The Ministry of Time is a time travelling love story set in the near future. Seven people are brought forward in time from history to experience the twenty-first century, and are studied to determine how the human experience handles time travel. The expats are given handlers to live with, and over time relationships develop as they adjust to their new normal in a world that has drastically changed over hundreds of years.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to love this book! I am a huge historical fiction fan, and I think there are elements here that are fantastic. The writing is beautiful, and the pops of history of the expats is so interesting. I appreciated the elements connecting the expat experience to the refugee experience, as it really made the book transcend beyond the time travel element. Where it lost me is the pacing - the first few chapters flew by because I was so interested in the storyline, but over time I felt like I wasn't invested in the political aspects of the storyline. I was here for the relationships being built between the expats, and the handlers and their expat. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, I was not as emotionally invested.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. As someone who really enjoys time-travel fiction I knew this was going to be something I’d likely enjoy. I’m so glad i received this as an ARC and the opportunity to read and review one of the most well-reviewed and anticipated book releases of the year so far. The Characters are really developed and likeable, which is important as this is a very character-driven story, the romance is not the main plot but is instead woven into the narrative more slowly and naturally develops throughout the course of the story and as such makes it more compelling when it does happen. There is something for everyone- a bit historical fiction, romance, and thriller, with twists turns; and the story kept me engaged, so much that I read the entire book in one day. However I turned the page expecting more and it just ended, it didn’t feel like the story had really concluded and I was left feeling a little empty with how things were left. There was a slight illusion to a “trip” that I thought was going to be the end of the story and would have been a natural conclusion but then it just ended. This is not Doctor Who levels of time travelling where you’re in different time periods constantly but a story of integration of displaced people from different eras adjusting to modern-day society and 21st century life. There is social commentary on racism, sexuality, gender, ethnicity etc and how it has evolved over time which is very interesting and relates personally to the characters and their journeys. I would definitely recommend this book and I hope for a sequel and a proper ending to the story because there’s so much more story to be told in this world with these characters.
Publication day May 7, 2024

This novel takes place in the near future, where the british government has acquired the ability to time travel. A very secret program brings a handful of people of the past who will not be missed in their time to the present to study how they assimilate to a new time, if their bodies and minds can make the change, and if the fabric of space and time will allow it.

We mainly follow Commander Gore from 1845 and his "bridge" or handler, and how they both deal with the experiment the Ministry of Time is conducting. Gore is very scandalized by much of his new life and surroundings. Over the next year we see as they both start off as barely tolerating the other, to developing a very deep connection.

I went into this one blind and it was the best way of reading it. The fact that this is a debut is unfathomable. The author is so talented, the writing in this was phenomenal. This novel explored so many important topics, personal identity, trauma, love, and so many others. They also weaved in so many genres seamlessly. The banter was so well done, and I believed every word of the story. I truly cannot wait for what else this author comes out with.

While marketed as sci-fi, I would definitely refer to this as more speculative than anything. It's not hard sci-fi by any means, especially given that the actual mechanics of time travel are pretty much glossed over. As a speculative literary book, I thought it was very enjoyable! The tone was so fun, the wit and deadpan and delivery were impeccable and the high level nature of the metaphors really lent themselves to the topic of the book. I enjoyed the themes and the way that we have to grapple with past and present, as well as how we conceptualize things within and across time. I do think that the middle of the book meandered a little too lag and it could have been slightly condensed in that regard. But, that may be personal preference! Overall, this is something that I would recommend to someone wanting a fun yet though-provoking read.

“The Ministry of Time” is quirky, speculative fiction that imagines a world where time travel exists and it’s effects are being examined, studied, even molded.  Our main character, who remains nameless, receives a promotion to be the live in roommate/bridge between the past and present of one Graham Gore, the same Graham Gore who was aboard the ill-fated Erebus during the Franklin mission. Gore was taken from 1847 and brought into modern day London to test the possibilities and effects of time travel.  Several other ‘expats’ from other times are also brought to London where they are assigned their own bridge for acculturation.  The result is a literary tale of caution dealing with government secrets, espionage, ethics, the morality of time travel, history and created history/future, and nuanced dialogue along with discussions of race, sexuality, and history’s most traumatic events.   

Overall I enjoyed the story though I found the long chapters and pacing in the first third of the novel slowed me down.  I actually stopped reading a number of times to look up the definition of a word which also broke up the narrative for me.  The remainder of the novel was quicker with more action and less observational analysis.  I really enjoyed the fictionalized version of Gore along with glimpses into his past as well as how he dealt with some of the trauma and the new world he now finds himself. 

Two of my favourites quotes from the:
⏳ “His hands hovered along my back, lighter than the passage of dragonflies over water.”

⌛️ “You can't trauma-proof life, and you can't hurt-proof your relationships.  You have to accept you will cause harm to yourself and others.  But you can also fuck up, really badly, and not learn anything from it except that you fucked up.  It's the same with oppression.  You don't gain any special knowledge from being marginalized.  But you do gain something from stepping outside your hurt and examining the scaffolding of your oppression.  You'll find the weak joints, the things you can kick in.”

