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Eclipse #1
Time Thief
In a world in which Prophets wield the power of wayward gods, a banished woman is determined to regain her own powers and free her people.
When Max learned her world and its advanced race posing as gods were not all they seemed, her powers were sealed off by an unbreakable curse. Banished from the Mountain of the Gods, she devotes her life to protecting the village that adopted her as their own—until the Prophet of the Valley captures her and her people, intent on using them as a blood sacrifice.
Max vows to escape and return to the mountain to reclaim a power she hates in order to save the people she loves. But she’ll need the help of one of the Prophet’s fiercest warriors, Nash the Unknown, who has his own reasons for joining her, and she isn’t sure she can trust him.
The journey will be a grueling one, made even more dangerous by the draw Max feels to the charming Nash. Together, the pair must climb the Mountain of the Gods and steal back Max’s powers. Only, the mysteries of the mountain reveal ever more about the gods’ cruel intentions and the reality-breaking secrets of her world, leading her to a harrowing discovery.
Come what may, Max will destroy the Prophet and reach beyond her world to rescue her home from the ruthless gods—in this life and every other.
The first volume of the hit progression fantasy series—with more than 170,000 views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
When Max learned her world and its advanced race posing as gods were not all they seemed, her powers were sealed off by an unbreakable curse. Banished from the Mountain of the Gods, she devotes her life to protecting the village that adopted her as their own—until the Prophet of the Valley captures her and her people, intent on using them as a blood sacrifice.
Max vows to escape and return to the mountain to reclaim a power she hates in order to save the people she loves. But she’ll need the help of one of the Prophet’s fiercest warriors, Nash the Unknown, who has his own reasons for joining her, and she isn’t sure she can trust him.
The journey will be a grueling one, made even more dangerous by the draw Max feels to the charming Nash. Together, the pair must climb the Mountain of the Gods and steal back Max’s powers. Only, the mysteries of the mountain reveal ever more about the gods’ cruel intentions and the reality-breaking secrets of her world, leading her to a harrowing discovery.
Come what may, Max will destroy the Prophet and reach beyond her world to rescue her home from the ruthless gods—in this life and every other.
The first volume of the hit progression fantasy series—with more than 170,000 views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
316 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2025
15 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay French
3 books19 followersLindsay French lives is the author of the Eclipse series. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and one of the world's cutest dogs. When she isn't trying to convince her middle school students to fall in love with reading, she's writing twisty science fiction and fantasy. There are few things she loves more than exploring complex characters, dynamic action, and unforgettable adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 13, 2025
Sci-Fi is not my usual genre choice but HOLY SMOKES I'm so glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone to read this.
Yes, romance is in the title and there is absolutely romance here (closed door), but the plot is really strong in this book.
Don't think that you're going to crack open this book and expect your usual formula. Nope. We start off strong with grit and that's how this book stays until the end. When we get breaks in the action, we get either big character or big relationship growth.
This is absolutely a book you have to pay attention to while you read. It moves fast! It also may be because this isn't my usual romance sub-genre but my mind was BLOWN multiple times and I feel like my brain had to freeze to process the twists and turns of this world.
If you're looking for an action-packed, mind boggling, heart pounding book with a HEA? This is it!
overall: recommend
spice: closed door
Yes, romance is in the title and there is absolutely romance here (closed door), but the plot is really strong in this book.
Don't think that you're going to crack open this book and expect your usual formula. Nope. We start off strong with grit and that's how this book stays until the end. When we get breaks in the action, we get either big character or big relationship growth.
This is absolutely a book you have to pay attention to while you read. It moves fast! It also may be because this isn't my usual romance sub-genre but my mind was BLOWN multiple times and I feel like my brain had to freeze to process the twists and turns of this world.
If you're looking for an action-packed, mind boggling, heart pounding book with a HEA? This is it!
overall: recommend
spice: closed door
June 9, 2025
I enjoyed this book immensely. Fantasy and sci-fi are a couple of my favorite genres to read and this delivered on both accounts.
One thing that is almost always necessary for me to enjoy a book is a strong female lead. Max is perfect and I’ll never hear slander against her. There were quite a few moments where I laughed along with her banter. She’s witty and sharp and strong and flawed. She’s real.
The romance with Nash was also absolutely perfect and compelling. Again, the banter! This was also closed door, which is what I usually prefer too. I really enjoyed Nash as a male lead.
There are a lot of plot twists. Some, I saw and others surprised me. It was very engaging and kept me reading and wanting to find out what all happens.
Overall, this was a perfect blend of romance, sci-fi, and fantasy. I can’t wait to read more 😍
And look, I got through the whole review without spoilers?! Yay!
One thing that is almost always necessary for me to enjoy a book is a strong female lead. Max is perfect and I’ll never hear slander against her. There were quite a few moments where I laughed along with her banter. She’s witty and sharp and strong and flawed. She’s real.
