What to say, where to start? I wasn't a huge fan of the first book Crewel. I know maybe that leaves some people wondering why I would read Altered? It's because I definitely saw some promise there and I was honestly curious about how things were going to pan out for them after they slipped into that "other reality" so to speak. However, where I felt Crewel was underdone and lacking in oomph - I think Altered packed so much in that while the rhythm of the book felt a bit off it was definitely an improvement for me. There were surprises here that I didn't see coming. The pace moved much faster and I was engaged much more in the story and the characters where as before I was somewhat apathetic. It was a great followup and oddly took the reader in such unexpected directions that I have to give her credit. 
 I do have to say I wasn't thrilled by the inclusion of the Remnants. Perhaps that was just me but I've seen the zombie-esque card played too frequently lately - I wish something else could have been used instead but they did the job to thrill/give tension/add suspense. I both liked and disliked the use of the alternate reality / time displacement things that was going on. While I liked the element I didn't like how it made a few aspects into convenient stressors for Adelice and Jost. So that was how I came to be such a fence sitter - I had both positive and negative vibes in equal measure while reading. I will say that I am the odd ball out among my friends who loved Crewel so I think those that did will ooze love for Altered as well. 
 Cover - 3 stars - Why is the hourglass here you might wonder? - I'm thinking it has something to do with how time runs differently in each reality 
 Story- 3 - A marked improvement but needed a bit more spit and polish.