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Costumes for Time Travelers
Calisto and Fawkes are drawn to each other for the first time, again, as they travel from when to when to take on a threat to all they hold dear in this lyrical and playful fantasy from award-winning author A. R. Capetta.
Anyone who has hiked through time knows the town of Pocket. It’s the place travelers first reach after they stumble away from their hometime, passing through on their way to any other when. To Calisto, Pocket is home. They love their grandmother’s shop, which is filled with clothes from every era that are used to make costumes for time travelers. Calisto has no intention of traveling—it’s too dangerous. For Fawkes, traveling is life. He put on time boots when he was young and has been stumbling through eras ever since. When he floats into Pocket, Calisto meets him for the first time, though Fawkes has seen Calisto—in glimpses of what hasn’t happened yet. He’s also seen the villains chasing them both. Now Calisto and Fawkes must rush—from Shakespeare’s London to ancient Crete to California on the eve of a millennium—to save Pocket, and travelers, from being erased. From the Lambda Literary Award–winning author of The Heartbreak Bakery comes a fairy-tale romance that weaves in and out of time, from kiss to kiss and costume to costume.
Anyone who has hiked through time knows the town of Pocket. It’s the place travelers first reach after they stumble away from their hometime, passing through on their way to any other when. To Calisto, Pocket is home. They love their grandmother’s shop, which is filled with clothes from every era that are used to make costumes for time travelers. Calisto has no intention of traveling—it’s too dangerous. For Fawkes, traveling is life. He put on time boots when he was young and has been stumbling through eras ever since. When he floats into Pocket, Calisto meets him for the first time, though Fawkes has seen Calisto—in glimpses of what hasn’t happened yet. He’s also seen the villains chasing them both. Now Calisto and Fawkes must rush—from Shakespeare’s London to ancient Crete to California on the eve of a millennium—to save Pocket, and travelers, from being erased. From the Lambda Literary Award–winning author of The Heartbreak Bakery comes a fairy-tale romance that weaves in and out of time, from kiss to kiss and costume to costume.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 27, 2025
28 people are currently reading
4536 people want to read
About the author
A.R. Capetta
21 books894 followersA. R. Capetta (all pronouns), the author of Echo After Echo and The Lost Coast, has lived in Austin and worked as a professional baker and holds a master of fine arts in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. A. R. Capetta is married to author Cory McCarthy, and they live in Vermont with their young baker.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
February 10, 2025
I wish every book was about queer time travel, tbh. And this one truly had the greatest concept. It's about this dimension called Pocket that every traveler has to cross before the intended destination in time can be reached. Pocket tends to all the needs a time traveler might have on their journey, from time-specific knowledge to translations of old languages to the era-appropriate clothing. Providing the latter is the job of Calisto, who happily spent their entire life in the place out of time – until they meet Fawkes, a boy who blindly stumbles from one time to the next. From there on unfolds a chaotic time travel adventure with both characters never really knowing where and when they will end up next. While I did like the time traveling, I wish the book focused more on Pocket and explored the world in detail. It's full of diverse characters with interesting professions that were mostly only mentioned briefly. The whole book is fairly short, and maybe a full-length novel would have been the better choice for that great of a concept. I still liked it a lot, and the plot about the time wardens hunting Calisto and Fawkes reminded me a lot of the Loki tv series. I am convinced that this book is at least partly inspired by that show, with all the talk about the true timeline and certain decisions causing it to branch. Not a bad piece of media to be compared to, if you asked me.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2025
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
The start started off well enough - time-traveling boots, creepy Time Wardens, a store that prepares Costumes for Time Travelers in a Pocket of Time, run by Calisto and their eccentric Grandmother, Mena, who's ready to embark on her own travelers, leaving the store in their care, her prodigy, dedicated to their craft of honing the finest of fabrics to creating the most charismatic creations that suited each timeline for the wandering weary, only for them to meet the time savant, Fawkes, a time-booted harbinger of doom, who has more than one nemesis on his coattails, hellbent in preventing any more ripples in the fabric of time, lest time traveling become a power accessible to all. ⌛
It sounds like an interesting idea, don't you think? 🥺 And sadly, I think that's all it really stayed for me; an idea, a first draft of a story that somehow was making up the story, as it went along. I felt no stability of sense between the characters' motives or interactions, or even a semblance of coherence. 😐 And it's not the time jumping or the paradox of parallel lives. I also had a hard time (hahaha, get it? XD) keeping up with the sudden change in perspectives; it was distracting and uncalled for, to say the least. 😮💨
“Fashion isn’t a description of fancy clothes. It’s a verb. We all fashion ourselves.”
I liked seeing Calisto in their element; well, in the scant moments when the occasion called for it, anyway. For somewhere along the way it became less about the costumes and more about the chase and a confusing mash-up of different timelines criss-crossing that I felt my eyes starting to glaze over in an effort to keep up with who was who, from which time period, etc. Time travel will do that to you. 😞
What could have been an engaging post apocalyptic-steampunk vibe felt stifled by an idea that never really took off in full fruition or even enough to reel me in to feeling the elevated tension or crisis-mode activated - never felt the stakes of the dangers of messing with time traveling - 'people could start to think time belonged to them.' 🙍🏻♀️ The side characters existed, but none of them stood out enough for me to care for what was happening; maybe the names were a bit too elaborate and confusing. 🤔
“At some point, we become responsible for the trouble we bring in our wake.”
