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adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
I enjoyed the I book so much I consumed it in a single sitting however it wasn’t quite a 5 star read for me. It felt like it was trying to do too many things- fish out of water comedy, thriller, time travel paradox. forbidden romance- and as a result I felt like I didn’t get enough of any of them.
I am interested to see what Bradley writes next
4/5
I enjoyed the I book so much I consumed it in a single sitting however it wasn’t quite a 5 star read for me. It felt like it was trying to do too many things- fish out of water comedy, thriller, time travel paradox. forbidden romance- and as a result I felt like I didn’t get enough of any of them.
I am interested to see what Bradley writes next
4/5
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Colonisation
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
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, Grief
Moderate: Genocide, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, Blood, Cannibalism, Murder, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Drug use, Sexual content, Alcohol
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism
Moderate: Xenophobia, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Misogyny, Alcohol, Colonisation
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Extremely compelling, exciting, and an interesting insight into Britain’s possible future(s).
As other reviews have said, the actual logistics of time travel are not explored in depth, but to be honest I don’t mind because I’m not a massive sci-fi reader…I was more captivated by Bradley’s writing; very metaphor-heavy and striking.
I could have read about the “expats” adjusting to the modern-day forever. I wish there was more of that!
As other reviews have said, the actual logistics of time travel are not explored in depth, but to be honest I don’t mind because I’m not a massive sci-fi reader…I was more captivated by Bradley’s writing; very metaphor-heavy and striking.
I could have read about the “expats” adjusting to the modern-day forever. I wish there was more of that!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, Cannibalism, Murder, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism
Minor: Homophobia
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Colonisation
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cursing, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Alcohol
Minor: Animal death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Slavery, Xenophobia, Vomit, Cannibalism, War
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Sexism, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Colonisation, Classism
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Racism, Xenophobia, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Murder, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Animal death, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Blood, Alcohol, Classism
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, Religious bigotry, Pandemic/Epidemic
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
Would have given it 4 stars if I didn’t have to be reminded every chapter about the MC’s race and that she’s “white passing” and how marginalized she is and how horribly she’s treated because of her race. but no example of mistreatment due to her race is ever shown so idk man…… it’s a bit much, like she wrote the book and decided to pad it afterwards by adding those portions into it for the check boxes.
Also I agree with other reviewers who say this reads like a self-insert.
Anyways,
The rest of the book was wonderful, with a very unique premise. Writing was good. Would buy a sequel of the author writes one.
Also I agree with other reviewers who say this reads like a self-insert.
Anyways,
The rest of the book was wonderful, with a very unique premise. Writing was good. Would buy a sequel of the author writes one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Murder
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Blood, Grief
Minor: Animal death, Genocide, Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, Cannibalism, Colonisation, War
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was well written but something about the "present day" story just wasn't for me. I think I just didn't find myself caring about what was happening to any of the characters or rooting for any of them and some of the slice of life parts felt long and drawn out.
If you like the parts of the TV show/comics where Loki is an agent of time dealing with the bureaucracy of the Time Variance Authority or the Temps Commission agents on Umbrella Academy then you might enjoy this.
Also, has long chapters so if you're someone who is put off by that maybe skip this one.
I think maybe it felt more like a screenplay than a book.
Still giving 4 stars because even though it wasn't for me I can acknowledge it was well written and the themes were good.
If you like the parts of the TV show/comics where Loki is an agent of time dealing with the bureaucracy of the Time Variance Authority or the Temps Commission agents on Umbrella Academy then you might enjoy this.
Also, has long chapters so if you're someone who is put off by that maybe skip this one.
I think maybe it felt more like a screenplay than a book.
Still giving 4 stars because even though it wasn't for me I can acknowledge it was well written and the themes were good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Racial slurs
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual content, Cannibalism