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Ess's mother, Vivian, left her a rose made of the same crystal that formed the Great Machine, which allowed the Originators and Revisionists to travel through time. A matching rose belonged to her friend, Anna, and the two women communicated mind-to-mind, until Anna died. When Ess as too young to understand, she touched minds with Carmen, Anna's daughter, through the crystal rose. Both girls thought the other was merely an imaginary friend.

Now, knowing the truth, Ess must search for Carmen, who is in great danger from the Revisionists. Anna died before she could teach her daughter the truth of the crystal rose, and her heritage. Carmen has no idea what gifts lie in her blood, in the power of song, and in the crystal rose.

When one piece of bad luck after another puts Carmen and her orphan charges out on the streets, they find shelter in an underground community. Their leader, Brogan, hides his scars in the shadows, and fears he is slowly growing insane. Carmen's music may be the key to solving puzzles passed down from their ancestors. The fate of the world of the future could rest in their hands.

The Guardians of the Time Stream is a steampunk-ish series set during the reconstruction of the United States in the decades following the Civil War.

Technology is on the rise, with locomotives and steam-powered industry, airships and other experiments in slightly anachronistic technology. A fascination with travel around the world and the exploration of other cultures, especially ancient cultures, is on the rise.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is an alternative-history Earth ...

The Guardians of the Time Stream, who call themselves the Originators, are determined to ensure the effects of certain events in history don't do any more harm to the planet than has already been done. Their secret: they are the descendants of travelers from our far distant future, who traveled into the distant past to prevent another group of time travelers from altering the world to suit their vision. And as Ess Fremont grows up and learns her heritage, her family's history and their secrets, she takes her place in the battle to protect the world.