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emmacatereads's review
DNF @ 20%
This had ALL the makings of something I could really get into. Time travel? WLW romance? Dark Academia? Yes yes and yes! Unfortunately, I just could not get into the story at all. Some novels can pull off the flashback narrative, but from the beginning this one felt unnaturally forced. While the language and the descriptions were lovely, the dialogue felt stilted and awkward and the narrative was confusing and uncomfortably paced. I was frequently confused by terms or concepts dropped seemingly out of nowhere. It would have been less overwhelming if the story had been given more room the breathe, to unfold naturally. Yorke definitely has some interesting ideas going here, but everything just felt like it could stand to do with a bit more polishing and a slower pace. Sadly, as much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I'm not sure if I'll return to it.
This had ALL the makings of something I could really get into. Time travel? WLW romance? Dark Academia? Yes yes and yes! Unfortunately, I just could not get into the story at all. Some novels can pull off the flashback narrative, but from the beginning this one felt unnaturally forced. While the language and the descriptions were lovely, the dialogue felt stilted and awkward and the narrative was confusing and uncomfortably paced. I was frequently confused by terms or concepts dropped seemingly out of nowhere. It would have been less overwhelming if the story had been given more room the breathe, to unfold naturally. Yorke definitely has some interesting ideas going here, but everything just felt like it could stand to do with a bit more polishing and a slower pace. Sadly, as much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I'm not sure if I'll return to it.
chloe_dancing's review
5.0
Time travel. Romance. True friendship. Sassy young women sticking up for themselves and each other. An intriguing magic system (magical science? Cosmology?) A creepy murder forest, and some bad guys who get what they deserve. I really hope we get more stories set in this world, because I'm dying to know more.
gillesbianreads's review
3.0
Mary, Everything is a historical fiction meets fantasy/sci-fi novel packed with action, sapphism, and time travel. If you enjoy thrillers, period pieces and sapphic polyamory, this is definitely the book for you! Thank you so much to the author, Cassandra Yorke, for gifting this book to me.
In some ways, that I can't quite put my finger on (because when am I ever articulate), this book reminded me of Plain Bad Heroines. The narrator's tone is often conversational like that of PBH's. And with all of its magic, mystery and romance, fans of One Last Stop should definitely give this a read. Finally, if you're a fan of strong lesbian protagonists who take no shit from men but can still be tender- especially to women- then you will love the protagonist Courtney.
At the beginning of the book, there's not a lot we know about her, but what we do know is that she's lonely and feels out of place. As it turns out, Courtney is so much more than out of place: living in 2004, she truly belongs in 1920. As the story unfolds, we learn more about Courtney and her unique circumstances, her magical abilities, and the crazy world(s) around her.
Before each chapter are snippets of textbooks, letters, poems, and books that provide readers with more background and explanation into the magic and context of the universe.
At times I found myself a bit lost with what was happening and how everything was unfolding, but to be completely fair I read this over a long period of time. I tend to stick to more YA, new adult and romance with low conflict; since this is an action-packed book with heavy themes, it definitely took a lot more for me to read this. However, it's also loaded with humour, love and has many sweet moments. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel once it's released!
CW: violence, sexual assault, ableist and misogynistic language, graphic descriptions of injuries/blood
In some ways, that I can't quite put my finger on (because when am I ever articulate), this book reminded me of Plain Bad Heroines. The narrator's tone is often conversational like that of PBH's. And with all of its magic, mystery and romance, fans of One Last Stop should definitely give this a read. Finally, if you're a fan of strong lesbian protagonists who take no shit from men but can still be tender- especially to women- then you will love the protagonist Courtney.
At the beginning of the book, there's not a lot we know about her, but what we do know is that she's lonely and feels out of place. As it turns out, Courtney is so much more than out of place: living in 2004, she truly belongs in 1920. As the story unfolds, we learn more about Courtney and her unique circumstances, her magical abilities, and the crazy world(s) around her.
Before each chapter are snippets of textbooks, letters, poems, and books that provide readers with more background and explanation into the magic and context of the universe.
At times I found myself a bit lost with what was happening and how everything was unfolding, but to be completely fair I read this over a long period of time. I tend to stick to more YA, new adult and romance with low conflict; since this is an action-packed book with heavy themes, it definitely took a lot more for me to read this. However, it's also loaded with humour, love and has many sweet moments. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel once it's released!
CW: violence, sexual assault, ableist and misogynistic language, graphic descriptions of injuries/blood
bersta's review
Not into the writing style. Feels like YA fiction. Uses the word "chick" several times in the first 10 pages, "legit", etc.
judeinthestars's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Have you ever felt like the time you were born in wasn’t the one you were supposed to live in? Like you don’t fit in your own life? What if it were true?
In 2004, Courtney is a twenty-year-old student working at her university’s archives. As part of the first real job she’s given, she has to read yearbooks from the 1920s and feels intensely attracted to that period, recognizing people in photographs when she shouldn’t know them, feeling more alone than ever when she has to let go.
