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Time's Fool
Autumn in the market City of Barchester, and two bright students begin their final year at University, content with old friendships, paying lip-service to old dreams. Until, that is, an ill-conceived prank introduces them to Julian. For Sophia and Steven, the friendship they form with this worldly stranger marks a coming of age, a possibility to embrace the needs and longings they have never had the language to express. But Julian has his own secrets, and as the nights grow longer, it becomes clear that not all desires are without cost; that some things should never be brought into the light. Time’s Fool is a novel about monstrosity, about desire and communication. It’s about the self we present to the world and the needs we whisper to ourselves in the darkness. It is about honesty and the fear of honesty. It is about the things we refuse - refuse to say, refuse to seek, refuse to believe - because sometimes, ignoring those things is all that keeps us sane.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2018
3 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 21, 2018
I love a good vampire story and it's been a while since I've read one. Apparently it's going to be a while longer.
This was bad. I mean reallyyyy bad. Perhaps the worst vampire novel I've ever read and, believe me, I've read a ton.
I can't think of a single redeeming quality in this book.
The characters are a mystery to me as, even after finishing the book, I know nothing about them. One of the players, Steven, is such an annoying pompous ass that I ended up skipping over his dialogue altogether.
The vampire, omg I've already forgotten his name. I wish I were kidding. Anyways, he is ridiculous. The author has clearly tried to make him mysterious and seductive and it's hilarious. I'm pretty sure that wasn't the intended outcome.
Each chapter starts with a quote and they aren't even good ones. I can't wrap my head around why they are a part of the book.
The author has tried to create a highbrow take on the vampire story but has ended up with a pretentious flop.
Perhaps the worst part of this story is the dialog between the characters. Due to the formatting it is so hard to follow it became an annoyance starting with the first page. And boy do these people love to hear themselves talk.
The story ends in a way that suggests there could be a sequel. No comment.
P.S. I went back and looked and the vampire's name is Julian.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was bad. I mean reallyyyy bad. Perhaps the worst vampire novel I've ever read and, believe me, I've read a ton.
I can't think of a single redeeming quality in this book.
The characters are a mystery to me as, even after finishing the book, I know nothing about them. One of the players, Steven, is such an annoying pompous ass that I ended up skipping over his dialogue altogether.
The vampire, omg I've already forgotten his name. I wish I were kidding. Anyways, he is ridiculous. The author has clearly tried to make him mysterious and seductive and it's hilarious. I'm pretty sure that wasn't the intended outcome.
Each chapter starts with a quote and they aren't even good ones. I can't wrap my head around why they are a part of the book.
The author has tried to create a highbrow take on the vampire story but has ended up with a pretentious flop.
Perhaps the worst part of this story is the dialog between the characters. Due to the formatting it is so hard to follow it became an annoyance starting with the first page. And boy do these people love to hear themselves talk.
The story ends in a way that suggests there could be a sequel. No comment.
P.S. I went back and looked and the vampire's name is Julian.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
October 27, 2021Alys Earl has described their debut novel ‘Time’s Fool’ as “Dracula for the student loan generation” and I think that’s a very apt summary of this book.
Reading ‘Time’s Fool’ took me right back to my student days. It’s vivid, the characterisation accurate, well-rounded and believable. It’s these characters, more than the actual narrative, that come together to tell the story. Don’t be mistaken in thinking that this is just a vampire story. Like all the gothic classics that this very modern novel pays homage to, the story uses the monstrous to examine the human – and how the human experience can often be monstrous itself. There are so many threads and themes to untangle and examine in this book that I’d probably tie myself in knots if I tried to tackle all of them. Suffice to say, it weaves a rich tapestry of what it means to be human, with all the contradictory desires and fears that entails. The monstrous versus the mundane: what we want, think we want or wished we wanted instead. The lies we tell ourselves to ease consciences or pretend contentment.
Central to the narrative is the lead character, Sophia’s, relationship with, and to, ‘The Creature’ – Julian. Whilst Sophia has what most people would consider a good life, with close friends and a stable relationship with her fiancé, she is still drawn to the excitement and desire of a dalliance with a mysterious new man. The strength of the narrative lies in the tension that is so gradually and heavily built up as the reader wonders just how far Sophia will push her relationship with Julian. The horror comes mostly through Sophia’s continued pursuit of this ultimately abusive relationship, even after Julian’s true nature is revealed.
Considering that this novel is written in a style that often emulates classic gothic horror, it’s an effortless read and I was actually surprised when it ended – on a note that left me reeling with its brutality.
Reading ‘Time’s Fool’ took me right back to my student days. It’s vivid, the characterisation accurate, well-rounded and believable. It’s these characters, more than the actual narrative, that come together to tell the story. Don’t be mistaken in thinking that this is just a vampire story. Like all the gothic classics that this very modern novel pays homage to, the story uses the monstrous to examine the human – and how the human experience can often be monstrous itself. There are so many threads and themes to untangle and examine in this book that I’d probably tie myself in knots if I tried to tackle all of them. Suffice to say, it weaves a rich tapestry of what it means to be human, with all the contradictory desires and fears that entails. The monstrous versus the mundane: what we want, think we want or wished we wanted instead. The lies we tell ourselves to ease consciences or pretend contentment.
