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The 23rd Hero
NEW YORK TIMES essayist and Foreword Indies 2019 award winner Rebecca Anne Nguyen’s stunning debut.
In The 23rd Hero, an ordinary woman with an extraordinary memory travels back in time to sixteenth-century France to stop climate change before it starts and return to the man she loves.
In a world ravaged by climate change, a mysterious time travel agency known as the Program sends carefully selected Heroes back in time on missions to reverse the course of history, preventing environmental damage before it happens.
Sloane Burrows secretly longs to be a Hero and restore the natural world of her childhood, when gulls still soared above Coal Harbor and fish still swam in the sea. It’s a world she can envision with absolute clarity because of her superpower memory, which makes her exactly what the Program is looking for in a Hero. But her white father raised mixed-race Sloane to believe her “freak memory” is a shameful flaw that should be hidden from the world.
Sloane stuffs her dream of being a Hero and conceals her memory to the point of making herself sick. Her only respite from the constant nausea and shame is the recurring dream she’s been having for nearly a decade. In the dream, a breathtakingly beautiful man makes her feel accepted and loved in a way she never has in waking life—not despite her memory, but because of it.
But when the man in the dream shows up in real life, Sloane’s world is turned upside down. Not only is Bastian a flesh-and-blood person, but he’s from the Program, and he wants her to do the one thing that will shatter her chances of ever winning her dad’s love: become a Hero, travel back in time to sixteenth-century France, and use her superpower memory to save the world.
Fans of the survival themes in Micaiah Johnson’s The Space Between Worlds will love Sloane’s journey to overcome impossible odds in the near future and distant past, while the passion and humor that bind Sloane to Bastian across the centuries will excite fans of Outlander and The Princess Bride.
In The 23rd Hero, an ordinary woman with an extraordinary memory travels back in time to sixteenth-century France to stop climate change before it starts and return to the man she loves.
In a world ravaged by climate change, a mysterious time travel agency known as the Program sends carefully selected Heroes back in time on missions to reverse the course of history, preventing environmental damage before it happens.
Sloane Burrows secretly longs to be a Hero and restore the natural world of her childhood, when gulls still soared above Coal Harbor and fish still swam in the sea. It’s a world she can envision with absolute clarity because of her superpower memory, which makes her exactly what the Program is looking for in a Hero. But her white father raised mixed-race Sloane to believe her “freak memory” is a shameful flaw that should be hidden from the world.
Sloane stuffs her dream of being a Hero and conceals her memory to the point of making herself sick. Her only respite from the constant nausea and shame is the recurring dream she’s been having for nearly a decade. In the dream, a breathtakingly beautiful man makes her feel accepted and loved in a way she never has in waking life—not despite her memory, but because of it.
But when the man in the dream shows up in real life, Sloane’s world is turned upside down. Not only is Bastian a flesh-and-blood person, but he’s from the Program, and he wants her to do the one thing that will shatter her chances of ever winning her dad’s love: become a Hero, travel back in time to sixteenth-century France, and use her superpower memory to save the world.
Fans of the survival themes in Micaiah Johnson’s The Space Between Worlds will love Sloane’s journey to overcome impossible odds in the near future and distant past, while the passion and humor that bind Sloane to Bastian across the centuries will excite fans of Outlander and The Princess Bride.
402 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2024
10 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Anne Nguyen
3 books23 followersRebecca Anne Nguyen (she/her/hers) is a Milwaukee-based writer, playwright, and co-author of the award-winning memoir, Where War Ends. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Insider, and Slackjaw, among others. The 23rd Hero is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 14, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!
With climate change threatening to destroy the world, "The Program" selects individuals to go back in time and tweak history to put humanity on a better path. Our main character, Sloane, is chosen to be the 23rd Hero and sent back to sixteenth-century France to save mankind from extinction.
The concept is intriguing, but the execution fell flat.
The entire premise and selling point of this novel is time travel. However, it doesn't occur until 60% into the book. Much of the narrative is spent detailing the training and romance, which I wouldn't mind if it were done well. Unfortunately, reading about her training routine and seemingly doomed romance soon became repetitive and tedious. I powered through to reach the part where she finally goes back in time, thinking it would get better. I was wrong.
The section set in the past was disappointingly brief and rushed, failing to deliver on its promise. Moreover, with any book centering around time travel, strict rules must be established about its nature and consequences, which were sorely lacking here. We were only given the bare bones of the concept. In the case of "The 23rd Hero," if you scrutinize the time travel aspect too closely, it all starts to fall apart.
Yes, what you do in the past affects the present. The environment can be saved, buildings may disappear, plastic may cease to exist. Yet people remember the old timeline. Are some people erased from history? If so, do others remember them? Do people come into existence who didn’t exist in the previous timeline? If so, are they aware they didn’t exist before? I don’t know, and neither does Rebecca Anne Nguyen.
With climate change threatening to destroy the world, "The Program" selects individuals to go back in time and tweak history to put humanity on a better path. Our main character, Sloane, is chosen to be the 23rd Hero and sent back to sixteenth-century France to save mankind from extinction.
The concept is intriguing, but the execution fell flat.
The entire premise and selling point of this novel is time travel. However, it doesn't occur until 60% into the book. Much of the narrative is spent detailing the training and romance, which I wouldn't mind if it were done well. Unfortunately, reading about her training routine and seemingly doomed romance soon became repetitive and tedious. I powered through to reach the part where she finally goes back in time, thinking it would get better. I was wrong.
The section set in the past was disappointingly brief and rushed, failing to deliver on its promise. Moreover, with any book centering around time travel, strict rules must be established about its nature and consequences, which were sorely lacking here. We were only given the bare bones of the concept. In the case of "The 23rd Hero," if you scrutinize the time travel aspect too closely, it all starts to fall apart.
Yes, what you do in the past affects the present. The environment can be saved, buildings may disappear, plastic may cease to exist. Yet people remember the old timeline. Are some people erased from history? If so, do others remember them? Do people come into existence who didn’t exist in the previous timeline? If so, are they aware they didn’t exist before? I don’t know, and neither does Rebecca Anne Nguyen.
