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The Chronicles of St Mary's #4
A Trail Through Time
St Mary’s is back and is facing a battle to survive in this, the fourth instalment of the Chronicles.
Max and Leon are re-united and looking forward to a peaceful lifetime together. But, sadly, they don’t even make it to lunchtime.
The action races from 17th century London to Ancient Egypt and from Pompeii to 14th century Southwark as they’re pursued up and down the timeline, playing a perilous game of hide and seek until they’re finally forced to take refuge at St Mary’s – where new dangers await them.
As usual, there are plenty of moments of humour, but the final, desperate, Battle of St Mary’s is in grim earnest. Overwhelmed and outnumbered and with the building crashing down around them, how can St Mary’s possibly survive?
So, make sure the tea’s good and strong…
Max and Leon are re-united and looking forward to a peaceful lifetime together. But, sadly, they don’t even make it to lunchtime.
The action races from 17th century London to Ancient Egypt and from Pompeii to 14th century Southwark as they’re pursued up and down the timeline, playing a perilous game of hide and seek until they’re finally forced to take refuge at St Mary’s – where new dangers await them.
As usual, there are plenty of moments of humour, but the final, desperate, Battle of St Mary’s is in grim earnest. Overwhelmed and outnumbered and with the building crashing down around them, how can St Mary’s possibly survive?
So, make sure the tea’s good and strong…
379 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2014
About the author
Jodi Taylor
67 books4,460 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 801 reviews
February 9, 2017
Hook, line, and sinker.
This series has it all, historical adventure and quicksilver wit, but more importantly, it is stuffed to the gills with great characters that are constantly shifting and changing, and like quicksand we step into them at our peril, only to lose ourselves more as we struggle against them.
Am I happier after the roller coaster that was the previous novel? Yes. Absolutely. I was given a little breathing space by how this had turned into a novel of a chase through time, and it gave me just enough time to get used to the fact that I think I like these character iterations just a bit more than the previous ones. Huh? You ask? Well if you have to ask then you haven't read the novels and it really isn't my place to spoil such things for you here, now is it. But if you're curious, then maybe, just maybe, you ought to be reading this grand, grand stuff, and know just how delicious and heartwarming and heartbreaking it is. :)
That being said, I had a great time with many of the particulars, and especially loved the tribute to Connie Willis's Doomsday Book. And I was a bit miffed that we didn't get more time with Akhenaten, I can't really complain. It was rather a whirlwind romance. I mean, run for their lives. :)
Am I satisfied with how everything got situated?
Hell yes. Do I retain all faith in the powers of Jodi Taylor to tear my heart out and stamp on it a bit before pumping it with a massive dose of antibiotics and carefully stitching it back up into my chest?
Yes.
She's one hell of a storyteller. :)
This series has it all, historical adventure and quicksilver wit, but more importantly, it is stuffed to the gills with great characters that are constantly shifting and changing, and like quicksand we step into them at our peril, only to lose ourselves more as we struggle against them.
Am I happier after the roller coaster that was the previous novel? Yes. Absolutely. I was given a little breathing space by how this had turned into a novel of a chase through time, and it gave me just enough time to get used to the fact that I think I like these character iterations just a bit more than the previous ones. Huh? You ask? Well if you have to ask then you haven't read the novels and it really isn't my place to spoil such things for you here, now is it. But if you're curious, then maybe, just maybe, you ought to be reading this grand, grand stuff, and know just how delicious and heartwarming and heartbreaking it is. :)
That being said, I had a great time with many of the particulars, and especially loved the tribute to Connie Willis's Doomsday Book. And I was a bit miffed that we didn't get more time with Akhenaten, I can't really complain. It was rather a whirlwind romance. I mean, run for their lives. :)
Am I satisfied with how everything got situated?
Hell yes. Do I retain all faith in the powers of Jodi Taylor to tear my heart out and stamp on it a bit before pumping it with a massive dose of antibiotics and carefully stitching it back up into my chest?
Yes.
She's one hell of a storyteller. :)
June 27, 2022
Second time around, I absolutely loved it !!! This time I am going with *** 4.75***
First time: *** 4.25 ***
A buddy read with the Wednesday UF group @ BB&B!
St Mary’s 2.0 and Leon 2.0... Really, the whole world is 2.0 and only Max is the original version, feeling kind of confused and lost in this so very same and so completely different world. Mrs. Partridge has a lot of brass to be doing this to our favorite neurotic historian. I am still not sure I can forgive everything the author put us through the previous book. However, arousing all those feelings in the reader, despite most of them being randomly heartbreaking, is a mark of a talented author who knows how to involve the reader emotionally in her tales. Well, after the devastating happenings in book 3, I was kind of expecting a gentle easing into the next life of Max and Leon. However, all my hopes for a relaxing read were blown away by immediate jump into the typical for the members of St Mary’s chaos and world shattering destruction. Almost from the first page, after some recapping, our heroes were pressed into jumping to London in the 17th century, Ancient Egypt, Pompeii, and eventually plague ridden 14th century Southwark. There is a new player in the mix - the Time Police, a special military unit which has been created sometime in the future and its only reason for existing is to police and ruthlessly enforce the rules of Time Travel, mostly destroying all alleged anomalies.
"...“The whole thing is completely weird, unbelievable, and impossible. On the other hand, I travel through time for a living, so don’t talk to me about weird, unbelievable, or impossible. Really,” ..."
It is good to see some old friends but also disconcerting, because although we think we know them, they are not quite the same and everything is just a bit off, just enough to keep you on your toes. The queen Bitch is back and just as bitchy as always. With all the history we get to visit and all the violence inflicted all around, I am surprised that humanity has not blown itself completely up long time ago...
"... “I personally think humans have got about as far as we can go. We're wrecking the planet. We're never short of good reasons to massacre each other. Wrong god. Wrong race. Wrong color. Wrong sex. I'm actually quite surprised a thoroughly pissed-off History hasn't waved a flaming sword and we're all back in caves in the snow, chewing on half-cooked mammoth. And even that's more than we deserve.