Central to the narrative is the lead character, Sophia’s, relationship with, and to, ‘The Creature’ – Julian. Whilst Sophia has what most people would consider a good life, with close friends and a stable relationship with her fiancé, she is still drawn to the excitement and desire of a dalliance with a mysterious new man. The strength of the narrative lies in the tension that is so gradually and heavily built up as the reader wonders just how far Sophia will push her relationship with Julian. The horror comes mostly through Sophia’s continued pursuit of this ultimately abusive relationship, even after Julian’s true nature is revealed.
Considering that this novel is written in a style that often emulates classic gothic horror, it’s an effortless read and I was actually surprised when it ended – on a note that left me reeling with its brutality.
November 11, 2018
When Sophia, Steven, Lucy and John break into a long-abandoned house in the city of Barchester, all they expected was an illicit Halloween thrill. What they found was something - someone - beautifully dark, compelling and beguiling that would redefine their lives forever.
Time's Fool, the debut novel of Alys Earl, is a love letter to the weird and supernatural fiction of the 19th century, especially Dracula and the works of M.R. James. Told with a very modern sensibility, the tale is at once familiar and fresh, taking the old gothic tropes and adding an up to date edge. This is a labour of love, and that love shines out of every page.
The characters are well written and distinct, indeed they feel like real people. The book is as much about relationships as it is about the supernatural - how people relate to each other, how people relate to themselves and how they relate to their past. Alys Earl gives each character the room to explore their place in the story, in their personal stories, and it all makes for compelling and relatable reading. You will find yourself reflected back at you from most of the characters at least once.
Alys Earl's writing is sumptuous, beautiful and purple, and I LOVE it. I read this book aloud to my wife and speaking their words was pure joy. Time's Fool is rich, full bodied and utterly delicious. More please!
To sum up, if you love gothic horror, romance and strange fiction, Time's Fool is the book you have been waiting for. Alys Earl wrote it for us, to be our collective love letter to the old masters of the gothic, and in doing so stakes their claim to their legacy.
Time's Fool, the debut novel of Alys Earl, is a love letter to the weird and supernatural fiction of the 19th century, especially Dracula and the works of M.R. James. Told with a very modern sensibility, the tale is at once familiar and fresh, taking the old gothic tropes and adding an up to date edge. This is a labour of love, and that love shines out of every page.
The characters are well written and distinct, indeed they feel like real people. The book is as much about relationships as it is about the supernatural - how people relate to each other, how people relate to themselves and how they relate to their past. Alys Earl gives each character the room to explore their place in the story, in their personal stories, and it all makes for compelling and relatable reading. You will find yourself reflected back at you from most of the characters at least once.
Alys Earl's writing is sumptuous, beautiful and purple, and I LOVE it. I read this book aloud to my wife and speaking their words was pure joy. Time's Fool is rich, full bodied and utterly delicious. More please!
To sum up, if you love gothic horror, romance and strange fiction, Time's Fool is the book you have been waiting for. Alys Earl wrote it for us, to be our collective love letter to the old masters of the gothic, and in doing so stakes their claim to their legacy.
December 20, 2018
Interesting characters musing over life, books and love; complex and elegant dialogue seeped into every page. The plot of youth being captivated by ancient creators, who can charm and destroy in equal measure is a well worn one, but this book puts a new spin on it. With playful, unusual and insightful characters.
Everyone was well realised, especially Steven with his slight snobbery, passions, sweet vulnerability and tragic history; he jumped off the page.
The house The Creature lives in being a character in its own right, visually delicious and lovingly described.
It's like an Anne Rice smashed together with Dawson's Creek. Recommend if you like easy to read Gothic Horror that doesn't hold it's punches, intellectually.
Everyone was well realised, especially Steven with his slight snobbery, passions, sweet vulnerability and tragic history; he jumped off the page.
The house The Creature lives in being a character in its own right, visually delicious and lovingly described.
It's like an Anne Rice smashed together with Dawson's Creek. Recommend if you like easy to read Gothic Horror that doesn't hold it's punches, intellectually.
October 24, 2018
I read this via The Pigeonhole and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It’s a modern up to date writing of a classic, with twists.
It’s all about life and death and what you want and desire versus what is classed as normal and what you should want.
Great book well worth reading.
It’s a modern up to date writing of a classic, with twists.
It’s all about life and death and what you want and desire versus what is classed as normal and what you should want.
Great book well worth reading.
December 21, 2018
This modern day gothic vampire lark, set in an (imagined) English university town, is brilliant. All the tropes play out, and yet it comes across without any sense of cliche. A genuinely satisfying read.
The prose particularly appealed to me. I love the classics, and Earl has developed a really strong style, at the same time both formal in the gothic way and also pacey and up to date. The writing really reflected the plot as Julian, a centuries-old vampire, comes back into action today. He is partly out of time but mostly just aloof, wrestling with his inner demons: the conflict between the vampire's insatiable blood lust, and his desire to avoid damaging the girl he falls for.
For her part, Sophia suffers a parallel struggle. And it is the struggle we all face in life: the attraction of excitement, risk, fun, the full life, as compared with the success imbued by stability, family, marriage, work: explained as 'settling for clams' in John Irving's 'Widow for One Year'. We all hanker for the former, but few go all the way, daring to risk the Icarusian descent.
