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The Chronicles of St Mary's #8
And the Rest is History
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Science Fiction (2017)No one knows quite how, but Max and her baby are safe at last.
No one knows quite how, but Peterson has persuaded Dr Foster to marry him.
No one knows quite how, but Markham’s marital status remains unknown.
Certainly no one knows quite how a twelve-foot-high teapot could mysteriously materialise on the South Lawn, but it does.
But they do know that Clive Ronan is back.
They do know that he hates them and that this time he has good cause. And they do know that he will bring death and destruction in his wake.
Follow the disaster magnets of St Mary’s from the Egyptian desert to the Battle of Stamford Bridge, from Hastings to the Sack of Constantinople, and from tragedy to triumph and back again, in this, the eighth book in The Chronicles of St Mary’s.
No one knows quite how, but Peterson has persuaded Dr Foster to marry him.
No one knows quite how, but Markham’s marital status remains unknown.
Certainly no one knows quite how a twelve-foot-high teapot could mysteriously materialise on the South Lawn, but it does.
But they do know that Clive Ronan is back.
They do know that he hates them and that this time he has good cause. And they do know that he will bring death and destruction in his wake.
Follow the disaster magnets of St Mary’s from the Egyptian desert to the Battle of Stamford Bridge, from Hastings to the Sack of Constantinople, and from tragedy to triumph and back again, in this, the eighth book in The Chronicles of St Mary’s.
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First published April 13, 2017
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About the author
Jodi Taylor
78 books5,289 followersJodi Taylor is the internationally bestselling author of the Chronicles of St Mary's series, the story of a bunch of disaster prone individuals who investigate major historical events in contemporary time. Do NOT call it time travel! She is also the author of the Time Police series - a St Mary's spinoff and gateway into the world of an all-powerful, international organisation who are NOTHING like St Mary's. Except, when they are.
Alongside these, Jodi is known for her gripping supernatural thrillers featuring Elizabeth Cage together with the enchanting Frogmorton Farm series - a fairy story for adults.
Born in Bristol and now living in Gloucester (facts both cities vigorously deny), she spent many years with her head somewhere else, much to the dismay of family, teachers and employers, before finally deciding to put all that daydreaming to good use and write a novel. Over twenty books later, she still has no idea what she wants to do when she grows up.
Alongside these, Jodi is known for her gripping supernatural thrillers featuring Elizabeth Cage together with the enchanting Frogmorton Farm series - a fairy story for adults.
Born in Bristol and now living in Gloucester (facts both cities vigorously deny), she spent many years with her head somewhere else, much to the dismay of family, teachers and employers, before finally deciding to put all that daydreaming to good use and write a novel. Over twenty books later, she still has no idea what she wants to do when she grows up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 723 reviews
April 23, 2017
This is a nightmare of a book. Truly.
I mean first you're already so heavily invested in these characters and then Jodi Taylor puts you through hell: the panini press, the cheese grater, and sets the oven at a temperature way too high for the meal at hand.
For all the laughs the author pulled off, and they were really quite great, and the really awesome history bits (because these ARE time-travelling historians seeing the real stuff up close), Taylor also has a knack with DESTROYING US, THE READERS.
I cried. It was horrible. Ugly. And it had nothing to do with an ornamental snake or tossed pets, either. It was ugly and sad and mind-numbing and made me walk around like a zombie for far too long, just throwing myself into the rest of the tale and the job, the job, the job, because I was right there with Max the entire time, just putting one foot in front of the other.
But for all that,
I mean first you're already so heavily invested in these characters and then Jodi Taylor puts you through hell: the panini press, the cheese grater, and sets the oven at a temperature way too high for the meal at hand.
For all the laughs the author pulled off, and they were really quite great, and the really awesome history bits (because these ARE time-travelling historians seeing the real stuff up close), Taylor also has a knack with DESTROYING US, THE READERS.
I cried. It was horrible. Ugly. And it had nothing to do with an ornamental snake or tossed pets, either. It was ugly and sad and mind-numbing and made me walk around like a zombie for far too long, just throwing myself into the rest of the tale and the job, the job, the job, because I was right there with Max the entire time, just putting one foot in front of the other.
