City of Time and Magic by Paula Brackston: Book Review
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City of Time and Magic is the fourth book in Paula Brackston’s Found Things series, continuing Xanthe Westlake’s unusual adventures through history.
If you’ve been reading the series from the beginning, you already know how easy it is to become invested in Xanthe, the mysterious objects that “sing” to her, and the people she encounters in the past. This installment adds an especially fun surprise for Paula Brackston readers: a crossover with a familiar character from another of her novels.
Here’s my review, including what I liked, what I didn’t, and whether City of Time and Magic earns a Read, ReRead, or Reconsider.
My Take: City of Time and Magic was another winner for me in a series that still felt fresh four books in. I loved returning to Xanthe’s world, and once again Paula Brackston managed to send me off to Google things I knew nothing about – this time ley lines and psychometry. If you enjoy historical fiction mixed with time travel, mystery, and a little magic, the Found Things series is wonderfully different. I wouldn’t start the series here, though. Begin with The Little Shop of Found Things and let Xanthe’s story unfold in order.
City of Time and Magic by Paula Brackston
City of Time and Magic is the fourth book in Paula Brackston’s Found Things series, which began with The Little Shop of Found Things in 2018.
Brackston is a British author whose books frequently combine history with magic, folklore, and the unexplained. If you’re looking for something a little quirky and different – especially if you like historical fiction with a time-travel element – the Found Things series fits the bill.
What City of Time and Magic is About
Note: If you haven’t read the first three books in this series yet, and you plan to, there may be spoilers ahead! I do recommend that you read these books in order. Book one is The Little Shop of Found Things. Start with that!
Xanthe Westlake returns for another journey into the past, this time facing an unusually complicated choice when several objects begin “singing” to her at once. She needs to determine which one can take her where she needs to go – and help her find Liam.
Her journey also brings her back into the orbit of the mysterious Mistress Flyte and introduces new dangers involving the Spinners, whose interference with time threatens the natural order of things. Along the way, longtime Paula Brackston readers will encounter a particularly interesting connection to another of the author’s books.
City of Time and Magic – What I Liked
Despite the fact that this is already book four in the Found Things series, it still seemed like I was reading a new adventure. There was absolutely nothing stale or boring in the book even though many of the characters have been in previous books in the series.
And again, despite the fact that I’ve already read the first three books, I started out this book by Googling a few things. I love when books make me want to Google stuff. What were my “Googles” for this time?
Two things –
Ley lines in England, and psychometry. If you don’t know anything about either, you’ll have to Google too! Or read the series.
All in all, I loved this book.
City of Time and Magic – What I Didn’t Like
I honestly can’t think of a single thing I didn’t like about this book. I loved it and can’t wait for the next one.
City of Time and Magic – Read, ReRead, or Reconsider?
And now for my 3 Rs of book reviews. Should you read it, reread it, or reconsider it?
This book is a definite Read.
This book is a solid Read for me now, and most likely at some point in the future, it will become a ReRead. Why? Because I will probably want to read the whole Found Things series again.
Is City of Time and Magic Worth Reading?
Four books into the Found Things series, City of Time and Magic still gave me the sense of discovery that made me enjoy the earlier books. Xanthe’s time-travel adventures continue to feel different from the historical fiction I usually read, while still giving me the history, mystery, and interesting places and ideas that I love.
I wouldn’t start the series here, though. Begin with The Little Shop of Found Things and let Xanthe’s story unfold in order. By the time you reach City of Time and Magic, I suspect you’ll be just as invested in her adventures as I was.
What To Read Next
- The Last Daughter of York by Nicola Cornick – A great next choice if you enjoy historical mysteries with dual timelines and an unexplained or timeslip element.
- Explore Historical Fiction – Browse more historical fiction recommendations and reading ideas. Historical Fiction Books in Order – Find author and series reading-order guides for more historical fiction.