May 16, 2024
Captivates like no other, offering a profound narrative that eclipses many popular novels in this genre.
Nguyen skillfully intertwines a futuristic crisis with the enigma of time travel and a mysterious love story.
The novel's emotional depth, explored through complex interpersonal dynamics and the transformative power of love, gripped my heart as I was reading it.
This book is a thrilling, deeper dive into themes of destiny and survival, guaranteed to keep you enthralled.
Nguyen skillfully intertwines a futuristic crisis with the enigma of time travel and a mysterious love story.
The novel's emotional depth, explored through complex interpersonal dynamics and the transformative power of love, gripped my heart as I was reading it.
This book is a thrilling, deeper dive into themes of destiny and survival, guaranteed to keep you enthralled.
June 13, 2024
I LOVED this book! I was fortunate enough to get an ARC from the author and once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I think by page 17 I was already hooked and knew this was going to be a good one. The summary up top does a good job so I won't repeat it here, but I give this book all of the stars possible and highly recommend you grab a copy when it comes out in August 2024!
Editing my review here because I think there's a few things that could use some clarity. I've seen a few reviews about how it's not a "realistic" portrayal of a victim of SA, how the "rules" of time travel aren't spelled out/followed/questions are left unanswered, how the religious element didn't hit right etc. and I wanted to explain how I can still LOVE this book and speak nothing but good things about it.
I'm one of those readers who just loves a good story. It doesn't have to make 100% perfect sense, be 100% accurate to reality, answer every single question I can come up with, or let me be able to expound upon it in a way that impresses those around me with how well-rounded/educated/informed/etc I am. No offense to those who want their stories to do all of this, of course. I just love to read, to escape into a different world. No author can answer every question my brain will conjure and if a character isn't true to life, oh well. That's the joy of fiction! (And maybe they just aren't true to the people I've met in my life - who's to say they aren't accurate to other people in life?)
I can understand the commentary on how having s*x to overcome trauma doesn't feel like a realistic portrayal of someone who has been assaulted, but not everything has to be realistic. Sometimes an easy solution like that is what we WANT to be able to have happen, not necessarily something that DOES happen. Who wouldn't want to be able to fix their trauma just by getting back on the horse, as it were? Or how people are frustrated that women who time travel are always subject to s*xual assault or (g)rape. If you want realism, I think that's pretty much it. We know how prevalent violence toward women is today and we know that culturally it was even worse throughout history, so I think it's actually very realistic to have women who travel to the past have to deal with this situation. Same with falling in love with "anyone who crosses their path". We are human, we're social creatures. Can you imagine being thrown into a time not your own, a culture not your own, and having to survive? Of course you would cleave on to someone, anyone who would be kind and understanding, and I think that is a form of love.
I love that we see so much of the training and the build up before the time travel - even in movies I'll find myself watching the training/build up scenes over and over and then not caring as much about the final battle or whatever it is. It's the growth of the character that happens during those training/building sessions that draws me in.
The 'rules of time travel' issue though.....It's freakin' time travel. There are no rules! I adored how the time travel in this book worked and that some of the questions asked can be left up to the imagination of the reader. Personally, I think that if time travel was possible and we could make drastic changes like this, God or whatever higher power you hold sacred would have already planned this out so that when humanity makes changes, people don't disappear and such. Kind of like how in Outlander, Claire heals so many people and thinks about all the lives she's changed - but who's to say that she wasn't already accounted for. She thought that by killing Jack Randall her husband in modern times wouldn't exist, only to find out that the actual ancestor was Jack's brother.
The religious angle/piece hit home so hard for me. Not only the commentary that I "heard" from the author on the duty we have to care for our earth (which, interestingly enough was a theme I've spoken about with more religious family members before), but also the use of what historically was a very strong dependence on the church to effect positive change.
Overall, still a million stars for this book because I couldn't put it down, I still think about it when people ask me if I have any recommendations (which they do a lot because I own a bookstore), and I want to read the stories of the 22 Heroes that came before Sloan - all of which are signs of a fantastic story that stuck with me and made me want more from this author :)
Editing my review here because I think there's a few things that could use some clarity. I've seen a few reviews about how it's not a "realistic" portrayal of a victim of SA, how the "rules" of time travel aren't spelled out/followed/questions are left unanswered, how the religious element didn't hit right etc. and I wanted to explain how I can still LOVE this book and speak nothing but good things about it.
I'm one of those readers who just loves a good story. It doesn't have to make 100% perfect sense, be 100% accurate to reality, answer every single question I can come up with, or let me be able to expound upon it in a way that impresses those around me with how well-rounded/educated/informed/etc I am. No offense to those who want their stories to do all of this, of course. I just love to read, to escape into a different world. No author can answer every question my brain will conjure and if a character isn't true to life, oh well. That's the joy of fiction! (And maybe they just aren't true to the people I've met in my life - who's to say they aren't accurate to other people in life?)
I can understand the commentary on how having s*x to overcome trauma doesn't feel like a realistic portrayal of someone who has been assaulted, but not everything has to be realistic. Sometimes an easy solution like that is what we WANT to be able to have happen, not necessarily something that DOES happen. Who wouldn't want to be able to fix their trauma just by getting back on the horse, as it were? Or how people are frustrated that women who time travel are always subject to s*xual assault or (g)rape. If you want realism, I think that's pretty much it. We know how prevalent violence toward women is today and we know that culturally it was even worse throughout history, so I think it's actually very realistic to have women who travel to the past have to deal with this situation. Same with falling in love with "anyone who crosses their path". We are human, we're social creatures. Can you imagine being thrown into a time not your own, a culture not your own, and having to survive? Of course you would cleave on to someone, anyone who would be kind and understanding, and I think that is a form of love.
