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A Time of Myths
A Sweeping Tale of Mystery and Suspense, steeped in the folklore of the 20th century and played out in 60's Woodstock, 80's Soho & on a remote Greek Island - an ideal vacation read:
Woodstock, 1969: the Festival that defined a decade of peace, love and freedom. The paths of five young English students cross - with devastating consequences. Consequences that eventually reach a climax in an isolated Cretan gorge.
Seventeen years later: in the 'golden age' of capitalism, dramatic events conspire to reunite the surviving members, necessitating a perilous return to a tiny Greek island, where dangerous self-deceptions are at last forced into the glaring sunlight...
Ostensively, it's an action adventure and murder mystery interwoven with an enduring love story. But dig deeper and darker themes are uncovered, for the novel seeks also to examine who we are and how far we are truly in control of our actions, and even of our lives.
Woodstock, 1969: the Festival that defined a decade of peace, love and freedom. The paths of five young English students cross - with devastating consequences. Consequences that eventually reach a climax in an isolated Cretan gorge.
Seventeen years later: in the 'golden age' of capitalism, dramatic events conspire to reunite the surviving members, necessitating a perilous return to a tiny Greek island, where dangerous self-deceptions are at last forced into the glaring sunlight...
Ostensively, it's an action adventure and murder mystery interwoven with an enduring love story. But dig deeper and darker themes are uncovered, for the novel seeks also to examine who we are and how far we are truly in control of our actions, and even of our lives.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2013
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1103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 16, 2024
Mystery, suspense, and the Woodstock Festival 1969, all mix nicely together along with an interesting cast of characters, and a story that kept my interest right the way through. Five English students meet during Woodstock, but it leads to devastating consequences!
The essence of Woodstock and the Flower Power era was captured perfectly, as were descriptions of 1980's London, and the Greek Isles. Descriptions of the terrain in Greece were perfect, I was almost transported there! Some of the prose was quite simply beautiful, and it was also a well researched, well written debut novel.
*I received this signed copy from the author and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange*. Thank you Chris for such an interesting read, I'm almost sad to have finished it.
The essence of Woodstock and the Flower Power era was captured perfectly, as were descriptions of 1980's London, and the Greek Isles. Descriptions of the terrain in Greece were perfect, I was almost transported there! Some of the prose was quite simply beautiful, and it was also a well researched, well written debut novel.
*I received this signed copy from the author and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange*. Thank you Chris for such an interesting read, I'm almost sad to have finished it.
May 11, 2013
I won this in a good reads giveaway and I'm not sure it would have crossed my path if I hadn't . I'm so very glad I did as it was an amazing book. Chris Blamires is an excellent writer.His development of the characters is believable and as the book progresses you get to know them and feel for them.The story is fast paced with just enough suspense to keep you interested but not so much you get frustrated. I liked the way the the story line hopped between the sixties and the eighties filling in gaps in my knowledge and putting it all into a different context.
The events start in the sixties on the way to Woodstock with 5 very different English young people who are all in some way escaping their families and painful childhood, if only temporarily. Nathan is my favorite.He is adorable! I think I would have fallen for him myself at that age and he stays adorable no matter what life slings at him. Five young people,miles from home full of hope for the future and excitement at the possibilities, trying to overcome all their individual baggage. They decide to go to Crete on a whim, to extend the camaraderie and fun of Woodstock.There they experience such a tragedy that it sends them on their separate ways, to their separate lives, never to see each other again. Except it doesn't. Seventeen years later the tragedy continues. Its not a happy book.In the last chapter, aptly named Hades, the sense of hopelessness and despair is almost tangible. However the story telling is so good you feel a sense of completeness.
But this book is so much more than a good story and great characters.Chris Blamires writing is so good I could imagine that years from now it will be studied in Literature classes. There is a depth to the novel on many levels. Most obviously he explores through the social history of the sixties and eightys how the social psyche of those decades drove the decisions and lives of the youth in them. The whole issue of individual decision making and free will is explored and the myths of the Greek Gods run throughout the novel,interlinking with the story and adding their own meaning. I am sad that my knowledge of the Greek Myths is sketchy and mot good enough to do justice to Novel. I am going to now read a book of Greek Myths and then re read The Time of Myths when I'm sure I will get even more enjoyment and insight from it.
Exam questions Literature 2020
1 Discuss how concepts of free will and childhood trauma effect the decision making process of the main characters in The time of Myths by Chris Blamires
2 How does Blamires use of the Greek Myths to add and give meaning to the story line in A Time of Myths.
This is an awsome debut novel and one which I hope is first of many. You are going to write more books aren't you Mr Blamires ? We need you to .
The events start in the sixties on the way to Woodstock with 5 very different English young people who are all in some way escaping their families and painful childhood, if only temporarily. Nathan is my favorite.He is adorable! I think I would have fallen for him myself at that age and he stays adorable no matter what life slings at him. Five young people,miles from home full of hope for the future and excitement at the possibilities, trying to overcome all their individual baggage. They decide to go to Crete on a whim, to extend the camaraderie and fun of Woodstock.There they experience such a tragedy that it sends them on their separate ways, to their separate lives, never to see each other again. Except it doesn't. Seventeen years later the tragedy continues. Its not a happy book.In the last chapter, aptly named Hades, the sense of hopelessness and despair is almost tangible. However the story telling is so good you feel a sense of completeness.
But this book is so much more than a good story and great characters.Chris Blamires writing is so good I could imagine that years from now it will be studied in Literature classes. There is a depth to the novel on many levels. Most obviously he explores through the social history of the sixties and eightys how the social psyche of those decades drove the decisions and lives of the youth in them. The whole issue of individual decision making and free will is explored and the myths of the Greek Gods run throughout the novel,interlinking with the story and adding their own meaning. I am sad that my knowledge of the Greek Myths is sketchy and mot good enough to do justice to Novel. I am going to now read a book of Greek Myths and then re read The Time of Myths when I'm sure I will get even more enjoyment and insight from it.
Exam questions Literature 2020
1 Discuss how concepts of free will and childhood trauma effect the decision making process of the main characters in The time of Myths by Chris Blamires
2 How does Blamires use of the Greek Myths to add and give meaning to the story line in A Time of Myths.
This is an awsome debut novel and one which I hope is first of many. You are going to write more books aren't you Mr Blamires ? We need you to .