“Not if that trouble follows us for being who we are.”
Calisto and Fawkes were cute together, though. ☺️ The lighthearted subtle flirting, how they reached out without hesitation to assist the other, and how Calisto put their best foot forward to dress Fawkes and themself to the nines was sweet. I just wished it wasn't so insta-lovey-dovey for them in the present, despite having met over many past timelines. 💫💓 The villain was villain-ing, 😅 However, for all his hoopla and pompous flair, I felt that his evil agenda fizzled out far too easily and conveniently for the climax to even matter. 😔
“Without noticing it, they had started to fashion a new idea of what their life might become. It was a feeling as great and terrifying as the mists of time themselves.”
The start started off well enough - time-traveling boots, creepy Time Wardens, a store that prepares Costumes for Time Travelers in a Pocket of Time, run by Calisto and their eccentric Grandmother, Mena, who's ready to embark on her own travelers, leaving the store in their care, her prodigy, dedicated to their craft of honing the finest of fabrics to creating the most charismatic creations that suited each timeline for the wandering weary, only for them to meet the time savant, Fawkes, a time-booted harbinger of doom, who has more than one nemesis on his coattails, hellbent in preventing any more ripples in the fabric of time, lest time traveling become a power accessible to all. ⌛
It sounds like an interesting idea, don't you think? 🥺 And sadly, I think that's all it really stayed for me; an idea, a first draft of a story that somehow was making up the story, as it went along. I felt no stability of sense between the characters' motives or interactions, or even a semblance of coherence. 😐 And it's not the time jumping or the paradox of parallel lives. I also had a hard time (hahaha, get it? XD) keeping up with the sudden change in perspectives; it was distracting and uncalled for, to say the least. 😮💨
“Fashion isn’t a description of fancy clothes. It’s a verb. We all fashion ourselves.”
I liked seeing Calisto in their element; well, in the scant moments when the occasion called for it, anyway. For somewhere along the way it became less about the costumes and more about the chase and a confusing mash-up of different timelines criss-crossing that I felt my eyes starting to glaze over in an effort to keep up with who was who, from which time period, etc. Time travel will do that to you. 😞
What could have been an engaging post apocalyptic-steampunk vibe felt stifled by an idea that never really took off in full fruition or even enough to reel me in to feeling the elevated tension or crisis-mode activated - never felt the stakes of the dangers of messing with time traveling - 'people could start to think time belonged to them.' 🙍🏻♀️ The side characters existed, but none of them stood out enough for me to care for what was happening; maybe the names were a bit too elaborate and confusing. 🤔
“At some point, we become responsible for the trouble we bring in our wake.”
“Not if that trouble follows us for being who we are.”
Calisto and Fawkes were cute together, though. ☺️ The lighthearted subtle flirting, how they reached out without hesitation to assist the other, and how Calisto put their best foot forward to dress Fawkes and themself to the nines was sweet. I just wished it wasn't so insta-lovey-dovey for them in the present, despite having met over many past timelines. 💫💓 The villain was villain-ing, 😅 However, for all his hoopla and pompous flair, I felt that his evil agenda fizzled out far too easily and conveniently for the climax to even matter. 😔
May 24, 2025
Queer time travel YA is right up my alley, and the concept for this one is immaculate. I loved the town of Pocket, where our MC Calisto lives with their loveable, intriguing family. What was less immaculate to me, though, was the execution of this book. The writing felt confusing to the point of nonsensical, which is probably my main criticism. I also thought the story was very rushed, and I just wish everything had been developed and structured more clearly.
June 10, 2025
thank you to candlewick press for an copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
if i had a nickel for every time i read a book in 2025 that involves time travel and a queer love story enveloping it all. i’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot. but i’m glad it’s happened twice!!
no, but genuinely, there are some books you know will be a five star from the first page. this is one of those books. right from the beginning i was so smitten with calisto and fawkes and their storyline. we follow calisto as their world is turned upside down after a gifted time traveler, the time savant, literally crashes into their life. together they embark on an adventure of time travel throughout history together, where they must save the entire time continuum.
i really can’t say much more than the basics because this story is so short and always moving forward. this book was only about 215 pages long (if that really!). but from that very first page capetta’s prose truly drew me in and the characters and their story made me want to stay. i found this take of having a place be out of time and used as a rest-stop essentially for time travelers to be so unique. pockets, its’ inhabitants, and the travelers that we meet throughout were all so endearing. i truly imagined this community and its’ thriving culture. and i especially, especially adored our two main travelers (calisto and fawkes). their story together, whether linear or not, was so beautifully developed. they really just felt like two regular teens who love and adore each other, completely separate from their incredible abilities.
