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Shoestring Theory
A queer, madcap, friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers time travel romance with the future of the world at stake, this charming fantasy tale is sure to satisfy fans of Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree.
Cyril Laverre, former Grand-Mage of the High Court of Farsala, has spent the last decade hiding himself away in a ramshackle hut by the sea. He spends his days catching fish for his cat familiar, Shoestring, and suppressing his guilt over the kingdom's ruin.
After finding Shoestring dead one morning, a desperate Cyril casts a powerful spell that catapults him back in time to a happier period of Farsalan history – a time when Tigris Margrave was destined to ascend to the throne and Cyril’s tentative romance with Tigris’ brother, Eufrates, had not yet bloomed.
Armed with the knowledge of Tigris’ sudden and tragic death and Eufrates’ subsequent descent into madness, Cyril is adamant to keep Eufrates from ascending to the throne and setting in motion the kingdom’s downfall.
Cyril Laverre, former Grand-Mage of the High Court of Farsala, has spent the last decade hiding himself away in a ramshackle hut by the sea. He spends his days catching fish for his cat familiar, Shoestring, and suppressing his guilt over the kingdom's ruin.
After finding Shoestring dead one morning, a desperate Cyril casts a powerful spell that catapults him back in time to a happier period of Farsalan history – a time when Tigris Margrave was destined to ascend to the throne and Cyril’s tentative romance with Tigris’ brother, Eufrates, had not yet bloomed.
Armed with the knowledge of Tigris’ sudden and tragic death and Eufrates’ subsequent descent into madness, Cyril is adamant to keep Eufrates from ascending to the throne and setting in motion the kingdom’s downfall.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2024
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March 18, 2025
Every time I feel the need / I envision you caressing me, and go back in time / To relive the splendor of you and I (The Roof – Mariah Carey).
Heyo, can I ask a huge favor of you? Make sure I never, ever gamble. For all the normal reasons, sure, like how my frail constitution would lead me to the point of breaking down and crying if I lost even a couple dollars to the machine, but also because I’d be really, really bad at it. I mean, I’m aware that there’s literally no way to be good at gambling (I’ve seen Casino, I know), but I’d find a way to be singularly bad at it, I just know it. You get where I’m going with this, right? Because when I started this book, I proudly proclaimed that this would clear a “five-star” rating, no sweat… and I’m sure you can tell by my rating up there that it… did not. I mean, overall I liked Shoestring Theory, but because the beginning of the book was so good and the second half was so meh, I’m totally going to be a lot more negative than I normally would be. Firstly, I know I said this already, but I loved the first part of this book a whole lot! Remember I said that, please. I loved the first part of Shoestring Theory a whoo~oole LOT! Seriously, I haven’t read such a captivating opening to a novel since Malorie by Josh Malerman. It turns out that the similarities don't end there though, because both books kind of fell off a bit as the story went on. But that's enough stalling, let’s get to the synopsis! In this lovely book with a lovely cover that has a cute cat on it, we follow disgraced court mage Cyril on the outskirts of a kingdom in ruin, and as he’s lamenting the many regrets in his life, he realizes the biggest of them all was marrying the king, Eufrates, as his poor rulership and cruel expansionist nature has led to famine and desolation. There’s some real old testament type stuff going on here! Anyway, in his despair, Cyril decides on a last ditch effort in rectifying his mistakes by attempting to travel back in time to fix all the wrong in his reality. Then some more things happen and not to be coy, but you’ll probably have to read it to find out! The fact that Shoestring Theory went for this ever-present and overwhelmingly somber tone in the first chapter had me immediately thinking that I was in for something special. No lie, whenever I find a book that has me burning the midnight oil, a book like Shoestring Theory, it makes me want to SHOUT, lift my heels up and SHOUT, throw my head back and SHOUT, kick my heels up and SHOUT! I like stories that feature characters that constantly dwell on things that they can’t change, and on that front, I couldn’t help but see a lot of myself in Cyril. When I was a kid, I was always a little obsessed with “setting things right” and in my powerlessness, I would to do this weird thing where if I spun in a circle this way, I’d be anxious until I spun back around the other way. To.. I don't know, reset things? It’s silly, but something about this book tapped into an old mindset that used to be a very real fear of mine; the idea of putting things right.
And after saying all that, I find myself mostly frustrated after finishing this because by all accounts… I should love this book! So why don’t I? Hmm… it’s a thinker alright, but you know what I’m thinking? I can use this review as a blank space, a forum if you will, in which I can air out all my grievances. Lets see, where to start? Oh, I know! I think I had beef with the way the main focus of this novel is almost entirely about the troubled relationship between our two main dudes, Eufrates and Cyril. And yeah, at first glance that sounds like it'd be great because I love character focused narratives, but the problem here is that because we meet them at a time when they’ve already grown to hate each other, with Eufrates especially being an unpleasant dick the whole book, the narrative is never really given enough time to effectively argue the case as to why they these two should even get back together. If we’re only given examples of how bad they are for each other, then why should I be happy when they have their big reunion moment? In the original timeline, Cyril is said to be a bad match for the new king because Eufrates can’t make him Juno (you know), but I think the real reason they shouldn’t be together is because they both just… kind of suck ass. Cyril is cowardly, flighty, and reacts to any and all danger by just staring blankly at said danger! He's always infuriatingly awestruck and dumbfounded, all standing still as a slab of stone like he’s Slenderman. But let’s not forget the resident shit king, Eufrates, who's shit at being king! Cyril is constantly singing his praises, saying he used to be great, but because we’re only ever privy to his shit side, there’s really no reason for us to ever offer him any grace. The narrative tries to course correct this eventually, but by then I think it’s far too late. So we’ve got this loser love-interest who’s given whiplash characteristics between being both the sweetest, most besotted man in the world and a growling, incoherent cave man, grunting his way through any and all dialogue. It’s safe to say that I lost my patience with them pretty quickly, and not to be mean, but I was rooting against them at every turn. I mean… yeah, I guess that's what this whole book is supposed to be about; a couple reconciling and us all cheering that true love can stop the world from ending or whatever... but I can’t lie, I've never cheered for divorce harder than I have with this book. Go divorce! Here's the thing, if we had just been given more pages of them being actually sweet on each other, enjoying each other’s company, then I could have probably cut this long ass review in half!
Look, I know the hate-to-love thing is very popular and a lot of people love it a whole lot, but I think my favorite love-interests in books are always going to be the ones who love outwardly and without shame. I literally started rereading the Master of Restless Shadows books simply because I needed a reminder of what it looks like when a book is able to create conflict in a way that isn't just the typical artificially curated relationship drama. Basically, I'm down bad for a romance of kindness in stories! I'm just saying, give me something that evokes this, “Take time to tell me, you really care, and we'll share tomorrow, together, I'll always love you ever, and ever” and I'll finally shut up for once! I just feel like too many books are so quick to show animosity between the characters because they seem to be under the impression that antagonism equals sexual tension, and are worried that if the characters are happy together, then the readers might get bored. But because of this, by the time we reach the end, any resolution feels off because we've only seen these characters bickering throughout the entire novel! Never forget that you have to show us Patroclus and Achilles happy and content in the cave before you can have Achilles dragging Hector’s dumbass around the walls of Troy. But yeah, other than wanting to see more of Eufrates and Cyril by the lake on Naboo, when there was nothing but their love, no politics, no plotting, no war, I did have a couple other things that bothered me. Woah! Several things bothered me, can you believe it? While I concede that for better or for worse, this book never failed to surprise me at every turn, given the payoff, I’m not so sure if that ended up being a good thing. For example, there was one chapter where I figured the story would turn into a Captive Prince kind of thing, but then it became this whole new kind of thing and I was immensely relieved... at first. I don’t know if this turn was better per se, but it was different for a bit, and that has to count for something, no? Then when that new, different thing started to look like it’d be a Skyler White and Ted Beneke situation, Shoestring Theory diverted to something else yet again! It’s cool how it seemed like the author had a finger on the pulse, being mindful of the audience’s savviness and all that, but I do think that the narrative would sometimes come across as a little too reactive for my liking. I couldn’t help but wonder if the writing may have suffered in the process due to how subversive it was trying to be. And I think we all know what can happen when being subversive takes precedent over proper narrative resolution in the writing room. Game of Thrones season eight. I’m talking about Game of Thrones season eight.
Besides, when the only trope that does strictly adhere to convention is the whole “enemies-to-lovers” thing, you just know I’m going to act a fool about it. Wait, did someone say "enemies-to-lovers?" That's my favorite thing to complain about! Ugh okay, I’ll talk about it, and I know that doing the whole "omg I hated this!" bit in reviews can be fun a lot of the times, but I'm really not lying when I tell you that I'm so~oo tired of talking about it because it feels like I'm just screaming into the void at this point. I'm just sitting here like... why!?!? What happened to the love that brought us both so much joy and happiness? I wanted nothing but peace! Look, there’s nothing more I can say about this trope that I haven’t already stated in the last couple weeks alone, but if you’re going to write about enemies turning into lovers and then add a love-triangle on top of all of that, then you have to at least give me the allusion that the third (and more interesting) guy actually has a chance to be a part of the endgame couple. Seriously, as soon as this loser was introduced, Cyril constantly stated to us via his narration that he’s still “hopelessly in love with Eufrates” and it’s like, then what are we even doing here? If you constantly remind the reader that there’s only ever going to be one™ official couple, then there’s almost no point in even calling them enemies in the first place. It sucks the fun out of the whole thing. Oh, I think I’ve figured it out: I like love-triangles… but I hate love-triangles that aren’t interested in being love-triangles! The ones that always feel like they're constantly reassuring the reader. Like, a good one has to give me enough to go on where I can imagine the main character potentially ending up with either love-interest. That way the story ends up feeling more complete and less like the author is just stringing me along. Get it? “Stringing”… Shoestring Theory!! Okay, that’s nothing. Also, it was annoying how often Cyril was caught unawares by plot beats that anybody in the same situation would have been able to sus out immediately. He literally knows what's going to happen and yet he’s still the dumbest guy around? Come on now. It would have helped if he’d been a little more reticent and cagey about his plans, but nah, he just spills the beans to any old schmuck he comes across. Though maybe I’m just being too harsh, because I am a man of a suspicious nature. I mean, I did grow up on Mario Party so I was out there stealing everybody else’s stars and shit. You know how it is.
Hey wait, I'm still here? Um… yeah, I’m sorry for rambling, but I also thought that Shoestring Theory’s world building left a lot to be desired, and I’d be remiss not to talk about it. Not to sound like I spend all my time shaking my fist at clouds, but the thing I’ve noticed in a lot of newer fantasy is that they often have a hard time properly portraying scope in their fantasy worlds. Older stuff like Luck in the Shadows show the depth of their world by literally having the characters traversing a wide range of landscape, sure, but even new books like Master of Restless Shadows that have their setting take place almost entirely in one city are still able to give us a full picture just by the sheer diversity of cultures within the cast. In this book, while the main castle is given enough detail to feel like a real place that the characters inhabit, I never managed to get enough of a sense of scale throughout the story. For example, when it looked like our main characters weren’t safe in their home anymore, they immediately had to escape to a neighboring kingdom, and when that place had proven to be a less than ideal safe haven, Cyril and company just run back to the first kingdom? Do these people live on a fucking Settlers of Catan board? Why are there only two places in this world?!?! Play write style writing. Anyway, that’s enough negativity, let’s talk about good things from here on out! Firstly, the writing is outstanding if not downright exceptional. (John Green jump-scare in 3…) I mean, I’m a pretty easy grader when it comes to how a book’s literally written (… 2…), because as long as something clears the very low bar of this (… 1, go!): “I wanted so badly to lie down next to her on the couch, to wrap my arms around her and sleep. Not fuck, like in those movies. Not even have sex. Just sleep together in the most innocent sense of the phrase. But I lacked the courage and she had a boyfriend and I was gawky and she was gorgeous and I was hopelessly boring and she was endlessly fascinating. So I walked back to my room and collapsed on the bottom bunk, thinking that if people were rain, I was drizzle and she was hurricane.” then any form of writing is a-okay in my book. Alright, I’ve got it all out of my system, time to end this. Shoestring Theory could have been an interesting book about the nature of forgiveness and how that works in a relationship between lovers with such a storied history that they’ve long lost their love for each other, but because certain twists in the narrative rendered any conflict between Eufrates and Cyril moot, all opportunities for character growth went along with it. I wanted to cheer along with everyone else during the Shrek 2-esque third act, I really did, but because it felt unearned and tonally bereft, I could only read on with a blank face. If there was nothing to forgive in the first place, then why should I pretend like reuniting would feel so good? I'll leave this off with one final thought: Good book, disappointing book.
