Spotlight is a feature I do where I pick a topic or theme and then highlight some books that fall into that theme.
Time Travel
One of my favorite ways to read historical fiction is through time travel. You get a spunky main character with the knowledge and mindset of modern times and all the fun of an historical setting. There’s usually a number of funny scenes as the main character fumbles with slips about the future and an apparent lack of knowledge about the social customs of the time. Even better, there’s almost always an attractive love interest and, because it’s the past, he almost always comes with the insta-hottie accessory of a sword. Here are some of my favorite and most anticipated time travel books.
Wildwing by Emily Whitman
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 359
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 359
Beginning in the early 1900s, Addy discovers a time machine that transports her back to the 1200s. Quickly adopting the identity of a high born lady lost at sea, Addy is taken into the care of her betrothed. Delighting in life as a “great lady,” Addy quickly realizes the role comes with more responsibility than she had ever imagined. Torn between love and duty, what will Addy choose? While I never fully warmed up to Addy, I did thoroughly love the plot. Watching Addy pretend to know the ins and outs of 13th century customs was hilarious. You can read more in my Wildwing book review.
Timeless Love by Judith O’Brien
Release Date: February 1, 2002
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 240
Goodreads PageRelease Date: February 1, 2002
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 240
After wrecking her father’s BMW, Sam wishes she could be anywhere but there. She opens her eyes to find she is standing in the bedchamber of a decidedly hot Prince Edward—the year, 1553. Sickly Prince Edward died at the age of 16, but Sam is determined to save him. Not everyone is happy, however, when the prince regains his health and appears intent on marrying Sam. Courtly scheming threaten Sam’s station—and her life!—but it is the dual attentions of the prince and a handsome stranger that threaten to steal her heart. Sadly overlooked, this book was a fun trip back in time with a main character I enjoyed and a love story that had me swooning.
My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison
Release Date: January 6, 2009
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Pages: 320
Release Date: January 6, 2009
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Pages: 320
Dark Mirror by M. J. Putney
Release Date: March 1, 2011
Release Date: March 1, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Pages: 320
Pages: 320
Putting a new spin on time travel books, Dark Mirror begins in Regency England and then travels forward in time to England during WWII. The first half of the book follows Tory as she hones her magic skills and makes friends. In the second half of the book, Tory and her friends travel in time to use their magical skills in England’s defense against Nazi Germany. Exciting and fast-paced, Dark Mirror is the first book in a series, but can easily be read as a standalone. The “can do” attitude of the book is infectious, but I did have trouble connecting with the characters.
Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher: David C. Cook
Pages: 369
Pages: 369
Gabi and her sister are hurtled back in time to 14th century Italy where they are separated and Gabi is picked up by a gorgeous lord. He takes her into his care and promises to help her find her sister. Romance is in the air against a backdrop of courtly secrets and behind the scenes plotting surrounding a generational feud with a rival ruling family. Gabi is a wonderfully endearing heroine and to say this book is populated with numerous Italian hotties is an understatement! If you’re not convinced yet, you can read my Waterfall review. Today is also the last day to enter for a chance to win your very own copy!
More time travel books from my TBR:
Have you read any of these books? Like them, dislike them? Do you know any time travel books?
Please feel free to share in the comments. I'm always on the lookout for suggestions!
You can also head over to Splash of Our Worlds today for another Spotlight List!
Please feel free to share in the comments. I'm always on the lookout for suggestions!
You can also head over to Splash of Our Worlds today for another Spotlight List!
Looking for more Spotlight Lists?
Also - Once a Witch and Always a Witch by Carolyn McCullough
ReplyDeleteI loved Revolution. I don't know if it's really time travel. You can interpret it either way.
OOh I'll have to give some of these a read - this post has just made me realise I haven't read much time travel, and I really should! I love history so it's a good combo. I might start with Dark Mirror - I really love that cover!
ReplyDeleteI totally need to read more time travel seen as I love historical fiction! Out of these I've read Dark Mirror and Revolution (I really enjoyed both) but Waterfall is on my birthday wishlist. I've never heard of Timeless Love before but it sounds really good so I'll have to add it to my TBR list. Great spotlight :)
ReplyDeleteI can't say I have read much time travel. I do have The Locket and Revolution is on the way. Waterfall is on my wishlist. It sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteGreat post :)
I don't read a lot of time travel either, but I've heard of some really good ones. I've read Prada & Prejudice, and it's okaaay. It's a feel good YA book, but the anachronistic attitudes of protagonists piss me off. We KNOW modern world is better, you don't need to whine about it. >_< It ruins the historical feel of novels when that happens- I mean, that's what I feel.
ReplyDeleteBUT, I do have Wild Wing on my shelf, and I am planning to get Waterfall as well.
I have read Old Magic and it's one of my favourites books ever! It was actually the first young adult book i've read and still feels original when i read it!
ReplyDeleteI have most of the rest at my TBR too :)
I love this feature! I love time travel as well, although I haven't read many books about it, but that's going to change thanks to you and your lovely reviews :)
ReplyDeleteI think my to-read list got 10 books longer.
Ack. Damn it (but I love it :D)
Oh time travel stories are one of my very favorites, thanks for this list! Some I know of already and some I'm definitely going to be checking out. I have Timeless waiting for me, I can't wait to start it!
ReplyDeleteMy Fair Godmother looks so cute, I'm going to have to get my hands on that one! And definitely want to read Waterfall after your review :)
ReplyDeleteTo answer your questions on my Top Ten list – I read the first in Wrede's western frontier series but I wasn't that impressed, compared to some of her other books...in fact I really can't remember much about it at all.
