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menshevixen's review
4.0
A smart, fast-pasted novella about a girl with a future and the man determined to guide her toward it. I really enjoyed the sardonic, erudite distant-third narrator, as well as grumpy protagonist Petra. A great read for Twilight Zone fans!
gildius's review against another edition
4.0
Anachronism is a story about time travel, involving a visitor from the future, a young woman whose life is in the gutter, and a powerful assassin. I thought this was an exciting, fast-paced story, with characters that I instantly cared for and a genuinely brilliant twist at the end (I gasped!). I love the way Jennifer plays with language, and the self-aware, sarcastic voice of her narrator is a joy to read.
You can read more about how this book came to be on my blog:
http://www.50ayear.com/2018/06/01/19-anachronism-by-jennifer-lee-rossman/
You can read more about how this book came to be on my blog:
http://www.50ayear.com/2018/06/01/19-anachronism-by-jennifer-lee-rossman/
athos's review against another edition
2.0
This book had a potential for 5 stars. The writing was beautiful, reminiscent of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, The characters were fun, the action was great and the time travel concept was fantastic. An enjoyable short story.
However, what let it down and put it down two stars was the ending. The plot twist was just disappointing, out of the blue and not very well done. Normally with a plot twist, it should be made to tie everything together and to make things make sense. Yes, there were some things that did this (like Petra's dad recognising Davenport) but the idea of it all being a museum heist that was done by literally ruining someone's life by making them think there's time travel? It just doesn't make sense. There's lots more I can say on this, like the likable Moses becoming hated etc., but you get the point.
Other than that problem with the plot, the rest of the novella was great. I'm looking forward to more by Rossman because she clearly has talent in writing. Also - a time travelling queer sci-fi adventure would be perfect right about now ;) 2/5.
However, what let it down and put it down two stars was the ending. The plot twist was just disappointing, out of the blue and not very well done. Normally with a plot twist, it should be made to tie everything together and to make things make sense. Yes, there were some things that did this (like Petra's dad recognising Davenport) but the idea of it all being a museum heist that was done by literally ruining someone's life by making them think there's time travel? It just doesn't make sense. There's lots more I can say on this, like the likable Moses becoming hated etc., but you get the point.
Other than that problem with the plot, the rest of the novella was great. I'm looking forward to more by Rossman because she clearly has talent in writing. Also - a time travelling queer sci-fi adventure would be perfect right about now ;) 2/5.
renee7995's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this time travel novella. The character of Petra was really wonderful and I also really enjoyed the twist at the end. Overall, I gave this 4/5 stars!
snaomiscott's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. The general tone and pacing make for a fun, almost frenetic read, and the main character is just adorable with her sass and attitude.
The story starts with a self-professed time traveller turning up in a supposedly impregnable vault and asking to speak with the president. However, the president he wants to speak to hasn't been elected yet and is actually having a less than stellar eighteenth birthday. Once the two characters get together the craziness just explodes outwards from there.
Despite its short length, there's a lot packed into this story, and for once I can honestly say I didn't wan to put this one down. It had me gripped all the way through to an ending that certainly wasn't what I expected.
A very strong four and a half stars for this one, and further evidence if needed of the quality of work being put out by the small presses these days.
The story starts with a self-professed time traveller turning up in a supposedly impregnable vault and asking to speak with the president. However, the president he wants to speak to hasn't been elected yet and is actually having a less than stellar eighteenth birthday. Once the two characters get together the craziness just explodes outwards from there.
Despite its short length, there's a lot packed into this story, and for once I can honestly say I didn't wan to put this one down. It had me gripped all the way through to an ending that certainly wasn't what I expected.
A very strong four and a half stars for this one, and further evidence if needed of the quality of work being put out by the small presses these days.
minervacerridwen's review
3.0
Before I start on this review, I have to say that I read this book over a very busy period of time, with too long between reading sessions, and that this may influence my thoughts. If I were able to travel back in time and start reading later for a more optimal experience, I would, but unfortunately I'm unable to do so.
Warning for major spoilers below, between the spoiler tags!
When I started on the first chapter, it looked like Anachronism had everything to be the perfect book for me. A witty writing style full of puns, time travel, a queer main character. And yet I ended up having mixed feelings about it. At certain points, the extra facts that were inserted for reasons of humour were a little too much for me, distracting me from the course the sentence was actually taking and breaking my immersion. On the other hand, there were also several real gems among the puns and metaphors.
Halfway, the book really picked up its pace and I couldn't put it down anymore as it led to a conclusion that was certainly unexpected. And yet I found myself frowning at the end because the interactions between the characters didn't feel realistic in the given situation.The idea that they would still be friends, after the men so utterly manipulated Petra for a ridiculous plan and after they literally killed her father, really bothered me.
However, I certainly rooted for the charactersand my headcanon is that Petra will become the president after all, marked by her adventure and Moses' firm belief in her having the right skillset.
I will definitely pick up more books and stories by Jennifer as she is a very funny and skilled storyteller, but this particular novella was less up my street than I had expected going in.I suppose I like to believe in magic too much, rather than to get a perfectly logical (?) explanation for it all.
Warning for major spoilers below, between the spoiler tags!
When I started on the first chapter, it looked like Anachronism had everything to be the perfect book for me. A witty writing style full of puns, time travel, a queer main character. And yet I ended up having mixed feelings about it. At certain points, the extra facts that were inserted for reasons of humour were a little too much for me, distracting me from the course the sentence was actually taking and breaking my immersion. On the other hand, there were also several real gems among the puns and metaphors.
Halfway, the book really picked up its pace and I couldn't put it down anymore as it led to a conclusion that was certainly unexpected. And yet I found myself frowning at the end because the interactions between the characters didn't feel realistic in the given situation.
However, I certainly rooted for the characters
I will definitely pick up more books and stories by Jennifer as she is a very funny and skilled storyteller, but this particular novella was less up my street than I had expected going in.
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