You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
skyfluff's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Confinement, Blood, Cannibalism, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I originally heard about this title through Book of the Month and was intrigued by the synopsis.
“The Ministry of Time” follows a civil servant who gets the opportunity of a lifetime to work within a newly formed government agency. The government has decided to take “expats” throughout history and bring them to present day, and it is this nameless civil servant’s job to help these people acclimate to life of the future. Her latest assignment is working with Graham Gore, a man from 1845 who has on a doomed arctic expedition.
This book was fine, but it took me a lot longer to get into than I was expecting. I was expecting a story about time travel to feel much more fast paced and hook my attention right away, but unfortunately it took me about half of the book to actually be interested in the characters, and by that point it had been too long for me to really form a relationship with the characters and care about what they were doing.
I think the author’s approach to time travel was fine. It is always a tricky situation to try and discuss time travel because it is so nuanced and it is very easy to get lost or get details wrong. I think the author tied up any loose ends about time travel well enough. There is one “reveal” that does make me question the validity of the time travel and if the ending is wrapped up as well as it seems to be presented.
The civil servant and Graham inevitably fall in love and it felt very unnecessary to me. I never felt like they had a lot of chemistry or really anything in common. It felt like they were forced to live together as part of this assignment and they decided to hook up because of proximity, not because they were each other’s great love through all of time and space.
If you are looking for a mild romance with a slight air of mystery, all centered around time travel, then I suppose this book might be for you!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Torture, and Stalking
Minor: Cannibalism
lindsayerin's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Murder
Minor: Cannibalism
amanda_mh's review against another edition
challenging
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really liked the concept of this book- I thought it was really cool having these ‘expats’ pulled from their time period and be integrating in modern society. The beginning was quite comedic and fun as our nameless main character was introducing Commander Gore to the 21st century conveniences. I’ve lately been into Sci-Fi books so this was definitely up my alley, it made me think and had me guessing the entire time I did not see the ending coming at all. It is more of a character study less action, and you are never really sure what is going on with the ministry which I liked.
I built up a major glossary while reading this book, many new words I did not know… which made it challenging to read as I looked up words every few pages(and I read a lot of different books). The author really wanted and tried to back everything into this book about the modern world.
It’s worth looking into this book if sci-fi time travel is your thing, and check trigger warnings too! Overall glad I read it and definitely has kept me interested in reading more books featuring time travel.
I built up a major glossary while reading this book, many new words I did not know… which made it challenging to read as I looked up words every few pages(and I read a lot of different books). The author really wanted and tried to back everything into this book about the modern world.
It’s worth looking into this book if sci-fi time travel is your thing, and check trigger warnings too! Overall glad I read it and definitely has kept me interested in reading more books featuring time travel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Gore, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, Colonisation, and Classism
tigertheory's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was so good, I don’t know why it took me months to review. I already know this will be one of my favorite books this year.
Beautiful composition, balancing the fun time travel adventure romp with more grave issues and ideas.
As an EFL speaker, I really do not understand why everyone is complaining about the vocabulary in this. The style of narration fits the MC perfectly and your reading flow isn’t hindered by not knowing exactly how the rain is falling.
Beautiful composition, balancing the fun time travel adventure romp with more grave issues and ideas.
As an EFL speaker, I really do not understand why everyone is complaining about the vocabulary in this. The style of narration fits the MC perfectly and your reading flow isn’t hindered by not knowing exactly how the rain is falling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Sexual content, Forced institutionalization, and War
Moderate: Gun violence, Homophobia, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, and Medical content
Minor: Lesbophobia, Colonisation, and Classism
brianna71597's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Really interesting time travel concept that hasn’t been done a lot. I found the all of the characters except for the main character to be very interesting and loved seeing their characters grow. Last chapter is a whirlwind. I think for a mediocre general ending the way the author chose to end it was great.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Slavery, Xenophobia, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
meggiemeggie52's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Listen, I'm not a sci-fi girlie, but I wanted to branch out from my go-to genre (romance)--and this was said to have some romance so I thought it was a good starting point.
Maybe it's just because I don't read this genre often, but I found the first two-thirds so hard to get into. There are only 10 chapters (plus a few pages before each that give an account from Graham's perspective), and they're LONG, which made it feel like it was taking forever to get through. Sometimes it got hard to follow plot-wise, but that's only partly because of the long chapters and mostly because I'm not a sci-fi girlie.