I love that we see so much of the training and the build up before the time travel - even in movies I'll find myself watching the training/build up scenes over and over and then not caring as much about the final battle or whatever it is. It's the growth of the character that happens during those training/building sessions that draws me in.
The 'rules of time travel' issue though.....It's freakin' time travel. There are no rules! I adored how the time travel in this book worked and that some of the questions asked can be left up to the imagination of the reader. Personally, I think that if time travel was possible and we could make drastic changes like this, God or whatever higher power you hold sacred would have already planned this out so that when humanity makes changes, people don't disappear and such. Kind of like how in Outlander, Claire heals so many people and thinks about all the lives she's changed - but who's to say that she wasn't already accounted for. She thought that by killing Jack Randall her husband in modern times wouldn't exist, only to find out that the actual ancestor was Jack's brother.
The religious angle/piece hit home so hard for me. Not only the commentary that I "heard" from the author on the duty we have to care for our earth (which, interestingly enough was a theme I've spoken about with more religious family members before), but also the use of what historically was a very strong dependence on the church to effect positive change.
Overall, still a million stars for this book because I couldn't put it down, I still think about it when people ask me if I have any recommendations (which they do a lot because I own a bookstore), and I want to read the stories of the 22 Heroes that came before Sloan - all of which are signs of a fantastic story that stuck with me and made me want more from this author :)
May 17, 2024
Absolutely loved this. Great addition to time travel. This book made me laugh, fall in love with the characters and eagerly anticipate the next part. I could not put this book down.
April 30, 2024
The 23rd Hero's intriguing plot made this book hard to put down and was a really enjoyable read. The author tackles topics like rapidly depleting resources and family dynamics with beautifully written prose and wit (some parts had me laughing out loud). Despite the dystopian nature of the novel, it's ultimately about optimism and hope. This book is for anyone who likes history, time travel, sci-fi, and epic love stories.
February 16, 2024
A love story that transcends time. In a world where global warming has cloaked the stars in the sky and taken people's breath away (masks are the only way to breathe the polluted air), an unlikely hero emerges, a woman who remembers everything... including the beauty the world has lost. Nguyen's time-traveling epic takes us from apocalyptic Vancouver to 16th century France when protagonist Sloane is selected as the 23rd Hero by The Program, a time-traveling organization that sends "heroes" to the past in an attempt to save the future. Her photographic memory, a source of shame in her family, becomes the strength she needs to complete her mission. The beating heart of the book is the love story between Sloane and Bastian, a man who exists only as a dream until he steps into her life and reveals his true identity. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and the heroine's humor and grit had me laughing and biting my nails to see what happened next! The lush settings of a dystopian future and idyllic French countryside were transporting (let's just say I want a treehouse now). I could not put this down. A brilliant debut from a writer to watch.
June 12, 2024
Thank you to the publishers - Castle Bridge Media – for giving me access to this book as an E-ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
As a reader I like to get new perspectives, especially in genres I often read which in within the fantasy and sci-fi spectrum. While the story is around subjects not that uncommon in this type of literature, I feel like there was a slight twist. As I write this review it has been over two months since I read the story, but I vaguely remember that our main character has Khmer/Cambodian heritage which I have never encountered in this type of story before – like I said – nice to broaden your horizons and perspectives a bit.
The story itself I’m sorry to say I can’t remember that well, making me think it didn’t quite resonate with me.
As a reader I like to get new perspectives, especially in genres I often read which in within the fantasy and sci-fi spectrum. While the story is around subjects not that uncommon in this type of literature, I feel like there was a slight twist. As I write this review it has been over two months since I read the story, but I vaguely remember that our main character has Khmer/Cambodian heritage which I have never encountered in this type of story before – like I said – nice to broaden your horizons and perspectives a bit.
The story itself I’m sorry to say I can’t remember that well, making me think it didn’t quite resonate with me.
September 13, 2024
Big ideas can be a real problem in fiction. How do you get your outlandish idea (that just won't quit you) into a story naturally, perhaps with a bit of sleight of hand to disguise what the big idea is. The 23rd Hero has a really big idea at its heart and spends an awful lot of the book to get there and to distract from it. Nominally a post-apocalyptic "fix-the-world" fic, it is also a bit of a soulmate romance and one that also leans a touch on religious esotericism. A lot is going on in The 23rd Hero.
But why The 23rd Hero? This is oddly one of the weaker parts of this novel, the idea that in a world suffering post-ecological crisis, a secretive organisation has discovered time-travel, and have a huge programme to find heroes - people they can send back in time to fix key points in history. This is the kind of time-travel where the fix instantly changes the world about you (there is also a programme to make sure that when the hero is sent back, people aren't in planes just in case the change wipes them out). Its nonsensical, but I went with it for the flow of the story, and because our heroine was pretty exuberant about the whole thing. She is a "selection booth technician", Sloane Burrows who also happens to have a perfect memory, which her father has used to give her physically affecting self-esteem issues (if people see her usingher memory she throws up). So throw child abuse into the pot, and her strange dreams of a man and by the time she is picked to be the 23rd Hero, things are already pretty loaded. She doesn't even travel back in time until the second half of the book is well underway.
The 23rd Hero breezes through a lot of YA tropes (there is a competition to be the 23rd Hero even though she was apparently picked by DNA sample...), and Nguyen breaks her own rules of time travel at least twice. All of which to get Sloane to the French Middle Ages, and get mixed up with the Huguenots and a rewritten plan that is incredibly tenuous, whilst being impressively bold. All of this finally gets to the big idea (which seems to rely on quite a Eurocentric world development). But everything was written and done with enough sly humour and gusto that I willingly suspended my disbelief even as it got incredibly daft. Its the curse of the big idea, the one here is good but I am not sure this is the way to fit it into a novel. At least Sloane got to test out a version of "your great-great-great-grandson is pretty fine".