Thank you to @netgalley and @avidreaderpress for the advance digital copy.

3.5 stars

DNF @ 30% I can’t do it anymore
1) this book is so horribly marketed
2) I do not know enough about history presumably to continue reading this book and enjoy it
3) I’m so bored and disappointed. I hate the characters
4) nothing is happening. And if it is, it’s too subtle and taking too long.
5) the writing is clunky and confusing. The dialogue between characters makes no sense

I know this is a highly anticipated read for the publisher and I was excited for an arc but it’s a big let down and I can’t waste anymore time trying to slog through this book

4.5!
This book had me thinking about it every time I put it down and long after I finished it. I had so many thoughts!

I really enjoyed it. What a fantastic concept and such vibrant characters. The writing was really captivating and I enjoyed getting to know the expats more, though I wanted more background on Maggie and Arthur.

I was a bit confused at times, feeling like I wasn’t getting the full picture, but this may have been the intention to keep the reader in mystery. The main character was not communicating as efficiently as I wanted, but I ultimately enjoyed her inner thoughts. I absolutely loved the expats and their transition to the current time. I could have read an entire book just on the expats.

I would absolutely watch this movie.

•

Thank you so much to Kaliane, NetGalley, and Simon & Schuster Canada for this ARC!

This book is a unique take on time travel combined with aspects of a spy thriller. The storyline takes place in the present day through the perspective of an unnamed female 'bridge' or intelligence agent designed to help an ex-pat, Commander Gore from 1847, assimilate to modern-day living along with a group of migrants from different points in history. I loved the interactions between the bridge and Commander Gore as they got to know each other and grew closer, despite the danger swirling around them. I also enjoyed the distinctive secondary cast of characters, especially the ex-pats from various points in history as they helped each other adjust to their new era.

When I started Bradley’s debut, a promised mash up of genres, I was a tad skeptical and a lot curious. I was instantly grabbed by the tongue in cheek humour and perfectly placed prose that offered just enough crumb without the cookie and as promised a blend of historical fiction meets the excitement of spy thrills, sprinkled with romance and speculation, was delivered.

Let’s skip summarizing this one, it’s a book that deserves attention and mystique. When I first started reading it, I had absolutely no idea where we were headed but Bradley’s writing was clever and fun, evoking just enough intrigue and tension that I was compelled to keep going. And as I read on it
blossomed into a layered, twisty and speculative ride drawing on real history and people.

I found the characters charming and beautifully flawed, I loved the camaraderie and found family that is molded in unlikely circumstances and the budding slowburn romance that felt more like proper courting than any Bridgerton novel. Unexpected twists and a race against time the ending surprised me more than once and I will be honest I craved more epilogue, but sometimes a book with so much speculation asks us to use our imaginations, so I’ll leave it content knowing my ending is out there in the ether.

Thank you @simonandschuster @simonschusterca
for an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley, that will be out tomorrow, May 7th!

This was such a fun read! I loved Bradley's writing and humour. The story was a mix of genres. A time travel romance spy thriller that carried some Outlander vibes throughout it. This story follows a woman who works for the Ministry of Time & is assigned a time traveler from 1847, Grahams Gore, to help him adjust to modern time. I don't want to give too much away because it was fun going in fairly blind & there's some great twists. This isn't my usual genre, and I had so much fun reading it and wondering what would happen next.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and give it a solid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5 and definitely recommend!

A unique book with romance, time travel, historical fiction, and thriller all in one. The Ministry of Time offers a completely unique storyline and with lots of to add to the narrative. The way Bradley explored bring the past into the present was so thought-provoking to read and consider, considering how individuals from different time periods perceive the world around them.

The author addressed so many interesting themes but one that stood out to me was sex and sexuality in various contexts from different times, from dating to sexual orientation. It's refreshing to see these themes explored in such a multifaceted way.

Unfortunately, "The Ministry of Time" didn't quite capture my attention. It's not the book's fault; I think it just wasn't the right time for me to read this story. After consuming a lot of dystopian content recently, I feel like I need a break to fully appreciate a book like this. Under different circumstances, I believe I would have really enjoyed this book and fallen in love with Graham Gore.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. Take a chance on it. It is just a different sort of story.

Set in near-future Britain, the main character (who is never named) is recruited as a “bridge” to assist a group of expats brought from the past into the present. We follow the Bridge as she navigates life with 1847 - otherwise known as Graham Gore, a member of the disastrous John Franklin expedition in the Arctic.

Conceptually, this book captivated me. Unfortunately, this didn’t live up to my expectations and the overall execution fell a little flat. Here’s what I liked. As an historian, I really enjoyed how Bradley was able to take Gore, a real person, and crate a vivid fictionalized version of him. I also loved the characters of Arthur and Maggie, and the dynamics between them and the bridge were a highlight. I also enjoyed the flashbacks to the Franklin expedition that were sprinkled throughout.

