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Sterkarm #1
The Sterkarm Handshake
The Sterkarms have plundered the border between Scotland and England for generations. Suddenly intruders, calling themselves Elves, want the Sterkarms to stop their violent ways.The Elves, time travelers from the 21st century, have found a way back to the 16th century and plan to do their own plundering of the land's rich natural resources. Their only mistake is foolishly underestimating the Sterkarms themselves.For Andrea Mitchell, an anthropologist working among the Sterkarms, none of this matters. In love with Per -- a young Sterkarm warrior -- and feted as a beautiful Elf-May, she's never known such happiness in her own time.But when Per receives a deadly injury, Andrea's decision to take him into the 21st century to save him has explosive results. Per, seeing how powerful and destructive the Elves truly are, swears to keep them from his land forever. And in the bloody battle that ensues, Andrea must finally choose whose side she is on.The Sterkarm Handshake is a stirring tale of a clash of two cultures, beautifully told by master storyteller Susan Price. Books for the Teen Age 2001 (NYPL)
455 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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December 4, 2022
Now plot and contents wise, in Susan Price's 1998 Carnegie Medal nominee young adult time travel fantasy The Sterkarm Handshake, an invention has (fictitiously of course) been perfected in the 21st century, namely a tube which allows contemporary scientists, researches (and of course also corporations intent on moneymaking and exploitation) to travel back in time, and in The Sterkarm Handshake specifically to 16th century century Scotland, with the internationally powerful and ruthless corporation FUP intending to use these artificially created and manufactured tubes primarily to harvest the untouched supplies of oil, gold and coal of the past (but would these supplies not mean that there would be less and less in the future) and to also create a pollution-free resort for those rich enough to afford the cost of time travel (which does kind of remind me of Jurassic Park). And yes, at the beginning of The Sterkarm handshake, FUP has already purchased the troublesome borderlands between 16th century Scotland and England in order to begin immediate development and resource exploitation.
However, the Sterkarms, the warrior Scottish clan who claim the areas in question in the 16th century (and have a pretty sordid and dangerous reputation) of course have totally different ideas. As while in The Sterkarm Handshake, the Sterkarms might consider the 21st century individuals arriving via tube in their time, in the 16th century to be the elves from their folklore, despite negotiations with and bribes from these "elves" (such as, for example, Aspirin), the Sterkarms have absolutely no interest at all giving up their lands and ways of life. But indeed, for the main protagonist of The Sterkarm Handshake, for Andrea Mitchell, an English anthropologist of the future, who has been hired by FUP (and in particular by Bryce Windsor) to travel from the future to the past in order to study and live among the Sterkarms and to report on them to him, to Bryce Windsor, in order to help better manipulate the Sterkarms, well, she is caught directly between both sides. For on the one hand, there is Andrea's own world (the 21st century) and also the demands of Windsor who as her superior (and with quite a lot of power and clout) basically does pretty much hold Andrea's career in the palm of her hand, while on the other hand there are the Sterkarms who have welcomed Andrea Mitchell into their lives like a cherished guest, whom she has come to respect and admire, and not to mention that Andrea's love for the Sternkarn chieftain's son Per (and that this love is mutual), makes Andrea's mediating role majorly conflicted and totally complicated.
And when there finally is a total crisis in The Sterkarm Handshake, after Bryce Windsor has basically kidnapped Per and taken him to the 21st century (even though he tells Andrea Mitchell that it is for getting adequate medical treatments for Per's serious injuries), this naturally escalates to war, with both sides severely underestimating the other, and with Andrea being caught again totally in the middle, basically the question being should Andrea help the 21st century men that the Sterkarms are holding captive, knowing that they have come into the past to wreak havoc and do murder, or should she side with the Sterkarms knowing that their way of life might be obliterated with the greed of Bryce Windsor and FUP? And then finally comes the ultimate (and to be expected) decision for Andrea in The Sterkarm Handshake whether to stay with her lover Per in a world of drudgery and peril (in the 16th century) or to give him up and stay in the somewhat meaningless for her now world of the 21st century (and no, I certainly do not on a personal and emotional level really agree with the decision Susan Price has Andrea Mitchell make in The Sterkarm Handshake, even though I am also not surprised regarding what Price has chosen for Andrea).