“It is a shame, but I love you too,” He said quiet, mirthful, against Eufrates’s lips.
Heyo, can I ask a huge favor of you? Make sure I never, ever gamble. For all the normal reasons, sure, like how my frail constitution would lead me to the point of breaking down and crying if I lost even a couple dollars to the machine, but also because I’d be really, really bad at it. I mean, I’m aware that there’s literally no way to be good at gambling (I’ve seen Casino, I know), but I’d find a way to be singularly bad at it, I just know it. You get where I’m going with this, right? Because when I started this book, I proudly proclaimed that this would clear a “five-star” rating, no sweat… and I’m sure you can tell by my rating up there that it… did not. I mean, overall I liked Shoestring Theory, but because the beginning of the book was so good and the second half was so meh, I’m totally going to be a lot more negative than I normally would be. Firstly, I know I said this already, but I loved the first part of this book a whole lot! Remember I said that, please. I loved the first part of Shoestring Theory a whoo~oole LOT! Seriously, I haven’t read such a captivating opening to a novel since Malorie by Josh Malerman. It turns out that the similarities don't end there though, because both books kind of fell off a bit as the story went on. But that's enough stalling, let’s get to the synopsis! In this lovely book with a lovely cover that has a cute cat on it, we follow disgraced court mage Cyril on the outskirts of a kingdom in ruin, and as he’s lamenting the many regrets in his life, he realizes the biggest of them all was marrying the king, Eufrates, as his poor rulership and cruel expansionist nature has led to famine and desolation. There’s some real old testament type stuff going on here! Anyway, in his despair, Cyril decides on a last ditch effort in rectifying his mistakes by attempting to travel back in time to fix all the wrong in his reality. Then some more things happen and not to be coy, but you’ll probably have to read it to find out! The fact that Shoestring Theory went for this ever-present and overwhelmingly somber tone in the first chapter had me immediately thinking that I was in for something special. No lie, whenever I find a book that has me burning the midnight oil, a book like Shoestring Theory, it makes me want to SHOUT, lift my heels up and SHOUT, throw my head back and SHOUT, kick my heels up and SHOUT! I like stories that feature characters that constantly dwell on things that they can’t change, and on that front, I couldn’t help but see a lot of myself in Cyril. When I was a kid, I was always a little obsessed with “setting things right” and in my powerlessness, I would to do this weird thing where if I spun in a circle this way, I’d be anxious until I spun back around the other way. To.. I don't know, reset things? It’s silly, but something about this book tapped into an old mindset that used to be a very real fear of mine; the idea of putting things right.
And after saying all that, I find myself mostly frustrated after finishing this because by all accounts… I should love this book! So why don’t I? Hmm… it’s a thinker alright, but you know what I’m thinking? I can use this review as a blank space, a forum if you will, in which I can air out all my grievances. Lets see, where to start? Oh, I know! I think I had beef with the way the main focus of this novel is almost entirely about the troubled relationship between our two main dudes, Eufrates and Cyril. And yeah, at first glance that sounds like it'd be great because I love character focused narratives, but the problem here is that because we meet them at a time when they’ve already grown to hate each other, with Eufrates especially being an unpleasant dick the whole book, the narrative is never really given enough time to effectively argue the case as to why they these two should even get back together. If we’re only given examples of how bad they are for each other, then why should I be happy when they have their big reunion moment? In the original timeline, Cyril is said to be a bad match for the new king because Eufrates can’t make him Juno (you know), but I think the real reason they shouldn’t be together is because they both just… kind of suck ass. Cyril is cowardly, flighty, and reacts to any and all danger by just staring blankly at said danger! He's always infuriatingly awestruck and dumbfounded, all standing still as a slab of stone like he’s Slenderman. But let’s not forget the resident shit king, Eufrates, who's shit at being king! Cyril is constantly singing his praises, saying he used to be great, but because we’re only ever privy to his shit side, there’s really no reason for us to ever offer him any grace. The narrative tries to course correct this eventually, but by then I think it’s far too late. So we’ve got this loser love-interest who’s given whiplash characteristics between being both the sweetest, most besotted man in the world and a growling, incoherent cave man, grunting his way through any and all dialogue. It’s safe to say that I lost my patience with them pretty quickly, and not to be mean, but I was rooting against them at every turn. I mean… yeah, I guess that's what this whole book is supposed to be about; a couple reconciling and us all cheering that true love can stop the world from ending or whatever... but I can’t lie, I've never cheered for divorce harder than I have with this book. Go divorce! Here's the thing, if we had just been given more pages of them being actually sweet on each other, enjoying each other’s company, then I could have probably cut this long ass review in half!
Look, I know the hate-to-love thing is very popular and a lot of people love it a whole lot, but I think my favorite love-interests in books are always going to be the ones who love outwardly and without shame. I literally started rereading the Master of Restless Shadows books simply because I needed a reminder of what it looks like when a book is able to create conflict in a way that isn't just the typical artificially curated relationship drama. Basically, I'm down bad for a romance of kindness in stories! I'm just saying, give me something that evokes this, “Take time to tell me, you really care, and we'll share tomorrow, together, I'll always love you ever, and ever” and I'll finally shut up for once! I just feel like too many books are so quick to show animosity between the characters because they seem to be under the impression that antagonism equals sexual tension, and are worried that if the characters are happy together, then the readers might get bored. But because of this, by the time we reach the end, any resolution feels off because we've only seen these characters bickering throughout the entire novel! Never forget that you have to show us Patroclus and Achilles happy and content in the cave before you can have Achilles dragging Hector’s dumbass around the walls of Troy. But yeah, other than wanting to see more of Eufrates and Cyril by the lake on Naboo, when there was nothing but their love, no politics, no plotting, no war, I did have a couple other things that bothered me. Woah! Several things bothered me, can you believe it? While I concede that for better or for worse, this book never failed to surprise me at every turn, given the payoff, I’m not so sure if that ended up being a good thing. For example, there was one chapter where I figured the story would turn into a Captive Prince kind of thing, but then it became this whole new kind of thing and I was immensely relieved... at first. I don’t know if this turn was better per se, but it was different for a bit, and that has to count for something, no? Then when that new, different thing started to look like it’d be a Skyler White and Ted Beneke situation, Shoestring Theory diverted to something else yet again! It’s cool how it seemed like the author had a finger on the pulse, being mindful of the audience’s savviness and all that, but I do think that the narrative would sometimes come across as a little too reactive for my liking. I couldn’t help but wonder if the writing may have suffered in the process due to how subversive it was trying to be. And I think we all know what can happen when being subversive takes precedent over proper narrative resolution in the writing room. Game of Thrones season eight. I’m talking about Game of Thrones season eight.
Besides, when the only trope that does strictly adhere to convention is the whole “enemies-to-lovers” thing, you just know I’m going to act a fool about it. Wait, did someone say "enemies-to-lovers?" That's my favorite thing to complain about! Ugh okay, I’ll talk about it, and I know that doing the whole "omg I hated this!" bit in reviews can be fun a lot of the times, but I'm really not lying when I tell you that I'm so~oo tired of talking about it because it feels like I'm just screaming into the void at this point. I'm just sitting here like... why!?!? What happened to the love that brought us both so much joy and happiness? I wanted nothing but peace! Look, there’s nothing more I can say about this trope that I haven’t already stated in the last couple weeks alone, but if you’re going to write about enemies turning into lovers and then add a love-triangle on top of all of that, then you have to at least give me the allusion that the third (and more interesting) guy actually has a chance to be a part of the endgame couple. Seriously, as soon as this loser was introduced, Cyril constantly stated to us via his narration that he’s still “hopelessly in love with Eufrates” and it’s like, then what are we even doing here? If you constantly remind the reader that there’s only ever going to be one™ official couple, then there’s almost no point in even calling them enemies in the first place. It sucks the fun out of the whole thing. Oh, I think I’ve figured it out: I like love-triangles… but I hate love-triangles that aren’t interested in being love-triangles! The ones that always feel like they're constantly reassuring the reader. Like, a good one has to give me enough to go on where I can imagine the main character potentially ending up with either love-interest. That way the story ends up feeling more complete and less like the author is just stringing me along. Get it? “Stringing”… Shoestring Theory!! Okay, that’s nothing. Also, it was annoying how often Cyril was caught unawares by plot beats that anybody in the same situation would have been able to sus out immediately. He literally knows what's going to happen and yet he’s still the dumbest guy around? Come on now. It would have helped if he’d been a little more reticent and cagey about his plans, but nah, he just spills the beans to any old schmuck he comes across. Though maybe I’m just being too harsh, because I am a man of a suspicious nature. I mean, I did grow up on Mario Party so I was out there stealing everybody else’s stars and shit. You know how it is.
Hey wait, I'm still here? Um… yeah, I’m sorry for rambling, but I also thought that Shoestring Theory’s world building left a lot to be desired, and I’d be remiss not to talk about it. Not to sound like I spend all my time shaking my fist at clouds, but the thing I’ve noticed in a lot of newer fantasy is that they often have a hard time properly portraying scope in their fantasy worlds. Older stuff like Luck in the Shadows show the depth of their world by literally having the characters traversing a wide range of landscape, sure, but even new books like Master of Restless Shadows that have their setting take place almost entirely in one city are still able to give us a full picture just by the sheer diversity of cultures within the cast. In this book, while the main castle is given enough detail to feel like a real place that the characters inhabit, I never managed to get enough of a sense of scale throughout the story. For example, when it looked like our main characters weren’t safe in their home anymore, they immediately had to escape to a neighboring kingdom, and when that place had proven to be a less than ideal safe haven, Cyril and company just run back to the first kingdom? Do these people live on a fucking Settlers of Catan board? Why are there only two places in this world?!?! Play write style writing. Anyway, that’s enough negativity, let’s talk about good things from here on out! Firstly, the writing is outstanding if not downright exceptional. (John Green jump-scare in 3…) I mean, I’m a pretty easy grader when it comes to how a book’s literally written (… 2…), because as long as something clears the very low bar of this (… 1, go!): “I wanted so badly to lie down next to her on the couch, to wrap my arms around her and sleep. Not fuck, like in those movies. Not even have sex. Just sleep together in the most innocent sense of the phrase. But I lacked the courage and she had a boyfriend and I was gawky and she was gorgeous and I was hopelessly boring and she was endlessly fascinating. So I walked back to my room and collapsed on the bottom bunk, thinking that if people were rain, I was drizzle and she was hurricane.” then any form of writing is a-okay in my book. Alright, I’ve got it all out of my system, time to end this. Shoestring Theory could have been an interesting book about the nature of forgiveness and how that works in a relationship between lovers with such a storied history that they’ve long lost their love for each other, but because certain twists in the narrative rendered any conflict between Eufrates and Cyril moot, all opportunities for character growth went along with it. I wanted to cheer along with everyone else during the Shrek 2-esque third act, I really did, but because it felt unearned and tonally bereft, I could only read on with a blank face. If there was nothing to forgive in the first place, then why should I pretend like reuniting would feel so good? I'll leave this off with one final thought: Good book, disappointing book.
