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The First
1645. Naseby, England.
Baroness De Meaux lives a comfortable life and is content with where she fits into the hierarchy of society. She was groomed for the story she’s telling but several things set her apart from everyone around her.
When her mother passes away suddenly, the visions she hides from the world—the ones that show her the future—force their way to the surface. And when she’s faced with the impossible, it leaves her questioning just how far apart her two contradicting worlds really are from another.
Can Margaret make peace with her past and what she assumes is her imagination? Or will she give into the myths from her childhood to shape the future?
Through it all, Margaret knows one truth is universal: trust is hard-won and easily broken when you don’t know who’s on your side.
Baroness De Meaux lives a comfortable life and is content with where she fits into the hierarchy of society. She was groomed for the story she’s telling but several things set her apart from everyone around her.
When her mother passes away suddenly, the visions she hides from the world—the ones that show her the future—force their way to the surface. And when she’s faced with the impossible, it leaves her questioning just how far apart her two contradicting worlds really are from another.
Can Margaret make peace with her past and what she assumes is her imagination? Or will she give into the myths from her childhood to shape the future?
Through it all, Margaret knows one truth is universal: trust is hard-won and easily broken when you don’t know who’s on your side.
170 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2017
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189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 26, 2018
The first thing that came to mind when I started reading The First was how much the style of writing resembled some of the classic literature I’ve read, especially books by Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte. Though there are some significant differences between this book and those classic texts, I did find myself reading it with the same fervor with which I had devoured those classics. In fact, it wasn’t until I sat down to write out this review that I even began to discover what it was that I didn’t like about the book, which wasn't much, but it was significant enough to keep this from being a five-star book.
The story starts out with Margaret, a young woman living in the mid-sixteen-hundreds, preparing to attend her mother’s funeral. Those first few chapters truly kindled my passion for this book, as they were so, so well written. The reader is given just enough of the world that Margaret lives in, and enough peeks into her childhood to understand her sheltered, yet somewhat privileged life. There are also a few hints that Margaret may be more than she seems…though what that ‘more’ might be doesn’t come to light until much later in the book.
I don’t want to spoil any of the mystery and suspense leading up to the reveal of who and what Margaret may be, so I’ll try and keep this review focused mainly on the quality of writing and the overall feel of the story. Though, the synopsis of the book does touch on her visions of the future, so that part I will discuss. To start with, as I already mentioned, I love the way Perry writes. Her language is clear and to the point, though she tends to refer to the character by proper name instead of using a pronoun a bit much, it doesn’t distract from the narrative.
Overall the story flows at a pace that seems reasonable, based on the journey that Margaret’s life begins to take after the death of her mother. When Margaret’s visions of the future return—they had been absent for a period after her mother’s death—Perry perfectly brings this into play. There is a time of denial, of believing the visions are something else—perhaps left over grief from her mother’s passing—and a period where she does not want to have them. I appreciate this style of imbuing a character with supernatural powers slowly and with some trepidation far more than when an author gives a character a power and they just go with it without question.
Even when Margaret begins to use the supernatural abilities these visions provide, there is some hesitancy and wonder. Yet, there is also an uncharacteristic and dramatic change in Margaret’s nature and personality after one encounter with her abilities that seems to rush the story along far too quickly. Bottom line, it takes the author roughly forty-percent of the book to express who Margaret is, and to finally reveal what she is, and then the rest of the book feels incredibly rushed.
Everything happens so fast and with very little story-telling that I was left wanting more from almost every situation Margaret finds herself in. The ending of the book definitely wrapped up far too quickly as well. There are also characters who seem to hold a place of importance who suddenly disappear from the writing, never to come up again.
Overall, I give high marks to the author for the quality and style of writing. I’ve read so many books from independent or self-published authors that are so filled with grammatical errors, or are just poorly written, that this was a blessing to read. The story is clever and somewhat unique, if not in the supernatural abilities the character has, then definitely in the manner of the ‘quest’ that Perry sends her character on. I was left wanting so much more from this author and from this story. It could have been twice as long or longer and it still would have been an enjoyable and delightful read.
