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A Shape on the Air: A heartwarming timeslip historical romance
Unlocking a love that lasts for lifetimes and beyond. When Dr Viv DuLac, a medievalist and academic, slips into 499 AD and into the body of Lady Vivianne, little does she realise that their lives across the centuries will become intertwined as they fight for their dreams…and their lives.How can the key that Viv brings back with her to the present, unlock the love they both crave? And can they help each other across the centuries without changing the course of history? A Shape on the Air is a novel that is there still ‘magic’ in the world? Perfect for fans of Pamela Hartshorne, Barbara Erskine and Susanna Kearsley. ‘In the best Barbara Erskine tradition …I would highly recommend this novel’ - Historical Novel Society ‘Amazing…a really great book…I just couldn’t put it down’ - Hazel Morgan Acclaimed, award-winning author Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and concepts of time travel. She read English at Keele University, England (after a turbulent but exciting gap year in Ghana, West Africa) specialising in medieval language, literature and history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics. She wrote her first novel at 10 years of age, but became a school teacher, then an academic as a senior university lecturer and researcher.She has published a number of books, including memoir, children’s medieval fantasy, a trilogy set in Ghana, and medieval time-slip, as well as academic works. Apart from insatiable reading, she loves travelling the world, singing in choirs, swimming, yoga and walking in the countryside in England and Madeira where she and her husband divide their time.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2017
89 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Julia Ibbotson
12 books53 followersAcclaimed award-winning author Dr Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and concepts of time. She writes the Dr DuLac series of medieval time-slips/time travel mystery romances: A Shape on the Air, The Dragon Tree and The Rune Stone are the first three. Her new series (Dr Anna Petersen mysteries) starts with Daughter of Mercia. She studied English at Keele University, England, specialising in early medieval language, literature and history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics. She wrote her first novel at age 10, but became a school teacher, then an academic as a university lecturer and researcher. Julia spent a turbulent but exciting time in Ghana, West Africa, teaching and nursing, which inspired the Drumbeats trilogy (which begins in Ghana in the 1960s and continues through to the 1990s). Apart from insatiable reading, Julia loves world travel, choral singing, swimming, yoga, and walking in the UK and Madeira. Check out her website at http://www.juliaibbotsonauthor.com She is a member of the Society of Authors, the Historical Novel Society and the Romantic Novelists' Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 9, 2018
This was such a fun, quick read and I absolutely devoured it. Anything to do with any sort of time travel is sure to please me and this story was no different! I especially enjoyed how the time travel was done in this story, it was quite an interesting concept. I liked that it was short and sweet and didn’t drag on and on. It didn’t need to be any longer than it was, the story was captured perfectly despite its short length!
November 12, 2020
Viv DuLac present day - a university lecturer in medieval studies who has recently been betrayed and swindled by her live-in partner. The stress of the ending of this relationship coupled with the imminent loss of her home create the perfect circumstances for her to 'time-slip' back to the year 499 A.D. For some time she dismisses her time travels to the fact that she is 'dreaming' due to her current stresses, but eventually she realizes that events are happening concurrently in both worlds...
Lady Vivianne 499 A.D. - betrothed to the evil Sir Pelleas, Lady Vivianne seeks to escape his pagan, Saxon control and bring her community back under a more peaceful, Christian existance.
MY THOUGHTS
While reading, I learned several new words such as 'geburs' and 'thegns' in this historic saga which pays tribute to the "Lady of the Lake" legend. The book explored the 'space-time continuum' and made reference to "The Einstein-Rosen Bridge" theory. It also paid homage to the eternal 'good vs. evil' battle.
The 'shapes on the air' reference from the title alludes to the spirits and shadowy shapes of the dead.
Essentially a 'time-travel' romance, the book was well-researched as one would expect as the author is an academic and historian. Personally, I felt that less emphasis on 'hard thighs' and 'muscular forearms' would have made it more credible as a serious literary work rather than a 'bodice-ripper' romance.
All in all, I think this time-slip romance will be enjoyed by many fans of the genre as long as you know that you will have to suspend your disbelief for parts of the story. Many want to do just that, so their enjoyment will be unmarred.
3.5 STARS rounded down for Goodreads
Lady Vivianne 499 A.D. - betrothed to the evil Sir Pelleas, Lady Vivianne seeks to escape his pagan, Saxon control and bring her community back under a more peaceful, Christian existance.
MY THOUGHTS
While reading, I learned several new words such as 'geburs' and 'thegns' in this historic saga which pays tribute to the "Lady of the Lake" legend. The book explored the 'space-time continuum' and made reference to "The Einstein-Rosen Bridge" theory. It also paid homage to the eternal 'good vs. evil' battle.
The 'shapes on the air' reference from the title alludes to the spirits and shadowy shapes of the dead.
Essentially a 'time-travel' romance, the book was well-researched as one would expect as the author is an academic and historian. Personally, I felt that less emphasis on 'hard thighs' and 'muscular forearms' would have made it more credible as a serious literary work rather than a 'bodice-ripper' romance.
All in all, I think this time-slip romance will be enjoyed by many fans of the genre as long as you know that you will have to suspend your disbelief for parts of the story. Many want to do just that, so their enjoyment will be unmarred.
3.5 STARS rounded down for Goodreads
February 8, 2020
I will admit – and I mention it only in case you find the same – that I did find it a tad difficult to engage with Viv DuLac at the book’s start. I just didn’t like her very much: and I did struggle with the fact that an apparently intelligent and together woman could have been so stupid not to see through her obnoxious partner Pete, while he betrayed her trust through an affair with a former friend, allowing him to put her home and future at risk.
