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Time's Dagger
After a rough stint at work in the ER, Dillon Kelly is more than a little ready for a vacation when he packs his bags and sets off on a camping trip in the wilds of Ireland. But when a mysterious dagger covered in druidic markings appears in his backpack, Dillon finds himself hurtled into the fourteenth century. Thrust into the legends and politics of ancient Ireland, he is rescued from suspicious locals by a beautiful young woman named Ailish.
Ailish has always dreamed of being a bard, but there’s just one problem: women aren’t allowed. Determined to follow her heart, Ailish has fooled everyone into thinking she’s a boy—everyone, that is, except for Dillon. He’s agreed to keep her secret in exchange for her help in finding his way home to his own time. Despite the impossible barriers between them, feelings beyond friendship soon blossom. But more than just their budding romance is in danger. Ailish isn’t the only one who recognizes the dagger’s druidic significance, and there are those who would stop at nothing to harness its time-bending powers.
Ailish has always dreamed of being a bard, but there’s just one problem: women aren’t allowed. Determined to follow her heart, Ailish has fooled everyone into thinking she’s a boy—everyone, that is, except for Dillon. He’s agreed to keep her secret in exchange for her help in finding his way home to his own time. Despite the impossible barriers between them, feelings beyond friendship soon blossom. But more than just their budding romance is in danger. Ailish isn’t the only one who recognizes the dagger’s druidic significance, and there are those who would stop at nothing to harness its time-bending powers.
228 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2021
6 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 14, 2021
I love reading stories set in Medieval time. I don't have any specific reason, or list of reasons, why this time fascinates me but it does. It has since I was little. I couldn't get enough of it, books, movies, I'd happily devour it all. Add to the medieval time period, Ireland and time travel and I was a complete goner for this book!!! And of course throw in that cover as well. Isn't it absolutely gorgeous. Needless to say I dove right into story and loved it! So enjoyable!!!
Margot Hovley is a new to me author and I am very much so looking forward to more books from her. Her sense of humor was shining on the page through her characters. And the characters were just so much fun to discover while reading. Ailish was a mystery for sure. Who is she and why the charade? Dillon was just a straight forward, what you see is what you get, type character. And I loved how that played and worked so well with the time travel aspects of this story.
His excitement and joy at being in medieval Ireland was pretty funny at times. I have to admit that he handled it a whole lot better than I probably would have. He just took everything in and adjusted. I thought it was great that the author had him stumble and mess up in his actions of trying to blend in with the people of the time. And he just shrugged it off and kept right on enjoying himself. So much fun.
There are some moments with magic and music and friends, horses and hunting, banquets and music, and much, much more. All of these aspects were woven together in a beautiful tapestry of a story. One I have recommended to friends and many others. I think fans of YA stories will really enjoy this one. It is not a YA book but is written in a way that many fans would really be drawn into the story and enjoy their time reading it.
Come dive into this medieval Ireland story with plenty of mystery, humor, great characters and a fun storyline!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Margot Hovley is a new to me author and I am very much so looking forward to more books from her. Her sense of humor was shining on the page through her characters. And the characters were just so much fun to discover while reading. Ailish was a mystery for sure. Who is she and why the charade? Dillon was just a straight forward, what you see is what you get, type character. And I loved how that played and worked so well with the time travel aspects of this story.
His excitement and joy at being in medieval Ireland was pretty funny at times. I have to admit that he handled it a whole lot better than I probably would have. He just took everything in and adjusted. I thought it was great that the author had him stumble and mess up in his actions of trying to blend in with the people of the time. And he just shrugged it off and kept right on enjoying himself. So much fun.
There are some moments with magic and music and friends, horses and hunting, banquets and music, and much, much more. All of these aspects were woven together in a beautiful tapestry of a story. One I have recommended to friends and many others. I think fans of YA stories will really enjoy this one. It is not a YA book but is written in a way that many fans would really be drawn into the story and enjoy their time reading it.
Come dive into this medieval Ireland story with plenty of mystery, humor, great characters and a fun storyline!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
June 21, 2021
Oh, man! This book contained many of the elements that I love. Time's Dagger is a time travel fantasy with romance.
Druids! I am fascinated with druids. Time travel? Love it! The story begins during the present day. Physician Assistant Dillon Kelly receives a message to go to the ER while on vacation in Ireland. Funny thing, he is not affiliated with the hospital and has no idea how they got his number. A strange man awaits him with an ancient dagger.
Here's where it gets good. He is transported to the Middle Ages. His description of the clothes the common man wore was hilarious. He didn't want to end up in a long shirt without pants. I completely understand his point. It was fun to read the perspective of someone from the 21st century going back to the 14th century.
