It's been a hot second since I read The Ship Beyond Time or its predecessor The Girl From Everywhere, but I'm going to try to make a comprehensible review. We'll see if I succeed.

I actually ended up liking TSBT more than TGFE, probably because the magic system felt more explained and I was less confused about character motives. Hence, I ended up giving this one five stars while TGFE was four stars (although still amazing). While I am sad this one focussed less on Hawaiian history, the introduction of a complex fantasy world explored what I wanted to see in the first book: more of what the maps can do! The whole concept of map time travel fascinated me because of the way Heidi Heilig designed it. The place doesn't have to exist; as long as its drawn on a map, you can go there. So essentially, you can go to made-up lands or those from fairytales. Awesome, right?

Another positive is that the dumb as heck love triangle from book one deteriorated. We also saw more of Nix's relationship with Kashmir (!!!) and their progression from friends to boyfriend-girlfriend. As well, the most lovely part was the introduction of Nix's mom and her relationship with her daughter. The focus on family, especially when tested, is strong in this duology. I feel like YA doesn't often touch upon the good parts of family and while Heilig does play with the negatives, we sure see a lot of positives—enough that it makes the family feel real.

I can't say I remember a ton about this book, just that I enjoyed it so much. The ending was absolutely epic with soooo much action. I was so sad when the book ended because I totally thought there'd be more. It was a bittersweet ending, with hope for more, but a sense of sadness, too. Just how I like 'em.

I wish I had gotten around to writing this earlier; it'd be a lot longer, but this is what we're getting right now.

-Book Hugger