Lost Time (review)

Twelve-year-old Violynne, already struggling after the sudden and mysterious disappearance of her archeologist parents, is devastated when her remaining home life is shattered: her aunt is suddenly arrested, her butler is missing, and her house is being carefully monitored. Soon, Violynne is swept into an adventure involving the Arbiter, their egomaniacal leader on the planet of Lindor; the Coil, a centuries-old underworld figure who seems to control everything; and an alien race who had been banished from the planet but are now seeking to reestablish themselves. Somewhere in the middle of all this, Violynne's parents are stuck, literally trapped in time, and she must save them and herself from those who seek to use her family's archeological discoveries for evil effect-and who plan to get rid of the human evidence of their crimes. The haunting descriptions of the sophisticated, artistic alien race sent away from their home are memorable and elegant. Unfortunately, the over-the-top avarice and malevolence of the Arbiter and the Coil reduce the novel to a good vs. evil showdown wherein it is all too clear that good will triumph, even though it is equally clear that in this case, it is quite overmatched. In addition, Violynne, indulged and naïve, just doesn't have the independent spirit necessary to carry off a one-girl mission to save the world. Nevertheless, science-fiction fans will still find much to appreciate in the nifty smart house, intriguing aliens, and movie-ready technological marvels throughout.