Finally, while I certainly consider Susan Price's presented story for The Sterkarm Handshake as having contents wise some shades of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander (and the sequels) in it, I do think that The Sterkarm Handshake presents much more that is really and truly thought provoking, and with the inevitable discord between two opposing cultures when one wants something from the other being a major and all encompassingly global theme (and with Price also presenting both sides in The Sterkarm Handshake with a lot of grey, and with the only one sidedly and almost cartoonishly negative character in The Sterkarm Handshake being Bruce Windsor). And I am also textually happy that the Sterkarms are not shown and depicted by Susan Price as tree-hugging, circle-dancing, shiningly positively New-Agers, but as warm, affectionate loving people who nevertheless also engage in warfare, torture, bloodlust and selective memory whenever it suits them, whenever the Sterkarms feel this is required. But for me personally, although Susan Price does (as already mentioned) depict both the 21st century time travelling "invaders" and the 16th century Sterkarms with justice and with depth of character in The Sterkarm Handshake, I must admit that throughout the novel, I was definitely cheering for the Sterkarms (although yes indeed, there is also only ONE character in The Sterkarm Handshake whom I have totally and utterly despised, and indeed, that is Bryce Windsor, who is not only a typical arch villainous industrialist but is also so stereotypical evilly shown by Susan Price that for me, this very minimally does lower my reading pleasure for The Sterkarm Handshake and my rating from five to four stars).
However, the Sterkarms, the warrior Scottish clan who claim the areas in question in the 16th century (and have a pretty sordid and dangerous reputation) of course have totally different ideas. As while in The Sterkarm Handshake, the Sterkarms might consider the 21st century individuals arriving via tube in their time, in the 16th century to be the elves from their folklore, despite negotiations with and bribes from these "elves" (such as, for example, Aspirin), the Sterkarms have absolutely no interest at all giving up their lands and ways of life. But indeed, for the main protagonist of The Sterkarm Handshake, for Andrea Mitchell, an English anthropologist of the future, who has been hired by FUP (and in particular by Bryce Windsor) to travel from the future to the past in order to study and live among the Sterkarms and to report on them to him, to Bryce Windsor, in order to help better manipulate the Sterkarms, well, she is caught directly between both sides. For on the one hand, there is Andrea's own world (the 21st century) and also the demands of Windsor who as her superior (and with quite a lot of power and clout) basically does pretty much hold Andrea's career in the palm of her hand, while on the other hand there are the Sterkarms who have welcomed Andrea Mitchell into their lives like a cherished guest, whom she has come to respect and admire, and not to mention that Andrea's love for the Sternkarn chieftain's son Per (and that this love is mutual), makes Andrea's mediating role majorly conflicted and totally complicated.
And when there finally is a total crisis in The Sterkarm Handshake, after Bryce Windsor has basically kidnapped Per and taken him to the 21st century (even though he tells Andrea Mitchell that it is for getting adequate medical treatments for Per's serious injuries), this naturally escalates to war, with both sides severely underestimating the other, and with Andrea being caught again totally in the middle, basically the question being should Andrea help the 21st century men that the Sterkarms are holding captive, knowing that they have come into the past to wreak havoc and do murder, or should she side with the Sterkarms knowing that their way of life might be obliterated with the greed of Bryce Windsor and FUP? And then finally comes the ultimate (and to be expected) decision for Andrea in The Sterkarm Handshake whether to stay with her lover Per in a world of drudgery and peril (in the 16th century) or to give him up and stay in the somewhat meaningless for her now world of the 21st century (and no, I certainly do not on a personal and emotional level really agree with the decision Susan Price has Andrea Mitchell make in The Sterkarm Handshake, even though I am also not surprised regarding what Price has chosen for Andrea).
Finally, while I certainly consider Susan Price's presented story for The Sterkarm Handshake as having contents wise some shades of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander (and the sequels) in it, I do think that The Sterkarm Handshake presents much more that is really and truly thought provoking, and with the inevitable discord between two opposing cultures when one wants something from the other being a major and all encompassingly global theme (and with Price also presenting both sides in The Sterkarm Handshake with a lot of grey, and with the only one sidedly and almost cartoonishly negative character in The Sterkarm Handshake being Bruce Windsor). And I am also textually happy that the Sterkarms are not shown and depicted by Susan Price as tree-hugging, circle-dancing, shiningly positively New-Agers, but as warm, affectionate loving people who nevertheless also engage in warfare, torture, bloodlust and selective memory whenever it suits them, whenever the Sterkarms feel this is required. But for me personally, although Susan Price does (as already mentioned) depict both the 21st century time travelling "invaders" and the 16th century Sterkarms with justice and with depth of character in The Sterkarm Handshake, I must admit that throughout the novel, I was definitely cheering for the Sterkarms (although yes indeed, there is also only ONE character in The Sterkarm Handshake whom I have totally and utterly despised, and indeed, that is Bryce Windsor, who is not only a typical arch villainous industrialist but is also so stereotypical evilly shown by Susan Price that for me, this very minimally does lower my reading pleasure for The Sterkarm Handshake and my rating from five to four stars).
February 7, 2017
I give this Science Fiction/Fantasy story four stars. I thought the story could have been a bit more developed in areas. I also know that there are two more parts to this story.
"Outlander" fans might enjoy this story. And if so it can be used as a stepping stone for younger readers to get into the series.
It was a fast paced read and worth a try.
"Outlander" fans might enjoy this story. And if so it can be used as a stepping stone for younger readers to get into the series.
