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Epoch
After a traumatic deployment in Afghanistan, twenty-three-year-old Army medic Blanca Hernandez is ready to leave the life of a soldier behind so she can help her younger brother Mateo start college. His orientation goes awry when a secret university experiment malfunctions and sends Blanca, Mateo, and several others back in time to Nazi-occupied Poland. Just like that, Blanca is back in a war.
Matters are complicated further by the arrival of Otto Zimmler, a Nazi fighter pilot who agrees to help them in exchange for his freedom. Now Blanca and the others must fight to survive the elements, avoid hostile soldiers, and keep the timeline intact - all the while never letting Otto know the truth of their origins.
Matters are complicated further by the arrival of Otto Zimmler, a Nazi fighter pilot who agrees to help them in exchange for his freedom. Now Blanca and the others must fight to survive the elements, avoid hostile soldiers, and keep the timeline intact - all the while never letting Otto know the truth of their origins.
338 pages, Paperback
Published May 9, 2023
5 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 31, 2023
This book blew me away! Possibly one of the best written war books I’ve ever read. The action kicks off right from the start - and let’s be honest - that’s how every book should start off. I get bored and lost in the details of a story. I needs the action.
And this book did not disappoint on the action end. Painting a scene for readers isn’t something all authors can do well but this author has the talent. Going back in time - I love a good time-travel story, isn’t always the easiest of places to describe.
Not only is the action good but the characters are also well-developed and intriguing. I initially really didn’t know if I’d be into a “war” story, but the time-travel really intrigued me. I’m glad that I gave it a try because now I have a new author to follow.
5 stars all around!
And this book did not disappoint on the action end. Painting a scene for readers isn’t something all authors can do well but this author has the talent. Going back in time - I love a good time-travel story, isn’t always the easiest of places to describe.
Not only is the action good but the characters are also well-developed and intriguing. I initially really didn’t know if I’d be into a “war” story, but the time-travel really intrigued me. I’m glad that I gave it a try because now I have a new author to follow.
5 stars all around!
September 14, 2023
Thank you so much to Kat Elle and Hazel’s Book Tours for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Epoch tells the story of Army medic, Blanca Hernandez, who has just come home from deployment in Afghanistan. When a time travel experiment goes wrong at her brother’s college orientation, they find themselves transported back in time to Nazi Germany.
I finished this book last week and have been so excited to post my review! This is easily one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. I love historical fiction and Kat Elle did a beautiful job of writing this story.
The characters are really well developed and make the reader look at all different points of view. The story is also fast paced, and I stayed up late dying to know what happened next. I usually have a hard time reading long chapters, but I flew through these.
Fair warning: This book does have some very sad and emotional moments, but it all adds to the overall story.
I don’t want to spoil anything but this story definitely gives you a lot to think about regarding history. I highly recommend, and I’d happily read whatever Kat Elle releases next!
Epoch tells the story of Army medic, Blanca Hernandez, who has just come home from deployment in Afghanistan. When a time travel experiment goes wrong at her brother’s college orientation, they find themselves transported back in time to Nazi Germany.
I finished this book last week and have been so excited to post my review! This is easily one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. I love historical fiction and Kat Elle did a beautiful job of writing this story.
The characters are really well developed and make the reader look at all different points of view. The story is also fast paced, and I stayed up late dying to know what happened next. I usually have a hard time reading long chapters, but I flew through these.
Fair warning: This book does have some very sad and emotional moments, but it all adds to the overall story.
I don’t want to spoil anything but this story definitely gives you a lot to think about regarding history. I highly recommend, and I’d happily read whatever Kat Elle releases next!
September 15, 2023
Y'all I wanted to read something different recently and this book Epoch is it! WOW. There were so many interesting aspects in this book about War, Nazi Germany, time travel, and more!
So Blanca is our female MC. She is a latina woman who was in the military. The story starts with Blanca taking her little brother Mateo to college and showing him around the campus.
Something happens and now bang! Blanca, Mateo, and some others are in a huge war that they aren't sure where they are at first and who to trust!
I love the character of Otto, he fit perfectly into the story with the group of people including Mateo and Blanca. This story was so emotionally draining at times but also I could not put it down. I had to see what happened to everyone at the end and if they made it. This was such an emotional ending and I was sad about the ending but also happy that it ended like it did.
So Blanca is our female MC. She is a latina woman who was in the military. The story starts with Blanca taking her little brother Mateo to college and showing him around the campus.
Something happens and now bang! Blanca, Mateo, and some others are in a huge war that they aren't sure where they are at first and who to trust!