now, i know this may not be the book for everyone. i usually shy away from the somewhat sci-fi type books. but this book was just so fun to read through (with very light sci-fi/fantasy elements) and gave me all the warm and fuzzies i love in a queer ya romance. and that was exactly what i needed to read in this moment of time. so for that, i know this one will be held close for a long while for me.
if i had a nickel for every time i read a book in 2025 that involves time travel and a queer love story enveloping it all. i’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot. but i’m glad it’s happened twice!!
no, but genuinely, there are some books you know will be a five star from the first page. this is one of those books. right from the beginning i was so smitten with calisto and fawkes and their storyline. we follow calisto as their world is turned upside down after a gifted time traveler, the time savant, literally crashes into their life. together they embark on an adventure of time travel throughout history together, where they must save the entire time continuum.
i really can’t say much more than the basics because this story is so short and always moving forward. this book was only about 215 pages long (if that really!). but from that very first page capetta’s prose truly drew me in and the characters and their story made me want to stay. i found this take of having a place be out of time and used as a rest-stop essentially for time travelers to be so unique. pockets, its’ inhabitants, and the travelers that we meet throughout were all so endearing. i truly imagined this community and its’ thriving culture. and i especially, especially adored our two main travelers (calisto and fawkes). their story together, whether linear or not, was so beautifully developed. they really just felt like two regular teens who love and adore each other, completely separate from their incredible abilities.
now, i know this may not be the book for everyone. i usually shy away from the somewhat sci-fi type books. but this book was just so fun to read through (with very light sci-fi/fantasy elements) and gave me all the warm and fuzzies i love in a queer ya romance. and that was exactly what i needed to read in this moment of time. so for that, i know this one will be held close for a long while for me.
May 17, 2025
This is a charming story about two people finding their strengths and paths through their connection with each other. At the beginning we find ourselves in a setting outside of time, where travelers from anywhen come in for provisions, including their time shoes and the correct clothing to pass as someone from a specific era.
The writing has some really fun, creative moments. One of my faves was the description of a dress being as short as a gasp. There were other usages of sound as measure, beyond all the clothing references and puns, of course.
Sadly, it didn't really hook me. Part of it were my expectations getting in the way. Somehow I thought this would read older and have older characters (this last bit is definitely my fault). Fawkes and Calisto are sweet, but their relationship isn't developed enough for my taste, nor is the plot or the setting. Some plot threads were just too convenient or had some holes in them. The messaging could also get super in your face, and I never enjoy that.
But I don't want to be too harsh, because I believe this should be read as a fun adventure featuring diverse characters and a quirky family. So if that sounds like your kind of thing, you'll probably enjoy this.
Thank you to NetGalley, A.R. Capetta and Candlewick for the chance to read and review this book.
The writing has some really fun, creative moments. One of my faves was the description of a dress being as short as a gasp. There were other usages of sound as measure, beyond all the clothing references and puns, of course.
Sadly, it didn't really hook me. Part of it were my expectations getting in the way. Somehow I thought this would read older and have older characters (this last bit is definitely my fault). Fawkes and Calisto are sweet, but their relationship isn't developed enough for my taste, nor is the plot or the setting. Some plot threads were just too convenient or had some holes in them. The messaging could also get super in your face, and I never enjoy that.
But I don't want to be too harsh, because I believe this should be read as a fun adventure featuring diverse characters and a quirky family. So if that sounds like your kind of thing, you'll probably enjoy this.
Thank you to NetGalley, A.R. Capetta and Candlewick for the chance to read and review this book.
September 7, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Walker Books UK for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
I realize this is an insanely niche reference but this is kinda like The Schmuel Song from The Last Five Years in book form lol. I enjoyed it a lot and I adore the town of Pocket. The time travel was so fun and I just wish we’d been shown more places. The concept of the book is very clever and fun but I had some issues with the pacing as everything got resolved soooo fast.
I think the book suffers from its low page count (my copy sits at a little over 200 pages) and I think it would’ve been a knockout if it had more room breathe. The side characters were kinda hard to keep track of and they felt a little interchangeable to me. All in all this was a fun ride and I just wish there was more!! If you’re looking for a nice fast read it’s definitely worth checking out.
I realize this is an insanely niche reference but this is kinda like The Schmuel Song from The Last Five Years in book form lol. I enjoyed it a lot and I adore the town of Pocket. The time travel was so fun and I just wish we’d been shown more places. The concept of the book is very clever and fun but I had some issues with the pacing as everything got resolved soooo fast.
I think the book suffers from its low page count (my copy sits at a little over 200 pages) and I think it would’ve been a knockout if it had more room breathe. The side characters were kinda hard to keep track of and they felt a little interchangeable to me. All in all this was a fun ride and I just wish there was more!! If you’re looking for a nice fast read it’s definitely worth checking out.
November 29, 2025
A place/time where travelers go to in order to buy costumes for the time they’re traveling to? I LOVE THAT IDEA!!
And yet... I don’t think I’ll remember this book in a month. I wasn’t pulled into the story and the romance didn’t do anything for me.
I don’t think there’s anything bad about the book, I was just disappointed because my expectations were very high.