Unfortunately I didn’t really connect with the main character and found her slightly annoying (and obsessive over Gore) for a good portion of the book. The story, particularly in the first half, is presented “slice of life” style, rather than a traditional continuous narrative which made it hard to become invested in the story. I also found the dialogue hard to follow and the complex vocabulary made me stumble over the flow of the writing. Finally, I found the overall “mystery” underwhelming. The last 80 pages were gripping and twisty (in ways I did not see coming) but I can’t say I fully understood what was happening the entire time.

9/10

Epic.

It had a slow start and was a bit confusing to read but later in, I was sucked into the storyline. The contrast between slice of life, getting to know one another to the action and mystery thrills was incredible. It really felt like a thriller movie, in the form of a book. I was so attracted to what it had become. I pulled an all nighter to finish this one.

I would take one point off as I did not really like any characters but that was okay because the story is fascinating itself. I still don't remember the protagonist's name, lol.

This book really inspires me to read more SF novels in the future because I just love the feeling I got while reading the second half of this one.

This was an enjoyable read that gave me lots to think about. For me, the "time travel culture shock" aspect of it was unique, and the way it ended was very satisfying. When recommending The Ministry of Time, I will be sure to note that the pace for the first half is on the slower side and that I don't see it as a romance but rather a speculative novel with romantic leanings. I think those who choose to read it knowing those two things will be very glad they did.

Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to read a digital ARC in advance of publication.

I really enjoyed this unique science fiction/fantasy book in which a special government agency is able to bring people back from different time periods and has one of the 'scientists'/people in charge falling for a man who was trapped on a stranded Arctic expedition ship and whose fellow crew members all died.

The author does a great job exploring the culture shock of bringing people from the past to a newly imagined future/present and the forbidden love story aspect kept things extra interesting. Great on audio read by George Weightman and Katie Leung (two new to me narrators). If you like speculative time travel type books this is one not to miss!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and Librofm for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. Kaliane Bradley is a new to me author and this is definitely not my usual genre but I really loved it and look forward to reading more by Bradley in the future!

Unfortunately, this novel was not for me. I was expecting a romance and a funny time travel read but this was a dry, slow-paced novel. I had read some reviews which made comparisons of this book to Outlander. I thus think that my expectations were wrong and I just couldn’t get into this novel. I skim read the last half of the novel. I think that I am the wrong audience for this one.

My thanks to the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Explore the depths of time, love, and redemption and uncover the mysteries that await!!

⭐️ 3.75 /5

A story where our narrator remains a mystery, a character without a name! But alas, the ending suggests the protagonist is YOU (ME)! I felt like it challenged me to ponder what choices would I make and will I make decisions that will prevent the “mistakes” the “past me” did or will I heed my “past me’s” warnings. And, that was very compelling!

Meanwhile, Commander Gore, which I learned was a real person! (I wonder to what extent was our male main character is based off the real Gore). Anyway, he will steal your heart away! A gentleman, intelligent, and virtuous.

The pace felt like a slow dance at first, for the world building and to get to know the characters like long-lost friends. But at 40%, it picked up for me! And just being nit-picky, I like a crystal-clear happy ending and that was left slightly unsatisfied. I don’t just want to know there is one but I want to witness it unfurl in all its glory. Regardless, at its core, the theme of time travel is familiar yet endlessly fascinating. Adding a sprinkle of romance made it even more captivating, and added a layer of emotion.

Thank you @simonschusterca for this advance reader’s copy ❤️

What would you get if you cross the movies “Kate and Leopold”, “The Time Travellers Wife”, the song “Alchemy” by Taylor Swift, and sprinkle in some history and mystery? You get the novel The Ministry of Time. The story written by Kaliane Bradley is a great read with lots of humour and heartfelt moments. The end packs a few punches which had me reading through some tears, mostly conjured by the skillful writing of Bradley.
This book will stay with me for a long time.

The time travel premise of the book had me hooked from the start. I liked that the historical characters were brought to the present and that that brought a unique tone to the book. However, I found the beginning and the middle a bit slow, but the last quarter of the book really picked up for me.

I unfortunately did not enjoy this book.

This book is heavily marketed as a romance however the main character refers to him as an “overgrown son” early on in the story, which immediately puts me out viewing this book as anything remotely close to romantic.

Reading the description of this book I was given the impression that it would be fun given how many times that word is seen. However, I found this book to be incredibly dry in terms of writing style and this lead to everything from plot to characters coming off that way. The pacing of this book was very slow, it genuinely felt stagnant for at least the first third of the book as I had no idea what we were working towards. The characters had no real personality or interest to capture my attention and I frankly was not given any emotional weight to develop a care for them.

I think it is entirely possible I went into this book expecting something different which lead to my trouble enjoying this book.