So, I'm not a huge fan of time travel, but I am a fan of Ryan Graudin's other books (I've read three--Walled City, Wolf by Wolf, and Blood for Blood) so I was definitely planning to read this one regardless.

I really enjoyed the first third or so the most, with Far's story as a cadet and his work assignments as well as the crew members on the Invictus. While I liked the characters, there wasn't a lot of character development (the book is more plot driven) but the characters are diverse and each has their own distinguishable quirks and habits. Then an extra character is introduced and it changed the whole dynamic a lot. I still liked it, just a bit less. I took my time with this one, reading it over about 4-5 days, even going back and re-reading the last bit each time I picked it back up.

That said, I still found the last section and the ending to be a little bit confusing (without spoiling anything, I think maybe the presence of two major themes--time travel and "other"--was a bit too much). I still think the book was well-written and well-researched. It was longer than I think was necessary, a bit too wordy at times, but I give credit that it was wrapped up in a standalone (so rare these days) so I'm thankful for that. I look forward to more books from this author!

I was so excited for this book after hearing so much about it and watching a clip of Ryan talking about the book. OMG it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved every minute of it and wish it never ended. I already want more!

Far and Imogen were my absolute favorite characters, I wish I could change my hair color every day like Imogen! While I didn't totally love Priya I think her and Far were perfect for each other and she brought perfect balance to the team. Gram is the lovable dork who honestly I want more of!

The pacing was fantastic and I was never bored of the story or flipping pages trying to get to the next interesting thing, it was all interesting. The world building was also incredible and I really felt like I was there when everything was described. I can't wait to see what happens to the Invictus crew!

Ryan Graudin is one of those authors that has decent ideas but her execution of those stories is so flawless. She is able to pull you into the story and the characters' lives. I went into Invictus expecting just another science fiction novel with time travel and characters learning about the consequences of changing time. However, Invictus is so much more than that. I do not want to go into specifics for fear of spoiling anyone. But keep in mind this book is so much more than a time travel book.

The characters in this book are completely flushed out and I loved learning about each one and seeing them work together on the Invictus crew with Far. These characters already had relationships with each other so this book was focused solely on the adventure which I really enjoyed (Think Six of Crows when it comes to great group dynamics). It was refreshing to see both friendships and romances already in place rather than forming during the book. I liked watching the relationship evolve and strengthen between the characters.

This book definitely focuses on the story and the adventure. Since we are following a group of time-traveling thieves, there is a heavy focus on their daring adventures and how they accomplish their missions without also corrupting time. This is an action-packed adventure that kept me guessing until the end when everything wraps up. That is another unique aspect of this book, we get a standalone science fiction book. I did not feel at all like this book dragged or was rushed to get everything tied up. Graudin did an excellent job finishing the story arc in a single book.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of the book*

Time travel, multiverse and teenagers in love; this book has it all.

Invictus starts quick with a boy born outside of time and hurtles you through time and space in an action packed adventure. The book feels very Doctor Who (timey-wimey) with a dash of Firefly and a heist movie. The characters are likeable and compelling, and the story is enough head spinning to keep you interested and confused but not enough to make you want to give up on the story.

It is a fun read and I recommend it.

I had never read a Ryan Graudin book before (though I do have Wolf by Wolf, courtesy of my Uppercase box subscription), but I can now say that I am definitely a fan!

In Invictus, we get the joys of time travel, but without so much of the clichéd time paradoxes the blah that comes with being constantly told to not re-write history. No, instead we have four teenagers time traveling in order to acquire treasures from different time periods for their boss who happens to run a very successful black market business. So when it comes to venturing into the past, it's all business until they are allowed free time to travel to pretty much any point they'd like.

Anyway, before I go off and end up summarizing more of this book, I'll move on with my actual line of thought.

So, back to time travel without all the fun of paradoxes looming over everything. I really loved how time travel wasn't all that we had to concentrate on in this book. Sure, it was really cool to see them travel to the Titanic in 1912, but the focus was set on our merry band of travelers first meeting Eliot, who pretty much crashes into their lives and blackmails her way onto the Invictus ship. I'll be honest and say that at first I really disliked Eliot, because she always went completely against everything that Far (captain and boy wonder – for reasons that are explained in the book summary, and the book itself) ordered. I'm not saying I'm against a strong female character, I just happen to be a fan of order, and admittedly, I am known to outwardly cringe when things go off track in epic proportions...which is what happens when the team go to Pompeii on the day of eruption. Honestly, you're going to have to read this book if you want to find out what exactly happened, but I'll say that it was a huge plot twist, and really becomes a focal point in this book.