But as she drowned her sorrows in rather too much red wine, my feelings changed – she slowly began to feel more like my kind of girl (I think the writing maybe became more fluid and comfortable at that point too). However, a night-time walk to Cooney’s Mere might not have been the best idea she’d ever had. But a gentle push at the water’s edge, and the book then became something very different – and just what I’d hoped it would be, as we return to 499AD and meet Lady Vivianne.
I must say that I thought the way this book was constructed was incredibly clever – the contemporary and historical stories mirror each other, the characters all having counterparts in both timelines, and “lives…intertwined” (in the book’s blurb) is the quite perfect way to describe it.
Sometimes one of the most awkward things about time-slips can be the way the transitions are handled – but these are just perfect, and I particularly liked the attempts at rational explanation (goodness, Einstein-Bridge portals – who knew?), the way the triggers were made so believable, even the way the portal was used to allow present and past to interact.
Despite my faltering at the start, much of the strength of the story is in its characters. Lord Pelleas is even more of a boor than obnoxious Pete, and undoubtedly more powerful and dangerous: but he’s nicely counter-balanced by Lord Roland/Rory Netherbridge, perhaps a more unusual (but wholly believable, and distinctly dishy) romantic lead in his present day incarnation as local rector. Interestingly – and in the many time-slip books I’ve read, I think the first time I’ve seen it – Rory also has an awareness of his parallel existence, and that makes the whole premise considerably more intriguing.
Another major strength is the strikingly vivid recreation of the historical setting. I never fail to be impressed when depth of knowledge and research is quite evident, but used only to add richness to a story’s telling: when you read this one, do read the author’s afterword about the story’s historical context too, because it’s quite fascinating. I also very much liked the historical back story – of Lady Vivianne’s parents – drawing in some really nice touches of Arthurian myth and legend.
The story is just wonderful – gripping, with very real threat and danger, an enthralling mystery focused on hidden treasure, a wholly convincing romance, all across both timelines. It’s one of those books that it’s good to read in one sitting, letting the real world disappear – that’s exactly what I did, and it was the loveliest way to spend an afternoon.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one – and whether you enjoy time-slip or just a really well-told story, it’s most certainly one I’d recommend.
But as she drowned her sorrows in rather too much red wine, my feelings changed – she slowly began to feel more like my kind of girl (I think the writing maybe became more fluid and comfortable at that point too). However, a night-time walk to Cooney’s Mere might not have been the best idea she’d ever had. But a gentle push at the water’s edge, and the book then became something very different – and just what I’d hoped it would be, as we return to 499AD and meet Lady Vivianne.
I must say that I thought the way this book was constructed was incredibly clever – the contemporary and historical stories mirror each other, the characters all having counterparts in both timelines, and “lives…intertwined” (in the book’s blurb) is the quite perfect way to describe it.
Sometimes one of the most awkward things about time-slips can be the way the transitions are handled – but these are just perfect, and I particularly liked the attempts at rational explanation (goodness, Einstein-Bridge portals – who knew?), the way the triggers were made so believable, even the way the portal was used to allow present and past to interact.
Despite my faltering at the start, much of the strength of the story is in its characters. Lord Pelleas is even more of a boor than obnoxious Pete, and undoubtedly more powerful and dangerous: but he’s nicely counter-balanced by Lord Roland/Rory Netherbridge, perhaps a more unusual (but wholly believable, and distinctly dishy) romantic lead in his present day incarnation as local rector. Interestingly – and in the many time-slip books I’ve read, I think the first time I’ve seen it – Rory also has an awareness of his parallel existence, and that makes the whole premise considerably more intriguing.
Another major strength is the strikingly vivid recreation of the historical setting. I never fail to be impressed when depth of knowledge and research is quite evident, but used only to add richness to a story’s telling: when you read this one, do read the author’s afterword about the story’s historical context too, because it’s quite fascinating. I also very much liked the historical back story – of Lady Vivianne’s parents – drawing in some really nice touches of Arthurian myth and legend.
The story is just wonderful – gripping, with very real threat and danger, an enthralling mystery focused on hidden treasure, a wholly convincing romance, all across both timelines. It’s one of those books that it’s good to read in one sitting, letting the real world disappear – that’s exactly what I did, and it was the loveliest way to spend an afternoon.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one – and whether you enjoy time-slip or just a really well-told story, it’s most certainly one I’d recommend.
August 23, 2017
After having read and reviewed the Drumbeats trilogy and S.C.A.R.S A Shape on the Air, Julia’s first published novel with Endeavour Press has moved her writing on to another level. A time slip novel set between present day and medieval times I found it an entertaining and interesting read.
Poor Viv DuLac, what a shock having her partner Pete return from a conference only to deliver such cruel news. Worse still, not only had he betrayed her with another woman, but that woman happens to be a close friend of hers. Things, however are about to become far worse. Viv returns home from work one evening to find a letter from solicitors indicating the flat is to be sold and the money used to cover Pete’s business debts. Apparently it’s something she agreed to and they have signed documentation to prove it. So why is it she can’t remember any of this? Late in the evening after drowning her sorrows in a few glasses of wine she decides on a walk to clear her head. Reaching the the edge of the village she finds herself on the banks of Cooney’s Mere. It is here as she feels herself being pushed into the water by an unseen hand, that she returns to AD 499.