The romance with Nash was also absolutely perfect and compelling. Again, the banter! This was also closed door, which is what I usually prefer too. I really enjoyed Nash as a male lead.
There are a lot of plot twists. Some, I saw and others surprised me. It was very engaging and kept me reading and wanting to find out what all happens.
Overall, this was a perfect blend of romance, sci-fi, and fantasy. I can’t wait to read more 😍
And look, I got through the whole review without spoilers?! Yay!
April 25, 2025
Oh my goodness! What a book! Thankyou so much Lindsay French for letting me ARC read this amazing book! ❤️
I absolutely loved this book and cannot recommend it enough. There was so much action (which is always a favourite thing in a book) and I fell in love with Nash and Max very quickly. They were really meant for each other and no spoilers but they did make my cry twice…
Every character in this book was perfect and I loved the inclusion of Elsie and Rune. The plot was perfect and I couldn’t stop reading!!! I loved the fact that this was a clean fantasy sci-fi book too.
It was perfect in every way!!
Tropes:
Sci fi Romantasy
Warrior FMC
Flirty MMC
Banter
Time Magic
Soul Tied
Nightmare Trope
SHE Saves Him
Reluctant Allies
Gritty Battles
Viking Vibes
Evil Gods
Slow Burn Romance
Sizzling Tension
Sword Fighting between the MCs
Twists
Forced Proximity vibes
I absolutely loved this book and cannot recommend it enough. There was so much action (which is always a favourite thing in a book) and I fell in love with Nash and Max very quickly. They were really meant for each other and no spoilers but they did make my cry twice…
Every character in this book was perfect and I loved the inclusion of Elsie and Rune. The plot was perfect and I couldn’t stop reading!!! I loved the fact that this was a clean fantasy sci-fi book too.
It was perfect in every way!!
Tropes:
Sci fi Romantasy
Warrior FMC
Flirty MMC
Banter
Time Magic
Soul Tied
Nightmare Trope
SHE Saves Him
Reluctant Allies
Gritty Battles
Viking Vibes
Evil Gods
Slow Burn Romance
Sizzling Tension
Sword Fighting between the MCs
Twists
Forced Proximity vibes
May 7, 2025
This book is AMAZING!! You get all the Romantasy feels with a touch of sci-fi. I am completely obsessed with this FMC. She is powerful, determined, and lives so fiercely. The MMC is mysterious and strong, but also the best cinnamon roll for her kind book boyfriend. I loved the story of fighting the evil leaders and that fight wasn’t easy at all. That banter!!! Oh the banter between a black cat and a shameless flirt. Swoony steamy banter that gives you all the warm fuzzies
❤️🔥 Single dad
❤️🔥 Reluctant allies to lovers
❤️🔥 Banter
❤️🔥 Shameless flirt MMC
❤️🔥 One bed
❤️🔥 Nightmares x Caretaking
❤️🔥 Twists 😱
❤️🔥 Golden Retriever MMC
This was a 🫑🫑🫑 (fade to black) read
❤️🔥 Single dad
❤️🔥 Reluctant allies to lovers
❤️🔥 Banter
❤️🔥 Shameless flirt MMC
❤️🔥 One bed
❤️🔥 Nightmares x Caretaking
❤️🔥 Twists 😱
❤️🔥 Golden Retriever MMC
This was a 🫑🫑🫑 (fade to black) read
April 27, 2025
4.25 stars
I'm not typically a sci-fi fan, though I do dabble here and there. But this book was really unique in that it was a total blend of sci-fi and fantasy in a way I've never read before. It's kinda trippy, but I loved how the two were meshed into one.
It's certainly a romantasy, but the plot is well-developed and detailed. Enough so that I would say it's heavier on plot than romance. (Fine by me!)
I really enjoyed how I could so well imagine the personality of each character. I wouldn't say the world-building and character descriptions are detailed, which gives your imagination some leeway to visualize the story how you like. But the personalities are strong, which I appreciate.
There's one kissing scene, a another fade-to-black scene, and a non-descript LGB relationship. But don't let the closed-door romance fool you into thinking this is a fluffy, feel good story-- this story is gritty and has some mildly gruesome scenes. War and pain are abundant in this story!
The pacing has a lot of highs and lows. There were sections where the pacing felt slow, *almost* too slow, even though there was no fluff information. But then we'd have a fast-paced scene where I was reading as fast as I could to keep up with the action. There were multiple waves like this throughout the book, so you have time to rest a minute before another action scene that catapults you along.
This is the first in a series, and while you can tell there's potential for the story to continue, it doesn't end on a cliffhanger.
Overall, I enjoyed it! I really liked the plot twists, and the blend of fantasy and sci-fi was so well done! And who doesn't love a strong, cinnamon roll, bantering, adoring MMC like Nash?