The book contains a bit of a mystery. Someone tried to kill one of the nobility and Dillon knows of a young woman disguised as a young man. Hmm....the plot thickens.
I enjoyed this book. It was a wonderful distraction from everyday life. It only took me a couple of days to read it. My attention and my imagination were in high gear.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Druids! I am fascinated with druids. Time travel? Love it! The story begins during the present day. Physician Assistant Dillon Kelly receives a message to go to the ER while on vacation in Ireland. Funny thing, he is not affiliated with the hospital and has no idea how they got his number. A strange man awaits him with an ancient dagger.
Here's where it gets good. He is transported to the Middle Ages. His description of the clothes the common man wore was hilarious. He didn't want to end up in a long shirt without pants. I completely understand his point. It was fun to read the perspective of someone from the 21st century going back to the 14th century.
The book contains a bit of a mystery. Someone tried to kill one of the nobility and Dillon knows of a young woman disguised as a young man. Hmm....the plot thickens.
I enjoyed this book. It was a wonderful distraction from everyday life. It only took me a couple of days to read it. My attention and my imagination were in high gear.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
June 1, 2021
Magic and humor and time travel and romance all wrapped up in a well-paced smart story. I loved it!
June 29, 2021
This is the third time travel book I've read this month. Weird, right? Time travel books are not as widely written but all of a sudden it seems like authors are jumping on this bandwagon. I think time travel books must be hard to write and make believable but I do enjoy reading them.
I thought the concept of this story was unique and interesting with druids and the dagger that allows for time travel- but only for people with druid blood in them. It's a cool idea and I thought the story was a good one. It progressed nicely and had a bit of mystery to it.
My only hang up was Dillon. I didn't really like him a whole lot. His backstory felt incomplete and I didn't really connect with him emotionally but his go with the flow nature really lent itself to this story. Ailish was intriguing and I admired her spunk and determination. It was fun watching Ailish and Dillon learn about the dagger and sort out good from bad, danger and love.
Oh, and I need to say that I love this cover. It's pretty cool, right? It fits the story so well.
3.5 stars, rounding up
Content: mild peril, mild violence, kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I thought the concept of this story was unique and interesting with druids and the dagger that allows for time travel- but only for people with druid blood in them. It's a cool idea and I thought the story was a good one. It progressed nicely and had a bit of mystery to it.
My only hang up was Dillon. I didn't really like him a whole lot. His backstory felt incomplete and I didn't really connect with him emotionally but his go with the flow nature really lent itself to this story. Ailish was intriguing and I admired her spunk and determination. It was fun watching Ailish and Dillon learn about the dagger and sort out good from bad, danger and love.
Oh, and I need to say that I love this cover. It's pretty cool, right? It fits the story so well.
3.5 stars, rounding up
Content: mild peril, mild violence, kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 26, 2021
This book is very, very enjoyable. A wonderful, adventurous read. There were some moments that had my smiling a lot and laughing out loud. I really like books with time travel and although I don’t know how much I’d enjoy living in Medieval times, I really love reading a book in this time period. Humor, adventure and romance! It doesn’t get much better.
July 8, 2021
A deliciously fun time travel tale with a heavy dose of romantic comedy, Dillon is a bumbling fish out of water who meets all the expectations of a modern idealist in a medieval age, and Ailish is a practical girl with big dreams that barely fits her time.
Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 17, 2021
I'm fairly new to books set in the Medieval time period, but I've really enjoyed the ones I've read, and I'll be adding this one to that list. Dillon Kelly and his brother go on a backpacking/camping trip to Ireland when Dillon is suddenly transported to 14th century Ireland. He's accused of being a devil by a couple of locals, and meets Ailish, who's masquerading as a boy (Bruce) so that she can study to be a bard.
Ailish (Bruce) has a big secret she's keeping, not only from Dillon, but everyone. She knows her time of impersonating a boy is soon coming to an end, but if anyone found out her secret now, that would be the end of her harp playing and singing for the king, and her training to be a bard. But that's not the only secret Ailish is keeping from Dillon. She's been on her own for so long, she doesn't trust others, yet if she and Dillon are going to survive and he's going to get back to the present, they'll have to learn to trust each other.
I found Dillon's adjustment to Medieval Ireland to be funny at times. What was up with the no pants? Was this an Irish thing? Google hadn't warned me about No-Pants Ireland. Needless to say Dillon's strange clothes and speech got him into a litle bit of trouble at the beginning, but he adjusts pretty quickly to life in a castle. I really liked Dillon and Ailish's blossoming friendship, and I like that we get both character's points of view.