It was a fast paced read and worth a try.
May 5, 2013
I really really enjoyed this when I was at school. I don't remember much of the story now (school was some time ago haha) but at the time I remember it affected me - I just thought it was so inventive and imaginative because I hadn't read anything quite like it before. A real dissection of human nature and greed - with a bit of sci-fi and romance thrown in. Good stuff.
I wish it was available on Kindle now :(
I wish it was available on Kindle now :(
July 28, 2015
This was a gripping yarn! I have no fingernails left after reading this book. It reminded me of Diana Wynne Jones' multi-dimensional story, Hexwood. It had a lot in common with the Owl Service, by Alan Garner. In this story a 21st C company sets up a time tunnel to go back to the 16th century. Their purposes are to exploit the vicious tribal people they find there, living on the border between Scotland and England. An anthropologist is sent back to live with the Sterkarms and to find out more about them. Trouble is, she falls in love with the beautiful Per, son of the head of the clan. If he was around today, he'd be a metrosexual.
I thoroughly enjoyed this time-travelling yarn. It was full of suspense and danger. The 21st century entrepreneurs underestimated the Sterkarms, who may not have the technology but are wise enough to stick up for themselves. There is also the added romantic element of Andrea and Per, who make a lovely couple. The 16th C was described so vividly I could almost smell it as I read the book. One thing puzzled me was the book's categorisation as a kids book. There are no kids in it. It is scary. There are sexual elements to it. I think it is a book for young adults, or for older readers. I am about to start the sequel, A Sterkarm Kiss. Highly recommended.
I thoroughly enjoyed this time-travelling yarn. It was full of suspense and danger. The 21st century entrepreneurs underestimated the Sterkarms, who may not have the technology but are wise enough to stick up for themselves. There is also the added romantic element of Andrea and Per, who make a lovely couple. The 16th C was described so vividly I could almost smell it as I read the book. One thing puzzled me was the book's categorisation as a kids book. There are no kids in it. It is scary. There are sexual elements to it. I think it is a book for young adults, or for older readers. I am about to start the sequel, A Sterkarm Kiss. Highly recommended.
March 1, 2008
A prize-winning YA novel that combines convincing historical detail, smart, engaging storytelling, and a simple science-fictional premise to produce an exciting, highly readable and morally complex tale. Andrea, an English anthropologist of the near future, has been hired by FUP, a powerful international corporation, to study and live among the residents of the lawless 16th century borderlands between England and Scotland. Having established a time-tube between the periods, FUP intends to exploit the natural resources of the past, and Bryce, the executive in charge, expects Andrea to provide him information to help him manipulate the locally powerful Sterkarm family. Far heftier than is fashionable in the 21st century, Andrea is the height of beauty in the 16th, and becomes the lover and intended bride of Per, son of Toorkild, the leader of the Sterkarms. While charmed by the warmth, wit and loyalty of the Sterkarms, Andrea is appalled by the brutality and squalor of a life without medicine, plagued by disease and constant deadly battles. When Bryce (a cartoonishly evil bad guy among otherwise multifaceted portraits; he even taunts Andrea about her weight), who interprets the Sterkarms lack of modern polish as stupidity, decides to ignore Andrea's council and use force and deception to control them, Andrea finds herself torn between her feelings about her adopted people and loyalties to her own time. Along with romance, adventure, and the wonderfully rendered picture of life in the 16th century--you can smell and hear it as well as see it--adults and more sophisticated teens will appreciate the ambiguities of cultural values in conflict.
July 31, 2017
“To them, to kill in revenge was a duty; to forgive the killing of a kinsman sin.”
Excellent science-historical fiction mashup. Avoids the time travel paradox by having travelers visit a past in a world a few dimensions away from our earth, but recognizably similar.
“… always worrying about someone getting hurt, as if people could keep from getting hurt.”
Changes point of view often--paragraph by paragraph--but with sufficient clues to keep the reader oriented. Deep into the minds and emotions of all the principle characters (who vary enough to reflect vastly different mores and experiences), to the point that we understand the motivation and worldview of those we might normally consider villains. Female lead has near-terminal conscience and indecision problems, which makes her the perfect lens into the story.
“Lovers divided by family and feud made good stories, but in life it was nothing but misery.”
Excellent immersion into medieval culture: not just sights and sounds, but smells and taste …. And all that filth. Music and folk tales deepen our cultural engagement. A skilled archer misses; hooray!
“It was like the music stopped and I had no chair.”
Quibble: Land Rovers haven’t had hub caps for decades.
If I had but a swan’s wings
Far over hills and sea I’d fly--
To my true love’s arms I’d fall at last
And in her arms I’d gladly die.
Excellent science-historical fiction mashup. Avoids the time travel paradox by having travelers visit a past in a world a few dimensions away from our earth, but recognizably similar.
“… always worrying about someone getting hurt, as if people could keep from getting hurt.”