And yet... I don’t think I’ll remember this book in a month. I wasn’t pulled into the story and the romance didn’t do anything for me.
I don’t think there’s anything bad about the book, I was just disappointed because my expectations were very high.
August 17, 2025
EVERYBODY SHUT UP THIS WAS ADORABLE.
A nonbinary main character?
Time travel?
Queer romance
Found family??
I'm in love, great book for teens or even younger the time travel gets a little complicated but it all makes sense in the end and was just so happy
A nonbinary main character?
Time travel?
Queer romance
Found family??
I'm in love, great book for teens or even younger the time travel gets a little complicated but it all makes sense in the end and was just so happy
February 19, 2025
Costumes for Time Travelers was a book with a fascinating concept that I loved. Calisto and Fawkes were also both compelling characters I was ready and willing to get behind. The book moves at a fair pace, which kept me turning the pages; however, at times I wish we can slowed down a bit and taken longer to explore. I wanted to know more about Pocket and more about the costumes and the side characters. At just 200 pages, it's a light, quick read, but I felt there was room for expansion of the world building that didn't happen. I'd have also liked a little more from the ending, though I could see why things went that way. There was enough world building to enjoy the story, though, which also contained good LGBT+ rep and a sweet romance amidst the action and adventure. Overall, I am giving it four stars. Recommended if you are looking for a light and whimsical, fairy-tale-style YA fantasy.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2025
oh how I wanted to love this. I really did. but unfortunately it was really confusing for me. I struggled to figure out who all the characters were and how the time travel element worked.
the concept is so fun, a town called Pocket that all time travelers have to go through and a costume shop where they find the right clothes for the era they're traveling to, but it all fell flat because of lack of explanation.
the concept is so fun, a town called Pocket that all time travelers have to go through and a costume shop where they find the right clothes for the era they're traveling to, but it all fell flat because of lack of explanation.
July 16, 2025
The world of Pocket itself, combined with this book’s unique approach to time travel, was SO INTERESTING I had my eyes glued to the page!! (BUT. I HAVE SEVERAL QUESTIONS THAT COME WITH THERE ONLY BEING ONE DEFINABLE/MAIN TIMELINE, AND HOW PEOPLE CAN AGE IN A PLACE THAT EXISTS IN-BETWEEN TIME. Quite confusing if you think about it for more than a couple minutes. Just focus on the unique culture mishmash and normalized time fuckery, shh.) The prose was also very beautiful and whimsical, it brought an extra touch of joy to the time travel mechanic. Loved the banter, too— so much of this book is just fun, fast-paced, sappy and a little strange in a way that made me wonder if the author wrote this while on a steady diet of Dr Who or Good Omens episodes. (Both are shows I have not watched, so take my assessment as more of an assumption.) Did not like how instalove-y the romance was made to be, though, although Calisto and Fawkes had some stinking adorable, tooth-achingly sweet moments together. Regardless, I love myself some casual queer rep!!
As engaging as the pacing is, it’s also this book’s biggest fault: themes, relationships, and even each destination in time aren’t given the time to be properly explored within the 214 page runtime. Even the climax is so rushed to the point where the Time Wardens end up feeling like not much of a threat— whatever shred of impact their already cartoonish selves had kind of fizzles out and dies. I didn’t like the resolution in general, especially what happened with Korsika. (I knew it was going to happen, but SO MUCH just happened off-page, and I thought all the jokes made about the turn of events were too immature. But, eh, this is a book for teens, some Tumblr dweller that isn’t me will find it funny.)
I’m not sure how long the characterizations are going to stick with me outside of Fawkes, Calisto, and Mena (possibly Kellan?), but I will say I still massively enjoyed Costumes For Time Travelers for what it was, flawed (and too-short) as it might be. Part of that might be how the focus on emotion, and the swooniness, persevered even with the high stakes: a lot of the book felt fanfic-reminiscent to me, namely Fawkes’ and Calisto’s romance, and the often poetic writing style. Would love to see people reimagine their favorite ships or OC’s in this premise/universe, it could work REALLY well as an AU in my opinion!! (I mean, I’ll get on that, if I end up actually finishing writing a fic for a change.)
**********
pre-review:
PAPA. ME WANT MORE MOVIE.
As engaging as the pacing is, it’s also this book’s biggest fault: themes, relationships, and even each destination in time aren’t given the time to be properly explored within the 214 page runtime. Even the climax is so rushed to the point where the Time Wardens end up feeling like not much of a threat— whatever shred of impact their already cartoonish selves had kind of fizzles out and dies. I didn’t like the resolution in general, especially what happened with Korsika. (I knew it was going to happen, but SO MUCH just happened off-page, and I thought all the jokes made about the turn of events were too immature. But, eh, this is a book for teens, some Tumblr dweller that isn’t me will find it funny.)
