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A review by kris_mccracken
Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor
3.0
[b:Just One Damned Thing After Another|29661618|Just One Damned Thing After Another (The Chronicles of St Mary's, #1)|Jodi Taylor|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1459230212l/29661618._SX50_.jpg|25626746] is a speedy and chaotic romp through time, showcasing the adventures of historians at St. Mary's Institute. The story travels at a breakneck pace, and - for a character-driven narrative - there is a distinct lack of character development.
Despite this, the story is engaging and entertaining. Built around a bolshy historian recruited for time-travelling adventures, Taylor's touch is light, focusing more on banter, a little romance and the well-worn 'found family' trope. She leans towards science fantasy, emphasising messy people, relationships, and history over detailed scientific explanations. While lacking historical depth, the novel compensates with humour, adventure, and quirky characters.
The narrative's strengths are its infectious pace, silly characters, and genre-mashing mayhem. However, it faces weaknesses like information overload and shallow historical exploration. The occasional deus ex machina resolutions set my eyes rolling. Overall, [b:Just One Damned Thing After Another|29661618|Just One Damned Thing After Another (The Chronicles of St Mary's, #1)|Jodi Taylor|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1459230212l/29661618._SX50_.jpg|25626746] is a laugh-out-loud rollercoaster, combining charm and wit with a few bumps along the way. History buffs and those seeking an entertaining, comedic read will enjoy it despite its shortcomings.
★ ★ ★
Despite this, the story is engaging and entertaining. Built around a bolshy historian recruited for time-travelling adventures, Taylor's touch is light, focusing more on banter, a little romance and the well-worn 'found family' trope. She leans towards science fantasy, emphasising messy people, relationships, and history over detailed scientific explanations. While lacking historical depth, the novel compensates with humour, adventure, and quirky characters.
The narrative's strengths are its infectious pace, silly characters, and genre-mashing mayhem. However, it faces weaknesses like information overload and shallow historical exploration. The occasional deus ex machina resolutions set my eyes rolling. Overall, [b:Just One Damned Thing After Another|29661618|Just One Damned Thing After Another (The Chronicles of St Mary's, #1)|Jodi Taylor|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1459230212l/29661618._SX50_.jpg|25626746] is a laugh-out-loud rollercoaster, combining charm and wit with a few bumps along the way. History buffs and those seeking an entertaining, comedic read will enjoy it despite its shortcomings.
★ ★ ★