5 Stars

Out of Time is a work of fiction in the urban fantasy subgenre and is the first installment in the Timeless Julianna Scott series. It is aimed at mature readers and was penned by author Cherie Baker. The book follows the journey of Julianna Scott who has avoided death for over six hundred years as she tries to solve the murder of one of her companions. As she investigates the incident, she finds with increasing dread that the clues all lead to the more unpleasant parts of her past, and the careful life she has built for herself begins to pull apart at the seams.

To establish a series around a central character, it is absolutely essential that the character has the depth, nuance, and intrigue necessary to compel a reader to follow them throughout their adventures. Author Cherie Baker wastes no time in this series opener in laying the foundations of Julianna’s character which is explored thoroughly throughout the narrative as we dive into the previous six centuries of her life to understand the events of her present. Julianna leaps off the page from the moment we meet her, letting readers know that they are in for a thrilling adventure with this protagonist at the helm. The narrative web in which she is quickly ensnared never misses a trick when it comes to memorable twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, Out of Time is an excellent urban fantasy tale, creating an engaging lead character and mysterious world that exist alongside ours and setting the stage for what I’ve no doubt will be an exciting series.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite