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bethaniekay's review against another edition
4.0
This is the 4th in the Found Things series, and the writing felt somewhat more fleshed out here, and the relationships between the characters more mature. There were more serious consequences to actions, and we learned a lot more about Xanthe's gift and her purpose. There were also several unanswered questions finally answered, as well -- I particularly liked the revelation about Mr. Morris. I enjoyed the crossover storylines between the author's witch stories - it added some much-needed 'magic' (no pun intended) to the story, and Elizabeth was quite intriguing. I'm also happy with how Xanthe's relationship with Liam has developed over time, instead of just being love at first sight.
I think this was probably the best of the series. I'm not sure if there will be more, but I feel like there is probably still a little farther the author can go. I think we can still learn more about Xanthe's new purpose (we still didn't find out about the hat pin, the 3rd found thing from this novel), her relationship with Liam, and I'd like to see her finally open up to Gerry and tell her everything. There was mention of trouble with one of the "bad" Spinners with a German name and the late 1930's, so wouldn't it be interesting for Xanthe to take Gerry back with her on that mission? Hmmm.
Looking forward to seeing what happens with this series.
I think this was probably the best of the series. I'm not sure if there will be more, but I feel like there is probably still a little farther the author can go. I think we can still learn more about Xanthe's new purpose (we still didn't find out about the hat pin, the 3rd found thing from this novel), her relationship with Liam, and I'd like to see her finally open up to Gerry and tell her everything. There was mention of trouble with one of the "bad" Spinners with a German name and the late 1930's, so wouldn't it be interesting for Xanthe to take Gerry back with her on that mission? Hmmm.
Looking forward to seeing what happens with this series.
torivclh's review against another edition
3.0
I love magical realism and my opinion of this series improved with each book. I felt as if I wished for them all to be combined into one rather than a series, as the space between each book felt inconveniently timed rather than intentional. After the first and second, I did not expect to continue but then found myself reaching for the next book! So, with all 4 read, I suppose I enjoyed it enough to keep me going.
The main storyline of Xanthe and her travels was done well enough. I took issue with the secondary plots and characters which felt far less flushed out. Her mother, Flora, was regularly abandoned - poor thing.
Overall, if you are a lover of magical realism, historical fiction and are open to spontaneous time travel this series is worth a look.
The main storyline of Xanthe and her travels was done well enough. I took issue with the secondary plots and characters which felt far less flushed out. Her mother, Flora, was regularly abandoned - poor thing.
Overall, if you are a lover of magical realism, historical fiction and are open to spontaneous time travel this series is worth a look.
karolineishere's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. I don’t know, this one didn’t feel as complete to me. It was slow and then so much happened so fast and then it ended.
marionberry314's review
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
4.0
maplebear79's review
adventurous
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? No
3.75
jmrprice's review against another edition
4.0
This is a most engrossing series… because great stories are always a pleasure to experience.
pam2375's review against another edition
4.0
This is book 4 of the "Found Things" series. When I requested and received this book, I did not realize that I had skipped book 1 and 3 (I had only read Book 2). While it took me to about the 25% mark to get caught up, I don't feel like that hindered me in the least!
I enjoyed all the time travel, how it was done, the people that we meet along the way, good and bad people...
My thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced readers copy. This book released November 23, 2021.
I enjoyed all the time travel, how it was done, the people that we meet along the way, good and bad people...
My thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced readers copy. This book released November 23, 2021.
lynguy1's review against another edition
5.0
In City of Time and Magic, Paula Brackston brings a well-written and entertaining mix of historical fiction, fantasy, time travel, romance, and suspense. It is the fourth book in the Found Things series and readers will benefit from reading the series in order as there are references to events in previous books. The novel is set in and around Marlborough, a market town in the English county of Wiltshire in contemporary times and 1878 London.
Our protagonist, Xanthe, and her mother Flora live in Marlborough above their antique store, The Little Shop of Found Things. Xanthe has found that she can time travel to address injustices, an ability known to a few as Spinning. Objects sing and whisper to her to let her know when and where she is needed. At the end of book three, the main mission was accomplished, but there was a major cliffhanger. This book starts two weeks later with Xanthe feeling betrayed and worried about a friend. When three objects sing to her, she isn’t sure which one will take her on the mission she desires.