Margot Hovley is a new author to me, and I found this book to be a fun and interesting read. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Eagle Gate. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Ailish (Bruce) has a big secret she's keeping, not only from Dillon, but everyone. She knows her time of impersonating a boy is soon coming to an end, but if anyone found out her secret now, that would be the end of her harp playing and singing for the king, and her training to be a bard. But that's not the only secret Ailish is keeping from Dillon. She's been on her own for so long, she doesn't trust others, yet if she and Dillon are going to survive and he's going to get back to the present, they'll have to learn to trust each other.
I found Dillon's adjustment to Medieval Ireland to be funny at times. What was up with the no pants? Was this an Irish thing? Google hadn't warned me about No-Pants Ireland. Needless to say Dillon's strange clothes and speech got him into a litle bit of trouble at the beginning, but he adjusts pretty quickly to life in a castle. I really liked Dillon and Ailish's blossoming friendship, and I like that we get both character's points of view.
Margot Hovley is a new author to me, and I found this book to be a fun and interesting read. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Eagle Gate. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 31, 2025
I loved this book! Such a fun way to learn about a time and place that I really knew nothing about! The mixing of modern technology and way of thinking with a medieval world was done in a way that was new to me and I really enjoyed that. A great read!
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August 16, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
May 5, 2021
Such a fun read. It is a great blend of modern views in a medieval world. This is one of those books that make you read the whole thing in one sitting.
June 3, 2021
This was a fun time slip novel that follows Dillon who accidentally travels back to 14th century Ireland where he meets Ailish who is pretending to be a boy in order to follow her dream of being a bard. They both keep secrets from each other even as their attraction grows and they have to learn to trust each other in order to survive unknown dangers.
I really like Dillon's character - such an authentic and well-written 21st century mid-20s guy. I felt like the romance between Dillon and Ailish was sort of buried at times so it felt rushed and would have loved to see it flushed out a little bit. I liked where the book ended but the epilogue felt like it was missing something so I felt a little unsatisfied at the very end. 3.5 stars for this fun and interesting read - I would definitely pick up another book by this author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
I really like Dillon's character - such an authentic and well-written 21st century mid-20s guy. I felt like the romance between Dillon and Ailish was sort of buried at times so it felt rushed and would have loved to see it flushed out a little bit. I liked where the book ended but the epilogue felt like it was missing something so I felt a little unsatisfied at the very end. 3.5 stars for this fun and interesting read - I would definitely pick up another book by this author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
July 1, 2021
Time travel can be a tricky plot device to get right. It combines fictional science or magic (depending on the approach) with history and is difficult to make believable. That's why I don't read a lot of stories involving time travel. When I started reading this one though I was immediately intrigued. Dillon makes a great sympathetic character who is tired and frustrated with his life and travels with his brother to Ireland for a holiday of backpacking and enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside. What he doesn't expect is to be called to a hospital where a total stranger calls him by name and insists he take a dagger. Leaving the dagger behind, Dillion is later surprised to find it in his backpack. He shrugs off the strange encounter until a nap under a tree next to the dagger sends him back in time to the fourteenth century. There he runs into Ailish, an Irish lass, who is disguised as a boy so she can pursue her dream of being a druidic bard. When she sees the Druidic markings on his dagger she immediately wants her Druid teacher to see it. She also hopes to convince her teacher to keep teaching her once he finds out she is a woman.
Things get complicated though when Ailish must take Dillon back to the castle where she works as a bard, and Dillon meets and befriends the son of a baron, whose life he saved. Dillon isn't comfortable in this time period and he hopes Ailish's teacher can help him figure out how to get home. But with the man away from home, he and Ailish must wait for his return. In the meantime, things take a turn as Dillon and Ailish's feelings take a turn for the romantic. And it turns out that Dillion has shared a little too much information with the wrong person putting both him and Ailish at risk.
In addition to the sweet romance and fun time confusion that Dillon experiences, the historical details are fascinating. The natural scenery that Hovley describes made me want to visit the time and place (not the castle or society so much). The author includes enough details to give the reader a feel for the difference in time and place that Dillon experiences as well as the life that Ailish has lived. But there aren't so many details that the story gets bogged down.
Dillon and Ailish are great characters who find themselves connecting strongly despite the rather large differences between them. When it comes to time travel stories, romances can always be a bit tricky. I mean does the person from the future stay in the past, the person from the past travel to the future? Or are the pair doomed to be separated forever? So I was curious to see how the romance played out. I'll admit I was a bit surprised by the way the story turns out, but it works for this particular story.