Changes point of view often--paragraph by paragraph--but with sufficient clues to keep the reader oriented. Deep into the minds and emotions of all the principle characters (who vary enough to reflect vastly different mores and experiences), to the point that we understand the motivation and worldview of those we might normally consider villains. Female lead has near-terminal conscience and indecision problems, which makes her the perfect lens into the story.
“Lovers divided by family and feud made good stories, but in life it was nothing but misery.”
Excellent immersion into medieval culture: not just sights and sounds, but smells and taste …. And all that filth. Music and folk tales deepen our cultural engagement. A skilled archer misses; hooray!
“It was like the music stopped and I had no chair.”
Quibble: Land Rovers haven’t had hub caps for decades.
If I had but a swan’s wings
Far over hills and sea I’d fly--
To my true love’s arms I’d fall at last
And in her arms I’d gladly die.
did-not-finish
January 18, 2022DNF after three chapters. I love time travel books, but something about the writing style here felt *off* to me. The story felt like it wanted to be a Connie Willis book, but was falling short. One chapter from the main character's point of view and I was ready to not spend any more time with her. She felt totally insipid and childish, despite being a researcher or something. Her chapter was so cringey that I knew I wouldn't be able to read a whole book where she's the protagonist. Reviews are mixed on this book, so I feel OK quitting early.
Anyway, easy come, easy go!
Anyway, easy come, easy go!
December 20, 2009
Andrea Mitchell, a somewhat plain and friendless anthropologist for a slightly futuristic British corporation, is forced to join an expedition to the 16th century so that she can assist in exporting mineral resources. What her employer does not expect is that she soon prefers the natives to her own co-workers...
I realize now this would be good to read in conjunction with The Sparrow. Four and a half stars.
I realize now this would be good to read in conjunction with The Sparrow. Four and a half stars.
May 18, 2008
I liked this book tremendously when I read it a few years ago. Someone else mentioning The Gideon Trilogy made me think of it. This takes place in Britain too, but at a very different point in time. This is quite YA, but I recommend it for those interested in a fresh and different sci-fi/time travel melange.
March 22, 2017
I told a friend I'd just read a really good book set in the Scottish Borders in the 16th century, and she asked "Is it a fantasy novel?". "Oh no," I replied. "It's realism. Apart from the time travel."
June 19, 2018
Modern day people have created a time tube, intending to mine the oil, etc. of 16th century Scotland and are surprised at how canny the Sterkarm clan are.
I really wanted to like this book more. The main character, Andrea, is living with the Sterkarms to interpret and she falls in love with Per (son of the head of the clan). The book does an excellent job of making you feel like you're in the 16th century - smells, sounds, food, songs/narrations, etc. - but it drags on way too much. If around 150 pages were cut out, it would be much improved. It takes pages for someone to walk up a flight of stairs, look around a corner, change direction, and move back. It's flabby. I didn't really buy into the 'romance' between Andrea and Per either; it felt like an infatuation. I will not be continuing on in the series. If you like 'Outlander', you should give this one a try.
I really wanted to like this book more. The main character, Andrea, is living with the Sterkarms to interpret and she falls in love with Per (son of the head of the clan). The book does an excellent job of making you feel like you're in the 16th century - smells, sounds, food, songs/narrations, etc. - but it drags on way too much. If around 150 pages were cut out, it would be much improved. It takes pages for someone to walk up a flight of stairs, look around a corner, change direction, and move back. It's flabby. I didn't really buy into the 'romance' between Andrea and Per either; it felt like an infatuation. I will not be continuing on in the series. If you like 'Outlander', you should give this one a try.
October 25, 2015
I've had this book since I was a teenager, and I find myself telling people about it over and over again. I recently returned to read it for the first time in years, and I think I enjoyed it even more than the first time.
This novel is based on a brilliant concept that blurs futuristic sci-fi and hsitorical fiction. It looks at issues like colonialism, cultural superiority, romanticization of history, and exploitation of natural resources. Alongside all of this, it's a good, gripping story. None of the characters particularly stood out to me, but they worked perfectly well as a way to express the overriding themes of the story.
What I especially love about this book is the incredible historical detail. Having an anthropologist as a time-traveler adds believable richness and depth to the descriptions- it is Andrea's job to notice every little thing that contemporaries would take for granted. As a postgraduate history student myself, it is this sort of detail which fascinates me the most (so much that I wrote a blog post about the setting of The Sterkarm Handshake).
All in all, this is a must read for anyone who loves historical fiction. It could be a great action story for teenagers, or a more meaningful read for adults.
This novel is based on a brilliant concept that blurs futuristic sci-fi and hsitorical fiction. It looks at issues like colonialism, cultural superiority, romanticization of history, and exploitation of natural resources. Alongside all of this, it's a good, gripping story. None of the characters particularly stood out to me, but they worked perfectly well as a way to express the overriding themes of the story.