Xanthe has gained some confidence in herself and her ability to understand what the found objects need her to do. However, she is still learning what it means to be a Spinner able to travel to other times and places. She shows tremendous growth during the course of this fourth novel. The secondary characters provide the emotional support that Xanthe needs at this stage of her understanding of Spinning. They also bring realism to life through their quirkiness, hobbies and personalities. The antagonists’ motivations are as believable for 1878 as they are today.
Paula Brackston does a great job in giving the reader a sense of both time and place, and her descriptions help the reader to travel with Xanthe. The story has history, mystery, suspense, danger, deceit, uncertainty, secrets, villains, hope, friendship, sorrow, grief, love, duty to family, and much more. The author brings history to life with an entertaining story that is suspenseful, dramatic, and emotional. Be prepared for the imagery to engage your visual, tactile, auditory and olfactory senses.
Overall, it was compulsively readable, full of some surprising twists, and provides a believable historical atmosphere full of danger. This engaging combination fully delivered on the promise of its premise and opening scenes. The subplots tied together well, the main characters were strong, and the ending was explosive. Readers that enjoy time travel mixed with suspense and history will likely enjoy this novel.
St. Martin’s Press and Paula Brackston provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 16, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Our protagonist, Xanthe, and her mother Flora live in Marlborough above their antique store, The Little Shop of Found Things. Xanthe has found that she can time travel to address injustices, an ability known to a few as Spinning. Objects sing and whisper to her to let her know when and where she is needed. At the end of book three, the main mission was accomplished, but there was a major cliffhanger. This book starts two weeks later with Xanthe feeling betrayed and worried about a friend. When three objects sing to her, she isn’t sure which one will take her on the mission she desires.
Xanthe has gained some confidence in herself and her ability to understand what the found objects need her to do. However, she is still learning what it means to be a Spinner able to travel to other times and places. She shows tremendous growth during the course of this fourth novel. The secondary characters provide the emotional support that Xanthe needs at this stage of her understanding of Spinning. They also bring realism to life through their quirkiness, hobbies and personalities. The antagonists’ motivations are as believable for 1878 as they are today.
Paula Brackston does a great job in giving the reader a sense of both time and place, and her descriptions help the reader to travel with Xanthe. The story has history, mystery, suspense, danger, deceit, uncertainty, secrets, villains, hope, friendship, sorrow, grief, love, duty to family, and much more. The author brings history to life with an entertaining story that is suspenseful, dramatic, and emotional. Be prepared for the imagery to engage your visual, tactile, auditory and olfactory senses.
Overall, it was compulsively readable, full of some surprising twists, and provides a believable historical atmosphere full of danger. This engaging combination fully delivered on the promise of its premise and opening scenes. The subplots tied together well, the main characters were strong, and the ending was explosive. Readers that enjoy time travel mixed with suspense and history will likely enjoy this novel.
St. Martin’s Press and Paula Brackston provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 16, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
babs_reviews's review against another edition
5.0
Paula Brackston doesn't fail to deliver a well-written story encompassing history, magic, time travel and of course ... love.
Reading City of Time and Magic was like getting together with old friends and learning about what they've been up to. A fantastic addition to the magical adventures of Xanthe (and her loved ones)!
I just adore Xanthe and her fierce love and loyalty. Getting to see a different side of her as she grew into her abilities more fully this book, was a treasure. The side characters in Brackston's books never feel like they are on the side. Getting to watch Liam and Harley just flourish was so nice! Also, the cross over here with Elizabeth and Eramus was just ... perfection. I was ecstatic when I realized we get more of those beloved characters.
I really enjoyed this installment, watching Xanthe and her merry crew join forces, who can beat them? I can't wait for more as Xanthe sets out to protect!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley and Paula Brackston for the copy to review!
Reading City of Time and Magic was like getting together with old friends and learning about what they've been up to. A fantastic addition to the magical adventures of Xanthe (and her loved ones)!
I just adore Xanthe and her fierce love and loyalty. Getting to see a different side of her as she grew into her abilities more fully this book, was a treasure. The side characters in Brackston's books never feel like they are on the side. Getting to watch Liam and Harley just flourish was so nice! Also, the cross over here with Elizabeth and Eramus was just ... perfection. I was ecstatic when I realized we get more of those beloved characters.
I really enjoyed this installment, watching Xanthe and her merry crew join forces, who can beat them? I can't wait for more as Xanthe sets out to protect!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley and Paula Brackston for the copy to review!