The supernatural elements introduced throughout the story made the time travel elements acceptable and suitable for the story. I enjoyed this quick read, especially the humor of future technology and knowledge in the past as well as the romance and historical details. The author does a fine job creating an entertaining, enjoyable story for those looking to escape our own time for a short read.
Things get complicated though when Ailish must take Dillon back to the castle where she works as a bard, and Dillon meets and befriends the son of a baron, whose life he saved. Dillon isn't comfortable in this time period and he hopes Ailish's teacher can help him figure out how to get home. But with the man away from home, he and Ailish must wait for his return. In the meantime, things take a turn as Dillon and Ailish's feelings take a turn for the romantic. And it turns out that Dillion has shared a little too much information with the wrong person putting both him and Ailish at risk.
In addition to the sweet romance and fun time confusion that Dillon experiences, the historical details are fascinating. The natural scenery that Hovley describes made me want to visit the time and place (not the castle or society so much). The author includes enough details to give the reader a feel for the difference in time and place that Dillon experiences as well as the life that Ailish has lived. But there aren't so many details that the story gets bogged down.
Dillon and Ailish are great characters who find themselves connecting strongly despite the rather large differences between them. When it comes to time travel stories, romances can always be a bit tricky. I mean does the person from the future stay in the past, the person from the past travel to the future? Or are the pair doomed to be separated forever? So I was curious to see how the romance played out. I'll admit I was a bit surprised by the way the story turns out, but it works for this particular story.
The supernatural elements introduced throughout the story made the time travel elements acceptable and suitable for the story. I enjoyed this quick read, especially the humor of future technology and knowledge in the past as well as the romance and historical details. The author does a fine job creating an entertaining, enjoyable story for those looking to escape our own time for a short read.
June 11, 2021
Dillon wanted a break from his regularly schedule life, so his brother Danny went to Ireland with him for a backpacking trip. As soon as they got off the bus, Dillon got a strange text message to go to the nearby hospital. There he met a strange man and, friends, the rest is history. Literally. Dillon travels back in time and meets Ailish (how would you say that? I came up with about 7 different pronunciations) who is pretending to be a boy in order to train to be a druid.
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From there, there is a little humor, a little intrigue, a little mystery, a little romance - a literary buffet if you will.
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A few of my favorite parts: all the pop culture references 👌 I loved all the little hints of jealousy. Overall, a cool story that reminded me a little of Kid in King Arthur's Court.
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The ending wasn't my favorite ending I've ever read but it did a good job of tying everything up which is impressive because a lot goes on. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who asks!
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Thanks to @covenant_com for the ARC copy. All opinions are my own.
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From there, there is a little humor, a little intrigue, a little mystery, a little romance - a literary buffet if you will.
.
A few of my favorite parts: all the pop culture references 👌 I loved all the little hints of jealousy. Overall, a cool story that reminded me a little of Kid in King Arthur's Court.
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The ending wasn't my favorite ending I've ever read but it did a good job of tying everything up which is impressive because a lot goes on. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who asks!
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Thanks to @covenant_com for the ARC copy. All opinions are my own.
July 2, 2021
Time's Dagger is an exciting adventure as the main character, Dillon Kelly, travels back in time. It was interesting to see how the author places a modern character into a medieval and magical past. The author does a good job at showing the differences between the two worlds and the displacement that Kelly feels being torn between wanting to go home and finding his place in the past. The characters were interesting and memorable. At times I could guess what would happen with the author's foreshadowing and other times the author threw in several twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. The book left with me some questions and I felt like there should be another book to continue the story. The author did mention she's working on a companion book. Overall, it was a quick and easy read. It was different and unique. I felt like it's a fun summer read and I encourage you to check it out.
Please note that I received a free ecopy, however, this is my honest review.
Please note that I received a free ecopy, however, this is my honest review.
June 29, 2021
I enjoy a good time slip romance. This one by Margot Hovely sucked me in from the beginning with Dillon Kelly randomly meeting a guy in a hospital and being given a strange dagger. The beginning of this one was crazy good. I loved the whole intrigue of it. And it got even better when Dillon ended up in the 14th century. That was one confusing day for him!
I loved Ailish. She has had to conceal that she is a girl to be able to train for her dream of being a bard, typically reserved for men. Her life would have been hard. But she works hard and things appear to be working out for her. I loved how happy she was.
The plot of this one was interesting. The dagger was a big part of it. I really enjoyed the ending. It was fun to see how everything that happened throughout the story fit together. That was kind of fun. Some of the little details from the beginning made way more sense at the end.