⚠️ Cursing, including F
🫑/🌶 Kissing, fade to black, LGB side character
🗡 Gritty and gruesome
Thanks so much, Lindsay, for the opportunity to ARC read for you!
I'm not typically a sci-fi fan, though I do dabble here and there. But this book was really unique in that it was a total blend of sci-fi and fantasy in a way I've never read before. It's kinda trippy, but I loved how the two were meshed into one.
It's certainly a romantasy, but the plot is well-developed and detailed. Enough so that I would say it's heavier on plot than romance. (Fine by me!)
I really enjoyed how I could so well imagine the personality of each character. I wouldn't say the world-building and character descriptions are detailed, which gives your imagination some leeway to visualize the story how you like. But the personalities are strong, which I appreciate.
There's one kissing scene, a another fade-to-black scene, and a non-descript LGB relationship. But don't let the closed-door romance fool you into thinking this is a fluffy, feel good story-- this story is gritty and has some mildly gruesome scenes. War and pain are abundant in this story!
The pacing has a lot of highs and lows. There were sections where the pacing felt slow, *almost* too slow, even though there was no fluff information. But then we'd have a fast-paced scene where I was reading as fast as I could to keep up with the action. There were multiple waves like this throughout the book, so you have time to rest a minute before another action scene that catapults you along.
This is the first in a series, and while you can tell there's potential for the story to continue, it doesn't end on a cliffhanger.
Overall, I enjoyed it! I really liked the plot twists, and the blend of fantasy and sci-fi was so well done! And who doesn't love a strong, cinnamon roll, bantering, adoring MMC like Nash?
⚠️ Cursing, including F
🫑/🌶 Kissing, fade to black, LGB side character
🗡 Gritty and gruesome
Thanks so much, Lindsay, for the opportunity to ARC read for you!
May 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️
This is not your average sci-fi story! Lindsay French has blended a futuristic world, closed door romance, and a strong, concise plot line that makes this a book that most can enjoy! Our MCs are full of heart, drive, and perseverance from the beginning to end. Action packed to the brim, only stopping to give breaks for massive growth and storyline development. Lindsay truly put so much thought into her storyline from beginning to end.
This isn’t a book you can read in a casual setting. With so much action throughout, if you don’t pay attention, you will miss something! I even had to go back and reread a few parts, obviously missing something. The lack of romance doesn’t leave you wanting either. There is romance and pining, but it is not front and center. Taking a back seat to everything else, but fear not, Lindsay doesn’t leave her readers wanting. She provides everything to give her readers an experience throughout this story.
Max and Nash are our two MCs that drive the storyline. Their relationship is dynamic, layered, and full of tension that you can’t wait to see come to a head. Even beyond these two MCs, the side characters add so much depth to the storyline as well. The characters that we are supposed to love are easy to love and the characters we are supposed to dislike are easy to dislike.
Lindsay pulls you in and just when you think you’ve figured out her next move, she provides a twist you don’t see coming. As someone who pays close attention to foreshadowing and the author dropped hints, I was taken by surprise many times. It’s been awhile since a book has kept me on my toes until the very last page. I highly recommend this book and if sci-fi isn’t your normal genre, give this book a chance!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
💕Strong FMC
🏹Time Magic
💕Sizzling Tension
🏹Clean Romance
💕Fantasy Sci-Fi
🏹Flirty MMC
💕Great Banter
This is not your average sci-fi story! Lindsay French has blended a futuristic world, closed door romance, and a strong, concise plot line that makes this a book that most can enjoy! Our MCs are full of heart, drive, and perseverance from the beginning to end. Action packed to the brim, only stopping to give breaks for massive growth and storyline development. Lindsay truly put so much thought into her storyline from beginning to end.
This isn’t a book you can read in a casual setting. With so much action throughout, if you don’t pay attention, you will miss something! I even had to go back and reread a few parts, obviously missing something. The lack of romance doesn’t leave you wanting either. There is romance and pining, but it is not front and center. Taking a back seat to everything else, but fear not, Lindsay doesn’t leave her readers wanting. She provides everything to give her readers an experience throughout this story.
Max and Nash are our two MCs that drive the storyline. Their relationship is dynamic, layered, and full of tension that you can’t wait to see come to a head. Even beyond these two MCs, the side characters add so much depth to the storyline as well. The characters that we are supposed to love are easy to love and the characters we are supposed to dislike are easy to dislike.