My rating for The First is 4.5 stars!
The story starts out with Margaret, a young woman living in the mid-sixteen-hundreds, preparing to attend her mother’s funeral. Those first few chapters truly kindled my passion for this book, as they were so, so well written. The reader is given just enough of the world that Margaret lives in, and enough peeks into her childhood to understand her sheltered, yet somewhat privileged life. There are also a few hints that Margaret may be more than she seems…though what that ‘more’ might be doesn’t come to light until much later in the book.
I don’t want to spoil any of the mystery and suspense leading up to the reveal of who and what Margaret may be, so I’ll try and keep this review focused mainly on the quality of writing and the overall feel of the story. Though, the synopsis of the book does touch on her visions of the future, so that part I will discuss. To start with, as I already mentioned, I love the way Perry writes. Her language is clear and to the point, though she tends to refer to the character by proper name instead of using a pronoun a bit much, it doesn’t distract from the narrative.
Overall the story flows at a pace that seems reasonable, based on the journey that Margaret’s life begins to take after the death of her mother. When Margaret’s visions of the future return—they had been absent for a period after her mother’s death—Perry perfectly brings this into play. There is a time of denial, of believing the visions are something else—perhaps left over grief from her mother’s passing—and a period where she does not want to have them. I appreciate this style of imbuing a character with supernatural powers slowly and with some trepidation far more than when an author gives a character a power and they just go with it without question.
Even when Margaret begins to use the supernatural abilities these visions provide, there is some hesitancy and wonder. Yet, there is also an uncharacteristic and dramatic change in Margaret’s nature and personality after one encounter with her abilities that seems to rush the story along far too quickly. Bottom line, it takes the author roughly forty-percent of the book to express who Margaret is, and to finally reveal what she is, and then the rest of the book feels incredibly rushed.
Everything happens so fast and with very little story-telling that I was left wanting more from almost every situation Margaret finds herself in. The ending of the book definitely wrapped up far too quickly as well. There are also characters who seem to hold a place of importance who suddenly disappear from the writing, never to come up again.
Overall, I give high marks to the author for the quality and style of writing. I’ve read so many books from independent or self-published authors that are so filled with grammatical errors, or are just poorly written, that this was a blessing to read. The story is clever and somewhat unique, if not in the supernatural abilities the character has, then definitely in the manner of the ‘quest’ that Perry sends her character on. I was left wanting so much more from this author and from this story. It could have been twice as long or longer and it still would have been an enjoyable and delightful read.
My rating for The First is 4.5 stars!
August 15, 2017
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 13+ (some mature scenes)
Favorite Quote:“Were they really so insignificant to the men around them that their absence could go unnoticed for so long?”
Naseby, England.Baroness Margaret Elizabeth De Meaux knows exactly where she fits in the hierarchy of society, of her family, and in her life. However, one thing sets her apart from all those she loves: her visions. They have always shown her wondrous lands, but she accepted long ago they were strictly illusions.
Despite the fact that they are pure fantasy, she relies on them to provide solace from the monotony of her existence. When her mother suddenly passes away her own grief pushes her to the brink of insanity. It leaves her questioning just how far apart her two contradicting worlds really are from one another.
Can Margaret reconcile her past, her agony, and what she assumes is her imagination? Or will she give into the myths and tales from her childhood to shape both history and the future? Despite it all, she knows that one truth is universal through the ages. Trust is hard-won and easily broken when you don't know who’s on your side.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I was a Beta Reader for this book. This did not influence my review in any way possible.
You know what’s something that I don’t get to read a lot about? Time Travel. I am a huge believer in time travel and I’m also a big believer in the three theories of time travel. While I’m not going to out which theory I believe this book to fall under I will say that you are in for a ride through time like you’ve never been before. We’re introduced to Margaret on the day she says goodbye to her mother. When Margaret can’t seem to get control of her grief her life starts to quickly spiral downwards. It’s only when she gets a visit from someone she seems to have met previously that her life may begin to make sense after all.