I love the character of Otto, he fit perfectly into the story with the group of people including Mateo and Blanca. This story was so emotionally draining at times but also I could not put it down. I had to see what happened to everyone at the end and if they made it. This was such an emotional ending and I was sad about the ending but also happy that it ended like it did.
September 11, 2023
Epoch by Kat Elle is a debut novel about a group that accidentally time travels back to 1943 and WWII. If you enjoy shows such as La Brea, you will enjoy this book.
The book is a fast read at just over 305 pages and while it is not listed as a YA book I think it would be perfect for older YA readers. Any death is kept off the page for the most part and it’s a unique way to view WWII. I was more than 1/3 way through the book before I knew it. Definitely one to add to your TBR!
The book is a fast read at just over 305 pages and while it is not listed as a YA book I think it would be perfect for older YA readers. Any death is kept off the page for the most part and it’s a unique way to view WWII. I was more than 1/3 way through the book before I knew it. Definitely one to add to your TBR!
September 7, 2023
A compelling and thought-provoking book, "Epoch" skillfully combines themes of war, time travel, and psychological development. The narrative follows Blanca Hernandez, a strong 23-year-old Army veteran, as she negotiates the difficulties of her past and an unanticipated travel to a period of war.
Blanca's emotional background is expertly established by the author, who also brilliantly captures the angry yet resolute character's personality. Blanca's rough upbringing in foster care forms the basis of her steely resolve, making her an engaging and accessible protagonist from away. Her desire to fund Mateo, her younger brother,'s college education reveals her altruism and provides a dimension of drive that readers can identify with.
When Blanca, Mateo, and other participants are sent into Nazi-occupied Poland in 1943 as part of a covert university experiment, the story takes an exciting turn. Readers are fully immersed in the difficulties and perils of wartime Europe because to the deft handling of the transition from the contemporary military experience to the historical backdrop. The painstaking research and evocative descriptions of life under Nazi authority provide an authentic element to the narrative.
The intricate relationships that form between the characters are one of the book's strengths. The plot is kept interesting by Blanca's encounters with her fellow time travelers, each of whom has a different background and motivation. The story takes an unexpected turn when Otto Zimmler, a brazen Nazi fighter pilot, is introduced. With Otto, the characters must strike a delicate balance between deceit and trust, which heightens the suspense and intrigue.
The plot masterfully incorporates the main theme of survival, both against the weather and hostile forces. In overcoming the obstacles of a war-torn era, the characters' tenacity and resourcefulness demonstrate their development and adaptability. Readers are kept interested in the characters' actions and decisions by the overriding objective of maintaining the timeline.
The captivating book "Epoch" deftly combines historical fiction and science fiction themes. An engaging read is provided by the detailed descriptions, well-rounded characters, and complex story turns. The story offers as a reminder of history's enduring influence while simultaneously exploring themes of survival, sacrifice, and the intricacies of human nature. Fans of historical and speculative fiction will both enjoy this book's rich storytelling and fascinating world-building.
Blanca's emotional background is expertly established by the author, who also brilliantly captures the angry yet resolute character's personality. Blanca's rough upbringing in foster care forms the basis of her steely resolve, making her an engaging and accessible protagonist from away. Her desire to fund Mateo, her younger brother,'s college education reveals her altruism and provides a dimension of drive that readers can identify with.
When Blanca, Mateo, and other participants are sent into Nazi-occupied Poland in 1943 as part of a covert university experiment, the story takes an exciting turn. Readers are fully immersed in the difficulties and perils of wartime Europe because to the deft handling of the transition from the contemporary military experience to the historical backdrop. The painstaking research and evocative descriptions of life under Nazi authority provide an authentic element to the narrative.
The intricate relationships that form between the characters are one of the book's strengths. The plot is kept interesting by Blanca's encounters with her fellow time travelers, each of whom has a different background and motivation. The story takes an unexpected turn when Otto Zimmler, a brazen Nazi fighter pilot, is introduced. With Otto, the characters must strike a delicate balance between deceit and trust, which heightens the suspense and intrigue.
The plot masterfully incorporates the main theme of survival, both against the weather and hostile forces. In overcoming the obstacles of a war-torn era, the characters' tenacity and resourcefulness demonstrate their development and adaptability. Readers are kept interested in the characters' actions and decisions by the overriding objective of maintaining the timeline.
The captivating book "Epoch" deftly combines historical fiction and science fiction themes. An engaging read is provided by the detailed descriptions, well-rounded characters, and complex story turns. The story offers as a reminder of history's enduring influence while simultaneously exploring themes of survival, sacrifice, and the intricacies of human nature. Fans of historical and speculative fiction will both enjoy this book's rich storytelling and fascinating world-building.