No wonder we still can't get to Mars. I suspect the Universe is making damned sure we don't get the chance to contaminate other planets with our stupidity. It's keeping us on this one where the only thing we can damage is each other.” ..."
There are many very disturbing scenes and implications, some of them needed and some of them who knows how relevant to the overall plot, but Ms. Taylor has managed to retain her creative cruelty to all - her characters and readers, no one left unhurt... At the same time, I am completely addicted to the world and want to know everything that has happened, is happening now, and will happen in the future to all those who are still standing... St. Mary's is what it is - a place for laughter, tears and a lot of hilarious and tragic history and the historians who study it!!! Obviously, Historian is the new Superhero!!!!
"... “Getting things done at St Mary’s is a bit like elephants mating,’ explained Peterson. A remark that caused some mystification. ‘You know – there’s frantic activity at high level. There’s screaming and stamping. A lot of dust is raised. Nothing happens for two years and then you’re crushed by the result.” ..."
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you Need in the pages of a Good Book!!!
First time: *** 4.25 ***
A buddy read with the Wednesday UF group @ BB&B!
St Mary’s 2.0 and Leon 2.0... Really, the whole world is 2.0 and only Max is the original version, feeling kind of confused and lost in this so very same and so completely different world. Mrs. Partridge has a lot of brass to be doing this to our favorite neurotic historian. I am still not sure I can forgive everything the author put us through the previous book. However, arousing all those feelings in the reader, despite most of them being randomly heartbreaking, is a mark of a talented author who knows how to involve the reader emotionally in her tales. Well, after the devastating happenings in book 3, I was kind of expecting a gentle easing into the next life of Max and Leon. However, all my hopes for a relaxing read were blown away by immediate jump into the typical for the members of St Mary’s chaos and world shattering destruction. Almost from the first page, after some recapping, our heroes were pressed into jumping to London in the 17th century, Ancient Egypt, Pompeii, and eventually plague ridden 14th century Southwark. There is a new player in the mix - the Time Police, a special military unit which has been created sometime in the future and its only reason for existing is to police and ruthlessly enforce the rules of Time Travel, mostly destroying all alleged anomalies.
"...“The whole thing is completely weird, unbelievable, and impossible. On the other hand, I travel through time for a living, so don’t talk to me about weird, unbelievable, or impossible. Really,” ..."
It is good to see some old friends but also disconcerting, because although we think we know them, they are not quite the same and everything is just a bit off, just enough to keep you on your toes. The queen Bitch is back and just as bitchy as always. With all the history we get to visit and all the violence inflicted all around, I am surprised that humanity has not blown itself completely up long time ago...
"... “I personally think humans have got about as far as we can go. We're wrecking the planet. We're never short of good reasons to massacre each other. Wrong god. Wrong race. Wrong color. Wrong sex. I'm actually quite surprised a thoroughly pissed-off History hasn't waved a flaming sword and we're all back in caves in the snow, chewing on half-cooked mammoth. And even that's more than we deserve.
No wonder we still can't get to Mars. I suspect the Universe is making damned sure we don't get the chance to contaminate other planets with our stupidity. It's keeping us on this one where the only thing we can damage is each other.” ..."
There are many very disturbing scenes and implications, some of them needed and some of them who knows how relevant to the overall plot, but Ms. Taylor has managed to retain her creative cruelty to all - her characters and readers, no one left unhurt... At the same time, I am completely addicted to the world and want to know everything that has happened, is happening now, and will happen in the future to all those who are still standing... St. Mary's is what it is - a place for laughter, tears and a lot of hilarious and tragic history and the historians who study it!!! Obviously, Historian is the new Superhero!!!!
"... “Getting things done at St Mary’s is a bit like elephants mating,’ explained Peterson. A remark that caused some mystification. ‘You know – there’s frantic activity at high level. There’s screaming and stamping. A lot of dust is raised. Nothing happens for two years and then you’re crushed by the result.” ..."
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you Need in the pages of a Good Book!!!
February 15, 2018
I was on the fence for this series books 1-3
On the one hand I liked all the history stuff and visiting different moments in history to see what it was really like. On the other hand the drama llama would always rear its ugly head in the relationship aspect and Max and Leon just could not get their shit together enough emotionally to have a grown up conversation for a moment. Then there were the shenanigans at the end of book 3 that I liked and hated all at the same time. It was confusing.
Well no more I liked this book so much that I’m glad I gave this series another try. Again we hurtle through history and I’m surprised by how much I enjoy the little snippets that we get to see of different times. I also am loving the new Max/Leon dynamic and change up of the bad guy situation.
Max and Leon 2.0 are so much more well adjusted and better for each other and I finally feel some of the heat/chemistry between them on a deeper level that just the sleeping together aspect. Plus they had adult conversations, some of them rather silly and fun, but the drama was never due to some stupid fight between them.
The new threat to St. Mary’s seems very real and getting to know the new St. Mary’s 2.0 took a little getting used to but overall it seemed like it was going to be a lot of fun.
Now this is time travel with a multiverse so I had to let some logic go. Because some of he things that have happened up to this point didn’t happen in both places but people still ended up about the same place. Did that sentence make any sense probably not, but that was half the point. I had to let go that Max/Leon 2.0 didn’t have some of the same experiences together that Max/Leon 1.0 did and so a few things don’t match up but overall they still ended up together and had the same overall experiences. Anyway I just gave up said “sod it” and moved on with the story without trying to put real world logic into it.
So I’m glad I continued the series because it is a lot of fun overall and the big showdown at the end had some sad moments but also some really great ones, condoms full of flour being one of them.
I’m looking forward into seeing what other kinds of trouble Max/Leon and Peterson can get into going forward.
On the one hand I liked all the history stuff and visiting different moments in history to see what it was really like. On the other hand the drama llama would always rear its ugly head in the relationship aspect and Max and Leon just could not get their shit together enough emotionally to have a grown up conversation for a moment. Then there were the shenanigans at the end of book 3 that I liked and hated all at the same time. It was confusing.