That being said, I really liked the characters--especially Graham and Maggie--though I found the narrator kind of felt a bit like an unreliable narrator at times (though maybe that was the point?). And I was genuinely surprised by a few of the plot twists at the end!
TLDR: I didn't dislike it, but it's not something I'll reread. Chapters were too long, but really liked the characters.
Maybe it's just because I don't read this genre often, but I found the first two-thirds so hard to get into. There are only 10 chapters (plus a few pages before each that give an account from Graham's perspective), and they're LONG, which made it feel like it was taking forever to get through. Sometimes it got hard to follow plot-wise, but that's only partly because of the long chapters and mostly because I'm not a sci-fi girlie.
That being said, I really liked the characters--especially Graham and Maggie--though I found the narrator kind of felt a bit like an unreliable narrator at times (though maybe that was the point?). And I was genuinely surprised by a few of the plot twists at the end!
TLDR: I didn't dislike it, but it's not something I'll reread. Chapters were too long, but really liked the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Racism, Grief, and Cannibalism
Minor: Misogyny, War, and Injury/Injury detail
nebulous_tide's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The time travel in this book makes little sense. But that's okay, because it's simply a device to reach the point, which is less about time travel and more about people.
There are some very well-presented insights into culture and cultural transition. Some of my favourite parts of this book were when past and present attitudes were compared.
The pace was a bit off in the middle - lots of rehashing the same ground. But the end made up for it. A solid 4/5.
There are some very well-presented insights into culture and cultural transition. Some of my favourite parts of this book were when past and present attitudes were compared.
The pace was a bit off in the middle - lots of rehashing the same ground. But the end made up for it. A solid 4/5.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Xenophobia, Cannibalism, Murder, and War
caitlin_bookchats's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wish the book had had a stronger single thesis, or perhaps I am simply reading it wrong.
The first half was delightful and because I had seen only mixed reviews about the book I kept wondering "what is going to go wrong in the second half?"
Then I guessed something that, I'm not certain the author is really hiding from the reader, and I thought I know what would mar the ending. But that element was used more interestingly than I expected.
What really made this a three star for me and not something higher is that the first 70% or so of the book felt like it was building towards something narratively and thematically but ultimately that was messy. I think the messiness might work for the narrative but I wanted more clarity around theme.
The first half was delightful and because I had seen only mixed reviews about the book I kept wondering "what is going to go wrong in the second half?"
Then I guessed something that, I'm not certain the author is really hiding from the reader, and I thought I know what would mar the ending. But that element was used more interestingly than I expected.
What really made this a three star for me and not something higher is that the first 70% or so of the book felt like it was building towards something narratively and thematically but ultimately that was messy. I think the messiness might work for the narrative but I wanted more clarity around theme.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Cannibalism, Colonisation, and War
kelly_e's review
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Title: The Ministry of Time
Author: Kaliane Bradley
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: 2.50
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
I received a complimentary eARC from Simon & Schuster Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted
T H R E E • W O R D S
Creative • Clunky • Predictable
📖 S Y N O P S I S
A civil servant starts working as a 'bridge' - a liaison, helpmeet and housemate - in an experimental project that brings expatriates from the past into the twenty-first century. This is a science-fiction story.
In a London safehouse in the 2020s, a disorientated Victorian polar explorer chain-smokes while listening to Spotify and learning about political correctness. This is a comedy.
During a long, sultry summer - as the shadows around them grow long and dangerous - two people fall in love, against all odds. This is a romance.
💭 T H O U G H T S
The Ministry of Time was one of my most anticipated 2024 releases. The premise sounded fantastic, unlike anything I'd read before. I certainly had high hopes when I was gifted an ARC, and even more so after it was announced as a GMA bookclub selection. I definitely couldn't avoid all of the hype surrounding this one.
Unlike some other reviews, I thought it started really strongly. I was interested and the concept was fascinating. However, the tone and direction completely shifted several times, especially in the final third, making it feel like a completely different book and story each time. I believe I'd have liked it more if it had kept the same trajectory as the beginning and if I'd gotten to spend more time with each of the characters rather than focusing primarily on one.
Equal parts time travel, romance, and spy thriller, this novel tries to do a lot and really ended up not doing anything at all. It needed more character development, more editing, and more cohesiveness. The lack of character depth, made it hard to believe the romance. With very little direction in the writing, from one page to the next, I often felt like pieces of the story were missing.