October 26, 2023
I highly recommend reading this book. It's not difficult to follow along with and has a very interesting plot. If you're interested in science fiction meets nonfiction this is the book for you. Hard to put down! Go buy it.
September 23, 2023
My Views - 23 yr. old Balance Hernandez is an army veteran. Her deployment is over and now she is back from Afghanistan to Texas. She is planning to send her brother Mateo to college but the day of his orientation goes haywire when a secret university experiment malfunctions and sends Blanca, Mateo and several others back in time to Nazi occupied Poland in 1943. Things got more complicated when a Nazi fighter pilot named Otto Zimmler agrees to help them in exchange for his freedom. Now Blanca and the others must fight to survive there and keep the timeline intact all the while never letting Otto know the truth of their origin.
The book is a historical fiction with sci-fi elements in it, making it an enjoyable read.
Though the book is action-packed and adventurous , the emotional aspects also play quite an important role. The survival struggle of everyone, that too in a war zone completely unknown to them is shown very skillfully. The narration and the storytelling keep the reader's immersed in the story till the end. Despite Blanca's struggle with PTSD from her deployment, she tries her best to help everyone to come out of the situation. The character of Otto also adds an extra element to the whole story.
As the book is settled in the WWII Nazi era, it has some disturbing scenes which can be triggering for some readers, so the reader's discretion is advisable.
But all in all, it's an amazing, thrilling and adventurous read for those who love historical fiction and sci-fi.
The book is a historical fiction with sci-fi elements in it, making it an enjoyable read.
Though the book is action-packed and adventurous , the emotional aspects also play quite an important role. The survival struggle of everyone, that too in a war zone completely unknown to them is shown very skillfully. The narration and the storytelling keep the reader's immersed in the story till the end. Despite Blanca's struggle with PTSD from her deployment, she tries her best to help everyone to come out of the situation. The character of Otto also adds an extra element to the whole story.
As the book is settled in the WWII Nazi era, it has some disturbing scenes which can be triggering for some readers, so the reader's discretion is advisable.
But all in all, it's an amazing, thrilling and adventurous read for those who love historical fiction and sci-fi.
September 15, 2023
Firstly, thank you @hazels_booktours and @katelle_writing for a copy of this book (downloaded from @booksirens)
This book is already out and you can see the blub on this photo!
Epoch was quite a different read, I haven't read anything like this before. I do love historical fiction and find mentions of the war particularly interesting, however the time travel element within this setting was deffo something new and unique to me.
This book is an ideal read if you like :-
- Historical Fiction
- Time travel
- Strong female characters
- Questionable characters and situations (I did wonder why Otto wasn't asking more questions when he first met the group. I feel like the difference in time periods would have been noticeable almost instantly, but it was an intense situation to be in so perhaps this wasn't a focus for the characters)
- The whole "changing the timeline" theme
- Intense emotions. As with any historical fiction that includes things like the war, this book has some tough and upsetting elements so it's worth considering that before reading!
- Lots of action, this book jumps straight in!
- Dual timeline, flashbacks, memories etc
Deffo an interesting book that I recommend if you think this sounds like your thing!
This book is already out and you can see the blub on this photo!
Epoch was quite a different read, I haven't read anything like this before. I do love historical fiction and find mentions of the war particularly interesting, however the time travel element within this setting was deffo something new and unique to me.
This book is an ideal read if you like :-
- Historical Fiction
- Time travel
- Strong female characters
- Questionable characters and situations (I did wonder why Otto wasn't asking more questions when he first met the group. I feel like the difference in time periods would have been noticeable almost instantly, but it was an intense situation to be in so perhaps this wasn't a focus for the characters)
- The whole "changing the timeline" theme
- Intense emotions. As with any historical fiction that includes things like the war, this book has some tough and upsetting elements so it's worth considering that before reading!
- Lots of action, this book jumps straight in!
- Dual timeline, flashbacks, memories etc
Deffo an interesting book that I recommend if you think this sounds like your thing!
December 13, 2023
Kat Elle hooked me from the beginning of her book. This book was full of action from the very beginning, which made me continuously wonder what was coming next. It was so easy to follow along with, because the author created the setting and her characters with great detail. This book also had many emotions that felt so real while reading. When I started reading this book I could not stop, I did not want the book to end.
Also, the storyline of this book would make an awesome movie!
This book is worth reading, especially If you want to escape and be immersed into the characters world.