I’m not sure how long the characterizations are going to stick with me outside of Fawkes, Calisto, and Mena (possibly Kellan?), but I will say I still massively enjoyed Costumes For Time Travelers for what it was, flawed (and too-short) as it might be. Part of that might be how the focus on emotion, and the swooniness, persevered even with the high stakes: a lot of the book felt fanfic-reminiscent to me, namely Fawkes’ and Calisto’s romance, and the often poetic writing style. Would love to see people reimagine their favorite ships or OC’s in this premise/universe, it could work REALLY well as an AU in my opinion!! (I mean, I’ll get on that, if I end up actually finishing writing a fic for a change.)
**********
pre-review:
PAPA. ME WANT MORE MOVIE.
dnf
October 27, 2025DNF 24%
I feel like I have no clue what is actually happening, not in the plot way, but in the there is something missing from the text. I feel like I don't know who people are enough to follow what is happening.
I feel like I have no clue what is actually happening, not in the plot way, but in the there is something missing from the text. I feel like I don't know who people are enough to follow what is happening.
December 7, 2025
I have no idea what i've read the last few days but it def wasn't for me.
July 2, 2025
A very cute gateway book to monster smut!
March 3, 2025
What an absolutely charming concept for a book!
I went into this with high hopes because I am a big fan of time travel and this sounded so dreamy and atmospheric and romantic. And it WAS all of that. But ultimately I guess my feelings for this book weren't so simple.
Things I Liked:
~ the non-binary lead! Crazy to think about but I think this was the first book I've actually read with a non-binary main character, and that was really cool. In general the LGBTQIA+ rep in this book was very nice.
~ the atmosphere and vibes. 10/10, magical
~ the random scenes across all different eras. Made me feel like I was watching Doctor Who.
~ On that note, the fun references to other famous time travel media. Doctor Who, Back to the Future, etc. all had fun little nods.
~ the clothes! I was so obsessed with the fashion in this I'd actually love to see it turned into a graphic novel just so we could see it all come to life.
~ the romance, kind of? I say kind of because I had issues with the romance which I will talk more about in a moment, but I DID enjoy how sweet and swoony Fawkes and Calisto were with each other.
~ time boots! Such a cool concept.
Things I Didn't Like:
~ the writing didn't hit for me on a technical level. I didn't enjoy how often it would jump from one character's head into another without any breaks or anything to indicate we were doing that. I know it's in third person but even so there needs to be some consistency to whose perspective we are in when we are reading the characters' thoughts and emotions, whether it's in third person or not.
~ the time travel/magic system didn't make any sense. I know time travel is a hard concept and it doesn't always make sense just by definition, but the fact that some people had a natural ability for it but then time boots could also allow anyone to travel but then time boots were also just made to survive walking through time but anyone who has time boots could theoretically travel regardless. There's no rules or regulations for who can travel or where or to when but it would be bad if EVERYONE could do it, but any one of those people could theoretically accidentally do it at any time? Why are some people born with time gifts and some aren't? There was just a lot about it that felt like we weren't supposed to think about it too hard, but I unfortunately do think about things too hard.
~ the antagonist, and how things were resolved with him. God, this was such a weak antagonist. SPOILERS His whole motivation was being sad that his boyfriend and girlfriend "left him out" of time traveling, but they also... didn't? They brought him time boots, even in the original timeline. He felt left out because he didn't have a time gift, but he DID have a time gift? In the original timeline? Unless I misunderstood, the only thing that changed from the old timeline to the new one was Calisto telling him to be patient, and then all the things happened that already happened in the old timeline except now he wasn't mad anymore, so it all turned out better? I don't get it, and I hated it
~ the twist with the time wardens and Korsika was so dumb I'm so sorry
~ When I heard this was a time travel romance and read the blurb I was expecting a Doctor x River Song kind of vibe and I think that's what the author was going for, but it didn't hit the same because Fawkes didn't actually know Calisto before they met him. He just had visions about them. So maybe he felt like he knew them, but this was because he had visions of the future, not because he was actually a time traveler who'd already lived parts of their relationship. Which is fine, but it's not how it was presented in the blurb and that was disappointing to me personally. The description and even the book itself tries so hard to push the idea that they're falling in love non-linearly but it's all very linear, he just has a little bit of an advantage. I don't know, maybe going in with the River Song idea in my head made my expectations too high, but it didn't hit for me.
~ Similarly, the romance also felt a little too instalove-y for me. Especially on Calisto's part. Fawkes has had all these visions of them but we as readers are never privy to his visions, so we don't see them loving each other in the future. And Calisto never sees anything about it, so there's no reason for them to fall so quickly. I don't know, it felt like the two loved each other because they were supposed to and not because they actually had the chance to fall for each other. I wanted more from that.
~ I feel like it was very rushed because the book was so short. A lot of these issues that I've mentioned would probably be resolved by just making the book longer (or making it a series!) so that we could slow down and actually get into this stuff. But it felt like there was no time to develop anything because we just had to keep moving to keep the book short enough.
So as you can see, there were things I liked and things I didn't. It was an easy read, even for me in a reading slump, so it's still worth giving a try, especially if you like time travel romance. Just don't go in with as high of expectations as I did, that way you won't be disappointed like I was.
Thank you NetGalley and Holiday House for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I went into this with high hopes because I am a big fan of time travel and this sounded so dreamy and atmospheric and romantic. And it WAS all of that. But ultimately I guess my feelings for this book weren't so simple.