So, the story is a standard, reflected here in the Victorian gloom Earl manages to bring to Barchester in winter. The town's name was the only element of this book that truly rankled with me. One has to assume that it is intended to be Trollope's Barsetshire town, which didn't really chime with me, or, if not, then as an invented name it's, um, 'naff' I think is the best word. Everything else was absolutely spot on the mark as a homage to the gothic vampire genre, so I did not let Barchester get on my nerves too much!
The prose particularly appealed to me. I love the classics, and Earl has developed a really strong style, at the same time both formal in the gothic way and also pacey and up to date. The writing really reflected the plot as Julian, a centuries-old vampire, comes back into action today. He is partly out of time but mostly just aloof, wrestling with his inner demons: the conflict between the vampire's insatiable blood lust, and his desire to avoid damaging the girl he falls for.
For her part, Sophia suffers a parallel struggle. And it is the struggle we all face in life: the attraction of excitement, risk, fun, the full life, as compared with the success imbued by stability, family, marriage, work: explained as 'settling for clams' in John Irving's 'Widow for One Year'. We all hanker for the former, but few go all the way, daring to risk the Icarusian descent.
So, the story is a standard, reflected here in the Victorian gloom Earl manages to bring to Barchester in winter. The town's name was the only element of this book that truly rankled with me. One has to assume that it is intended to be Trollope's Barsetshire town, which didn't really chime with me, or, if not, then as an invented name it's, um, 'naff' I think is the best word. Everything else was absolutely spot on the mark as a homage to the gothic vampire genre, so I did not let Barchester get on my nerves too much!
December 21, 2018
(I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
3.5 stars.
This hooked me from the start, with the opening scene where Steven is being obnoxious and philosophical. College students having pretentious but passionate debates about their area of study? Sign me up. (And it's a recurring theme throughout the novel, which I found delightful!) There's geeking out and bullshitting your way out of the corner you've talked yourself into, and genuine contemplation on the nature of life and love and what have you.
The second great strength of this was the interpersonal relationships which made the aforementioned arguments enjoyable and made the plot in general work. I love the mix of banter and tender moments between Steven, Sophia, and Lucy — even the romantic entanglements worked for me, for the most part — a bond which not even Julian or John could derail. I also loved how matter-of-factly character's non-heterosexuality is presented, and that it generally subverts stereotypes and tropes. (There's potential issues with the fact that ; though it's relevant to the plot, I do think it could have been pretty easily avoided.)
The writing itself was terrific. Enough details to picture the scene, but not so many that it bogged down the action; and each of the POV characters was distinct. The narrative didn't hinge on big reveals and instead was upfront about what was going on, which was refreshing since I've guessed all the twists I've come across lately and been underwhelmed by the subsequent lack of tension. I did cringe a little at the sexual parts (nothing overtly explicit, but flirting with the boundary of PG-13), but I'm not sure there would've been a non-cringey way to convey the scenes that Earl did.
What didn't work so well for me was the ending. It seemed a little abrupt, especially the fairly cliched ending wherein , and that was pretty disappointing considering all the great buildup.
All in all, this is a fascinating modern homage to Dracula, Frankenstein, and other scifi/paranormal classics, well-told with charismatic characters and an exciting plot.
3.5 stars.
This hooked me from the start, with the opening scene where Steven is being obnoxious and philosophical. College students having pretentious but passionate debates about their area of study? Sign me up. (And it's a recurring theme throughout the novel, which I found delightful!) There's geeking out and bullshitting your way out of the corner you've talked yourself into, and genuine contemplation on the nature of life and love and what have you.
The second great strength of this was the interpersonal relationships which made the aforementioned arguments enjoyable and made the plot in general work. I love the mix of banter and tender moments between Steven, Sophia, and Lucy — even the romantic entanglements worked for me, for the most part — a bond which not even Julian or John could derail. I also loved how matter-of-factly character's non-heterosexuality is presented, and that it generally subverts stereotypes and tropes. (There's potential issues with the fact that ; though it's relevant to the plot, I do think it could have been pretty easily avoided.)
The writing itself was terrific. Enough details to picture the scene, but not so many that it bogged down the action; and each of the POV characters was distinct. The narrative didn't hinge on big reveals and instead was upfront about what was going on, which was refreshing since I've guessed all the twists I've come across lately and been underwhelmed by the subsequent lack of tension. I did cringe a little at the sexual parts (nothing overtly explicit, but flirting with the boundary of PG-13), but I'm not sure there would've been a non-cringey way to convey the scenes that Earl did.
What didn't work so well for me was the ending. It seemed a little abrupt, especially the fairly cliched ending wherein , and that was pretty disappointing considering all the great buildup.
All in all, this is a fascinating modern homage to Dracula, Frankenstein, and other scifi/paranormal classics, well-told with charismatic characters and an exciting plot.
November 20, 2018
Very much enjoyed Alys' debut novel. A tightly based narrative encompassing grand passions and unrequited love, this Gothic novel's storyline reminded me of Twilight. It was a bit more 'adult' though and quite erotic in places. Certainly a good read I can recommend.
October 24, 2018
Clever and compelling novel about a vampire and 3 students who meet each other when the students go and investigate an alleged haunted house.
On the one hand, we see Julian, the vampire, through the eyes of his new friends: a charismatic, intelligent man. On the other hand, we see Julian suffer, trying to come to terms with who and what he is and what he's lost and we also follow him through the night as he drinks blood to sustain himself, when the author cleverly refers to him as "the creature" and the man his friends know (and love) is gone.