Let me just say that this book was amazing. Not only did I LOVE beta reading for Dylan, but I loved this story from the get-go and I’m so happy I got a chance to make it into what it is today. I got to see the evolution of these characters and the plot. I feel that I can honestly say that the character development and the plot were amazing. The characters were so well developed that you don’t expect some of the twists and turns that come from these characters. The plot is also well done for a novella. A novella is a book that is shorter than a novel but longer than a short story, so there are some very strict page/word count limits on these types of books. Usually when I’ve read novellas I’ve found them to be messy, but with this book it was put together well. The writing is also another thing I want to brag about. The writing in this story is really well done. When the author writes quotes from these characters in the 1600s she beautifully writes like how they would talk and even the narration itself is written in that same way. However, the writing is not hard to understand and I found myself flying through the book because it flows so well.
The only concerns I had with this book was that I had more questions than answers at the end of the novella, BUT this is supposed to be a companion novella to the rest of the Rare Sunshine series so I will have to wait for the rest of the series to come out and then reread this book along with the novels (oh goodness the humanity! *sarcasm*). I also felt the pacing was fast with all the time jumps, but the book is a novella and thus they have to be fast.
Honestly, this was a marvelous book and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the main series! I thought the book was very inspirational for women and I also thought that the book had a good message about how to deal with grief and how to change your "fate".
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 13+ (some mature scenes)
Favorite Quote:“Were they really so insignificant to the men around them that their absence could go unnoticed for so long?”
Naseby, England.Baroness Margaret Elizabeth De Meaux knows exactly where she fits in the hierarchy of society, of her family, and in her life. However, one thing sets her apart from all those she loves: her visions. They have always shown her wondrous lands, but she accepted long ago they were strictly illusions.
Despite the fact that they are pure fantasy, she relies on them to provide solace from the monotony of her existence. When her mother suddenly passes away her own grief pushes her to the brink of insanity. It leaves her questioning just how far apart her two contradicting worlds really are from one another.
Can Margaret reconcile her past, her agony, and what she assumes is her imagination? Or will she give into the myths and tales from her childhood to shape both history and the future? Despite it all, she knows that one truth is universal through the ages. Trust is hard-won and easily broken when you don't know who’s on your side.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I was a Beta Reader for this book. This did not influence my review in any way possible.
You know what’s something that I don’t get to read a lot about? Time Travel. I am a huge believer in time travel and I’m also a big believer in the three theories of time travel. While I’m not going to out which theory I believe this book to fall under I will say that you are in for a ride through time like you’ve never been before. We’re introduced to Margaret on the day she says goodbye to her mother. When Margaret can’t seem to get control of her grief her life starts to quickly spiral downwards. It’s only when she gets a visit from someone she seems to have met previously that her life may begin to make sense after all.
Let me just say that this book was amazing. Not only did I LOVE beta reading for Dylan, but I loved this story from the get-go and I’m so happy I got a chance to make it into what it is today. I got to see the evolution of these characters and the plot. I feel that I can honestly say that the character development and the plot were amazing. The characters were so well developed that you don’t expect some of the twists and turns that come from these characters. The plot is also well done for a novella. A novella is a book that is shorter than a novel but longer than a short story, so there are some very strict page/word count limits on these types of books. Usually when I’ve read novellas I’ve found them to be messy, but with this book it was put together well. The writing is also another thing I want to brag about. The writing in this story is really well done. When the author writes quotes from these characters in the 1600s she beautifully writes like how they would talk and even the narration itself is written in that same way. However, the writing is not hard to understand and I found myself flying through the book because it flows so well.
The only concerns I had with this book was that I had more questions than answers at the end of the novella, BUT this is supposed to be a companion novella to the rest of the Rare Sunshine series so I will have to wait for the rest of the series to come out and then reread this book along with the novels (oh goodness the humanity! *sarcasm*). I also felt the pacing was fast with all the time jumps, but the book is a novella and thus they have to be fast.