There is a lot of social commentary sprinkled into this story. From colonialism and racism to power and sexuality to climate change and corruption, the author probably should have picked a couple areas to focus on rather than trying to do it all. It convolutes the actual story and maybe that was the author's intent. It just didn't work for me.
A criticism I have seen is that the middle is bogged down with historical details. I, however, liked learning about the expedition and Graham's life. Given his character is based on a real person, I think it was necessary to include these details in order to give the reader context. It was also interesting take on seeing this early explorer in the present day.
The Ministry of Time had all of the right ingredients, yet they didn't come together in a way that worked. I have to commend the marketing team as they have done their jobs in promoting this book and I have no doubts many people will love it. The execution just wasn't there to make this book a stand out for me. My opinion is definitely the unpopular one, so I would say give it a shot if it's something that interests you. I'd definitely be curious to read something else written by Kaliane Bradley in the future.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• fancy language
• stories that don't fit into a box
⚠️ CW: death, grief, violence, gun violence, war, murder, blood, injury/injury detail, cannibalism, colonization, genocide, racism, racial slurs, xenophobia, homophobia, sexism, misogyny, sexual content, drug use, alcohol, cursing
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"If you ever fall in love, you’ll be a person who was in love for the rest of your life."
"It can get better, but you must allow yourself to imagine a world in which you are better."
"Forgiveness and hope are miracles. They let you change your life. They are time travel."
Author: Kaliane Bradley
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: 2.50
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
I received a complimentary eARC from Simon & Schuster Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted
T H R E E • W O R D S
Creative • Clunky • Predictable
📖 S Y N O P S I S
A civil servant starts working as a 'bridge' - a liaison, helpmeet and housemate - in an experimental project that brings expatriates from the past into the twenty-first century. This is a science-fiction story.
In a London safehouse in the 2020s, a disorientated Victorian polar explorer chain-smokes while listening to Spotify and learning about political correctness. This is a comedy.
During a long, sultry summer - as the shadows around them grow long and dangerous - two people fall in love, against all odds. This is a romance.
💭 T H O U G H T S
The Ministry of Time was one of my most anticipated 2024 releases. The premise sounded fantastic, unlike anything I'd read before. I certainly had high hopes when I was gifted an ARC, and even more so after it was announced as a GMA bookclub selection. I definitely couldn't avoid all of the hype surrounding this one.
Unlike some other reviews, I thought it started really strongly. I was interested and the concept was fascinating. However, the tone and direction completely shifted several times, especially in the final third, making it feel like a completely different book and story each time. I believe I'd have liked it more if it had kept the same trajectory as the beginning and if I'd gotten to spend more time with each of the characters rather than focusing primarily on one.
Equal parts time travel, romance, and spy thriller, this novel tries to do a lot and really ended up not doing anything at all. It needed more character development, more editing, and more cohesiveness. The lack of character depth, made it hard to believe the romance. With very little direction in the writing, from one page to the next, I often felt like pieces of the story were missing.
There is a lot of social commentary sprinkled into this story. From colonialism and racism to power and sexuality to climate change and corruption, the author probably should have picked a couple areas to focus on rather than trying to do it all. It convolutes the actual story and maybe that was the author's intent. It just didn't work for me.
A criticism I have seen is that the middle is bogged down with historical details. I, however, liked learning about the expedition and Graham's life. Given his character is based on a real person, I think it was necessary to include these details in order to give the reader context. It was also interesting take on seeing this early explorer in the present day.
The Ministry of Time had all of the right ingredients, yet they didn't come together in a way that worked. I have to commend the marketing team as they have done their jobs in promoting this book and I have no doubts many people will love it. The execution just wasn't there to make this book a stand out for me. My opinion is definitely the unpopular one, so I would say give it a shot if it's something that interests you. I'd definitely be curious to read something else written by Kaliane Bradley in the future.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• fancy language
• stories that don't fit into a box
⚠️ CW: death, grief, violence, gun violence, war, murder, blood, injury/injury detail, cannibalism, colonization, genocide, racism, racial slurs, xenophobia, homophobia, sexism, misogyny, sexual content, drug use, alcohol, cursing
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"If you ever fall in love, you’ll be a person who was in love for the rest of your life."
"It can get better, but you must allow yourself to imagine a world in which you are better."
"Forgiveness and hope are miracles. They let you change your life. They are time travel."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Genocide, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, Blood, Cannibalism, Murder, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Drug use, Sexual content, and Alcohol