We witness how Sophia and Stephen are drawn to Julian and there is a constant tension, sometimes sexual in nature, a constant threat in the air that keeps the reader on their toes.
Chapters begin with quotes from the classics (Dorian Gray, Wuthering Heights,
...) and there's quite a lot of talking about books, especially Dracula, a very apt topic of course. So if you're looking for a cheap, flimsy story about a sexy vampire... This ain't it! And thank god, or rather Alys Earl, for that!
Recommended to those of you who, like me, are tired of cardboard and clichéd mythical characters.
On the one hand, we see Julian, the vampire, through the eyes of his new friends: a charismatic, intelligent man. On the other hand, we see Julian suffer, trying to come to terms with who and what he is and what he's lost and we also follow him through the night as he drinks blood to sustain himself, when the author cleverly refers to him as "the creature" and the man his friends know (and love) is gone.
We witness how Sophia and Stephen are drawn to Julian and there is a constant tension, sometimes sexual in nature, a constant threat in the air that keeps the reader on their toes.
Chapters begin with quotes from the classics (Dorian Gray, Wuthering Heights,
...) and there's quite a lot of talking about books, especially Dracula, a very apt topic of course. So if you're looking for a cheap, flimsy story about a sexy vampire... This ain't it! And thank god, or rather Alys Earl, for that!
Recommended to those of you who, like me, are tired of cardboard and clichéd mythical characters.
October 24, 2018
I read this book through the Pigeonhole, so thank you to them.
This is a tricky review to write, because I don't want to spoil the creeping realisation that you get initially. What I will say is that it's a very skilful update of a story that you know, and that it brings things into a modern world of mobile phones and night clubs and dinner parties.
It's also about choices, and how people can make bad - terrible - choices. How complicit can someone be in what is ultimately an abusive relationship? What does friendship mean? How far do we take our fantasies.
It's a book that takes a whole load of cliches - starting with the creepy house scene - and plays with them knowingly. It's very cleverly done.
This is a tricky review to write, because I don't want to spoil the creeping realisation that you get initially. What I will say is that it's a very skilful update of a story that you know, and that it brings things into a modern world of mobile phones and night clubs and dinner parties.
It's also about choices, and how people can make bad - terrible - choices. How complicit can someone be in what is ultimately an abusive relationship? What does friendship mean? How far do we take our fantasies.
It's a book that takes a whole load of cliches - starting with the creepy house scene - and plays with them knowingly. It's very cleverly done.
November 2, 2018
I’m a fan of fantasy and the occasional horror/vampire novel and this book just blew me away. It’s beautifully written, sometimes funny, sometimes horrific and always heartbreaking. Very different from most vampire books I’ve read while still feeling very familiar.
I loved how the writer’s language took you deep into the experience. The sensuality of the novel and the brutality of the emotional journey meant that even when I was thought I knew what was going to next, I really felt each emotional beat.
I had intended to read it slowly, but after picking it up, I found I couldn’t stop and ended up reading it all in a day. I just couldn’t put it down.
I loved how it ended and wasn’t expecting it at all.
A bitter sweet novel. Heavy on the bitter.
I loved how the writer’s language took you deep into the experience. The sensuality of the novel and the brutality of the emotional journey meant that even when I was thought I knew what was going to next, I really felt each emotional beat.
I had intended to read it slowly, but after picking it up, I found I couldn’t stop and ended up reading it all in a day. I just couldn’t put it down.
I loved how it ended and wasn’t expecting it at all.
A bitter sweet novel. Heavy on the bitter.
October 24, 2018
I read this with Pigeonhole, a stave at a time over 10 days. It was great to read along with others and discuss what we were feeling. This was a compelling read, though quite horrific in the parts where killings were described. I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre. Alys describes the main characters and their feelings very well and we can understand why Sophia acts as she does in the end. Great reading. Thanks again Pigeonhole and the author.
October 27, 2018
A joy to read, this is about friendship, loyalty, dreams and aspirations, life, and death
January 20, 2019
On one level, yes, it's a vampire novel, but I actually found it most interesting and successful as a study of friendships and relationships. The social dynamics between the group of students are portrayed well, and Sophia's hopes, dreams and frustrations are especially convincing - she really felt like a real person, and was the most relatable of the characters. I also thought the novel had real heart in the final third of the book, in its portrayal of grief and guilt.
For that reason, I hope that potential readers who aren't into vampires aren't put off by the horror aspect. In my opinion, the writing and characterisation are the main strengths of the novel, and it could be appreciate by a wide readership, regardless of genre.
Having said that, there's also a lot to enjoy for anyone interested in vampires, and particularly fans of Dracula. I tend not to read vampire fiction, and at the beginning of Time's Fool I was less interested in this aspect of the story, as I was more engaged by the relationships between the other students. And I wasn't as intrigued by Julian as I wanted to be. But by the end of the novel, seeing him through Sophia's eyes, I'd changed my mind, and gained a deeper appreciation of Time's Fool as a 21st century Dracula.
While it's a dark, sometimes brutal book, there are also plenty of moments of humour, especially in the clashes between the archaic Julian and the modern world - the dinner party scene reminded me a bit of What We Do in the Shadows.
