by Alexandra Bracken
Series: Passenger #2
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
All Etta Spencer wanted was to make her violin debut when she was thrust into a treacherous world where the struggle for power could alter history. After losing the one thing that would have allowed her to protect the Timeline, and the one person worth fighting for, Etta awakens alone in an unknown place and time, exposed to the threat of the two groups who would rather see her dead than succeed. When help arrives, it comes from the last person Etta ever expected—Julian Ironwood, the Grand Master’s heir who has long been presumed dead, and whose dangerous alliance with a man from Etta’s past could put them both at risk.
Meanwhile, Nicholas and Sophia are racing through time in order to locate Etta and the missing astrolabe with Ironwood travelers hot on their trail. They cross paths with a mercenary-for-hire, a cheeky girl named Li Min who quickly develops a flirtation with Sophia. But as the three of them attempt to evade their pursuers, Nicholas soon realizes that one of his companions may have ulterior motives.
As Etta and Nicholas fight to make their way back to one another, from Imperial Russia to the Vatican catacombs, time is rapidly shifting and changing into something unrecognizable… and might just run out on both of them.
Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken is the follow-up novel to the spectacular novel Passenger. This is a duology you’ll want to add to your bookshelf. Wayfarer delivered a captivating tale and satisfying conclusion. Time travel, strong characters, suspense and more await you in this brilliantly written tale.
Wayfarer dives straight back into the tale set forth in this duology. Because there is little to no recap, I am going to strongly recommend a re-read first. I am going to try to keep this spoiler-free, but if you haven’t read the Passenger then pop over and read my review of that instead: Passenger
Can there be a happy ending? Will sacrifices need to be made to protect timelines? Will evil prevail? Is love lost to Etta and Nicholas forever? You’ll have to read to find out!
Our story picks up shortly after the cliffhanger ending of Passenger. Etta and Nicholas have been separated. The book shifts back and forth between the two timelines and is broken up easily by chapter. Etta finds herself kidnapped by the Thorns and meets someone unexpected. Nicholas is traveling with Sophia and is trying to find Etta. They seek help and soon find themselves racking up favors, some of them costly.
Etta, the Thorns, and Julian are desperate to find the astrolabe before Cyrus Ironwood does. Etta begins to learn things about her mother, the astrolabe and more in her quest. Henry Hemlock is a fascinating character and I ended up adoring him.
Nicholas and Sophia meet some colorful characters in their quest. Among them, they meet Li Min. Linn Min is a colorful character who saves their hide more than once. She also knows a lot more than she is letting on making her motives a curious one. Along the way we hear stories, gain knowledge and begin to get a clearer picture of all the players.
I was absolutely riveted by the tale that unfolds. For some, the pacing may be a bit slow in this five hundred plus page tome. However, the payoff was incredible worldbuilding and character development. What was interesting were the strong roles secondary characters played. Julian, Sophia, and Henry play key roles. They had a presence, we learned their histories and they became integral to the plot.
Do you love traveling through time and space from the comfort of your sofa? Bracken takes us to so many places both historical and alternate versions of significant periods in history. I was completely sucked in. She managed to take me places emotionally as well offering a well-rounded tale. I purposefully paced myself, allowing myself only to read fifty to hundred pages a day. This allowed me to absorb, reflect and contemplate what was happening.
The romance was different, in that Etta and Nicholas get very little page time together. Ironically this made their love all the more powerful. While separated their thoughts often turned to the other. Nicholas was determined to be reunited regardless of the cost. I spent much of the book worrying about them being reunited, another reason I forced the slow digest. It got to be seriously nerve-wracking.
The ending of Wayfarer was brilliant. Bracken closed threads, answered questions and took a little piece of my heart.
If time travel, suspense, and a touch of romance wrapped around brilliantly written characters excited you, then grab the Passenger duology and enjoy!
Time travel, strong characters, suspense and more await you in Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Dragonfly
I remember your review of Passenger. I remember you really liked it! Happy to see you are still enjoying the series. I just noticed is not in my TBR WTH??? it’s in now!
The Bibliophile Babe
I have got to read the first one! Such a pretty cover. <3
Michele
I love that cover — this is on the list! 🙂
Lampshade Reader
Sounds like a unique read! I put the first book on my wish list. 🙂 Great review! ~Aleen
Braine
I generally struggle with time travel, maybe downloading a sample is the best option for me. I did want to check out the first one when it came out but my library didn’t have it. Boo!
Katherine
I’ve been so on the fence about Passenger! It’s totally not my kind of book yet it’s calling to me! This one actually appeals to me more and that cover just pulls me in. I love it!
Tyler H. Jolley
I’ve really enjoyed this series. And the cover, dang, it’s awesome. I can’t wait to start book 2.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I still have that first book on my wishlist. This makes me want to get it NOW. This sounds so good and this follow-up rocked. I had a feeling I wanted this one and you now confirmed it. 🙂
Stormi Johnson
Glad you enjoyed this one, sounds interesting.
Sophia Rose
I have book one. I didn’t realize there was a cliffie so it’s good that I have the option to snatch up this second book quickly. Neat how the suspense is also about their relationship as well as all the action elements about the timeline.
Heidi
I have an audiobook copy that I never got around to last Spring and now I am glad that I waited since I can read back to back. I love the sound of this!
Mary Kirkland
While it’s not really my kind of book, I’m glad to hear you liked it.
Debbie Haupt
I saw your review of #1 and really liked it, yes its still on my list, darn time factor LOL 😉
Great review yes it went to the top of the list
Quinn's Book Nook
I’ve heard such great things about this series. I haven’t been that into YA lately, but I’m always glad to see people enjoying books.
AngelErin
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! I think I’m the only person that still hasn’t read the first book though. Eep. I need to get on that. Great review as always!
Lily B
I like this authors writing and I am curious to see how this ends, despite me not clicking with the first book completely – i didnt hate it. I am guessing this one is going to be mostly from Nick’s POV? She likes changing her POV’s from books to books
Rowena
Hmm, I was never really interested in reading these books but I may just have to change my mind. Thanks for the review, Kim!
LeKeisha
I’m so looking forward to starting this over my long weekend. I really loved Passenger!
Bookworm Brandee
Hopefully my library will have this one and I’ll try to pick up Passenger sooner than later. It’s on my list thanks to your review. 😉 I’m so happy this ending was satisfying, Kimberly!
kindlemom1
I loved the first book so I’m so excited this was just as great. I cant’ believe I missed grabbing it, oh well, it will be out soon anyways right?
blodeuedd
I have never tried her books, maybe one day 🙂
Melliane
that’s nice to have a good duology like that! I haven’t tried but I heard a lot about it and this cover is beautiful!
RO
Really enjoy fantasy type stories on television or in the movies more than in a book. I was the same way with Harry Potter for some reason. Totally loved your review which made it sound interesting and fun. Hugs…