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Santolsa Saga #1

Class of 1983

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When Magz finds an old key in a dusty old high school yearbook, she hardly expects it to open up a time travel portal in the school's book room that sends her back in time to 1983.

But she soon finds out that time travelling is not all record shopping, pizza parties and puffy prom dresses.

Falling head over vintage heels in love with Sammy Ruthven, the raddest guy in the class of 1983, Magz must find a way to change his future if she has any chance of being with him in the past.

But can you really change destiny? And what if your destiny has already happened? How do you change it then?

Like a Twilight versus Back to the Future dance off directed by John Hughes, Class of 1983 is Victoria Maxwell's debut Young Adult novel about escaping persecution, falling in first love, friendship, destiny and free will.

420 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2018

36 people are currently reading
216 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Maxwell

8 books73 followers
Victoria "Vix" Maxwell is the best-selling young adult fiction author of the Santolsa Saga series, author of Witch, Please: Empowerment and Enlightenment for the Modern Mystic published by HarperCollins and the Angels Among Us Oracle published by Rockpool Publishing.

Vix is the creator of New Age Hipster, a spiritual home for good witches, lightworkers, starseeds and spiritual seekers.

An ex-high school English, Drama and Autism Specialist teacher, Vix is a lifelong lover of magic and stories. Her interests include road trips, stone circles, book shops, thrift shops, vegan pizza, sweet potato fries, rainy days and 80s movies.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for rebecca | velvet opus.
154 reviews59 followers
September 25, 2020
For anyone who’s ever wished they were living in a different time or place...

There were a lot of great films in the 80’s. Take The Breakfast Club. A 1985 teen-comedy with teenagers from different cliques who spend a Saturday in detention. There’s wit, a catchy dance sequence and revelations about who each of them really is. It’s a nostalgic trip.

“She walked around thrift stores pretending she was in another time”

Class of 1983 breathes that nostalgia. Magz, a bullied teen at St Christopher’s, frequents thrift stores and plays old records in her bedroom, so when her class is each given a different yearbook and assigned to write a short story about their school’s past, Magz is enthralled. She has 1983. Her best friend, Jack, has 1984 and as they’re agreeing to watch another 80’s classic, Sixteen Candles, Magz finds a key tucked into her book, a key that allows her to time travel…

“[Magz] looked out the window as they drove through the town which was so familiar and yet so different, and she thought about a boy. A boy who was thirty-three years too old for her and she wondered if her future could change too.”

This self-published novel peaked my interest once the time-traveling and new high school clique is established. It is a cute, refreshing take on time-travel romance, with a love triangle that has the potential to tug at teen heartstrings. The ending was great but the beginning lacked the same conviction and brevity. There are some plot points that were honestly, fantastic, and just needed more focus.

Thank you to the author for a review copy via Voracious Readers Only!

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Profile Image for Nick.
140 reviews33 followers
September 5, 2022
This is an 80’s time travel story that is also for young adults and has romance as a major part of the tale. Romantic stories are not my thing but this romance, which had a modern day romance element, was also an 80’s romance.

Another story which has the classic three elements.

Time Travel, The 80’s and Nostalgia.

Magz is a bullied teen whose parents are always away at work and has only one friend, Jack. She is in her last year of school and has an assignment involving writing a short story based on a school yearbook. The year? 1983.

Magz also has a key which she uses to gain access to the school book room which turns out to be a Time Travel portal.

Back to 1983 where Magz makes friends, lives with a teacher who is more of a parent to her then her modern day folks ever will be and she falls in love with her first crush, Sammy.

She can travel back and forth from 1983 to the present but must decide where (or when) she wants to live and recognise how her time travel has consequences and can change lives.

A fantastic read about destiny, friendship and first love.

The sequel, Summer of 1984, is my next read.
Profile Image for Kristi.
45 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2019
This YA time travel book started a little slowly for me, but I am glad I pushed through the slowness because it had a good ending.

After years of torment in school, Magz “finds” a key that will send her back to the past. She ends up in her favorite decade, the 80’s. Once there, she makes new friends but in the end, has to choose whether she will stay in the 80’s or return to her current time.

Cue obligatory John Hughes movie gif



As I said, it started slowly, but towards the middle I was hooked because I needed to see how it would turn out. I do wish we learned more about some of the persevere characters. They all talked about how they have all gone through something, but we never learn their stories. They seem angsty just to be angsty at times. I do look forward to reading the sequel to see what happens with Jack though after that cliffhanger type ending.