It's also very, very British, in a way that made me feel unexpectedly homesick at times. If a British, 21st century Dracula packed with gore, humour, eroticism and literary references sounds like your kind of thing, check it out!
(And please, ignore the spiteful review from Felicia. If you pay so little attention to the book you're reading that you can't remember a main character's name, it's not fair to the author to leave a review.)
For that reason, I hope that potential readers who aren't into vampires aren't put off by the horror aspect. In my opinion, the writing and characterisation are the main strengths of the novel, and it could be appreciate by a wide readership, regardless of genre.
Having said that, there's also a lot to enjoy for anyone interested in vampires, and particularly fans of Dracula. I tend not to read vampire fiction, and at the beginning of Time's Fool I was less interested in this aspect of the story, as I was more engaged by the relationships between the other students. And I wasn't as intrigued by Julian as I wanted to be. But by the end of the novel, seeing him through Sophia's eyes, I'd changed my mind, and gained a deeper appreciation of Time's Fool as a 21st century Dracula.
While it's a dark, sometimes brutal book, there are also plenty of moments of humour, especially in the clashes between the archaic Julian and the modern world - the dinner party scene reminded me a bit of What We Do in the Shadows.
It's also very, very British, in a way that made me feel unexpectedly homesick at times. If a British, 21st century Dracula packed with gore, humour, eroticism and literary references sounds like your kind of thing, check it out!
(And please, ignore the spiteful review from Felicia. If you pay so little attention to the book you're reading that you can't remember a main character's name, it's not fair to the author to leave a review.)
December 22, 2018
Intelligent modern Gothic
My thanks to Unbound Digital for an ebook edition via NetGalley of this contemporary Gothic novel. I did also buy a copy on Kindle.
The opening chapter’s title, ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’, could easily serve as a subtitle for this novel. ‘Time’s Fool’ is set in Barchester, the fictional town created by Anthony Trollope, and features three friends: Sophia, Steven, and Lucy with Sophia’s fiancé John also present (though he can barely tolerate her friends and vice versa). For on Halloween they visit a local crumbling manor reputed to be haunted. However, they find it isn’t deserted as expected and encounter its enigmatic owner, Julian, who quickly befriends Sophia and Steven.
He appears to be strongly attracted to both yet holds back. Meanwhile, there are reports of missing persons and gruesome murders taking place in the town but this doesn’t particularly attract the attention of the young protagonists.
Enthusiasts of Gothic horror wait for these Millennials to start making some connections regarding their new friend. It serves to demonstrate that even those drawn to the Gothic tradition and horror films can still be quite clueless when faced with what they consider irrational and this provides an interesting contrast to other novels in this genre.
I felt the characters were well realised and ultimately cared about their fates. There is quite a focus on the interpersonal relationships and coming to terms with adulthood, which again is rarely explored in supernatural novels. Likewise Julian’s very different relationship with time is explored, often through flashbacks.
Earl’s prose is elegant and lyrical evoking the style of classic Gothic novels yet remaining fresh and contemporary in tone. The novel has many literary and popular culture references throughout
I would certainly recommend it to those seeking an intriguing novel that explores gothic/horror tropes with intelligence and flare. The final chapters blew me away. Powerful and deeply moving.
They gave my ratings a boost to 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.
My thanks to Unbound Digital for an ebook edition via NetGalley of this contemporary Gothic novel. I did also buy a copy on Kindle.
The opening chapter’s title, ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’, could easily serve as a subtitle for this novel. ‘Time’s Fool’ is set in Barchester, the fictional town created by Anthony Trollope, and features three friends: Sophia, Steven, and Lucy with Sophia’s fiancé John also present (though he can barely tolerate her friends and vice versa). For on Halloween they visit a local crumbling manor reputed to be haunted. However, they find it isn’t deserted as expected and encounter its enigmatic owner, Julian, who quickly befriends Sophia and Steven.
He appears to be strongly attracted to both yet holds back. Meanwhile, there are reports of missing persons and gruesome murders taking place in the town but this doesn’t particularly attract the attention of the young protagonists.
Enthusiasts of Gothic horror wait for these Millennials to start making some connections regarding their new friend. It serves to demonstrate that even those drawn to the Gothic tradition and horror films can still be quite clueless when faced with what they consider irrational and this provides an interesting contrast to other novels in this genre.
I felt the characters were well realised and ultimately cared about their fates. There is quite a focus on the interpersonal relationships and coming to terms with adulthood, which again is rarely explored in supernatural novels. Likewise Julian’s very different relationship with time is explored, often through flashbacks.
Earl’s prose is elegant and lyrical evoking the style of classic Gothic novels yet remaining fresh and contemporary in tone. The novel has many literary and popular culture references throughout
I would certainly recommend it to those seeking an intriguing novel that explores gothic/horror tropes with intelligence and flare. The final chapters blew me away. Powerful and deeply moving.
They gave my ratings a boost to 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.
January 9, 2019
having pledged to the book on Unbound some time ago I was delighted to get my hands on it and a bit remiss not to get stuck in sooner than I did.
You are very quickly drawn into the authors 'world' and the characters are immediately recognisable and likeable.
I saw that the book was a 'love letter to Dracula' and indeed I'd described it as an 'homage to...' / 'a modern retelling of...'
The story is well paced and gripping, so caught up in one of the crucial moments in the book was I that found my eyes getting a little damp.