July 7, 2017
Review moved to https://covers2covers.wordpress.com/
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Must admit it was the cover that drew my attention to this book and made me enter the giveaway, of which I won a signed copy.
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Must admit it was the cover that drew my attention to this book and made me enter the giveaway, of which I won a signed copy.
May 2, 2013
An astonishingly ambitious novel containing multi-layered meaning and such profound depth of substance as to amaze!
I am in awe of Chris Blamires exceptional debut novel, which contains a wonderful concoction of colorful characters amid an intensely exciting world wrought with danger. Refreshingly current and contemporary this is a book that I envisage as a popular read, for it is written in such a way as to appeal to a diverse readership; from fantasy lovers to mystical and mystery. “A Time of Myths” focuses on five young English students whose path’s cross in the middle of the roaring 60’s, and which follows the consequences of this meeting into their future.
Historically this tale ranges from 1969 to 1986 and spans across vast continents such as Greece, America and London, England in the 80’s. The mythic parallels and links between ever changing times and events I felt was reminiscent of Labyrinth (Kate Mosse), the river of no return (Bee Ridgeway) and Outlander (Diana Gabaldon) to name but a few, which all beautifully blend time travel with alternating history. Delicately interwoven and as finely executed as silk thread, I was spellbound by how deftly the author connects each character with one another so cleverly along their individual journeys.
Battling with the past and venturing into dark places within the present, the engaging narrative was most illuminating and quite thought-provoking to say the least ~ this is a truth-drawing novel with enlightening premise. The construction of several seamless storylines which overlap was breathtaking and I praise the author for how well they did this, as to create a remarkable tale overflowing with trepidation, spinechilling suspense and foreboding. Beneath the dynamic, dramatic and powerfully evocative prose and sublime narrative is inner meaning, depth and detailed research.
“A Time of Myths” exceeded and surpassed all my expectations, with its simplistic style, originality and uniqueness. Steeped in folklore of the 20th century this is not just your average historical mystery but something truly special for it seeks to examine who we are, and how are choices and actions define and shape our lives…
*I won a paperback copy of “A Time of Myths” by Chris Blamires through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway. I would like to thank the author for this wonderful opportunity*
I am in awe of Chris Blamires exceptional debut novel, which contains a wonderful concoction of colorful characters amid an intensely exciting world wrought with danger. Refreshingly current and contemporary this is a book that I envisage as a popular read, for it is written in such a way as to appeal to a diverse readership; from fantasy lovers to mystical and mystery. “A Time of Myths” focuses on five young English students whose path’s cross in the middle of the roaring 60’s, and which follows the consequences of this meeting into their future.
Historically this tale ranges from 1969 to 1986 and spans across vast continents such as Greece, America and London, England in the 80’s. The mythic parallels and links between ever changing times and events I felt was reminiscent of Labyrinth (Kate Mosse), the river of no return (Bee Ridgeway) and Outlander (Diana Gabaldon) to name but a few, which all beautifully blend time travel with alternating history. Delicately interwoven and as finely executed as silk thread, I was spellbound by how deftly the author connects each character with one another so cleverly along their individual journeys.
Battling with the past and venturing into dark places within the present, the engaging narrative was most illuminating and quite thought-provoking to say the least ~ this is a truth-drawing novel with enlightening premise. The construction of several seamless storylines which overlap was breathtaking and I praise the author for how well they did this, as to create a remarkable tale overflowing with trepidation, spinechilling suspense and foreboding. Beneath the dynamic, dramatic and powerfully evocative prose and sublime narrative is inner meaning, depth and detailed research.
“A Time of Myths” exceeded and surpassed all my expectations, with its simplistic style, originality and uniqueness. Steeped in folklore of the 20th century this is not just your average historical mystery but something truly special for it seeks to examine who we are, and how are choices and actions define and shape our lives…
*I won a paperback copy of “A Time of Myths” by Chris Blamires through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway. I would like to thank the author for this wonderful opportunity*
March 30, 2013
This impressive début novel has gone straight on to my Ripping Yarns shelf - and don't take that as any sort of criticism - I enjoy a good tale and this fits the bill! It also has a depth to commend it, beyond the impetus of the narrative, which is why it also sits comfortably on my contemporary fiction shelf, and why I think it should do well, perhaps even hit the best-seller lists.
It is designated a "historical mystery adventure", in which five young English students cross paths at one of the iconic events of the 60s, the Woodstock festival. The unforeseen consequences of this meeting reach their dramatic climax in a Cretan gorge.
The narrative moves between 1969 and 1986 and between the highly contrasting settings of America, Greece and 1980s London, but does so in a very managed and readable fashion. (I am easily irked when narratives dot around if they don't have the necessary internal discipline - this did.) The conceit of the book structure - from Purgatory to Hades via the Elysian Fields, Mount Olympus and the River Styx - also works, without feeling forced, and the mythic parallels are evocative.
I did have a moment's nervousness that it would be trying too hard, given the number of threads to weave together and the ambitious canvas, but the narrative carried me along swiftly and engaged me with the darker corners of the mysteries as the characters dealt with the present and battled with the sometimes hidden past. How much they also created their own futures remains for you to decide.
If you enjoy a multi-faceted story with pace and depth, enter the Time of Myths...
It is designated a "historical mystery adventure", in which five young English students cross paths at one of the iconic events of the 60s, the Woodstock festival. The unforeseen consequences of this meeting reach their dramatic climax in a Cretan gorge.
The narrative moves between 1969 and 1986 and between the highly contrasting settings of America, Greece and 1980s London, but does so in a very managed and readable fashion. (I am easily irked when narratives dot around if they don't have the necessary internal discipline - this did.) The conceit of the book structure - from Purgatory to Hades via the Elysian Fields, Mount Olympus and the River Styx - also works, without feeling forced, and the mythic parallels are evocative.
I did have a moment's nervousness that it would be trying too hard, given the number of threads to weave together and the ambitious canvas, but the narrative carried me along swiftly and engaged me with the darker corners of the mysteries as the characters dealt with the present and battled with the sometimes hidden past. How much they also created their own futures remains for you to decide.
If you enjoy a multi-faceted story with pace and depth, enter the Time of Myths...
May 16, 2013
I have to admit, I had decided not to like this book after the first few pages. I asked myself where it was going and felt that this wasn't the book I had expected. I felt cheated!
It turns out that I was very premature in my judgement. Within these pages I found so many dreams and fears. I found myself loving and hating characters who were so well crafted they almost became part of my own history and will certainly stay with me as part of my future.
Chris Blamires had me longing for a return to times and values I never actually experienced and gave me hope that dreams don't die they just slumber for a while.
My copy was a free ARC through Goodreads.
It turns out that I was very premature in my judgement. Within these pages I found so many dreams and fears. I found myself loving and hating characters who were so well crafted they almost became part of my own history and will certainly stay with me as part of my future.
Chris Blamires had me longing for a return to times and values I never actually experienced and gave me hope that dreams don't die they just slumber for a while.
My copy was a free ARC through Goodreads.
May 14, 2013
I received this book as a complimentary, signed review copy through the Goodreads Giveaway scheme. Instantly after reading the title and the blurb, I was incredibly intrigued by this book that promised myth, events of legendary stature (Woodstock) and a mysterious edge to it as well.
It seemed perfect, and when I received it I was eager to get started, but then I hit what I thought would be a huge stumbling block for me. It was right up my street with regards to the content and genre, but when I started to read I initially struggled with Blamires' style of writing. He switches perspective initially to introduce all of the main characters, which, in someone with less talent would be confusing, however Blamires does this with a certain skill which weaves the separate narratives together into one intertwining story of humanity at it's grittiest and most basic level.
Initially set in the mid 80s, the mystery set and questions begin to swirl in the readers head before jumping into the next 'book'. As the story progresses, in a very natural and well written way, we follow this intertwined story of a group of youngsters from the age of free love, flower power and smoking dope, of course, I'm referring to the 60s for those of you scratching your heads! The description and atmosphere created by Blamires in describing the Woodstock festival is admirably done, and as someone who only knows of 'hippies' from watching reruns of bad tv shows and my own limited cultural knowledge, I have to hold my hands up and say I'm no expert. However, it felt utterly believable and very much in line with my limited knowledge, so much so that at times I actually felt like I would have loved to be part of this group of people.
Again, the book returns to the modern day of the 80s, told from the perspective of Nathan, the character who seems the most likeable and least tragic of the group, but oh how that changes! I won't spoil it, but his perspective is fantastic and easy to read, and he is a very believable character. You want to help him uncover his past and in the process find out exactly what happened to the rest of the group as, if there isn't enough that Blamires does well, he is also fantastic at drawing you totally into the story and keeping you guessing right to the very end, truly engaging you with every character. Well, except Derek, he simply repulsed me and I was glad with his ending!
The final 'book' was fantastically written, full of the same atmosphere and drama seen in the rest of the story, but also neatly tidying up all, well, nearly all, the questions you ask throughout the story, whilst still delivering the drama and tension you have come to expect from the book so far. Again, Blamires tells it in a very believable and engaging manner, and I think the greatest strength of this story is that it is so believable, I actually found myself wondering if there weren't groups of people just like these out there today as lost as Nathan and Maddy are in this 'hellhole' of a world we live in.
Great credit has to be given to Blamires in the creation of this story as it is truly fantastic. The characters are engaging, in their own ways, real and so easy to relate to. I wanted so badly to be their friend, to help Jo with her inner turmoil, to fix the issues they all had, and more than anything to have been part of that group at Woodstock having a laugh with like minded people. It transported me to times and places I will never be able to experience, but through this book, I feel I have, in some small way, been able to experience a tiny ounce of what it may have been like. The story was never superficial, at times it is really philosophical and 'deep', and this is absorbed by the reader without really noticing it, but at the end, it al makes sense.
Chris Blamires is a hugely talented author, great story teller, deep thinker and all of this comes through in just over 300 pages of excellently written tales. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I think is clear, and it is one I look forward to reading again and recommending to my friends. And as for the author, well, he certainly is one to watch and I look forward to reading more of his work in the near future!
It seemed perfect, and when I received it I was eager to get started, but then I hit what I thought would be a huge stumbling block for me. It was right up my street with regards to the content and genre, but when I started to read I initially struggled with Blamires' style of writing. He switches perspective initially to introduce all of the main characters, which, in someone with less talent would be confusing, however Blamires does this with a certain skill which weaves the separate narratives together into one intertwining story of humanity at it's grittiest and most basic level.
Initially set in the mid 80s, the mystery set and questions begin to swirl in the readers head before jumping into the next 'book'. As the story progresses, in a very natural and well written way, we follow this intertwined story of a group of youngsters from the age of free love, flower power and smoking dope, of course, I'm referring to the 60s for those of you scratching your heads! The description and atmosphere created by Blamires in describing the Woodstock festival is admirably done, and as someone who only knows of 'hippies' from watching reruns of bad tv shows and my own limited cultural knowledge, I have to hold my hands up and say I'm no expert. However, it felt utterly believable and very much in line with my limited knowledge, so much so that at times I actually felt like I would have loved to be part of this group of people.
Again, the book returns to the modern day of the 80s, told from the perspective of Nathan, the character who seems the most likeable and least tragic of the group, but oh how that changes! I won't spoil it, but his perspective is fantastic and easy to read, and he is a very believable character. You want to help him uncover his past and in the process find out exactly what happened to the rest of the group as, if there isn't enough that Blamires does well, he is also fantastic at drawing you totally into the story and keeping you guessing right to the very end, truly engaging you with every character. Well, except Derek, he simply repulsed me and I was glad with his ending!
The final 'book' was fantastically written, full of the same atmosphere and drama seen in the rest of the story, but also neatly tidying up all, well, nearly all, the questions you ask throughout the story, whilst still delivering the drama and tension you have come to expect from the book so far. Again, Blamires tells it in a very believable and engaging manner, and I think the greatest strength of this story is that it is so believable, I actually found myself wondering if there weren't groups of people just like these out there today as lost as Nathan and Maddy are in this 'hellhole' of a world we live in.
Great credit has to be given to Blamires in the creation of this story as it is truly fantastic. The characters are engaging, in their own ways, real and so easy to relate to. I wanted so badly to be their friend, to help Jo with her inner turmoil, to fix the issues they all had, and more than anything to have been part of that group at Woodstock having a laugh with like minded people. It transported me to times and places I will never be able to experience, but through this book, I feel I have, in some small way, been able to experience a tiny ounce of what it may have been like. The story was never superficial, at times it is really philosophical and 'deep', and this is absorbed by the reader without really noticing it, but at the end, it al makes sense.