Honestly, this was a marvelous book and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the main series! I thought the book was very inspirational for women and I also thought that the book had a good message about how to deal with grief and how to change your "fate".
January 15, 2018
Thank you @indie_blog_hop for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟The First by Dylan S. Perry ( @dylan.s.perry ) I must admit I was leery of this read at first. I personally dislike a book that bounces back and forth in time. I find them hard to follow and the transition between times inaccurate. However I was impressed. In 1645 Margaret is confused by the visions she has had her entire life and since the death of her mother the visions are taking more and more from her. In her depression and sense of insanity she begins to find others like her. In seeking herself she finds answers to who she is and what she is to accomplish. With the help of her coven Margaret is able to time travel. The most important thing about her ability is to find out what becomes of women in the future. In a time when women are not treated as equals but as possessions the need to know it isn't always this way is the most important thing to the coven. So one night Margaret travels to the year 2003. She spends a few days there and is shocked of the history from 1645 to 2003 as well as learning she will not live to see most of it. Margaret makes a promise to a man in the future and even though the coven disagrees Margaret continues her travels. The support of husband and the presence of her children in her life set the tone to change future generations. Margaret's journey is one for the records! I can only hope this is the beginning of a wonderful series to come! Review also posted on Instagram @jasonnstacie, Library Thing, Go Read, Amazon, and my blog at readsbystacie.com
January 30, 2018
The First is a book about destiny and finding your voice as a woman. A world wonderful created without a sure promise of an happy ending which is quite intriguing.
I loved how Margaret grew into her with each chapter and become the woman who she could be! The author created a wonderful story and her writing style has just the right touch, so fluent to read.
From the first page until the end I wasn‘t sure in which way the story will end and the ending promised already so much for the other books in the series to come: A lot of heartache(?), pain, fighting but also happiness and stories full of interesting female protagonists!?!
The only downer was that is was too short, I could have read another 500 pages of the book without getting tired.
Totall worth all five stars and more. You have to read it if you didn‘t already and with each word it will suck you in more and more and give you so much back.
I loved how Margaret grew into her with each chapter and become the woman who she could be! The author created a wonderful story and her writing style has just the right touch, so fluent to read.
From the first page until the end I wasn‘t sure in which way the story will end and the ending promised already so much for the other books in the series to come: A lot of heartache(?), pain, fighting but also happiness and stories full of interesting female protagonists!?!
The only downer was that is was too short, I could have read another 500 pages of the book without getting tired.
Totall worth all five stars and more. You have to read it if you didn‘t already and with each word it will suck you in more and more and give you so much back.
September 26, 2017
Great Fantasy Read!
I recieve this book from the author for honest review. I loved so much I bought the kindle copy.
This was a awesome read. This is the first time reading anything from this author.It was a delight and I enjoyed it very much. It was short story and fast pass. Finish it in one setting. I started reading it and couldn't put it down at all not even for a minute. The story has a strong female roll. I love a strong female in stories. There even an evil male that he does sound baf but I imagined him sexy at the same time. Am in love with this book! This is just the beginning of this series.
How fare will you go?
Can't wait for book #2 Lapse!
The storyline was well written and well put together. The setting and theme was just perfect. The characters goes very well with the story and they are just perfect. Highly recommend everybody read and get this book. 💖💖💖
I recieve this book from the author for honest review. I loved so much I bought the kindle copy.
This was a awesome read. This is the first time reading anything from this author.It was a delight and I enjoyed it very much. It was short story and fast pass. Finish it in one setting. I started reading it and couldn't put it down at all not even for a minute. The story has a strong female roll. I love a strong female in stories. There even an evil male that he does sound baf but I imagined him sexy at the same time. Am in love with this book! This is just the beginning of this series.
How fare will you go?
Can't wait for book #2 Lapse!
The storyline was well written and well put together. The setting and theme was just perfect. The characters goes very well with the story and they are just perfect. Highly recommend everybody read and get this book. 💖💖💖
August 3, 2017
Top Ten Reasons To Read:
•WITCHES
•Specifically: sneaky ~lady~ witches
•A main character who tries to deal with her emotions but just can't because sometimes emotions aren't preferable
•Time travel (can I get a whoop whoop?)
