Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor

Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor
Release Date -  August 1, 2017

Publisher Website - Raincoast
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  448 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

** SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES **

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

For the first time in her life, Hope Walton has friends . . . and a (maybe) boyfriend. She's a Viator, a member of a long line of time-traveling ancestors. When the Viators learn of a plan to steal a dangerous device from the inventor Nikola Tesla, only a race into the past can save the natural timeline from utter destruction. Navigating the glitterati of The Gilded Age in 1895 New York City, Hope and her crew will discover that high society can be as deadly as it is beautiful.

In this sequel to the dazzling time-travel romance Into the Dim, sacrifice takes on a whole new meaning as Hope and Bran struggle to determine where-or when-they truly belong.

I have thought about time travel, and what time period I might like to visit. I have this romanticized version of what it would be like. After reading both Into The Dim, and Sparks Of Light, I would think twice before going if presented with the opportunity. Janet B Taylor offers up a memorable series that weaves in historical events with the fiction elements of this novel perfectly. It's one of those books that is entertaining to read, and has weight behind the story that surprised me.

The historical events that inspired this story are used as a great backdrop to the story. The fire that destroyed Tesla's laboratory is used a ticking clock and offers a setting that is inherently risk filled. It made the novel have a sense of urgency which really works for this time travel based plot. It ensures that the reader is invested in the story, and allows for danger to be inherent within the premise. It is part of what this series does so well, and makes them so readable.

This novel showcases Hope embracing being a Viator. She's eager to take her place and prove herself. I also appreciated that she was instantly good at everything. Those around her have many years more training and experience and it shows. Hope is allowed to not be perfect and make mistakes. She is allowed to be the 'chosen one' and still be the heroine of her own story. It was refreshing to see her have to work hard, and it not payoff right away. It felt more realistic which grounded the more fantastical elements of this novel.

The danger of time travel, and the impact it can have is a vital part of the story being told within this series. It's always clear to the reader the risk being taken, and the potential for disastrous (and fatal) consequences. The slightest misstep could alter the course of history. It shows how both physically and mentally taxing it would be to time travel. It addresses how hard it would be to stand by and not prevent something horrible from happening when you know you could prevent it. It's a burden that these characters feel along with the shock of being in a time period where customs, rights, and freedoms are so different from what they would be used to.

The romance between Bran and Hope is quickly becoming one of my favourite parts of this series. It is made all the more swoon worthy by their backstory and shared connection. It's 'Romeo and Juliet' star crossed aspect also ensures plenty of angst between them, and make all their stolen moments more delicious.

The family dynamic is, more than anything else, the core of the novel. Hope did not just gain insight into who she is when her mother's secret was revealed, she gained a family who loves her (and each other) fiercely. It adds a warmth to the story that is a nice balance to all the action that is happening. It also makes the stakes feel higher, because you come to care about all the characters, and believe that they genuinely care for each other. Spunky Phoebe is my favourite, and her bond with Hope is a joy to see progress. Two young ladies supporting and uplifting each other is something I am always excited to read about.

If you're looking for something to read while waiting for the next season of Outlander to begin, I would recommend checking this series out. It's a fun, romantic read that has just the right amount of danger and excitement thrown in. It's quickly becoming one of my favourite time travel based reads and I look forward to continuing Hope and Bran's story. 

Into The Dim by Janet B Taylor

I was thrilled to be invited to be part of the Canadian blog tour for Into The Dim! It's been described as Outlander for teens and since I am obsessed with the Outlander TV show, I was excited to give this a try.

As part of the tour we will each be reviewing the book, and were allowed to ask Janet one question! Mine was, of course, time travel related.

If you could travel any where, in any time period, when and where would you travel?

I've often said that Hope lives out my 1st time travel dream in Into The Dim, when she visits London in 1154 to meet Eleanor of Aquitaine. But aside from that…I love Christmas! And any Christmas fan worth their salt would likely choose that most ‘Christmas-y’ time of all…Victorian England! The age that really ramped up Christmas. So many of the traditions we still practice today were born during that time. The first Christmas trees in the home. Carolers. Ladies in bonnets and capes. Men in top hats and tails. Snow and lights and wassailing all over the place. Now THAT was how you celebrated Christmas. Those Victorians…They really figured out how to do Christmas right!

A huge thank you to Janet for taking the time to answer my question, and to Raincoast for hosting the tour. Be sure to visit the other stops on the tour for more review, and questions!

My Review

Into The Dim by Janet B Taylor

Release Date - March 1, 2016
Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 432 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received for honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

When fragile, sixteen-year-old Hope Walton loses her mom to an earthquake overseas, her secluded world crumbles. Agreeing to spend the summer in Scotland, Hope discovers that her mother was more than a brilliant academic, but also a member of a secret society of time travelers. Trapped in the twelfth century in the age of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Hope has seventy-two hours to rescue her mother and get back to their own time. Along the way, her path collides with that of a mysterious boy who could be vital to her mission . . . or the key to Hope’s undoing.  Addictive, romantic, and rich with historical detail, Into the Dim is an Outlander for teens.