Chris Blamires is a hugely talented author, great story teller, deep thinker and all of this comes through in just over 300 pages of excellently written tales. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I think is clear, and it is one I look forward to reading again and recommending to my friends. And as for the author, well, he certainly is one to watch and I look forward to reading more of his work in the near future!
May 9, 2013
A Time of Myths is an incredibly brave and adventurous first novel; a dual-time and multiple location story featuring a group of young English travellers who originally meet at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. The story is also set on a small Greek island, and it was the combination of Woodstock and Greece that sold the book to me. The lead characters are all flawed, all with their individual emotional baggage and together they create a dynamic group that spark off each other. Their relationships are confused, never easy and create a darkness that colours the whole story.
The tiny Greek island is depicted in such a different way to the traditional fictional view of Greece. The inhabitants are not the jolly, all-smiling Greeks of legend, but morose, unwelcoming and quite frightening at times.
I'm not going to talk about the story line here, suffice to say that it is well structured and multi-layered with some dramatic scenes and a air of the psychological thriller about it. The switches between 60s Woodstock and the present day are well handled, and the story is well paced and quite compelling. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the Woodstock Festival, the author reveals the murky side to the event and doesn't gloss over anything. Most of us think of a sunny, happy-smiley Festival, full of love and joy, it was interesting to read another side to the legend.
I did feel, at times that there was a little too much going on, with some supporting characters who personally I felt were surplus to the story. The journey to the Festival felt long and quite drawn out although I realise that the author wanted the reader to know the characters well before they arrived.
This is a genre-busting novel, and would appeal to a wide range of readers. It's a coming-of-age story, there are thrills, a little bit of magic and mystical goings on and a dollop of history too.
Beautifully presented with a striking front cover illustration, this is a fine debut from new author Chris Blamires. I enjoyed the story and the characters and look forward to reading more from the author.
The tiny Greek island is depicted in such a different way to the traditional fictional view of Greece. The inhabitants are not the jolly, all-smiling Greeks of legend, but morose, unwelcoming and quite frightening at times.
I'm not going to talk about the story line here, suffice to say that it is well structured and multi-layered with some dramatic scenes and a air of the psychological thriller about it. The switches between 60s Woodstock and the present day are well handled, and the story is well paced and quite compelling. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the Woodstock Festival, the author reveals the murky side to the event and doesn't gloss over anything. Most of us think of a sunny, happy-smiley Festival, full of love and joy, it was interesting to read another side to the legend.
I did feel, at times that there was a little too much going on, with some supporting characters who personally I felt were surplus to the story. The journey to the Festival felt long and quite drawn out although I realise that the author wanted the reader to know the characters well before they arrived.
This is a genre-busting novel, and would appeal to a wide range of readers. It's a coming-of-age story, there are thrills, a little bit of magic and mystical goings on and a dollop of history too.
Beautifully presented with a striking front cover illustration, this is a fine debut from new author Chris Blamires. I enjoyed the story and the characters and look forward to reading more from the author.
May 10, 2013
I very much enjoyed this mystery novel, which flows and works towards the satisfying ending perfectly, with a great, fast pace. Description of setting was excellent and created a strong atmosphere and although the characters could have been developed even more, they engaged me, were credible, and the main five travellers were characters that I liked and could sympathise with, as a reader. The tone of suspense and dark undertones made the novel particularly capturing and thrilling for me, as was the paralleling of the time narratives of 1969 in Greece and 1986 in London which were contrasted very well and executed well with no confusion. I feel that the novel would appeal to a wide range of readers because it incorporates elements from so many genres such as psychological thriller, mythology, fantasy, history and contemporary, yet it refuses to be confined to the conventions of any genre thus stands out to me as being a very unique novel.
I commend the author's ambition for this bold novel, which is capturing and resonating through theme and depth, and I congratulate him for his success.
I commend the author's ambition for this bold novel, which is capturing and resonating through theme and depth, and I congratulate him for his success.
April 21, 2014
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway Contest.
This is a story that takes place during the sixties and eighties and is set in England, Greece and the United States. There are several different main characters all from England. There are flashbacks to explain how things got to this point. This book shows that incidents early in your life will be with you all you life and affect you years later. When I saw the title of the book, I thought this book would be set thousands of years in the distant past. I guess a myth can be created at any time.
I found that as you got nearer the end of the book, it made more sense. I was conufused at some ponits. As the characters developed towards the end, some things and actions became clearer. Although the book has five "chapters". There are three main parts. It starts in 1986. Then two big chapters in 1969 prior to Woodstock. Then the last two in 1986, with one little flashback to the sixties.
It was not a hard read. As I became clearer on the differenr characters, I enjoyed the book more.
This is a story that takes place during the sixties and eighties and is set in England, Greece and the United States. There are several different main characters all from England. There are flashbacks to explain how things got to this point. This book shows that incidents early in your life will be with you all you life and affect you years later. When I saw the title of the book, I thought this book would be set thousands of years in the distant past. I guess a myth can be created at any time.
I found that as you got nearer the end of the book, it made more sense. I was conufused at some ponits. As the characters developed towards the end, some things and actions became clearer. Although the book has five "chapters". There are three main parts. It starts in 1986. Then two big chapters in 1969 prior to Woodstock. Then the last two in 1986, with one little flashback to the sixties.
It was not a hard read. As I became clearer on the differenr characters, I enjoyed the book more.
May 5, 2013
I would like to thank the author for oportunity to read this book.I won 'A Time of Myths' from Goodread and Chris.Reading only information on the cover made me really interested.It sounds like a really interesting story set in 60's on the Woodstock-a unique settings.The book didn't dissapointed me at all.It contains everything what is needed to make a page-turning masterpiece.Five young English travellers have to deal with results of the events that took a place many years before.Colourfull and uniqe characters,mystery,memoires,important events are leading to the future where all friends have to face the truth,something that cannot be forgotten.I would like to congratulate the author a fantastic debut.It was one of the best books I read this year.
April 26, 2013
This is a well-researched and evocative mystery that takes full advantage of temporal, geographical and point of view shifts. It keeps you on your toes and engaged as each character's narrative serves to reveal another element or plot point.
March 20, 2014
won this book on goodreads and also its been signed and got a lovely letter off Chris Blamires . i got to page 38 but sadly had to stop because i was finding the book hard to read and understand what was going on.
