Review: Invictus by Ryan Graudin

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Title: Invictus

Author: Ryan Graudin

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: September 26, 2017

ISBN: 9780316503136

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Farway Gaius McCarthy was born outside of time. The son of a time-traveling Recorder from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in Rome in 95 AD, Far’s birth defies the laws of nature. Exploring history himself is all he’s ever wanted, and after failing his final time-traveling exam, Far takes a position commanding a ship with a crew of his friends as part of a black market operation to steal valuables from the past. But during a heist on the sinking Titanic, Far meets a mysterious girl who always seems to be one step ahead of him. Armed with knowledge that will bring Far’s very existence into question, she will lead Far and his team on a race through time to discover a frightening truth: History is not as steady as it seems. 

The author of The Walled City, Graudin, has written another incredible, thrilling, and heart-stopping novel, Invictus. This young adult novel has everything you could want in a book: friendship, romance, family, time travel, inter-dimensional travel, and so much more. It’s a standalone novel, and as much as I would LOVE to read a whole series about these characters, it is entirely strong on its own. I appreciate Graudin’s decision to leave this one alone. She reached great heights with this book, and a series would only take away from what this book has to offer. This novel is history meets sci-fi perfectly blended together to create an intense story full of mystery and imminent threat with an ending that is so completely perfect.

I loved each character, unique with their own quirks and completely loveable for it. Farway Gaius McCarthy, the main protagonist, is confident and is a strong leader. He’s quick on his feet and is a true romantic at heart. His lady, Priya, has a kind heart and is strong and steadfast, the perfect qualities for their medic. Imogen is so much fun, full of silliness and burst with colour, literally. She changes her hair colour with every mood and makes it her mission to infuse every situation with a spark of happiness. Gram is the quiet and incredibly intelligent one. He gets them where they need to go in space and time, finding comfort in the certainty of numbers and problem-solving. Together these characters make up the Invictus. Their group works together seamlessly, joined by the bonds of love and friendship. They’ve endured all sorts of worlds and missions before and we can see the trust and strong relationships that this past has built. Everything changes when Eliot joins the picture, but I will save that for you to discover for yourselves.

What I loved most was the theory of time and dimensions. This book goes into much depth in it’s exploration of time travel and inter-dimensional travel. Graudin invents plausible machines and technology to move characters from time to time. It creates a very interesting concept for conflict across the ages and eras, adding an extra level of excitement to the rising action and climax of this story.

I found the characters to be likeable and relatable. Some were family, some were friends, and others were romantically involved, yet the romance element was not too overwhelming in the slightest. It just existed and wasn’t the focal point of the story. There was more about the bonds of friendship and the strength of family which I felt was refreshing. This world that Graudin’s created is fantastic and beautiful. There are so many interesting elements to discover throughout. I’m going to have to read it again to really take it all in, but upon first read, I so, so enjoyed.

I’d definitely recommend this novel. Graudin has yet to disappoint and I look forward to whatever she’s cooking up next.