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i_love_big_books's reviews
63 reviews
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
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? No
5.0
This was a fun and entertaining read that I really enjoyed.
A combination of genres that include time travel romance, science fiction, historical and speculative fiction, it does a good job of telling a story that combines them all. Since this is the author's debut,I think that's an amazing achievement.
Set in the near future, the plot revolves around an experiment designed by the British government to bring people from historical eras into the 21st century via a time travel door. Once they have travelled, these 'expats' as they are called, will be monitored for adverse effects of time travel as well as to check how well they adapt to life in a period so far removed from their own. They will each be given a 'bridge' who is essentially a companion who will help in their adaptation.
Our narrator, who remains unnamed, is a British-Cambodian civil servant who is happy to get the well paying position of bridge to Commander Graham Gore, who has been extracted from 1847. He is based on the real person by the same name who was part of the polar expedition to find the Northwest passage,led by Sir John Franklin, an expedition that ended up a disaster. We see what happened in his time in snippets that alternate with the narrator's POV. The bridge is drawn to Graham and realises that she doesn't want him to ever leave her, even after he is settled in the present, only to discover that the experiment has hidden aspects that, apart from giving her no choice in the matter, have dangerous consequences that her choices will help perpetuate.
My favourite part of the book was the interaction between Graham and the bridge. When we think of time travel, we mostly think of people in our present travelling to the past or the future. However, what would someone who came into our world from a few centuries ago make of it? This is what we see through Graham's eyes. His Victorian sensibilities war with the idea of 'co habiting' with a modern unmarried woman who is far more uninhibited than he is used to and whose hemlines are far higher than he can fathom! He is fascinated by Spotify, modern cigarettes and high speed motorbikes, all of which he embraces happily even as he adjusts his ideas of chivalry and gallantry to fit the era he finds himself in. His keen intellect and curiosity help him cope with the never-ending discoveries.The playful banter between the narrator and Graham,as they orbit each other and learn to co-exist,was a great touch. The humour which is dry and written into the most mundane situations, was delightful.As was the way two of the other expats Maggie and Arthur from the seventeenth and early twentieth centuries coped with the vastly changed ideas in this new world and marvelled at concepts like feminism and the changing attitudes to gender and sexuality. Maggie, in particular, was adorable with her bright clothes and colourful vocabulary!
Speculative fiction that is very complex with a lot of explanations often leaves me scrambling to understand and connect everything and just keep up. This book, with its focus on the human beings affected by this phenomenon, was a lot easier to read and GET, something I really appreciated. It doesn't go into lengthy explanations about the mechanisms involved in perpetrating time travel but tells us enough so we can intelligently follow what's happening. The author has woven in the family history of the bridge, with her mother being a Cambodian immigrant, and touched upon the perils of inherited trauma and the evils of slavery and colonialism,all within the context of the tale.
While it does not tie up everything with a neat bow, the questions it leaves us thinking about make it a great book to discuss with other readers. There are so many possibilities and interpretations and it's very interesting to see what others made of the very same narrative. I think the way the author tells it is just perfect.
A combination of genres that include time travel romance, science fiction, historical and speculative fiction, it does a good job of telling a story that combines them all. Since this is the author's debut,I think that's an amazing achievement.
Set in the near future, the plot revolves around an experiment designed by the British government to bring people from historical eras into the 21st century via a time travel door. Once they have travelled, these 'expats' as they are called, will be monitored for adverse effects of time travel as well as to check how well they adapt to life in a period so far removed from their own. They will each be given a 'bridge' who is essentially a companion who will help in their adaptation.
Our narrator, who remains unnamed, is a British-Cambodian civil servant who is happy to get the well paying position of bridge to Commander Graham Gore, who has been extracted from 1847. He is based on the real person by the same name who was part of the polar expedition to find the Northwest passage,led by Sir John Franklin, an expedition that ended up a disaster. We see what happened in his time in snippets that alternate with the narrator's POV. The bridge is drawn to Graham and realises that she doesn't want him to ever leave her, even after he is settled in the present, only to discover that the experiment has hidden aspects that, apart from giving her no choice in the matter, have dangerous consequences that her choices will help perpetuate.
My favourite part of the book was the interaction between Graham and the bridge. When we think of time travel, we mostly think of people in our present travelling to the past or the future. However, what would someone who came into our world from a few centuries ago make of it? This is what we see through Graham's eyes. His Victorian sensibilities war with the idea of 'co habiting' with a modern unmarried woman who is far more uninhibited than he is used to and whose hemlines are far higher than he can fathom! He is fascinated by Spotify, modern cigarettes and high speed motorbikes, all of which he embraces happily even as he adjusts his ideas of chivalry and gallantry to fit the era he finds himself in. His keen intellect and curiosity help him cope with the never-ending discoveries.The playful banter between the narrator and Graham,as they orbit each other and learn to co-exist,was a great touch. The humour which is dry and written into the most mundane situations, was delightful.As was the way two of the other expats Maggie and Arthur from the seventeenth and early twentieth centuries coped with the vastly changed ideas in this new world and marvelled at concepts like feminism and the changing attitudes to gender and sexuality. Maggie, in particular, was adorable with her bright clothes and colourful vocabulary!