Both Viv and her medieval ‘other self’ Lady Vivianne’ are in difficulties. In present day Viv has Pete and the loss of her home in her ‘other life’ it’s Lord Pelleas, a great oaf of a man determined to marry her and claim her lands. The hero is the dark and dashing Lord Roland, instructed by Lady Vivianne’s parents to watch over and protect her. And back in present day, Viv meets local rector Rory Netherbridge, who shares her interest in medieval history and admits to having a similar experience as Roland’s character.
Julia’s knowledge of all things medieval gives the book a very realistic feel. If you love romance, mystery, hidden treasure and danger all wrapped up in a time slip story then this is for you.
Poor Viv DuLac, what a shock having her partner Pete return from a conference only to deliver such cruel news. Worse still, not only had he betrayed her with another woman, but that woman happens to be a close friend of hers. Things, however are about to become far worse. Viv returns home from work one evening to find a letter from solicitors indicating the flat is to be sold and the money used to cover Pete’s business debts. Apparently it’s something she agreed to and they have signed documentation to prove it. So why is it she can’t remember any of this? Late in the evening after drowning her sorrows in a few glasses of wine she decides on a walk to clear her head. Reaching the the edge of the village she finds herself on the banks of Cooney’s Mere. It is here as she feels herself being pushed into the water by an unseen hand, that she returns to AD 499.
Both Viv and her medieval ‘other self’ Lady Vivianne’ are in difficulties. In present day Viv has Pete and the loss of her home in her ‘other life’ it’s Lord Pelleas, a great oaf of a man determined to marry her and claim her lands. The hero is the dark and dashing Lord Roland, instructed by Lady Vivianne’s parents to watch over and protect her. And back in present day, Viv meets local rector Rory Netherbridge, who shares her interest in medieval history and admits to having a similar experience as Roland’s character.
Julia’s knowledge of all things medieval gives the book a very realistic feel. If you love romance, mystery, hidden treasure and danger all wrapped up in a time slip story then this is for you.
August 27, 2017
4.5 -A Shape In the Air is a timeslip that tightly links a past storyline with the present. Dr. Viv DuLac is an academic who specializes in Anglo Saxon history. Her perfect world crumbles when her partner leaves her for her best friend but not before mortgaging everything they have without her knowledge to finance a failing venture. The stars are aligned for a shift and the fabric between the present world and the past is split pulling Viv into a Celtic-Romano world where she is the Lady Vivianne. In the past, the Lady Vivianne has to deal with a warrior charlatan who is close to taking control of her people and usurping her inheritance. Along the way, Viv and Lady Vivianne both find their own champion and use their wits to foil their enemy.
I grew up with stories of Arthur and Lady of the Lake, who is one of my personal favourites, so I was delighted that the heroine was linked to her. The author borrows elements from these myths for the past story but grounds them in a historical setting. There is plenty of rich historical details to delight the histfic reader as well as a growing contemporary romance to keep things interesting. Too often with timeslips, I find that one thread (for me, usually the historical) is more compelling than the other, but with this story, both were equally balanced thanks to the challenges that Viv was facing in her current life.
For those who enjoy a mixture of history and time travel, and especially those who have a love of the Arthurian legends, this book is an enjoyable read.
I grew up with stories of Arthur and Lady of the Lake, who is one of my personal favourites, so I was delighted that the heroine was linked to her. The author borrows elements from these myths for the past story but grounds them in a historical setting. There is plenty of rich historical details to delight the histfic reader as well as a growing contemporary romance to keep things interesting. Too often with timeslips, I find that one thread (for me, usually the historical) is more compelling than the other, but with this story, both were equally balanced thanks to the challenges that Viv was facing in her current life.
For those who enjoy a mixture of history and time travel, and especially those who have a love of the Arthurian legends, this book is an enjoyable read.
August 28, 2017
This story has a wonderful combination of having a mystery that needs solving, a time slip aspect and also an intriguing set of characters from both time periods. Both timelines work well within the story and the transition from one to the other was on the whole easy to understand and felt pretty natural. With the added mystery making a great puzzle that I couldn't wait for it to be solved.
I haven't read many time slip stories however the ones that I have read have all been entertaining and the history aspect to it always makes me appreciate them even more. If you enjoy history especially surrounding this time period I think you will really enjoy the detail that Julia Ibbotson has gone to. I have to admit that whilst I'm fascinated with history I have next to no knowledge of medieval history. So it was actually quite nice to get maybe a hint as to what life was like at the point in our past. If you aren't a massive fan of historical stories than you may not find these parts as interesting. However the story is still intriguing and the romance side to it was also a lovely addition.
The story is well thought out and as anyone knows when it comes to time travel it can end up getting pretty confusing. However A Shape on the Air manages this subject easily without making too many complex scenes. The plot runs smoothly and before I knew it I was halfway through and was really enjoying both the story and the characters. There is a good balance of likeable characters along with some downright nasty ones that make you want to root for Viv and Vivianne even more.
A very enjoyable time slip story with added romance and mystery to keep you intrigued!
With thanks to Brook Cottage Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I haven't read many time slip stories however the ones that I have read have all been entertaining and the history aspect to it always makes me appreciate them even more. If you enjoy history especially surrounding this time period I think you will really enjoy the detail that Julia Ibbotson has gone to. I have to admit that whilst I'm fascinated with history I have next to no knowledge of medieval history. So it was actually quite nice to get maybe a hint as to what life was like at the point in our past. If you aren't a massive fan of historical stories than you may not find these parts as interesting. However the story is still intriguing and the romance side to it was also a lovely addition.