“It is a shame, but I love you too,” He said quiet, mirthful, against Eufrates’s lips.
February 27, 2025
My experience with the book was somewhat underwhelming. I initially had high hopes, expecting an engaging and captivating read, but what I encountered felt more like an average narrative. The premise held great promise and was genuinely intriguing, yet the execution fell short in several key areas.
The plot seemed disjointed and erratic, struggling to maintain a cohesive flow. The pacing was consistently sluggish, which became particularly frustrating during pivotal moments that called for heightened intensity and speed. Characters, unfortunately, felt lackluster and forgettable. Their arcs were insufficiently developed, leaving me with little insight into their personalities, backgrounds, or motivations. As a result, I found it difficult to connect with them on any level.
Cyril, the protagonist, was particularly exasperating. I've encountered my fair share of foolish main characters in literature, but Cyril might just take the crown. It seemed that every decision he made veered towards the wrong path, embodying the epitome of bad judgment. His so-called plans often came across as half-formed and nonsensical, which not only diminished his character's credibility but also my initial enthusiasm for him. What started as mild annoyance quickly escalated into genuine frustration, and by the conclusion of the book, I found myself feeling utterly indifferent towards his fate.
Regarding the romance, I approached it with anticipation, but it ultimately left me disappointed. From the very beginning, it was clear that the relationship between Cyril and Eufrates was toxic, which I initially accepted, hoping that the narrative would guide us through a transformative journey toward a healthier dynamic. Sadly, this hope was misplaced; the transition from toxicity to apparent harmony happened abruptly and without the necessary character development or growth to make it believable. I missed out on any meaningful exploration that might have helped me appreciate the romance or even develop a fondness for Eufrates as a love interest.
Perhaps the most disheartening aspect was how the narrative brushed aside the toxic behaviors exhibited by Eufrates. Cyril's ability to forgive him seemed unearned, as there was no authentic remorse displayed by Eufrates for his abusive actions throughout both timelines. His behavior was genuinely troubling, yet it was glossed over far too quickly.
Don't get me wrong, both of them were toxic to each other, but at least Cyril attempted to fix the relationship.
In the end, I am rating this book three stars. While it didn't incite any strong feelings of hatred, it did evoke a mild sense of dislike. The writing itself was skillful, and I could see the glimmers of potential within the storyline—even though it ultimately failed to deliver a satisfying experience.
The plot seemed disjointed and erratic, struggling to maintain a cohesive flow. The pacing was consistently sluggish, which became particularly frustrating during pivotal moments that called for heightened intensity and speed. Characters, unfortunately, felt lackluster and forgettable. Their arcs were insufficiently developed, leaving me with little insight into their personalities, backgrounds, or motivations. As a result, I found it difficult to connect with them on any level.
Cyril, the protagonist, was particularly exasperating. I've encountered my fair share of foolish main characters in literature, but Cyril might just take the crown. It seemed that every decision he made veered towards the wrong path, embodying the epitome of bad judgment. His so-called plans often came across as half-formed and nonsensical, which not only diminished his character's credibility but also my initial enthusiasm for him. What started as mild annoyance quickly escalated into genuine frustration, and by the conclusion of the book, I found myself feeling utterly indifferent towards his fate.
Regarding the romance, I approached it with anticipation, but it ultimately left me disappointed. From the very beginning, it was clear that the relationship between Cyril and Eufrates was toxic, which I initially accepted, hoping that the narrative would guide us through a transformative journey toward a healthier dynamic. Sadly, this hope was misplaced; the transition from toxicity to apparent harmony happened abruptly and without the necessary character development or growth to make it believable. I missed out on any meaningful exploration that might have helped me appreciate the romance or even develop a fondness for Eufrates as a love interest.
Perhaps the most disheartening aspect was how the narrative brushed aside the toxic behaviors exhibited by Eufrates. Cyril's ability to forgive him seemed unearned, as there was no authentic remorse displayed by Eufrates for his abusive actions throughout both timelines. His behavior was genuinely troubling, yet it was glossed over far too quickly.
Don't get me wrong, both of them were toxic to each other, but at least Cyril attempted to fix the relationship.
In the end, I am rating this book three stars. While it didn't incite any strong feelings of hatred, it did evoke a mild sense of dislike. The writing itself was skillful, and I could see the glimmers of potential within the storyline—even though it ultimately failed to deliver a satisfying experience.
October 23, 2024
cats, time travel, friends to lovers to enemies to lovers??? i loved this
October 3, 2024
I was sent this book as an advanced copy by the publisher via NetGalley for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.
🥹 this scratched my brain in all the good ways, which means that this won't be a proper review because I am unable to say what was so good about it. It's just, the combination of tropes, the tension between characters and the absolute perfect balance of plot and coziness was made for me, you know? I read it in one day, which hasn't happened in forever (it was also a rainy day) so that has to mean something.
Anyway no review just vibes, read this book, bye
🥹 this scratched my brain in all the good ways, which means that this won't be a proper review because I am unable to say what was so good about it. It's just, the combination of tropes, the tension between characters and the absolute perfect balance of plot and coziness was made for me, you know? I read it in one day, which hasn't happened in forever (it was also a rainy day) so that has to mean something.
Anyway no review just vibes, read this book, bye
August 6, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free via Netgalley, and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts. Many thanks to Angry Robot for the opportunity!
As soon as I saw the premise, I knew I HAD to read this book. I'm a huge fan of time travel, second chances, complex relationship dynamics and Shoestring Theory really delivered on a fun plot, endearing main characters and a compelling how-to-stop-the-world-from-ending mystery to solve which made it hard to put this book down! I absolutely love Mariana's writing style and while some parts could be predictable by some people, it really didn't detract from my enjoyment of this at all. The first 30% packs so much that it made the rest of the book super duper fun to read.
I absolutely love the bits we get of Cyril and Eufrates in the future, the past, and the new present. Their relationship is the highlight for me, and obviously, is central to the plot too. Eufrates was a delight to see through Cyril's POV, and it was fun to see Cyril have to navigate through reliving his youthful love for Eufrates while knowing what happens in his original timeline. The rest of the cast round our leads really well, and I absolutely love Tig's banter with both Cyril and her brother.
Honestly, my only major complaint is that this is only 400 pages because I could've easily read another 100 pages of this cast. The pacing wasn't too jarring, but I did get to the ending with a "Wait, can't we see more, please?" feeling. 🤣 That said, it is a fabulous standalone that also leaves room for a sequel if desired, which is always satisfying to me. Another minor complaint is that this reads a teeeny tiny bit YA-leaning, but that's not bad either.
I see that this is comped to Legends & Lattes and marked as a cozy fantasy and feel like that brings in the wrong expectations so I'm glad I only saw that post me finishing the book. While it is really easy to read like L&L is and there are some cozy elements, a better tone and plot comparison to me would be The Sins on Their Bones with needing to stop an evil ex-husband, but TSTB goes much darker than here as well as specific danmei titles, but maybe that's a bit too niche. 😂
I really can't wait to see what Mariana writes next!
-------
Probably a 4.5 rounded up. I blazed through this and it was a fun read! I have some minor complaints. But this is a great debut from Costa. Being comped to Legends and Lattes + cozy fantasy will bring in the wrong expectations though, I think. 😂 Full RTC.
As soon as I saw the premise, I knew I HAD to read this book. I'm a huge fan of time travel, second chances, complex relationship dynamics and Shoestring Theory really delivered on a fun plot, endearing main characters and a compelling how-to-stop-the-world-from-ending mystery to solve which made it hard to put this book down! I absolutely love Mariana's writing style and while some parts could be predictable by some people, it really didn't detract from my enjoyment of this at all. The first 30% packs so much that it made the rest of the book super duper fun to read.
I absolutely love the bits we get of Cyril and Eufrates in the future, the past, and the new present. Their relationship is the highlight for me, and obviously, is central to the plot too. Eufrates was a delight to see through Cyril's POV, and it was fun to see Cyril have to navigate through reliving his youthful love for Eufrates while knowing what happens in his original timeline. The rest of the cast round our leads really well, and I absolutely love Tig's banter with both Cyril and her brother.
Honestly, my only major complaint is that this is only 400 pages because I could've easily read another 100 pages of this cast. The pacing wasn't too jarring, but I did get to the ending with a "Wait, can't we see more, please?" feeling. 🤣 That said, it is a fabulous standalone that also leaves room for a sequel if desired, which is always satisfying to me. Another minor complaint is that this reads a teeeny tiny bit YA-leaning, but that's not bad either.
I see that this is comped to Legends & Lattes and marked as a cozy fantasy and feel like that brings in the wrong expectations so I'm glad I only saw that post me finishing the book. While it is really easy to read like L&L is and there are some cozy elements, a better tone and plot comparison to me would be The Sins on Their Bones with needing to stop an evil ex-husband, but TSTB goes much darker than here as well as specific danmei titles, but maybe that's a bit too niche. 😂
I really can't wait to see what Mariana writes next!
-------
Probably a 4.5 rounded up. I blazed through this and it was a fun read! I have some minor complaints. But this is a great debut from Costa. Being comped to Legends and Lattes + cozy fantasy will bring in the wrong expectations though, I think. 😂 Full RTC.
October 28, 2024
You read the plot and now you are asking yourself if it's up to the task. It is.
Engaging, functional plot, great characters, the perfect amount of feelings.
(I wouldn't compare it to Legends and Lattes. At all. So if, like me, you are turned off by the comparison, don't mind it too much)
Engaging, functional plot, great characters, the perfect amount of feelings.
(I wouldn't compare it to Legends and Lattes. At all. So if, like me, you are turned off by the comparison, don't mind it too much)
May 6, 2025
This was a fun book! A pretty heavy premise, but the book itself had a light, fun feel to it. Sort of adventurey. Sort of silly at times. There was a bit of action, a bit of romance. There was a human in an animal body, a feisty great aunt, a weird love triangle, time travel, and a lot of magic.
The only thing is, the characters and relationships could’ve had more depth or been established better. I especially would’ve liked to know or feel more of the relationship between Cyril and Eufrates, before things turned sour. Either there should’ve been more time setting things up, or Cyril should’ve had more flashbacks or reminiscing, or the two should’ve had more scenes together during the book. So much of this book revolved around that relationship, but I was just told that they’d been in love, told a few sweet things Eufrates did, and not much else. I wanted to actually feel the angst and bitterness and longing.
I can be picky about time travel, but I just accepted this version and rolled with it. Cyril traveled back in time and was in his younger body but with his older mind and memories, and he was able to change things and do things differently.
I liked the audiobook narration by Philip Battley. He sounded natural, I could tell characters apart, and his voice was pleasant to listen to.
You know, I don’t actually have a lot to say about this book, but I wanted to post a review anyway because I enjoyed it, and I thought other people might enjoy it too. It didn’t have quite the angst and depth that it could’ve, but it was a fun romp!
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2025 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes stories about traveling in time to change the past, books that are fairly light and fun despite a heavy premise, love triangles, a bit of romance, a bit of friendship, a bit of action, and a lot of magic.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
The only thing is, the characters and relationships could’ve had more depth or been established better. I especially would’ve liked to know or feel more of the relationship between Cyril and Eufrates, before things turned sour. Either there should’ve been more time setting things up, or Cyril should’ve had more flashbacks or reminiscing, or the two should’ve had more scenes together during the book. So much of this book revolved around that relationship, but I was just told that they’d been in love, told a few sweet things Eufrates did, and not much else. I wanted to actually feel the angst and bitterness and longing.
I can be picky about time travel, but I just accepted this version and rolled with it. Cyril traveled back in time and was in his younger body but with his older mind and memories, and he was able to change things and do things differently.
I liked the audiobook narration by Philip Battley. He sounded natural, I could tell characters apart, and his voice was pleasant to listen to.
