The Ministry of Time

Unexpected, filled with dry humor and complex layers

This was good, but was an emotionally heavier book than I anticipated. From the description I thought it would be quicker paced and lighter, and more romance forward than it was. The humor is very dry (which I enjoyed). There's a lot of focus on racial identity and generational trauma, which honestly fits perfectly in a setting where people from the past are dumped into the future. The slow burn romance is quiet and reserved, but was overshadowed for me by the growing sense of impending doom you start to pick up about a quarter in.

Pacing skips along at a very even pace. Highs and lows, action and intrigue kind of landed on the same level for me. Things are clearly being driven to a point and there is increasing danger, but I didn't always feel it. But again, I went in expecting something different so that might be my own issue.

I still really enjoyed it. It captured my attention quickly and easily. Many of the characters are charming. I'd recommend it for people who would be interested in the morality and possible paradoxes that come with time travel, with a hint of romance. If you're looking for a more traditional romance this isn't it. Not a straightforward Happily Ever After, but it wouldn't have felt right for the story if it had.