A review by starshine1
City of Time and Magic by Paula Brackston

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

I don't usually 'do' series and usually go for standalones, but I'm enjoying this series. It appears I like books with a time travel theme! This book has a bit more depth than the previous ones and is definitely better than book 3, the last book in the series. As with the other books, we travel back in time with the help of some antiques - this time to the Victorian times. Mistress Flyte is again a main character and we learn more about her. Liam plays a bigger part, as does Harley and there are some new characters introduced. There is a bit more character development. Scene setting and description of the period outfits is good. 
We learn about 'Time Steppers' and something called 'The Visionary Society'. I can't really say much without revealing what happened or the meaning of things. The significance of the brooch with a lock of hair and the meaning of names was interesting.

Little niggles: I'm a little surprised at the risks Xanthe took involving Harley and the Spinners' book. Also, Liam mentions that Xanthe can sense other Spinners (people who are able to travel through time), although she didn't know this herself or tell him. It's quite an intriguing book and transports you to another world.
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