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3.07 AVERAGE
3.07 AVERAGE
DNF. So bad. She goes back to Ancient Rome and the dudes name is ROMAN ALEXANDER. I cannot with this. The dialogue is unnatural and takes you out of it. The FMC is also super annoying and literally almost dies multiple times because she has 0 survival instinct and thinks she can single handedly bring 2024 21st century feminism to Ancient Rome. *slams head against wall*
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The only other book I have read that involved time travel was Outlander. I am usually apprehensive about time travel novels as while I'm not a history buff by any means, I still want the time travel to be accurately depicted if that is the purpose. This author did it so well. The mixture of fantasy elements with the clearly well researched historical setting of Ancient Rome was perfection. I had to look up several words because I was not sure what they were exactly and that is how you know it is well done. Not only was the setting historically accurate in my opinion, but the character dynamics were also well done. Each individual character is strong on their own and together I just loved them. Some of the spicy scenes felt a little forced sometimes and didn't really add to the plot, but it didn't detract from the story as a whole. Oh, and that ending. I am so happy that I am coming to this series after a couple of the books are out so I can binge and not suffer in agony awaiting the next one. This series is definitely going to be a contender on my list of books to buy physical versions of, which means a lot as someone who hates having two copies of the same book.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
slow-paced
This book was amazing! I loved the plot and how fast-paced it was. I can't wait for the next one! I'm gonna buy it! We looooove Roman
I’ve never read Outlander or another book about time travel, but I’ve studied its rhetoric and know it’s tricky to get *just* right. Sara Samuels plays with time travel in a unique way through the medium of a dagger, a full moon, and ancient scriptures - an interesting twist other than using futuristic technology. I liked this take on time travel and especially in the time they travel to: Rome.
What I appreciate most about Timeborne is how eerily accurate it is to ancient Rome’s culture, gladiator fights, and architecture. Not only does this offer time travel but history lessons throughout. Olivia, the protagonist and first known Timeborne, is a strong protagonist that needs no protecting - perfect for Rome! Pay attention to Roman, though, because he’s not what he seems! I loved their chemistry and how they unravel each other as the book progresses. It’s comforting to know we can expect the romance and its warm embrace in the midst of everything else that’s absolutely crazy.
My favorite part about Timeborne was the side characters. They have so much depth and volume to them, and it hooked me into the story. Gaius, Amara, Anthony, and Marcellious are all great examples of how they weave into the story and push Olivia and Roman toward each other while progressing plot.
The only reason I give it three stars is because I wanted to see more weaving of certain and surprising plot points before the twist happens, give something the readers to hold onto in a more subtle way and try to figure it out on their own. Otherwise, it’s a good read! There is a lot to unpack still (dang cliffhanger), so I’m interested to keep reading the series and see what Olivia uncovers about her abilities and how it works!
What I appreciate most about Timeborne is how eerily accurate it is to ancient Rome’s culture, gladiator fights, and architecture. Not only does this offer time travel but history lessons throughout. Olivia, the protagonist and first known Timeborne, is a strong protagonist that needs no protecting - perfect for Rome! Pay attention to Roman, though, because he’s not what he seems! I loved their chemistry and how they unravel each other as the book progresses. It’s comforting to know we can expect the romance and its warm embrace in the midst of everything else that’s absolutely crazy.
My favorite part about Timeborne was the side characters. They have so much depth and volume to them, and it hooked me into the story. Gaius, Amara, Anthony, and Marcellious are all great examples of how they weave into the story and push Olivia and Roman toward each other while progressing plot.
The only reason I give it three stars is because I wanted to see more weaving of certain and surprising plot points before the twist happens, give something the readers to hold onto in a more subtle way and try to figure it out on their own. Otherwise, it’s a good read! There is a lot to unpack still (dang cliffhanger), so I’m interested to keep reading the series and see what Olivia uncovers about her abilities and how it works!
Just a ham-fisted attempt to try and hit certain plot points without earning them/setting them up. I put it in the category of 'my dad wrote a porno' level writing.
I almost put this to DNF. This was painful.
No more booktok recos for me.
The premise was great, anyone born under an eclipse has time travel powers by some dagger that appears & saying ancient words..but this book literally was 1 time travel to ancient Rome where the main character Olivia became a servant for a Roman gladiator named....Roman Alexander...seriously with the creativity here...a roman named Roman. The dialog in this book was elementary, unpersonable, and very staccato. PAINFULLLL. yada YADA fight darkness, survive ancient rome...nothing w additional time travel. Will not continue series.
No more booktok recos for me.
The premise was great, anyone born under an eclipse has time travel powers by some dagger that appears & saying ancient words..but this book literally was 1 time travel to ancient Rome where the main character Olivia became a servant for a Roman gladiator named....Roman Alexander...seriously with the creativity here...a roman named Roman. The dialog in this book was elementary, unpersonable, and very staccato. PAINFULLLL. yada YADA fight darkness, survive ancient rome...nothing w additional time travel. Will not continue series.
This is a debut of Sara's. I was really intrigued by the premise and the daggers and being born "Timeborne" was a neat touch in this time travel romance. I think being in 207 A.D. Ancient Rome, don't expect this to read from that era. I think that could be worked on more. For as our couple Roman and Olivia, I needed more build up and tension that by the time they were together it was way too fast and I didn't feel fully invested in their relationship just yet. Pacing needed more adjusting between plot scenes and timeline. There were some things I didn't predict especially with Roman, but this does end in a cliffy and am interested in to see what happens next.
Narrators Sarah Sampino and Liam Paige did a great job in this Duet style.
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Narrators Sarah Sampino and Liam Paige did a great job in this Duet style.
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.