Thank you, Kat Elle, for writing a book that kept me engaged all the way through.
Also, the storyline of this book would make an awesome movie!
This book is worth reading, especially If you want to escape and be immersed into the characters world.
Thank you, Kat Elle, for writing a book that kept me engaged all the way through.
December 13, 2023
I highly recommend this book! I will admit, I am not a big reader, but I decided to read this book, not knowing what to expect, and I am so glad I did. when I do decide to read, I prefer books that I feel like I am a part of. EPOCH did an amazing job at fully emerging you into the life of the main character, Blanca Hernandez. I was able to empathize with what she went through and feel all of her experiences. I recommend this book to avid book readers, who are trying to extend their own personal library, and I also recommend this book to people don’t consider themselves to be big readers like myself!
December 7, 2023
This book is great in my opinion! I love the plot and storyline of it. The story kept me engaged throughout the book, by grabbing your attention from the very beginning of it! Overall, definitely worth the read!
October 2, 2023
Blanca Hernandez is a 23-year-old war veteran who recently returned home from a tour in Afghanistan. When touring a college with her younger brother, Mateo, a rouge science experiment goes wrong, sending them back to 1943 Nazi-occupied Poland.
---
This book blew me away. I read it over the weekend. The action is intense, and the characters are diverse. I don't usually read war stories or historical fiction, so this was a little out of my comfort zone, but I still enjoyed it. I'm glad that I gave it a try.
Preface: This book does take place in Nazi-occupied Poland, so there may be some distressing scenes for some readers. There are also sad and emotional scenes that add to the story.
---
This book blew me away. I read it over the weekend. The action is intense, and the characters are diverse. I don't usually read war stories or historical fiction, so this was a little out of my comfort zone, but I still enjoyed it. I'm glad that I gave it a try.
Preface: This book does take place in Nazi-occupied Poland, so there may be some distressing scenes for some readers. There are also sad and emotional scenes that add to the story.
June 17, 2023
"Epoch" is a historical fiction novel with elements of sci-fi by Kat Elle, set in Nazi-occupied Poland.
Please be advised that the content of this book includes themes and events related to a historical period that may be disturbing or triggering for some individuals.
It's a fast-paced read that not only features action-packed scenes but also delves into a lot of emotional moments as Blanca, along with everyone else trapped in the situation, tries to figure out what's going on. The author's writing style brings everything to life vividly, which made it hard for me to put the book down. However, at the same time, because of it, I had to give myself a few breaks because the emotions in this book run high. When you combine the World War implications with the group's personal struggles, including Blanca's own PTSD from her deployment, it becomes overwhelming very quickly.
This book strikes a good balance between plot and character development. However, I believe it was the characters that truly made it shine, as by the end, I found myself in tears. It was definitely an emotional roller coaster, and although I'm still uncertain about my feelings towards a couple of characters due to their history, when I consider the broader perspective, I think this story bravely tackles heavy issues while still maintaining reader interest.
Overall, "Epoch" is a satisfying read that would particularly appeal to fans of historical fiction.
Please be advised that the content of this book includes themes and events related to a historical period that may be disturbing or triggering for some individuals.
It's a fast-paced read that not only features action-packed scenes but also delves into a lot of emotional moments as Blanca, along with everyone else trapped in the situation, tries to figure out what's going on. The author's writing style brings everything to life vividly, which made it hard for me to put the book down. However, at the same time, because of it, I had to give myself a few breaks because the emotions in this book run high. When you combine the World War implications with the group's personal struggles, including Blanca's own PTSD from her deployment, it becomes overwhelming very quickly.
This book strikes a good balance between plot and character development. However, I believe it was the characters that truly made it shine, as by the end, I found myself in tears. It was definitely an emotional roller coaster, and although I'm still uncertain about my feelings towards a couple of characters due to their history, when I consider the broader perspective, I think this story bravely tackles heavy issues while still maintaining reader interest.
Overall, "Epoch" is a satisfying read that would particularly appeal to fans of historical fiction.
Read
September 15, 2023I have a soft spot for books on time travel - and this story hits the mark in the genre.
*
Blanca is a 23-year old American soldier struggling with PTSD after her recent tour at Afghanistan. During her brother Mateo's college orientation, a malfunction in the college's physics lab zaps Blanca, Mateo, and a few others back in time to Nazi-occupied Poland, right in the middle of World War II.
As much of a nightmare as this is for the entire party, it is worse for Blanca - she feels like she never truly left the battlefield after all.
