City of Time and Magic is the fourth book in the Found Things historical time travel fantasy romance series by Paula Brackston. Released 23rd Nov 2021 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out 4th quarter 2022. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats, it makes it so easy to find info with the search function.
The book has a complex and nuanced plot with well written, often lyrical prose. The books are sequential, with major plot turning events which are difficult to puzzle out if read out of order, so it would be much better read as part of the series. If binge reading the entire series from the start, readers should be aware that the author has a real thing for appalling "cliff-hanger" endings. I generally feel put out by cliffhangers (especially since there's usually a minimum year wait between series books). This installment's denouement and resolution didn't annoy me at all, which was a relief. It strongly foreshadows future stories in the series which I'm sure will be well written and worth a look.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours and 44 minutes and is capably narrated by Marisa Calin. She has a well modulated voice with a breathy, whispery aspect which suits the writing. I had no trouble at all following what she read. She does struggle somewhat with the character Harley's Scots brogue, but it's not a major problem. The sound and production quality is high throughout the recording.
It's an easy and fun read. It's more of a YA/NA story, but I enjoyed it very much and am certainly some decades outside the target audience age range. The language is PG with a few "damns" and nothing worse. There are some descriptions of bloodshed and violence, but they're very much in context in the story and not so very graphic.
Four and a half stars. This is a charming and well written book and series.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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