But for all that,
November 4, 2017
***THIS TITLE IS IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS! VOTE IT IN!***
Rating: 4.5* of five
I am knackered. While Author Taylor didn't kiss it better at the end of the book, we're getting there and now I have to wait an entire stinkin' year for the next book. I can't even push down the keys from the tired. I'll write a review one day soon.
**MANY DAYS LATER**
I don't see, after reading through the reviews here, what I have to add to the discussion of this hatefully painfully achingly funnysadirksome book. If we're friends, you've seen the blizzard of "like"s I handed out to other reviews. If you're a reader of my reviews, you already know how I review series books...the first few, then ones that change the game, and the one(s) that end the series either for me or for good...and despite the *YUUUUGE* cliffhanger at the end of this book, it doesn't change the game.
But I am ready for the game to be changed. The villain needs to go...the reboots of Max's life aren't fresh anymore... so I'm feeling The Itch. I don't want to feel The Itch. I hate The Itch. Please, Author Taylor, scrub the literary urushiol off the disaster magnets of St Mary's.
Rating: 4.5* of five
I am knackered. While Author Taylor didn't kiss it better at the end of the book, we're getting there and now I have to wait an entire stinkin' year for the next book. I can't even push down the keys from the tired. I'll write a review one day soon.
**MANY DAYS LATER**
I don't see, after reading through the reviews here, what I have to add to the discussion of this hatefully painfully achingly funnysadirksome book. If we're friends, you've seen the blizzard of "like"s I handed out to other reviews. If you're a reader of my reviews, you already know how I review series books...the first few, then ones that change the game, and the one(s) that end the series either for me or for good...and despite the *YUUUUGE* cliffhanger at the end of this book, it doesn't change the game.
But I am ready for the game to be changed. The villain needs to go...the reboots of Max's life aren't fresh anymore... so I'm feeling The Itch. I don't want to feel The Itch. I hate The Itch. Please, Author Taylor, scrub the literary urushiol off the disaster magnets of St Mary's.
August 15, 2022
*** 4.44 ***
This was... very painful! I am sure that Ms. Jodi Taylor is a very nice, very smart, and very funny lady in Real Life, but that must be because she is saving all of her Evil Sadism for her books and her readers!!! She was able to put me through the ringer and flay my soul very successfully in this volume... She had batter treat us with expensive wine, chocolates and feather touches in the next one, or .... or ELSE!!! (I do sound very scary, right?) I might eventually right a real review, but I can't right now... My heart needs to mend for a while...
This was... very painful! I am sure that Ms. Jodi Taylor is a very nice, very smart, and very funny lady in Real Life, but that must be because she is saving all of her Evil Sadism for her books and her readers!!! She was able to put me through the ringer and flay my soul very successfully in this volume... She had batter treat us with expensive wine, chocolates and feather touches in the next one, or .... or ELSE!!! (I do sound very scary, right?) I might eventually right a real review, but I can't right now... My heart needs to mend for a while...
March 31, 2018
Gah….how do I rate this?
On one hand this was a completely engaging story that really wrapped all of my emotions up in a tangle and at times I couldn’t put the book down desperate to get to the next part in the story. But then at other times I didn’t want to go on because it hurt so much and I didn’t know if I could take anymore.
In the end I’m going to do the 4.5 Stars because while I’m not super happy about where the story went and some of the contrivances to get there I was thoroughly wrapped up in the story on a very emotional level and that counts for a lot.
This is the 8th book of a series or like 23rd (just kidding, kind of) if you count all of the short stories in between. Again I love all of the history jumps and learning about things I’d never even heard of in history. Did I mention I’m stupid at history ? But the thing that really got me in this was all the drama with Max and her new family. Man this put me through the emotional ringer and Jodi Taylor went a bit dark.
I struggled a lot with what happened to Matthew in this book. It was harsh and really imparted his character. Also, I see why JT did some of the stuff she did but that doesn’t mean that I love it. Also at some point don’t Max and Leon get some time to be happy? I think they have earned a bit of a respite from catastrophe anyway.
JT isn’t afraid to kill off characters it seems and she has done it again. I didn’t like this death, it hit pretty hard and really set the tone for the rest of the book. It is getting to the point that anytime I hear the name Rolan I automatically assume they are a deranged time traveler set on revenge, or at least a really shady bastard. But what hurt in this book more than others is that you saw the potential for peace before it was ripped away.
I’m really hoping the next book in the series is a bit less dark. This one was a bit depressing and I needed to revert to smut reads after it just to cheer up.
On one hand this was a completely engaging story that really wrapped all of my emotions up in a tangle and at times I couldn’t put the book down desperate to get to the next part in the story. But then at other times I didn’t want to go on because it hurt so much and I didn’t know if I could take anymore.
In the end I’m going to do the 4.5 Stars because while I’m not super happy about where the story went and some of the contrivances to get there I was thoroughly wrapped up in the story on a very emotional level and that counts for a lot.
This is the 8th book of a series or like 23rd (just kidding, kind of) if you count all of the short stories in between. Again I love all of the history jumps and learning about things I’d never even heard of in history. Did I mention I’m stupid at history ? But the thing that really got me in this was all the drama with Max and her new family. Man this put me through the emotional ringer and Jodi Taylor went a bit dark.
I struggled a lot with what happened to Matthew in this book. It was harsh and really imparted his character. Also, I see why JT did some of the stuff she did but that doesn’t mean that I love it. Also at some point don’t Max and Leon get some time to be happy? I think they have earned a bit of a respite from catastrophe anyway.
JT isn’t afraid to kill off characters it seems and she has done it again. I didn’t like this death, it hit pretty hard and really set the tone for the rest of the book. It is getting to the point that anytime I hear the name Rolan I automatically assume they are a deranged time traveler set on revenge, or at least a really shady bastard. But what hurt in this book more than others is that you saw the potential for peace before it was ripped away.
I’m really hoping the next book in the series is a bit less dark. This one was a bit depressing and I needed to revert to smut reads after it just to cheer up.
June 8, 2017
Life isn't fair. Jodi Taylor knows that, and certainly makes a point of showing it in her books. But the main reason I'm saying life isn't fair? Because I have caught up to the current book and am now waiting a year for the next. I call bullshit. I need it now. NOW I SAY.
*wails uncontrollably, loudly, and unhappily*
*wails uncontrollably, loudly, and unhappily*
December 7, 2018
It's been a long time since a book affected me but this one, the 8th in the series, left me emotionally exhausted. Bad things happen to some of my favourite characters. Rona makes one of his evil returns with devastating consequences that left me with all the feels and I'm not normally one to be impacted too much by books. It's a testament to the writing that at several points throughout I was almost in tears.
And Peterson - that man needs a happy ending. Seriously! I have the final book 10 left to read (I've read book 9 which is a collection of the short stories available) and I really want good things to happen for him.
Some of the things I've loved about this series are the history lessons. On some occasions it's something I know a little bit about such as the Battle of Hastings in this book (which I'd learnt at school) but then there's things I didn't know that I'd like to go off and look into in more detail such as the lost army of Cambyses in which thousands of soldiers were lost in a sandstorm.
It's been quite a ride over the last 9 books. I'm looking forward to but also a bit sad to read the last one. However that's what libraries are for - to borrow and borrow again every time you want to relive a series.
And Peterson - that man needs a happy ending. Seriously! I have the final book 10 left to read (I've read book 9 which is a collection of the short stories available) and I really want good things to happen for him.
Some of the things I've loved about this series are the history lessons. On some occasions it's something I know a little bit about such as the Battle of Hastings in this book (which I'd learnt at school) but then there's things I didn't know that I'd like to go off and look into in more detail such as the lost army of Cambyses in which thousands of soldiers were lost in a sandstorm.
It's been quite a ride over the last 9 books. I'm looking forward to but also a bit sad to read the last one. However that's what libraries are for - to borrow and borrow again every time you want to relive a series.
April 22, 2017
Absolutely loved being able to go back to this world and I am so excited for the next book again now. Honestly, this one had some seriously heartbreaking and wonderful moments. We once more follow Max and the other Historians at St Mary's as they attempt to work with the Time Police to track down a notorious enemy and retrieve someone he's stolen...
The elements of history in this one were great as always, but for me the story is always made better by the characters and one of my all time favourite characters goes through a LOT in this book so I was invested! I really love the way that every story in this series just continues to build and flesh out these characters for me. I keep falling more into this world, and it's such an easy matter to get back into the adventures and mayhem.
Some elements I really liked were seeing the GIANT TEAPOT time machine, following Max as she's once more pretty great (she's the narrator and her metaphors and similes and descriptions always make me chuckle and smile - even in the most dire situations).
Overall a solid continuation and I really enjoyed seeing the past battles of Hastings and the future of Time Police HQ all in one little, brilliant read :) 4.5*s
The elements of history in this one were great as always, but for me the story is always made better by the characters and one of my all time favourite characters goes through a LOT in this book so I was invested! I really love the way that every story in this series just continues to build and flesh out these characters for me. I keep falling more into this world, and it's such an easy matter to get back into the adventures and mayhem.
Some elements I really liked were seeing the GIANT TEAPOT time machine, following Max as she's once more pretty great (she's the narrator and her metaphors and similes and descriptions always make me chuckle and smile - even in the most dire situations).
Overall a solid continuation and I really enjoyed seeing the past battles of Hastings and the future of Time Police HQ all in one little, brilliant read :) 4.5*s
February 6, 2025
Solo Series Read 2024/5
So this is the 8th novel from this series I have read in the past year, and I have to say they are fun. I don’t have the whole set, so may not get to the finish as quickly as it seems, and I have not reread any of the short novellas that I understand slot in between certain of the major stories.
So anyway, yes they are fun, well written, full of fun characters and generally the story line moves swiftly along with little problem, which is often difficult for time travel novels/series’ .
In this one Max has some terrible news and has to try and carry on for the sake of her family and with the support of her friends.
Her and the new historians are doing a series for Thirsk on William the Conqueror and Harold the first, and their interaction up to and including Hastings. All very interesting as most British school children will “do” The Battle of Hastings and William the Conk at some point at school.
The observations they make don’t actually get them into too much trouble, unlike normal, but this is probably what Max needs to help her over her current problems.
Towards the end of the novel, she is called to yet another meeting with the Time Police, and this one brings her some astonishing news. How will she take it, and what does this mean for her future. Only the next book will tell.
So this is the 8th novel from this series I have read in the past year, and I have to say they are fun. I don’t have the whole set, so may not get to the finish as quickly as it seems, and I have not reread any of the short novellas that I understand slot in between certain of the major stories.
So anyway, yes they are fun, well written, full of fun characters and generally the story line moves swiftly along with little problem, which is often difficult for time travel novels/series’ .
In this one Max has some terrible news and has to try and carry on for the sake of her family and with the support of her friends.
Her and the new historians are doing a series for Thirsk on William the Conqueror and Harold the first, and their interaction up to and including Hastings. All very interesting as most British school children will “do” The Battle of Hastings and William the Conk at some point at school.
The observations they make don’t actually get them into too much trouble, unlike normal, but this is probably what Max needs to help her over her current problems.
Towards the end of the novel, she is called to yet another meeting with the Time Police, and this one brings her some astonishing news. How will she take it, and what does this mean for her future. Only the next book will tell.
March 26, 2018
Buddy read with Choko and Robin. If it wasn't for you guys I don't think I would have survived this book.
I'm not sure how to express my feelings regarding And the Rest is History. Maybe a gifs filled review with screaming, crying, hair pulling people? Or maybe catatonic ones? I don't think there are enough gifs in the world to properly show how much this book wrecked me. I'm a sobbing mess. So thank you Ms Taylor for destroying the little peace of mind I had left. You see, this was a safe series, a fun series filled with disaster prone historians but at the end of the day everything worked out. Sure there were deaths along the way but not of characters that have wormed their way into my heart. This book felt like a professional boxer (the book) facing a child (me) and punching it repeatedly een after it went down and curled in a fetal position. And just when I thought that the bad things are over and dared to raise my head there was another punch.
After this emotional beating I took I have some demands for Ms. Taylor starting with a HEA for Peterson (he deserves it more than anyone else), dissolution of the Time Police (after all the only good thing they did was saving Max that one time, every other of their interventions have resulted in major disasters), resolution of the question of whether Markham and Nurse Hunter are married and last but not least a few hours alone with Clive Ronan. I'm in need of new leather gloves and his skin will do nicely *sharpens her tools*
Special thanks to Steven for encouraging me to not give up on this series after the first 3 books.
I'm not sure how to express my feelings regarding And the Rest is History. Maybe a gifs filled review with screaming, crying, hair pulling people? Or maybe catatonic ones? I don't think there are enough gifs in the world to properly show how much this book wrecked me. I'm a sobbing mess. So thank you Ms Taylor for destroying the little peace of mind I had left. You see, this was a safe series, a fun series filled with disaster prone historians but at the end of the day everything worked out. Sure there were deaths along the way but not of characters that have wormed their way into my heart. This book felt like a professional boxer (the book) facing a child (me) and punching it repeatedly een after it went down and curled in a fetal position. And just when I thought that the bad things are over and dared to raise my head there was another punch.
After this emotional beating I took I have some demands for Ms. Taylor starting with a HEA for Peterson (he deserves it more than anyone else), dissolution of the Time Police (after all the only good thing they did was saving Max that one time, every other of their interventions have resulted in major disasters), resolution of the question of whether Markham and Nurse Hunter are married and last but not least a few hours alone with Clive Ronan. I'm in need of new leather gloves and his skin will do nicely *sharpens her tools*
Special thanks to Steven for encouraging me to not give up on this series after the first 3 books.
July 14, 2018
Oh my! This one puts us through the wringer. Never a dull moment. Jodi Taylor gets the balance just right. This book was just as funny and yet the sad moments are so well done too. I won’t say any more for fear of spoilers. I did love Max’s eye test though. Genius!
December 29, 2024
I was 19% of the way into the book when I hissed, "Damn you, Jodi Taylor!"
At 57%, I cried and cursed her some more.
I tried putting the book away, but I just HAD to know how everything would turn out. No, I'm not going to go into details of what caused the emotional trauma or how it was resolved. Get your own copy and find out for yourself. And don't forget the Kleenex.
At 57%, I cried and cursed her some more.
I tried putting the book away, but I just HAD to know how everything would turn out. No, I'm not going to go into details of what caused the emotional trauma or how it was resolved. Get your own copy and find out for yourself. And don't forget the Kleenex.
November 26, 2017
Absolute emotional roller-coaster, Jodi Taylor has outdone herself
A well deserved 5*
A well deserved 5*
April 24, 2025
4.5 stars
This series has been growing on me to the point that I’ve been ripping through them one after the other. This is the darkest one so far, though that’s relative because these are absolutely founded on humor and adventure.
This novel is a real roller coaster for anyone who has become used to or attached to the characters. In that case there’s a fair amount of reader trauma and uncertainty.
This series has been growing on me to the point that I’ve been ripping through them one after the other. This is the darkest one so far, though that’s relative because these are absolutely founded on humor and adventure.
This novel is a real roller coaster for anyone who has become used to or attached to the characters. In that case there’s a fair amount of reader trauma and uncertainty.
February 14, 2021
Jodi Taylor takes no prisoners.
Actually she does. Poor Max. Poor Leon. Poor Mathew. Poor St. Mary's.
Actually she does. Poor Max. Poor Leon. Poor Mathew. Poor St. Mary's.
February 19, 2025
IWell after reading several suspiciously carbon copy reviews about how traumatised I would be after reading this episode I was quite surprised not to be.
I'm somewhat surprised by the reviews because the deaths of characters hardly comes as a surprise in these books. There have been at least half a dozen that I can reel off the top of my head. Leon and Max included some way back down the line. I may have that wrong but it seems to be a favourite pastime for Ms Taylor to kill off major characters only to bring them back either during the same book or the one after. In fact, it's getting a bit obvious now.
If I had to pick on something that irritated me during this book (and there's precious little) it would be Max's endless pontificating about things happening around her. She narrates everything at times- will he die, will he know who I am, will Matthew still have a father, will he still be able to walk (and on and on ad nauseum). I've taken to skipping these irritating internal monologues.
Otherwise the book is funny, clever and (for once) St. Mary's manages to make several jumps without incident - hence doing the job their supposed to. That certainly didn't detract from the fascinating slice of history that was the Norman Conquest.
I'd definitely recommend this book. It's nowhere near as traumatic as other reviewers would have you believe.