I think you can read Gerald Morris' series out of order without missing much - indeed, I haven't read every book in the series. There may be a few references to past events you won't get, but anything major is probably explained. Several of the books each feature different protagonists anyway. I think I may have started with the 2nd in the series (The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady) but my favourite is probably The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf. I'd recommend reading that one before reading The Lioness and Her Knight, in any case, since that one deals with the daughter of the protagonist in The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf.
Although, just thinking about it, if you do read them out of order you might get a bit spoiled for the other books, because there are a few recurring characters who pop up in several of them. Just a head's-up :)
ReplyDelete"One of my favorite ways to read historical fiction is through time travel" Yes, mine too! I love reading about modern heroines getting transported to a different time and having to fumble their way through trying to act normal for the time. Of course, what's interesting about Wildwing and Dark Mirror is that the heroines aren't modern but are from yet another historical time period, which is pretty interesting as well.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, great spotlight post! And it actually appeared in my Google Reader this time, yay!
I love this. It is like a one stop candy shop!
ReplyDeleteThe Time Traveler's Wife is one of my all time favorite reads. It really blows my mind to see so many aspects of time shifted and weaved together, and the way that Niffenegger did it was effortless and brilliant.
I needs to get to reading some of the YA suggestions on time travel. Thanks Smalls!
Insta-hottie sword!
ReplyDeleteLOL
Sorry!
needed to say it.
So many awesome books, I think I've only read a couple of romance books with time travel in them, I never gave 'em much thought, but some of these sound hilarious!
I'm going to check them out
I like Time Travel books too. I'd love to read Little Women and Me, Dark Mirror and Waterfall. Another book I'm interested in checking out is The Hourglass Door by Lisa Magum. There are three books in the series that I know of. I would love to travel to WWII or Victorian England.
ReplyDeleteI must be frank and admit that I don't really like time travel books. But there are exceptions like Lynn Kurland's When I Fall in Love.
ReplyDeleteI have read zero of these books. I would imagine that I'd be super into books about time travel however :)
ReplyDeleteYES! Time travel! I'm so obsessed. Thanks for making my TBR even longer. :)
ReplyDeleteI was looking at that Old Magic book and thinking how much I liked the cover. Then, DUH, noticed it has sparkles and swirls on it. So of course I liked it! God, am I that easy?
Yes. The answer is yes.
I love time travel books too because you get to experience what the world was like in the past without having to actually go back in time and miss out on things like indoor plumbing and computers. Also, a lot of times, the guys are mature and gentlemanly.
ReplyDeleteAlison, Oh yes! I forgot about that one. Thanks! I haven’t read Revolution yet, but you have me curious about interpreting it either way.
ReplyDeleteBelle, Definitely do! I enjoyed Dark Mirror ok, but my favorites on the list are probably My Fair Godmother and Waterfall. I can’t wait to see what you think of DM :)
Stephanie, I found Timeless Love on my library shelves but I’ve never heard it talked about. Too bad, because I liked it! Time travel is such a good addition to historical fiction.
Nic, Ooh, I can’t wait to see what you think of all those books! I love reading your reviews.
Dazzling Mage, Aw, too bad about Prada and Prejudice! I forgot about that one. It’s on my list too, but I don’t like whining characters. I thought the main character in Wildwing was a little whiny herself, but there are a few very funny scenes. I hope you enjoy it and Waterfall!
Yiota, Yes! I’m so happy to hear you loved Old Magic. I’ve tried reading it twice, but so far I’ve only managed to order it from the library. I didn’t get a chance to read it either time before the due dates. Maybe the third time will be the charm!
Lamia, Thanks! Hehe, I love making TBR lists longer. :D I can’t wait to see your reviews.
Jenny, You’re welcome! I’m looking forward to seeing what you think about Timeless. I’ve heard mixed reviews, so I’m really curious to read your take.
Danya, I loved My Fair Godmother! The beginning was a little rocky for me, but I loved Savannah and I laughed out loud a bunch of times. I hope you enjoy it and Waterfall! Aw, too bad about Wrede’s western series. Thanks for the info on Gerald Morris’ series.
Aylee, Yes! I love watching them fumble :P I agree too about books like Wildwing and Dark Mirror. It’s like double the historical fun.
Missie, Hehe, mmmm I wish I had candy. Ack, I’m so easily distracted. Is The Time Traveler’s Wife sad? It looked sad, so I hadn’t read it yet. I’ve heard such good things about it though.
Alex, :P I love a guy with a sword. I hope you like this! I think My Fair Godmother was the funniest by far.
Julie, Oh yes, I’ve heard of The Hourglass Door! That series looks good. I cannot wait for Little Women and Me. Like, I might just need a paper bag to help with my over-excited hyperventilating kind of can’t wait! WWII and Victorian England? You should so read Dark Mirror.
Bookish Hobbit, Hm, I’ll have to look that one up. Thanks!
Lazy Girl, Read Meg Cabot’s Mediator series!! Better than her Princess Diaries series and there’s a little bit of time travel. Plus, no annoying character like Lilly. ;)
Logan, YES! I know my bosom friend :) I’m that easy too. Sparkles, swirls, and don’t forget pretty jewelry. I want those rings!
A Canadian Girl, Haha, yup me too! I love that about time travel guys too. At the risk of sounding super dorky, they’re so attractive with their chivalry and manners. :)
Very sad. But Henry is funny too. Plus he works at a library! ;)
ReplyDeleteMissie, Works in a library, huh? Lucky man, I bet he never had to worry about returning books late what with the whole time travel thing.
ReplyDelete