You know, I don’t actually have a lot to say about this book, but I wanted to post a review anyway because I enjoyed it, and I thought other people might enjoy it too. It didn’t have quite the angst and depth that it could’ve, but it was a fun romp!
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2025 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes stories about traveling in time to change the past, books that are fairly light and fun despite a heavy premise, love triangles, a bit of romance, a bit of friendship, a bit of action, and a lot of magic.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
November 24, 2024
Cyril has lived 10 years alone in the frozen, apocalyptic wasteland remains of the earth created by his tyrant King of a husband until his cat familiar dies. In his sadness, he sends himself back into the body of his 22 year old self—before the love of his life had caused the world to wilt and wither—to try and set things right by preventing his husband from becoming king. Except there’s one problem: his husband has also been brought back into his younger body and now they will both relive the horrors of the worst year of their lives while trying to change the future.
I will not say more because every single reveal had me GAGGED in {Shoestring Theory by Mariana Costa}. I LOVED THIS. This is a book of magic, second chances (at life and at love), and infinite twists and turns. I’ll admit I was still confused about who the true love interest would be for about half the book! It is utterly charming while also intense and gut wrenching. Cyril is such a complicated character; imagine being ~50 and being thrown back into your 22 year old body and having a second chance at some of the worst times in your life. This second chance will put you through the wringer; the whole premise is gut wrenching, the world and cast of characters is magnetic, and I am thoroughly and utterly charmed by this debut.
I’ll admit I picked this book up based purely on the cover and the promise of queer romance, but I am SO glad I took a chance on this book. It’s the time travel romantasy of my dreams that has similar vibes to my favorite games like the randomness and thinking-on-your-feet of Dungeons and Dragons as well as the whimsy, wit, and charm of Dragon Age. While it’s not on KU, I highly recommend everyone who loves MM fantasy romance give it a read!
(And don’t worry animal lovers, the cat will be okay :)
I will not say more because every single reveal had me GAGGED in {Shoestring Theory by Mariana Costa}. I LOVED THIS. This is a book of magic, second chances (at life and at love), and infinite twists and turns. I’ll admit I was still confused about who the true love interest would be for about half the book! It is utterly charming while also intense and gut wrenching. Cyril is such a complicated character; imagine being ~50 and being thrown back into your 22 year old body and having a second chance at some of the worst times in your life. This second chance will put you through the wringer; the whole premise is gut wrenching, the world and cast of characters is magnetic, and I am thoroughly and utterly charmed by this debut.
I’ll admit I picked this book up based purely on the cover and the promise of queer romance, but I am SO glad I took a chance on this book. It’s the time travel romantasy of my dreams that has similar vibes to my favorite games like the randomness and thinking-on-your-feet of Dungeons and Dragons as well as the whimsy, wit, and charm of Dragon Age. While it’s not on KU, I highly recommend everyone who loves MM fantasy romance give it a read!
(And don’t worry animal lovers, the cat will be okay :)
March 2, 2025
I went into this book so so excited because it honestly sounds like it was made for me but I left feeling so disappointed
I don't think this book was necessarily bad but it certainly wasn't very good. One of the main issues I had with it was that so much of it felt like set dressing. Why have your characters be royalty if you're not actually going to do anything with that??? Why kill off the parents immediately if it felt like it added nothing to the book?? Why make time travel your main plot element when it felt like Cyril barely had any information and barely acted like he was much older than he was meant to be??
That was honestly one of the main issues with the book. Characters coming across as flawless and hyper logical because of their foreknowledge is often one of the main flaws of time travel stories but this book seems to overcorrect way too much. Cyril has no plans or thoughts or ideas going into the past and his plans are just scrambled together and nonsensical in a way that really made him seem like a 20 year old with just a couple of bits of extra knowledge, as opposed to an experienced 50 year old man.
We're also given so little context of what happened in the intervening 25 odd years that it really seems the only information he has is that two people will die in the next six months and as result, Eufrates will become evil over the next 13 years. And it's like okay, what else??? What else happened that shaped you as a person and made you fundamentally different from the 22 year old version of yourself, what happened in those 13 years that you're trying to prevent, what were you thinking about that you thought you could change when you made this mad gamble?? Where is your isolation now that you've made it to the past because those you love no longer recognise you but they don't understand why? Where's your sense of loss that those who knew you intimately cannot understand you on a fundamental level anymore because they no longer hold the context for your life?? These are the things that make a time travel story great and they were just missing from this book.
Outside of Tigris's death, the two main things Cryil is trying to stop is Eufrates rise to the throne and his annexation of the neighbouring kingdom. But because of Cyril's actions, those two things happen much faster and that could be a fun thing to play with! That despite his best intentions, he's made things worse! But Cyril just never seems to acknowledge this??? That his ridiculous and ludicrous plan to keep Tigris 'safe', leads directly to Eufrates getting power earlier??? There was essentially zero reflection on the consequences of what he had done, which really added to the feeling of shallowness in the book
I mentioned above that it felt like a lot of things in this book were set dressing, but the lack of context for the future Cyril is trying to prevent and the way his character seems wholly unchanged by the intervening years, made the actual time travel plot itself seem like set dressing instead of yknow, the plot of the book. And that's really just bizarre to me.
As for the romance aspect, we spent so little time with Eufrates that I found it hard to buy into the romance. I love an intense, slightly obsessive, definitely codependent, romance, so I was also really interested to see how that would play out but he just came across as quite one dimensional since we spent so little time with him. And because the tension between the two characters barely existed on the page, Cyril just came across as uncomfortable in their early scenes together rather than into it and that made it hard to get invested in the romance at the beginning of the book.
Frustratingly, the few scenes they had together towards the end of the book WERE really strong! I adored the scene where they were finally reunited after Cyril returned from the neighbouring kingdom, I thought that scene was the strongest scene in the book, alongside the opening. But I just wished we got more of it!
Similarly, because we spent so little time with Eufrates, his redemption also felt profoundly unearned. We didn't know the youthful innocent version of himself but we also didn't know the tortured mad version, so why should we care when he was saved?
The Atticus twist I also feel was to the detriment of the novel. I feel like the emotional heart and centre of this novel should have been the relationship between Cyril and Eufrates and how Cyril is using his knowledge to save Eufrates from himself. Instead we have a Hans Frozen-esque twist villain with a plot that literally made no sense (why didn't he just use his magic to manipulate Tigris, the one he was married to so he could become regent, instead of killing her, losing his place in their royal family, and then manipulating her brother instead???) just so that Eufrates could be insta fixed instead of earning any of it.
I think perhaps this is more intended for a ya/younger audience which would explain the shallowness of the book so perhaps I just went into it expecting too much. It probably doesn't help that I am a time travel connoisseur from my time in the fanfiction mines, so I have a lot of opinions and expectations of what makes a good time travel story and what makes a bad one. This unfortunately fell into a lot of the pitfalls of a bad one.
There were some aspects and scenes I found fun and I do just inherently enjoy a time travel story, but it still fell quite flat for me in way that felt very frustrating as it felt like it was so close to being good but ultimately just missed the mark. I know this is the authors debut so i would still be interested in checking out any future works from them when they've honed the craft a little bit more
I don't think this book was necessarily bad but it certainly wasn't very good. One of the main issues I had with it was that so much of it felt like set dressing. Why have your characters be royalty if you're not actually going to do anything with that??? Why kill off the parents immediately if it felt like it added nothing to the book?? Why make time travel your main plot element when it felt like Cyril barely had any information and barely acted like he was much older than he was meant to be??
That was honestly one of the main issues with the book. Characters coming across as flawless and hyper logical because of their foreknowledge is often one of the main flaws of time travel stories but this book seems to overcorrect way too much. Cyril has no plans or thoughts or ideas going into the past and his plans are just scrambled together and nonsensical in a way that really made him seem like a 20 year old with just a couple of bits of extra knowledge, as opposed to an experienced 50 year old man.
We're also given so little context of what happened in the intervening 25 odd years that it really seems the only information he has is that two people will die in the next six months and as result, Eufrates will become evil over the next 13 years. And it's like okay, what else??? What else happened that shaped you as a person and made you fundamentally different from the 22 year old version of yourself, what happened in those 13 years that you're trying to prevent, what were you thinking about that you thought you could change when you made this mad gamble?? Where is your isolation now that you've made it to the past because those you love no longer recognise you but they don't understand why? Where's your sense of loss that those who knew you intimately cannot understand you on a fundamental level anymore because they no longer hold the context for your life?? These are the things that make a time travel story great and they were just missing from this book.
Outside of Tigris's death, the two main things Cryil is trying to stop is Eufrates rise to the throne and his annexation of the neighbouring kingdom. But because of Cyril's actions, those two things happen much faster and that could be a fun thing to play with! That despite his best intentions, he's made things worse! But Cyril just never seems to acknowledge this??? That his ridiculous and ludicrous plan to keep Tigris 'safe', leads directly to Eufrates getting power earlier??? There was essentially zero reflection on the consequences of what he had done, which really added to the feeling of shallowness in the book
I mentioned above that it felt like a lot of things in this book were set dressing, but the lack of context for the future Cyril is trying to prevent and the way his character seems wholly unchanged by the intervening years, made the actual time travel plot itself seem like set dressing instead of yknow, the plot of the book. And that's really just bizarre to me.
As for the romance aspect, we spent so little time with Eufrates that I found it hard to buy into the romance. I love an intense, slightly obsessive, definitely codependent, romance, so I was also really interested to see how that would play out but he just came across as quite one dimensional since we spent so little time with him. And because the tension between the two characters barely existed on the page, Cyril just came across as uncomfortable in their early scenes together rather than into it and that made it hard to get invested in the romance at the beginning of the book.
Frustratingly, the few scenes they had together towards the end of the book WERE really strong! I adored the scene where they were finally reunited after Cyril returned from the neighbouring kingdom, I thought that scene was the strongest scene in the book, alongside the opening. But I just wished we got more of it!
Similarly, because we spent so little time with Eufrates, his redemption also felt profoundly unearned. We didn't know the youthful innocent version of himself but we also didn't know the tortured mad version, so why should we care when he was saved?
The Atticus twist I also feel was to the detriment of the novel. I feel like the emotional heart and centre of this novel should have been the relationship between Cyril and Eufrates and how Cyril is using his knowledge to save Eufrates from himself. Instead we have a Hans Frozen-esque twist villain with a plot that literally made no sense (why didn't he just use his magic to manipulate Tigris, the one he was married to so he could become regent, instead of killing her, losing his place in their royal family, and then manipulating her brother instead???) just so that Eufrates could be insta fixed instead of earning any of it.
I think perhaps this is more intended for a ya/younger audience which would explain the shallowness of the book so perhaps I just went into it expecting too much. It probably doesn't help that I am a time travel connoisseur from my time in the fanfiction mines, so I have a lot of opinions and expectations of what makes a good time travel story and what makes a bad one. This unfortunately fell into a lot of the pitfalls of a bad one.
There were some aspects and scenes I found fun and I do just inherently enjoy a time travel story, but it still fell quite flat for me in way that felt very frustrating as it felt like it was so close to being good but ultimately just missed the mark. I know this is the authors debut so i would still be interested in checking out any future works from them when they've honed the craft a little bit more
May 25, 2024
Thank you to Angry Robot for sending me an early copy of this delightful book, a stellar example of what cozy fantasy should be, filled with love and laughs while still striking a moving narrative.
My official blurb:
A surprising and clever gem of a novel, Shoestring Theory sparkles with banter between scorned lovers and lost friends alike. Equal parts wittily irreverent and stirringly poignant, Costa has crafted a heartfelt story about second chances, never giving up on the people we love, and one very good cat.
Also, if you're as worried as I was about the cat:
My official blurb:
A surprising and clever gem of a novel, Shoestring Theory sparkles with banter between scorned lovers and lost friends alike. Equal parts wittily irreverent and stirringly poignant, Costa has crafted a heartfelt story about second chances, never giving up on the people we love, and one very good cat.