I'm somewhat surprised by the reviews because the deaths of characters hardly comes as a surprise in these books. There have been at least half a dozen that I can reel off the top of my head. Leon and Max included some way back down the line. I may have that wrong but it seems to be a favourite pastime for Ms Taylor to kill off major characters only to bring them back either during the same book or the one after. In fact, it's getting a bit obvious now.
If I had to pick on something that irritated me during this book (and there's precious little) it would be Max's endless pontificating about things happening around her. She narrates everything at times- will he die, will he know who I am, will Matthew still have a father, will he still be able to walk (and on and on ad nauseum). I've taken to skipping these irritating internal monologues.
Otherwise the book is funny, clever and (for once) St. Mary's manages to make several jumps without incident - hence doing the job their supposed to. That certainly didn't detract from the fascinating slice of history that was the Norman Conquest.
I'd definitely recommend this book. It's nowhere near as traumatic as other reviewers would have you believe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2020
There's a point in this book when Max says, "Remember when we used to have fun?" I do. The early books in this series were a lot of fun. Bad things happened. Horrible historical events were encountered. Yet eccentric, prank-playing, anarchic fun was at the centre of St. Mary's.
This hasn't been true for a while now. I don't read a new St Mary's book with the expectation on spending most of my time grinning, (although there're always a few points at which I laugh out loud. I figure that Jodi Taylor adds them so I'll know that their absence in the rest of the book is deliberate). Now, when I pick up a St. Mary's book, I know that I'm in for trauma and tears and damn but Jodi Taylor is excellent at it.
I'm attached to the staff at St. Mary's. They're nice people. Odd, slightly broken, often deeply repressed people but I like them. I want good things to happen to them, perhaps because I understand, as they do, that happiness is not what they've signed up for.
"And The Rest Is History" is the most traumatic tale yet. The events the St. Mary's historians visit are bloody, violent and described in enough detail to make you want to look away and with enough passion to keep your eyes locked on what's happening. We see battles in Saxon-soon-to-be-Norman England. We are subjected to the barbarity of the papal-sponsored "you're forgiven for whatever you do to the Heathens" sack of Constantinople by the Christian Crusader rabble in 1204.
Yet these are not the worst parts. The worst parts are what happens to the people from St Mary's. Jodi Taylor put them and me through an emotional hell and made me feel every moment of pain, despair, sorrow, guilt and grief.
Do I remember when we used to have a good time at St. Mary's? I do. And I enjoyed it. And then the series grew up and became something touched with a deep understanding of what we fear and what we love and how closely linked the two are.
This is not a book I could read in public. People would look at my face and wonder what terrible thing had happened to me to explain that wet eyes and stricken expression and all I'd be able to say was, "Jodi Taylor did this to me."
The worst part is, she did it so well, I know I'll be back for more.
This hasn't been true for a while now. I don't read a new St Mary's book with the expectation on spending most of my time grinning, (although there're always a few points at which I laugh out loud. I figure that Jodi Taylor adds them so I'll know that their absence in the rest of the book is deliberate). Now, when I pick up a St. Mary's book, I know that I'm in for trauma and tears and damn but Jodi Taylor is excellent at it.
I'm attached to the staff at St. Mary's. They're nice people. Odd, slightly broken, often deeply repressed people but I like them. I want good things to happen to them, perhaps because I understand, as they do, that happiness is not what they've signed up for.
"And The Rest Is History" is the most traumatic tale yet. The events the St. Mary's historians visit are bloody, violent and described in enough detail to make you want to look away and with enough passion to keep your eyes locked on what's happening. We see battles in Saxon-soon-to-be-Norman England. We are subjected to the barbarity of the papal-sponsored "you're forgiven for whatever you do to the Heathens" sack of Constantinople by the Christian Crusader rabble in 1204.
Yet these are not the worst parts. The worst parts are what happens to the people from St Mary's. Jodi Taylor put them and me through an emotional hell and made me feel every moment of pain, despair, sorrow, guilt and grief.
Do I remember when we used to have a good time at St. Mary's? I do. And I enjoyed it. And then the series grew up and became something touched with a deep understanding of what we fear and what we love and how closely linked the two are.
This is not a book I could read in public. People would look at my face and wonder what terrible thing had happened to me to explain that wet eyes and stricken expression and all I'd be able to say was, "Jodi Taylor did this to me."
The worst part is, she did it so well, I know I'll be back for more.
March 6, 2017
I signed up for an early copy of this book and it was really worth it. These are the sort of books that I eat in a matter of hours.
You never know what is coming next and after the excellent book 7, this is my favourite. Please keep writing Jodi.
Gents - know your cheese and their role in croquet.
Ladies - remember your sugar tongs!
You never know what is coming next and after the excellent book 7, this is my favourite. Please keep writing Jodi.
Gents - know your cheese and their role in croquet.
Ladies - remember your sugar tongs!
July 1, 2022
(SPOILERS) Please don't read this unless you've already read the book.
WOW!!!! I mean, serious wow. The book starts off innocently enough, but not even halfway in your heart is torn to shreds and never quite put back together again. First, I'm completely devastated that we lost Helen, but as a grandmother, seeing Matthew get kidnapped was devastating. And Max's reaction was heartbreaking. Now Peterson is a shell of himself, Leon found Matthew, but not until he was 8 years old, and he doesn't trust women, which means Max when from having a cute little baby who was a momma's boy to having a glaring little 8 year old who doesn't trust her. The development of Matthew throughout the book, from being a scared, filthy little boy to a boy who hangs out with Lingoss, blowing up stuff, and who might have special abilities with time was very well done. I applaud you, Jodi Taylor.
I suspect (and hope) that Matthew going to live with the Time Police, who also have other children with special abilities living with them, means we will eventually have a whole Matthew Farrell series of books.
I will also confess that since this is a time travel series, I'm hoping that Helen somehow shows up again, maybe a Helen from a different time or different reality.
WOW!!!! I mean, serious wow. The book starts off innocently enough, but not even halfway in your heart is torn to shreds and never quite put back together again. First, I'm completely devastated that we lost Helen, but as a grandmother, seeing Matthew get kidnapped was devastating. And Max's reaction was heartbreaking. Now Peterson is a shell of himself, Leon found Matthew, but not until he was 8 years old, and he doesn't trust women, which means Max when from having a cute little baby who was a momma's boy to having a glaring little 8 year old who doesn't trust her. The development of Matthew throughout the book, from being a scared, filthy little boy to a boy who hangs out with Lingoss, blowing up stuff, and who might have special abilities with time was very well done. I applaud you, Jodi Taylor.
I suspect (and hope) that Matthew going to live with the Time Police, who also have other children with special abilities living with them, means we will eventually have a whole Matthew Farrell series of books.
I will also confess that since this is a time travel series, I'm hoping that Helen somehow shows up again, maybe a Helen from a different time or different reality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2024
This one just about killed me. I love these characters so much and the author was very mean to her readers. I can't wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2023
Not favorite-this is my go-to series when I need something light. It is suppose to make me smile. This issue was a tragedy from page one until the end-I believe there was only one smile and that was in one of the last chapters.
I will pick up the next book in hopes Taylor has also had her fill of sadness and predictability, however, the ending of this one leaves me wondering if that will happen.
I will pick up the next book in hopes Taylor has also had her fill of sadness and predictability, however, the ending of this one leaves me wondering if that will happen.
June 7, 2017
I think this book nearly killed me. Reading it felt like one of those massive rollercoaster rides, where you're slowly dragged to the top, enjoying the view and the butterflies in your belly, before you're plunged headlong into a freefall that leaves you empty and drained.
Jodi Taylor (again) does not dissapoint. All our favorite dysfunctional characters are back in force, as batshit crazy as ever. Drinking tea, eating cookies and verbally abusing anyone in sight. The writing is funny as ever and had me laugh whenever I wasn't busy crying from all the emotions the story dragged me through.
The actual time-traveling, history-recording-and-documenting stuff was deeply interesting thoroughly worked out. I think I might have learnt more about history from these books than I ever did in 6 years of high school. Jodi Taylor makes history interesting by dumping you right smack down into the middle of it.
This book broke my heart. Multiple times, and I loved every minute of it. It might be the best book in the series so far. Now I'm left here empty-handed. Waiting, wanting more (as usual).