Lindsay pulls you in and just when you think you’ve figured out her next move, she provides a twist you don’t see coming. As someone who pays close attention to foreshadowing and the author dropped hints, I was taken by surprise many times. It’s been awhile since a book has kept me on my toes until the very last page. I highly recommend this book and if sci-fi isn’t your normal genre, give this book a chance!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
💕Strong FMC
🏹Time Magic
💕Sizzling Tension
🏹Clean Romance
💕Fantasy Sci-Fi
🏹Flirty MMC
💕Great Banter
April 27, 2025
Time Thief completely caught me off guard. I went in expecting a breezy scifi romantasy and instead got hit with this rich, layered story that blends science fiction and fantasy into something that feels totally unique. Lindsay French doesn’t just flirt with big ideas; she dives headfirst into them, creating a world that’s sprawling, complex, and genuinely surprising.
Max is such a compelling character. She’s stubborn, flawed, fiercely protective of those she cares for. Her dynamic with Nash the Unknown is filled with tension, chemistry, banter, and a constant sense of uncertainty as they keep their secrets. And while there is great romance, it’s threaded into a much bigger story.
The pacing is a little unconventional—there are lulls between action that almost feel like you're taking a breath before diving back into the chaos. It might throw off readers expecting a more traditional structure, but personally, I loved the way it gave the story time to sink in. It made the story feel far more expansive.
Plus, the twists? They completely reframe everything you thought you knew and continuously escalate the stakes. This is a world-shaking journey that feels huge despite the relatively short page count. It’s definitely something I’d recommend to readers who can appreciate both sci-fi and fantasy elements, because it leans into both genres hard. Smart, thrilling, emotionally grounded, and endlessly surprising—Time Thief deserves to be on your radar. I had a blast with it.
Thanks so much to the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
Max is such a compelling character. She’s stubborn, flawed, fiercely protective of those she cares for. Her dynamic with Nash the Unknown is filled with tension, chemistry, banter, and a constant sense of uncertainty as they keep their secrets. And while there is great romance, it’s threaded into a much bigger story.
The pacing is a little unconventional—there are lulls between action that almost feel like you're taking a breath before diving back into the chaos. It might throw off readers expecting a more traditional structure, but personally, I loved the way it gave the story time to sink in. It made the story feel far more expansive.
Plus, the twists? They completely reframe everything you thought you knew and continuously escalate the stakes. This is a world-shaking journey that feels huge despite the relatively short page count. It’s definitely something I’d recommend to readers who can appreciate both sci-fi and fantasy elements, because it leans into both genres hard. Smart, thrilling, emotionally grounded, and endlessly surprising—Time Thief deserves to be on your radar. I had a blast with it.
Thanks so much to the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
April 29, 2025
What a fantastic read!!
I haven't read much sci-fi/fantasy in the last few years, but really enjoyed this one. Lindsay French really does a great job building an intriguing world, with complex characters.
This has The Matrix vibes, where reality isn't what it seems (not a spoiler!), and there are people, like our heroine, who have gotten to be special. There is world-bending that occurs, and Max (FMC) slips in and out of time, passing out temporarily as she does. There is more to her than is immediately obvious, and her struggles and strength keep you turning the pages.
Max travels with her friends, Leif and Wren, and also Nash, the warrior she begrudgingly agreed could come along. Whether Nash can be trusted or not, and in what ways, is another if the mysteries that unfold as you read.
The thing keeping this from 4.5/5 stars for me was the romance was very on the backburner for awhile, without a lot of tension. It was a slow burn, which I love, but I felt more friendship with attraction than "beginnings of love" for longer than I expected. That said, there was a shift in that in the last half of the book that heated things up! I think it might have mostly been that there was just so much going on in that first half.
I look forward to the next book!!
I haven't read much sci-fi/fantasy in the last few years, but really enjoyed this one. Lindsay French really does a great job building an intriguing world, with complex characters.
This has The Matrix vibes, where reality isn't what it seems (not a spoiler!), and there are people, like our heroine, who have gotten to be special. There is world-bending that occurs, and Max (FMC) slips in and out of time, passing out temporarily as she does. There is more to her than is immediately obvious, and her struggles and strength keep you turning the pages.
Max travels with her friends, Leif and Wren, and also Nash, the warrior she begrudgingly agreed could come along. Whether Nash can be trusted or not, and in what ways, is another if the mysteries that unfold as you read.
The thing keeping this from 4.5/5 stars for me was the romance was very on the backburner for awhile, without a lot of tension. It was a slow burn, which I love, but I felt more friendship with attraction than "beginnings of love" for longer than I expected. That said, there was a shift in that in the last half of the book that heated things up! I think it might have mostly been that there was just so much going on in that first half.
I look forward to the next book!!
April 7, 2025
🌟🌟🌟ARC READ 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I feel like I just tumbled through time and space myself—Time Thief is one of the most immersive, heart-pounding reads I’ve had in ages!
This story grabs you and doesn’t let go. My heart skipped beats, my couch now has permanent finger dents, and I swear I clutched my (non-existent) pearls more than once. Lindsay French writes battle scenes like she was born on a Viking battlefield—visceral, cinematic, and absolutely breath-stealing.