Really can't recommend this book highly enough...
You are very quickly drawn into the authors 'world' and the characters are immediately recognisable and likeable.
I saw that the book was a 'love letter to Dracula' and indeed I'd described it as an 'homage to...' / 'a modern retelling of...'
The story is well paced and gripping, so caught up in one of the crucial moments in the book was I that found my eyes getting a little damp.
Really can't recommend this book highly enough...
November 29, 2021
A really good and intriguing modern gothic horror thriller in dialogue with older stories. Loved sense of atmosphere and characters falling into a dangerous relationship with a charismatic not quite human character
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
October 31, 2018
This is an enthralling book. It entices you in, presents you with a selection of well realised characters, all with their own motivations and journeys, and all a little lost. Over the course of the novel, as the days draw in, we lead in further and see with increasing horror the inevitable paths each will take. The power of this novel is found in how well Earl uses all the tropes of traditional gothic, images of Stoker and LeFanu alongside the sharpness, wit and passion of Carter, to draw out a very modern tale of coming of age and existential despair. When I finished this, I was left with the impression that this was Frankinstein for the millennial generation. It’s a hard novel, deeply uncomfortable at parts, but deeply moving and well worth a read.
October 25, 2018
2.5 Stars
This is an attempt at resurrecting the Gothic in literature and the reader is continuously reminded of this fact through both the quotations (from the likes of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Mary Shelley's Frankensteins, Sheridan Le Fanu's Camille and Oscar Wilde's Picture Of Dorian Gray) that start each chapter. It is also further driven home as 2 of our 4 protagonists (Steven and Lucy) are studying literature at University in Barchester and, along with Sophia, seem to spend large chunks of the opening chapters discussing and dissecting literature. John is always sadly on the sidelines during these discussions, indeed he seems to be on the sidelines for much of the book.
Initially the writing isn't too bad with the dialogue between characters having a ring of authenticity and the settings and the characters being pared back so we can find out about them through their words and actions rather than being told in no uncertain terms by the author who everyone is and how we should perceive them. When they break in to a local abandoned mansion they meet the enigmatic Julian and now there is a fifth wheel to their friendship circle.
Everything is going swimmingly until about a third of the way through. I was captivated by the story and the characters and there was that frisson of the unknown running through where the reader knew far more than our protagonists but not as much as I thought I knew. From this point though it began to get a little bit bogged down with internal monologues from Sophia, Steven and Julian taking the place of conversations and actions and I started to lose a little interest.
Unfortunately, from the halfway point onwards this becomes in exercise in completely pointless prose - why use 5 words when I can use 25 to describe one single fleeting emotion? There is an almost desperate determination to emulate what is regarded, by some, as great Gothic literature but it is self-consciously executed and pulled me right out of the story. Sheer determination not to be beaten by a book kept me reading to the end and things improve slightly towards the end from the perspective of the writing style but from a plot point of view it descends further into ridculous parody.
If you are looking for a Vampire Tale written in a Gothic style then please pick up Dracula and see how it should be done. Heck even pick up early Anne Rice books (Interview With The Vampire, Vampire Lestat and Queen Of The Damned may be over-flowery in their language but at least there is a discernible plot) for your vampire fix.
I'm sorry but this book was really not my cup of tea at all as it was style over substance and the style itself was flawed.
THIS IS AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE
This is an attempt at resurrecting the Gothic in literature and the reader is continuously reminded of this fact through both the quotations (from the likes of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Mary Shelley's Frankensteins, Sheridan Le Fanu's Camille and Oscar Wilde's Picture Of Dorian Gray) that start each chapter. It is also further driven home as 2 of our 4 protagonists (Steven and Lucy) are studying literature at University in Barchester and, along with Sophia, seem to spend large chunks of the opening chapters discussing and dissecting literature. John is always sadly on the sidelines during these discussions, indeed he seems to be on the sidelines for much of the book.
Initially the writing isn't too bad with the dialogue between characters having a ring of authenticity and the settings and the characters being pared back so we can find out about them through their words and actions rather than being told in no uncertain terms by the author who everyone is and how we should perceive them. When they break in to a local abandoned mansion they meet the enigmatic Julian and now there is a fifth wheel to their friendship circle.
Everything is going swimmingly until about a third of the way through. I was captivated by the story and the characters and there was that frisson of the unknown running through where the reader knew far more than our protagonists but not as much as I thought I knew. From this point though it began to get a little bit bogged down with internal monologues from Sophia, Steven and Julian taking the place of conversations and actions and I started to lose a little interest.
Unfortunately, from the halfway point onwards this becomes in exercise in completely pointless prose - why use 5 words when I can use 25 to describe one single fleeting emotion? There is an almost desperate determination to emulate what is regarded, by some, as great Gothic literature but it is self-consciously executed and pulled me right out of the story. Sheer determination not to be beaten by a book kept me reading to the end and things improve slightly towards the end from the perspective of the writing style but from a plot point of view it descends further into ridculous parody.
If you are looking for a Vampire Tale written in a Gothic style then please pick up Dracula and see how it should be done. Heck even pick up early Anne Rice books (Interview With The Vampire, Vampire Lestat and Queen Of The Damned may be over-flowery in their language but at least there is a discernible plot) for your vampire fix.
I'm sorry but this book was really not my cup of tea at all as it was style over substance and the style itself was flawed.