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August 7, 2021to-read
May 5, 2013
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads Advance Reads Giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
The first thing I have to say here is that the front cover of this book is very beautiful. That was what drew me to the book in the first place. Of course, knowing the scene that the cover was designed from, it's still attractive... but there's a much darker feel to it.
Some of the books I read that I give three stars to are towards the end of the 'scale' - this one's closer to four stars, but not quite.
The five main characters were quite well-written, but a lot of the supporting characters seemed to all be in similar categories - the people on the Greek islands came across as all the same; distrustful of strangers and not very nice people. And the hippie characters were all very similar to each other. I felt that some of the characters could have been combined.
The switching between the two different time frames was done quite well. The attitudes and even the way of speaking were quite distinctive and there wasn't any confusion between 1969 and 1986. There was some confusion with the speech, though - often, two or more people were speaking in the same paragraph. And he or she was used a lot without any reference to which character, which was also confusing - and left me trying to figure out which of them was doing something at the time.
I did figure out what had happened with Jo, so I'm not sure it was a mystery so much. Also, Jo was the only character I really liked - the others did things that just made me not like them very much. Especially Jack.
This book left me with mixed feelings. I'm glad I read it and gave it a chance, but the things I mentioned above did affect my enjoyment of the book - and it's not the sort of book I'd personally go out and buy. So it was a good book... but I'm not sure I'd re-read it. At least not any time soon.
I'll probably recommend it to a friend, though, who I know likes similar books.
(This review may contain spoilers).
The first thing I have to say here is that the front cover of this book is very beautiful. That was what drew me to the book in the first place. Of course, knowing the scene that the cover was designed from, it's still attractive... but there's a much darker feel to it.
Some of the books I read that I give three stars to are towards the end of the 'scale' - this one's closer to four stars, but not quite.
The five main characters were quite well-written, but a lot of the supporting characters seemed to all be in similar categories - the people on the Greek islands came across as all the same; distrustful of strangers and not very nice people. And the hippie characters were all very similar to each other. I felt that some of the characters could have been combined.
The switching between the two different time frames was done quite well. The attitudes and even the way of speaking were quite distinctive and there wasn't any confusion between 1969 and 1986. There was some confusion with the speech, though - often, two or more people were speaking in the same paragraph. And he or she was used a lot without any reference to which character, which was also confusing - and left me trying to figure out which of them was doing something at the time.
I did figure out what had happened with Jo, so I'm not sure it was a mystery so much. Also, Jo was the only character I really liked - the others did things that just made me not like them very much. Especially Jack.
This book left me with mixed feelings. I'm glad I read it and gave it a chance, but the things I mentioned above did affect my enjoyment of the book - and it's not the sort of book I'd personally go out and buy. So it was a good book... but I'm not sure I'd re-read it. At least not any time soon.
I'll probably recommend it to a friend, though, who I know likes similar books.
August 25, 2013
A Time of Myths is a historical mystery set around the iconic Woodstock Festival in 1969. On one level it tells the tale of how five young English travellers meet and the journey that they take together and how that meeting results in another seventeen years later in Soho London. The other level explores how events can change lives forever; how making a seemingly small decision can alter the course of life.
In 1986 Jacque's advertising agency is pitching a deal to sell the `Essence of Greece', a make or break deal. In order to win he needs Nathan's help, this is a problem as he hasn't seen Nathan since the pair travelled on from Woodstock to Greece when a terrible event meant that they fell out forever. The storyline quickly turns back to the time to when the friends first met. Chris Blamires evokes well defined characters each with a back story, already on a path to adulthood but with youthful hopes and dreams. The relationships between the friends, written so well that I felt I had met them. The complexity of the characters is still evident all those years later when the past is confronted and consequences realised.
This book wears its myths solidly yet lightly. Each of the five books is entitled by a myth but lets the reader analyse more modern myths such as the myth that a generation of youngsters all willing and able to change society. This myth is explored in the authentic setting of the Woodstock festival when poor planning meant that thousands of youngsters were left to their own devices.
This is a meaty book of 338 pages, dense in detail and evoking perfectly the times it is set in; a book that makes you think as well as one that tells a story of multiple strands all nicely winding together to the perfect ending.
I received an ARC from the author which gave me the opportunity to read this unique novel and provide an unbiased review
2 Comments |
In 1986 Jacque's advertising agency is pitching a deal to sell the `Essence of Greece', a make or break deal. In order to win he needs Nathan's help, this is a problem as he hasn't seen Nathan since the pair travelled on from Woodstock to Greece when a terrible event meant that they fell out forever. The storyline quickly turns back to the time to when the friends first met. Chris Blamires evokes well defined characters each with a back story, already on a path to adulthood but with youthful hopes and dreams. The relationships between the friends, written so well that I felt I had met them. The complexity of the characters is still evident all those years later when the past is confronted and consequences realised.
This book wears its myths solidly yet lightly. Each of the five books is entitled by a myth but lets the reader analyse more modern myths such as the myth that a generation of youngsters all willing and able to change society. This myth is explored in the authentic setting of the Woodstock festival when poor planning meant that thousands of youngsters were left to their own devices.
This is a meaty book of 338 pages, dense in detail and evoking perfectly the times it is set in; a book that makes you think as well as one that tells a story of multiple strands all nicely winding together to the perfect ending.
I received an ARC from the author which gave me the opportunity to read this unique novel and provide an unbiased review
2 Comments |
January 25, 2014
This book said it was a mystery adventure. Adventure, yes. Mystery, no. As an avid mystery reader, I would never put this book in that genre. I'm not criticizing because I enjoyed the book, I'm just saying. I would put it firmly in the literary or coming-of-age genres.
The book is the story of 5 British young people who meet each other for the first time on the way to Woodstock. They each are carrying their own secrets and pains as everyone does and these secrets and pains are what brought each person to Woodstock in the first place. I'm not a fan of the Woodstock or hippie mentality and this didn't story didn't change my opinions on that. Again, not criticizing, just commenting. These 5 people are bonded together for life because of their experiences there and their trip afterwards to Greece which has life altering consequences for all 5. We end up with the consequences of all this 20 years later.
Trying to describe the plot would make it sound really hokey and a few parts of it were. The idea that all 5 kids have the ability and time to just take off for Greece on holiday was very contrived. I think the author wanted to be able to work in the idea of myths and felt he needed the Greek setting to do so. The myths the title refers to, however, are not Greek, they are the ones that people tell themselves about life.