I already mentioned Eliot and Far, so now I'll mention the other three characters who play a big role in this book. There's Far's cousin, Imogen, who's job as a historian is very important when it comes to their clothing being as authentic to each time period they visit, and how can I not mention the fact that she's chalking her hair different colors everyday? Oh the joys of being blonde, right? (I am so not blonde, so I do not have this joy.) I just loved her easygoing manner, and the dedication she had to her friends.
Next, we have Priya, Far's girlfriend, and the ship's medic, who brews a fantastic chai tea, and is the levelheaded one when Far needs rational opinion.
Finally, we have Engineer Gram, who happens to be extremely intelligent, and without his calculations, the ship wouldn't land where it's supposed to. He also possesses a love for Tetris, and for Rubik's Cubes (both understandable, since I also love both, though I have never successfully completed a Rubik's Cube...sigh). What he does not possess, is the realization that Imogen really, really likes him...sigh again.
Yeah, the characters each are fun in their own ways, and I enjoyed them immensely.

Now that I've mentioned my love of the plot and the characters, I will conclude by saying that the ending really lived up to my expectations, and I just really loved this book overall. Sure, it did start off a bit slow, or it could have just been that I was distracted, but once I picked this back up, I really couldn't stop! The story was that entertaining for me! It's probably pretty obvious at this point that I will gladly recommend it.

I was really eager to read this book. I have read and enjoyed other books by this author. The premise also sounded really intriguing, and I loved the cover. Unfortunately, this book was a struggle for me to finish. I enjoyed the plot of the book, but the pacing was extremely slow for me. I kept putting the book down because I wasn't invested in the characters. In the end, I was disappointed. I really expected to like this book.

Far is working as a time traveling thief and is Captain of a time travel ship crewed by his friends. On a job grabbing some art before the Titanic sinks something goes wrong. Soon their time travels begin to go awry and they start to wonder about the new girl that no one knows anything about. Far discovers that he is the child of a time historian in the 2300's and a Roman gladiator and technically, shouldn't exist. This is a large book that moves as fast as time itself. It comes complete with a taste of romance, a smattering of dry wit, a ton of adventure and a wonderful world where time travel is the norm. You will find it under Young Adult but it will appeal to a much greater audience. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

ARC received from NetGalley.

So basic premise is that Farway is a boy born outside of time (he was born on the journey between two destinations in history). The story finds him as he captains a crew of time travelers that smuggle relics from other points in time to the future so that they can be sold on the black market. He is put in a position where he alone can save the universe ... he's the chosen one because of his birth anomaly.

OK. So, I am so conflicted about this book for a myriad of reasons. 1) I love Ryan Graudin, I think that she's an amazing writer and storyteller. I literally try to get every teen that I interact with to read Wolf by Wolf. 2) Time travel books are my favorites. 3) I have been anxiously awaiting this book since I first read the description.

But after reading it, I just don't know. I don't know if I am left wanting because of the whole "chosen one" aspect of the story. I don't know if I am left wanting because some of the time travel/multi-verse/world building was confusing. It's a well written, obviously well thought out story so I don't know why I am left shrugging my shoulders about it.

I plan on purchasing this book for my library and the book will circulate. But I think a large group of teen readers are going to get lost "in the fade" of this book so to speak.

Seven days I spent reading this book. Here's my problem: last year I read an excellent book on multiverses, Dark Matter by Blake Crouch so this story pales in comparison. It doesn't even live up to my enjoyment of the Wolf by Wolf series. Honestly, I'm disappointed. The book lacked action. The plot to return to a baby's birth was snoozeville. The characters suffered from development. I just needed more when a book involves one of my favorite key phrases: time travel.

This was a lot of fun!!

If you like space opera sci-fis about time travel, with heists, a sprinkling of romance and mystery, this is the book for you!

Farway has a promising future ahead of him as a time-traveler, but he flunks his final exam. His second chance comes in the form of Invictus, a ship that deals in the black market of time travel. It is during a trip to the Titanic that Far comes into contact with a girl who shouldn't be there. Who is she? What does she want from Far and his crew?