But why The 23rd Hero? This is oddly one of the weaker parts of this novel, the idea that in a world suffering post-ecological crisis, a secretive organisation has discovered time-travel, and have a huge programme to find heroes - people they can send back in time to fix key points in history. This is the kind of time-travel where the fix instantly changes the world about you (there is also a programme to make sure that when the hero is sent back, people aren't in planes just in case the change wipes them out). Its nonsensical, but I went with it for the flow of the story, and because our heroine was pretty exuberant about the whole thing. She is a "selection booth technician", Sloane Burrows who also happens to have a perfect memory, which her father has used to give her physically affecting self-esteem issues (if people see her usingher memory she throws up). So throw child abuse into the pot, and her strange dreams of a man and by the time she is picked to be the 23rd Hero, things are already pretty loaded. She doesn't even travel back in time until the second half of the book is well underway.
The 23rd Hero breezes through a lot of YA tropes (there is a competition to be the 23rd Hero even though she was apparently picked by DNA sample...), and Nguyen breaks her own rules of time travel at least twice. All of which to get Sloane to the French Middle Ages, and get mixed up with the Huguenots and a rewritten plan that is incredibly tenuous, whilst being impressively bold. All of this finally gets to the big idea (which seems to rely on quite a Eurocentric world development). But everything was written and done with enough sly humour and gusto that I willingly suspended my disbelief even as it got incredibly daft. Its the curse of the big idea, the one here is good but I am not sure this is the way to fit it into a novel. At least Sloane got to test out a version of "your great-great-great-grandson is pretty fine".
August 13, 2024
The 23rd Hero by Rebecca Anne Nguyen
A big thank you to @castle_bridge_media_publisher for the eARC
I jumped at the chance to read this one as the idea sounded so good. A young woman with super memory powers being picked as a hero by a mysterious Program to go back in time with the mission to avert climate disaster in the modern day.
Time travel and an impossible sounding mission? Yes please.
This novel is pure escapism. Don't go into it expecting a detailed sci-fi reason for the time travel or an answer to time paradox. This is a fun adventure story with plenty of romance.
It's a near future where we're heading for an apocalypse. The climate is out of control, air quality is so poor that permanent mask wearing is needed outside and it's not long before a state of emergency will be declared to move everyone to live underground.
Trying to stop this bleak future is the Program and their hero initiative for climate reversal.
There have been 22 heroes chosen to travel into the past undertaking missions to make changes to avert the climate problem. Changes in the past immediately alter the present.
The book is more character focused as we don't get any time travel until over halfway through the novel.
MC Sloane Burrows, a late twenties Canadian woman with Cambodian heritage dreams of being a hero.
She's beautiful, clever (has an aptitude for fixing things) and has a freakishly good memory. She literally remembers everything. Instantly. Since she was born!
Her father has always made her ashamed of her gift. So much so that when concentrating on her memory she feels nauseous & vomits! An unexpected (unrealistic?) problem to have if being picked and trained as the next hero being sent to 16th century France (the mission sounds impossible & I'm not convinced it makes sense but just go with it).
You've heard of the insta-love trope but how about quicker than that? Sloane has had a dream every night for years. She's in love with this imaginary character. So how come he appears as an intern at the program? In love before meeting. Now that's quick 🤣.
Funny & well written.
✨✨✨✨4 stars
A big thank you to @castle_bridge_media_publisher for the eARC
I jumped at the chance to read this one as the idea sounded so good. A young woman with super memory powers being picked as a hero by a mysterious Program to go back in time with the mission to avert climate disaster in the modern day.
Time travel and an impossible sounding mission? Yes please.
This novel is pure escapism. Don't go into it expecting a detailed sci-fi reason for the time travel or an answer to time paradox. This is a fun adventure story with plenty of romance.
It's a near future where we're heading for an apocalypse. The climate is out of control, air quality is so poor that permanent mask wearing is needed outside and it's not long before a state of emergency will be declared to move everyone to live underground.
Trying to stop this bleak future is the Program and their hero initiative for climate reversal.
There have been 22 heroes chosen to travel into the past undertaking missions to make changes to avert the climate problem. Changes in the past immediately alter the present.
The book is more character focused as we don't get any time travel until over halfway through the novel.
MC Sloane Burrows, a late twenties Canadian woman with Cambodian heritage dreams of being a hero.
She's beautiful, clever (has an aptitude for fixing things) and has a freakishly good memory. She literally remembers everything. Instantly. Since she was born!
Her father has always made her ashamed of her gift. So much so that when concentrating on her memory she feels nauseous & vomits! An unexpected (unrealistic?) problem to have if being picked and trained as the next hero being sent to 16th century France (the mission sounds impossible & I'm not convinced it makes sense but just go with it).
You've heard of the insta-love trope but how about quicker than that? Sloane has had a dream every night for years. She's in love with this imaginary character. So how come he appears as an intern at the program? In love before meeting. Now that's quick 🤣.
Funny & well written.
✨✨✨✨4 stars
August 7, 2024
Rebecca Anne Nguyen’s The 23rd Hero is a captivating journey through a vividly imagined world that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next page. Set in a richly constructed universe where heroism and destiny intertwine, this novel masterfully combines elements of fantasy and adventure to create a story that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.
Nguyen's storytelling prowess shines through in her ability to craft complex characters and a dynamic plot. The protagonist’s journey is not just a quest for glory but a profound exploration of identity and purpose. Each character is meticulously developed, bringing a depth to the narrative that is both engaging and relatable. The themes of courage, sacrifice, and self-discovery are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, creating a tale that resonates on multiple levels.
The world-building in The 23rd Hero is particularly noteworthy. Nguyen’s imaginative landscapes and intricate lore provide a backdrop that feels both expansive and intimate. The attention to detail in the setting enriches the story, making the fantastical elements feel grounded and authentic.
What truly sets The 23rd Hero apart is Nguyen’s ability to blend heart-pounding action with moments of introspective reflection. The pacing is expertly managed, with each chapter building on the last to deliver a satisfying and impactful narrative arc. The twists and turns in the plot keep readers on their toes, while the emotional depth of the characters ensures that the story lingers long after the final page is turned.