The story is well thought out and as anyone knows when it comes to time travel it can end up getting pretty confusing. However A Shape on the Air manages this subject easily without making too many complex scenes. The plot runs smoothly and before I knew it I was halfway through and was really enjoying both the story and the characters. There is a good balance of likeable characters along with some downright nasty ones that make you want to root for Viv and Vivianne even more.
A very enjoyable time slip story with added romance and mystery to keep you intrigued!
With thanks to Brook Cottage Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 25, 2017
A Shape on the Air was an amazing book to read. Every single page was filed with vivid detail that made me feel like I was experiencing the story alongside Viv DuLac . I was angry at Pete when he left her for another woman and left her without her home. The idea of Viv being able to experience the past after her emotional state opened the portal was simply amazing. The author did a wonderful job in keeping both the past and present realistic, while also blending them together into one amazing story!
October 29, 2017
It was ok
A time slip novel with a Mills and Boone romance . The original concept was okay but quickly got boring .I skipped big boring chunks .The usual miscommunication of " He's married," to "He's not married." This just made the novel ridiculous .
A time slip novel with a Mills and Boone romance . The original concept was okay but quickly got boring .I skipped big boring chunks .The usual miscommunication of " He's married," to "He's not married." This just made the novel ridiculous .
August 21, 2017
Julia Ibbotson has been an author I have always enjoyed reading and this book has shown me the diversity of genres that she is able to turn her hand to. Having read her children's fantasy book S.C.A.R.S I did wonder if it would only be a matter of time before writing in this fantasy genre developed into something more for an adult readership from her usual romance /contemporary fiction I had read from her previously. Drumbeats being such an intriguing book for me. A Shape On The Air is proof that Julia Ibbotson is a diverse writer able to give something to readers of differing genres.
In the book we are introduced to Viv Du Lac, a university lecturer who appears to be blissfully happy with her life. She has a man she adores, and is living in a place she loves and completely enjoying her job studying and teaching Medieval history and it seems that she has it all. And then, her partner drops a bombshell and her whole life is turned upside down. The trauma of this seems to set in motion a series of very weird experiences for her when she finds herself thrown in and out of time, living the life of Lady Vivianne, living in the Dark Ages and desperately trying to fight off the advances of her so called protector Sir Pelleas. She is alone in this world after the suspicious death of her parents and is betrothed to Sir Pelleas, a man she despises as he has little or no values and is claiming Vivianne and all the lands and people that her parents once ruled over. It seems that only Sir Roland and her young apprentice maid are her only allies to help uncover the mystery of her parents death and the magic that seems to be her destiny. However, she is unaware of Viv Du Lac and her involvement in this mystery from across the ages.
This is a really enjoyable time-slip romance. Julia Ibbotson clearly knows her stuff when it comes to medieval history and the depth of research that was undertaken for this book is evident. There is quite a lot of historical detail to process and there were times when I had to go and look up some words and their meanings / context but being a bit of a history buff I actually didn't mind this. If you like historical accuracy then Julia Ibbotson has left nothing out! I found this period in history quite fascinating and one I hadn't known an awful lot about. It is laid out in this book brilliantly. There were other times however that I felt there was unnecessary detail regarding certain things such as brand names of jeans, coffee machines etc but this didn't in any way detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Julia Ibbotson has created fascinating characters and I did have a few light-bulb moments of recognition regarding people and names etc. Sir Pelleas is a character that quite easily makes your skin crawl and Sir Roland of course is definitely swoon-worthy along with the hunky Rev Roland! As well as a modern day mystery that has its foundations back in the Dark Ages, A Shape On The Air is a super read and treasure hunt all rolled into one and I really enjoyed it. With just the right amount of suspense to leave the reader thinking about the connections through time that bind the characters, its a really great book that I'd recommend to those of you who love to disappear through time.
In the book we are introduced to Viv Du Lac, a university lecturer who appears to be blissfully happy with her life. She has a man she adores, and is living in a place she loves and completely enjoying her job studying and teaching Medieval history and it seems that she has it all. And then, her partner drops a bombshell and her whole life is turned upside down. The trauma of this seems to set in motion a series of very weird experiences for her when she finds herself thrown in and out of time, living the life of Lady Vivianne, living in the Dark Ages and desperately trying to fight off the advances of her so called protector Sir Pelleas. She is alone in this world after the suspicious death of her parents and is betrothed to Sir Pelleas, a man she despises as he has little or no values and is claiming Vivianne and all the lands and people that her parents once ruled over. It seems that only Sir Roland and her young apprentice maid are her only allies to help uncover the mystery of her parents death and the magic that seems to be her destiny. However, she is unaware of Viv Du Lac and her involvement in this mystery from across the ages.
This is a really enjoyable time-slip romance. Julia Ibbotson clearly knows her stuff when it comes to medieval history and the depth of research that was undertaken for this book is evident. There is quite a lot of historical detail to process and there were times when I had to go and look up some words and their meanings / context but being a bit of a history buff I actually didn't mind this. If you like historical accuracy then Julia Ibbotson has left nothing out! I found this period in history quite fascinating and one I hadn't known an awful lot about. It is laid out in this book brilliantly. There were other times however that I felt there was unnecessary detail regarding certain things such as brand names of jeans, coffee machines etc but this didn't in any way detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Julia Ibbotson has created fascinating characters and I did have a few light-bulb moments of recognition regarding people and names etc. Sir Pelleas is a character that quite easily makes your skin crawl and Sir Roland of course is definitely swoon-worthy along with the hunky Rev Roland! As well as a modern day mystery that has its foundations back in the Dark Ages, A Shape On The Air is a super read and treasure hunt all rolled into one and I really enjoyed it. With just the right amount of suspense to leave the reader thinking about the connections through time that bind the characters, its a really great book that I'd recommend to those of you who love to disappear through time.
