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elusivity's review against another edition
4.0
Quite an interesting premise for immortality, with humorous bits in between. The main character, Mendoza, however, is somewhat whiny, and could grate upon the nerves.´
Also, it was strange to read this--the first of a long series--while the author was laid upon her deathbed. Definitely affected my level of appreciation for this book...
Also, it was strange to read this--the first of a long series--while the author was laid upon her deathbed. Definitely affected my level of appreciation for this book...
ginnikin's review against another edition
3.0
This is an interesting concept: future scientists discover a way to make immortals (with a wide range of "powers" *eyeroll*) and travel back in time to do so. Mendoza is rescued from the Inquisition in just such a fashion. Interesting so far. Unfortunately, it didn't really hold up for me beyond the introduction. There's love, tragedy, religion & intolerance, and then loss. *shrug* Also, the first person memoir style sets the whole thing up as a doomed enterprise (not that immortal + mortal has ever been anything but in fiction) from the start.
It really plays on the fear of aging and dying, which didn't endear it to me, either.
Still, an entertaining enough read. It sets up a sequel (probably several: history is a long time, don'tcha know).
It really plays on the fear of aging and dying, which didn't endear it to me, either.
Still, an entertaining enough read. It sets up a sequel (probably several: history is a long time, don'tcha know).
counterfetti's review against another edition
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Mendoza and Joseph are by far the most interesting dynamic in the book - but the tragedy hit well too
caroparr's review against another edition
4.0
Briskly told sf tale about time traveling cyborgs that's filled with strong characters and a good sense of time and place. Mendoza is appealingly sour, then believably transformed by a doomed love affair. Very fun, and I'm looking forward to reading the others. Does Baker share any DNA with Connie Willis??
spinnerroweok's review
3.0
This one has an interesting time travel premise that I haven't seen before. The story moved along well. Starts strong. My biggest problem was that it seemed filled with 16th century people trained by a 24th century company who sounded like late 20th century people in language and attitudes.
bethanharcourt's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
kristin_lapos's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
webgambit's review against another edition
3.0
The universe they create is quite interesting. However, they only use it as a backdrop for a romance story.
sonofthe's review against another edition
4.0
Been hearing about this one for a while and finally decided to give it a try. Reminds me a bit of [b:Doomsday Book|24983|Doomsday Book (Oxford Time Travel #1)|Connie Willis|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1403972500s/24983.jpg|2439628], but I like this one a bit better. I've already got the sequel from the library.
Why'd I like it? There was a good mix of science fiction and romance. There was good character growth and world-building. I'm most torn about the time-travel element. Even though the book is ostensibly a time-travel story, it's really only part of the backdrop. An important part, yes, but not in the foreground.
What keeps me going? I want to see what happens next for Mendoza—who she becomes and what she discovers about how The Company and its working throughout history.
Why'd I like it? There was a good mix of science fiction and romance. There was good character growth and world-building. I'm most torn about the time-travel element. Even though the book is ostensibly a time-travel story, it's really only part of the backdrop. An important part, yes, but not in the foreground.
What keeps me going? I want to see what happens next for Mendoza—who she becomes and what she discovers about how The Company and its working throughout history.
lisalark's review against another edition
5.0
I actually really loved this. At first it felt too similar in some ways to other authors, like Connie Willis, but then it took on its on life. Baker is hilarious and writes very human characters. I loved the historical details throughout and languages (Latin, Greek, Spanish, German) and just general cleverness. It was really fun to see Tudor history unfurling in the background.
The main character tells you from the beginning that it's not going to be a happy story, so I didn't mind that. Plus I have a pretty jaundiced view of romance.
Good for history buffs, humor fans, and sci fi readers. Specifically I think Connie Willis and Douglas Adams fans.
The main character tells you from the beginning that it's not going to be a happy story, so I didn't mind that. Plus I have a pretty jaundiced view of romance.
Good for history buffs, humor fans, and sci fi readers. Specifically I think Connie Willis and Douglas Adams fans.