Now it is up to Blanca to lead her brother and friends to safety, and hopefully their own time zone. On the way they run into Otto Zimmler, a Nazi pilot, whom they take hostage. While Blanca needs Otto's help she must be very careful to not let him the truth about the future.
*
While the plot occasionally meanders it brings across the inhumaneness of war - both in the past and present - very well. Otto's character really brings in some depth to the book. It is very easy to characterize all Nazis as villains but he brings in much-needed context of how Germany was badly mistreated at the end of World War I by America and England which paved the way for Hitler's rise to power. His gradual disillusionment with Nazi ideology is a testament to how much of our prejudice lies in ignorance.
DISCLAIMER: I was provided an e-ARC of the book but the views are completely my own.
*
Blanca is a 23-year old American soldier struggling with PTSD after her recent tour at Afghanistan. During her brother Mateo's college orientation, a malfunction in the college's physics lab zaps Blanca, Mateo, and a few others back in time to Nazi-occupied Poland, right in the middle of World War II.
As much of a nightmare as this is for the entire party, it is worse for Blanca - she feels like she never truly left the battlefield after all.
Now it is up to Blanca to lead her brother and friends to safety, and hopefully their own time zone. On the way they run into Otto Zimmler, a Nazi pilot, whom they take hostage. While Blanca needs Otto's help she must be very careful to not let him the truth about the future.
*
While the plot occasionally meanders it brings across the inhumaneness of war - both in the past and present - very well. Otto's character really brings in some depth to the book. It is very easy to characterize all Nazis as villains but he brings in much-needed context of how Germany was badly mistreated at the end of World War I by America and England which paved the way for Hitler's rise to power. His gradual disillusionment with Nazi ideology is a testament to how much of our prejudice lies in ignorance.
DISCLAIMER: I was provided an e-ARC of the book but the views are completely my own.
September 18, 2023
✈️ Epoch ✈️
Rate : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre : Historical Fiction
Author : Kat Elle
Epoch is a fast paced, action packed historical fiction novel with undertones of sci - fi nature within. You’re immersed in a world full of emotional distress, war - torn countries and working together.
We follow our main character, Blanca, who had got back from her deployment in Afghanistan where she worked as an Army medic. On a tour of a university, a time travel experiment goes wrong and forces them back in time to war - torn Poland that’s been taken over by Nazi Germany.
Throughout the story, Blanca has to face many personal struggles. This book really tackles PTSD head on and it’s written so well. I adored the way this book was written and loved the flow and the speed of this book. You can’t help but fall in love with both Blanca and Mateo (her brother).
I do have to voice, this is based in Nazi occupied Poland during World War Two so there are many distressing scenes that you may need to take a moment to have a breath and pull away. However, it is worth it all as this book is very well written and it’s such an immersive story.
As much as I adore the pace of this book, the beginning is very quick and throws you into the drama right away (which I loved) however, I didn’t understand what happened until they finally said about the time travel.
I would definitely recommend this for anyone who loves historical fiction and anyone who adores war stories. This is such an interesting read and an amazing novel!
CW/TW: Gun violence, war, death, murder, World War II Nazi Germany, racism, PTSD
Rate : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre : Historical Fiction
Author : Kat Elle
Epoch is a fast paced, action packed historical fiction novel with undertones of sci - fi nature within. You’re immersed in a world full of emotional distress, war - torn countries and working together.
We follow our main character, Blanca, who had got back from her deployment in Afghanistan where she worked as an Army medic. On a tour of a university, a time travel experiment goes wrong and forces them back in time to war - torn Poland that’s been taken over by Nazi Germany.
Throughout the story, Blanca has to face many personal struggles. This book really tackles PTSD head on and it’s written so well. I adored the way this book was written and loved the flow and the speed of this book. You can’t help but fall in love with both Blanca and Mateo (her brother).
I do have to voice, this is based in Nazi occupied Poland during World War Two so there are many distressing scenes that you may need to take a moment to have a breath and pull away. However, it is worth it all as this book is very well written and it’s such an immersive story.
As much as I adore the pace of this book, the beginning is very quick and throws you into the drama right away (which I loved) however, I didn’t understand what happened until they finally said about the time travel.
I would definitely recommend this for anyone who loves historical fiction and anyone who adores war stories. This is such an interesting read and an amazing novel!
CW/TW: Gun violence, war, death, murder, World War II Nazi Germany, racism, PTSD
September 14, 2023
Firstly I would like to thank Booksirens for providing me with an ARC copy of this book. I really found the cover photo of this book to be intriguing and that's the reason I signed up for this review. I really enjoyed reading it and I appreciate the writing skills of the author to create such an amazing plot.