August 30, 2017
One of the difficult things for me when reading timeslip novels is the movement between the past and present, but in A Shape On The Air these switches feel natural, and not contrived as they have in others. The characters are well-drawn in both time periods, with lovely details in the medieval period, which really capture the essence of the place and the people living there. As I’m still a few chapters away from the end as I type this, I won’t be spoiling anything for you, but I know I’ll fly through the rest of the story. It’s an easy, enjoyable read, which I’d recommend to any fans of timeslip or medieval / dark ages historical fiction. Enjoy!
September 27, 2017
An intriguing mystery awaits you, dear reader. Time slipping to the 5th century, parallel lives, a Dark Age village in Britain. The story drew me in as Viv, and her friends unravel the secrets of her strange experiences. Well written, characters you can believe, twists and surprises, and a lovely descriptive touch make this two era tale an excellent choice whether you like mysteries, or a bit of post-Roman British historical fiction. I highly recommend this.. 4 stars.
February 3, 2020
Seamlessly slipping us between eras, this book combines the elements of mystery and romance with dangerous precision. It appealed both to this historical fiction lover in me and the mystery lover. With great details and wonderful characters, I was drawn deeply into the book and easily blocked outside distractions. Great escape read.
April 18, 2020
Viv DuLac’s blissful life is about to splinter in a world-transcending ripple.
It’s an average midweek workday and as much as Viv loves her job as a university professor, she is excited to get home to the flat she loves and shares with her lover Pete. She excitedly awaits his return from a business trip and prepares a romantic dinner to welcome him home.
When Pete shocks her with the news that he is leaving her for Gwyn, one of Viv’s best friends, and that she will have to be giving up her beloved home to be used as an investment for his business, Viv’s idyllic life is shattered - in an instant.
Viv drinks a whole lot of wine and needing to collect her fragmented mind and heart, goes out to get some air. Walking without a destination, she finds herself standing in front of the local pond. Viv is mysteriously drawn to the moonlit, shimmering water and quietly glides in.
Waking in the body and person of Lady Vivienne – a spirited and lively highborn in the year 499, Viv has no choice but to embark on a crazy, time-travel adventure. Lady Vivienne’s got her hands full as well: having lost both her parents, she is being forced to marry the loathsome Sir Pelleas in order to fulfill her inheritance. But she is not making it easy for him and accepting help from a few reliable and loyal friends, puts up a formidable fight.
Viv continues to slip in and back through the time-portal and believes she is cracking up. Viv confides in her good friend Ellie, gets zany neighbor Tilly involved and meets the handsome vicar, Rory and discovers that they each play a part in her time-traveling mystery. Rory, most significantly because he confesses to Viv that he too has been back to the year 499.
Will life in 499 mirror present life for Viv? Are Viv and Rory destined across time, to be together?
A Shape on the Air is a historically packed, delightful romance that makes it possible to believe that love transcends the ages, crosses parallel timelines and that no matter what, you will find who your heart is meant for.
Thank you to Endeavour Media and Rachel’s Random Resources for the read of Julia Ibbotson’s, A Shape on the Air.
Opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.
It’s an average midweek workday and as much as Viv loves her job as a university professor, she is excited to get home to the flat she loves and shares with her lover Pete. She excitedly awaits his return from a business trip and prepares a romantic dinner to welcome him home.
When Pete shocks her with the news that he is leaving her for Gwyn, one of Viv’s best friends, and that she will have to be giving up her beloved home to be used as an investment for his business, Viv’s idyllic life is shattered - in an instant.
Viv drinks a whole lot of wine and needing to collect her fragmented mind and heart, goes out to get some air. Walking without a destination, she finds herself standing in front of the local pond. Viv is mysteriously drawn to the moonlit, shimmering water and quietly glides in.
Waking in the body and person of Lady Vivienne – a spirited and lively highborn in the year 499, Viv has no choice but to embark on a crazy, time-travel adventure. Lady Vivienne’s got her hands full as well: having lost both her parents, she is being forced to marry the loathsome Sir Pelleas in order to fulfill her inheritance. But she is not making it easy for him and accepting help from a few reliable and loyal friends, puts up a formidable fight.
Viv continues to slip in and back through the time-portal and believes she is cracking up. Viv confides in her good friend Ellie, gets zany neighbor Tilly involved and meets the handsome vicar, Rory and discovers that they each play a part in her time-traveling mystery. Rory, most significantly because he confesses to Viv that he too has been back to the year 499.
Will life in 499 mirror present life for Viv? Are Viv and Rory destined across time, to be together?
A Shape on the Air is a historically packed, delightful romance that makes it possible to believe that love transcends the ages, crosses parallel timelines and that no matter what, you will find who your heart is meant for.
Thank you to Endeavour Media and Rachel’s Random Resources for the read of Julia Ibbotson’s, A Shape on the Air.
Opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.