Overall, The 23rd Hero is a triumph of imagination and storytelling. Rebecca Anne Nguyen has delivered a novel that is both entertaining and enriching, offering a fresh take on the hero’s journey. This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure, and it solidifies Nguyen’s place as a talented and innovative voice in contemporary literature.
Nguyen's storytelling prowess shines through in her ability to craft complex characters and a dynamic plot. The protagonist’s journey is not just a quest for glory but a profound exploration of identity and purpose. Each character is meticulously developed, bringing a depth to the narrative that is both engaging and relatable. The themes of courage, sacrifice, and self-discovery are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, creating a tale that resonates on multiple levels.
The world-building in The 23rd Hero is particularly noteworthy. Nguyen’s imaginative landscapes and intricate lore provide a backdrop that feels both expansive and intimate. The attention to detail in the setting enriches the story, making the fantastical elements feel grounded and authentic.
What truly sets The 23rd Hero apart is Nguyen’s ability to blend heart-pounding action with moments of introspective reflection. The pacing is expertly managed, with each chapter building on the last to deliver a satisfying and impactful narrative arc. The twists and turns in the plot keep readers on their toes, while the emotional depth of the characters ensures that the story lingers long after the final page is turned.
Overall, The 23rd Hero is a triumph of imagination and storytelling. Rebecca Anne Nguyen has delivered a novel that is both entertaining and enriching, offering a fresh take on the hero’s journey. This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure, and it solidifies Nguyen’s place as a talented and innovative voice in contemporary literature.
June 30, 2024
Review: The 23rd Hero
✨: 4.25/5
Genre: sci fi
1️⃣ emoji: 🌎
Format: ARC- Thanks to Castlebridge Media for this copy! This one is coming out in August.
Dystopia future: the world has devolved into major climate crisis. However, a mysterious Program has invented time travel, and once a year send a “Hero” back in time to try to do something to improve the environment, ie influence the invention of cars to make them burn less fossil fuels. Sloane has a freakishly good memory- she can remember everything in her life, ever…but with some childhood emotional abuse she is embarrassed of her ability and gets sick when she uses it. She’s living a low key life, trying not to draw attention to her gift, when her brother enters her into the lottery to be the next hero, and spoiler- of course she gets picked.
➕ I thoroughly enjoyed this one! It was decently fast paced, and a unique concept. The love story was a little cheesy but I was rooting for them. Took us back to 16th century France and turned a little historical fictiony, which I liked as well.
➖ Warning- if you’re pretty strict religious you might not like this- her mission involves manipulating Christianity in France to start caring about the environment.
#23rdHero #timetravel
#MNbookstagram #MNreads#bookstagram #bookshelf #bookstagrammer #bookstore #booksofinstagram #bookshelves #bookslover #booksandcoffee #booksbooksbooks
#bookshelfie #bookstagrampl #booksofIG #Booksy
✨: 4.25/5
Genre: sci fi
1️⃣ emoji: 🌎
Format: ARC- Thanks to Castlebridge Media for this copy! This one is coming out in August.
Dystopia future: the world has devolved into major climate crisis. However, a mysterious Program has invented time travel, and once a year send a “Hero” back in time to try to do something to improve the environment, ie influence the invention of cars to make them burn less fossil fuels. Sloane has a freakishly good memory- she can remember everything in her life, ever…but with some childhood emotional abuse she is embarrassed of her ability and gets sick when she uses it. She’s living a low key life, trying not to draw attention to her gift, when her brother enters her into the lottery to be the next hero, and spoiler- of course she gets picked.
➕ I thoroughly enjoyed this one! It was decently fast paced, and a unique concept. The love story was a little cheesy but I was rooting for them. Took us back to 16th century France and turned a little historical fictiony, which I liked as well.
➖ Warning- if you’re pretty strict religious you might not like this- her mission involves manipulating Christianity in France to start caring about the environment.
#23rdHero #timetravel
#MNbookstagram #MNreads#bookstagram #bookshelf #bookstagrammer #bookstore #booksofinstagram #bookshelves #bookslover #booksandcoffee #booksbooksbooks
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June 18, 2024
Thank you to Castle Bridge Media and Netgalley for sharing a advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
3/5 ⭐
I don't know where to start with this book. If someone asks me to tell the story of this book without getting into details, I'm pretty sure the listener would think it's a wonderful science fiction book with a beautiful theme. But I'm not sure whether they would be able to read this book and say the same thing.
Reading this book for the last nine days was quite possibly the most patient thing I've ever done this year. Every time I wanted to give up reading this book, the story would get interesting. I wish the author had taken more time to perfect this book. It had one of the best setting I've read in a Science Fiction book in a long time, but all that excitement is ruined by the author's execution. I had to power my way through all the romance scenes in the book, which were all either cringey or out of place. Honestly, I think I would have liked the book more if it didn't have romance. All the time spent on romance scenes could have been better used in setting up the rules behind time travel rather than treating it as a shiny duex ex machina to get what the author wanted. As a whole, I loved 40% of the book, but I had to wade through 60% of unnecessary plot and rough writing to enjoy those really good portions.
3/5 ⭐
I don't know where to start with this book. If someone asks me to tell the story of this book without getting into details, I'm pretty sure the listener would think it's a wonderful science fiction book with a beautiful theme. But I'm not sure whether they would be able to read this book and say the same thing.
Reading this book for the last nine days was quite possibly the most patient thing I've ever done this year. Every time I wanted to give up reading this book, the story would get interesting. I wish the author had taken more time to perfect this book. It had one of the best setting I've read in a Science Fiction book in a long time, but all that excitement is ruined by the author's execution. I had to power my way through all the romance scenes in the book, which were all either cringey or out of place. Honestly, I think I would have liked the book more if it didn't have romance. All the time spent on romance scenes could have been better used in setting up the rules behind time travel rather than treating it as a shiny duex ex machina to get what the author wanted. As a whole, I loved 40% of the book, but I had to wade through 60% of unnecessary plot and rough writing to enjoy those really good portions.