The book is filled with action and adventure from the very first chapter itself. The book is fast paced and you will not get bored at all. It was an unputdownable experience for me. I finished reading it in two sittings. The character development was fantastic and I really loved the world-building of the WWII era.
The twists and turns have been placed at correct places without too much drama and the storyline is quite captivating. I will definitely recommend this book to people who love reading a blend of historical fiction and time travel. You will definitely love it.
The book is filled with action and adventure from the very first chapter itself. The book is fast paced and you will not get bored at all. It was an unputdownable experience for me. I finished reading it in two sittings. The character development was fantastic and I really loved the world-building of the WWII era.
The twists and turns have been placed at correct places without too much drama and the storyline is quite captivating. I will definitely recommend this book to people who love reading a blend of historical fiction and time travel. You will definitely love it.
September 2, 2023
This was a quick read for me as it was so action packed. The author did a great job of making me feel what Blanca was going through, and I was quite emotional at times. I have a little brother, and imaging us in the situation Blanca and Mateo were in made my heart break. I’ll definitely be checking out more by this author.
December 7, 2023
Loved reading this book! I’m usually not the biggest fan with science fiction novels but this book has so much action which makes it hard to stop reading. The plot keeps you going and it’s an easy and interesting read! As soon as you start the book the author starts out with a tragedy which keeps you on your toes. If you like a book with more action and about WWII I would highly recommend!
September 16, 2023
After a traumatic deployment in Afghanistan, 23 year old army medic, Blanca is ready to leave the life of a soldier behind so she can help her younger brother, Mateo start college. His orientation goes awry when a secret university experiment malfunctions and sends Blanca, Mateo, and several others back in time to Nazi occupied Poland. Just like that, Blanca is back in war. Matters are complicated further by the arrival of Otto, a Nazi fighter pilot who agrees to help them in exchange for his freedom. Now Blanca and the others must fight to survive the elements, avoid hostile soldiers and keep the timeline intact…. All while never letting Otto know the truth of their origins.
This book was full of factual ww2 facts, as well as action and a slow innocent romance between two people over 100 years apart. This book was a little slow at times but for the most part the whole thing kept you on your toes. All in all if you like war books of any kind this book is for you.
This book was full of factual ww2 facts, as well as action and a slow innocent romance between two people over 100 years apart. This book was a little slow at times but for the most part the whole thing kept you on your toes. All in all if you like war books of any kind this book is for you.
December 10, 2023
This book hooked me from the very beginning. It is not a hard plot to follow although it is intricate and captivating. I highly recommend purchasing this book! 10/10!
April 3, 2024
Loved it. Epoch kept my interested for the entire read and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. I became invested in the characters and was excited to see what this female badass could do. I can’t wait to see what Kat Elle will do in the future.
July 4, 2023
Disclaimer: I received this book as part of a promotion for an honest review.
So I was really not expecting to love this book as much as I did. It was heavy and brutal, but I felt like that really helped me engage with the characters. It wasn’t just suffering all the time. It seemed like everything that happened to them made sense, and honestly, even though it didn’t end like I expected, I really enjoyed it. The more I think about it, the more I feel like this was the right way to end things.
Also, I ship Blanca and her knife. The end.
So I was really not expecting to love this book as much as I did. It was heavy and brutal, but I felt like that really helped me engage with the characters. It wasn’t just suffering all the time. It seemed like everything that happened to them made sense, and honestly, even though it didn’t end like I expected, I really enjoyed it. The more I think about it, the more I feel like this was the right way to end things.
Also, I ship Blanca and her knife. The end.
September 23, 2023
Whew. I loved this. The characters are amazing and the emotions were so raw and real. If you enjoy realistic, multi-dimensional characters, definitely put this on your TBR. you will be thinking about this book for days after. I know I will.
June 28, 2023
A wonderfully captivating historical fiction and time travel story!
Blanca is the FMC who has been through so much in her young life, but she's a survivor. She's pretty badass! Her main focus is to protect her little brother, Mateo , who we see in the beginning of the story getting ready to go to college.
They both end up getting sent back in time to Nazi occupied Poland. They have to try and survive and find a way back to their own time, but they run into complications along the way. One of them being a Nazi fighter pilot named Otto.
There's a ton of historical facts and knowledge thrown in with some interesting twists. It deals with so many social topics from racism, mental health, and the effects of war.
A must read if you like action, wartime elements, time travel, history, mental health representation, and romance.
Blanca is the FMC who has been through so much in her young life, but she's a survivor. She's pretty badass! Her main focus is to protect her little brother, Mateo , who we see in the beginning of the story getting ready to go to college.