Also, if you're as worried as I was about the cat:
November 23, 2024
There's a good book in here, and it's not even buried that far beneath the surface, but it is still buried.
I knew I should've DNF'd, but 1) the author's strength is definitely creating emotional connections, so I felt invested in the outcome of multiple relationships/plot points, and 2) historical fantasy is one of my favorite genres even before you add in the time travel in order to re-live an earlier part of your life twist that is catnip to me.
My biggest complaint is the tonal mismatch. The characters are actively, continuously involved in high stakes machinations, but they often slip into long scenes of incredibly immature, OTT "comedic" banter that would feel out of place even if the MC wasn't actually a grizzled 50-year-old who's time travelled from the middle of an apocalypse. I love some gallows humor/levity among the darkness, but this was just out of place slapstick/fluff, and it got way worse in the second half.
The writing was also a little off. The author is constantly using a phrase that's *almost* grammatically correct... but not quite, or more often it's one phrase adjacent to what they're really trying to say. And it happens sentence after sentence, paragraph after paragraph at times. It made it hard to sink into the story.
Finally, the MC has such a penchant for stupid choices that it's an oft-commented on character trait by the end of the book. Oof. And this guy is the Court Mage In Waiting in the current timeline who's traveled from a future where he's been the Court Mage for decades. It makes it hard to take the entire fucking kingdom seriously at certain points.
These are all things I have a relatively low tolerance for, so I think it could be much more successful for a lot of readers, but the romance doesn't get as satisfying an arc as I really, really wanted it to either. It needs more resolution considering how much these two have been through and the fact that the good stuff is all in the past and barely features in the book at all.
I should also say this is really well plotted, but unfortunately that didn't balance out the negatives for me.
It's a book full of potential that doesn't quite fulfill any single part of that potential.
I knew I should've DNF'd, but 1) the author's strength is definitely creating emotional connections, so I felt invested in the outcome of multiple relationships/plot points, and 2) historical fantasy is one of my favorite genres even before you add in the time travel in order to re-live an earlier part of your life twist that is catnip to me.
My biggest complaint is the tonal mismatch. The characters are actively, continuously involved in high stakes machinations, but they often slip into long scenes of incredibly immature, OTT "comedic" banter that would feel out of place even if the MC wasn't actually a grizzled 50-year-old who's time travelled from the middle of an apocalypse. I love some gallows humor/levity among the darkness, but this was just out of place slapstick/fluff, and it got way worse in the second half.
The writing was also a little off. The author is constantly using a phrase that's *almost* grammatically correct... but not quite, or more often it's one phrase adjacent to what they're really trying to say. And it happens sentence after sentence, paragraph after paragraph at times. It made it hard to sink into the story.
Finally, the MC has such a penchant for stupid choices that it's an oft-commented on character trait by the end of the book. Oof. And this guy is the Court Mage In Waiting in the current timeline who's traveled from a future where he's been the Court Mage for decades. It makes it hard to take the entire fucking kingdom seriously at certain points.
These are all things I have a relatively low tolerance for, so I think it could be much more successful for a lot of readers, but the romance doesn't get as satisfying an arc as I really, really wanted it to either. It needs more resolution considering how much these two have been through and the fact that the good stuff is all in the past and barely features in the book at all.
I should also say this is really well plotted, but unfortunately that didn't balance out the negatives for me.
It's a book full of potential that doesn't quite fulfill any single part of that potential.
did-not-finish
October 16, 2024TW for animal death, suicide and drowning. In the first chapter.
I just couldn't connect with this story and I tried restarting it to see if something would click and it didn't. Devastated because I got the special edition.
I just couldn't connect with this story and I tried restarting it to see if something would click and it didn't. Devastated because I got the special edition.
March 30, 2025
thank you to angry robot books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
i sat on this book for way longer than i intended to and i will regret that decision for many moons to come. this book was everything (and more) i could want from a cosy fantasy. time travelling hijinks to try and save the future. romance with a splash of enemies in between. found family vibes!
cyril was such a compelling character to follow as he goes back about 30 years into the past to try and stop his home country and his husband (the king) from ruining their land. a lot of his decisions in this book are centered around his self worth (well, lack thereof) and and underlying need to try and fix his previous wrongs. so, what does it say about me that i kinned with cyril so hard. i truly just appreciated that he was essentially ride or die for his home, for his family (found and actual). and throughout the book we follow him as he finds his confidence in said life. it made my heart so full to see cyril learn how much his family truly loves him despite any flaws or mess ups.
i feel like usually i write a lot in my reviews. i actually want to keep this one a bit short since like with many books with sci-fi type elements (time travel) it would ruin a lot of the story if i began to explain the plot and all the aspects of it. i will say that i really loved the use of the “visible” magic system and how there were specialties/sub-sects. i think that aspect of the story truly elevated it even further for me (i mean, freya marske’s a marvellous light is one of my favorite magic systems and that was cat’s cradle... so it’s no surprise a somewhat similar style would also become a favorite!). i think this story was so clever but 1000% you can put the pieces together as you go. and, to me, i think that’s what makes it a great cosy fantasy.
and don’t get me started on the romance! if nothing else, they had me blushing and giggling and kicking my feet the whole way through. their star-crossed romance will sway you over if nothing else did!
i sat on this book for way longer than i intended to and i will regret that decision for many moons to come. this book was everything (and more) i could want from a cosy fantasy. time travelling hijinks to try and save the future. romance with a splash of enemies in between. found family vibes!
cyril was such a compelling character to follow as he goes back about 30 years into the past to try and stop his home country and his husband (the king) from ruining their land. a lot of his decisions in this book are centered around his self worth (well, lack thereof) and and underlying need to try and fix his previous wrongs. so, what does it say about me that i kinned with cyril so hard. i truly just appreciated that he was essentially ride or die for his home, for his family (found and actual). and throughout the book we follow him as he finds his confidence in said life. it made my heart so full to see cyril learn how much his family truly loves him despite any flaws or mess ups.
i feel like usually i write a lot in my reviews. i actually want to keep this one a bit short since like with many books with sci-fi type elements (time travel) it would ruin a lot of the story if i began to explain the plot and all the aspects of it. i will say that i really loved the use of the “visible” magic system and how there were specialties/sub-sects. i think that aspect of the story truly elevated it even further for me (i mean, freya marske’s a marvellous light is one of my favorite magic systems and that was cat’s cradle... so it’s no surprise a somewhat similar style would also become a favorite!). i think this story was so clever but 1000% you can put the pieces together as you go. and, to me, i think that’s what makes it a great cosy fantasy.
and don’t get me started on the romance! if nothing else, they had me blushing and giggling and kicking my feet the whole way through. their star-crossed romance will sway you over if nothing else did!
June 4, 2025
what a lovely little read! funny and heartfelt and filled with magic and love. sure, there's nothing particularly novel about the plot, but I really enjoyed this!
February 7, 2025
It starts promising, but looses momentum early on. even allowing that the wordlbuilding is intended as a mere pretext for the story (which is fine), the plot twist, such as it is, hangs on an point that just doesn't make much sense if you think about for two minutes (which is never great). The characters didn't make up for it, for me, especially with the time travel motive and a perspective it should have bring them - despite repeating every other page how old he is (which is 50, btw), the main character read as a teenager with a bit of insight on what was going to happen next - when he could have been bothered to remember the dates at least. There were interesting topics in the book, but in truly cozy fashion, it refuses to engage with them in any meaningful manner, going for a light and banter-y vibes instead (on a side note, I didn't realize this is marketed as cozy and I'm confused as to why, unless we finally arrived at a point when cozy just means a barely plotted book with a happy ending).
(On another side note, horses in this book make as much sense as the plot twist).
(On another side note, horses in this book make as much sense as the plot twist).
September 10, 2025
oh you know, just your average friends to lovers to marriage to mortal enemies to friends to lovers fantasy with a touch of time travel, a sprinkle of court intrigue, and an absolutely lethal dose of yearning/pining/longing to go along with it.
this endearing little book is one of my new favorites and- and I cannot emphasize this enough - CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED.
if I can convince you to buy one book this year, I beg you to make it this hidden gem which deserves SO much more love <3
this endearing little book is one of my new favorites and- and I cannot emphasize this enough - CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED.
if I can convince you to buy one book this year, I beg you to make it this hidden gem which deserves SO much more love <3
July 10, 2025
my cat is going to live forever it’s fine…
September 29, 2024
Fanfic readers and queer fantasy lovers, I have a recommendation for you!!! 😂
Okay so, I just finished this book, and I honestly feel like I just read a 100k-word AU fanfic with all the angst, pining, and entertainment that I want. And yes, that's a compliment! That's what this book felt like for me! And while I already had an inkling that I would like this book (it's queer fantasy, friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope, plus time travel... what's not to like?), reading it and enjoying it is a delightful experience on its own.
This book starts a little heavy and dark, to be honest. I mean, the cat died. That was already sad enough for me. But our main character, Cyril, was going through a tough time. Not just because he was obviously filled with guilt, grief, and regret. And this darkness loomed over him and the story for the great part of the book. Fortunately, as the plot unraveled and the story progressed, there was little more life and lightheartedness. Not just in Cyril, but also in the dialogue, the scenes, and the story altogether.
Now, the plot is interesting and entertaining. But I'll admit the pacing isn't the best. A lot of the story, especially the first parts, are about Cyril's introspection, inner monologue, and scheming. And even when the story is progressing, it seems slow and tedious. The truly exciting parts for me are the twist reveals and the climax towards the end of the book. What makes up for it, though, are the characters.
Cyril was a great main character for me. I love that, in a way, he's the opposite of a Mary Sue character. He gets winded when he runs; he doesn't become amazing in combat after a few trainings; and doesn't magically defeat an army of mages (lol). He's just a flawed character that I've come to love. Eufrates is also an interesting character. Because on one hand, Cyril remembers him as this sweet, gentle bard prince, but on the other hand, he also knew what he had become—a mad and paranoid tyrant. I did like his and Cyril's chemistry though, and I loved the journey of them finding their way back to each other. Suffice it to say, I loved Eufrates' overall arc in this story. Also, they are essentially middle-aged men in their youthful 20s bodies, so there's a dynamic between them that's funny.
When it comes to the world-building, I think it's just enough. It's not as intricate as other high fantasy/second world fantasy novels, and I think the focus was more on the magic system and the court politics of the world. I have to say though, the author is incredible when it comes to visualization and descriptions. Not just the sceneries and locations, but also when it comes to the emotions and thoughts of the main perspective. I really loved that.
Overall, this was such a fun and entertaining book with a lot of heart. Expect a lot of angst and pining, cute familiars, ridiculous shenanigans, and tropes that we've come to love in fanfiction. (And yep, there were a few parallels to Our Flag Means Death that I found absolutely funny, okay? Like, welcome back Stede Bonnet and Edward Teach 😂)
Anyway, I think this has gotten long enough. I'm saving my full review for my blog!
Exact rating: 4
CW: suicidal ideation, blood, death, animal death, murder, tyranny, slut shaming (in terms of court politics)
A big thank you to Angry Robot for sending an ARC my way in exchange for an honest review!
(This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of my reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2024.
Okay so, I just finished this book, and I honestly feel like I just read a 100k-word AU fanfic with all the angst, pining, and entertainment that I want. And yes, that's a compliment! That's what this book felt like for me! And while I already had an inkling that I would like this book (it's queer fantasy, friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope, plus time travel... what's not to like?), reading it and enjoying it is a delightful experience on its own.
This book starts a little heavy and dark, to be honest. I mean, the cat died. That was already sad enough for me. But our main character, Cyril, was going through a tough time. Not just because he was obviously filled with guilt, grief, and regret. And this darkness loomed over him and the story for the great part of the book. Fortunately, as the plot unraveled and the story progressed, there was little more life and lightheartedness. Not just in Cyril, but also in the dialogue, the scenes, and the story altogether.