Jodi Taylor (again) does not dissapoint. All our favorite dysfunctional characters are back in force, as batshit crazy as ever. Drinking tea, eating cookies and verbally abusing anyone in sight. The writing is funny as ever and had me laugh whenever I wasn't busy crying from all the emotions the story dragged me through.
The actual time-traveling, history-recording-and-documenting stuff was deeply interesting thoroughly worked out. I think I might have learnt more about history from these books than I ever did in 6 years of high school. Jodi Taylor makes history interesting by dumping you right smack down into the middle of it.
This book broke my heart. Multiple times, and I loved every minute of it. It might be the best book in the series so far. Now I'm left here empty-handed. Waiting, wanting more (as usual).
September 11, 2017
I really hate to do this, as I have loved this series so much, but I was not at all okay with the child kidnapping, and the implied child abuse that happens in this novel. I was not at all happy with the main character and how she responded to it or was I happy with the villain, whose muddled motivation for doing this, did not at all ring true. This one soured me so much so I don't know if I will continue the series.
November 5, 2017
I don't know what to say after the trauma of that book except that I can't possibly be expected to wait til next April for book 9. I need answers and Clive Ronan's arse on a platter (sometimes a head won't do). Better get 8.5 off the shelf.
November 13, 2018
Standard Max story really. Husband disappears again, troubles at home, off to the Battle of Hastings, some big losses as she chases the nemesis that has been the baddie through the whole series. Enjoyable but samey.
April 17, 2017
Be forewarned, this one is a bit bleaker than normal. But you can still trust Jodi Taylor and the characters (who seem So real to Me!) And the story. Just next time, hoping for a more sunny escape. Soon please.
February 8, 2021
These books started out as mostly light-heated fun romps, easy to read, fun to imagine, with great characters.
This book isn't that. This book gave me major anxiety, as well as making me feel so grateful for my kids. I'm not saying don't read it. I am telling you that everything will be kind of sort of OK, but that you should know going in that any readers with kids (or who care for kids or what have you) may have a hard time reading this.
More in the spoiler tags. I won't judge you if you read them before you read the book. I actually went and read the end of the book until I felt comfortable proceeding.
This book isn't that. This book gave me major anxiety, as well as making me feel so grateful for my kids. I'm not saying don't read it. I am telling you that everything will be kind of sort of OK, but that you should know going in that any readers with kids (or who care for kids or what have you) may have a hard time reading this.
More in the spoiler tags. I won't judge you if you read them before you read the book. I actually went and read the end of the book until I felt comfortable proceeding.
July 23, 2021
This was a good one. . . oh, they are all good ones, and these are the most irreviewable ever. You just need to start at the beginning and then hang on!
I was pleased to see that Rowan and Max were playing nicely - until they weren't and were back at murder games, gasped at Leon's death (how many times has it been now?), Matthew's hard life, loved it that Peterson was being brave - and so was Max, and Matthew's off to experience boarding school life, and **boom** we are into another book. . . .
I love these books. Different than so many others thanks to this jolly author!
I was pleased to see that Rowan and Max were playing nicely - until they weren't and were back at murder games, gasped at Leon's death (how many times has it been now?), Matthew's hard life, loved it that Peterson was being brave - and so was Max, and Matthew's off to experience boarding school life, and **boom** we are into another book. . . .
I love these books. Different than so many others thanks to this jolly author!
May 28, 2025
I think it’s fair to say at this point that I spend more time with St. Mary’s than I do with any real life people!
April 4, 2023
Ronan is worse than Umbridge.
April 25, 2022
My love for this series continues unabated. Even though in this one Jodi broke my heart and tried to ruin my relationship with Max. However, I can forgive Jodi because I know that there are more of these waiting for me to get stuck into. Things are bound to improve. Surely they must! Max must eventually lead a life of peace and tranquility, broken and battered heart notwithstanding.
My natural instinct is to get hold of the next one of these immediately, but I'm getting worried that eventually I'll run out, so I'll take a break before getting stuck into another one. Or will I .........?
My natural instinct is to get hold of the next one of these immediately, but I'm getting worried that eventually I'll run out, so I'll take a break before getting stuck into another one. Or will I .........?
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