December 22, 2019
A Shape on the Air is a time travel romance with a fascinating plot and intriguing use of characters. In the book blurb, the author posits that “this is a novel that asks: is there still ‘magic’ in the world?”
I am not sure of the answer to the question of magic, as the book presents a plausible scientific explanation for the time travel. But there is plenty of magic between the characters, and certainly an other-worldly aspect.
Dr. Viv DuLac is a professor of medieval times, studying Beowulf when the book begins. She has a lovely life at school, and at her pleasant apartment in a peaceful village in England. When her partner inexplicably turns hateful and dumps her, Viv’s life is ruptured.
Perhaps the shock of her loss triggers what happens to her next- she slips through time to 499 A.D. In what I thought was a really nifty approach to the story, Viv becomes Lady Vivienne and people from her modern life also appear in her 499 A.D. life. Some are friends and some are enemies, “but something is calling across the centuries and times.”
The author does a stunning job of setting up the time travel so that it makes sense. As the handsome Vicar/Knight explains- it appears that they are able to pass from one dimension to another. “There is a tear in the fabric of the universe where two worlds can touch.”
All of the characters are memorable, whether modern or medieval. A key, crucifix and chest are important elements. Much action and adventure make for a consuming and exciting read. (Although at time I felt rather sorry for Viv/Lady Vivienne because both her lives because so dangerous and exhausting!) The romance is satisfying. The time period and lifestyles of 499 A.D. were fascinating. If you like Time Travel and Romance, this book is a great way to make the time pass!
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
I am not sure of the answer to the question of magic, as the book presents a plausible scientific explanation for the time travel. But there is plenty of magic between the characters, and certainly an other-worldly aspect.
Dr. Viv DuLac is a professor of medieval times, studying Beowulf when the book begins. She has a lovely life at school, and at her pleasant apartment in a peaceful village in England. When her partner inexplicably turns hateful and dumps her, Viv’s life is ruptured.
Perhaps the shock of her loss triggers what happens to her next- she slips through time to 499 A.D. In what I thought was a really nifty approach to the story, Viv becomes Lady Vivienne and people from her modern life also appear in her 499 A.D. life. Some are friends and some are enemies, “but something is calling across the centuries and times.”
The author does a stunning job of setting up the time travel so that it makes sense. As the handsome Vicar/Knight explains- it appears that they are able to pass from one dimension to another. “There is a tear in the fabric of the universe where two worlds can touch.”
All of the characters are memorable, whether modern or medieval. A key, crucifix and chest are important elements. Much action and adventure make for a consuming and exciting read. (Although at time I felt rather sorry for Viv/Lady Vivienne because both her lives because so dangerous and exhausting!) The romance is satisfying. The time period and lifestyles of 499 A.D. were fascinating. If you like Time Travel and Romance, this book is a great way to make the time pass!
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
February 11, 2020
When I signed up for this tour, I was very much on the fence about whether I’d love it or not. Now I’ve finished it, I can assure you that I managed to fall onto one side very easily. Even with a few things that I didn’t like, I still found myself really enjoying this novel.
I liked that Julia created a reason for the time-slipping and created her own rhyme, reason and method. It made this element uniquely hers. The fact that Viv was able to speak to others about what was happening and get their help and support through the confusing time was amazing.
Also, the slow build towards a relationship (remember, this is not a romance!) for Viv was really well done. It didn’t feel forced or weird like they sometimes can. If you’re not a fan of romance, then you don’t need to worry with this one. There’s only a couple of small sections that talk about the romance aspect that you can easily skip over as it doesn’t really impact the story.
There were a couple of things I wasn’t a fan of. Given how descriptive Julia’s writing is, I felt the naming of the friends in both times the same was a bit overkill. Julia could have named them differently in each time and let their personalities and loyalties do the talking. I actually found myself rolling my eyes and thinking “duh” when it was revealed because it was just too much.
Also, Pete’s actions in the early part of the book just felt odd to me. I’m luck enough to have never experienced domestic violence so I don’t know if my perception is off. But it felt like there would have been signs to point towards him acting the way he did. Even if that was a first and only time, it felt more like he’d been possessed, or someone had replaced his personality or something. Although that’s all based on limited knowledge and how it was written.
In the grand scheme of the book, those little annoyances were nothing. They had no real impact on the story. Only on my experience reading it.
I liked that Julia created a reason for the time-slipping and created her own rhyme, reason and method. It made this element uniquely hers. The fact that Viv was able to speak to others about what was happening and get their help and support through the confusing time was amazing.
Also, the slow build towards a relationship (remember, this is not a romance!) for Viv was really well done. It didn’t feel forced or weird like they sometimes can. If you’re not a fan of romance, then you don’t need to worry with this one. There’s only a couple of small sections that talk about the romance aspect that you can easily skip over as it doesn’t really impact the story.
There were a couple of things I wasn’t a fan of. Given how descriptive Julia’s writing is, I felt the naming of the friends in both times the same was a bit overkill. Julia could have named them differently in each time and let their personalities and loyalties do the talking. I actually found myself rolling my eyes and thinking “duh” when it was revealed because it was just too much.
Also, Pete’s actions in the early part of the book just felt odd to me. I’m luck enough to have never experienced domestic violence so I don’t know if my perception is off. But it felt like there would have been signs to point towards him acting the way he did. Even if that was a first and only time, it felt more like he’d been possessed, or someone had replaced his personality or something. Although that’s all based on limited knowledge and how it was written.