I enjoyed this book. Make sure to grab your own copy.
I was sent a copy of Time’s Dagger as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I loved Ailish. She has had to conceal that she is a girl to be able to train for her dream of being a bard, typically reserved for men. Her life would have been hard. But she works hard and things appear to be working out for her. I loved how happy she was.
The plot of this one was interesting. The dagger was a big part of it. I really enjoyed the ending. It was fun to see how everything that happened throughout the story fit together. That was kind of fun. Some of the little details from the beginning made way more sense at the end.
I enjoyed this book. Make sure to grab your own copy.
I was sent a copy of Time’s Dagger as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
May 26, 2023
From the first chapter I was hooked in this time travel to 14th century Ireland. I liked how she brought advanced technology back to medieval times; it was a clever way to highlight some of the differences between our time and theirs. As with many time travel book, there was a time travel loop (he went back in time only because someone from the past came forward to his time to send him back in time... You know, the watch from Somewhere in Time...). That bothered me a bit, but not that much. Also, I felt like the ending was a bit rushed in the resolution that got him back to present day. Still, it was a delightful book.
August 17, 2024
I like this one much better than the first book I read by this author. I almost want to give it four stars just because of the contrast. I love seeing her growth as a writer and story teller. If there's a sequel, I'll read it.
My library doesn't own a hard copy of this book, so I checked it out using my Kindle. Since the author lives in Utah, I'm surprised by the lack of support. I don't know how library purchases works, but it seems like local authors usually sell more books to the libraries.
My library doesn't own a hard copy of this book, so I checked it out using my Kindle. Since the author lives in Utah, I'm surprised by the lack of support. I don't know how library purchases works, but it seems like local authors usually sell more books to the libraries.
June 1, 2021
This is not a genre I read a lot of, though I haven't figured out why. It seems I might be missing out on something great. I love Medieval tales and I love tales with magic. I also love a contemporary book every so often. This was next level!
An apprentice bard to the last Druid meets Seattle Hipster (he checks all the boxes on that one, that had me rolling my eyes a bit because it isn't my scene). However the setting and the magic drew me in. Hipster though he was, Dillon drew me in. Ailish, though, she was amazing. I was cheering for her the whole time. She was hiding who she was to follow her dreams.
If you like the draw of time travel, romance, and a combination of Medieval and Modern, this is the story for you. It drew me in and wouldn't let go.
I received an early copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.
An apprentice bard to the last Druid meets Seattle Hipster (he checks all the boxes on that one, that had me rolling my eyes a bit because it isn't my scene). However the setting and the magic drew me in. Hipster though he was, Dillon drew me in. Ailish, though, she was amazing. I was cheering for her the whole time. She was hiding who she was to follow her dreams.
If you like the draw of time travel, romance, and a combination of Medieval and Modern, this is the story for you. It drew me in and wouldn't let go.
I received an early copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.
June 28, 2021
Wonderful Time Travel novel
This was a great book! I loved the time travel aspect and how well she showed how strange life would be like if a modern person went back in time. I loved the history and the whole storyline. Great read for all ages!
This was a great book! I loved the time travel aspect and how well she showed how strange life would be like if a modern person went back in time. I loved the history and the whole storyline. Great read for all ages!
June 4, 2021
Hovley's crisp writing creates an up to date feeling about this 14th century tale of love, danger, and mystery. I'm usually not one for fantasy, preferring to keep my feet in reality, but I was easily drawn intro this novel by this writer's carefully crafted spin on time travel in Old Ireland. Could it really happen?
June 30, 2021
Time’s Dagger is a fantastically written time travel novel! Hovley hooks the reader right away and I felt like I was there with Dillon watching his journey to Ireland unfold. I loved Ailish and watching the interaction between them both. It was so cool to see 21st century technology and ideas get dropped into medieval Ireland. To experience it all through not only Dillon’s eyes was like watching a masterfully done film. Having Ailish’s perspective rounded out the story and helped me to understand both medieval and modern eyes. Hovley definitely threw a curve ball and you had better hold on to your hat while you take this thrilling ride! Find a cozy spot and settle in because you will not want to stop reading until the very end! I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 29, 2021
I was really intrigued by the premise of this book. Time travel romance is a fun genre for me and I am always curious how an author will spin the how and why of things. This book was really unique with a mysterious dagger being the method of travel. Dillon’s character was well written and I had no trouble recognizing him as a 21st century man. The language and humor he had throughout the story stayed true to his character and what I think one could expect if they found themselves mysteriously transported to 14th century Ireland. The superstitions of the land at this time and setting were well constructed. I did feel like the romance could have been flushed out a bit more and the ending had a few loose ends, but overall, this book held my attention and I was interested in how it would all turn out.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 1, 2021
A first time reader for Hovley here and it was a delight. She mixed medieval romance and time travel with a spritz of modern medicine (which, by the way, was spot on). I love the twist o fa female bard (it's not a spoiler, I promise. You find out right in the beginning).
