in 2007. Their goal is to either recruit him for his powerful time-traveling abilities or eliminate him if he resists, viewing him as a valuable asset or a dangerous anomaly.

What is Jackson's primary motivation once he is stuck in 2007?

Once trapped in 2007, Jackson's primary motivation is to find a way back to 2009 to prevent Holly's death. He dedicates himself to understanding his abilities and the nature of time travel, hoping to manipulate events to save her life.

How does Jackson's understanding of his time-traveling abilities evolve throughout the book?

Initially, Jackson believes his jumps are inconsequential, but after being stuck in 2007, he realizes his abilities are far more significant and can indeed alter the timeline. He learns that his jumps are not just observations but can create ripple effects, making him a powerful and sought-after individual.

What is the significance of the year 2009 for Jackson beyond Holly's death?

The year 2009 is significant not only because it's when Holly is killed, but also because it's his 'present' and the timeline he desperately tries to return to. It represents his original life and the moment he believes he can still fix, making it a constant point of reference and longing.

How does the book subtly hint at the true nature of Jackson's father's involvement with time travel?

The book drops clues about Jackson's father's past, suggesting he was deeply involved with time travel and potentially with the 'Enemies of Time' or a rival faction. These hints often come through cryptic messages or the reactions of other time travelers when his father's name is mentioned, revealing a deeper family legacy.

Are there any characters who appear in both 2007 and 2009 but with different roles or knowledge?

Yes, certain characters or their younger selves appear in both timelines, often possessing different levels of knowledge or playing altered roles. For instance, some of the 'Enemies of Time' may have been present in Jackson's past, observing or interacting with him without his full awareness at the time.

What is the underlying psychological impact of Jackson's inability to return to his 'correct' time?

Jackson experiences profound psychological distress due to being trapped in 2007, manifesting as grief, isolation, and a sense of displacement. He struggles with the feeling of being a ghost in his own past, unable to fully connect with people because his true life and love are in a future he can't reach.

How does the trauma of witnessing Holly's death influence Jackson's decisions and character development?

The trauma of Holly's death is a powerful catalyst for Jackson, fueling his determination and shaping his character. It pushes him to take extreme risks and makes him fiercely protective, but also leaves him emotionally vulnerable and prone to desperate choices in his quest to save her.

What moral dilemmas does Jackson face regarding changing the past to save Holly?

Jackson faces significant moral dilemmas regarding altering the past, weighing the potential consequences against his desire to save Holly. He grapples with the 'butterfly effect' and the ethical implications of manipulating timelines, wondering if saving one life could inadvertently harm many others or erase significant events.

How does Jackson's relationship with his father, both past and present, affect his self-perception?

Jackson's relationship with his father, particularly the discovery of his father's true involvement with time travel, profoundly impacts his self-perception. He begins to see himself not just as an accidental time traveler but as part of a larger legacy, inheriting a powerful and dangerous destiny.

Is Jackson's ability truly unique, or is it implied that others possess similar powers?

While Jackson's specific manifestation of time travel might be unique, the existence of the 'Enemies of Time' and other factions strongly implies that he is not the only one capable of traversing time. The narrative suggests a world where time travel is known, practiced, and fought over by various powerful entities.

To what extent is Jackson's initial perception of 'harmless fun' with time travel a form of denial?

Jackson's initial perception of his time jumps as 'harmless fun' can be interpreted as a form of denial, minimizing the profound implications of his ability. It allows him to avoid confronting the true power and potential dangers of manipulating time until a catastrophic event forces him to acknowledge its reality.

Does the book suggest a deterministic or a free-will approach to time travel and fate?

The book grapples with both deterministic and free-will approaches. While some elements suggest a predetermined fate, Jackson's struggle to change Holly's death and the actions of the 'Enemies of Time' imply that free will and intervention can alter or attempt to alter the timeline, creating a dynamic tension.

How does the 'Enemies of Time' philosophy contrast with Jackson's personal goals?

The 'Enemies of Time' likely operate with a grander, possibly more utilitarian, philosophy regarding the preservation or manipulation of time, perhaps for global stability or their own power. This contrasts sharply with Jackson's deeply personal and emotional goal of saving Holly, highlighting a clash between individual desire and collective agenda.

What is the significance of setting the story in 2009 for a young adult audience?

Setting the story in 2009 grounds the narrative in a recent, recognizable past for a young adult audience, allowing for a sense of nostalgia or familiarity with technology and culture before significant modern advancements. This makes the time travel aspect more impactful by contrasting it with a relatable, pre-smartphone era.

Is the 'love conquers all' theme central, or does it become complicated by the time travel elements?

While 'love conquers all' is a strong initial motivator for Jackson, the time travel elements significantly complicate this theme. His love for Holly drives him, but the complexities of altering timelines, the ethical dilemmas, and the sacrifices required challenge the simplicity of that ideal, suggesting love might not be enough on its own.

About the author

Julie Cross

Julie Cross

Julie Cross is an author known for her fiction, particularly the novel "Tempest," which explores themes of time travel and adventure. Her writing often combines elements of fantasy and young adult literature, appealing to a diverse readership.

Similar books

  • Passenger

    Alexandra Bracken

    3.8 (36k) average on GoodreadsFantasy

    Involves a young protagonist discovering hidden time-travel abilities and being hunted by a secret society.

  • The Time Traveler's Wife

    Audrey Niffenegger

    4.0 (1.6M) average on GoodreadsFantasy

    Explores the complexities of romance intertwined with involuntary time travel, though with a more adult tone.

  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

    J.K. Rowling

    4.5 (7M) average on GoodreadsFantasy

    Rescued from a miserable life under the stairs, an orphaned boy discovers he's a wizard destined for a magical school, where he uncovers a dangerous secret tied to the dark wizard who murdered his parents.

  • The Hunger Games

    Suzanne Collins

    4.3 (6.4M) average on GoodreadsFantasy

    In a future where children fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers for the arena, turning a death sentence into a fight for survival and a spark of rebellion.

  • 1984

    George Orwell

    4.2 (3.1M) average on GoodreadsPolitics

    In a future where surveillance and thought control are absolute, a man's search for truth clashes with the Party, showing that hope can be a form of rebellion.

  • Divergent

    Veronica Roth

    4.2 (2.9M) average on GoodreadsFantasy

    In a society divided by virtues, a sixteen-year-old's difference from the norm starts a rebellion that threatens her world.

More Fantasy summaries →

Enjoyed the summary?

A summary gives you the shape of the book. The book itself has the detail, the examples and the voice.

Find Tempest on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, BookBrief earns from qualifying purchases. How we're funded