I’m once again impressed by a debut novel, and it’s honestly one of my favourite things about reading. I started this book thinking it would be a historical novel (I didn’t read the blurb – I’m glad I didn’t, it gives away too much –, I liked the cover, it had been recommended to me by people I trust, that was enough) and it turned out to be that with a significant paranormal twist and a dash of romance that will probably grow in the next book.
The easiest way to talk about this story would be to speak of time travel but that’s not exactly what it is. And I’m not sure I should say what it is, as I enjoyed feeling lost at first – much like Courtney – then slowly understanding what’s happening.
The only thing I could have done without is the on-page abuse even if I can understand the author’s choice to include it. It’s not what I’ll remember. The characters, the atmosphere, the energy, the story, everything else took over.
I love the way Cassandra Yorke painted 1921, especially through the clothes the characters wear and the vocabulary they use. For 2004, the music Courtney listens to did the trick. As world-building goes, it’s simple and very efficient, Yorke doesn’t overwhelm readers with details, she gives what is needed.
As usual for me, what matters most is the characters, and I came to care a lot about Courtney, Sadie, Mary, Nettie, and World War I veteran Hazel Morrison. And that’s where reviewing can get very frustrating because I want to say more about them all, since they’re excellent characters, but again, I don’t want to spoil… All I’ll say is I want more of them, I want to see how the relationship between Courtney, Mary and Sadie develops, I want to see how Nettie fits in the group, how the four of them grow into their powers and what they learn from Hazel…
So now, when is book two coming?
cristywill's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
see_sadie_read's review
3.0
This had some really interesting aspects that I very much enjoyed. The convoluted timeline, for example, makes your brain work for the reward. The book is set in 1921 and 2004, jumping between the two. But the 2004 scenes are essentially flashbacks (of a sort). Go ahead and get your head around that one. The writing is also quite lyrical at times and the editing clean.
But there were some things I could have done without. The book is pretty slow, especially in the beginning. So, as a reader, I really felt the 300+ pages. And I thought a lot of the climax too blunt for the light-fingered story up until that point.
For one, all the rape threats weren't needed at all. (Notice, I said all. There were several from a variety of men). I do understand that this was intended in part to show how Courtney felt victimized by men, but that was established far earlier and needed no further evidence. The story would have been more interesting if the men had truly been enacting an evil for what they thought was a greater good. Already, as a reader, I knew to abhor them. Turning them ALL into pervy, would-be rapists was a cudgel the scene didn't need. True, I'd be happy never have to sit through another rape scene or rape threat in a book I read for entertainment ever again. But I would really, REALLY love it if authors would stop putting them in books that don't need them as some sort of short-hand for "this is a bad guy."
Similarly, (in the cudgel sense), having both Courtney and Sadie suddenly and inexplicably become the strongest, most powerful, bad-assest chicks ever was too much too fast. There is so much subtly in the book until that point that it really stands out as a change in tone.
Having said all that, I don't regret reading it. There is an interesting magic system and world here. It's readable and thought provoking. Worth recommending.
But there were some things I could have done without. The book is pretty slow, especially in the beginning. So, as a reader, I really felt the 300+ pages. And I thought a lot of the climax too blunt for the light-fingered story up until that point.
For one, all the rape threats weren't needed at all. (Notice, I said all. There were several from a variety of men). I do understand that this was intended in part to show how Courtney felt victimized by men, but that was established far earlier and needed no further evidence. The story would have been more interesting if the men had truly been enacting an evil for what they thought was a greater good. Already, as a reader, I knew to abhor them. Turning them ALL into pervy, would-be rapists was a cudgel the scene didn't need. True, I'd be happy never have to sit through another rape scene or rape threat in a book I read for entertainment ever again. But I would really, REALLY love it if authors would stop putting them in books that don't need them as some sort of short-hand for "this is a bad guy."
Similarly, (in the cudgel sense), having both Courtney and Sadie suddenly and inexplicably become the strongest, most powerful, bad-assest chicks ever was too much too fast. There is so much subtly in the book until that point that it really stands out as a change in tone.
Having said all that, I don't regret reading it. There is an interesting magic system and world here. It's readable and thought provoking. Worth recommending.
iskaldmelk's review
4.0
I’m honestly not quite sure what I expected. I came for lesbians and time travel, I got that, but it certainly did not end there.
I liked reading about Courtney. She was relatable and witty with a hint of asshole, and it made for an entertaining perspective. Also, gotta appreciate the dnd references.
Sadie is just adorable. I don’t know what else to say. These girls were so sweet and loving and so very ready to kick your ass into the next century (or the previous century? Or a completely different century? Who knows ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) )
There was A Lot going on and much information, so I’m looking forward to continuing the story now that I sort of understand how shit works.
Also. The author acknowledging that lesbianism was taboo in 1920s but chose to fuck that noise and let girls be gay. I highly respect.