Things I Liked:
~ the non-binary lead! Crazy to think about but I think this was the first book I've actually read with a non-binary main character, and that was really cool. In general the LGBTQIA+ rep in this book was very nice.
~ the atmosphere and vibes. 10/10, magical
~ the random scenes across all different eras. Made me feel like I was watching Doctor Who.
~ On that note, the fun references to other famous time travel media. Doctor Who, Back to the Future, etc. all had fun little nods.
~ the clothes! I was so obsessed with the fashion in this I'd actually love to see it turned into a graphic novel just so we could see it all come to life.
~ the romance, kind of? I say kind of because I had issues with the romance which I will talk more about in a moment, but I DID enjoy how sweet and swoony Fawkes and Calisto were with each other.
~ time boots! Such a cool concept.
Things I Didn't Like:
~ the writing didn't hit for me on a technical level. I didn't enjoy how often it would jump from one character's head into another without any breaks or anything to indicate we were doing that. I know it's in third person but even so there needs to be some consistency to whose perspective we are in when we are reading the characters' thoughts and emotions, whether it's in third person or not.
~ the time travel/magic system didn't make any sense. I know time travel is a hard concept and it doesn't always make sense just by definition, but the fact that some people had a natural ability for it but then time boots could also allow anyone to travel but then time boots were also just made to survive walking through time but anyone who has time boots could theoretically travel regardless. There's no rules or regulations for who can travel or where or to when but it would be bad if EVERYONE could do it, but any one of those people could theoretically accidentally do it at any time? Why are some people born with time gifts and some aren't? There was just a lot about it that felt like we weren't supposed to think about it too hard, but I unfortunately do think about things too hard.
~ the antagonist, and how things were resolved with him. God, this was such a weak antagonist. SPOILERS His whole motivation was being sad that his boyfriend and girlfriend "left him out" of time traveling, but they also... didn't? They brought him time boots, even in the original timeline. He felt left out because he didn't have a time gift, but he DID have a time gift? In the original timeline? Unless I misunderstood, the only thing that changed from the old timeline to the new one was Calisto telling him to be patient, and then all the things happened that already happened in the old timeline except now he wasn't mad anymore, so it all turned out better? I don't get it, and I hated it
~ the twist with the time wardens and Korsika was so dumb I'm so sorry
~ When I heard this was a time travel romance and read the blurb I was expecting a Doctor x River Song kind of vibe and I think that's what the author was going for, but it didn't hit the same because Fawkes didn't actually know Calisto before they met him. He just had visions about them. So maybe he felt like he knew them, but this was because he had visions of the future, not because he was actually a time traveler who'd already lived parts of their relationship. Which is fine, but it's not how it was presented in the blurb and that was disappointing to me personally. The description and even the book itself tries so hard to push the idea that they're falling in love non-linearly but it's all very linear, he just has a little bit of an advantage. I don't know, maybe going in with the River Song idea in my head made my expectations too high, but it didn't hit for me.
~ Similarly, the romance also felt a little too instalove-y for me. Especially on Calisto's part. Fawkes has had all these visions of them but we as readers are never privy to his visions, so we don't see them loving each other in the future. And Calisto never sees anything about it, so there's no reason for them to fall so quickly. I don't know, it felt like the two loved each other because they were supposed to and not because they actually had the chance to fall for each other. I wanted more from that.
~ I feel like it was very rushed because the book was so short. A lot of these issues that I've mentioned would probably be resolved by just making the book longer (or making it a series!) so that we could slow down and actually get into this stuff. But it felt like there was no time to develop anything because we just had to keep moving to keep the book short enough.
So as you can see, there were things I liked and things I didn't. It was an easy read, even for me in a reading slump, so it's still worth giving a try, especially if you like time travel romance. Just don't go in with as high of expectations as I did, that way you won't be disappointed like I was.
Thank you NetGalley and Holiday House for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Want to read
January 17, 2025"A fairy-tale romance that weaves in and out of time, from kiss to kiss and costume to costume."
this sounds absolutely incredible
this sounds absolutely incredible
February 13, 2025
A YA novel managed to slip past my filters! That's ok though, because I do have a soft spot for A. R. Capetta. Unfortunately, this book didn't really hit for me, even taking into account the fact that I don't read YA much these days. YA just doesn't hit the way it did when I was fourteen and reading 4 books a week because I felt a profound sense of alienation from my peers. And also because I'm in my twenties now and don't really want to read about teenagers.
I'm not quite sure what the book could have done to be a better read for me. I found the characters and dialogue a little simplistic, but it works within the fairytale-like tone of the book. The themes feel a little on-the-nose, but again, it's YA, so the theming is often going to be clearer and more black-and-white than adult fantasy. It's all within genre norms, so it feels unfair for me to ding the book for it. I will ding the book for the sudden POV shifts being a little confusing, and for the somewhat confusing element of how the time travel magic worked? I would have liked just a little bit more of an explanation.