•The main villain in this story is every male, ever and you know what? I'm 100% okay with this.
•Fun little cliff-hanger in the middle
•Ending with a resolution
•SASS
•Visceral description of witchy stuff
•A main character who loves books??? Sign me up!!!
4/5 Stars
I loved this plot and the story-telling but here's what I was missing:
•Badass women of color •More pages
I think this story needs more space to breathe and be told; I wish it were a full length novel rather than a novella!
4/5 Stars
I loved this plot and the story-telling but here's what I was missing:
•Badass women of color •More pages
I think this story needs more space to breathe and be told; I wish it were a full length novel rather than a novella!
February 15, 2018
I received a free copy of this book for review.
I have a lot of conflicting thoughts about this book. I mean witches and time travel are right up my alley but for some reason this one didn't worked for me. In part I think it was because of the MC, I know that she's a good representation of the time but she looked like a pelutant child during half the book and then she did a 180º turn in 2 days and got all "badass". I didn't really liked her. On the other hand it's a really good historical representation of a time period where woman didn't had a voice. It's not a bad book it just isn't one for me
February 4, 2018
Wow i completely forgot to review this! I read this book AGES ago and also happen to be a beta reader for this amazing author (which does not influence my opinion in any way).
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took a new spin on time traveling. And i LOVE how the story was set in the 1800's. That is one of my favorite time periods to read about. Id definitely give this book a try!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took a new spin on time traveling. And i LOVE how the story was set in the 1800's. That is one of my favorite time periods to read about. Id definitely give this book a try!
September 30, 2021
Good premise, too short!
This was a very quick read, but had an interesting premise. A few gaps in the story made it seem rushed. I was truly surprised that I was at the end. Another 100 pages might have filled in the missing parts. Definitely felt like the beginning of a series.
This was a very quick read, but had an interesting premise. A few gaps in the story made it seem rushed. I was truly surprised that I was at the end. Another 100 pages might have filled in the missing parts. Definitely felt like the beginning of a series.
January 24, 2018
*Copy taken for free from Amazon made available by the author.*
If you like witchcraft set in the the 1600s but with time travel, then this is for you!
SPOILER FREE REVIEW
Imagine that, a time traveler from the 1600s, I’ve never thought about that before. Time travel has always been associated with technology but these witches use their power to let one of them time travel and Margaret is the first.
I can’t say I truly enjoyed this book, it felt too long for a novella and it only started to become interesting in the second half of the story. There’s also that sudden personality changes in some characters while I can’t tell how genuine the other one is.
This is a prequel to the main story, I just hope it’s better than this novella because in the end it kind of felt rushed. There are some descriptions I can’t visualize either. I’m still torn whether or not I’d read the main story.
If you like witchcraft set in the the 1600s but with time travel, then this is for you!
SPOILER FREE REVIEW
Imagine that, a time traveler from the 1600s, I’ve never thought about that before. Time travel has always been associated with technology but these witches use their power to let one of them time travel and Margaret is the first.
I can’t say I truly enjoyed this book, it felt too long for a novella and it only started to become interesting in the second half of the story. There’s also that sudden personality changes in some characters while I can’t tell how genuine the other one is.
This is a prequel to the main story, I just hope it’s better than this novella because in the end it kind of felt rushed. There are some descriptions I can’t visualize either. I’m still torn whether or not I’d read the main story.
October 31, 2017
I cannot WAIT FOR THIS BOOK SERIES! [Perry] has such a fresh voice in YA fiction and I cannot wait to see what she does in the future.
Can I just say that Shannon? OHHHHHh BOYYYY. Can you say Fangirl? There are so many quotes in this book that I absolutely love.
Can I just say that Shannon? OHHHHHh BOYYYY. Can you say Fangirl? There are so many quotes in this book that I absolutely love.