Intertwined with this mystery is the disappearance of Far's mother, a well-respected time-traveling agent who failed to come back from a mission eleven years ago. Like all good space operas, there's also a lively crew of misfits, geniuses, and even a red panda.

Some of the time traveling mechanics seemed a little too timey-wimey (to reference Doctor Who), but I really liked this story of Farway, his family, and his destiny.

*Thank you to Little, Brown Books For Young Readers and Netgalley for an arc*

In the year 2371 time travel dominates society. Every aspect of life from entertainment to commerce to industry hangs on the select few who master the skill to jump through time in specially built ships. This prime job allows the traveler to record history first hand to take back as data streams for the general public.

Our hero, Farway, is exceptional in many ways. Unusually conceived and born out of time, his one true dream is to become captain of a time travel ship. When he is unceremoniously flunked out of his one life goal he gets a surprise opportunity and quickly turns to a life of crime - in time. He takes us on a bumpy adventure ride through an incredibly unique world.

The author has announced this is a stand alone book. A rare breed in today's publishing world. She created a an exciting and unique plot.

Set some time aside to devour this book. It's a mash-up of time travel (outside time, actually), gladiators living in ancient Rome, the sinking of the Titanic and more. The protagonist, Farway Gaius McCarthy (his name is a clue to the fun and fascinating characters you'll meet in this book), turns to a life of crime when he fails an exam that would have allowed him to work for the government. He meets Eliot, a mysterious girl who understands secrets about time that will lead Far through many perils and adventures. Suspend your disbelief for this one, and don't judge it as a novel for adults; some elements are clearly for a teen audience. Still, I recommend it.

I was a little concerned about reading this, because time-travel stories often bother me - so many paradoxes! Also, YA often bothers me. However, I didn't need to worry - nothing annoyed me in this book :)

After failing his final exam to become a legal time traveler, Farway McCarthy gets an offer to work for the black market and steal antiquities from the past that won't be missed. Note: I now have a new theory about where all my lost stuff went :). His friends are his crew - and it a fun group - I liked all of the side characters as much as, or more, than Farway.

But issues are happening with the time stream. And....that is about all I should say with the plot. I'll note though, that I wish more YA were written like this - sure there is drama and emotion - but it isn't manufactured by hormones - it's legitimate.

This was such a fun book! What a great concept with a great cast of characters doing such exciting stuff! I was hooked from the very beginning until the very last page. Although it is that rarity for a YA book, a stand alone novel, I certainly hope there will be more books about the Invictus and her extremely appealing crew. Job well done, Ms. Graudin.

An absolutely stunning, vividly imagined novel. I cannot remember the last time-travel novel I read (maybe Outlander?? wow talk about a throwback), but this book reminds me why I like them so much. Graudin paints a future that feels so real, and a past that feels equally compelling. The characters are all well rounded and fleshed out. They make a fantastic group and it makes me cry?? Little Saffron reminds me of Pabu from Legend of Korra so I felt a little nostalgic reading about this found family.

There's always squicky parts with time travel, and they weren't passed over - race in the past is specifically addressed (although not in depth). I also liked how Priya's culture wasn't glossed over, she prays to Ganesh and makes real masala chai (and she doesn't call it chai tea!! no redundancy!!).

Gah I just can't say enough about this novel. The writing is excellent and the world so vivid I immediately fell into this story. Plus, a huge bonus, it's a standalone!!! I loved it, highly recommend.

DNF at 18%
Sadly I had to DNF this book. The main reason was that the writing style told you everything instead of showing you. With being a very writing style oriented reader, this didn't work for me. I also didn't like the main male character. He only acted like a spoiled, arrogant brat who threw all his effort in his education because he had to be right. He didn't enough substance to his character to make me care about him. I also feel like the setting was 2017 instead of the 2100's. Everything the characters listened to, wore, how they spoke and the world building felt way too current and not enough in the future. The time travel and how it worked was really cool and seeing the technology work. But that was the only thing that made it futuristic; there was no other kinds of virtual reality games, genetic enhancements and other things that make it feel like you're in the future. Sadly I was disappointed with this book. I will add a link to my blog post on August 3, 2017 with more thoughts.

I'm such a fan of time travel stories, and when I read this book was comped with Guardians of the Galaxy, all I heard in my head was - Must. Have. Now.