The tension was perfectly paced, alternating between romance and danger. Fantastic job!
The tension was perfectly paced, alternating between romance and danger. Fantastic job!
June 6, 2021
This book has an intriguing plot. Dillon is backpacking through Ireland with his brother. He randomly gets called to the hospital where an old dying man gives him a weird dagger. After stabbing the dagger into a tree, Dillon ends up traveling to 1370 Ireland. All sorts of crazy things happen, while Dillon is just trying to find a Druid to help him get back to his time period.
I liked the action and adventure aspect of medieval Ireland, Lords getting killed, people not being who they say they are, deception, castles, traveling through forests. I liked the plot twists and figuring out who was who and who did what. Ailish grew on me and I was totally rooting for her the whole time, being a female back then was not a walk in the park.
I didn’t like how it was written in first person narrative, in Dillon and Ailish’s points of view. It made it feel like it was trying to be comedic, but it wasn’t. It just didn’t seem to jive with the genre. I also felt like Dillon’s back story was lacking. He kept going on about all the girls that have dumped him, and he was going on this trip to get away from all that, but then as soon as he sees the female bard who is pretending to be a boy, he starts falling in love with her. It’s just not one of the tropes I like.
I would recommend this book for those who like light hearted time traveling books with a romantic story involved. This would be a good introductory book into the world of science fiction, it would be a great book to read as a book club to discuss time travel and its effects. And probably those who like reading YA - it seemed to have a YA vibe to it, even though Dillon had been through medical school and was in his late 20s.
I liked the action and adventure aspect of medieval Ireland, Lords getting killed, people not being who they say they are, deception, castles, traveling through forests. I liked the plot twists and figuring out who was who and who did what. Ailish grew on me and I was totally rooting for her the whole time, being a female back then was not a walk in the park.
I didn’t like how it was written in first person narrative, in Dillon and Ailish’s points of view. It made it feel like it was trying to be comedic, but it wasn’t. It just didn’t seem to jive with the genre. I also felt like Dillon’s back story was lacking. He kept going on about all the girls that have dumped him, and he was going on this trip to get away from all that, but then as soon as he sees the female bard who is pretending to be a boy, he starts falling in love with her. It’s just not one of the tropes I like.
I would recommend this book for those who like light hearted time traveling books with a romantic story involved. This would be a good introductory book into the world of science fiction, it would be a great book to read as a book club to discuss time travel and its effects. And probably those who like reading YA - it seemed to have a YA vibe to it, even though Dillon had been through medical school and was in his late 20s.
June 30, 2021
Time’s Dagger is a time travel romance with some supernatural and fantasy elements. It takes place during modern day as well as Medieval times.
The book opened with Dillon Kelly going hiking with his brother in Ireland. I’m Irish, and an avid hiker, so these scenes were extra interesting to me. I liked learning that the Irish call backpacking, “wild camping”. I also found it funny that Dillon bought a bunch of fancy hiking equipment, and he doesn’t even have a GPSr. And during the bushwhacking scene I kept thinking about all the ticks he would have to pick off. Though I don’t know how bad Ireland is with ticks vs America.
There are chapters written from both Dillion and Ailish’s viewpoints. I don’t know the exact breakdown, but it seemed like his viewpoint was told more often. Because of this it feels like we get to know him more than Ailish, and it also makes the book feel more contemporary; the most common theme from the Middle ages being the discussion of the druids and the fact that no one wore pants.
There were some interesting contrasts between the two time periods. Even in the middle ages, Dillon cannot live without his phone. At one point he shows Ailish some cat videos. She then describes the phone as “the box he’d shown me on the path—the one with wee little cat demons trapped inside it”.
I liked the mystery involving the dagger and some of the historical elements mentioned from the middle ages. While the theme of the story was interesting, I had a hard time getting past one of the main character’s worship of idols.
June 4, 2021
I haven’t read a time travel book in awhile so this was kind of fun. I forget sometimes about the complications that and moral questions that come into play with time travel, and how “dangerous” everyone always says it would be. But it’s a fascinating topic, is it not?