The FMC? Total badass. Fierce, sharp, and cloaked in deadly secrets—Max is the kind of heroine you root for and wouldn’t dare cross. The MMC? Whew. He’s butterflies and quiet strength, but she’s the one with the “touch him and die” energy—and honestly? I lived for it. Obsessed.😍😍
And the plot twists 😱? I. Was. Shook.
Time travel, gods, betrayal, enemies-to-allies—it’s packed. Every chapter drips with tension and heart-stopping moments, and just when you breathe—bam, another hit.
If you're into gripping fantasy with high stakes, epic battles, complex characters, a romance that aches, and secrets that could shatter everything, Time Thief is the one to pick up.
I feel like I just tumbled through time and space myself—Time Thief is one of the most immersive, heart-pounding reads I’ve had in ages!
This story grabs you and doesn’t let go. My heart skipped beats, my couch now has permanent finger dents, and I swear I clutched my (non-existent) pearls more than once. Lindsay French writes battle scenes like she was born on a Viking battlefield—visceral, cinematic, and absolutely breath-stealing.
The FMC? Total badass. Fierce, sharp, and cloaked in deadly secrets—Max is the kind of heroine you root for and wouldn’t dare cross. The MMC? Whew. He’s butterflies and quiet strength, but she’s the one with the “touch him and die” energy—and honestly? I lived for it. Obsessed.😍😍
And the plot twists 😱? I. Was. Shook.
Time travel, gods, betrayal, enemies-to-allies—it’s packed. Every chapter drips with tension and heart-stopping moments, and just when you breathe—bam, another hit.
If you're into gripping fantasy with high stakes, epic battles, complex characters, a romance that aches, and secrets that could shatter everything, Time Thief is the one to pick up.
May 18, 2025
Huge thank you to the author for having me as a part of the ARC team, and also granting me the audio for this! I devoured this in a single sitting during an international flight. I really enjoyed the audio! Highly recommend (please note it’s only on Audible).
Now, for the actual story. The best way I can describe this is like a Romantasy mixed with The Matrix? It was such a fun ride! Sci-fi isn’t my normal genre, but having this mixed with Romantasy was really unique.
I wanted to see more of Max and Nash! But the relationship was still full of witty banter and more realistic conversations than in other books. With this being closed door, there is even more pressure for the connection to stand on its own for the reader, and this delivered for me.
And while I did guess at one of the twists, the way French played it out was entirely different than what I anticipated, so it kept the story fresh and kept me interested!
Only thing that pulled me out of the story was how stubborn Max was in her plans. She had so many people offering other views that she ultimately would just disregard in the end and do her own thing.
Now, for the actual story. The best way I can describe this is like a Romantasy mixed with The Matrix? It was such a fun ride! Sci-fi isn’t my normal genre, but having this mixed with Romantasy was really unique.
I wanted to see more of Max and Nash! But the relationship was still full of witty banter and more realistic conversations than in other books. With this being closed door, there is even more pressure for the connection to stand on its own for the reader, and this delivered for me.
And while I did guess at one of the twists, the way French played it out was entirely different than what I anticipated, so it kept the story fresh and kept me interested!
Only thing that pulled me out of the story was how stubborn Max was in her plans. She had so many people offering other views that she ultimately would just disregard in the end and do her own thing.
April 5, 2025
✨ Reluctant Allies
✨Fated Mated
✨ BANTER
✨Sci Fi Romantasy
✨ SHE saves him
✨The Nightmare Trope
✨ Found Family
And many more of my favorite tropes!! 🤩
Loved this book so much! Especially the romance..I need a Nash in my life. I really enjoyed the world building also and THE TWISTS.
The FMC was such a badass tooo.
Favorite scenes:
“And you hurt yourself, didn’t you, Nash the Badass. You could have left two for me. You didn’t have to slay everyone in sight by yourself.”
“It’s just a bruise from the fall.”
“Let me show off next," I said. "Be a gentleman and give me a turn.”
“I figured you’d had your fun, flying down a landslide to save me.”
“I need much more fun than that.”
“I figured," Nash said. "I'm getting out now. You can look if you really want to."
"How do you have the energy to be an ass right now?
"An ass? I'm trying to do a nice thing for you."
I want to add more but I don’t want to spoil it!!!!! Go read it RN.
✨Fated Mated
✨ BANTER
✨Sci Fi Romantasy
✨ SHE saves him
✨The Nightmare Trope
✨ Found Family
And many more of my favorite tropes!! 🤩
Loved this book so much! Especially the romance..I need a Nash in my life. I really enjoyed the world building also and THE TWISTS.
The FMC was such a badass tooo.