Speculative fiction that is very complex with a lot of explanations often leaves me scrambling to understand and connect everything and just keep up. This book, with its focus on the human beings affected by this phenomenon, was a lot easier to read and GET, something I really appreciated. It doesn't go into lengthy explanations about the mechanisms involved in perpetrating time travel but tells us enough so we can intelligently follow what's happening. The author has woven in the family history of the bridge, with her mother being a Cambodian immigrant, and touched upon the perils of inherited trauma and the evils of slavery and colonialism,all within the context of the tale.
While it does not tie up everything with a neat bow, the questions it leaves us thinking about make it a great book to discuss with other readers. There are so many possibilities and interpretations and it's very interesting to see what others made of the very same narrative. I think the way the author tells it is just perfect.
Ravensong by TJ Klune
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
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? No
5.0
I fell in love with the Bennett family of werewolves, and everyone in Green Creek, in the first book of this series that gave us the wonderful Ox who will always remain a favourite character.This is a beautiful follow up that tells the story of Gordo Livingstone, the powerful witch of the Bennett pack and his complicated relationship with them, especially his bond with Mark Bennett.
Many of the events in the first book are seen through the perspective of Gordo and the reason for the obvious tension between him and the werewolf pack is made clear. Gordo struggles with his feelings of hurt and betrayal after being left behind at 15 by the Bennetts. He wants nothing to do with them when they return but his magic and the bonds that draw him to Mark keep him from turning away when they need his help. The origin of his magic tattoos and how he came into his power, as well as his painful memories of his estranged father are also explored here as is the continuing threat to the pack that Gordo has to guard against.
Just like with Ox and Joe's story, the emotions in this one are so beautifully written that you feel them just like the characters do. There is friendship, humour, banter and also grief and heartbreak that's so poignantly expressed. There is just so much togetherness and so many touching moments in this wonderful tale that I can't wait to read more in this series.
Many of the events in the first book are seen through the perspective of Gordo and the reason for the obvious tension between him and the werewolf pack is made clear. Gordo struggles with his feelings of hurt and betrayal after being left behind at 15 by the Bennetts. He wants nothing to do with them when they return but his magic and the bonds that draw him to Mark keep him from turning away when they need his help. The origin of his magic tattoos and how he came into his power, as well as his painful memories of his estranged father are also explored here as is the continuing threat to the pack that Gordo has to guard against.
Just like with Ox and Joe's story, the emotions in this one are so beautifully written that you feel them just like the characters do. There is friendship, humour, banter and also grief and heartbreak that's so poignantly expressed. There is just so much togetherness and so many touching moments in this wonderful tale that I can't wait to read more in this series.
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-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? No
4.0
This is a classic that I had not heard much about but the promise of a gothic mystery in a castle drew me in when I decided to buddy read this with a group of friends. I'm glad I did because even though it is very very descriptive as is standard for most books in this genre and hence really long,I did enjoy the story.
Set in the 16th century, the narrative follows a young woman,Emily St Aubert, as she struggles to gain control of her own life and destiny after losing her father and becoming the ward of her aunt and the unscrupulous man she is married to.
Separated from the man she loves and forced to stay in the eponymous castle of the title that has a dark history and a foreboding look about it, Emily fights for her freedom and against the plans of her aunt's new husband Signor Montoni who wants a marriage for her that will be advantageous for him.
While staying in the castle, Emily is troubled by some supernatural noises and sights she encounters. The descriptions of the gloomy rooms and turrets of the castle and the hints about what could have happened there are very mysterious. This book is peopled with a lot of dramatic personalities and situations and beautiful verses that are composed spontaneously mostly by Emily, to express her feelings. I marvelled at the elaborate way in which nature, places and events are written about so many years ago even if they are a little too wordy at times!
I liked how it all came together in the end. After such a long journey to get there, the resolution was very satisfactory.
Set in the 16th century, the narrative follows a young woman,Emily St Aubert, as she struggles to gain control of her own life and destiny after losing her father and becoming the ward of her aunt and the unscrupulous man she is married to.
Separated from the man she loves and forced to stay in the eponymous castle of the title that has a dark history and a foreboding look about it, Emily fights for her freedom and against the plans of her aunt's new husband Signor Montoni who wants a marriage for her that will be advantageous for him.
While staying in the castle, Emily is troubled by some supernatural noises and sights she encounters. The descriptions of the gloomy rooms and turrets of the castle and the hints about what could have happened there are very mysterious. This book is peopled with a lot of dramatic personalities and situations and beautiful verses that are composed spontaneously mostly by Emily, to express her feelings. I marvelled at the elaborate way in which nature, places and events are written about so many years ago even if they are a little too wordy at times!