I liked how many small elements of the story ended up being important later on. There were a couple of small twists I didn’t anticipate which always keeps me on my toes! I liked that Dillon was an all-around good, trustworthy guy. Some of the things he would say or think cracked me up. I especially loved how caught up he was with the lack of pants back in that time. It had me laughing! (Though I honestly think—if it were me—I’d get a lot more hung up on the lack of toilet paper.) My heart went out to Ailish a bit. Her situation was just unfair (which I’m sure would have been accurate for single females of the time period). The stark contrast between modern and medieval customs and situations was so well portrayed, as well as the descriptions of beautiful Ireland.
All in all, I was wrapped up in the story and really wanted to know what was going to happen. At one point I couldn’t see how things would play out very well—if it at all—so I stayed sucked into the story. It was a quick, enjoyable read
Note: mention of blood, murder, medieval Church-sanctioned killings of druids, knives, and treachery
** I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I liked how many small elements of the story ended up being important later on. There were a couple of small twists I didn’t anticipate which always keeps me on my toes! I liked that Dillon was an all-around good, trustworthy guy. Some of the things he would say or think cracked me up. I especially loved how caught up he was with the lack of pants back in that time. It had me laughing! (Though I honestly think—if it were me—I’d get a lot more hung up on the lack of toilet paper.) My heart went out to Ailish a bit. Her situation was just unfair (which I’m sure would have been accurate for single females of the time period). The stark contrast between modern and medieval customs and situations was so well portrayed, as well as the descriptions of beautiful Ireland.
All in all, I was wrapped up in the story and really wanted to know what was going to happen. At one point I couldn’t see how things would play out very well—if it at all—so I stayed sucked into the story. It was a quick, enjoyable read
Note: mention of blood, murder, medieval Church-sanctioned killings of druids, knives, and treachery
** I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
June 30, 2021
Time's Dagger
by Margot Hovley
Rating: 4/5
Apparently time-travel is in right now. I have read a handful of new releases involving time-travel and it's been a blast! Although I did receive an ARC, I borrowed the book on Kindle Unlimited too. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story that was full of humor and mystery. I always enjoy reading about how characters adjust to the different time and cultures but I liked the idea of the dagger helping with the transition. The Druidic beliefs were interesting to learn about and definitely helped move the story along. The story was slower in different parts but it still held my interest and I was proud to have guessed the twist.
Beautifully written characters made this medieval Ireland stand out. I truly wish I could heard Ailish's voice and her harp playing. As a musician, I loved seeing that she did what she could to follow her dreams and beliefs. I loved how Dillon recognized her right away. I thought it was interesting that the author chose to have the man travel back in time - reminds me of Somewhere in Time. It was interesting to see a physician's assistant work in that time and his fears about the Black Plague.
Highly recommend if you enjoy sweet, clean romance with time-travel, mystery and magic.
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
by Margot Hovley
Rating: 4/5
Apparently time-travel is in right now. I have read a handful of new releases involving time-travel and it's been a blast! Although I did receive an ARC, I borrowed the book on Kindle Unlimited too. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story that was full of humor and mystery. I always enjoy reading about how characters adjust to the different time and cultures but I liked the idea of the dagger helping with the transition. The Druidic beliefs were interesting to learn about and definitely helped move the story along. The story was slower in different parts but it still held my interest and I was proud to have guessed the twist.
Beautifully written characters made this medieval Ireland stand out. I truly wish I could heard Ailish's voice and her harp playing. As a musician, I loved seeing that she did what she could to follow her dreams and beliefs. I loved how Dillon recognized her right away. I thought it was interesting that the author chose to have the man travel back in time - reminds me of Somewhere in Time. It was interesting to see a physician's assistant work in that time and his fears about the Black Plague.
Highly recommend if you enjoy sweet, clean romance with time-travel, mystery and magic.
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
July 1, 2021
Margot wrote the time travel really well. The different dialects (ancient and modern) were distinct and the reactions believable.
Her timing in her writing was written just as well. Her wit was spot on and helped the blend of suspense and humor. I also loved that she started the attraction early, but had the romance slowly build. It gave a good balance between the building suspense of the plot and the sweetness of the romance.
I loved how Margot wrote all her characters with the potential for both good and bad. It gave the characters depth and kept you guessing at intentions. Her foreshadowing dropped you just enough clues to keep you guessing, but not enough to give away true intentions.
The druidic parts of the story made this a unique historical fiction. It was almost like word-building with so many aspects of this history unfamiliar. Margot did a good job of pulling the reader in to this foreign time through Dillon’s eyes.