The story is non-linear. There are continual flashbacks. I know this annoys some readers so I wanted to mention it. It does take a little concentration to know where you are in time.
To sum it up,this is an unusual book, well-written and interesting. I would be interested to know what this author comes up with next.
I received this book from author through librarything and I appreciated the opportunity to read and review it.
The book is the story of 5 British young people who meet each other for the first time on the way to Woodstock. They each are carrying their own secrets and pains as everyone does and these secrets and pains are what brought each person to Woodstock in the first place. I'm not a fan of the Woodstock or hippie mentality and this didn't story didn't change my opinions on that. Again, not criticizing, just commenting. These 5 people are bonded together for life because of their experiences there and their trip afterwards to Greece which has life altering consequences for all 5. We end up with the consequences of all this 20 years later.
Trying to describe the plot would make it sound really hokey and a few parts of it were. The idea that all 5 kids have the ability and time to just take off for Greece on holiday was very contrived. I think the author wanted to be able to work in the idea of myths and felt he needed the Greek setting to do so. The myths the title refers to, however, are not Greek, they are the ones that people tell themselves about life.
The story is non-linear. There are continual flashbacks. I know this annoys some readers so I wanted to mention it. It does take a little concentration to know where you are in time.
To sum it up,this is an unusual book, well-written and interesting. I would be interested to know what this author comes up with next.
I received this book from author through librarything and I appreciated the opportunity to read and review it.
May 2, 2013
I recieved a free copy of this book from a very nice Mr. Chris Blamires through Goodreads Giveaways, autographed too =D
So, my rating is 3 stars, and that looks really harsh but on Goodreads that rating means I liked it. And I did, even if it wasn't what I was expecting.
It reads like an indie coming-of-age movie with a tinge of psychological thriller. The parts about Woodstock I particularly loved. Well imagined and written with atmospheric perfection. Giving a sense of lazy summer days listening to music with good friends, but all while sinister undertones provide a feeling that something is off kilter. Very well executed.
The characters are all unique, and they each have complex and intricate relationships with everyone else. Everyone has their own story arc that feels believable. It was fun to watch the dynamics at play as they were doing mundane things like just sat in a group talking. (Also, I have to commend the author for not including the 'Smurfette Principle')
However, I think I have only one main criticism: There are a lot of events in this book that don't feel fully fleshed out. Interesting ideas are introduced, but are either dropped or rushed to a quick conclusion. An example of this is
But overall, it was a fast, enjoyable read with a cast of fun characters and plenty of atmosphere and suspense. Thanks again to the author for providing me with a copy :)
So, my rating is 3 stars, and that looks really harsh but on Goodreads that rating means I liked it. And I did, even if it wasn't what I was expecting.
It reads like an indie coming-of-age movie with a tinge of psychological thriller. The parts about Woodstock I particularly loved. Well imagined and written with atmospheric perfection. Giving a sense of lazy summer days listening to music with good friends, but all while sinister undertones provide a feeling that something is off kilter. Very well executed.
The characters are all unique, and they each have complex and intricate relationships with everyone else. Everyone has their own story arc that feels believable. It was fun to watch the dynamics at play as they were doing mundane things like just sat in a group talking. (Also, I have to commend the author for not including the 'Smurfette Principle')
However, I think I have only one main criticism: There are a lot of events in this book that don't feel fully fleshed out. Interesting ideas are introduced, but are either dropped or rushed to a quick conclusion. An example of this is
But overall, it was a fast, enjoyable read with a cast of fun characters and plenty of atmosphere and suspense. Thanks again to the author for providing me with a copy :)
October 30, 2013
Did you go to Woodstock in 1969? I didn’t, and it’s hard, as Chris Blamires’ A Time of Myths begins, to believe the businesslike Jacques was ever there either. But Woodstock stands as the myth behind many a modern man, and reality tries hard not to live up to its promise. Meanwhile purgatory (part 1) is where you ponder on your sins.
Nathan is living his own purgatory on a bleak Greek island—can Greece be bleak? But these are just two of the five English protagonists who once, by chance, met at Wordstock and traveled to Crete.
The past is mythic with its music, free love, unimaginable hope and power, and the wounds of Vietnam. Anything is possible—even release for wounded characters trying to hide their hurts, even a trip to mythic Greece with its beauty and history. But possibilities and folly combine, both past and present, in this tale. The myth of capitalism’s golden age proves no truer than that of youth’s invulnerability. And the deceptions of childhood and youth echo through to the present and beyond.
Of course, there’s always the myth that we can change our path. In the end, this myth is the one most fully explored, and most captivating—the one that echoes after the last page is turned.
A Time of Myths is a beautifully cross-cultural tale of men and women, English and American, and land both old and new. It’s haunting, so much more than I’d imagined as those first strange scenes unfolded, and it brings Woodstock, Crete, and the boardroom all to vividly plausible life: imho, a masterpiece!
Disclosure: I can’t imagine why the author picked me to read this, but I am hugely grateful that he did!
June 4, 2014
I received an ARC of this intriguing book from the author and, on the whole, I enjoyed reading it. The story spans almost 20 years including the late 60's flower-power time, and its breadth covers love, death, violence, friendships, poetry, drug use and sex, so quite a lot. It introduces several complex characters who meet at the Woodstock concert. That period is particularly well realised.
The story switches between the past and present, and between characters' viewpoints, and the reader's understanding of the protagonists develops as we learn more about them and from their interactions with each other. There are many insightful observations about the society of the times and Chris Blamires excellently captures the essence of the times in America and in England and Greece.
I thought the book developed the story nicely and halfway through I was impatient to find out how it was going to end. Which was fortunate, because it then slowed down a bit for me. I think the fact that all the main characters had too much going on, and that the introduction of Derek, and his continuation in the story, did not make much sense to me, got me a little impatient for the ending.
I also think the story could have done without the ouija board episode.
I did though really liked the characters of Beki and Jo, and the writing is very good. The book speeds up at the end and whilst perhaps a little melodramatic, it ends strongly.
For a 1st book, the author deserves recognition, and I am sure the book will give much pleasure to great many readers. I look forward to his next book.
The story switches between the past and present, and between characters' viewpoints, and the reader's understanding of the protagonists develops as we learn more about them and from their interactions with each other. There are many insightful observations about the society of the times and Chris Blamires excellently captures the essence of the times in America and in England and Greece.