July 21, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Castle Bridge Media for this e-ARC!
The premise of this book is pretty fantastic. I deeply enjoyed the view into a dystopian future where the planet is on the brink of environmental collapse. (If only we could invent time travel in the real world in order to prevent further climate change.....)
Our main character Sloane does a lot of heavy lifting in carrying this book from beginning to end. She is deeply relatable in her desire for love while also getting in the way of her own happiness at times. Despite her being 29, I do feel like this was a coming of age story for her as she went on a journey of self discovery and self love. At first, I was rather annoyed by the insta love between her and Sebastian until I realized that it was a background story arc to Sloane's own growth as a woman.
Our supporting cast of characters were just okay. I would have appreciated some more development for our love interest Bastian. However, hats off to Nguyen for using the pregnancy trope to actually forward the plot instead of it being thrown in for drama.
Do you have to suspend disbelief to go along with the overly optimistic ending? Yes but its fine. Sometimes you need a hopeful outlook on life and human nature.
Overall, good but not the best out there.
The premise of this book is pretty fantastic. I deeply enjoyed the view into a dystopian future where the planet is on the brink of environmental collapse. (If only we could invent time travel in the real world in order to prevent further climate change.....)
Our main character Sloane does a lot of heavy lifting in carrying this book from beginning to end. She is deeply relatable in her desire for love while also getting in the way of her own happiness at times. Despite her being 29, I do feel like this was a coming of age story for her as she went on a journey of self discovery and self love. At first, I was rather annoyed by the insta love between her and Sebastian until I realized that it was a background story arc to Sloane's own growth as a woman.
Our supporting cast of characters were just okay. I would have appreciated some more development for our love interest Bastian. However, hats off to Nguyen for using the pregnancy trope to actually forward the plot instead of it being thrown in for drama.
Do you have to suspend disbelief to go along with the overly optimistic ending? Yes but its fine. Sometimes you need a hopeful outlook on life and human nature.
Overall, good but not the best out there.
September 2, 2024
If you liked Outlander or you wanted to like Outlander but the SA, attempted SA, and SA passed off as rough sex made you as uncomfortable as it made me (quit that book at the halfway mark), then I think you would enjoy The 23rd Hero by Rebecca Anne Nguyen. It was inspired by Outlander, and she even dedicated this book to Diana Gabaldon, which made me a little wary at first. There are some instances of SA in this (groping and attempted r*pe), but it's not nearly as graphic as Outlander. All the minimal SA is rightfully considered disgusting with no doubt that it's evil and not at all sexy.
While the time travel is intentional in this book, don't go in looking for hard sci-fi. This is first and foremost a romance novel. The author isn't a scientist, and she admitted she doesn't address time paradoxes. It's a fun bit of escapism, and the ultimate solution to the MC's mission in the past was interesting. If you're conservatively religious, particularly Catholic, you may not like it, but I thought it was clever. Also the author seems to be at least an ally of the queer community. There are a few gay side characters, and she puts her pronouns in her bio.
I gave it 4 out of 5. If I read romance, the plot has to have more to it than just romantic conflict and spicy scenes. In fact, I don't care for spicy scenes, which is why I don't often read romance. But this one was fun.
While the time travel is intentional in this book, don't go in looking for hard sci-fi. This is first and foremost a romance novel. The author isn't a scientist, and she admitted she doesn't address time paradoxes. It's a fun bit of escapism, and the ultimate solution to the MC's mission in the past was interesting. If you're conservatively religious, particularly Catholic, you may not like it, but I thought it was clever. Also the author seems to be at least an ally of the queer community. There are a few gay side characters, and she puts her pronouns in her bio.
I gave it 4 out of 5. If I read romance, the plot has to have more to it than just romantic conflict and spicy scenes. In fact, I don't care for spicy scenes, which is why I don't often read romance. But this one was fun.
July 31, 2024
A captivating and fascinating read! I really enjoy speculative fiction, I love a time travel trope and climate change is something I feel strongly about, so this ticked all of the boxes for me!
In a world ravaged by climate change, a program know affectionately as Fred has been developed where heroes can travel back in time to influence the world and prevent much of the damage every occurring. Imagine if we could prevent the invention of single use plastic?
Sloane is the first woman to be chosen and she is to be the 23rd hero, travelling back to France in the 1600s to complete her mission, but when she ends up in the wrong year, she has to come up with a new plan. This is sadly where it fell apart a little for me. The religious thing was just weird and creepy and the fact that the people were all taken in by it just didn’t sit well with me. Religion is toxic enough as it is, without a time traveller having the ability to brainwash people in the way that Sloane did, Of course, it was for the benefit of the planet, but that bit is a hard no from me.
With that aside though, this is a great read and. Look forward to seeing what Rebecca Nguyen comes up with next.
3.5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Rebecca Nguyen and Castle Bridge Media for an ARC in return for an honest review.
In a world ravaged by climate change, a program know affectionately as Fred has been developed where heroes can travel back in time to influence the world and prevent much of the damage every occurring. Imagine if we could prevent the invention of single use plastic?
Sloane is the first woman to be chosen and she is to be the 23rd hero, travelling back to France in the 1600s to complete her mission, but when she ends up in the wrong year, she has to come up with a new plan. This is sadly where it fell apart a little for me. The religious thing was just weird and creepy and the fact that the people were all taken in by it just didn’t sit well with me. Religion is toxic enough as it is, without a time traveller having the ability to brainwash people in the way that Sloane did, Of course, it was for the benefit of the planet, but that bit is a hard no from me.
With that aside though, this is a great read and. Look forward to seeing what Rebecca Nguyen comes up with next.
3.5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Rebecca Nguyen and Castle Bridge Media for an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 7, 2024
The 23rd Hero is a blend of imagination and storytelling that captivates readers from the first page. Nguyen’s is very good at creating richly detailed worlds and complex characters.