Well no more I liked this book so much that I’m glad I gave this series another try. Again we hurtle through history and I’m surprised by how much I enjoy the little snippets that we get to see of different times. I also am loving the new Max/Leon dynamic and change up of the bad guy situation.
Max and Leon 2.0 are so much more well adjusted and better for each other and I finally feel some of the heat/chemistry between them on a deeper level that just the sleeping together aspect. Plus they had adult conversations, some of them rather silly and fun, but the drama was never due to some stupid fight between them.
“I’m not a surgeon.’
‘You don’t have to be. You’re an engineer. That’s almost the same thing.’
‘Your ignorance is frightening.”
The new threat to St. Mary’s seems very real and getting to know the new St. Mary’s 2.0 took a little getting used to but overall it seemed like it was going to be a lot of fun.
Now this is time travel with a multiverse so I had to let some logic go. Because some of he things that have happened up to this point didn’t happen in both places but people still ended up about the same place. Did that sentence make any sense probably not, but that was half the point. I had to let go that Max/Leon 2.0 didn’t have some of the same experiences together that Max/Leon 1.0 did and so a few things don’t match up but overall they still ended up together and had the same overall experiences. Anyway I just gave up said “sod it” and moved on with the story without trying to put real world logic into it.
So I’m glad I continued the series because it is a lot of fun overall and the big showdown at the end had some sad moments but also some really great ones, condoms full of flour being one of them.
I’m looking forward into seeing what other kinds of trouble Max/Leon and Peterson can get into going forward.
September 30, 2017
*takes a deep breath*
Phew, we made it! And you know what? Especially compared to the last one, this was EASY! Of course it was a race at break-neck speed and we got an epic battle as well, but overall it was more humorous and the happenings were more light-hearted than in the previous books. Which is to say: ! Of course, that makes me all the more apprehensive about the next book, but I digress ...
In this installement of The Chronicles of St. Mary's Max and Leon are running from the Time Police that started chasing them almost immediately after Mrs. Partridge had brought Max to what I call TimeLine 2. Of course, the author probably did that to toss the two characters this way and that way in order to see (or, rather, in order to keep the reader guessing) if the two would start fighting each other or fit together. I am still not convinced but I love me a good chase and thanks to their constant hopping with the pod, we got to see and experience quite a number of very interesting historical places like the River Thames frost fair or even Pompeji!
But this book is about more than that. So much more. St. Mary's itself is at risk and we finally know what Dr. Bairstow and Leon were sent back for (something readers have been kept in the dark about ever since book 1)!
The most important thing about St. Mary's being at risk, was to correctly portray its soul. Its people. And Jodi Taylor managed, once again, to be brilliant at that. Whether it is the fighting Major Guthrie, the eccentric chief medical officer, the wacky Prof. Rapson and Dr. Dowson or faithful Tim Peterson ... THIS is what St. Mary's is all about and what makes it so special.
The best scenes were or when or when or the epic trial that had me laughing throughout because I just love this sort of thing.
Not to mention the incredibly funny bits like this little gem:
I mean, this is just too funny, admit it!
Everytime St. Mary's is described I get this cozy feeling. A bit like Hogwarts and the Gryffindor common room in Harry Potter. Warm and safe, smelling of tea (and possibly some kind of explosion thanks to R&D) and just ... home. Which is why I wanted to cry when Thankfully, it is just was a HUGE surprise and tremendous relief.
We did get a little less historical stuff in this one (many jumps but except for Pompeji only brief glimpses) but I didn't mind. It made for a nice and refreshing change, although I will be glad to be back on assignments!
Overall, what stands out about this installment is how sweet the characters are (except for BB of course). That was just the balm I needed.
Bear 2.0
Moreover, it was made clear that the author apparently thought every action through (maybe even before she started the very first book) and I can't help but have complete and utter faith in her ability to bring it all together in a very satisfying way, which is why I'm upgrading my ratings for the previous books where I had deducted a star because I wasn't completely sold.
Phew, we made it! And you know what? Especially compared to the last one, this was EASY! Of course it was a race at break-neck speed and we got an epic battle as well, but overall it was more humorous and the happenings were more light-hearted than in the previous books. Which is to say: ! Of course, that makes me all the more apprehensive about the next book, but I digress ...
In this installement of The Chronicles of St. Mary's Max and Leon are running from the Time Police that started chasing them almost immediately after Mrs. Partridge had brought Max to what I call TimeLine 2. Of course, the author probably did that to toss the two characters this way and that way in order to see (or, rather, in order to keep the reader guessing) if the two would start fighting each other or fit together. I am still not convinced but I love me a good chase and thanks to their constant hopping with the pod, we got to see and experience quite a number of very interesting historical places like the River Thames frost fair or even Pompeji!
But this book is about more than that. So much more. St. Mary's itself is at risk and we finally know what Dr. Bairstow and Leon were sent back for (something readers have been kept in the dark about ever since book 1)!
The most important thing about St. Mary's being at risk, was to correctly portray its soul. Its people. And Jodi Taylor managed, once again, to be brilliant at that. Whether it is the fighting Major Guthrie, the eccentric chief medical officer, the wacky Prof. Rapson and Dr. Dowson or faithful Tim Peterson ... THIS is what St. Mary's is all about and what makes it so special.
The best scenes were or when or when or the epic trial that had me laughing throughout because I just love this sort of thing.
Not to mention the incredibly funny bits like this little gem:
I resurfaced to find they were discussing Prentiss's love life. Or lack thereof.
"It's quite easy, really," Hunter was saying. "You just talk to them. These days, men can understand even quite complicated words. Watch."
She turned to Markham, who had recently returned to the orbit of her affection like an erratic comet, and smiled dazzingly at him. As always, whenever she was near, he sat up and looked like an expectant spaniel. She dropped her voice an octave or two. "Well, hello there, big boy. And how tall are you?"
He swallowed hard. "Five foot six."
"Well, let's forget about the five feet and talk about the six inches, shall we?"
I thought he was going to faint. He made the faint gobbling noises of one whose blood has fled south for the winter.
Hunter regarded him complacently and then turned back to Prentiss.
"See? Easy. Give it a go."
"I will."