What I especially love about this book is the incredible historical detail. Having an anthropologist as a time-traveler adds believable richness and depth to the descriptions- it is Andrea's job to notice every little thing that contemporaries would take for granted. As a postgraduate history student myself, it is this sort of detail which fascinates me the most (so much that I wrote a blog post about the setting of The Sterkarm Handshake).
All in all, this is a must read for anyone who loves historical fiction. It could be a great action story for teenagers, or a more meaningful read for adults.
February 9, 2014
Andrea Mitchell works for FUP, a 21st century company who has developed a time-travel tube back to the 16th century. As a researcher, she lives among the Sterkarms, a border clan known for their bravado and treachery. In this 16th century England countryside she falls in love with the clan head’s son and when FUP starts negotiating about “trading” with the Sterkarms things start going terribly wrong.
The Sterkarm Handshake has a bit of a slow start, but once the action kicks in, it does so in plenty. The writing is detailed, backed by realism and good research.
There is an unusual lack of good-guys bad-guys theme (which makes the tale all the more sincere) and no lack of violence. A touching and tragic romance runs through the story without the expected happy ending. Historically very intriguing and overall an excellent read!
The Sterkarm Handshake has a bit of a slow start, but once the action kicks in, it does so in plenty. The writing is detailed, backed by realism and good research.
There is an unusual lack of good-guys bad-guys theme (which makes the tale all the more sincere) and no lack of violence. A touching and tragic romance runs through the story without the expected happy ending. Historically very intriguing and overall an excellent read!
September 21, 2007
Imaginative time travel adventure. Corporate paid researchers go back to the 16th century to exploit the resources, only to find they are no match for the so-called primitive people they try to take advantage of, the Sterkarm clan. Which group is more civilized? More treacherous? It is up for debate.
Researcher Andrea prefers the Sterkarms, and one of them, Per, prefers her.
Why are Scots always portrayed as being so lusty? Maybe it's in contrast with the English.
Researcher Andrea prefers the Sterkarms, and one of them, Per, prefers her.
Why are Scots always portrayed as being so lusty? Maybe it's in contrast with the English.
November 14, 2009
From the blurb of the cover, I thought this would be a great, interesting book, but the way it was written was very slow. I could barely get into it. I only finished it to get it over with, not because I was actually enjoying it. I just never get engaged in the story, even though most of it is pretty much non-stop action. I also didn't see it as a young adult novel. It just felt like more of a adult novel to me. Its not that teens can't handle it, its just the tone.
August 22, 2021
I remember reading this in middle or high school and loving it! I completely forgot about it and had no idea it was a trilogy until I stumbled across it in a used bookstore. I just finished reading it again and I enjoyed it overall, even though a couple of things noticeably dated this.
Andrea Mitchell is a language specialist working with a company that has perfected time travel. In order to sidestep paradoxes and other unintended consequences, they have figured out how to go into the past in a neighboring timeline. The corporation plans to make a tourist trap out of a rough part of the 16th century English/Scottish border, and expand from there into digging for gold, drilling oil and other plundering of natural resources. The area is chiefly populated by a few warring clans who the 21st siders think will be easily manipulated. Andrea is sent to live with the titular Sterkarm family, gathering intelligence and encouraging them to deal with the 21st siders, who they believe are Elves. Of course, things go awry and inevitably, Andrea falls in love with the handsome son of the Sterkarm lord. When it comes time to betray the Sterkarms and put the corporation's plan into action, Andrea is torn between loyalties.
This is a fast paced, easy read and the clash between the 16th and 21st century ways of life provides some natural comic relief. However, the female protagonist is the least developed character in the book. She doesn't seem to want much other than her Sterkarm lover. She is described as fat and the book never lets you forget it. Her modern day counterparts constantly taunt her directly, or think disparaging remarks about her size. If it was limited to her odious boss, who is the villain of this piece, I could excuse it as part of his character development. But nope, EVERY modern man she runs into thinks to himself or tells her that directly that she's fat. She is referred to as a cow and a room darkener. It's a little toxic and it made me cringe every time. Even worse, she's internalized these thoughts and thinks she's lucky to be with her historical hottie, despite the fact that if she stays with him her life will be brutish and short. Never mind indoor plumbing and modern medicine. In the 16th century men think she's hot!
Still, the book was just entertaining enough for me to ignore its flaws and enjoy the journey. It's probably not something I'll read a third time, but it was a fun nostalgia trip.
Andrea Mitchell is a language specialist working with a company that has perfected time travel. In order to sidestep paradoxes and other unintended consequences, they have figured out how to go into the past in a neighboring timeline. The corporation plans to make a tourist trap out of a rough part of the 16th century English/Scottish border, and expand from there into digging for gold, drilling oil and other plundering of natural resources. The area is chiefly populated by a few warring clans who the 21st siders think will be easily manipulated. Andrea is sent to live with the titular Sterkarm family, gathering intelligence and encouraging them to deal with the 21st siders, who they believe are Elves. Of course, things go awry and inevitably, Andrea falls in love with the handsome son of the Sterkarm lord. When it comes time to betray the Sterkarms and put the corporation's plan into action, Andrea is torn between loyalties.