January 22, 2020
Okay, so if this novella had been longer, I’m not sure if I’d have gone higher with my rating or lowered it to a three? But, because of its short length and the fact that I liked the premise, I’m going to be generous and give it a 4; here’s why…
Plot: The plot is intriguing; a time-traveling witch, the first of her kind, who finds she has an important role to play in the shaping of the future of womankind. YES!! Great idea for a story! Was it executed in a believable fashion within the confines of 152 pages? Eh… I guess so. However, a longer book would’ve done this story justice since so much was glossed over & opportunities to enrich the tale weren’t taken.
Characters: Here’s where a longer book could have helped for sure. Margaret’s husband and how his arc finishes out at the end is just- no. I mean, in an HEA, he’s great, but so no believable. But again, there weren’t enough pages to show how he’d evolved. Margaret as well (the MC), I would’ve liked to read more about her experiences to see how they shaped her, rather than seeing her ALREADY shaped by the next chapter.
Overall: Short story: short review. Again, it could have been so much more, but for what it was- I liked it enough to recommend as a quick & thought-inspiring, wishful, read.
Plot: The plot is intriguing; a time-traveling witch, the first of her kind, who finds she has an important role to play in the shaping of the future of womankind. YES!! Great idea for a story! Was it executed in a believable fashion within the confines of 152 pages? Eh… I guess so. However, a longer book would’ve done this story justice since so much was glossed over & opportunities to enrich the tale weren’t taken.
Characters: Here’s where a longer book could have helped for sure. Margaret’s husband and how his arc finishes out at the end is just- no. I mean, in an HEA, he’s great, but so no believable. But again, there weren’t enough pages to show how he’d evolved. Margaret as well (the MC), I would’ve liked to read more about her experiences to see how they shaped her, rather than seeing her ALREADY shaped by the next chapter.
Overall: Short story: short review. Again, it could have been so much more, but for what it was- I liked it enough to recommend as a quick & thought-inspiring, wishful, read.
February 8, 2020
Amazingly real, profound & true: the past connected to our present
The First is 17 in 1645, married and a mother. Throughout the story Margaret is immediately and fully present. We inhabit her mind and being, learning of her perceptions, knowledge, decisions, actions and emotions as she lives them. Her secret role in history is unique and pivotal, as is her husband, Richard's full support and partnership in her work. Through the decades of devotion to a shared purpose they develop the intimacy and love she desired and believed highly unlikely in the first years of their marriage.
If you like realistic characters and relationships, accurate historical fiction (both socially and physically), serious themes and immersion in the story, you'll love this book. I am very impressed with Dylan Perry's work and look forward to reading more of her books.
The First is 17 in 1645, married and a mother. Throughout the story Margaret is immediately and fully present. We inhabit her mind and being, learning of her perceptions, knowledge, decisions, actions and emotions as she lives them. Her secret role in history is unique and pivotal, as is her husband, Richard's full support and partnership in her work. Through the decades of devotion to a shared purpose they develop the intimacy and love she desired and believed highly unlikely in the first years of their marriage.
If you like realistic characters and relationships, accurate historical fiction (both socially and physically), serious themes and immersion in the story, you'll love this book. I am very impressed with Dylan Perry's work and look forward to reading more of her books.
September 24, 2021
Interesting
I really liked the concept but it personally felt incomplete to me or rushed at the ending. Perhaps a bit of both.They touched base on her possibly having a violent death but didn't mention it again. He went on to show her jumping through time to ensure Emerson's life. But that was it. No more mention of the coven after they separated that one night. No more mention of Joan. As I mentioned, I loved the concept, but I would have loved more if Perry had dived a bit deeper into everything. It was an interesting quick read though.
I really liked the concept but it personally felt incomplete to me or rushed at the ending. Perhaps a bit of both.They touched base on her possibly having a violent death but didn't mention it again. He went on to show her jumping through time to ensure Emerson's life. But that was it. No more mention of the coven after they separated that one night. No more mention of Joan. As I mentioned, I loved the concept, but I would have loved more if Perry had dived a bit deeper into everything. It was an interesting quick read though.