She looked around. Major Guthrie was just walking past.
"Good afternoon, Major. How tall are you?"
"Um, six feet and half an inch," he said, and stood bewildered, as, to a man, St. Mary's slid to the floor and laughed its head off.
[...]
It would have taken a better women than me to resist the temptation.
"Leon, how tall are you?"
"Five foot ten inches."
What can you say.
I mean, this is just too funny, admit it!
Everytime St. Mary's is described I get this cozy feeling. A bit like Hogwarts and the Gryffindor common room in Harry Potter. Warm and safe, smelling of tea (and possibly some kind of explosion thanks to R&D) and just ... home. Which is why I wanted to cry when Thankfully, it is just was a HUGE surprise and tremendous relief.
We did get a little less historical stuff in this one (many jumps but except for Pompeji only brief glimpses) but I didn't mind. It made for a nice and refreshing change, although I will be glad to be back on assignments!
Overall, what stands out about this installment is how sweet the characters are (except for BB of course). That was just the balm I needed.
Bear 2.0
Moreover, it was made clear that the author apparently thought every action through (maybe even before she started the very first book) and I can't help but have complete and utter faith in her ability to bring it all together in a very satisfying way, which is why I'm upgrading my ratings for the previous books where I had deducted a star because I wasn't completely sold.
May 3, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another wonderful jaunt through history with the formidable St Mary’s crew. This time we find Max alone, vulnerable, injured and scared as she hurtles through time trying to outrun the menacing Time Police. Thwarted at every turn, she must reunite a fractured St Mary’s to fight the ultimate battle to save the future as we know it.
I feel like this is a big turning point in the stories here, and the first definitive move away from the old St Mary’s. It’s almost like a factory reset as Max and Leon need to start over their relationship, each knowing but not quite understanding the other. I found Leon more loving and warm this time around, as if the events that led him to his ‘reunion’ with Max have mellowed his personality slightly. He’s no less ‘Leon’, just a more refined, complicated character. It was also good to see this more vulnerable side to Max, as she faces up to a life she didn’t ever expect to have. She’s still full of sarcasm and fire, but at times you can feel the struggle with emotions as she reminisces about Peterson, Markham and everyone else that’s been left behind. These are not her people, or her St. Mary’s and the conflict of emotions feel very raw.
I liked the mix of history, as always, too. It’s a great range this time, going from a London Frost Fair, Ancient Egypt and Pompeii in very quick succession in Max’s attempt to evade capture. There’s a different tone to this novel in the first half, with lots of running, action and almost being eaten by crocodiles with just Leon and Max that I really appreciated. Often on these missions it’s a group and I miss the Leon and Max elements. I also enjoy a good Max and Peterson adventure too, and again I wasn’t disappointed here.
The final battle is exciting, full of misadventure and loss that strikes the right level of panic and mayhem without spilling over into the overdone. As I’ve stated before, I find that Jodi’s writing gets better with each novel, and this is a solid cohesive piece of writing that flows well with a good, defined narrative and timescale.
Great story, as always. I know I can rely on my St Mary’s gang for a good romp through history, and this is no exception.
Another wonderful jaunt through history with the formidable St Mary’s crew. This time we find Max alone, vulnerable, injured and scared as she hurtles through time trying to outrun the menacing Time Police. Thwarted at every turn, she must reunite a fractured St Mary’s to fight the ultimate battle to save the future as we know it.
I feel like this is a big turning point in the stories here, and the first definitive move away from the old St Mary’s. It’s almost like a factory reset as Max and Leon need to start over their relationship, each knowing but not quite understanding the other. I found Leon more loving and warm this time around, as if the events that led him to his ‘reunion’ with Max have mellowed his personality slightly. He’s no less ‘Leon’, just a more refined, complicated character. It was also good to see this more vulnerable side to Max, as she faces up to a life she didn’t ever expect to have. She’s still full of sarcasm and fire, but at times you can feel the struggle with emotions as she reminisces about Peterson, Markham and everyone else that’s been left behind. These are not her people, or her St. Mary’s and the conflict of emotions feel very raw.
I liked the mix of history, as always, too. It’s a great range this time, going from a London Frost Fair, Ancient Egypt and Pompeii in very quick succession in Max’s attempt to evade capture. There’s a different tone to this novel in the first half, with lots of running, action and almost being eaten by crocodiles with just Leon and Max that I really appreciated. Often on these missions it’s a group and I miss the Leon and Max elements. I also enjoy a good Max and Peterson adventure too, and again I wasn’t disappointed here.
The final battle is exciting, full of misadventure and loss that strikes the right level of panic and mayhem without spilling over into the overdone. As I’ve stated before, I find that Jodi’s writing gets better with each novel, and this is a solid cohesive piece of writing that flows well with a good, defined narrative and timescale.
Great story, as always. I know I can rely on my St Mary’s gang for a good romp through history, and this is no exception.
August 17, 2014
You know, Somebody--like the folks over at Torchwood, seeing as they're done with that series, or HBO (they sooo need to drop that dreadful True Blood series) reeeeeeally should take a look at these books and run with 'em. Seriously, y'all, let's not even worry about telling Goodreads & Ms. Taylor how BRILLIANT this book is and get down to brass tacks, hmm? Who should play Max? Ooooo, how about Rose "You-know-nothing-Jon-Snow" Leslie? Or Leon? Mrs. Partridge? Dr. Bairstow? I know, I know, GOT & Outlander were out forever before they were wisely developed for the small screen, but I don't want to wait that long! HA! Again, my heartfelt thanks, Ms. Taylor, for the incredible ride.
April 19, 2017
I can't praise this book series enough. Even when the author turns everything we know on its side and upside down and backwards and shakes it all up, these books are still well-written, fun, sexy, exciting, action-packed, and adventurous.
Quickly worming its way up into my favorites list. :)
Quickly worming its way up into my favorites list. :)
June 25, 2017
4.5 stars. This really is a gem of a series! Presumably by this point in the series, readers will agree with me-otherwise why would you still be reading it?! The first half got a bit repetitive and I was starting to think maybe Jodi Taylor was off her game a bit...and THEN it all picked up. I love the camaraderie, the characters of St. Mary's, even Isabella Barclay- the one we love to hate! But most of all- Maxwell and her irrepressible personality. I even love the frustration of the reader each time Farrell and Maxwell are torn apart so often by time travel!
