A witch in time is a concept often explored in literature, particularly in fantasy and historical fiction genres. It refers to a character who possesses magical abilities and travels through time, either intentionally or accidentally. This theme allows authors to combine elements of magic and time travel, creating a unique and captivating storyline. The main idea behind a witch in time is the fusion of two popular narrative devices: witches and time travel. Witches have long been associated with supernatural powers and the ability to manipulate the forces of nature. They are often portrayed as wise and secretive characters, with a deep knowledge of herbs, spells, and rituals.
They are often portrayed as wise and secretive characters, with a deep knowledge of herbs, spells, and rituals. On the other hand, time travel adds an exciting element to any story, allowing characters to explore different eras and witness historical events firsthand. In a witch in time story, the protagonist is usually a witch who discovers or inherits the power to travel through time.
A WITCH IN TIME
When Helen Lambert meets her blind date, Luke Varner, at a trendy D.C. bar, little does she know they’ve met before—over several lifetimes.
In this, her debut novel, Sayers cleverly twists the loves-lost-through-time motif. Helen and Luke are not star-crossed, or rather curse-crossed, lovers from the 19th century, doomed to an eternity of thwarted passion. Instead, Sayers binds them together in a complicated codependent triangle: Helen is certainly replaying a thwarted love affair from more than a century ago, but she did not love Luke then. It all begins in 1895, when Juliet LaCompte, a beautiful 16-year-old French farm girl, falls in love with her summer neighbor, Auguste Marchant. Marchant is a Parisian artist who adores painting Juliet, and as the summer progresses, their desires for each other grow. But Marchant is very much married with a heavily pregnant wife, and Juliet is betrothed to a boy whose farm abuts her father’s. Even worse, Juliet’s mother, a skilled herbalist and sometime witch, finds out about their affair. Enraged that Juliet has besmirched the family’s honor and terrified for reasons Juliet cannot understand, her mother casts a spell cursing Marchant. But the spell is sloppily made, and it not only catches Juliet in its web, but also saddles her with a demon administrator: Lucian Varnier (aka Luke), who begins to fall in love with her, too. Sayers builds tension between present-day Luke and Helen by plunging Helen into a dream world, where she relives her time as a 1930s Hollywood starlet and 1970s rock musician, and each incarnation of Juliet becomes more attached to Luke. Moreover, her own powers as a witch have grown, so perhaps this will be the lifetime in which she breaks the curse. But her own feelings for Luke may get in the way.
A smart, engrossing debut from a writer to watch.
Pub Date: Feb. 11, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-316-49359-8
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Redhook/Orbit
Review Posted Online: Nov. 9, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2019
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This ability can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how it is used and the consequences it brings. The witch may be faced with the responsibility of ensuring historical events unfold as they should, or they may be tempted to use their powers for personal gain or to alter the course of history. These dilemmas and conflicts add depth to the character and drive the plot forward. One example of a witch in time story is Diana Bishop from Deborah Harkness's "All Souls Trilogy." Diana, a historian and reluctant witch, discovers an ancient manuscript that holds the secrets to the existence of magical creatures. As she delves into her own ancestry and learns more about her powers, she realizes that she has the ability to time travel. This sets her on a journey through different eras, where she encounters various challenges and dangers. The concept of a witch in time allows authors to explore themes such as fate, destiny, and the consequences of one's actions. It often raises questions about morality and the ethical use of power. The reader is taken on a thrilling adventure, where they can witness historical events through the eyes of a magical character. In conclusion, a witch in time is a captivating concept in literature that combines the elements of witches and time travel. This theme allows authors to create complex and engaging storylines, revolving around characters who possess magical abilities and the power to influence history. The fusion of these two narrative devices creates a unique and interesting reading experience, where the protagonist's actions have far-reaching consequences..
Reviews for "A Journey Through Time: Lost Spells Rediscovered by Witches"
1. Mark - 2 stars
I found "A Witch in Time" to be quite disappointing. The plot was predictable, and the characters lacked depth. The author relied too heavily on clichés and tired tropes, making the story feel unoriginal and flat. Additionally, the writing style was lackluster and lacked the captivating prose I was hoping for. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone seeking an engaging and thought-provoking read.
2. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "A Witch in Time," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was uneven, with slow moments that dragged on and fast-paced action that left me feeling confused and disconnected. The protagonist, a supposedly powerful witch, lacked agency and made questionable decisions that didn't align with her character's development. The romance aspect felt forced and lacked chemistry, making it difficult to root for the love story. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and wouldn't recommend it.
3. Sarah - 1 star
"A Witch in Time" was a complete letdown for me. The world-building was weak, leaving many unanswered questions and a lack of depth. The magic system felt haphazardly thrown together, with inconsistencies and unexplained rules. The dialogue was clunky and unrealistic, making it hard to connect with the characters. Furthermore, the plot was predictable and offered no surprises or twists. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointment and would suggest looking elsewhere for a more immersive and well-crafted fantasy novel.