The end of the novel left me just a little curious. I would have expected their experiences together to have made them stronger and more confident in themselves and each other. However, the last few paragraphs left me wondering if Ailish would survive in modern times and if Dillion really trusted her with his heart. The ending felt more of like a question mark than a statement.
Hopefully that means we’ll get to see more from these characters as I really did enjoy Margot’s writing and the overall story as a whole.
Her timing in her writing was written just as well. Her wit was spot on and helped the blend of suspense and humor. I also loved that she started the attraction early, but had the romance slowly build. It gave a good balance between the building suspense of the plot and the sweetness of the romance.
I loved how Margot wrote all her characters with the potential for both good and bad. It gave the characters depth and kept you guessing at intentions. Her foreshadowing dropped you just enough clues to keep you guessing, but not enough to give away true intentions.
The druidic parts of the story made this a unique historical fiction. It was almost like word-building with so many aspects of this history unfamiliar. Margot did a good job of pulling the reader in to this foreign time through Dillon’s eyes.
The end of the novel left me just a little curious. I would have expected their experiences together to have made them stronger and more confident in themselves and each other. However, the last few paragraphs left me wondering if Ailish would survive in modern times and if Dillion really trusted her with his heart. The ending felt more of like a question mark than a statement.
Hopefully that means we’ll get to see more from these characters as I really did enjoy Margot’s writing and the overall story as a whole.
July 3, 2021
Time Travel books have always fascinated me. I also love to read books set in Medieval times. This sets the perfect premise for a really good book. Dillon comes from our modern time and ends up in the 14th century. The humor is real as he realizes what has happened and he keeps referring to things from his own time. Of course, that makes him seem very strange to the people living in times of yore.
Dillon soon meets Ailish, who from outward appearances is a boy, but she is a girl. She wants to be a bard but only males can train as one. The one thing that brings Dillon and Ailish together is a mysterious dagger that is given to Dillon before he travels back in time. I don't want to say more because too much said will ruin this great story.
I loved the setting in ancient Ireland. There were beautiful, rich details that took you right there. The characters were strong and determined whether it was the good or the bad guys. Ailish had to be my favorite character as she'd lived through many hardships and is determined to reach her goals and dreams.
There is a mild romance that is included but I loved the mystery behind the dagger the most. Where does the power come from? Who can wield the power that the druid dagger gives? If you want to know more, you are going to have to plod along to Amazon.com and get your own copy.
Dillon soon meets Ailish, who from outward appearances is a boy, but she is a girl. She wants to be a bard but only males can train as one. The one thing that brings Dillon and Ailish together is a mysterious dagger that is given to Dillon before he travels back in time. I don't want to say more because too much said will ruin this great story.
I loved the setting in ancient Ireland. There were beautiful, rich details that took you right there. The characters were strong and determined whether it was the good or the bad guys. Ailish had to be my favorite character as she'd lived through many hardships and is determined to reach her goals and dreams.
There is a mild romance that is included but I loved the mystery behind the dagger the most. Where does the power come from? Who can wield the power that the druid dagger gives? If you want to know more, you are going to have to plod along to Amazon.com and get your own copy.
July 20, 2021
Margot Hovley transports readers to a midevil land full of mystery and danger. As both Dillion and Bruce (aka Ailish) struggle to overcome their differences and work towards a common goal, they come to find that time doesn't dictate love. This book is a perfect combination of romance, adventure, and mystery. Any reader who loves this triple threat combination is in for a real treat.
I listened to this on Deseret Bookshelf in the car and couldn't go to sleep until I had finished it. I can't wait to read more of Margot's books!! And I know that they will be just as good, if not better, than Times Daggar. However, I would have loved to read more about Ailish's time in "the future" since it focuses so much on Dillion in the past.
This book is clean, with only a couple kissing scenes and some violence. A great read for all ages. Anyone who reads it will learn about a wonderful culture filled with druids, Gaelic tongue, and midevil politics. So many twists and turns so watch out and enjoy!
Have fun storming the castle!!! 😁😉
All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I listened to this on Deseret Bookshelf in the car and couldn't go to sleep until I had finished it. I can't wait to read more of Margot's books!! And I know that they will be just as good, if not better, than Times Daggar. However, I would have loved to read more about Ailish's time in "the future" since it focuses so much on Dillion in the past.
This book is clean, with only a couple kissing scenes and some violence. A great read for all ages. Anyone who reads it will learn about a wonderful culture filled with druids, Gaelic tongue, and midevil politics. So many twists and turns so watch out and enjoy!
Have fun storming the castle!!! 😁😉
All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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