This is a fast paced, easy read and the clash between the 16th and 21st century ways of life provides some natural comic relief. However, the female protagonist is the least developed character in the book. She doesn't seem to want much other than her Sterkarm lover. She is described as fat and the book never lets you forget it. Her modern day counterparts constantly taunt her directly, or think disparaging remarks about her size. If it was limited to her odious boss, who is the villain of this piece, I could excuse it as part of his character development. But nope, EVERY modern man she runs into thinks to himself or tells her that directly that she's fat. She is referred to as a cow and a room darkener. It's a little toxic and it made me cringe every time. Even worse, she's internalized these thoughts and thinks she's lucky to be with her historical hottie, despite the fact that if she stays with him her life will be brutish and short. Never mind indoor plumbing and modern medicine. In the 16th century men think she's hot!
Still, the book was just entertaining enough for me to ignore its flaws and enjoy the journey. It's probably not something I'll read a third time, but it was a fun nostalgia trip.
November 17, 2017
This book started really well and then, about two thirds in, went rapidly downhill.
The premise, of showing how 21st century people saw the 16th century, and vice versa, was really well done. I found many of the questions raised really interesting. Particularly the different kinds of violence. Twenty first century Andrea found it hard to parse the way in which violence was part of everyday 16th century life, and hard to know how to judge her 16th century friends. Are they "good people" or are they violent and vindictive liars? Or maybe both? And Twenty first century boss guy (can't remember his name now) is perfectly fine with planning genocide, as long as it's at arms distance.
The writing is vivid and the action sequences gripping, especially because you knew that nobody was safe.
But something happened about two thirds through. It became clear to me that the story would not have a satisfying ending (I don't care that it wouldn't have a happy ending, that's a different thing) and I was right. The characters started behaving in repetitive ways - especially Andrea, who started out as a confident woman and becomes whining, indecisive, silly, and strangely ineffectual. She did some brave things, but I found myself cringing at the amount of time she spent running after male characters shouting "please don't hurt him". Actually, thinking about it now, this book could definitely do with a few more female main characters. Per's mother Isobel was the only other women that really had much of a role, and she didn't really feature much.
I also dislike the fact that I could tell way ahead of time that
The premise, of showing how 21st century people saw the 16th century, and vice versa, was really well done. I found many of the questions raised really interesting. Particularly the different kinds of violence. Twenty first century Andrea found it hard to parse the way in which violence was part of everyday 16th century life, and hard to know how to judge her 16th century friends. Are they "good people" or are they violent and vindictive liars? Or maybe both? And Twenty first century boss guy (can't remember his name now) is perfectly fine with planning genocide, as long as it's at arms distance.
The writing is vivid and the action sequences gripping, especially because you knew that nobody was safe.
But something happened about two thirds through. It became clear to me that the story would not have a satisfying ending (I don't care that it wouldn't have a happy ending, that's a different thing) and I was right. The characters started behaving in repetitive ways - especially Andrea, who started out as a confident woman and becomes whining, indecisive, silly, and strangely ineffectual. She did some brave things, but I found myself cringing at the amount of time she spent running after male characters shouting "please don't hurt him". Actually, thinking about it now, this book could definitely do with a few more female main characters. Per's mother Isobel was the only other women that really had much of a role, and she didn't really feature much.
I also dislike the fact that I could tell way ahead of time that
January 5, 2018
Why on earth is this book not a film? It would be a corker.
I read this many years ago, came across it again recently and decided to re-read, remembering only the vague outlines of the story and that I had quite liked it. I liked it even better this time.
I tend to avoid time-travel stories, because, generally, the author feels obliged to explain how it works, and the explanations are inevitably ridiculous. One of the things that won me over to this story early on was that, as none of the protagonists is a scientist, none of them has the vaguest clue how it works. Fine. I can work with that. The culture clash between the 21st century and the 16th is very well presented; it is mind- and heart-wrenching, almost beyond bearing, to characters on both sides.
In common with some other reviewers, I am puzzled that this is/was apparently marketed as a children's book. I would still be puzzled if it were YA. Can the notion that it is for kids derive entirely from the fact there are no explicit sex scenes? Bizarre.
Anyhow, I am pleased to learn there are 2 more books following this one.
I read this many years ago, came across it again recently and decided to re-read, remembering only the vague outlines of the story and that I had quite liked it. I liked it even better this time.
I tend to avoid time-travel stories, because, generally, the author feels obliged to explain how it works, and the explanations are inevitably ridiculous. One of the things that won me over to this story early on was that, as none of the protagonists is a scientist, none of them has the vaguest clue how it works. Fine. I can work with that. The culture clash between the 21st century and the 16th is very well presented; it is mind- and heart-wrenching, almost beyond bearing, to characters on both sides.