Recommended, but start at the beginning if you don't know this series.
Recommended, but start at the beginning if you don't know this series.
October 3, 2022
This book contains the usual melange of time travel, wacky humor and tomfoolery, fun, adventure, romance, sex, unforeseen plot twists, tangles with adversaries, tea, and danger that characterizes this entire Chronicles of St. Mary’s series.
This one was a little slow to get started. I thought I was perhaps getting tired of this series.
But no. As usual, I finished the book delighted.
The reason I don’t get tired of this series (as I have with many others) is that, although Jodi Taylor adheres to a loose formula, the books never become boringly formulaic. In each new volume, she invents some fresh plot twist that throws a monkey wrench into the works.
Plus, I always learn something new about history from these books .
It’s the usual cast of characters.
Dr. Madeleine “Max” Maxwell, returns as our intrepid main character and narrator. She’s a red headed, wisecracking historian who loves chocolate, tea, and alcoholic drinks, hates green vegetables, and is in love with her colleague, Leon Farrell, the former Chief Technical Officer of St. Mary’s. But she has been jolted into a different St. Mary’s timeline. She’s lost and her colleagues don’t trust her, since they all saw her die.
The usual cast of characters is there: Max’s friend Tim Peterson; her love, Leon Farrell; Dr. Bairstow, the Director of St. Mary’s; Isabella Barclay, the head of IT; Dr. Dowson, the eccentric librarian and Professor Rapson, the equally loony head of R & D, etc.
Max and Tim Peterson are sent to an assignment in 14th century London. What possibly could go wrong?
Our crew faces a new set of adversaries, the Time Police, ostensibly there to protect the time line from being corrupted.
The audio narrator, Zara Ramm, does a creditable job of reading the book. But, she makes so many mistakes (pronouncing pyroclastic as “prioclastic”, for example). At other times she just appears to play fast and lose with the text. My pet peeve is that many of these audio narrators take such a cavalier attitude towards the text they are reading. It’s not an improv class in a drama school, it’s a novel they're reading, and can I be the only reader who wants the narrator to read the text correctly? (Maybe others don’t notice because they don’t do immersion reading—i.e., ebook and audio at the same time).
This one was a little slow to get started. I thought I was perhaps getting tired of this series.
But no. As usual, I finished the book delighted.
The reason I don’t get tired of this series (as I have with many others) is that, although Jodi Taylor adheres to a loose formula, the books never become boringly formulaic. In each new volume, she invents some fresh plot twist that throws a monkey wrench into the works.
Plus, I always learn something new about history from these books .
It’s the usual cast of characters.
Dr. Madeleine “Max” Maxwell, returns as our intrepid main character and narrator. She’s a red headed, wisecracking historian who loves chocolate, tea, and alcoholic drinks, hates green vegetables, and is in love with her colleague, Leon Farrell, the former Chief Technical Officer of St. Mary’s. But she has been jolted into a different St. Mary’s timeline. She’s lost and her colleagues don’t trust her, since they all saw her die.
The usual cast of characters is there: Max’s friend Tim Peterson; her love, Leon Farrell; Dr. Bairstow, the Director of St. Mary’s; Isabella Barclay, the head of IT; Dr. Dowson, the eccentric librarian and Professor Rapson, the equally loony head of R & D, etc.
Max and Tim Peterson are sent to an assignment in 14th century London. What possibly could go wrong?
Our crew faces a new set of adversaries, the Time Police, ostensibly there to protect the time line from being corrupted.
The audio narrator, Zara Ramm, does a creditable job of reading the book. But, she makes so many mistakes (pronouncing pyroclastic as “prioclastic”, for example). At other times she just appears to play fast and lose with the text. My pet peeve is that many of these audio narrators take such a cavalier attitude towards the text they are reading. It’s not an improv class in a drama school, it’s a novel they're reading, and can I be the only reader who wants the narrator to read the text correctly? (Maybe others don’t notice because they don’t do immersion reading—i.e., ebook and audio at the same time).
March 14, 2018
I can't get enough...
Already dreading when i'l finally run out of books in the series, although there are few more to go and a few itsy-bitsy novellas floating about
Already dreading when i'l finally run out of books in the series, although there are few more to go and a few itsy-bitsy novellas floating about
July 22, 2022
This is the one where Everything Changes. I do not know why I decided I needed to RE-READ it since it's summertime and I am now dehydrated from sweating and sobbing and really, really annoyed with Evil Authoress Jodi Taylor for being a cruel, conniving c-word people like me (male, US-born) dare not use under any type or sort of duress.
There is no power on Earth that could convince me to rend my soul-stuff into agonizingly painful rags and tatters by reading this Torquemadan grotesque ever, ever again.
There is no power on Earth that could convince me to rend my soul-stuff into agonizingly painful rags and tatters by reading this Torquemadan grotesque ever, ever again.
January 15, 2021
The prolific Ms. Taylor does another stand up job with the intrepid Max and her time traveling gang.
Here we get a little more of Leon and Max trying to resolve a complicated relationship with their complicated lives and jobs as they tangle with the time line some more.
Still tons of humor, time travel, banter, and Bitchface Barclay makes another appearance. We find out more about Max's life as a child and how it's affected her. Leon proves once again that he is the man for her with his reaction.
A solid 3.5 which from what I've read should be pretty standard for the series. This will be my last review unless one of the subsequent books stars at a lowly 2 or at a brighter 4.
Love this series and again, the audio is tops!
Here we get a little more of Leon and Max trying to resolve a complicated relationship with their complicated lives and jobs as they tangle with the time line some more.
Still tons of humor, time travel, banter, and Bitchface Barclay makes another appearance. We find out more about Max's life as a child and how it's affected her. Leon proves once again that he is the man for her with his reaction.