The 23rd Hero explores themes of courage, identity, and destiny. The story follows the journey of Sloane, whose path is marked by trials, self-discovery, and unexpected alliances. Nguyen’s world-building is nothing short of extraordinary; the settings are vividly portrayed, immersing readers in a realm that feels both fantastical and strikingly real.
Each scene is brought to life with a sense of urgency and depth. The characters are well-rounded and dynamic, each with their own motivations and growth arcs. Sloane’s evolution throughout the book is particularly compelling, as she grapples with personal challenges and external conflicts that tests her resolve and shapes her destiny to becoming a hero.
The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Nguyen’s ability to balance suspense with emotional depth ensures that The 23rd Hero is not just an adventure story but also a profound exploration of the human spirit. The messages of bravery, perseverance, and self-acceptance resonate long after the final page is turned.
The 23rd Hero explores themes of courage, identity, and destiny. The story follows the journey of Sloane, whose path is marked by trials, self-discovery, and unexpected alliances. Nguyen’s world-building is nothing short of extraordinary; the settings are vividly portrayed, immersing readers in a realm that feels both fantastical and strikingly real.
Each scene is brought to life with a sense of urgency and depth. The characters are well-rounded and dynamic, each with their own motivations and growth arcs. Sloane’s evolution throughout the book is particularly compelling, as she grapples with personal challenges and external conflicts that tests her resolve and shapes her destiny to becoming a hero.
The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Nguyen’s ability to balance suspense with emotional depth ensures that The 23rd Hero is not just an adventure story but also a profound exploration of the human spirit. The messages of bravery, perseverance, and self-acceptance resonate long after the final page is turned.
August 8, 2024
Rebecca Anne Nguyen’s debut, The 23rd Hero, is a captivating blend of time travel, romance, and environmental activism. The story follows Sloane Burrows, a woman with an extraordinary memory who is recruited by a secretive time travel agency to prevent climate disasters in sixteenth-century France. Struggling with the shame instilled by her father and her own suppressed dreams, Sloane faces a transformative journey when Bastian, the man from her recurring dreams, appears in real life and offers her a chance to become a Hero.
Nguyen’s portrayal of Sloane’s internal conflict and her eventual embrace of her unique gift is both compelling and relatable. The romance between Sloane and Bastian adds a poignant dimension to the high-stakes adventure set against a richly detailed historical backdrop.
With an engaging plot and emotional depth, The 23rd Hero stands out as a thoughtful and thrilling debut. It’s a must-read for fans of time travel romance and those seeking a story that combines imaginative speculation with heartfelt character development. This book is the full ticket, folks!
Nguyen’s portrayal of Sloane’s internal conflict and her eventual embrace of her unique gift is both compelling and relatable. The romance between Sloane and Bastian adds a poignant dimension to the high-stakes adventure set against a richly detailed historical backdrop.
With an engaging plot and emotional depth, The 23rd Hero stands out as a thoughtful and thrilling debut. It’s a must-read for fans of time travel romance and those seeking a story that combines imaginative speculation with heartfelt character development. This book is the full ticket, folks!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2024
~~I received a pre-release copy of The 23rd Hero from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review~~
The premise of the 23rd Hero is unique and draws the reader in. Living in an environmentally decayed North America, our main character, Sloane Burrows experiences her life under the conditions of a human population that destroyed the planet. In attempts to reattempt the planet, the elusive "Program" selects Heroes to go back in time to safe the planet.
What I liked about The 23rd Hero: the concepts of time travel and the world building was interesting and made for an intriguing read.
What I didn't like about The 23rd Hero: Sloane's an interesting character on her own, but her relationship with her love interest made little sense to me, I think Sloane could've used a little more depth, because at times she's incredibly vapid. The book itself was interesting enough to keep me engaged even though I didn't really care for the relationship between Sloane and the main love interest.
Regardless of this, The 23rd Hero is engaging and keeps the reader wondering what comes next.
The premise of the 23rd Hero is unique and draws the reader in. Living in an environmentally decayed North America, our main character, Sloane Burrows experiences her life under the conditions of a human population that destroyed the planet. In attempts to reattempt the planet, the elusive "Program" selects Heroes to go back in time to safe the planet.
What I liked about The 23rd Hero: the concepts of time travel and the world building was interesting and made for an intriguing read.
What I didn't like about The 23rd Hero: Sloane's an interesting character on her own, but her relationship with her love interest made little sense to me, I think Sloane could've used a little more depth, because at times she's incredibly vapid. The book itself was interesting enough to keep me engaged even though I didn't really care for the relationship between Sloane and the main love interest.
Regardless of this, The 23rd Hero is engaging and keeps the reader wondering what comes next.
October 24, 2024
I really enjoyed the premise and most of the execution. Was it perfect, no. But it kept me engaged really well.
This was fun. I wouldn't mind a sequel or prequel with the stories from previous Heroes!
This was fun. I wouldn't mind a sequel or prequel with the stories from previous Heroes!
August 13, 2024
Content warning: this review discusses trauma and sexual assault.
Full disclosure: I was given a free advance reader copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
You know what I haven’t read in awhile? A time travel romance! The last one I read was "Transcendence" by Shay Savage, which involved a caveman. This time I wanted something different. Luckily, I finished one that involves time travel to prevent climate change. What was that book called? It’s "The 23rd Hero" by Rebecca Anne Nguyen. It had great worldbuilding and a memorable main character although I had issues with certain plot points and the overall structure.
To read more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...
Full disclosure: I was given a free advance reader copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
You know what I haven’t read in awhile? A time travel romance! The last one I read was "Transcendence" by Shay Savage, which involved a caveman. This time I wanted something different. Luckily, I finished one that involves time travel to prevent climate change. What was that book called? It’s "The 23rd Hero" by Rebecca Anne Nguyen. It had great worldbuilding and a memorable main character although I had issues with certain plot points and the overall structure.
To read more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...