Favorite scenes:
“And you hurt yourself, didn’t you, Nash the Badass. You could have left two for me. You didn’t have to slay everyone in sight by yourself.”
“It’s just a bruise from the fall.”
“Let me show off next," I said. "Be a gentleman and give me a turn.”
“I figured you’d had your fun, flying down a landslide to save me.”
“I need much more fun than that.”
“I figured," Nash said. "I'm getting out now. You can look if you really want to."
"How do you have the energy to be an ass right now?
"An ass? I'm trying to do a nice thing for you."
I want to add more but I don’t want to spoil it!!!!! Go read it RN.
April 4, 2025
Max is one of my all-time favorite FMCs, and here's why
1. She's a badass
2. She's relatable. While her story is a twisty SFF fantasy adventure, her human story is one we can all relate to--finding our place in an uncertain world, finding our families, finding love. Learning to trust.
3. She's got an amazing character arc and growth--but she's likeable right from the get-go. We watch her transform from a strong but uncertain young woman, afraid of her own power, into a determined and self-assured woman who'd do anything to protect her family and the people she loves.
Okay, that was all about Max. Which, as much as I love her, is just ONE reason to love this book. There's also Nash (swoon), Leif and Wren and Piercey (found family she'd literally die for), and my god the plot/worldbuilding/sff elements ... Utter brilliance. I cannot WAIT for the next installment of this series!!!
1. She's a badass
2. She's relatable. While her story is a twisty SFF fantasy adventure, her human story is one we can all relate to--finding our place in an uncertain world, finding our families, finding love. Learning to trust.
3. She's got an amazing character arc and growth--but she's likeable right from the get-go. We watch her transform from a strong but uncertain young woman, afraid of her own power, into a determined and self-assured woman who'd do anything to protect her family and the people she loves.
Okay, that was all about Max. Which, as much as I love her, is just ONE reason to love this book. There's also Nash (swoon), Leif and Wren and Piercey (found family she'd literally die for), and my god the plot/worldbuilding/sff elements ... Utter brilliance. I cannot WAIT for the next installment of this series!!!
April 29, 2025
Thank you to Lindsay French for providing me with a copy of the book. I am excited to leave a review.
This book includes both fantasy and sci-fi elements that are beautifully woven together to create a beautiful plot and setting for the story. Max is such an amazing character that is easy to fall in love with both for her selfless love for her people as well as her flaws. Her relationship with the other characters in the book gives such unique insight into how she ticks. The plot unfolds beautifully with enough twists to keep you guessing as to what is going to happen and wondering where the story is going to go next.
Max’s relationship with Nash is so much fun to watch them go from enemies to reluctant allies to lovers. The banter is fun and Nash is an amazing match for Max’s energy and passion. I look forward to seeing where the rest of the series goes.
This book includes both fantasy and sci-fi elements that are beautifully woven together to create a beautiful plot and setting for the story. Max is such an amazing character that is easy to fall in love with both for her selfless love for her people as well as her flaws. Her relationship with the other characters in the book gives such unique insight into how she ticks. The plot unfolds beautifully with enough twists to keep you guessing as to what is going to happen and wondering where the story is going to go next.
Max’s relationship with Nash is so much fun to watch them go from enemies to reluctant allies to lovers. The banter is fun and Nash is an amazing match for Max’s energy and passion. I look forward to seeing where the rest of the series goes.
July 10, 2025
When I first applied for this book to ARC read, I didn’t realize what I was getting into. Definitely a Science Fiction>Romantasy.
This book was a little bit of a rough start. Trying to figure out the world and the system. But once I understood the world, I was hooked.
It’s like the movie, Defending Your Life and Katniss Everdeen created a story inspired by themselves with an internal time turner. And like Marvel’s What If and Loki are at the helm of the boat.
Max is an amazing FMC. Nash is pure gold as a MMC
This book is like and Artichoke. Many layers, and once you get to the heart, it’s Devine!
Thank you @authorlindsayfrench for creating this beautiful story.
This is an unbiased Honest Opionion after reading the ARC. This book is available on KU and Audible!
#kindleunlimited #authorlindsayfrench #booklover #arcreader
This book was a little bit of a rough start. Trying to figure out the world and the system. But once I understood the world, I was hooked.
It’s like the movie, Defending Your Life and Katniss Everdeen created a story inspired by themselves with an internal time turner. And like Marvel’s What If and Loki are at the helm of the boat.
Max is an amazing FMC. Nash is pure gold as a MMC
This book is like and Artichoke. Many layers, and once you get to the heart, it’s Devine!
Thank you @authorlindsayfrench for creating this beautiful story.
This is an unbiased Honest Opionion after reading the ARC. This book is available on KU and Audible!
#kindleunlimited #authorlindsayfrench #booklover #arcreader
April 27, 2025
“You think you can win any battle if you want it badly enough. That’s the curse of the naturally gifted. You don’t understand failure.”