In the grand scheme of the book, those little annoyances were nothing. They had no real impact on the story. Only on my experience reading it.
November 6, 2018
“She heard the chime of the church clock in the village. Midnight. The hour of witches and ghosts. The hour of magic.” Thus begins a fast-paced, time-slip adventure. University lecturer Viv DuLac lives with her partner, Pete, in a flat she loves and is very happy with her life. But her perfect world collapses when Pete tells her he is leaving her for Viv’s best friend, and that he has leveraged the flat for his business. Utterly distraught, Viv takes a walk at midnight and falls into the local pond known as Cooney’s Mere. It is a time portal, and Viv finds herself in the year 499 AD, in the body of Lady Vivianne, orphaned and betrothed to a man she despises, the uncouth, devious Sir Pelleas.
The novel is, at its heart, a touching romance; “a love that lasts for lifetimes”, to quote the catch-line on the cover. But it is also an intriguing detective story, and Julia Ibbotson skilfully interweaves the past and present worlds, with a mystery to be solved, and wrongs to be righted, in both time periods. Viv’s present day troubles are well drawn, whilst Lady Vivianne’s world equally comes alive with its sights, sounds and smells – from the purple thyme added to the pine logs burning in the hearth, to the stinking chamber buckets and midden pits. For all those who enjoy romances, and time-slip tales in the best Barbara Erskine tradition, I would highly recommend this novel.
The novel is, at its heart, a touching romance; “a love that lasts for lifetimes”, to quote the catch-line on the cover. But it is also an intriguing detective story, and Julia Ibbotson skilfully interweaves the past and present worlds, with a mystery to be solved, and wrongs to be righted, in both time periods. Viv’s present day troubles are well drawn, whilst Lady Vivianne’s world equally comes alive with its sights, sounds and smells – from the purple thyme added to the pine logs burning in the hearth, to the stinking chamber buckets and midden pits. For all those who enjoy romances, and time-slip tales in the best Barbara Erskine tradition, I would highly recommend this novel.
November 27, 2017
I enjoyed "A Shape on the Air" by Julia Ibbotson more than I thought I would.It was a fast and entertaining read with well thought out characters and an interesting plot and premise.
This is probably the first time slip novel that I've read. The main character, Viv, finds herself slipping back to the year 499 where she is Lady Vivanne, and her troubles seem to mirror what is happening in her life in the present. I liked how each character had their own historical self who was the same, yet different. Ibbotson did a good job of making sure each character had their own personality traits so that each could add something different to the story.
The plot was engrossing and there was a lot of drawn out tension that made me keep turning the page to see what happened next. However, there were points where the dialogue seemed forced and unnatural and there were also times when the book would be too wordy with Ibbotson over describing a scene.
Overall, I did enjoy "A Shape on the Air". The story itself was enough for me to get over some technical aspects that I didn't care for so that I could sit back and like what I was reading.
This is probably the first time slip novel that I've read. The main character, Viv, finds herself slipping back to the year 499 where she is Lady Vivanne, and her troubles seem to mirror what is happening in her life in the present. I liked how each character had their own historical self who was the same, yet different. Ibbotson did a good job of making sure each character had their own personality traits so that each could add something different to the story.
The plot was engrossing and there was a lot of drawn out tension that made me keep turning the page to see what happened next. However, there were points where the dialogue seemed forced and unnatural and there were also times when the book would be too wordy with Ibbotson over describing a scene.
Overall, I did enjoy "A Shape on the Air". The story itself was enough for me to get over some technical aspects that I didn't care for so that I could sit back and like what I was reading.
March 13, 2022
Dr Viv DuLac finds herself dumped without warning by her boyfriend, Pete. Reeling from the shock, she connects with a woman from the Dark Ages, Lady Vivianne. Is she dreaming? Are they visions? Or is she really slipping into the body of the Dark Age lady whose parents died in a fire when she was young, and who is soon due to marry Sir Pelleas, a brute who has taken over as chief of her settlement.
Through Lady Vivianne, Viv receives an ancient key, which unlocks a secret from her late parents’ past that she’d never been aware of.
As their lives intertwine, can Viv free Lady Vivianne from her fate? And what about her own life? A race against time begins...
A Shape on the Air is a sweet time-slip romance with dark undertones that takes the readers on a journey to Britain in the Dark Ages, the centuries following the retreat of the Roman armies. The arrival of the Saxons in the form of Sir Pelleas and his henchmen sends fear across the Romano-Brythonic communities. This is portrayed very well, as Ms Ibbotson deftly combines history with Lady Vivienne's life.
A must-read for fans of time-slip and time-travel romance.
Through Lady Vivianne, Viv receives an ancient key, which unlocks a secret from her late parents’ past that she’d never been aware of.
As their lives intertwine, can Viv free Lady Vivianne from her fate? And what about her own life? A race against time begins...
A Shape on the Air is a sweet time-slip romance with dark undertones that takes the readers on a journey to Britain in the Dark Ages, the centuries following the retreat of the Roman armies. The arrival of the Saxons in the form of Sir Pelleas and his henchmen sends fear across the Romano-Brythonic communities. This is portrayed very well, as Ms Ibbotson deftly combines history with Lady Vivienne's life.
A must-read for fans of time-slip and time-travel romance.
February 14, 2018
An absolutely captivating book.
This brilliant story is an absolutely enthralling blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction.