I received this book fo free from Voracious Readers, but it in no way influence my review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Bourque (ButterflyReader77).
288 reviews17 followers
April 27, 2020
3.5 stars

I received a copy of Class of 1983 from Veracious Readers in exchange for an honest review and I quite enjoyed this book. It was a cute, charming, coming of age story that focuses on Magz who is trying to get through her senior year of high school. When her English teacher Mrs. Willis assigns her a writing project that centres around the year 1983, Magz's life is forever changed.

In the beginning of the book, the author Victoria Maxwell writes the following dedication: "For anyone who's ever wished they were living in a different place or time". This dedication is perfect for this book as it takes readers back to the 1980s. I personally could not have read this book at a better time. I read it during my isolation period of the COVID19 pandemic, and this story allowed me to escape from my reality. I was also born in 1980 so I was able to relate to some of the 80s storyline. Even though I would have only been three years old during the particular year the story takes place; I could still very much appreciate the throwback to the 80s.

In relation to the book itself; the 80s school assignment has provided the opportunity for Magz to travel back to 1983 to finish out her senior year of high school. She has found friends, a parental figure, and a possible love interest. Magz must decide if she wants to stay in 1983 or in the present year. 1983 is of course very different. There are no cell phones, Google, or internet. School is very different in 1983 and relationships are very different as well. Magz has to rely on herself and forget all about technology. She may also need to decide whether or not she wants to change the course of her future and those around her.

Class of 1983 is a fun read and will definitely take readers back to the 80s. A time before when we used pay phones and relied on Landlines. It's a quick, enjoyable book and it will keep you feeling for Magz and the other characters until the very end of the book, all while wanting more. Good news though!! There is a sequel titled The Summer of 1984 which I cannot wait to read next.
Profile Image for Mary Shannon.
Author 9 books8 followers
October 12, 2018
Victoria is an indie author and Class of 1983 is her debut novel. In this Ya fiction, the main character travels back in time to 1983. There she must navigate a new high school social structure, fall in love and ultimately decide “when” she wants to live.

I really enjoyed this book and was quickly drawn in by both the characters and the plot. I’m an avid reader of YA fiction and this book stands up well with others of a similar genre. Although I figured out the plot before everything was revealed, that is quite common when you have a psychic reading a genre that is very familiar.

If there were any criticism that I could bring to this book it is the length. It is an indie book and there was no editor with a heavy hand to strike out sections that don’t need to be there. I would say about 1/7th of the book could be cut to make it more concise – but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it.

The writing in general and descriptions of the characters really brought each individual to life. You can easily imagine what each character in each time period looks and sounds like.

The end up the novel sets up perfectly for a sequel and I had that sense of disappointment when I realized it hasn’t even been written yet!! I hope that Victoria continues this series and we get to know the characters for decades to come!

I would recommend this book to any individual who enjoys YA fiction, time travel or likes to support a fellow tarot reader. This book reads like something a major publisher should pick up and promote.
Profile Image for Sarah.
104 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2018
This was an excellent book—refreshing and exciting, fun and just enjoyable. I really like what a fun little getaway the book felt like and to me it was very different. I think of 1983 and don’t think, “wow, what a time to be alive. Wish I was there.” It was made fun and enviable, which to me is astounding. I think we all wish we could just exit our lives when we wanted to in order to go somewhere we really felt we belonged.
1 review
January 7, 2019
I loved getting totally lost in the storyline and the pages of this book. The characters were really brought to life and I cannot wait for the next one to come out!
12 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2019
I really enjoyed this book as soon as I read the blurb I knew I would enjoy it. I loved the 80s setting and all the characters I really connected with magz which is great when that happens.
Just to point out sometimes it felt a bit jumpy as in a lot of time passing within one paragraph which wasn't a major issue I wasn't sure if that was because I got a free copy through voracious readers and it wasn't a finished copy but the author did explain she was self published.
Any way It was a fab read and hopefully there will be the next book to continue on 😊
2 reviews
October 6, 2018
1 word - Dreamy.

I loved this book. It goes through all the emotions you have as a teenager and makes you smile at the same time. You get taken on a wonderful ride back to the 80's and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it and wish I had more friends like those that Peggy finds.
It's nice to also think about how we can escape for a just a little bit ourselves.

