Self confessed romantiphobe here. So why did I put my hand up to read a romance anthology? In my defence, there’s time travel, one of my very favourite things to read about and do. Shh! You’re not supposed to mention that bit.
Also, there are contributions by two of my favourite authors, Alix E. Harrow and Seanan McGuire, so it was kind of inevitable that this book would find its way to me in every timeline.
Roadside Attraction by Alix E. Harrow
When Floyd approaches the pillar of sandstone covered in graffiti, he’s certain he knows what he’s searching for.
“Did you find your destiny?”
The Past Life Reconstruction Service by Zen Cho
Rui is using the Past Life Reconstruction Service because he’s seeking inspiration.
“Your dream won’t affect anyone or anything else. The most it can do is change the world inside you.”
First Aid by Seanan McGuire
Taylor has been preparing for her one way trip to Elizabethan England for years.
There was no going back. There never had been.
I Remember Satellites by Sarah Gailey
When you work for the Agency, a short straw trip means you’re not coming back.
Everybody draws the short straw in the end.
The Golden Hour by Jeffrey Ford
Mr Russell is trying to write his novel when he meets the time traveller.
“Past or future?” I asked.
“Where the clues lead, young man. Where else?”
The Lichens by Nina Allan
There’s something important in the past that’s not accessible in Josephine’s time. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here fantasising about the idea of books being able to be transported to the past.
So you know about lichens?
Kronia by Elizabeth Hand
So many fleeting moments, finding one another over the course of lifetimes.
Unrecognized: I never knew you.
Bergamot and Vetiver by Lavanya Lakshminarayan
To save the past, this time traveller is willing to destroy their future.
“To thirst is to be alive, but to devour is to be monstrous.”
The Difference Between Love and Time by Catherynne M. Valente
Loving the space/time continuum can be complicated.
Be my wife forever, limited puddle-being.
Unbashed, Or: Jackson, Whose Cowardice Tore a Hole in the Chronoverse by Sam J. Miller
It all comes back to this moment.
“Walk me home?”
Romance: Historical by Rowan Coleman
Communicating through books is probably the most romantic thing ever.
Beth steadied herself; after all she had spent her whole life in training for this moment, preparing unreservedly to believe in the impossible.
The Place of All the Souls by Margo Lanagan
In that realm, they’re perfect. In this one, they’re happily married … but not to one another.
Whatever came of the discovery, there was at least a moment’s peace to be enjoyed, now that she knew.
Timed Obsolescence by Sameem Siddiqui
Two time travellers meet throughout time.
“Was discovering random historical factoids what drew you into this line of work?”
A Letter to Merlin by Theodora Goss
Guinevere loves Arthur in every lifetime.
“You’re going to be dead in twenty-four hours. Would you like to save the world?”
Dead Poets by Carrie Vaughn
The love of poems and poets.
The study of literature is the process of continually falling in love with dead people.
Time Gypsy by Ellen Klages
Sara Baxter Clarke has been Dr. McCullough’s hero since she was a child.
“I’m offering you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
I have four favourite reads in this anthology: the two I was here for in the first place (no big surprise there) and two by authors who were new to me.
Rowan Coleman’s story made me tear up. It was also the only story that made me interrupt the reader sitting beside me (who was partway through a chapter of the book they were reading), declaring that they need to read this right now. In case you’re wondering, I was forgiven; they loved it as much as I did. It’s just such a beautiful story.
Ellen Klages’ story, where heroes can live up to your expectations, had me railing against injustice even as I was feeling all mushy about the growing love between the protagonists.
The bottom line? If a romantiphobe can find so much to love about this anthology, then the rest of you are in for a treat.
Content warnings include mention of abortion, death by suicide, domestic abuse, homophobia, miscarriage and sexual assault. Readers with emetophobia may have trouble with a few sentences.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Solaris, an imprint of Rebellion Publishing, for the opportunity to read this anthology.
Once Upon a Blurb
Anthology of inclusive tales of people through time looking for one another and for ways for the world to be better.
Even time travel can’t unravel love.
Time travel is a way for writers to play with history and imagine different futures – for better, or worse.
When romance is thrown into the mix, time travel becomes a passionate tool, or heart-breaking weapon. A time agent in the 22nd century puts their whole mission at risk when they fall in love with the wrong person. No matter which part of history a man visits, he cannot not escape his ex. A woman is desperately in love with the space/time continuum, but it doesn’t love her back. As time passes and falls apart, a time traveller must say goodbye to their soulmate.
With stories from best-selling and award-winning authors such as Seanan McGuire, Alix E. Harrow and Nina Allan, this anthology gives a taste for the rich treasure trove of stories we can imagine with love, loss and reunion across time and space.
Including stories by: Alix E. Harrow, Zen Cho, Seanan McGuire, Sarah Gailey, Jeffrey Ford, Nina Allan, Elizabeth Hand, Lavanya Lakshminarayan, Catherynne M. Valente, Sam J. Miller, Rowan Coleman, Margo Lanagan, Sameem Siddiqui, Theodora Goss, Carrie Vaughn, Ellen Klages.
Schizanthus Nerd 