I thought the book developed the story nicely and halfway through I was impatient to find out how it was going to end. Which was fortunate, because it then slowed down a bit for me. I think the fact that all the main characters had too much going on, and that the introduction of Derek, and his continuation in the story, did not make much sense to me, got me a little impatient for the ending.
I also think the story could have done without the ouija board episode.
I did though really liked the characters of Beki and Jo, and the writing is very good. The book speeds up at the end and whilst perhaps a little melodramatic, it ends strongly.
For a 1st book, the author deserves recognition, and I am sure the book will give much pleasure to great many readers. I look forward to his next book.
May 15, 2013
So i was lucky enough to recieve this book from a goodreads giveaway.. i finished reading this last night and can thoughroughly recommend it.
i have never written a review before so this is going to be short..
i am one of those people the world would judge as damaged goods so the themes in the novel reached out and grabbed me by the heartstrings. i felt i knew these characters well, i could see some of myself and many of the people that have been in my life.. it was easy to connect and then to care. from the wholesome though haunted nathan, fragile jo to irritating wide-boy jack everyone feels well fleshed out with the exception of derek whom you feel a bristling resentment from almost immediately. jo's raw emotional state struck particularly close to home, i can remember a time i almost walked along that knife edge of sanity. nothing felt fake or overdone to me. the moments of poetry were particularly touching and heartfelt. i was completely gripped by the storyline and it was hard to put down at times.
i very much liked the way the characters were introduced in segments and for the wonderfully described timeline, sweeping us back and fro without losing me along the way. in fact the only thing that irked me somewhat was the greek words dropped here and there.. a glossary of terms at the back would have been a great addition so i didn't have to waddle over to visit mr. google when i encountered a new one.
i will be looking out for more from Chris Blamires for sure.
i have never written a review before so this is going to be short..
i am one of those people the world would judge as damaged goods so the themes in the novel reached out and grabbed me by the heartstrings. i felt i knew these characters well, i could see some of myself and many of the people that have been in my life.. it was easy to connect and then to care. from the wholesome though haunted nathan, fragile jo to irritating wide-boy jack everyone feels well fleshed out with the exception of derek whom you feel a bristling resentment from almost immediately. jo's raw emotional state struck particularly close to home, i can remember a time i almost walked along that knife edge of sanity. nothing felt fake or overdone to me. the moments of poetry were particularly touching and heartfelt. i was completely gripped by the storyline and it was hard to put down at times.
i very much liked the way the characters were introduced in segments and for the wonderfully described timeline, sweeping us back and fro without losing me along the way. in fact the only thing that irked me somewhat was the greek words dropped here and there.. a glossary of terms at the back would have been a great addition so i didn't have to waddle over to visit mr. google when i encountered a new one.
i will be looking out for more from Chris Blamires for sure.
June 29, 2013
I received an autographed copy of the book through a Goodreads giveaway, for which I appreciate the courtesies of the author. The physical book itself is striking - a large, well-bound paperback with captivating graphics. The book is comprised of a series of flash-backs and flash-forwards, with the seminal initial event being the arrival of five English students at Woodstock. (A plot device somewhat reminiscent, albeit tangentially, to 'Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean'). I agree with some of the other reviewers that the book takes a bit of time to develop. The first few pages aren't particularly compelling, which doesn't bode well for the rest of the book. Fortunately, the book seems to hit its stride after a few pages. The portrayal of the Woodstock festival itself appears to be carefully researched and makes for an interesting look back at this watershed cultural and musical event. We then get to see the characters almost two decades later, and get additional insights into events which had transpired at Woodstock and how they continue to impact the character's lives, and finally at the end we have resolution of many of the clues that have been strung out along the book. The book also acts to some extent as a travelogue for the Greek islands and Soho, and the depictions are spot-on. Kudos to this first-time author, and we'll look forward to subsequent offerings.
July 29, 2015
This book went onto my To Read list because I entered a giveaway for it. I liked the synopsis, it is billed as a mystery/thriller, sounded good. I did not win the giveaway, but it stayed on my to read list until it was chosen for a reading challenge this quarter. I have to say that I had a really hard time identifying why it is billed as a mystery/thriller (it seemed much to slow paced and more of a character study), and I found it be frustrating and confusing. I think the book tries to take on too much. Too many broken characters, so none of them gets a full back story. Too many flash backs and changes of narrative and simply places where it is unclear who is speaking. Then you add on the whole agenda of comparing the mindset of the 60s to the mindset of the 80s. It's all too much. It ends up being just mush, and as it turns out what is apparently the central relationship of the whole book (according to the end) is only alluded to twice in the whole book. The other thing I found frustrating was I applaud anyone who is brave enough to put their stuff out there, but this was a rough ride that I couldn't wait to get off. Sorry.
July 22, 2013
I won this book through goodreads giveaway and as usual I am very thankful to the authors for giving us the opportunity to enjoy books this way.
Mr. Blamires has written a loss of innocence book in a time when the whole world was losing its innocence---the '60's. Sex, drugs and rock and roll were all prevalent in this story of five central characters trying to find themselves. They were either running from something or running toward something and found each other in the process.
At times, I had a hard time deciding who was actually speaking. It was a bit muddled in places. One second it would be Nathan and then Jack and/or one of the girls without any type of transitional clue. That was a bit of a bother to me. I had a hard time telling them apart background wise, too.
But Mr. Blamires was extremely thorough in his descriptions of Woodstock and the visitors there. One wonders what happened to some of the fringe characters and wish that had been included. The ending was very exciting and I thought he brought the story to an incredibly well thought out summation. I was quite satisfied after having read it.
Though the book was dealing with loss the note that it ended up on was hope and that is good enough for me!
Mr. Blamires has written a loss of innocence book in a time when the whole world was losing its innocence---the '60's. Sex, drugs and rock and roll were all prevalent in this story of five central characters trying to find themselves. They were either running from something or running toward something and found each other in the process.
At times, I had a hard time deciding who was actually speaking. It was a bit muddled in places. One second it would be Nathan and then Jack and/or one of the girls without any type of transitional clue. That was a bit of a bother to me. I had a hard time telling them apart background wise, too.
But Mr. Blamires was extremely thorough in his descriptions of Woodstock and the visitors there. One wonders what happened to some of the fringe characters and wish that had been included. The ending was very exciting and I thought he brought the story to an incredibly well thought out summation. I was quite satisfied after having read it.