In common with some other reviewers, I am puzzled that this is/was apparently marketed as a children's book. I would still be puzzled if it were YA. Can the notion that it is for kids derive entirely from the fact there are no explicit sex scenes? Bizarre.
Anyhow, I am pleased to learn there are 2 more books following this one.
March 16, 2017
This would have been four stars, but it was just too long and repetitive. The same situations were repeated again and again, but the writing was interesting enough to keep reading. However, if the story had been better edited/shorter, I think it would have been miles better.
The characters were interesting, I LOVED the violence, which I've heard was controversial for a lot people given this was technically a children's book, but I'm pretty sure I read this as a kid and I'm no worse for it ;)
The only annoying thing about the story is Andrea! Never have I met a more naive, indecisive or ridiculous person in my life. Half of the people who died or got hurt, died and got hurt because of her ill-thought plans to STOP THEM BEING HURT! She had zero understanding of people's motives, desires and life styles - for some reason she has it in her head that people who live hard lives and have to scrap to clothes and feed their families shouldn't kill/hurt other people. As if that's the reality of our history.
Idiot.
The characters were interesting, I LOVED the violence, which I've heard was controversial for a lot people given this was technically a children's book, but I'm pretty sure I read this as a kid and I'm no worse for it ;)
The only annoying thing about the story is Andrea! Never have I met a more naive, indecisive or ridiculous person in my life. Half of the people who died or got hurt, died and got hurt because of her ill-thought plans to STOP THEM BEING HURT! She had zero understanding of people's motives, desires and life styles - for some reason she has it in her head that people who live hard lives and have to scrap to clothes and feed their families shouldn't kill/hurt other people. As if that's the reality of our history.
Idiot.
May 10, 2018
Mixed feelings about this book. Loved the concept of it and thought it was a fast paced and interesting story. Strangely, the element that annoyed me the most was also the thing that made the book more realistic (if you can say that for a book concerned with time travel?). I found it confusing that I never knew which side I was meant to be rooting for. Characters on both sides acted in deplorable ways which does make for a more interesting story but also meant that there were few characters that I actually liked.
August 17, 2025
Andrea Mitchell, a plus-sized woman, travels to the 16th-century English-Scottish border to study its people and culture. Initially, I pitied her passivity, shaped by others’ judgment, but admired her growth as she gains confidence. The Sterkarm tribe embraces her, unjudging of her size, and she gets betrothed to the leader’s son.
Her 21st-century employer exploits the region’s land, gas, oil, and gold, trading trinkets like aspirin for access.
The tribe calls these visitors elves, which feels silly. I think of elves as short, joyful people many of whom allegedly work for an old fat guy in a toy shop somewhere. Could they not have referred to the “elves” as magicians or wizards? Would have made far more sense.
After a battle, Andrea brings her gravely injured betrothed to the 21st century for treatment, saving his life. He resists, refusing food, ripping out his IV, and fleeing to find the time tube home. A contrived twist has him meet a homeless man descended from his tribe—hard to buy, even more than time travel.
The lack of translation devices also feels off; they’d make Andrea’s role obsolete. The story reveals whether she stays in the 16th century or returns home. It’s a mixed bag-engaging but flawed with cliched moments.
Her 21st-century employer exploits the region’s land, gas, oil, and gold, trading trinkets like aspirin for access.
The tribe calls these visitors elves, which feels silly. I think of elves as short, joyful people many of whom allegedly work for an old fat guy in a toy shop somewhere. Could they not have referred to the “elves” as magicians or wizards? Would have made far more sense.
After a battle, Andrea brings her gravely injured betrothed to the 21st century for treatment, saving his life. He resists, refusing food, ripping out his IV, and fleeing to find the time tube home. A contrived twist has him meet a homeless man descended from his tribe—hard to buy, even more than time travel.
The lack of translation devices also feels off; they’d make Andrea’s role obsolete. The story reveals whether she stays in the 16th century or returns home. It’s a mixed bag-engaging but flawed with cliched moments.
July 29, 2022
I read this some years ago and was captivated, and a re-read hasn't disappointed. Somehow the time travel/science fiction aspect is convincing, leaving you to enjoy the love story and the moral choices and struggles the characters go through. Andrea has been sent through to the English/Scots borders in the 16th century to research the Sterkarms: violent outlaws or courteous hosts? Or both? But she falls in love with their son and heir Per, threatening her bosses' plans: to plunder the rich natural resources of the past.
Who is more violent and immoral, the reivers who give a home to a homeless man from the 21st century, or the moderns who still fight cruel wars, exterminate species, and are prepared to trick the men of the past into losing their heritage?
The 16thC parts seem very real; there's a lot of violence, yet you definitely want the Sterkarms to win; the moderns are mostly horrible, except Joe. Andrea can be irritatingly indecisive and weepy, but that's probably more realistic than a super-clever feisty heroine would have been.
