Review of Keeping Time by Heather Albano
As a passionate reader with a soft spot for steampunk and time travel tales, I was immediately drawn to Keeping Time. The blend of historical elements with fantasy caught my eye, particularly the intriguing premise that incorporates a well-known historical event—Waterloo—into a narrative filled with monsters and time travel. The idea that I could explore 19th-century society through a whimsical, yet serious, lens promised a delightful adventure.
The story opens in 1815, where we find Wellington’s army on the brink of battle, and the tension is palpable. This historical backdrop is complemented by the introduction of a young lady in a rose garden who receives a mysterious pocket watch, setting off a chain of events that spans time and genre. One of the highlights of my reading experience was how Albano’s characters dealt with their own divided loyalties—straddling personal desires against the larger fate of their country. The humor and the clever dialogue added a lightness to a weighty subject that I greatly appreciated.
Positively, the world-building in Keeping Time is commendable. Albano has crafted a visually rich steampunk universe populated by inventive monsters and engaging characters. I particularly enjoyed the comedic elements that rose to the surface, as well as the deep historical insights woven throughout the narrative. This is a book that doesn’t shy away from the complexities of its setting while still providing a rollicking adventure.
However, the narrative can at times feel scattered. I noticed a few readers expressing concern about pacing, and I must admit that I felt this too in certain parts. While the story is ambitious, the interconnectedness of the plots—spanning different time periods—occasionally caused a sense of disjointedness. Similarly, critiques have been made about some characters lacking depth, an observation I can’t entirely dismiss. While they are enjoyable, a deeper exploration into their backgrounds could have placed their motivations and conflicts into sharper focus.
Despite these drawbacks, my overall experience was satisfying. The book description tantalizingly declares that “the real story involved more monsters” and “a lot more time travel.” I was not disappointed! The narrative masterfully toys with the genre conventions, granting readers both an engaging storyline and playful satire. With a lively cast of characters tackling the implications of their choices, it invites thoughtful reflection on loyalty and sacrifice.
One of the cleverest aspects of the book is how Albano interjects humor into the bravado of steampunk adventure, which makes it accessible to readers new to the genre while still appealing to seasoned aficionados. I found the whimsy offered a welcome balance to the more intense action sequences involving “killer robots” and other fantastical foes.
In conclusion, Keeping Time is a spirited blend of adventure, historical insight, and character-driven storytelling. Despite its minor pacing issues and occasional character shallowness, it’s a captivating read that keeps you on your toes. If you enjoy a story filled with charm, humor, and imaginative twists on history, then I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this whimsical steampunk journey. It opened portals to rich moments of reflection and delightful absurdity, making it a journey worth taking. For those seeking an engaging and unique read, Keeping Time is definitely worth the time!
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