Saturday, May 26, 2012

7 Hours: Escapement by Rene Gutteridge

In each installment of 7 Hours, a character is visited by the enigmatic Thomas Constant, who makes a heart-stopping statement: “You are about to die. But you may choose from one of three options: Live seven more hours, travel back in time and relive seven hours, or accept the inevitable and die now.” 
The clock is ticking.

What will you do with the time you have left? 




It's difficult to be the second book in a multiple author saga. It's almost impossible when the first book is Rearview. Rene Gutteridge pulls back the curtain on a character she's been thinking about for some time. By the end of this read you'll have figured out that Mattie is incredibly overweight and has serious issues.

When presented with Thomas Constant's proposal, he decides to use his seven hours to murder a man who gave him grief in school. This could be an interesting dialogue as to whether bullying can actually curse you later in life.

As with most hair-brained murder plots, Mattie is due for some unexpected hiccups.

The ending was abrupt but I guess this is what happens when you are given only seven hours of additional life.

It was hard for me to get the first story out of my head so I was, unfairly, comparing the two. Gutteridge weaves an excellent tale in short story format. It might not be worth it as a stand alone but it is a fine addition to the 7 Hours world.




This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale House Publishing

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