Review of Costumes for Time Travelers by Sarah E. Morin
From the moment I stumbled upon Costumes for Time Travelers, I knew it would capture my heart. Just thinking about time travel enveloped in a dreamy, atmospheric romance made my book-loving soul sing. Sarah E. Morin’s debut felt like the perfect combination of whimsy and nostalgia, and I dove in with high hopes. While the journey through time—and love—was enchanting in many ways, my feelings about it evolved as the plot unfolded.
This novel features a non-binary lead, Fawkes, which instantly piqued my interest. As someone who appreciates diverse representation, I found it refreshing and captivating. The LGBTQIA+ elements in the story were woven seamlessly, enhancing the narrative without overshadowing the plot. The atmosphere? Pure magic. Morin brings to life lush settings that transport readers through various eras, reminiscent of episodes from Doctor Who or Back to the Future. Those random scenes across different timelines were delightful little jaunts that kept the book feeling lively and engaging.
And let’s not forget the fashion! I was completely captivated by the costumes; they felt like characters in their own right. It made me wish for a graphic novel adaptation to see it all brought to life visually. The whimsical “time boots” concept also added an intriguing layer, piquing my imagination about the mechanics of time travel.
However, not all was perfect in this beautifully crafted world. The writing style, while full of enchanting imagery, occasionally lost me. The frequent shifts between characters’ perspectives lacked clarity, and I often found myself momentarily disoriented. This made it challenging to stay rooted in the emotions and thoughts of each character while maintaining a cohesive connection to the story.
The magic system, too, felt muddled. The rules surrounding who could time travel and how were confusing. The distinction between those gifted with natural ability and those reliant on time boots seemed arbitrary at times, leading me to question the consistency of the world Morin built.
I also found the antagonist lacking depth. The motivation behind their actions felt underdeveloped, which left me frustrated as I sought a more detailed arc. Their resolution seemed too simplistic, especially given the complex backdrop of time travel intricacies.
When it came to the romance, my expectations may have soared too high, especially considering the parallels drawn to beloved time-traveling couples like Doctor and River Song. Fawkes and Calisto’s connection felt rushed—an instalove sequence that didn’t quite resonate. Fawkes had visions of their future, yet we never saw them together in those moments, leaving me yearning for deeper emotional investment.
In summary, while Costumes for Time Travelers sparkled with delightful moments, I wished for more depth in character development and resolution. If you’re someone who enjoys time travel romance with a dash of whimsy and LGBTQIA+ representation, this book is a charming quick read—just temper your expectations a tad.
As I closed the final pages, I felt a mixture of enchantment and wistfulness. It reminded me how sometimes, even if the journey isn’t flawless, the experience of traveling through stories is what keeps us turning pages. Thank you, NetGalley and Holiday House, for the chance to explore this whimsical world, and here’s to many more enchanting adventures ahead!
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