Who is more violent and immoral, the reivers who give a home to a homeless man from the 21st century, or the moderns who still fight cruel wars, exterminate species, and are prepared to trick the men of the past into losing their heritage?
The 16thC parts seem very real; there's a lot of violence, yet you definitely want the Sterkarms to win; the moderns are mostly horrible, except Joe. Andrea can be irritatingly indecisive and weepy, but that's probably more realistic than a super-clever feisty heroine would have been.
August 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this. It reminded me of Connie Willis' Doomsday Book in its evocation of the past as an absolutely alien country. The Sterkarms may live on the 16th-century English/Scots border, but they speak quasi-English at best. Their morality is blue-and-orange, and centered solely around what's best for the Sterkarms. They have no interest in parlay or treaties or trade agreements, and if the Elves (the 21st-century time-travelers) prove to be unfaithful or a threat, the Sterkarms are going to demolish them. And after being privy to the 21sters' condescending behavior towards the Sterkarms, and knowing their stated plans to plunder the 16th-century's resources while "re-homing" the people and turning Sterkarm lands into themed vacation spots for the wealthy, I am absolutely on the side of the Sterkarms. Come who dares meddle with me, indeed.
November 11, 2021
Fine escapism.
Well, this was more fun than I expected. The baddies were very bad. The semi-noble security guy had a bad feeling about all of this. I spent a lot of this book being reminded of Jurrasic Park, which isnt necessarily a bad thing. The woman on the wrong side of the timeline Dithered Endlessly, and was pretty annoying about it. Fortunately, she annoyed her fellow characters, too. I never really got a handle on the hero's age (I'm a very sloppy reader), and I was never sure if he was, like, 13 ('cause, you know, 16th century), and the wrong-sided woman shoulda known better; or maybe he was late teens and their relationship was only a bit tacky. The Joe character was a nice touch. All in all, very readable and a nice distraction from life its own self.
Well, this was more fun than I expected. The baddies were very bad. The semi-noble security guy had a bad feeling about all of this. I spent a lot of this book being reminded of Jurrasic Park, which isnt necessarily a bad thing. The woman on the wrong side of the timeline Dithered Endlessly, and was pretty annoying about it. Fortunately, she annoyed her fellow characters, too. I never really got a handle on the hero's age (I'm a very sloppy reader), and I was never sure if he was, like, 13 ('cause, you know, 16th century), and the wrong-sided woman shoulda known better; or maybe he was late teens and their relationship was only a bit tacky. The Joe character was a nice touch. All in all, very readable and a nice distraction from life its own self.
January 7, 2020
I read this many years ago when I was a kid and it recently got back into my hands while I was moving and I simply could not resist reading it again. I remembered a vivid 16th century Scotland, a beautiful romance and an ending that had left me in tears and I found all of those things once more. It is brutally realistic in places, something I have somehow come not to expect from this kind of YA pseudo-fantasy novels, which is a plus for me. I have only now found out, after more than a decade, that this is the first of three books and I have a feeling I am going to head that way very soon to mend my heartbreak.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2022
An intriguing concept, a sort of cyberpunk meets historical romance. The author gave herself a lot of work to do in the first act in needing to build two separate worlds with two distinct sets of characters, so the beginning can be heavy going. Things pick up in the second act, as the characters and relationships have been well established and the rest of the book is an enjoyable and often exciting read. There are some issues with an uneven tone, and the constant code-switching between 16th and 21st dialogue can get a bit tiresome, but it's not enough to spoil the book when the characters are so engaging and the storyline so involving.
January 31, 2019
In some ways it reminded me of Connie Willis' historical time travel books.
A modern retelling of an old fairy tale, referenced in the book. It didn't really grab my attention until about half way through but I enjoyed the book overall.
A modern retelling of an old fairy tale, referenced in the book. It didn't really grab my attention until about half way through but I enjoyed the book overall.
May 14, 2024
I would have loved this if it had come out when I was in the target age group. Genius really. And as it gets going you’re right there with them - literally could not put it down. What a great book, can’t believe there isn’t a TV series already!
July 27, 2024
** 3.5 rounded up! **
Heavy on the nostalgia for me! This was a favorite when I was a young teen back in the mid-00s. I remembered the dust jacket main beats of the plot but none of the details, so it felt both familiar and new. I'm excited to carry on with the series!
Heavy on the nostalgia for me! This was a favorite when I was a young teen back in the mid-00s. I remembered the dust jacket main beats of the plot but none of the details, so it felt both familiar and new. I'm excited to carry on with the series!
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May 31, 2025Very enjoyable time travel (reminiscent of Connie Willis’s Domesday Book) with a late 20th C English company going back to try to exploit 16th C Scotland (good luck). Solid between-times romance, great villain, but the focus on the main female character’s weight hadn’t aged well.
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