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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
4 stars
Time travel is a pretty ambitious choice for a debut novel. I went into this determined not to nit pick the logic and for the most part succeeded, but this was not the best take on time travel out there (not even close), even though I appreciate the author's effort.
- The writing was decent
- The characters were believable
- The mystery kept me invested, even though it didn't exactly have me on the edge of my seat
- I usually dislike non-linear narratives, but if it's ever justified, it's in a time-travel novel
- Some of the sub-plots felt unnecessary
Four stars feels a bit generous, but in the end I did finish this in one go, and while I doubt I'll ever re-read this book, I also don't regret it. I'll be interested in Mascarenhas' future work, because for a debut this was more than sufficient.
Time travel is a pretty ambitious choice for a debut novel. I went into this determined not to nit pick the logic and for the most part succeeded, but this was not the best take on time travel out there (not even close), even though I appreciate the author's effort.
- The writing was decent
- The characters were believable
- The mystery kept me invested, even though it didn't exactly have me on the edge of my seat
- I usually dislike non-linear narratives, but if it's ever justified, it's in a time-travel novel
- Some of the sub-plots felt unnecessary
Four stars feels a bit generous, but in the end I did finish this in one go, and while I doubt I'll ever re-read this book, I also don't regret it. I'll be interested in Mascarenhas' future work, because for a debut this was more than sufficient.
Well worth your time!
Initially, I was dubious about the simple, direct prose and the use of some cliches in the writer's characterisations but I feel the novel needs that sort of clarity to help guide the reader through a complex narrative.
In terms of content there are a lot of seemingly disparate ideas in this book. It presents itself as a time travel story and also a murder mystery. However, it builds many of the expectations of those genres in a way that is original, surprising and has a lot of heart.
The "psychology" that Mascarenhas explores is less about the ethics of time travel itself and quite unexpectedly it delves into issues about work-place bullying and the stigma of mental illness.
I also enjoyed the way this book never questions the 'how' or 'why' of time travel: it's just a fact of life within the novel's world.
Initially, I was dubious about the simple, direct prose and the use of some cliches in the writer's characterisations but I feel the novel needs that sort of clarity to help guide the reader through a complex narrative.
In terms of content there are a lot of seemingly disparate ideas in this book. It presents itself as a time travel story and also a murder mystery. However, it builds many of the expectations of those genres in a way that is original, surprising and has a lot of heart.
The "psychology" that Mascarenhas explores is less about the ethics of time travel itself and quite unexpectedly it delves into issues about work-place bullying and the stigma of mental illness.
I also enjoyed the way this book never questions the 'how' or 'why' of time travel: it's just a fact of life within the novel's world.
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
went to go finish this bcos i finally have time now that it's reading week and my hold lapsedðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ will revisit later then
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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:
Complicated
It took me a little while to get into this book, but I really enjoyed it from about 30% onwards. The plot was good enough to keep me gripped and I really liked the main romance, it was very cute.
Wow!! This was a fabulous mixed-genre tale of mystery, romance, sci-fi and fantasy. The concept of time travel in this book is so accessible and brings to question the ethics and morality of time travel and how we treat people who struggle with mental health. Surprising twists and an overall great read!
This book is maddening. Some interesting ideas, but the writing is so flat and choppy that it's like reading an extremely detailed outline rather than the story itself.
mysterious
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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:
Complicated
I must admit that it took me a little bit to get into this book, the writing didn’t grab me right away and I had a little bit of trouble keeping the different timelines apart at first. But once it got going, it was just great. As a lover of all things time travel I was excited to see how this book did it, and it did not disappoint. People meeting themselves, talk of fate and paradoxes, and all sorts of wibbly wobbly plot threads in different times. Loved the murder mystery element as well. But most of all the characters stole the show for me, including a very unexpected and absolutely lovely romance.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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