Take a photo of a barcode or cover
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-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: Death, Gun violence, Murder
Minor: Cannibalism
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
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, Murder
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, Colonisation, Classism
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Utterly achy and cozy at the same time. Soft in the beginning with an underlying darkness that had me filled with questions but not racing myself to find the answers. Getting to know Graham Gore through the eyes of our protagonist was both charming, heartbreaking, and a wonderful amalgamation of a time gone and a time still developing.
As the book continues, the vignettes of life become more complicated and more palpable and suddenly many questions you had are answered and many questions you didn't have are discovered.
It's been awhile since I've felt this connection with a book that doesn't have romance as the main genre in how we think of the genre today. I am so out of practice with these genres (literally fiction/fantasy/sci-fi/spy thrillers) that I was worried I would not be able to get into this book. But it had enough of everything to cross genres that it both fit in everything and nothing.
It made me laugh, it made my heart ache, it had social commentary that I was not expecting. But I enjoyed every moment of it.
As the book continues, the vignettes of life become more complicated and more palpable and suddenly many questions you had are answered and many questions you didn't have are discovered.
It's been awhile since I've felt this connection with a book that doesn't have romance as the main genre in how we think of the genre today. I am so out of practice with these genres (literally fiction/fantasy/sci-fi/spy thrillers) that I was worried I would not be able to get into this book. But it had enough of everything to cross genres that it both fit in everything and nothing.
It made me laugh, it made my heart ache, it had social commentary that I was not expecting. But I enjoyed every moment of it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual content, Grief, Colonisation
Minor: Animal death, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Murder
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:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
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, War
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
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Racism, Sexual content, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Cannibalism, Lesbophobia, Cultural appropriation, War
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder
Moderate: Cannibalism
Minor: Racism
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Grief, Murder, Lesbophobia, Colonisation