Now, the plot is interesting and entertaining. But I'll admit the pacing isn't the best. A lot of the story, especially the first parts, are about Cyril's introspection, inner monologue, and scheming. And even when the story is progressing, it seems slow and tedious. The truly exciting parts for me are the twist reveals and the climax towards the end of the book. What makes up for it, though, are the characters.
Cyril was a great main character for me. I love that, in a way, he's the opposite of a Mary Sue character. He gets winded when he runs; he doesn't become amazing in combat after a few trainings; and doesn't magically defeat an army of mages (lol). He's just a flawed character that I've come to love. Eufrates is also an interesting character. Because on one hand, Cyril remembers him as this sweet, gentle bard prince, but on the other hand, he also knew what he had become—a mad and paranoid tyrant. I did like his and Cyril's chemistry though, and I loved the journey of them finding their way back to each other. Suffice it to say, I loved Eufrates' overall arc in this story. Also, they are essentially middle-aged men in their youthful 20s bodies, so there's a dynamic between them that's funny.
When it comes to the world-building, I think it's just enough. It's not as intricate as other high fantasy/second world fantasy novels, and I think the focus was more on the magic system and the court politics of the world. I have to say though, the author is incredible when it comes to visualization and descriptions. Not just the sceneries and locations, but also when it comes to the emotions and thoughts of the main perspective. I really loved that.
Overall, this was such a fun and entertaining book with a lot of heart. Expect a lot of angst and pining, cute familiars, ridiculous shenanigans, and tropes that we've come to love in fanfiction. (And yep, there were a few parallels to Our Flag Means Death that I found absolutely funny, okay? Like, welcome back Stede Bonnet and Edward Teach 😂)
Anyway, I think this has gotten long enough. I'm saving my full review for my blog!
Exact rating: 4
CW: suicidal ideation, blood, death, animal death, murder, tyranny, slut shaming (in terms of court politics)
A big thank you to Angry Robot for sending an ARC my way in exchange for an honest review!
(This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of my reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2024.
November 16, 2025
Recommend-O-Meter: Oh. My. God. Yes.
This felt like a checklist of all my favorite things, and it was glorious. Time travel? Queer romance? King and his right-hand mage trope? Strong princess who deserves the throne way more than her brother? Stern old lady mother figure? A Very Important Cat? Check, check, and check!
(The sole, minor caveat: the royal siblings are named Tigris and Eufrates, which I absolutely couldn’t take seriously for a good few pages. You get used to it eventually, I suppose.)
Anyway, the story follows our dearly beloved and also pretty unreliable narrator Cyril, the aforementioned mage, as he turns back time to stop his (ex-?)husband from becoming a despot king and destroying their kingdom. Which is, for the record, an awesome premise, made even more awesome by the way it all was executed. This is the kind of book where you can figure out the twists for yourself and STILL be enraptured as you go along, and I love that about it. I’d say the overall tone was kind of unusual in that it’s a rather suspenseful book that tries to be funny, but I really enjoyed it. Not every dark fantasy has to be so gritty! Let crochety old people make jokes!
Also the romantic tension was so real, and it made me want to scream. Shoutout to toxic relationships where the “enemies” in enemies-to-lovers actually involves murderous intent.
But on a more serious note, there were some heavy themes involving Cyril’s perception of death in this one. They weren’t always explicit, but they were omnipresent, and it spoke to me very personally. I think I’ll always be a little in love with this book for that, so make of that bias what you will.
This felt like a checklist of all my favorite things, and it was glorious. Time travel? Queer romance? King and his right-hand mage trope? Strong princess who deserves the throne way more than her brother? Stern old lady mother figure? A Very Important Cat? Check, check, and check!
(The sole, minor caveat: the royal siblings are named Tigris and Eufrates, which I absolutely couldn’t take seriously for a good few pages. You get used to it eventually, I suppose.)
Anyway, the story follows our dearly beloved and also pretty unreliable narrator Cyril, the aforementioned mage, as he turns back time to stop his (ex-?)husband from becoming a despot king and destroying their kingdom. Which is, for the record, an awesome premise, made even more awesome by the way it all was executed. This is the kind of book where you can figure out the twists for yourself and STILL be enraptured as you go along, and I love that about it. I’d say the overall tone was kind of unusual in that it’s a rather suspenseful book that tries to be funny, but I really enjoyed it. Not every dark fantasy has to be so gritty! Let crochety old people make jokes!
Also the romantic tension was so real, and it made me want to scream. Shoutout to toxic relationships where the “enemies” in enemies-to-lovers actually involves murderous intent.
But on a more serious note, there were some heavy themes involving Cyril’s perception of death in this one. They weren’t always explicit, but they were omnipresent, and it spoke to me very personally. I think I’ll always be a little in love with this book for that, so make of that bias what you will.
July 8, 2025
Cute!
Summarized as “Man takes every route possible to keep his cat alive… will also try to save husband from himself, but first, the cat.”
Bookclub, please come prepared to discuss….
- why is it a little bit giving The Emperor’s New Groove (took a lot to NOT think of Yzma)? Kuzco’s poison, poison for Kuzco
- why does it feel like the dominant love story is more between Cyril and his cat (both Shoestring AND Tig) than with Eufrates? Perhaps it was the audiobook, but the romance love story fell flat. Love the platonic love!!
- why does the phrase “sweet meats” have me SO bothered?
Summarized as “Man takes every route possible to keep his cat alive… will also try to save husband from himself, but first, the cat.”
Bookclub, please come prepared to discuss….
- why is it a little bit giving The Emperor’s New Groove (took a lot to NOT think of Yzma)? Kuzco’s poison, poison for Kuzco
- why does it feel like the dominant love story is more between Cyril and his cat (both Shoestring AND Tig) than with Eufrates? Perhaps it was the audiobook, but the romance love story fell flat. Love the platonic love!!
- why does the phrase “sweet meats” have me SO bothered?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
A delightful gay romp!
September 2, 2024
What if The Sins on Their Bones was a cozy fantasy? I had never considered that possibility before, but this book somehow provides the answer. I adored it!
This is the story of Cyril, a former Grand Mage of the Kingdom of Farsala, whose cat familiar, Shoestring, dies. Knowing that he is likely to follow, Cyril uses all his magic to travel back in time and attempt to amend all his failures—primarily his inability to prevent his husband and king, Eufrates, from descending into madness and cruelty.
This book is marketed as cozy fantasy, and it does have that kind of vibe—yet the stakes seem higher than in the average book in the genre. While we may feel confident that things will turn out okay, the reading experience is far from boring. The story is full of emotion, particularly in terms of the characters' personal growth. There are also plenty of funny moments, and the pacing is extremely smooth.
What truly made me love this book, however, were the characters. Cyril is such a gem. The book is essentially told from his POV, and it was great to see him trying to correct his wrongs and navigate this second timeline. I also adored how the romance was handled. The author skillfully blends various tropes. Cyril and Eufrates are so different from each other (it’s deeper than just grumpy sunshine), yet together they are everything. Given how estranged they were at the beginning of the story, I was curious how the enemies-to-lovers trope would work plausibly. Yet it did, largely because they never truly stopped loving each other. The level of pining in this book is incredible, and it’s essentially why I rate it 5 stars.
Speaking of characters, I must also mention Tigris, Eufrates’s sister, whose dynamic with Cyril is impeccable. The book generally has a strong found-family feeling, and I’m all for that.
Overall, it was a sweet, funny, and heartwarming read. I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy fantasy with plenty of pining and warm, cozy vibes.
Thank you NetGalley and Angry Robot for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is the story of Cyril, a former Grand Mage of the Kingdom of Farsala, whose cat familiar, Shoestring, dies. Knowing that he is likely to follow, Cyril uses all his magic to travel back in time and attempt to amend all his failures—primarily his inability to prevent his husband and king, Eufrates, from descending into madness and cruelty.
This book is marketed as cozy fantasy, and it does have that kind of vibe—yet the stakes seem higher than in the average book in the genre. While we may feel confident that things will turn out okay, the reading experience is far from boring. The story is full of emotion, particularly in terms of the characters' personal growth. There are also plenty of funny moments, and the pacing is extremely smooth.
What truly made me love this book, however, were the characters. Cyril is such a gem. The book is essentially told from his POV, and it was great to see him trying to correct his wrongs and navigate this second timeline. I also adored how the romance was handled. The author skillfully blends various tropes. Cyril and Eufrates are so different from each other (it’s deeper than just grumpy sunshine), yet together they are everything. Given how estranged they were at the beginning of the story, I was curious how the enemies-to-lovers trope would work plausibly. Yet it did, largely because they never truly stopped loving each other. The level of pining in this book is incredible, and it’s essentially why I rate it 5 stars.
Speaking of characters, I must also mention Tigris, Eufrates’s sister, whose dynamic with Cyril is impeccable. The book generally has a strong found-family feeling, and I’m all for that.
Overall, it was a sweet, funny, and heartwarming read. I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy fantasy with plenty of pining and warm, cozy vibes.
Thank you NetGalley and Angry Robot for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 5, 2024
Shoestring Theory by Mariana Costa
Rating: 5/5, If I could give it 5.5/5, I would
Summary:
A queer, madcap, friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers time travel romance with the future of the world at stake, Shoestring Theory is a delightful and unique fantasy adventure sure to captivate fans of Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree.
The kingdom of Farsala lies broken, with black clouds looming over its lands. Former Grand-Mage of the High Court, Cyril Laverre, has spent the last decade in isolation, living in a crumbling seaside shack with his only companion—his cat familiar, Shoestring. He harbors immense guilt for the kingdom’s downfall, for Cyril’s husband, King Eufrates Margrave, descended into paranoia and madness, and Cyril did nothing to stop it.
But when Shoestring dies, Cyril knows his time is running out. In a last-ditch effort, he casts a powerful spell to travel back in time—before the tragic events that led to the kingdom’s ruin, and before his romance with Eufrates bloomed. If Cyril can just prevent Eufrates from becoming king, maybe he can save the future. But his magical oath to Eufrates, made long ago, may yet prove to be his most enduring and perilous piece of magic.
With a witty, formidable Great Aunt, a love quadrangle, and a crow familiar named Ganache, Shoestring Theory is as charming as it is daring, filled with fantasy-lite elements and plenty of heart.
Plot & Pacing:
This story hooked me from the moment I read the back cover. The line "a queer, madcap, friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers time travel romance" was all I needed to know that I was in for a fantastic ride. And it did not disappoint!
The plot is captivating, blending time travel, romance, and a quest for redemption seamlessly. I love how the story doesn't shy away from emotional depth, even with its fun and sometimes whimsical tone. There were twists that I didn’t see coming but made perfect sense when they happened. The stakes felt real—both on a personal level and in terms of the kingdom’s fate.
The pacing felt just right for me. I flew through this 400-page book in two days because I simply couldn’t put it down! The combination of personal moments, fast-paced action, and world-building kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story slowed down at the right times for emotional beats, and picked up the pacing during the thrilling moments.
Characters:
Cyril is an excellent protagonist. He’s complex, vulnerable, and deeply relatable, even as a powerful mage. His struggle with guilt and his desire for redemption really drove the emotional core of the book. I found myself rooting for him every step of the way.
Eufrates was another standout. He’s sharp, witty, and I couldn’t help but root for him. I adored how his relationship with Cyril was handled—there was real tenderness and pain there. The tension between them felt real and there was a magnetic pull that added so much depth to the story. The friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope was done beautifully, with the right mix of tension, sweetness, and emotional depth.
And then there’s Tig—literally and figuratively a sassy queen. She is both the actual queen and the sassiest character, and I’m absolutely here for it! I have a personal weakness for what I like to call sassy kings and queens, and Tig is everything I hoped for. She is quick-witted, bold, and utterly delightful. She brought so much fun to the story, and I couldn’t get enough of her.