October 26, 2021
“Witchery” Time traveler
I liked the way Margaret discovered what and who she was. To me that was the story. Her discovery of being a creator of change and stepping up to the responsibility! It is true to life that women still have to overcome mens old fashioned ways. I don’t know if this really fit into my science fiction fantasy I usually read. But I still would recommend it to anyone that wants a good read. Keep up the good work maybe I will find another book of yours.
I liked the way Margaret discovered what and who she was. To me that was the story. Her discovery of being a creator of change and stepping up to the responsibility! It is true to life that women still have to overcome mens old fashioned ways. I don’t know if this really fit into my science fiction fantasy I usually read. But I still would recommend it to anyone that wants a good read. Keep up the good work maybe I will find another book of yours.
December 19, 2022
Poorly written attempt at time travel
Time travel stories are one of my favorite genres. I'm a proud card caring Whovian. This book is a terrible attempt at a genre that allows for so much creativity! The recurring theme is the mistreatment of women in the 1600s and that portion is written well enough. The rest felt poorly imagined and swayed between being either too slow or rushed. I wanted to love it but I could not.
Time travel stories are one of my favorite genres. I'm a proud card caring Whovian. This book is a terrible attempt at a genre that allows for so much creativity! The recurring theme is the mistreatment of women in the 1600s and that portion is written well enough. The rest felt poorly imagined and swayed between being either too slow or rushed. I wanted to love it but I could not.
July 14, 2018
The concept is good, but I feel like a lot of the story wasn’t explored and it was almost like pieces were skipped or skimmed over. It definitely could have been meatier. And “The Last” time period should have been later. From where I stand, women are not considered equals in society, especially not in 2003.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2023
This novelette was an enjoyable read from the first page. Liked the led character Margaret and her world. The death of her mother opens Margaret to explore changes in her life and future for her family and generations to come.
I know this was a novelette and I read it very quickly .... I wanted more :)
I know this was a novelette and I read it very quickly .... I wanted more :)
July 16, 2020
Time travel but linear
Overall, the book kept my attention the whole time. It was really short and also simpler than I expected from time travel. The women's rights theme was central, and the message was more clearly expressed than the story that delivered it.
Overall, the book kept my attention the whole time. It was really short and also simpler than I expected from time travel. The women's rights theme was central, and the message was more clearly expressed than the story that delivered it.
August 22, 2022
My first DNF of the year. The characters were interesting, the plot was good, but for some reason the two of them together just wasn't cohesive. Maybe I'll try it again next year. If I do, I'll update the review.
September 25, 2024
First witch will cha be the future.
In 1800 women were men's property. Margaret was protected by her mother. She died but Margaret married Richard and had a child. When her husband's relatives came to visit she found out why her visions made her different.
In 1800 women were men's property. Margaret was protected by her mother. She died but Margaret married Richard and had a child. When her husband's relatives came to visit she found out why her visions made her different.
August 18, 2018
Quite possibly a contender for worst book ever written.
November 5, 2018
Not actively bad but just felt more of an idea than a fully rounded novel.
December 16, 2019
While the story was interesting it just felt rushed at the end. I was not sure if the writer intent.
April 8, 2020
Good book, kept me hooked. I enjoyed the concepttoo.
July 11, 2020
Good premise. However, a bit choppy and in need of more development of characters and story.
October 3, 2021
EXHILARATING
Wonderful tale of positive world affecting time travel for the purpose of change from losing to success. Love the idea of creating a better world.
Wonderful tale of positive world affecting time travel for the purpose of change from losing to success. Love the idea of creating a better world.
October 30, 2021
Should have read the synopsis more carefully. Not what I thought it was. My bad.
September 30, 2023
Overall I enjoyed this story. The pacing is a little funny. The first half seems too slow and the second half too fast. But I liked the idea of the story and had fun reading it.
September 14, 2019
I just couldn't get into this book.. I really tried. After a month, I had only made it 65% of the way through. I gave up.
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