Reviews

Scharlette Doesn't Matter and Goes Time Travelling by Sam Bowring

pogue's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

whatallisonwrote's review against another edition

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5.0

A thousand laughs

I got this book solely based on the cover/title - and I'm so glad I did!
This book was quirky, funny, head-spinning, and so much more! Scharlette and Tomothy are characters you will love, and Gordon! Gordon is the best character of all - you will adore her (yes, her!).
This book is a must read, even if sci-fi comedy isn't your usual read, all kay?

zanna_'s review against another edition

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4.0

This was funny and adventurous. I liked the characters, especially the ship named Gordon.

infinitysbookshelf's review against another edition

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5.0

This book seemed like a light read to pick up to get some laughs out of me , but, not only did it succeed at that, but it also delivered on it's promise of a witty mystery and twisty plot.

The book carefully explained the limits of time travel and stuck to that in a way that seems realistic and plausible throughout.

Characterization was also great, as the author left lots of room for individual characters to shine.
Altogether it was a very enjoyable read, one that was punctuated with bursts of laughter.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

cgreenstein's review against another edition

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This was fun and clever and zippy-- it's like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, if Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy weren't utterly fixated on sex and also on being so completely insane and nonsensical as to be thoroughly frustrating rather than at all rewarding in any way. This book, in contrast, sustains a narrative arc in addition to the time travel worldbuilding and silliness.

pheonixangel84's review against another edition

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

txbookmama's review against another edition

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2.0

DNF. I just could not get into this book and I didn't think it was nearly as clever or funny as other people seem to. Maybe I'll try it again some other day but for now, it's not worth the time or energy to keep forcing myself to pick it up.

masha_and_the_cat's review

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

tavenorcd's review against another edition

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5.0

So I’m going to let you in on a secret.

I didn’t like Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

I know, that’s like, a sin, as a sci-fi nerd. But I just didn’t. I didn’t like the writing style, the humor didn’t click with me, it just wasn’t fun for me.


Similarly, I’ve never been into Doctor Who. I’ve watched a few episodes, been entertained, yet it’s never clicked.

So enter Scharlette Doesn’t Matter and Goes Time Travelling. It’s literally a mash-up of Hitchhiker’s and Doctor Who. And I think it may be better than Duckett & Dyer: Dicks for Hire, another recent time travel book I read . . . and that’s high praise.

Seriously, what’s with the fantastic independent authors throwing down these ridiculous time travel sci-fi novels? It’s wonderful. In Scharlette, just the right amount of absurdity mixes with serious exploration of crazy scientific concepts. And the dialogue, description, scene-setting . . . it’s all funny. It blew me away.

Just go read it for yourself. It’s hard to describe why this book is good without spoiling a single part of it. You need to dive into its pages, and it’ll suck you in immediately.

Writing: 9/10. Superb humor crafted into the prose. Well done!

Character: 10/10. Every character was fantastic. In particular, I loved Gordon, because she weirdly reminded me of Jill from my own books in a weird way . . . because really, they’re nothing alike at all.

Setting: 9/10. So many fantastic places! Though sometimes I got lost as to exactly where they were when flying in space, I the crazy locales made-up for it.

Plot: 10/10. It’s hard to make time travel work. In Scharlette, the time travel is so absurd that it knows not to take itself seriously. That’s why it works.

Overall: 9.5/10. Five beautiful stars!

lazyowl's review against another edition

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5.0

Great easy read. So refreshingly different from anything I've read in a while. I liked Scharlette's relatable character. Funny, feel good read. Definitely reminiscent of Hitchhiker's Guide to the galaxy. The time travel was explained really well, and was easy to follow. Thoroughly enjoyed.