World-Building:
The world of Farsala is vibrant and full of life. I enjoyed how the fantasy elements—like familiars, time travel, and magical oaths—blended with the more personal storylines. The magic system in the world was fun. There were darker and grimmer moments in the story, and it doesn’t shy away from more difficult themes, but they were handled with care and balanced by the warmth and care of the characters.
Romance:
I found the romantic elements here perfectly balanced. The relationship between Cyril and Eufrates was central to the story, blending in seamlessly into the broader plot. I loved how their dynamic evolved over time and how their past (and future) connection added layers of complexity.
The friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers dynamic and how it is handled felt refreshing to me. The tension was palpable, the banter witty, and the emotional beats truly heartwarming. Their relationship felt genuine, with all the highs and lows that come with deep love, heartbreak, guilt, and betrayal. It was an absolute joy to follow their journey.
Writing Style:
The writing style in Shoestring Theory is beautiful and accessible. The prose flows wonderfully, and even with my dyslexia, I had no trouble staying immersed in the story. The language was engaging without being overly complex, proving that magical storytelling can be both lyrical and accessible.
The dialogue struck the perfect balance between witty and heartfelt. The humour made me smile and chuckle, the twists and turns had me sitting with my mouth open, and the more emotional moments hit the right notes. This book blends it all so smoothly.
Themes:
At its core, Shoestring Theory is about second chances, redemption, and love in all its forms—romantic love, friendship, and even self-love. The themes of trying to fix your past mistakes, saving those you care about, and learning to accept yourself were woven beautifully into the narrative. I especially loved the found family aspect, which has to be my favourite story trope, and the diversity of the characters, which felt natural and integral to the story.
Cover Design:
The first thing that pulled me in was the cover, which is just gorgeous and so much fun! The details are intricate, and the drawing style is beautiful. Every little element on the cover feels intentional and reflects the tone of the story. I especially love the simple, soft colour palette that makes the design pop even more. This cover is definitely going on my mood board as inspiration for my own book cover. It’s stunning and fits the story perfectly.
Final Thoughts:
Shoestring Theory is an absolute gem of a book. The compelling characters, rich themes, and engaging writing style kept me hooked from start to finish. The romance was beautifully done, the world-building was immersive, and the emotional beats hit just right. The fact that I finished this book so quickly, even when I should have been working on my own writing, says everything!
I believe this book is a standalone, and I have to admit, that makes me a little sad. I’m already yearning for more stories set in this world and with these characters. It feels like there’s so much more to explore, and I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to them just yet.
With its gorgeous cover, witty dialogue, fun magic system, and heartwarming romance, this book is a solid 5/5 stars for me. If I could give it 5.5/5, I would! I’m certain I’ve found a new book to add to my list of comfort books, and I can’t wait to revisit it.
I can’t recommend this book enough, and I hope we get more stories set in this world!
I can't wait for the physical copy of this book to come out—it deserves a spot on my bookshelf, and I’m sure it will become a comfort read that I’ll revisit time and time again.
I had the wonderful opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader through NetGalley, for which I want to express my gratitude! This review is my honest and voluntary opinion, and I am thrilled to share my thoughts.
Rating: 5/5, If I could give it 5.5/5, I would
Summary:
A queer, madcap, friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers time travel romance with the future of the world at stake, Shoestring Theory is a delightful and unique fantasy adventure sure to captivate fans of Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree.
The kingdom of Farsala lies broken, with black clouds looming over its lands. Former Grand-Mage of the High Court, Cyril Laverre, has spent the last decade in isolation, living in a crumbling seaside shack with his only companion—his cat familiar, Shoestring. He harbors immense guilt for the kingdom’s downfall, for Cyril’s husband, King Eufrates Margrave, descended into paranoia and madness, and Cyril did nothing to stop it.
But when Shoestring dies, Cyril knows his time is running out. In a last-ditch effort, he casts a powerful spell to travel back in time—before the tragic events that led to the kingdom’s ruin, and before his romance with Eufrates bloomed. If Cyril can just prevent Eufrates from becoming king, maybe he can save the future. But his magical oath to Eufrates, made long ago, may yet prove to be his most enduring and perilous piece of magic.
With a witty, formidable Great Aunt, a love quadrangle, and a crow familiar named Ganache, Shoestring Theory is as charming as it is daring, filled with fantasy-lite elements and plenty of heart.
Plot & Pacing:
This story hooked me from the moment I read the back cover. The line "a queer, madcap, friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers time travel romance" was all I needed to know that I was in for a fantastic ride. And it did not disappoint!
The plot is captivating, blending time travel, romance, and a quest for redemption seamlessly. I love how the story doesn't shy away from emotional depth, even with its fun and sometimes whimsical tone. There were twists that I didn’t see coming but made perfect sense when they happened. The stakes felt real—both on a personal level and in terms of the kingdom’s fate.
The pacing felt just right for me. I flew through this 400-page book in two days because I simply couldn’t put it down! The combination of personal moments, fast-paced action, and world-building kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story slowed down at the right times for emotional beats, and picked up the pacing during the thrilling moments.
Characters:
Cyril is an excellent protagonist. He’s complex, vulnerable, and deeply relatable, even as a powerful mage. His struggle with guilt and his desire for redemption really drove the emotional core of the book. I found myself rooting for him every step of the way.
Eufrates was another standout. He’s sharp, witty, and I couldn’t help but root for him. I adored how his relationship with Cyril was handled—there was real tenderness and pain there. The tension between them felt real and there was a magnetic pull that added so much depth to the story. The friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope was done beautifully, with the right mix of tension, sweetness, and emotional depth.
And then there’s Tig—literally and figuratively a sassy queen. She is both the actual queen and the sassiest character, and I’m absolutely here for it! I have a personal weakness for what I like to call sassy kings and queens, and Tig is everything I hoped for. She is quick-witted, bold, and utterly delightful. She brought so much fun to the story, and I couldn’t get enough of her.
World-Building:
The world of Farsala is vibrant and full of life. I enjoyed how the fantasy elements—like familiars, time travel, and magical oaths—blended with the more personal storylines. The magic system in the world was fun. There were darker and grimmer moments in the story, and it doesn’t shy away from more difficult themes, but they were handled with care and balanced by the warmth and care of the characters.
Romance:
I found the romantic elements here perfectly balanced. The relationship between Cyril and Eufrates was central to the story, blending in seamlessly into the broader plot. I loved how their dynamic evolved over time and how their past (and future) connection added layers of complexity.
The friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers dynamic and how it is handled felt refreshing to me. The tension was palpable, the banter witty, and the emotional beats truly heartwarming. Their relationship felt genuine, with all the highs and lows that come with deep love, heartbreak, guilt, and betrayal. It was an absolute joy to follow their journey.
Writing Style:
The writing style in Shoestring Theory is beautiful and accessible. The prose flows wonderfully, and even with my dyslexia, I had no trouble staying immersed in the story. The language was engaging without being overly complex, proving that magical storytelling can be both lyrical and accessible.
The dialogue struck the perfect balance between witty and heartfelt. The humour made me smile and chuckle, the twists and turns had me sitting with my mouth open, and the more emotional moments hit the right notes. This book blends it all so smoothly.
Themes:
At its core, Shoestring Theory is about second chances, redemption, and love in all its forms—romantic love, friendship, and even self-love. The themes of trying to fix your past mistakes, saving those you care about, and learning to accept yourself were woven beautifully into the narrative. I especially loved the found family aspect, which has to be my favourite story trope, and the diversity of the characters, which felt natural and integral to the story.
Cover Design:
The first thing that pulled me in was the cover, which is just gorgeous and so much fun! The details are intricate, and the drawing style is beautiful. Every little element on the cover feels intentional and reflects the tone of the story. I especially love the simple, soft colour palette that makes the design pop even more. This cover is definitely going on my mood board as inspiration for my own book cover. It’s stunning and fits the story perfectly.
Final Thoughts:
Shoestring Theory is an absolute gem of a book. The compelling characters, rich themes, and engaging writing style kept me hooked from start to finish. The romance was beautifully done, the world-building was immersive, and the emotional beats hit just right. The fact that I finished this book so quickly, even when I should have been working on my own writing, says everything!
I believe this book is a standalone, and I have to admit, that makes me a little sad. I’m already yearning for more stories set in this world and with these characters. It feels like there’s so much more to explore, and I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to them just yet.
With its gorgeous cover, witty dialogue, fun magic system, and heartwarming romance, this book is a solid 5/5 stars for me. If I could give it 5.5/5, I would! I’m certain I’ve found a new book to add to my list of comfort books, and I can’t wait to revisit it.
I can’t recommend this book enough, and I hope we get more stories set in this world!
I can't wait for the physical copy of this book to come out—it deserves a spot on my bookshelf, and I’m sure it will become a comfort read that I’ll revisit time and time again.
I had the wonderful opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader through NetGalley, for which I want to express my gratitude! This review is my honest and voluntary opinion, and I am thrilled to share my thoughts.
April 7, 2025
I love gay people
October 11, 2024
Shoestring Theory is a delightful blend of quirky humor, time travel, and a darkly cozy story that had me hooked. The set-up is heavy—there’s betrayal, destruction, and a kingdom in shambles—but Costa manages to keep the tone light with clever dialogue, eccentric characters, and a madcap, time-bending plot. It's honestly a cozy book for people who like their humor a little dark.
The premise is refreshing: after the death of his beloved familiar, Cyril casts one final, desperate spell to travel back in time to fix the mistakes of his past. With himself as the sacrifice. What follows is a wonderfully chaotic journey, as Cyril tries to prevent Eufrates from becoming the king who will destroy the realm, all while grappling with his old feelings for his former lover-turned-enemy. The time travel element adds complexity, especially since it turns out his husband is ALSO from the future. It's honestly less about the technicalities of the time travel magic and more about the heart of the story—redemption, love, and second chances.
Cyril is an incredibly compelling protagonist. He’s flawed, guilt-ridden, self-deprecating, and sometimes downright selfish, but that’s what makes him interesting. You’re rooting for him even when he makes bad decisions, and his character arc is incredibly satisfying. The relationship between Cyril and Eufrates is complex, moving from friends to lovers to enemies to ???. Their chemistry is palpable, even when they dislike one another as their past and future collide in unexpected ways.
But what really stood out for me was the supporting cast, especially Tigris, Eufrates’s older sister. She’s sharp, capable, and often the one who seems to have the answers, adding a nice dynamic to the story since she's a side character. The relationships between all the characters are messy but full of love, and that messiness makes them feel real.
The pacing of the book is also unique—the first third feels jam-packed with plot and dark backstory, while the latter half lets you settle in and enjoy the more lighthearted moments. It’s an unusual structure, but it works. The book starts dark, giving you the emotional weight you need, then shifts into a more cozy, almost playful rhythm that lets you breathe.
Overall, Shoestring Theory is a darkly funny, character-driven tale with just the right mix of humor and heart. It’s for readers who enjoy flawed characters, dark humor, and the kind of world where love and redemption are messy but worth fighting for. Highly recommend!
I'm incredibly grateful to Angry Robot for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The premise is refreshing: after the death of his beloved familiar, Cyril casts one final, desperate spell to travel back in time to fix the mistakes of his past. With himself as the sacrifice. What follows is a wonderfully chaotic journey, as Cyril tries to prevent Eufrates from becoming the king who will destroy the realm, all while grappling with his old feelings for his former lover-turned-enemy. The time travel element adds complexity, especially since it turns out his husband is ALSO from the future. It's honestly less about the technicalities of the time travel magic and more about the heart of the story—redemption, love, and second chances.
Cyril is an incredibly compelling protagonist. He’s flawed, guilt-ridden, self-deprecating, and sometimes downright selfish, but that’s what makes him interesting. You’re rooting for him even when he makes bad decisions, and his character arc is incredibly satisfying. The relationship between Cyril and Eufrates is complex, moving from friends to lovers to enemies to ???. Their chemistry is palpable, even when they dislike one another as their past and future collide in unexpected ways.