Though the book was dealing with loss the note that it ended up on was hope and that is good enough for me!
May 28, 2013
I didn't like the beginning of this book but I pressed on because I received a free copy in exchange for a review.
The writing itself isn't bad and the story does have substance - well plotted and developed themes that capture the essence of the 60s and the decade's continued effects on the world up until the 80s, with many implications pointing to events happening today. The mystery was drawn out through the entire book, with readers guessing pieces at a time. I knew what was in store for Jo, but it was a decoy throwing me off the scent. I'm not giving away anything else; just keep in mind that there is another plot thread being woven that's really easy to overlook.
The story started slowly and didn't hook me until right before page 100. All the info given in the first 100-pages is necessary to the story but could be repositioned to keep people reading beyond those first few pages.
There are a couple of editing issues - I don't know if they are from ePub formatting or if they're intentional. The overuse of the ellipses drove me bonkers and I suspect it's an issue with digital versions.
The writing itself isn't bad and the story does have substance - well plotted and developed themes that capture the essence of the 60s and the decade's continued effects on the world up until the 80s, with many implications pointing to events happening today. The mystery was drawn out through the entire book, with readers guessing pieces at a time. I knew what was in store for Jo, but it was a decoy throwing me off the scent. I'm not giving away anything else; just keep in mind that there is another plot thread being woven that's really easy to overlook.
The story started slowly and didn't hook me until right before page 100. All the info given in the first 100-pages is necessary to the story but could be repositioned to keep people reading beyond those first few pages.
There are a couple of editing issues - I don't know if they are from ePub formatting or if they're intentional. The overuse of the ellipses drove me bonkers and I suspect it's an issue with digital versions.
July 2, 2013
To begin with, as I have literally read literally thousands of Americanized English written books, this was the first that utilized what us AMericans would call 'British' English. There were some points in the beginning that I was ready to toss the book down and go on to something altogether more comfortable in reading style, but I persisted and am glad I did so. The reason I was ready to stop was not because the book started bad, just the opposite, it started out great, but with the disparity of Amer. English and Brit. English it made for some difficult reading until I began to get used to the English style (and sometimes words I had never heard of - easily remedied by the use of a dictionary). Once I got past the writing style and paid ever more attention on the content of the book, I found myself entranced to continue on. Jumping back and forth in time with relative ease and characters that you can either relate to, understand, or all out despise, this book was entertaining from the overall "get go". This being, I believe, the first book by Mr. Blamires we should be ever so intent to wait on the edge of our seats for the next tome he writes.
November 17, 2013
This was a very interesting book and in such a way I could see it on a high school or college English reading requirement. It was many-layered and deep. In many ways it reminded me of the movie "Trainspotting". Not that it even remotely resembled the story of that movie, but it did make me feel remarkably similar once I completed reading it: A depressing story that somehow ends up making me feel better in the end.
I would recommend those that enjoy deep stories within stories (and who don't get confused by the time and character jumps) read this, once, maybe twice. I will read it again so I am not so confused the second time around. There are many different characters, some only names, and large, seemingly erratic jumps in time. It makes sense in the end, but the journey was sometimes harrowing. To be honest it is difficult to explain this book, so you will have to judge for yourself.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I would recommend those that enjoy deep stories within stories (and who don't get confused by the time and character jumps) read this, once, maybe twice. I will read it again so I am not so confused the second time around. There are many different characters, some only names, and large, seemingly erratic jumps in time. It makes sense in the end, but the journey was sometimes harrowing. To be honest it is difficult to explain this book, so you will have to judge for yourself.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
June 13, 2013
It is my first ever First Reads win, so I haven't got a clue what to expect. I liked the premise of the book, but I was afraid it might be badly researched or, even worse, poorly written - I shouldn't have. The settings (Greece Islands, London & Woodstock festival) are evocatively described and the writing draws you in effortlessly and you do care about (most) characters. I would definitely recommend it to anyone - it's an enjoyable, quick but rather clever read.
My one complaint would be that at times I got the impression that the author speaks his mind through the characters (a habit I find particularly annoying), and at other times it becomes slightly melo-dramatic with statements like 'life is one long rape' - what?!
It is quite clearly a debut novel, but in my opinion, a rather good one. If you overlook those few brief preachy-moany bits it is a fast-paced, punchy read. I'm definitely happy to have won this!
My one complaint would be that at times I got the impression that the author speaks his mind through the characters (a habit I find particularly annoying), and at other times it becomes slightly melo-dramatic with statements like 'life is one long rape' - what?!
It is quite clearly a debut novel, but in my opinion, a rather good one. If you overlook those few brief preachy-moany bits it is a fast-paced, punchy read. I'm definitely happy to have won this!
September 22, 2013
A Time of Myths by Chris Blamires takes place at Woodstock and in London and Greece seventeen years later. Six young people meet at Woodstock and, in the language of the book, "set off half a degree out" from where they should be. When we meet them again in 1986, "the difference to where you should be" is enormous. But more then just six lives are lost. The world is also "also half a degree out" and the mythical promise of Woodstock, showcased as a series of near/potential disasters that are averted by love and good well, is also lost. By 1986, the world is, if not evil, at least brutal and heartless.
For more see: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2013/0...
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway on August 26, 2013. I received the book September 10, 2013.
For more see: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2013/0...
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway on August 26, 2013. I received the book September 10, 2013.
May 27, 2013
*I won this book on Goodreads Giveaways"
The plot of the book sounded very intriguing, and actually it was a pretty good plot. But the author's style just did not appeal to me. Most of the time, the book just didn't make any sense. I always try to finish an ARC book out of respect to the author who gave me the book. As I plodded on, some of it made sense and some of it didn't. The concept was great is why I gave it the three stars, but I can't really say I enjoyed the book. However, it seems most of the reviews have been much better, so evidently Blamires' style and my preferences just don't match.
The plot of the book sounded very intriguing, and actually it was a pretty good plot. But the author's style just did not appeal to me. Most of the time, the book just didn't make any sense. I always try to finish an ARC book out of respect to the author who gave me the book. As I plodded on, some of it made sense and some of it didn't. The concept was great is why I gave it the three stars, but I can't really say I enjoyed the book. However, it seems most of the reviews have been much better, so evidently Blamires' style and my preferences just don't match.
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