For things I did like, the time travel plot was lots of fun, and the mystery was compelling (the resolution left a little bit to be desired, but it works with what the novel is doing thematically)! Callisto and Fawkes had a cute romance, and I always like to see trans characters in YA who aren't modern day characters dealing with coming out in high school. It's like a little kiss to past me, who had Alex Fierro and just about nothing else.
I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 3 because I don't think it's fair to rate a YA book by my enjoyment when I don't really like YA anymore. I think I would have loved this book when I was 15, but unfortunately I am no longer 15. I recommend if you are 15 though!
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley.
I'm not quite sure what the book could have done to be a better read for me. I found the characters and dialogue a little simplistic, but it works within the fairytale-like tone of the book. The themes feel a little on-the-nose, but again, it's YA, so the theming is often going to be clearer and more black-and-white than adult fantasy. It's all within genre norms, so it feels unfair for me to ding the book for it. I will ding the book for the sudden POV shifts being a little confusing, and for the somewhat confusing element of how the time travel magic worked? I would have liked just a little bit more of an explanation.
For things I did like, the time travel plot was lots of fun, and the mystery was compelling (the resolution left a little bit to be desired, but it works with what the novel is doing thematically)! Callisto and Fawkes had a cute romance, and I always like to see trans characters in YA who aren't modern day characters dealing with coming out in high school. It's like a little kiss to past me, who had Alex Fierro and just about nothing else.
I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 3 because I don't think it's fair to rate a YA book by my enjoyment when I don't really like YA anymore. I think I would have loved this book when I was 15, but unfortunately I am no longer 15. I recommend if you are 15 though!
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley.
October 24, 2025
Im rating this book 3.5 stars!!
Its a first for me to read a book that revolved on time travelling with queer characters. There were times that I had to go back a chapter or a few pages because I got lost easily on where or what time they are already in. There are many characters in this story which made it interesting and I appreciate the world building, although it was not that intricate- it was enough.
The story centers on Calisto who is works in a costume shop of his grandmother and was exposed to different travelers who had different stories, which was describe as to what they wear or what they request for their costumes to be. The plot of the story revolved with his adventure with Fawkes, a new customer/stranger/traveler he met while tending to their shop, who is actually a time savant. On Fawkes arrival, Time Wardens somehow detected his presence and are concerned about maintaining the time flow and was so determined to catch him. And that's how their time travelling
and romance started.
This book showed the MCs struggle with his identity, his ability and his choices. It has also shown how mentorship and friendship affected him greatly, in a good way.
It was magical and I had a good time. Thanks to Netgalley and Walker Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Its a first for me to read a book that revolved on time travelling with queer characters. There were times that I had to go back a chapter or a few pages because I got lost easily on where or what time they are already in. There are many characters in this story which made it interesting and I appreciate the world building, although it was not that intricate- it was enough.
The story centers on Calisto who is works in a costume shop of his grandmother and was exposed to different travelers who had different stories, which was describe as to what they wear or what they request for their costumes to be. The plot of the story revolved with his adventure with Fawkes, a new customer/stranger/traveler he met while tending to their shop, who is actually a time savant. On Fawkes arrival, Time Wardens somehow detected his presence and are concerned about maintaining the time flow and was so determined to catch him. And that's how their time travelling
and romance started.
This book showed the MCs struggle with his identity, his ability and his choices. It has also shown how mentorship and friendship affected him greatly, in a good way.
It was magical and I had a good time. Thanks to Netgalley and Walker Books for the opportunity to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2025
While reading this, I kept thinking how nice it would be if you could just ask someone their pronouns without wondering how they would respond. Then, have everyone respect them. I absolutely loved the discussion of chosen vs. given names, too. I know it wasn't central to the story at all, but at the same time, it makes a huge difference. The only issue I had was Fawkes was called the Time Savant multiple times (so many) times in the book. Didn't like that at all.
At first, I thought there was going to be a Doctor Who/River Song type relationship (if you haven't watched Doctor Who yet, you really should), since they talked about a non-linear relationship between the two. In a way, yes, but at the same time, not really. Fawkes gets glimpses of the future. Although, I don't think it was ever really spelled out if that was the only way or if he had met Calisto before. I really would have liked better explanation on that, but if wishes were horses . . .
I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by the author in the future.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book! My opinions are my own and are freely given.
At first, I thought there was going to be a Doctor Who/River Song type relationship (if you haven't watched Doctor Who yet, you really should), since they talked about a non-linear relationship between the two. In a way, yes, but at the same time, not really. Fawkes gets glimpses of the future. Although, I don't think it was ever really spelled out if that was the only way or if he had met Calisto before. I really would have liked better explanation on that, but if wishes were horses . . .
I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by the author in the future.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book! My opinions are my own and are freely given.
May 24, 2025
As someone who is not normally a sci fi lover, I full heartedly can recommend this delightful little romp! Queer time travel, what a concept! I loved all of the characters, the plot was compelling, and the romance was lovely.
What would you do if someone you met for the first time said that nonlinearily, you had known each other forever. Calisto and Fawkes are a wonderful duo, and even as (on a linear timeline) they are just getting to know each other, you really do feel that they have know each other a very, very long time.