This was such a great story! Definitely a fun twist on the typical romatasy genre by adding in plenty of sci-fi elements. If you are looking for a story that’s filled with battles and action along with plenty of witty banter then you’ve definitely come to the right place. Our FMC and MMC both kick absolute butt! I also loved how much this book really makes you think about deeper things like what it ‘means’ to live and what life is all about. I highly recommend this one!
This was such a great story! Definitely a fun twist on the typical romatasy genre by adding in plenty of sci-fi elements. If you are looking for a story that’s filled with battles and action along with plenty of witty banter then you’ve definitely come to the right place. Our FMC and MMC both kick absolute butt! I also loved how much this book really makes you think about deeper things like what it ‘means’ to live and what life is all about. I highly recommend this one!
May 23, 2025
This book was truly unlike anything I’ve ever read before!! This starts off strong right out the gate and is so fast paced you definitely need to pay attention. There were so many twists and turns that I never saw coming! There were so many layers to this story and when I thought I had it figured out we were thrown in a new direction!
I absolutely loved all these characters and I loved Max and Nash and how their story unfolded 😍 I can’t wait to see where they go next!
If you love:
🔹Allies to Lovers
🔹SHE saves Him
🔹Time Magic
🔹Gritty Battles
🔹Viking Vibes
🔹Sci-fi Romance
🔹1st person POV
🔹No Spice Romance
I absolutely loved all these characters and I loved Max and Nash and how their story unfolded 😍 I can’t wait to see where they go next!
If you love:
🔹Allies to Lovers
🔹SHE saves Him
🔹Time Magic
🔹Gritty Battles
🔹Viking Vibes
🔹Sci-fi Romance
🔹1st person POV
🔹No Spice Romance
October 21, 2025
A must-read!
Time Thief is truly a heart-pounding journey that grips you from the start. Lindsay French crafts battle scenes raw, captivating, and utterly thrilling. The main female character, Max, is a fierce and mysterious heroine you can't help but cheer for, while the male lead brings a sense of calm strength amidst the chaos. The twists in the plot will leave you in awe, with unexpected alliances keeping you on the edge of your seat. If you crave a Sci-Fi Romantasy novel with high stakes, intense battles, intricate characters, and a romance that tugs at your heartstrings, Time Thief is a must-read.
Time Thief is truly a heart-pounding journey that grips you from the start. Lindsay French crafts battle scenes raw, captivating, and utterly thrilling. The main female character, Max, is a fierce and mysterious heroine you can't help but cheer for, while the male lead brings a sense of calm strength amidst the chaos. The twists in the plot will leave you in awe, with unexpected alliances keeping you on the edge of your seat. If you crave a Sci-Fi Romantasy novel with high stakes, intense battles, intricate characters, and a romance that tugs at your heartstrings, Time Thief is a must-read.
May 8, 2025
Kick ass battles with heads imploding and swords going through people. Chub inducing romance with flirting that tingles your jewels. A sprinkle of quantum mechanics entangling with Viking coolness. A clear inspiration from video games and a subtle inspiration from anime. Imagine Horizon: Zero Dawn if Alloy wasn’t asexual and enjoyed killing bad guys. My butthole loosened up when finished, readying itself for book 2.
August 18, 2025
I don’t usually go for many books outside of fantasy/romantasy, but I was so glad I ventured out for this one! Thank you Lindsay French for allowing me to ARC read your book baby (and apologies for the verrrry late review 🥴).
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one!
Time traveling, banter (top-tier 🤌🏼), single dad trope, and found family? LOVE IT- gimme 12 of them right now 🙂↕️🙂↕️
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one!