THIS IS AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE
March 3, 2019
As a lover of Gothic and the sublime I was looking forward to this novel in the hopes of re-capturing the moods and feelings associated with the first time I read Dracula, MR James and Poe, or even Machen's 'The Great God Pan'. To a degree I was disappointed, and of that I am glad.
Certainly the novel positively drips with Gothic tropes; from the quotes that accompany each chapter, recognisable phrases - borrowed from various other stories - then worked into the narrative, to the compulsory 'empty' mansion (although here the lair of the beast isn't perched atop a craggy lonely mountain; instead it's a monument to desolation in the heart of the city - an urban explorer's paradise). And they work, they give the novel a lacquer of the sublime to put your mind in the right place to be taken on the journey the author has to share with us. I particularly enjoyed some of the small touches, like the fact that the city of Barchester (Montague Rhodes will be nodding in approval ;P) is depicted as a Gothic city worthy of a Tim Burton movie, and yet is considered a 'safe city', basking in the glow of suburban banality. Just the right amount of discord to put you on edge.
I enjoyed the authors choice and handling of her main characters. Sophia, Steven, Lucy and John are all very well developed and come across as believable everyday people. It's a testament to the author's talent that she made me care about these characters and the drama of their quite ordinary lives. This kitchen-sink element is quite refreshing and does lend greater depth to the sense of powerlessness when the inevitable intrusion of the supernatural rears it's head. But that does bring me to my only problem with the book.
The antagonist Julian is interesting but, for me, not quite interesting enough. I enjoyed the snap-shots of his mortal life and his self-doubt and turmoil with his nature is well written and engaging, but still there is something saccharin about him. At times sections that deal with the moments when his vampiric needs demand sating contain a detachment of language (which does feel intentional), that felt at odds with visceral nature of the action. He comes across as too ordinary to be truly memorable, which jars with the how complete the human characters are. Admittedly, as of this writing, I still can't decide whether this makes him fail as a character, or whether it is a stamp of his originality.
I said at the start that I was glad to be disappointed. If you're hoping to find a new James, Shelley, Stoker or Radcliffe; you'll be disappointed. But what you will find in 'Time's Fool' is an author with a genuine love of the Gothic, who weaves echoes of these mistresses and masters of the genre into her work and pays homage to their craft. In doing so Earl creates something new - nineteenth century sublime casting its shadow over a world of all to familiar twenty-first century domesticity.
Certainly the novel positively drips with Gothic tropes; from the quotes that accompany each chapter, recognisable phrases - borrowed from various other stories - then worked into the narrative, to the compulsory 'empty' mansion (although here the lair of the beast isn't perched atop a craggy lonely mountain; instead it's a monument to desolation in the heart of the city - an urban explorer's paradise). And they work, they give the novel a lacquer of the sublime to put your mind in the right place to be taken on the journey the author has to share with us. I particularly enjoyed some of the small touches, like the fact that the city of Barchester (Montague Rhodes will be nodding in approval ;P) is depicted as a Gothic city worthy of a Tim Burton movie, and yet is considered a 'safe city', basking in the glow of suburban banality. Just the right amount of discord to put you on edge.
I enjoyed the authors choice and handling of her main characters. Sophia, Steven, Lucy and John are all very well developed and come across as believable everyday people. It's a testament to the author's talent that she made me care about these characters and the drama of their quite ordinary lives. This kitchen-sink element is quite refreshing and does lend greater depth to the sense of powerlessness when the inevitable intrusion of the supernatural rears it's head. But that does bring me to my only problem with the book.
The antagonist Julian is interesting but, for me, not quite interesting enough. I enjoyed the snap-shots of his mortal life and his self-doubt and turmoil with his nature is well written and engaging, but still there is something saccharin about him. At times sections that deal with the moments when his vampiric needs demand sating contain a detachment of language (which does feel intentional), that felt at odds with visceral nature of the action. He comes across as too ordinary to be truly memorable, which jars with the how complete the human characters are. Admittedly, as of this writing, I still can't decide whether this makes him fail as a character, or whether it is a stamp of his originality.
I said at the start that I was glad to be disappointed. If you're hoping to find a new James, Shelley, Stoker or Radcliffe; you'll be disappointed. But what you will find in 'Time's Fool' is an author with a genuine love of the Gothic, who weaves echoes of these mistresses and masters of the genre into her work and pays homage to their craft. In doing so Earl creates something new - nineteenth century sublime casting its shadow over a world of all to familiar twenty-first century domesticity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2019
Romantic, sensual and very English, this novel is an astonishing accomplishment.
It features a large near derelict old mansion where four young people encounter Julian, a mysterious stranger who lives there, and in time become friends with him, meeting him socially. Set in Barchester, a nod to Anthony Trollope's fictional cathedral city in a series of novels known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, mysterious murders are taking place. One by one, bodies have been found in the city, attributed to a serial killer.
The attractive stranger, known simply as the creature to the reader, and Julian by the young people, is haunted by the memory of his young late wife from 600 years ago. Refined and intellectual, he is drawn to Sophia and she to him. She is pretty and one of the four friends. Unfortunately she is already engaged to the boorish John. I have a soft spot for the Gothic genre because there are bound to be attractive and dark characters. Guaranteed.