They both end up getting sent back in time to Nazi occupied Poland. They have to try and survive and find a way back to their own time, but they run into complications along the way. One of them being a Nazi fighter pilot named Otto.
There's a ton of historical facts and knowledge thrown in with some interesting twists. It deals with so many social topics from racism, mental health, and the effects of war.
A must read if you like action, wartime elements, time travel, history, mental health representation, and romance.
September 9, 2023
Where do I even begin with this one. When I started reading, I could not stop. This is a story of time travel right into Nazi occupied Poland during WWII. Some parts of this book are hard to read. I absolutely loved the Nazi fighter pilot Otto. Who would have thought I would ever love a Nazi. The growth that he showed was astounding. This book gave me all the feels. I laughed, cried, was angry, and at times wanted to throw the book. I truly felt for the characters and the author makes you think you are right in the book. I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.
September 15, 2023
This was not my usual genre but the blurb roped me in and I ended up enjoying the story! Historical fiction always has a way of roping the reader in. The setting of WWII Nazi-occupied Poland was well developed and I'm sure a lot of research went into the story.
The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the beginning; there wasn't much build-up to the action, and a lot of deaths right off the bat. I know it's war, but it was a little much to start out with.
The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the beginning; there wasn't much build-up to the action, and a lot of deaths right off the bat. I know it's war, but it was a little much to start out with.
May 10, 2023
Great book. If you haven't read it yet do yourself a favor and order a copy today!
September 11, 2023
If you are looking for my heart, you need to contact Kat Elle as she has ripped it out of my chest and I'm not sure when she plans to return it.
I don't usually read war books. While I haven't experienced war first hand, I live each and every day thinking about the Holocaust and the horrors and atrocities that occurred. I cannot explain why it affects me so profoundly when there are people suffering around the globe today, but it does. I therefore stepped into this book with some trepidation.
Blanca Hernandez is the main character in this book. She is a 23 year old Latina who has had a difficult life. She and her younger brother, Mateo, were bought up through the foster care system. When she was old enough, she joined the army and served in Afghanistan as a combat medic. Her intent was to come home to Mateo, her only family, and ensure they would never be separated again.
The day of Mateo's university orientation, while visiting the science building, an experiment goes awry and they find themselves in 1943 Nazi Germany, in the middle of WWII. Blanca's entire focus shifts to survival mode. She's not sure how she can get them back home, to their own time, but seeing so many people dying all around her, she knows she needs to keep Mateo safe.
This epic saga follows Blanca along with a small group of survivors - Mateo, her younger brother, Priya Simmons, another student who had been attending orientation, Iain Claflin, a physics doctoral student at the university, and Otto Zimmler, a Nazi fighter pilot who they rescued and then kept as a prisoner to act as a translator and guide. While survival is their first priority, they also endeavour to avoid altering history.
There is so much I want to say and share about this book, but I'm not even sure where to begin. Other than being a heart wrenching read, and making me cry more than any other book in recent history, the book touches on so many important topics including faith, purpose, love, hatred, bigotry, racism, and more.
Seeing as I continue to struggle to find the right words, I will leave you with a few quotes.
"You are better than what you have been taught."
"This is a dangerous time for faith," he remarked, nodding to her rosary.
"With all due respect," Blanca replied, "this is a dangerous time to be without it."
"An end in terror," Sophie called out passionately, "is preferable to terror without end!"
"The end of something," said the man, "does not erase it. All things must come to conclusion. The only choice you can make is the path that leads you there."
"War remembers statistics and forgets that each of those numbers represents a person's entire life, from the day they entered this world and changed a family forever, to their first steps, their first loves, their tragedies, and their triumphs, all of which culminate in that exact moment," she snapped her finger, "of death".
“Always remember that behind every face is a story, and every expression, a journey. A life is not a static thing, meant to be counted only once. It is an ongoing, thriving, cumulative masterpiece of knowledge, tragedy, joy, and love. And the loss of any one life - no matter how seemingly insignificant - means there is one less beautiful tapestry of experience existing in our confusing, tumultuous world. One less perspective from which we might learn to be true humans, with all the empathy and magnificence that makes our species so terribly unique.
Never forget these stories, Blanca. Never forsake them, and never silence them. Always be ready to sit at the feet of your fellow human beings and listen. If you do that, you will always be wiser tomorrow than you were today.”