August 16, 2024
This book was great until the end of the second and third parts. Was really enjoying reading about the program and the boothies. Sloane’s backstory was a bit too obvious. The twins had a nice relationship though, very c8 for table to read about Bastian comes across as a weird creeper and never really loses that feel. The sex scenes were a little strange and felt out of place in the story. Personally I didn’t enjoy the ending at all. Felt really let down as a reader. But since the rest of the story was nicely paced and intriguing I’d recommend it to folks.
My ARC copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
My ARC copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
August 26, 2024
First off I have to admit that romance and fantasy novels are not my preferred genre, but after reading The 23rd Hero I’m thinking of reevaluating that. I had fun with this one and couldn’t wait to get back to it.
I loved the time travel/change the course of history to save the planet premise. Fantasy books can sometimes be puzzling for the reader, (at least this reader), but the author did a good job of allowing us to follow along without confusion.
Sloane’s down to earth attitude and modern take on things, especially when she was in the 16th century, had me chuckling a few times. All in all a great read and I’m excited to see what this author comes up with next.
I loved the time travel/change the course of history to save the planet premise. Fantasy books can sometimes be puzzling for the reader, (at least this reader), but the author did a good job of allowing us to follow along without confusion.
Sloane’s down to earth attitude and modern take on things, especially when she was in the 16th century, had me chuckling a few times. All in all a great read and I’m excited to see what this author comes up with next.
August 22, 2024
This was well written and I thought it delightful. I love a great romance and it was at the center of this story. But having said that, it was also something more. This was also a Sci-fi world and it captivated me. I couldn’t put it down. The author did a good job with the world building and wrote unique characters and with time travel many possibilities of a better world.
The entire thing held me in suspense. It was different and it was satisfying. I recommend it.
Thanks Castle Bridge Media via NetGalley.
The entire thing held me in suspense. It was different and it was satisfying. I recommend it.
Thanks Castle Bridge Media via NetGalley.
October 24, 2024
Riveting Novel
A riveting and emotionally intense novel about a young woman named Sloane who travels back in time to 16th century France to try and save our planet. This is an adventurous and insightful blend of dystopian science fiction, environmental activism, time-traveling, and historical romance. I like the humor throughout the story, which I think makes it more relatable and down-to-earth. Great character development, chemistry and emotional connection, and exceptional world-building. Recommended for science fiction and historical romance enthusiasts alike.
A riveting and emotionally intense novel about a young woman named Sloane who travels back in time to 16th century France to try and save our planet. This is an adventurous and insightful blend of dystopian science fiction, environmental activism, time-traveling, and historical romance. I like the humor throughout the story, which I think makes it more relatable and down-to-earth. Great character development, chemistry and emotional connection, and exceptional world-building. Recommended for science fiction and historical romance enthusiasts alike.
February 9, 2025
Quite a different story. Earth is in bad shape. People will have to move underground if the 23rd Hero isn't successful.
Some years ago, someone invented a machine to travel back in time. Every so often, a Hero is chosen to go back and change something in history to make the present better. In Sloane's present everyone has to wear masks because you can't breathe the air. The water is murky, Florida is sinking, there are no animals anymore. Sloane wants to apply to be the 23rd Hero. She has a "super power", she remembers everything.
Some years ago, someone invented a machine to travel back in time. Every so often, a Hero is chosen to go back and change something in history to make the present better. In Sloane's present everyone has to wear masks because you can't breathe the air. The water is murky, Florida is sinking, there are no animals anymore. Sloane wants to apply to be the 23rd Hero. She has a "super power", she remembers everything.
October 28, 2024
So many things to love in this novel: historical settings (where women are persecuted as witches or whores) and hellish future ones (where 22 out of 22 heroes selected by technological systems are men), passion, time travel--and saving the Earth from climate-change driven catastrophe. Very much enjoyed following the twists and turns in all of the book's timelines, where memory is our most. powerful tool, but only if we believe in ourselves.
November 19, 2024
An exhilarating and beautifully crafted story
It is an exhilarating and beautifully crafted story that stayed with me long after I finished it. From the very start, Sloane Burrows’ character pulled me in. Her struggle with her superpower memory and the desire to prove herself to her father creates a compelling emotional foundation. The author's portrayal of Sloane’s pain and yearning is authentic and touching, making her transformation incredibly rewarding to witness.
It is an exhilarating and beautifully crafted story that stayed with me long after I finished it. From the very start, Sloane Burrows’ character pulled me in. Her struggle with her superpower memory and the desire to prove herself to her father creates a compelling emotional foundation. The author's portrayal of Sloane’s pain and yearning is authentic and touching, making her transformation incredibly rewarding to witness.
June 19, 2024
I loved this.
From the very beginning I never knew where this books was going. It kept me on my toes and I loved it.
I enjoyed most of the characters (Harry you know I’m talking about you). The plot was like nothing I have ever read before (time traveling to save the world and then going back the future because the guys you love is there? That’s is awesome!)
HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND
From the very beginning I never knew where this books was going. It kept me on my toes and I loved it.
I enjoyed most of the characters (Harry you know I’m talking about you). The plot was like nothing I have ever read before (time traveling to save the world and then going back the future because the guys you love is there? That’s is awesome!)
HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2024
I couldn’t put this down! This story has romance, adventure, self discovery and - my favorite - time travel. The main character is so well developed - I care about her and her journey, and didn’t always know how it would turn out. It’s great to have such a well-written story where you don’t exactly know how it’s going to end, but you trust it will end well, no matter what.
September 30, 2024
Without reservation I can say that I loved and thoroughly enjoyed Rebecca Nguyen’s THE 23RD HERO. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved sci-fi, literary fiction, thrillers, and a good love story. Amazingly, this novel delivers on all of these genres. Please don’t take my praise lightly. Not only am I a voracious reader, but also an editor and author of women’s suspenseful fiction, which is to say I am discerning in the books I read and definitely the ones I praise. Moreover, this is Nguyen’s debut novel, so all the more striking. I look forward to more from this novelist. Read it. Enjoy it. Let me know what you thought.
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