If you love YA fiction you won't regret picking this book up or downloading it 😀
Profile Image for Jenn.
71 reviews74 followers
December 6, 2019
I received this book free from Voracious Readers for a review. I really enjoyed this book. The time travel element was a new, fresh take on that genre. The characters were believable and likeable, even the ones you did not want to like. I'm looking forward to the sequel that was just announced. I believe this has the potential to continue going for several more books. I look forward to seeing how the author can continue with the time travel theme and still keep it fresh.
Profile Image for Ian Chadwick.
4 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2018
I haven't finished a novel since I was at school (18 years ago!), so for me to make it all the way through shows something of it's quality. Love me a bit of time travel & 80's nostalgia and this is the perfect combination with a story that seems to keep gaining pace until the very end! Give it a read, you won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Kate Smith.
62 reviews
November 26, 2019
I loved this book and I could not put it down. I loved how most of the book focused on 1983 and it wasn't 50/50. This isn't a book I would normally read but the blurb really got my attention and I am so glad I decided to give it a go. The book made me smile and I was thrilled when things went well for Peggy. I felt like I was emotional invested in the characters. It was so easy to get into and continue reading. I didn't want the book to end.
The book/story flowed so well.
I loved seeing Peggy gain confidence that she never had in her 'present'. It just shows what she could of been had people been nicer to her. She fit in so well into 1983 but that could be because she was meant to be there with the way she dressed, the movies she watched and the music she listened to.
I believe I was above the age of the targeted audience as I feel this should be teens/young adults but I do believe anyone can read and enjoy it.
The end of the book said 'to be continued' and I cannot wait to read the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Profile Image for Amanda.
342 reviews24 followers
July 11, 2019
I'm not entirely sure where to even start, except to say this book was fantastic! I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. The story instantly captivated me with the well written characters, emotions, and element of time travel. I really hope that there's a follow up novel, I can't wait to read it!
Profile Image for Irene.
835 reviews
July 10, 2020
I couldn't put the book down. I always wondered if I went back in time, where and when would I end up.
Peggy was a hot mess when she kept going back and forth! I'm happy to see that she choice to stay where she felt the most happy.
My question is do we see more of the 3 nuns or witches that we saw every so often in the book.
Profile Image for Jessica.
72 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2019
If you love YA you can’t go wrong with this book, especially if romance, time travel, the 80’s and loveable characters are your thing. This book was a magical, fun read by debut author Victoria Maxwell and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Nan.
115 reviews
August 3, 2019
Absolutely loved this book! YA fiction is probably my favorite genre and the time travel element made it super fun. Easy and fun read.
1 review
July 9, 2019
An epic ride full of time travel and a shocking twist at the end, Class of 1983 was brilliant to read. I can’t wait for the next one!
1 review
December 2, 2018
Absolutely loved this book I couldn't put it down. Every page leaves you wanting more and I couldn't get enough. Thank you Vicky for such an amazing story, I cannot wait for more!!!
Profile Image for Glenda Prewitt.
6 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers and I'm so glad. As a child of the 80s, it brought back so many memories.

I loved the characters and how they interacted with one another. The authors' descriptions were spot on with my memories and she was successful in taking me on the journey with her. I recommend it for anyone who ever felt out of place and time. Regardless of your age.