At first glance it is easy to see why Into The Dim garners comparisons to Outlander. Time travel? Check. Scotland? Check. Romance? Check. Into The Dim has it's own spin on time travel, and creates it's own juicy romance that, I feel, allows it to stand as it's own thing. With shades of Romeo and Juliet, it will appeal to those who love their romances as complicated as they do swoon worthy.

The pacing of this novel is what initially drew me into the story. It's fast, and filled with action and adventure. The first part of the novel is used as set up fot the rest of the story and the time travel element doesn't really appear until about 1/3 of the way into the story. This extra time allowed us to get comfortable with Hope before we're thrown into a new setting with her. Once the time travel comes into play, the story picks up the pace, and doesn't let up until the ending. This is a case where the story is the focus, with the writing being straight forward.

The characters easily endeared themselves to me. Hope, especially, became one of my favourites. There is more than a few shades of the 'chosen girl finds her destiny' trope but I forgive that as it is used in almost all adventure style books. There is a call to adventure, and the heroine is the only one who can answer the call. Hope isn't immediately gifted, and she see her struggle with things. It added a level of realism to her character. The side characters, Phoebe in particular, are also engaging and I am excited to learn more about them.

The hows and whys of time travel are delved into, but almost as background information. Those looking for an in depth analysis and scientifically backed reasoning to this part of the story may be disappointed. I, however, felt this novel was more about it's absorbing storyline, and characters. The explanation given is logical, and presented clearly so the why and how are there, it's just not as big a focus as one might expect. The historical elements read as well researched, and there is an attention to detail that made the setting leap off the page.

This novel will make you want to transport yourself into history. As Hope gets to view a moment in history that means something to her, I couldn't help but daydream about what that would mean for me. The ability to see Anne Boleyn crowned Queen would be breathtaking. It absolutely is the kind of book that makes you question the choices you'd make if put in this situation, and the wonder and magic of seeing a completely different era.

While it allows you to see that time travel can hold a certain allure, it also focused on the more unsettling aspects. The reality of disease, the rights and freedoms we are accustomed to not being the same, the entire feeling of being a 'fish out of water' as everything feels strange and unknown. The act of time travelling itself is also painted as a painful, harrowing ordeal. There is also a focus on changing the past, and the ramifications that would hold. The novel hammers home the point that this is dangerous, and that is never far from the reader's mind. The balance between the rewards and risks is incredibly well done, and it paints a, surprisingly, almost realistic portrayal of what it might be like to be in this situation. Putting the reader into Hope's shoes, so to speak, is what this novel excels at and what allows a connection to the story and characters to be created.

The romance is one of the most intriguing parts to the story. Not the romance itself, as that is rather typical of YA, but an element woven into the romance piqued my interest and has me excited for what it may mean for future novels. There are plenty of threads left to create compelling and dynamic storylines so I am excited to continue this series and see what the events of this novel mean for the characters, and the romance. There is the briefest hint of a potential love triangle, but it is definitely not the primary focus, even within the romantic plot.

Filled with adventure, romance, and engaging characters, Into The Dim offers a promising start to a new series. If you're looking for a time travel novel that will make you wish you could transport yourself back in time, and offers up pure escapism fun in the process, this is the book for you. It's a fun read, and sometimes that is exactly what you need.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Lots of awesome made it's way into my mailbox this week! I feel rather spoiled!

First up, my first #otspsecretsister package for this new round.

Everything Leads To You by Nina LaCour (goodreads)
Werewolves by Kelley Armstrong (goodreads)

I basically fangirled over the entire package but the tea, you guys! THE TEA! It's a set of Peter Pan inspired teas. It includes the following ...

How pretty are these tins? Seriously, I am in love. I am currently trying them all but have so far tried the Tink blend, and the Neverland inspired one. I am curious about the rest, and will report back on which was my favourite.

Oh and to my #otspsecretsister.... reply is coming soon! Writing it this weekend and will mail on Monday! Thanks again, Tink!

I also received this lovely for review. I am part of the blog tour and my stop is tomorrow! I am settling in to write my review but this is pretty much Outlander meets Romeo and Juliet and it was REALLY FUN!

Into The Dim by Janet B Taylor (goodreads)

Thank you to Raincoast Books for the chance to review and be part of the blog tour. Visit tomorrow to read all my thoughts, and to hear where Janet would like to travel to if she could!

Lastly, one of the books I had pre-ordered came in a little early. This will be on shelves on Tuesday and I've been hyping this one on Twitter with teasers all this week.

Kill The Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky (goodreads)

How insane is this design? Seriously. It's eye catching and pops. The end papers?! Amazing. It fits the inside of the book perfectly. This is a darkly funny story of what happens when 4 fangirls kidnap their least favourite member of their favourite boy band! Be sure to pick it up!

What bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!