A solid 3.5 which from what I've read should be pretty standard for the series. This will be my last review unless one of the subsequent books stars at a lowly 2 or at a brighter 4.
Love this series and again, the audio is tops!
August 9, 2020
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
A Trail Through Time starts off right where A Second Chance ended and basically this is the moment where the aforementioned second chance really comes into play. Leon and Max are on the run and hunted through time and space (though maybe just through time). As they jump up and down the timeline, a new threat becomes more and more clear. And it is not just Leon and Max who are threatened by it.
I was a little bit skeptic at the beginning of A Trail Through Time. I didn’t particularly care for the whole I didn’t really care for some of the changes that were made in this novel, although in hind side, after having read the whole series (up to now), I see why Taylor had to so (or it would have been impossible to explain the absence of the Time Police in the first three books.
As is the case with more things in the series, that sometimes feel a bit forgotten or too rushed into a conclusion, I still haven’t figured out exactly what Mrs. Partridge’s plan is exactly. Besides these minor points it was just plain old entertainment. I enjoyed it a lot and I can not stress it enough. The characters are gold. I had never expected I would say this about a time travel series, but the characters really make the series. They feel as old friends already.
A Trail Through Time starts off right where A Second Chance ended and basically this is the moment where the aforementioned second chance really comes into play. Leon and Max are on the run and hunted through time and space (though maybe just through time). As they jump up and down the timeline, a new threat becomes more and more clear. And it is not just Leon and Max who are threatened by it.
I was a little bit skeptic at the beginning of A Trail Through Time. I didn’t particularly care for the whole I didn’t really care for some of the changes that were made in this novel, although in hind side, after having read the whole series (up to now), I see why Taylor had to so (or it would have been impossible to explain the absence of the Time Police in the first three books.
As is the case with more things in the series, that sometimes feel a bit forgotten or too rushed into a conclusion, I still haven’t figured out exactly what Mrs. Partridge’s plan is exactly. Besides these minor points it was just plain old entertainment. I enjoyed it a lot and I can not stress it enough. The characters are gold. I had never expected I would say this about a time travel series, but the characters really make the series. They feel as old friends already.
February 7, 2017
Review to come :) 3.5*
November 26, 2014
Leon and Max both died. And now they're both back. In this episode they must do battle with brutal time police who are hunting them down for messing with the time line in a St Mary's of an alternate dimension.
You know how sometimes day-time soap operas kill off a character and then six months later their identical twin brother shows up, usually to do a little ratings CPR? Well to be honest this book really feels like that. It's still quite good though.
You know how sometimes day-time soap operas kill off a character and then six months later their identical twin brother shows up, usually to do a little ratings CPR? Well to be honest this book really feels like that. It's still quite good though.
February 6, 2021
I think I have said this before but this is a series I am slowly working my way through (at m own pace) but which I think I am playing a serious game of catch up gauging from he number of others who have read and enjoyed the series.
Now the next part is going to be interesting to comment upon without giving away spoilers which you will know by now I try and avoid. But why the challange - well at the end of book 3 there was a serious surprise in store one which will have implications for the rest of the series - which is quite a challange considering the number of books and we not past the 4th instalment yet.
So what is this earth shattering change - well spoilers as explained prevent me from saying but enough to say that this entire book deals with not just the fall out from this but also the longer implications.
I have to say that even though we only passing the 4th book in the series (last I looked there are over 10 titles) but it doe feel like the series has suddenly shot off at a tangent. I am sure it was all part of the planned plot development but it does make you look back at the proceeding books and wonder.
However I will say that the action and the dialogue are as snappy as ever and still able to raise a wry smile - this is a great series and I can see why it has gained such a following.
Now the next part is going to be interesting to comment upon without giving away spoilers which you will know by now I try and avoid. But why the challange - well at the end of book 3 there was a serious surprise in store one which will have implications for the rest of the series - which is quite a challange considering the number of books and we not past the 4th instalment yet.
So what is this earth shattering change - well spoilers as explained prevent me from saying but enough to say that this entire book deals with not just the fall out from this but also the longer implications.
I have to say that even though we only passing the 4th book in the series (last I looked there are over 10 titles) but it doe feel like the series has suddenly shot off at a tangent. I am sure it was all part of the planned plot development but it does make you look back at the proceeding books and wonder.
However I will say that the action and the dialogue are as snappy as ever and still able to raise a wry smile - this is a great series and I can see why it has gained such a following.
July 26, 2014
Rating: 4.5* of five
The Publisher Says: St Mary’s is back and is facing a battle to survive in this, the fourth instalment of the Chronicles.
Max and Leon are re-united and looking forward to a peaceful lifetime together. But, sadly, they don’t even make it to lunchtime.
The action races from 17th century London to Ancient Egypt and from Pompeii to 14th century Southwark as they’re pursued up and down the timeline, playing a perilous game of hide and seek until they’re finally forced to take refuge at St Mary’s – where new dangers await them.
As usual, there are plenty of moments of humour, but the final, desperate, Battle of St Mary’s is in grim earnest. Overwhelmed and outnumbered and with the building crashing down around them, how can St Mary’s possibly survive?
So, make sure the tea’s good and strong…
My Review: This was a satisfactory entry into the ongoing series of time-travel themed novels. Several important developments occur and are contextualized. A high-stakes event is played out in such a way as to leave the reader in some doubt as to its outcome.
I passed an evening in the company of St Mary's. Perchance you would like to do the same.
The Publisher Says: St Mary’s is back and is facing a battle to survive in this, the fourth instalment of the Chronicles.
Max and Leon are re-united and looking forward to a peaceful lifetime together. But, sadly, they don’t even make it to lunchtime.
The action races from 17th century London to Ancient Egypt and from Pompeii to 14th century Southwark as they’re pursued up and down the timeline, playing a perilous game of hide and seek until they’re finally forced to take refuge at St Mary’s – where new dangers await them.
As usual, there are plenty of moments of humour, but the final, desperate, Battle of St Mary’s is in grim earnest. Overwhelmed and outnumbered and with the building crashing down around them, how can St Mary’s possibly survive?