I didn't give 5 stars simply because there were a couple of spots where I felt the story lost me briefly and I had to go back a page or so to find where I was. This, however, did not lessen the story for me and I still anxiously await the next installment.
Profile Image for Amber.
345 reviews15 followers
April 13, 2020
I was sucked right in as soon as I started Class of 1983 and I fell in love with the characters immediately. I felt like I was right there with them, feeling their joy, excitement, love and pain. Can't wait to get my hands on Part 2!
129 reviews
April 4, 2021
I picked up this book because time travel and romance, yes please. Overall, this book was amazing and I enjoyed the romance. I think that the writing was extremely good and helped transport me into Magz/Peggy’s mind and into 1983. The side characters also made it seem like the world was bigger than the main character and the love interest which I find is a fault of some romance books. My only issues were that I was not a huge fan of Jack and Magz’s relationship and that the nun arc never really seemed to connect to the main plot. Perhaps it will in the second book but it just seemed out of place in the story. Overall, an extremely enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Nicole Bannister.
355 reviews83 followers
January 19, 2020
I Enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn't like about the book. The Writing style, the setting, the plot, the plot twists and the characters in the book were amazing.I would reread this again.
110 reviews
April 5, 2020
Wonderful! I remember the 80s fondly and can understand why they would hold a fascination for someone who is dealing with high school. The story flowed across time beautifully. I am curious what becomes of the nuns. I hope this is the start of a series. So many possibilities remain to be explored. (Note: I received a copy of the book from For Voracious Readers Only to review.)
Profile Image for emma.
56 reviews
May 23, 2020
I received a copy of Class of 1983 from the author through Voracious Readers Only. I loved this book and I hate that it left on a cliff hanger because I seriously need to know what’s happening next! I think the characters were super fun and quirky and the emotions felt so real while I was reading. I think the idea of time travel is a fun concept and wondering about if things are destined to happen or if things are able to change. This was a super fun, summery read and I quite enjoyed it. I think now I’ll go watch some 80s movies.
Profile Image for Sam.
37 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2020
Ok so THIS was very different than the books I normally read but I saw it come through on Voracious Readers and I figured Id give it a chance. I enjoy TV shows and movies with time travel, but a book? I really like this book. I keep seeing a trend with these books though where the transitions from scene to scene are rough and I have to go back and re-read some parts BUT the plot of this was great. I think the author did a great job with developing the characters very quickly but succinctly. I like that Peggy or Magz didnt jump into 1983 and have an easy time of it and I also loved that when she did get to 1983, she realized more of her self-worth. I am very excited to see what happens in the next book and I cant wait to get my hands on it.
Profile Image for Penny.
140 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2020
I loved this book. The first sentence in the description grabbed me and I knew I wanted to read this book. When Magz finds an old key in a dusty old high school yearbook, she hardly expects it to open up a time travel portal in the school's book room that sends her back in time to 1983.  
I found the story to be well-paced and really enjoyable. Victoria Maxwell does such a great job writing this intricate story, that you actually feel like you are in 1983. 
You'll have to check this book out. Its a perfect YA/Science fiction book. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Teri Leigh.
Author 10 books2 followers
January 10, 2021
This is one of the better indie author YA novels I have read. The plot and the 80s setting and references brought me back to my own high school days. To undertake a time travel book and keep the tone and historical references accurate and pertinent is a huge undertaking that Maxwell does skillfully.
Profile Image for Michael  Thal.
173 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2020
Magz, a senior at Saint Christopher’s High School, can’t wait to graduate and leave Santolsa, a sleepy desert town in the middle of nowhere. Her parents are never around busy running from one business trip to another. Her best friend Jack is like a brother to her as they fend off bullies and a boring lifestyle. Magz believes her destiny lies elsewhere.

Mrs. Willis, Magz’s English teacher, assigns a writing task comparing and contrasting St. Christopher now to the school it was decades ago. To this end she passes out old yearbooks and Magz gets 1983.

Inside her yearbook is a brass key. Very weird. As Magz flips through the pictures one face stands out—Sammy Ruthven—the hottest guy she has ever laid eyes on. But if he were still alive, he’d be old and wrinkly. When Magz inquires about him to her teacher, who was a staff member back in ’83, Mrs. Willis weirds out, which was very unlike her favorite teacher.

One day, when the class is working on their yearbook project, Mrs. Willis leaves the 1983 book in the bookroom. Magz is asked to retrieve the book, but when she asks about a key, the teacher says, “You have the key.”

Magz finds the bookroom, closes the door and when she re-enters the hallway things look quite different. The teenager is transported back in time to 1983 to find her destiny.

Victoria Maxwell’s novel, Class of 1983, is well researched, creative, and inspiring. Her plot is fast paced, the characters are fleshed out nicely, and the settings are as vivid as if looking at a photograph.

Class of 1983 is obviously written for the YA audience, but older readers will be reminded about their own teenage angst. They will witness how Magz is transformed into Peggy and watch her develop as a young woman.

Warning: Class of 1983 is very hard to put down and thankfully, a sequel, The Summer of 1984, is now available.
299 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2020
What an absolutely astounding start to a series. I have not been too big into time traveling books but this book really amazed me. I love the attention to detail. Felt like I was back in 1983! If you enjoy the likes of Outlander, even though not from the same era, you will love this book. An must read for young adult and up.
44 reviews
May 1, 2020
A beautifully delivered story about first love and pain, the importance of true friendship and supporting family all in the age of vinyl records, pop-rock music and great movies. While the music of the '80s was playing over and over in my head through this read, I have not been able to put the book down. After the last page, with the interesting cliffhanger, I was left with the feeling of longing for the Summer of 1984.
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