Drawn into the life of Vivianne Du Lac, history professor, the reader is almost immediately plunged into an intricate web of complications, challenges and unexpected developments that are woven together so that no strand of the story is independent of the others. The narrative is smooth and well-constructed, and Ibbotson's writing is excellent.
The characters are very well crafted, especially given that each fits into more than one story strand. Viv is the most complex and detailed of them all, being the central character, but the others are all given depth through their interactions and responses as the story progresses.
More than simply being enjoyable, this is a thought-provoking and involving read in which the reader becomes completely engrossed.
This brilliant story is an absolutely enthralling blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction.
Drawn into the life of Vivianne Du Lac, history professor, the reader is almost immediately plunged into an intricate web of complications, challenges and unexpected developments that are woven together so that no strand of the story is independent of the others. The narrative is smooth and well-constructed, and Ibbotson's writing is excellent.
The characters are very well crafted, especially given that each fits into more than one story strand. Viv is the most complex and detailed of them all, being the central character, but the others are all given depth through their interactions and responses as the story progresses.
More than simply being enjoyable, this is a thought-provoking and involving read in which the reader becomes completely engrossed.
May 19, 2019
As I adore time-slip novels and being a bit of a history freak, I’d been looking to reading this novel. I wasn’t disappointed! Viv Du Lac is an academic specialising in early medieval studies who loves her job and her partner, Peter. Her world implodes when she learns that Peter is leaving her for one of her close friends and she finds herself slipping back in time to the so-called Dark Ages, living the life of a Lady Vivienne who is reluctantly betrothed to a bullish Saxon lord but is in love with Romano-British Sir Roland. As the lives of the two women in different times intermingle, Viv discovers that she can help resolve the problems Lady Vivienne and Sir Roland are experiencing. This was a meticulously researched and wonderfully evocative novel with overtones of the Arthurian story. Loved it!
June 14, 2019
LOVED IT TO THE VERY LAST PAGE
I did not feel that the characters were stereotypical at all. Some people may wonder how the main character didn't see how scummy her ex was before he dumped her. I know personally and I have friends who know that sometimes you don't really know someone until it all falls apart. I did not feel that the back and forth between the two time periods to be confusing and it actually increased the suspense. I am a fairly quick reader and devoured this in less than 24 hours. This is a full length novel, not a novella. I definitely plan to read anything else by this author.
I did not feel that the characters were stereotypical at all. Some people may wonder how the main character didn't see how scummy her ex was before he dumped her. I know personally and I have friends who know that sometimes you don't really know someone until it all falls apart. I did not feel that the back and forth between the two time periods to be confusing and it actually increased the suspense. I am a fairly quick reader and devoured this in less than 24 hours. This is a full length novel, not a novella. I definitely plan to read anything else by this author.
February 9, 2020
I was excited to read this book after reviewing Drumbeats, Walking In The Rain and Finding Jess, by this author.
This book see Dr Viv Du Lac’s world fall apart when her husband leaves her for her best friend. The trauma of this sees her enter a time slip when she goes back into 499 AD, where she is Lady Vivianne.
What I liked about this book is how the author uses the time slip to show the similarities between the women even though the difference in years. They both face their fears together as each one helps the other.
It is a very good use of a time slip and the authenticity of the writing shows how much research has gone into the book.
This book see Dr Viv Du Lac’s world fall apart when her husband leaves her for her best friend. The trauma of this sees her enter a time slip when she goes back into 499 AD, where she is Lady Vivianne.
What I liked about this book is how the author uses the time slip to show the similarities between the women even though the difference in years. They both face their fears together as each one helps the other.
It is a very good use of a time slip and the authenticity of the writing shows how much research has gone into the book.
December 10, 2017
A Shape on Air was a very interesting book that kept me guessing as I was never really sure on how the book was going to end until I got to the very last page. When I finished the book my only regret is that there was not sequel ready for me to dig into. The characters were all great and I loved the transition between time periods and how the transitions began even if it did mean bad things for one of the main characters. Overall, this was a blast to read and I wish there were more books like it!
August 16, 2018
I dislike giving bad reviews, but sadly, this book didn't do it for me. I was so excited after reading the description that I ordered it from Amazon immediately. However, the writing was awkward and I could not like the main character at all. I donated this to my recycling bin.
Boo.
Boo.
March 2, 2018
Not enjoyable
Overly contrived plot. Not enough historical detail to be called historical fiction. I felt they the writing was shallow. Predictable outcome.
Overly contrived plot. Not enough historical detail to be called historical fiction. I felt they the writing was shallow. Predictable outcome.
March 2, 2018
Interesting story line; writing is at times very good and at others simplistic to the point of awkward.
October 2, 2018
Disappointing
Not as good as I hoped with a jumbled storyline and with lacklustre characters. Don't bother reading if you want a book to keep you enthralled
Not as good as I hoped with a jumbled storyline and with lacklustre characters. Don't bother reading if you want a book to keep you enthralled
April 30, 2019
Trite “time slip” romance
The writing was passable and the afterword interesting but, oh my,was the plot was predictable and the characters generally too insipid.
The writing was passable and the afterword interesting but, oh my,was the plot was predictable and the characters generally too insipid.
September 30, 2021
Wonderful heartwarming story
Really loved this story and miss Viv and Rory already! Wish there was a sequel!
Looking forward to reading more from this author
Really loved this story and miss Viv and Rory already! Wish there was a sequel!
Looking forward to reading more from this author
June 29, 2022
It takes a lot for me to DNF, but this book was stilted and fumbling. Good idea, just poorly executed.
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