But what really stood out for me was the supporting cast, especially Tigris, Eufrates’s older sister. She’s sharp, capable, and often the one who seems to have the answers, adding a nice dynamic to the story since she's a side character. The relationships between all the characters are messy but full of love, and that messiness makes them feel real.
The pacing of the book is also unique—the first third feels jam-packed with plot and dark backstory, while the latter half lets you settle in and enjoy the more lighthearted moments. It’s an unusual structure, but it works. The book starts dark, giving you the emotional weight you need, then shifts into a more cozy, almost playful rhythm that lets you breathe.
Overall, Shoestring Theory is a darkly funny, character-driven tale with just the right mix of humor and heart. It’s for readers who enjoy flawed characters, dark humor, and the kind of world where love and redemption are messy but worth fighting for. Highly recommend!
I'm incredibly grateful to Angry Robot for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
September 18, 2024
Received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
2,75⭐️
I recognize Mariana Costa by their art on social media, ones that I enjoy both visually and through the lore they post snippets of. To say I was curious about her writing debut would be correct.
From the blurb we can imagine a rather grand story, full of intrigues, plot twists (it is, in the end, a story about time traveling) and complicated characters' relationships. But what is worth acknowledging is the recommendation for cozy fantasy readers. Because Shoestring Theory is a slow, low action tale. And i believe tale is a key word, as the world-building is just enough, not too little information, yet not to much, to not take the attention from the main thing.
The main thing being, I believe, characters. Through the text it is visible that the author is also a visual artist, descriptions of certain looks are detailed. Sometimes it felt like comic-to-text movement, which isn't a disadvantage, just a peculiar and certainly original feature of this title. However, sometimes the pacing feels unfinished – the first half wonders around exposition, backstory, setting the basic plot points for the future, but lacks interactions between main characters. Yes, Cyril and Tigres have plenty of conversations, but between the mage and his husband is only (greatly written, may I add) conflict balancing between love and hate. But later, as they discover more, its base becomes long-winded. There were moments with too little or too muhh dialogue, making the story quite uneven.
I may not be the fan of the pacing, either, yet for completely different reason. The blurb suggests a lot, while all promised aspects have their place, the overall story appears rather... slow. Fantasy aspects, like magic, were not explored enough for me – I must admit, Costa has many great ideas, ones that work and charm the reader, but it's further developed into character based book. Some resolutions I found good, some were lacking the spark.
Overall, I feel like Shoestring Theory represents a unique thing in literature, presenting narration that is rather absent. The author is not a classical debut writer, she does not use typical language nor frames of action. I found that intriguing, refreshing even. Besides the fact I expected to be slightly more engaged in the story, I think it will be a good title for many readers
2,75⭐️
I recognize Mariana Costa by their art on social media, ones that I enjoy both visually and through the lore they post snippets of. To say I was curious about her writing debut would be correct.
From the blurb we can imagine a rather grand story, full of intrigues, plot twists (it is, in the end, a story about time traveling) and complicated characters' relationships. But what is worth acknowledging is the recommendation for cozy fantasy readers. Because Shoestring Theory is a slow, low action tale. And i believe tale is a key word, as the world-building is just enough, not too little information, yet not to much, to not take the attention from the main thing.
The main thing being, I believe, characters. Through the text it is visible that the author is also a visual artist, descriptions of certain looks are detailed. Sometimes it felt like comic-to-text movement, which isn't a disadvantage, just a peculiar and certainly original feature of this title. However, sometimes the pacing feels unfinished – the first half wonders around exposition, backstory, setting the basic plot points for the future, but lacks interactions between main characters. Yes, Cyril and Tigres have plenty of conversations, but between the mage and his husband is only (greatly written, may I add) conflict balancing between love and hate. But later, as they discover more, its base becomes long-winded. There were moments with too little or too muhh dialogue, making the story quite uneven.
I may not be the fan of the pacing, either, yet for completely different reason. The blurb suggests a lot, while all promised aspects have their place, the overall story appears rather... slow. Fantasy aspects, like magic, were not explored enough for me – I must admit, Costa has many great ideas, ones that work and charm the reader, but it's further developed into character based book. Some resolutions I found good, some were lacking the spark.
Overall, I feel like Shoestring Theory represents a unique thing in literature, presenting narration that is rather absent. The author is not a classical debut writer, she does not use typical language nor frames of action. I found that intriguing, refreshing even. Besides the fact I expected to be slightly more engaged in the story, I think it will be a good title for many readers
September 12, 2024
I was provided with a digital ARC of this book thanks to the publishing house, Angry Robot, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
*4.5*
TW:
This book was SO SO SO good. Of course I start every book with the hope to love it, but I didn't expect to adore this one so much. It may not seem so from the trigger warnings I listed above, but I really read this book as a cozy fantasy, even though I see that some themes dealt in it veer more from the genre.
This is the story of Cyril, a Grand Mage at court, obliged to self-exiliate when his husband, King Eufrates, starts to use an iron fist and discard everyone's feeling. Cyril, now in his fifties, decides to cast a spell in order to go back in time and prevent the darkness to spread in his husband's oul, before he was power hungry. He wants to save his husband's sister from dying, so she can become queen and not him.
The premise was so intriguing, I knew I had to read this book. Cyril was such a rootable main character, and I loved to read his story, he's such a powerful mage, but he doesn't believe in himself at all. I just wanted to see him gain confidence and start to see himself for who he is.
His relationship with Eufrates is so strange, but also so loving. The main reason this book didn't get a 5-star rating for me is because I really hoped to see more of them reconnecting, sadly though the main chunk of this happens at the 80% of this novel, and while it was satisfying it wasn't enough for my romance-reading heart.
The rest of the book though was so good, I loved the setting and the classic fairytale feeling this story has (with some twists and turns that are not so classical and I adored). Also, there are some revelations that I really didn't expect, I don't know if this is on me for being too naive, but I was still very surprised.
Also, I think this book is perfect for Fall, so I highly recommend to read it once it comes out in October if you read Fantasy!
*4.5*
TW:
This book was SO SO SO good. Of course I start every book with the hope to love it, but I didn't expect to adore this one so much. It may not seem so from the trigger warnings I listed above, but I really read this book as a cozy fantasy, even though I see that some themes dealt in it veer more from the genre.
This is the story of Cyril, a Grand Mage at court, obliged to self-exiliate when his husband, King Eufrates, starts to use an iron fist and discard everyone's feeling. Cyril, now in his fifties, decides to cast a spell in order to go back in time and prevent the darkness to spread in his husband's oul, before he was power hungry. He wants to save his husband's sister from dying, so she can become queen and not him.
The premise was so intriguing, I knew I had to read this book. Cyril was such a rootable main character, and I loved to read his story, he's such a powerful mage, but he doesn't believe in himself at all. I just wanted to see him gain confidence and start to see himself for who he is.
His relationship with Eufrates is so strange, but also so loving. The main reason this book didn't get a 5-star rating for me is because I really hoped to see more of them reconnecting, sadly though the main chunk of this happens at the 80% of this novel, and while it was satisfying it wasn't enough for my romance-reading heart.
The rest of the book though was so good, I loved the setting and the classic fairytale feeling this story has (with some twists and turns that are not so classical and I adored). Also, there are some revelations that I really didn't expect, I don't know if this is on me for being too naive, but I was still very surprised.
Also, I think this book is perfect for Fall, so I highly recommend to read it once it comes out in October if you read Fantasy!
February 4, 2025
“I haven’t been reasonable since I agreed to marry you.”
3.5 stars
When I was in college, I got sucked into a very deep Pokemon phase. While I enjoyed the exploration and creature collection elements, I was continually vexed by those ice puzzles where you had to slide from rock to rock until you found the exit.
Like, I was playing games made for children and having to look up how to get out of the cave. All that to say: I am, truly, very bad at solving logic puzzles. I have a point here, and it's that Shoestring Theory hinges on a mystery that even I, lifelong cheater at puzzles, could see coming from miles away.
Although, perhaps I'm being unfair. I don't think Mariana Costa set out to be the next Agatha Christie. She set out to write a lighthearted queer fantasy romance, and at that she certainly succeeded. The characters were all unique and charming; Cyril especially was such an enjoyable protagonist. And Tigris. I want to be her when I grow up.
I think my biggest fault with Shoestring Theory isn't its predictable plot, which was still fairly entertaining, but its pacing. It isn't a particularly long book, but it felt much longer because Costa interspersed the very fun dialogue with many, many pages of backstory or other bits of context. It was very 'tell-don't-show,' which is...not how that's supposed to go. I think Costa has tremendous potential as an author (I say as if my critique is worth any salt). I do genuinely want to read more that she writes. Hell, I'd love to read more stories set in this universe. But I'd love to see her focus more on what she excels at (dialogue and character interactions) and trim down some of the excess.
Read
September 17, 2024A fair cute book, Shoestring Theory is a fantastic book for people looking for a lighter romance read set in a delightfully magical world.
While I wouldn’t call this book cozy fantasy as its comp titles do, I would still say that this book is fairly lighthearted, and makes for a fantastic feel good read. From the depiction of middle-aged queer folks, to the themes of family, to the adorable in-law relationship between Tigris and Cyril, Shoestring Theory is incredibly heartwarming.
While personally this book wasn’t for me, due to the ill-paced first 1/3, a personal dislike for romance, and to be honest, an overly predictable villain who I spotted the first time we met him, I still found this a pretty cute read. Furthermore, past the initial hump, the book became a much easier read as we grew familiar with the delightful characters of Cyril and Tigris. My favourite character, by far, was Tigris, though Cyril and Eufrates don’t lag behind either.
TLDR; A cute, heartwarming romance, Shoestring Theory is most suited to folks who want an easy read with decent pacing.
While I wouldn’t call this book cozy fantasy as its comp titles do, I would still say that this book is fairly lighthearted, and makes for a fantastic feel good read. From the depiction of middle-aged queer folks, to the themes of family, to the adorable in-law relationship between Tigris and Cyril, Shoestring Theory is incredibly heartwarming.
While personally this book wasn’t for me, due to the ill-paced first 1/3, a personal dislike for romance, and to be honest, an overly predictable villain who I spotted the first time we met him, I still found this a pretty cute read. Furthermore, past the initial hump, the book became a much easier read as we grew familiar with the delightful characters of Cyril and Tigris. My favourite character, by far, was Tigris, though Cyril and Eufrates don’t lag behind either.
TLDR; A cute, heartwarming romance, Shoestring Theory is most suited to folks who want an easy read with decent pacing.
September 25, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley, Angry Robot and Mariana Costa for this ARC.
This book read like a warm hug. It was quite difficult to get into it for me, it being slow paced in the beginning, but once I got into it I could not put it down. I loved the characters, their interactions, the conflict, and the romance is dashing. It is very quirky and a fun read. This book is very cozy, and at the same time it has some plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat, when you get to them. I enjoyed the writing style as well.
That being said, I expected this book to be 5 stars for me, unfortunately it was more like a low 4 star read. Still it was a good experience, and if you're looking for cozy fantasy this one's a good pick.
Also I think this book would be great in audio format (for me personally, I find it more interesting to listen to slow paced stories.)
This book read like a warm hug. It was quite difficult to get into it for me, it being slow paced in the beginning, but once I got into it I could not put it down. I loved the characters, their interactions, the conflict, and the romance is dashing. It is very quirky and a fun read. This book is very cozy, and at the same time it has some plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat, when you get to them. I enjoyed the writing style as well.
That being said, I expected this book to be 5 stars for me, unfortunately it was more like a low 4 star read. Still it was a good experience, and if you're looking for cozy fantasy this one's a good pick.
Also I think this book would be great in audio format (for me personally, I find it more interesting to listen to slow paced stories.)
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