"...please remember that your life is important on its own. You are your own greatest achievement, your own peace, your own center, your own deity, and your own spirit. It is a wonderful thing to love as deeply as you do, Blanca, but doing the right thing for the worst sort of deception, because it is the lie we tell ourselves. Do not lie to yourself, Blanca. You exist in your own right."
If you are certain you will not be triggered by the topics in this book, I highly encourage you to pick it up. While the material is fiction, the topics are very real and thought provoking. While I have set the book down, it will stay with me for a long time.
I don't usually read war books. While I haven't experienced war first hand, I live each and every day thinking about the Holocaust and the horrors and atrocities that occurred. I cannot explain why it affects me so profoundly when there are people suffering around the globe today, but it does. I therefore stepped into this book with some trepidation.
Blanca Hernandez is the main character in this book. She is a 23 year old Latina who has had a difficult life. She and her younger brother, Mateo, were bought up through the foster care system. When she was old enough, she joined the army and served in Afghanistan as a combat medic. Her intent was to come home to Mateo, her only family, and ensure they would never be separated again.
The day of Mateo's university orientation, while visiting the science building, an experiment goes awry and they find themselves in 1943 Nazi Germany, in the middle of WWII. Blanca's entire focus shifts to survival mode. She's not sure how she can get them back home, to their own time, but seeing so many people dying all around her, she knows she needs to keep Mateo safe.
This epic saga follows Blanca along with a small group of survivors - Mateo, her younger brother, Priya Simmons, another student who had been attending orientation, Iain Claflin, a physics doctoral student at the university, and Otto Zimmler, a Nazi fighter pilot who they rescued and then kept as a prisoner to act as a translator and guide. While survival is their first priority, they also endeavour to avoid altering history.
There is so much I want to say and share about this book, but I'm not even sure where to begin. Other than being a heart wrenching read, and making me cry more than any other book in recent history, the book touches on so many important topics including faith, purpose, love, hatred, bigotry, racism, and more.
Seeing as I continue to struggle to find the right words, I will leave you with a few quotes.
"You are better than what you have been taught."
"This is a dangerous time for faith," he remarked, nodding to her rosary.
"With all due respect," Blanca replied, "this is a dangerous time to be without it."
"An end in terror," Sophie called out passionately, "is preferable to terror without end!"
"The end of something," said the man, "does not erase it. All things must come to conclusion. The only choice you can make is the path that leads you there."
"War remembers statistics and forgets that each of those numbers represents a person's entire life, from the day they entered this world and changed a family forever, to their first steps, their first loves, their tragedies, and their triumphs, all of which culminate in that exact moment," she snapped her finger, "of death".
“Always remember that behind every face is a story, and every expression, a journey. A life is not a static thing, meant to be counted only once. It is an ongoing, thriving, cumulative masterpiece of knowledge, tragedy, joy, and love. And the loss of any one life - no matter how seemingly insignificant - means there is one less beautiful tapestry of experience existing in our confusing, tumultuous world. One less perspective from which we might learn to be true humans, with all the empathy and magnificence that makes our species so terribly unique.
Never forget these stories, Blanca. Never forsake them, and never silence them. Always be ready to sit at the feet of your fellow human beings and listen. If you do that, you will always be wiser tomorrow than you were today.”
"...please remember that your life is important on its own. You are your own greatest achievement, your own peace, your own center, your own deity, and your own spirit. It is a wonderful thing to love as deeply as you do, Blanca, but doing the right thing for the worst sort of deception, because it is the lie we tell ourselves. Do not lie to yourself, Blanca. You exist in your own right."
If you are certain you will not be triggered by the topics in this book, I highly encourage you to pick it up. While the material is fiction, the topics are very real and thought provoking. While I have set the book down, it will stay with me for a long time.
April 3, 2024
This is not what I was expecting at all but I loved it. Normally I would not read a book with anything related to war but this had such a good balance of truth of WW2 and fiction like the time travel details. I thought Blanca was a great character and the ending took me by surprise, but I thought it ended just like it should (even though normally I’m one for a happier ending). I loved Ottos development and he really captured how conflicted I’m sure many people were during this time. The small details of the characters background made this good so much better and allowed all the little details to make sense. For example, Ian's reason for being a clean freak and why he went dark when Blanca said he was "warm" made so much sense at the end. Overall, it was such a good read and very easy to follow along even with some time period changes.
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December 10, 2023This book is about a 23 year old, Blanca Hernandez and has a lot going on throughout the whole book. It grabs your attention from the start and keeps through the whole book while having plots such as time-travel to Nazi Germany, and WWII. It also kept you invested in the story by the emotional aspect of it. Every character is very different and there was a lot of work that went into each part of the book!
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