Time traveling, banter (top-tier 🤌🏼), single dad trope, and found family? LOVE IT- gimme 12 of them right now 🙂↕️🙂↕️
September 27, 2025
ARC review
🕰️ The Time Thief 🕰️
⏱️Time traveling? ✅
💫 Sci-fi Romantasy? ✅
🗣️BANTERRRRRR?! Baby...double ✅ ✅
👨 Single (adorable) dad trope? ✅
🌍 Futuristic world setting? ✅
The narration of this book? INCREDIBLEEEE 🤯
So well done! 👏
If these things sound like your cup of tea, then please, snag this book! 🫶🏼
Also, thank you again to @authorlindsayfrench for sending me a download of the audio version out of the kindness of her heart- it was very much appreciated 🥹🥹
🕰️ The Time Thief 🕰️
⏱️Time traveling? ✅
💫 Sci-fi Romantasy? ✅
🗣️BANTERRRRRR?! Baby...double ✅ ✅
👨 Single (adorable) dad trope? ✅
🌍 Futuristic world setting? ✅
The narration of this book? INCREDIBLEEEE 🤯
So well done! 👏
If these things sound like your cup of tea, then please, snag this book! 🫶🏼
Also, thank you again to @authorlindsayfrench for sending me a download of the audio version out of the kindness of her heart- it was very much appreciated 🥹🥹
May 2, 2025
Max & Nash
This story take romance and science fiction, mixes them together and the outcome is a fantastic action packed story. It also has a mix of supernatural elements that make it a story that I was so caught up in, I did not realize I was at the end! I LOVED IT!!! No Spoilers! I recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Podium Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story take romance and science fiction, mixes them together and the outcome is a fantastic action packed story. It also has a mix of supernatural elements that make it a story that I was so caught up in, I did not realize I was at the end! I LOVED IT!!! No Spoilers! I recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Podium Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2025
Honestly I overall enjoyed this book. Received as an ARC. The premise is great, I just feel like we needed a bit more world building. But overall enjoyed. I would say 3.5 stars not 3, but it doesn’t give me that option. lol
April 21, 2025
Very Different from what I used to reading, I don't read much Sci-Fi Romance, but I liked it and highly recommend it. If you're into Sci-Fi Romance, please check it out when it comes out on 4/29/25 very grateful I got to read the arc before the book comes
May 8, 2025
Out of this world! Time Thief will have you shifting your paradigm and rooting for the demon. The fight scenes are gruesome and filled with action. The characters are beautifully portrayed and easy to love. I can hardly wait to see what happens next!
Read
July 17, 2025Soft DNF at 52% (I really enjoyed the start of this but then the sci-fi part got a little complicated for me and I think I just wasn't in the mood to try and understand what was happening. Might come back to this in the future.)
April 29, 2025
I don’t read a lot of sci-fi though I really enjoyed this venture into it!
If sci-fi/fantasy, romance (closed door), strong plot, great banter, ebb and flow pacing, heaps of action, a badass FMC and great range of characters, twists & turns plus not being left dangling off a cliff is up your alley then I absolutely recommend you read this!
If sci-fi/fantasy, romance (closed door), strong plot, great banter, ebb and flow pacing, heaps of action, a badass FMC and great range of characters, twists & turns plus not being left dangling off a cliff is up your alley then I absolutely recommend you read this!
January 7, 2026
Enjoyable read. A nice blend of Fantasy and Sci Fi.
May 26, 2025
I love the blend of sci-fi and fantasy, and this book brought them both together in a totally unique way! The characters had deep back stories and growth throughout the novel, the enemies became clear and confusing all at the same time. The sci-fi elements were wild and unexpected! The book was detailed and the writing is meant to draw you in with world building and battles highly described. The end threw me for a total loop and I’m so curious where it will take book two because I did not see it coming! I have more thoughts, but I need to hash out how to best describe them.
Overall stellar read, highly recommend!
Overall stellar read, highly recommend!
April 17, 2025
ARC Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a really interesting read! Time Thief is an action packed book with a unique magic system and a mysterious world that draws you in. Prepare yourself for some plot twists. This was chaotic in the best way! If you love Sci-Fi / Fantasy this is a book you should add to your TBR!
If you like:
- Sci-Fi / Fantasy
- Enemies to Lovers
- Unique Magic
- Mystery
- Plot Twists
- Romance
Then I recommend you check this book out
July 21, 2025
This sci-fi romantasy was an action packed amazing read! Any lover of fantasy is going to want to read this immersive novel!
Max is a warrior with a past she hopes no one finds out about. When the Prophet imprisons her and her family she's sure they don't have much time before he executes them, and all of their innocent's. She tries to befriend the intriguing guard that oversees her and her tribes best warriors, Nash. When they are put together in a battle against another tribe, they discover that their skills compliment each other, and try to work towards freedom. She seeks help from her childhood friend, Piercey, to help train them for the epic battle against the Prophet, his Disciples, and the Demons that help the Gods.
As things start to escalate can she keep her family and friends safe? Will they still trust her when they discover the past that she's kept hidden? Will they believe her when the truth about their world comes to light? Will they be able to defeat the corrupted leaders?
I received an ARC with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
Max is a warrior with a past she hopes no one finds out about. When the Prophet imprisons her and her family she's sure they don't have much time before he executes them, and all of their innocent's. She tries to befriend the intriguing guard that oversees her and her tribes best warriors, Nash. When they are put together in a battle against another tribe, they discover that their skills compliment each other, and try to work towards freedom. She seeks help from her childhood friend, Piercey, to help train them for the epic battle against the Prophet, his Disciples, and the Demons that help the Gods.
As things start to escalate can she keep her family and friends safe? Will they still trust her when they discover the past that she's kept hidden? Will they believe her when the truth about their world comes to light? Will they be able to defeat the corrupted leaders?
I received an ARC with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
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