I liked reading about Courtney. She was relatable and witty with a hint of asshole, and it made for an entertaining perspective. Also, gotta appreciate the dnd references.
Sadie is just adorable. I don’t know what else to say. These girls were so sweet and loving and so very ready to kick your ass into the next century (or the previous century? Or a completely different century? Who knows ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) )
There was A Lot going on and much information, so I’m looking forward to continuing the story now that I sort of understand how shit works.
Also. The author acknowledging that lesbianism was taboo in 1920s but chose to fuck that noise and let girls be gay. I highly respect.
snowhitereads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Full disclosure: This book was sent to me for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Time traveller sorceresses sapphic flappers!
Caught your attention?
Well, it caught mine when @cassieyorke1921 first contacted me and I’m so happy I accepted reviewing her book.
Fantasy/Sci-Fi isn’t my cup of tea… but let’s be honest, I can’t resist anything sapphic.
Honestly, it took me a while to get into, I’ve been working on my PhD so I couldn’t read for long periods of time, and the timelines jump kept throwing me off.
But once I got into it and got the hang of things, it was amazing.
Truly original and unique and sooo funny.
It became my favorite escapism after working all day.
So thank you Cassandra for getting me through a week of literal hell.
Once again,
Time traveller sorceresses sapphic flappers!
Go read it!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Drug use, Murder, and Medical trauma
victoriangirl1888's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wonderful story with intelligent characters. Beautiful descriptions. Poetically written. One of my favorite new authors. Definitely a must read!
I lost so many hours of sleep to this book, but I can't remember the last time I gave up so many hours so willingly. Even when I was screamed awake before 9 AM by a hungry toddler, I never regretted those late night hours spent in Autumn Grove with four of the best friends I've ever had.
Cassandra had me from the start, and even if I'd wanted to resist, I'm not sure I could have. Her setting is so lovely - and the story told with such a friendly tone - that it was so easy to get lost in this world, to curl up in it like a blanket. When it was over, I didn't want to come back, either. I thought of trying to slow down, to drag out the last chapter or two, but that's impossible - that's when all the action in the story reaches its feverish climax. I looked for the brakes and found that there weren't any.
Sadie is my favorite character, by far. I love everything about her and I feel like she was written just for me. It's nice that she's kind of a protagonist, since I get to see a lot of the story through the eyes of someone I can relate with. But maybe that's part of how the story's written, too - you feel like the girls are talking privately to you, sharing things with you they don't even necessarily share with each other. And that makes their adventures that much more personal. It made me invested in a way I don't often find with many stories.
While I'm grateful that the author didn't end on a cliffhanger, it's still not much comfort since I'd gotten so warm and comfortable in Autumn Grove and I really didn't want to leave - especially considering the girls' real story is just beginning. I guess all I can do is wait on a sequel, which is kinda driving me crazy since she hasn't posted anything about her progress recently (Give us book two! Please!! 💜 ). Still, I've heard she collaborated with a friend from her 1920s group and wrote some "unpublished" Braddock College material, so I might go try to seek that out.
I've read a few really amazing books this year, but Mary, Everything warmed my heart and made my blood race in a way nothing else has for a long time. I'm pretty sure this will be on my shortlist for book of the year. 💜
Well done, Cassandra! Now give me more! 💜
I lost so many hours of sleep to this book, but I can't remember the last time I gave up so many hours so willingly. Even when I was screamed awake before 9 AM by a hungry toddler, I never regretted those late night hours spent in Autumn Grove with four of the best friends I've ever had.
Cassandra had me from the start, and even if I'd wanted to resist, I'm not sure I could have. Her setting is so lovely - and the story told with such a friendly tone - that it was so easy to get lost in this world, to curl up in it like a blanket. When it was over, I didn't want to come back, either. I thought of trying to slow down, to drag out the last chapter or two, but that's impossible - that's when all the action in the story reaches its feverish climax. I looked for the brakes and found that there weren't any.
Sadie is my favorite character, by far. I love everything about her and I feel like she was written just for me. It's nice that she's kind of a protagonist, since I get to see a lot of the story through the eyes of someone I can relate with. But maybe that's part of how the story's written, too - you feel like the girls are talking privately to you, sharing things with you they don't even necessarily share with each other. And that makes their adventures that much more personal. It made me invested in a way I don't often find with many stories.
While I'm grateful that the author didn't end on a cliffhanger, it's still not much comfort since I'd gotten so warm and comfortable in Autumn Grove and I really didn't want to leave - especially considering the girls' real story is just beginning. I guess all I can do is wait on a sequel, which is kinda driving me crazy since she hasn't posted anything about her progress recently (Give us book two! Please!! 💜 ). Still, I've heard she collaborated with a friend from her 1920s group and wrote some "unpublished" Braddock College material, so I might go try to seek that out.
I've read a few really amazing books this year, but Mary, Everything warmed my heart and made my blood race in a way nothing else has for a long time. I'm pretty sure this will be on my shortlist for book of the year. 💜
Well done, Cassandra! Now give me more! 💜