And oh, the costumes! The descriptions of fabrics and styles and stitches took my breath away! And that reveal of Calisto's time power- mmm just perfect! Truly the costuming and sewing lens this book took I think is what made the science fiction bits a lot more accessible to me. Truly, beautiful work.
What would you do if someone you met for the first time said that nonlinearily, you had known each other forever. Calisto and Fawkes are a wonderful duo, and even as (on a linear timeline) they are just getting to know each other, you really do feel that they have know each other a very, very long time.
And oh, the costumes! The descriptions of fabrics and styles and stitches took my breath away! And that reveal of Calisto's time power- mmm just perfect! Truly the costuming and sewing lens this book took I think is what made the science fiction bits a lot more accessible to me. Truly, beautiful work.
September 11, 2025
The concept for this is intriguing: time traveling is easy, with the right shoes. The MC is nonbinary and living in Pocket, a place outside of normal timelines. They've never traveled elsewhere or whenever, until they meet a stranger on the run and seems to know him.
I feel like the characters are rounded out enough. There are so many background characters that aren't focused on, but even the main characters don't have crazy personalities.
(Did the audiobook and just saw how they spelled Fox as a name).
Read by Fabian Cook Jr. #booksin25
I feel like the characters are rounded out enough. There are so many background characters that aren't focused on, but even the main characters don't have crazy personalities.
(Did the audiobook and just saw how they spelled Fox as a name).
Read by Fabian Cook Jr. #booksin25
February 27, 2025
Costumes for time travelers has great representation and the concept is so fun!
I would have loved to spend more time with it though. The world building is so interesting but it felt like we rushed through everything! I want mooore!
𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬!
I would have loved to spend more time with it though. The world building is so interesting but it felt like we rushed through everything! I want mooore!
𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬!
June 2, 2025
I was hooked by the clever title and the gorgeous cover! I felt this didn't quite live up to its potential, like it didn't really have room to breathe and the worldbuilding wasn't fully fleshed out due to the brisk plot. Granted, the intended audience is younger than me and I was listening in audio, so I couldn't give it 100% of my attention.
July 22, 2025
ummmmmmm I really liked the concept for this book, not so much the execution. Some of the transitions between characters and certain plot points felt off, and the pacing just felt slow, even in scenes that were obviously meant to be more action-packed.
I liked it, the romance was cute, but as a whole, it kind of fell flat for me.
I liked it, the romance was cute, but as a whole, it kind of fell flat for me.
May 28, 2025
3.5 stars
January 26, 2025
Utterly charming and magical premise. But ... kinda wanted more from the costume side of things? Maybe it's just my nerd brain, but I wanted MORE about the weird and wonderful fashions of history! More about Pocket! More of the whimsy of being a rest stop for time travellers! Instead it's 99% time travel shenaniganery (which is fun too, but .. Idk I can never make perfect sense of it) and plot threads that I didn't care about as much as that first glimmer into Pocket. Still. A+ concept. Adorable queer romance. Cute, cozy, quick.
September 7, 2025
The concept is great. I love the lore of the world and of time travel. I was engrossed in the story most of the time. However, something about the book felt sparse. The characters did not feel fully realised.
I cannot say that I walked away knowing who Calisto and Fawkes are as people. Let alone the supporting characters around The Pocket and even Calisto's family.
The antagonist's story was also resolved entirely off book so it felt weird for him to come back on the page fully reformed.
The last few pages made me a bit sad when the full breadth of how alone Fawkes has been all his life became clear.
Tldr: Not as good, as I'd hoped it would be, but I managed to finish it so it wasn't a total train wreck.
I cannot say that I walked away knowing who Calisto and Fawkes are as people. Let alone the supporting characters around The Pocket and even Calisto's family.
The antagonist's story was also resolved entirely off book so it felt weird for him to come back on the page fully reformed.
The last few pages made me a bit sad when the full breadth of how alone Fawkes has been all his life became clear.
Tldr: Not as good, as I'd hoped it would be, but I managed to finish it so it wasn't a total train wreck.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2025
I wanted this book to be so much better than it was. Very disappointed 😭 The summary gave me high hopes
June 5, 2025
3.5 Cute but needed more substance.
June 16, 2025
I enjoyed this tale of magical time travel. The concept is great, with the costume shop to create the perfect disguise for each time period, with the world of Pocket, hidden away from the flow of time. The mysterious Fawkes and the determined Callisto. But I never really connected with the characters or world. It was always like there was a distance separating us that kept me for caring about them fully. The romance is also very much insta-love, which is one of my least favorite tropes. They meet, they're together... there's no relationship development.
The plot was more coherent than time travel plots often are, and I had no issue with it. But my issues with the instalove and difficulty connecting with the characters impacted my enjoyment.
*Thanks to Candlewick for providing an early copy for review.
The plot was more coherent than time travel plots often are, and I had no issue with it. But my issues with the instalove and difficulty connecting with the characters impacted my enjoyment.
*Thanks to Candlewick for providing an early copy for review.
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