Rarely have I come across a book with such a charming cast of well-developed characters - people you'd love to have as friends and hang out with.  They're intelligent, sly, adventurous, mysterious, surrounded by danger and complex time travel regulations - yet full of teenage insecurities anyone can identify with, that also spawned several humorous situations.  Complicated time travel talk can make your head spin, but it fascinated me and was thought-provoking.

I enjoyed the history, action, banter between the crew, and was slightly surprised by the emotional element at the end, but it was very fitting.  And after reading this, I want a red panda just like Saffron.

Invictus is a long read at over 450 pages, but absolutely worth it - and it's a standalone, which is rare in YA books these days.  I'd highly recommend this to fans of sci-fi and anyone who enjoys a fun, quirky ensemble cast of characters.  

 Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.

I requested this from Netgalley and received it (thank you, and it in no way influenced my review). I wasn’t sure I should have requested it. As much as I like <i>Doctor Who</i> I’m often not a fan of time travel stories and even less fond of stories where the protagonist is a thief. I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed this. It would have been a five star read without the last chapter. I really disliked the final ending.

Empra is a time traveler with an organization that records ‘datastreams’ taking great care not to interact too much but she’s thrown that out the window, falling pregnant to a gladiator who is about to die in battle as the story opens. Empra lingers just long enough for her water to burst and their son is born outside of time inside the time machine.

We jump to Farway’s story some eighteen years later. His mother is missing in time and he arrogantly strides into his final exam in time travel academy only to fail because someone altered the exam. His response? To take the first job offer afterward: become a time traveling thief ‘rescuing’ items from tragic events. I paused here hard. I knew this was the choice from the blurb so that wasn’t the reason for my pause. It took me a while to realize it was because I’ve been in that place, facing an altered test to keep my kind from passing (lady doctors, and that state was caught at it the next year).

Once Farway and his team (His cousin Imogen, the ship’s pilot Gram and Farway’s girlfriend, Priya, the medic) go for something on the Titanic and meet up with another time traveler who out manuevers them at every turn. Eliot is an interesting young lady with tons of secrets including one big one that I don’t want to spoil in the review. Let’s leave it at the Fade will end all life and Far, Eliot and the others must stop it.

It’s a far more complicated story than that with well fleshed out characters. It addressed things about time travel in a believable way. The emotions were well captured for all the characters (each of which we have chapters dedicated to their point of view). I really liked all the characters, though I reject the idea that only these circumstances would have ended up with them as friends/significant others (which was my problem with the final chapter). I did want a little more world building, especially with Priya. She seems to be a full fledged doctor at eighteen. Is she a genius? Is schooling different? What does Gram really do with the numbers (i.e. it very soft pedaled the physics which I was okay with but I was never entirely clear what Gram did). It was these few things that dropped a star off my review. Still, I highly recommend this one.

Far wants badly to follow in his mother's footstep to be a time traveler. Not just to because he has the heart of an explorer and doesn't want a safe life, but to investigate the disappearance of his mother into the past. At his final exam after a valedictorian career, things fall and his dreams take on a sharp twist, leaving him to be a black market smuggler in time.

I've never really been a huge fan of books or movies involving time travel. My brain has trouble forgiving paradoxes and leaps of logic and letting go and getting into such stories. Always I'm thinking how is this possible and casting doubts that take me out of the story. I tried to let go enough for Invictus but the storyline didn't get me over the bumps in belief. For one thing, it's far into the book before the true obstacle is revealed. In addition, the prose was really choppy and full of flowery excess rather than straightforward description that I prefer.

On the positive side, the characters were engaging and well drafted. The author does multiple points of views well, giving all the characters plenty of motivation and quirks to make them entertaining and likable. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between Gram and Imogen. Once the main plot came into the open, the story moved fast. But every time I tried to grab onto the characters the flowery prose kept me grounded and took me out of their heads, leaving their thoughts too choppy to make my own.

A solid read but I wouldn't go back to it again.

I very much enjoyed the idea of somebody being born in the midst of time travel, giving them no birthday, It's an interesting angle I would have never thought up. The character also being fathered by a gladiator in ancient times? That was great!
The direction this story went, though, felt cliche. Time travel thieves just didn't appeal to me. I'm not usually a fan of sci-fi, but Ryan Graudin is a phenomenal author so I wanted to give this a try. I was disappointed, but it wasn't because the book was bad, it's just not my typical kind of book.