I liked how it all came together in the end. After such a long journey to get there, the resolution was very satisfactory.
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
I have a hit/miss relationship with this author's books. I loved The Kind Worth Killing and want to read it again before reading the sequel but I didn't like some of his others at all. This novella hooked me in and it has a pretty decent mystery at its core which I enjoyed.
It is told in diary entries being read by the protagonist who prefers to be alone for Christmas because of the events of decades ago that the diary contains. She is taken back to her days as a Christmas guest at her friend's house and the happenings there.
The twist, when it came, was quite unexpected though I was left with a few questions at the end!
dark
tense
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
3.5
I have a hit/miss relationship with this author's books. I loved The Kind Worth Killing and want to read it again before reading the sequel but I didn't like some of his others at all. This novella hooked me in and it has a pretty decent mystery at its core which I enjoyed.
It is told in diary entries being read by the protagonist who prefers to be alone for Christmas because of the events of decades ago that the diary contains. She is taken back to her days as a Christmas guest at her friend's house and the happenings there.
The twist, when it came, was quite unexpected though I was left with a few questions at the end!
Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was such a great mix of goofy and funny explorations of cryptids with two wonderful characters who brought out the best in each other.
The concept of the book, involving a web series based on a podcast about cryptids and other unexplained sightings and conspiracies was so much fun.
I'm not a fan of near instant love but the relationship was done so beautifully here that I really enjoyed this book.
It tackles some very important life issues like toxic masculinity and the toll being a caretaker of a loved one takes in a very realistic way.
I appreciated how supportive Hayden and Hallie were of each other and I think that was the best part of the book for me. I loved them both from start to finish.
The concept of the book, involving a web series based on a podcast about cryptids and other unexplained sightings and conspiracies was so much fun.
I'm not a fan of near instant love but the relationship was done so beautifully here that I really enjoyed this book.
It tackles some very important life issues like toxic masculinity and the toll being a caretaker of a loved one takes in a very realistic way.
I appreciated how supportive Hayden and Hallie were of each other and I think that was the best part of the book for me. I loved them both from start to finish.
My December Darling by Lauren Asher
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
3.75
Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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? No
5.0
I just love this series because the writing is so good and it just keeps getting better with every book!
Jack and Jill are my favourite characters so far and I loved to read another story featuring them.
The mix of humour and reflection is just so good.
Jack and Jill are my favourite characters so far and I loved to read another story featuring them.
The mix of humour and reflection is just so good.
From Wonderland, With Love by Jeffrey Westhoff
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is a fun retelling of Alice in Wonderland that features an older Alice going back after 5 years for new adventures!
This time she's tasked with being a spy for Wonderland and retrieving the Knave of Hearts and a potentially dangerous weapon that he has stolen from the Looking Glass world.
I loved the nonsense part of the original and that's done really well in this one so I enjoyed it. It was a fast-paced read with a lot of humour.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for the eARC. This is my honest review of the book.
This time she's tasked with being a spy for Wonderland and retrieving the Knave of Hearts and a potentially dangerous weapon that he has stolen from the Looking Glass world.
I loved the nonsense part of the original and that's done really well in this one so I enjoyed it. It was a fast-paced read with a lot of humour.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for the eARC. This is my honest review of the book.
The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a cute novella set in a bookshop at Christmas time.
It has the grumpy sunshine vibe which is now a favourite of mine.
Gabriella who loves everything about the season and her job co-managing an independent bookshop, finds the other manager, Jonathan, insufferable. When financial difficulties mean only one of them may keep their job in the new year, she challenges him that whoever sells more books should be the one to stay. Of course, since this is a romance, they can't stay enemies long!
There was good humor and the banter between the two was fun. I loved Gaby's friends who she ropes into the challenge. Her struggle to read social cues because of her autism is represented well just as it was in another book of the author that I also loved.
Overall this was a short and sweet read.
It has the grumpy sunshine vibe which is now a favourite of mine.
Gabriella who loves everything about the season and her job co-managing an independent bookshop, finds the other manager, Jonathan, insufferable. When financial difficulties mean only one of them may keep their job in the new year, she challenges him that whoever sells more books should be the one to stay. Of course, since this is a romance, they can't stay enemies long!
There was good humor and the banter between the two was fun. I loved Gaby's friends who she ropes into the challenge. Her struggle to read social cues because of her autism is represented well just as it was in another book of the author that I also loved.
Overall this was a short and sweet read.
Love Blooms at Christmas Inn: A Sweet, Small Town Romance by Anne-Marie Meyer
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.5
This was short and sweet and I liked the portrayal of single mom Blossom fiercely holding onto her independence and not letting her disability define her. Her son Isaac,a ball of energy, was really cute. His interaction with his mom and Carter, the guest at their inn who is fighting his own worries but drawn to them both, were adorable.
I just missed anything related to Christmas in this one as the only reference is in the name!
I just missed anything related to Christmas in this one as the only reference is in the name!