So, make sure the tea’s good and strong…
My Review: This was a satisfactory entry into the ongoing series of time-travel themed novels. Several important developments occur and are contextualized. A high-stakes event is played out in such a way as to leave the reader in some doubt as to its outcome.
I passed an evening in the company of St Mary's. Perchance you would like to do the same.
October 12, 2017
I wasn't very into the first half, but the second half was dark and serious and I couldn't put it down.
August 13, 2015
This was the best for me of the whole series. Leon and Max took over the first half of the book and it was absolutely fantastic. Jodi Taylor completely redeemed herself after the upset of Book 3 and gave me such a high with this one. I loved it. This relationship - up to now so problematic - really took off in this book. The dialogue between these two is always crisp, clever, witty and heart-warming. And of course I'm madly in love with Leon Farrell!
It's a brilliant piece of fiction that simply drags you along in its wake. I adore this series, and this book is totally my favourite. After reading book five, I turned straight round and read this one all over again. I can't praise the series enough. It's clever, funny, full of highs and lows, and completely mad throughout, but you get so involved, it feels like you're there. Love the characters, familiar and not so much, love the history, love the crazy goings-on.
I've said it before, this series is the best thing since Harry Potter.
It's a brilliant piece of fiction that simply drags you along in its wake. I adore this series, and this book is totally my favourite. After reading book five, I turned straight round and read this one all over again. I can't praise the series enough. It's clever, funny, full of highs and lows, and completely mad throughout, but you get so involved, it feels like you're there. Love the characters, familiar and not so much, love the history, love the crazy goings-on.
I've said it before, this series is the best thing since Harry Potter.
February 16, 2018
Somewhat of a buddy read with the Wednesday Group of BB&B. Because my eyes still hurt and I had to stay away from the discussion 
I'm glad I decided to give this book a chance as things have much improved now that we've switched worlds. Unfortunately it took three books to get here and the few things I liked about the previous world did not happen in this one *coughs* killing Bitch-face Barkley *cough*. I really enjoyed the chase through time and the new and improved Leon. Now let's see if Max can grow up as well. Though I won't be holding my breath about that. After all both showed incredible immaturity in the previous book.
From the moment the Time Police were introduced I started wondering how the hell are these guys given permission to traipse around the timeline. They are incompetent, utterly ignorant and quite honestly a lot bigger threat to the timeline than whatever they were send to prevent. And it was to be expected. Why no one saw how utterly stupid their creation is from the very beginning is beyond me. But then again human stupidity is endless.
I'm glad I decided to give this book a chance as things have much improved now that we've switched worlds. Unfortunately it took three books to get here and the few things I liked about the previous world did not happen in this one *coughs* killing Bitch-face Barkley *cough*. I really enjoyed the chase through time and the new and improved Leon. Now let's see if Max can grow up as well. Though I won't be holding my breath about that. After all both showed incredible immaturity in the previous book.
From the moment the Time Police were introduced I started wondering how the hell are these guys given permission to traipse around the timeline. They are incompetent, utterly ignorant and quite honestly a lot bigger threat to the timeline than whatever they were send to prevent. And it was to be expected. Why no one saw how utterly stupid their creation is from the very beginning is beyond me. But then again human stupidity is endless.
May 15, 2020
Stabilan hozza a formáját a sorozat, vicces, szórakoztató, pihentető, és abszolút addiktív.
June 29, 2018
There's definitely a loss of momentum with this one. Since Taylor has gone on to #9, maybe she got it back. But when I see all the point-five novellas etc., I just see a cash cow being milked.
We start with a long bit of tiresome fleeing. Go to the past, get in trouble, oh noes we can't get to the pod, oh there it is, ahh just in time! Can they not just once go to the past, decide they should leave, and just leave uneventfully?
The good humour is still here, even if it takes the form near the end of old jokes. I allow it because they are old jokes the St. Mary's staff could plausibly have known.
There's a character named Van Owen. An unusual name that also appears in Warren Zevon's "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner." If that was intentional, well played Ms. Taylor.
THere's also a character named Polly Perkins. That is quite a bit more interesting, because it is also the name of the lead character in Terry Pratchett's "Monstrous Regiment." in which the major crisis is resolved by ....
OK, so we come to the Battle of St. Mary's.
WTF. This is like having Hamlet's body carried off stage by Claudius and Polonius, and then when they complain that he's heavy, Hamlet gets up and takes one end of the stretcher.
Next issue: It's been made clear that
Now the battle is over.
Mrs. Partridge can do anything but chooses not to. Series should never have gone there.
And in the end, Barclay slips away again, despite being very badly battered. Unless the author was telling porky pies AGAIN. Not the first time she's had a villain slip away to be rescued in the next book.
I may not make it to book 9, in which the Earth is blown to smithereens by aliens (who were lied to by still-not-dead-Barclay), but Alternate Maxwell #3 (who was safe in a pod at the time of the explosion) gets Alternate Leon #4 (who we thought was dead, and indeeed he was, but he isn't) to bring a previous backup of Earth made by Mrs. Partridge as one of the inevitable plans made by Dr. Bairstow #2. (There is, of course, only one Mrs. Partridge).
We start with a long bit of tiresome fleeing. Go to the past, get in trouble, oh noes we can't get to the pod, oh there it is, ahh just in time! Can they not just once go to the past, decide they should leave, and just leave uneventfully?
The good humour is still here, even if it takes the form near the end of old jokes. I allow it because they are old jokes the St. Mary's staff could plausibly have known.
There's a character named Van Owen. An unusual name that also appears in Warren Zevon's "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner." If that was intentional, well played Ms. Taylor.
THere's also a character named Polly Perkins. That is quite a bit more interesting, because it is also the name of the lead character in Terry Pratchett's "Monstrous Regiment." in which the major crisis is resolved by ....
OK, so we come to the Battle of St. Mary's.
WTF. This is like having Hamlet's body carried off stage by Claudius and Polonius, and then when they complain that he's heavy, Hamlet gets up and takes one end of the stretcher.
Next issue: It's been made clear that
Now the battle is over.