The ending was satisfying, surprising and fulfilling. The internal and external conflicts are addressed well because they are hungry for each other but they know it's wrong. The author's control of the language is masterful and pure. There is not one big word. The writing impressed me with its tenderness, depth of emotion and fluidity of prose. This book is highly enjoyable and gripping. It kept me up late several nights running. Chilling and thrilling, Times Fool examines the darkness, foolishness and power of desire. I highly recommend it. You will have a feast.
It features a large near derelict old mansion where four young people encounter Julian, a mysterious stranger who lives there, and in time become friends with him, meeting him socially. Set in Barchester, a nod to Anthony Trollope's fictional cathedral city in a series of novels known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, mysterious murders are taking place. One by one, bodies have been found in the city, attributed to a serial killer.
The attractive stranger, known simply as the creature to the reader, and Julian by the young people, is haunted by the memory of his young late wife from 600 years ago. Refined and intellectual, he is drawn to Sophia and she to him. She is pretty and one of the four friends. Unfortunately she is already engaged to the boorish John. I have a soft spot for the Gothic genre because there are bound to be attractive and dark characters. Guaranteed.
The ending was satisfying, surprising and fulfilling. The internal and external conflicts are addressed well because they are hungry for each other but they know it's wrong. The author's control of the language is masterful and pure. There is not one big word. The writing impressed me with its tenderness, depth of emotion and fluidity of prose. This book is highly enjoyable and gripping. It kept me up late several nights running. Chilling and thrilling, Times Fool examines the darkness, foolishness and power of desire. I highly recommend it. You will have a feast.
April 7, 2019
This enjoyable piece of Gothic Horror is set in a fictional town named Barchester, but it is by no means a load of old Trollope. Alys Earl's novel is a masterful piece of fiction. Stoker's Dracula informs the story throughout although the focus of this writer's novel is centred on The Creature, Julian. The extent of sympathy we readers feel towards The Creature is a mark of how deftly the writer has written their book.
The relationships between the young group of friends are finely drawn and entirely credible and I enjoyed the nods toward Stoker's novel in the names Lucy and John. Steven's prickly sarcasm was beautifully rendered and his and Sophia's growing attraction to Julian was compelling. There were two triangles in this novel, I felt sympathy for John as I hope I was supposed to.
There is nothing in this book to dismay fans of Le Fanu or Stoker. There was not a single false note and the meticulous research is lightly worn. Gruesome and graphic, Time's Fool remains a love story at heart and is none the worse for it.
Buy it, it's very good indeed.
The relationships between the young group of friends are finely drawn and entirely credible and I enjoyed the nods toward Stoker's novel in the names Lucy and John. Steven's prickly sarcasm was beautifully rendered and his and Sophia's growing attraction to Julian was compelling. There were two triangles in this novel, I felt sympathy for John as I hope I was supposed to.
There is nothing in this book to dismay fans of Le Fanu or Stoker. There was not a single false note and the meticulous research is lightly worn. Gruesome and graphic, Time's Fool remains a love story at heart and is none the worse for it.
Buy it, it's very good indeed.
March 7, 2019
Gothic literature is my favourite genre, so when my boyfriend bought me this book I was very exciting to read. It's intelligent but not pretentious, emotionally captivating and super gothic. I recommend this to everyone I know and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
September 8, 2019
Exquisitely written, gothic with a modern twist, and beautiful turns of phrase. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters. I was swept up in their lives and the consequences of their actions. Highly recommended
January 29, 2019
Much darker than my usual tastes, but if you’re looking for a vampire story this will leave you breathless.
February 6, 2019
Very readable and enjoyable modern take on vampire stories with a gothic sensibility.
September 18, 2019
Too many legends are being incorporated into this book, my head cannot make head nor tail of it. Way too many themes slammed into one book.
April 22, 2019
I received an ARC of this from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve never waited so long for something to actually happen before, and even then I’m not sure anything really did happen. This was one of the more poorly done vampire stories I’ve read. I’m not sure whether the author was trying to achieve a loosely based modern day retelling of Dracula but certain names and situations were very very familiar. The only reason I kept reading this book was because the build up was so great. Really drawn out, but done well, other than the fact that nothing really happens. The characters were mediocre. Sophia and Jon’s relationship was so frustrating and annoying, Steven was alright other than his character really didn’t act on any impulse whatsoever. The only character of interest was Lucy, and well we know how that ended.
Not my favourite. I’d pass on this
I’ve never waited so long for something to actually happen before, and even then I’m not sure anything really did happen. This was one of the more poorly done vampire stories I’ve read. I’m not sure whether the author was trying to achieve a loosely based modern day retelling of Dracula but certain names and situations were very very familiar. The only reason I kept reading this book was because the build up was so great. Really drawn out, but done well, other than the fact that nothing really happens. The characters were mediocre. Sophia and Jon’s relationship was so frustrating and annoying, Steven was alright other than his character really didn’t act on any impulse whatsoever. The only character of interest was Lucy, and well we know how that ended.
Not my favourite. I’d pass on this
October 30, 2020
Gloriously beautiful! I am in love with the language of this book. The story is compelling and heartbreaking. Alys Earl reaches deep into my soul with the literary references, the description of grief and yearning and their passion for storytelling.
January 22, 2019
Time's Fool is not my type of book. I didn't realize that this book was vampires. I'm not a fan at all, so I just skimmed through this one. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
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