Mrs. Partridge can do anything but chooses not to. Series should never have gone there.
And in the end, Barclay slips away again, despite being very badly battered. Unless the author was telling porky pies AGAIN. Not the first time she's had a villain slip away to be rescued in the next book.
I may not make it to book 9, in which the Earth is blown to smithereens by aliens (who were lied to by still-not-dead-Barclay), but Alternate Maxwell #3 (who was safe in a pod at the time of the explosion) gets Alternate Leon #4 (who we thought was dead, and indeeed he was, but he isn't) to bring a previous backup of Earth made by Mrs. Partridge as one of the inevitable plans made by Dr. Bairstow #2. (There is, of course, only one Mrs. Partridge).
July 31, 2014
Oh, dear lord. I laughed, I cried... I laughed so hard that people on the train platform started to edge away from me. I laughed at work (when I was meant to be working) and sniggered down the phone to a customer (please don't tell my boss). I'll never again look at a swan and see their majestic beauty - I'll see St. Mary's running en masse in the opposite direction.
Of course, any mention of the lake reminds me of the car episode (read the other books), so I don't think I'll ever look at a lake in the same light either...
As usual, I digress. I was had at 'we didn't even make it past lunchtime'. Lunchtime? Pah. The Marmite hadn't even thought about getting intimate with the toast, which is a crime in itself, but I soon forgot about that. This is St. Mary's afterall, and with the Time Police rampaging up and down the timeline, condiments were the last thing on my mind...
Of course, any mention of the lake reminds me of the car episode (read the other books), so I don't think I'll ever look at a lake in the same light either...
As usual, I digress. I was had at 'we didn't even make it past lunchtime'. Lunchtime? Pah. The Marmite hadn't even thought about getting intimate with the toast, which is a crime in itself, but I soon forgot about that. This is St. Mary's afterall, and with the Time Police rampaging up and down the timeline, condiments were the last thing on my mind...
November 17, 2017
Trail Through Time is the fourth book of a fascinating historical fiction/time travel series. Madeleine Maxwell is a historian at St. Mary's where they jump through the timeline to “investigate major historical events in contemporary time.” I won't even give a hint of what this one is about because events that happened in Book Three, a Second Chance, are referenced numerous times and would only serve as a spoiler for this book.
The characters travel to some interesting places including ancient Egypt and Pompeii during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The book is a great combination of mystery, historical fiction, and zany humor. We are also introduced to some new villains. I have listened to all four of the series in audio, narrated by the phenomenal Zara Ramm. I can't imagine anyone else doing such a wonderful job and highly recommend the audiobook versions if you can get them. The entire series is quite unique and Jodi Taylor continues to weave engaging stories that keep me coming back. I can't wait to get the next book in the series, No Time Like the Past.
The characters travel to some interesting places including ancient Egypt and Pompeii during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The book is a great combination of mystery, historical fiction, and zany humor. We are also introduced to some new villains. I have listened to all four of the series in audio, narrated by the phenomenal Zara Ramm. I can't imagine anyone else doing such a wonderful job and highly recommend the audiobook versions if you can get them. The entire series is quite unique and Jodi Taylor continues to weave engaging stories that keep me coming back. I can't wait to get the next book in the series, No Time Like the Past.
October 12, 2015
Adventure/Romance Good stuff!
Nonstop action in this one, and I do mean nonstop. I actually docked a point because I needed some breathing room. Which I did finally get, near the end.
Again, my highest regard for Ms. Taylor's writing. No matter the immediacy of whatever life-threatening event is at hand, the underlying thread of emotional uncertainty is so well carried, perfectly balanced by bursts of truly funny dialogue.
You know how you feel when you reach the half-way point of your vacation, and from that point forward your heart sinks a little each day? That's how I feel right now, only two more books. I really do not want this series to end.
There are no cliff-hangers in this series, but the books must be read in order.
I saw one or two bad words, no more, and there is one intimate scene, easily skipped.
Nonstop action in this one, and I do mean nonstop. I actually docked a point because I needed some breathing room. Which I did finally get, near the end.
Again, my highest regard for Ms. Taylor's writing. No matter the immediacy of whatever life-threatening event is at hand, the underlying thread of emotional uncertainty is so well carried, perfectly balanced by bursts of truly funny dialogue.
You know how you feel when you reach the half-way point of your vacation, and from that point forward your heart sinks a little each day? That's how I feel right now, only two more books. I really do not want this series to end.
There are no cliff-hangers in this series, but the books must be read in order.
I saw one or two bad words, no more, and there is one intimate scene, easily skipped.
February 28, 2023
Every time I read a book in this series, it's the same thing. The first couple of pages I think here we go again with the main character being overly witty and sarcastic all the time and the behaviour of everybody being highly irrational and annoying. (We're being chased by extremely dangerous people who want to hurt us badly but by all means, let's pop out for a nice outing whenever and wherever; really?!)
And then, right about the time I start to wonder why I keep reading these books, the cool history bits come together and the rest is/seems less annoying, even the fact that Max gets all but destroyed once more but will fully recover without a doubt.
Not wholehearteldy in love with these books but they're a nice, quick read and I'll probably read the whole series.
And then, right about the time I start to wonder why I keep reading these books, the cool history bits come together and the rest is/seems less annoying, even the fact that Max gets all but destroyed once more but will fully recover without a doubt.
Not wholehearteldy in love with these books but they're a nice, quick read and I'll probably read the whole series.
January 28, 2017
One timeline or another, these books are so much fun!
December 30, 2017
It took me a while to get back to this series after the terrible things that happened in the last volume.
This time I have no complaints. It was, as always, one hell of a ride. But worth every minute. And with major improvements in the romance department. I hope this keeps up in future books.
This time I have no complaints. It was, as always, one hell of a ride. But worth every minute. And with major improvements in the romance department. I hope this keeps up in future books.
March 5, 2020
I loved it! What a wild ride!
December 8, 2021
Une saga que j'aime toujours autant avec une Maxwell toujours aussi marrante 😂
J'enchaîne avec la suite x)
J'enchaîne avec la suite x)
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