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A Shape on the Air
Unlocking a love that lasts for lifetimes - and when Dr Viv DuLac, a medievalist and academic, slips into 499 AD and into the body of Lady Vivianne, little does she realise that both their lives across the centuries will become intertwined as they fight for their dreams … and their lives.
How can the key which Viv brings back with her to the present unlock the love they both crave, and help them through the dangers they both face? And how 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?
“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
“Well-rounded characters and a wealth of historical research make this a real page-turner” - Amazon review
“Enthralling” - Amazon review
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.
How can the key which Viv brings back with her to the present unlock the love they both crave, and help them through the dangers they both face? And how 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?
“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
“Well-rounded characters and a wealth of historical research make this a real page-turner” - Amazon review
“Enthralling” - Amazon review
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.
218 pages, Paperback
Published July 31, 2017
16 people are currently reading
24 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 21, 2022
I thought this was a brilliantly written time-slip historical romance fiction . It took me a little while to get used to going from past to present as it's not something I'm used too but as soon as I did the book flowed beautifully.
The storyline is one full of intrigue and has plenty of things to want you to read on. The book is written in a great depth of description that you can tell the author has done research into the era to make it as accurate as possible. A really great read!
The storyline is one full of intrigue and has plenty of things to want you to read on. The book is written in a great depth of description that you can tell the author has done research into the era to make it as accurate as possible. A really great read!
October 17, 2022
A quick and easy read that I absolutely devoured in one sitting. It was well written with a compelling and engaging storyline that kept me gripped the whole way through and characters that were extremely well developed for a short story and I loved them.
I am finding more and more that I love books with stories that contain time travel, especially historical fiction and this one was done exceptionally well. I really liked it.
I am finding more and more that I love books with stories that contain time travel, especially historical fiction and this one was done exceptionally well. I really liked it.
February 20, 2023
Dr. Viv DuLac's relationship abruptly ends and she finds herself slipping into the life of Lady Vivienne and facing danger from a man who plans to marry her to gain control of her inherited lands. With events and people in 499 seeming to be echoed in her modern life, Viv calls on her knowledge as a medievalist to puzzle out these time slips, as well as the help of friends and a new acquaintance to determine what must be done to aid the "shapes on the air."
With an intriguing scientific take on time travel and a fascinating interpretation of the Lady of the Lake legend, A Shape on the Air is a spellbinding time slip story. Deeply researched and engagingly written, this is one for the re-read shelf.
Highly recommended.
This review refers to a digital copy I voluntarily received and read courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
With an intriguing scientific take on time travel and a fascinating interpretation of the Lady of the Lake legend, A Shape on the Air is a spellbinding time slip story. Deeply researched and engagingly written, this is one for the re-read shelf.
Highly recommended.
This review refers to a digital copy I voluntarily received and read courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
February 28, 2024
The book is basically a time slip story in which modern-day Dr Viv DuLac finds herself in the year 499 AD as the Lady Vivianne. The first time it happens she is deeply shocked and disbelieving. How did she get there? And what is the connection with water and the mere?
Viv's partner Pete suddenly decided to leave her for one of her best friends. She cannot understand why, when they have always had such a strong relationship, living together in her beloved apartment. He also seems to have undergone a major head transplant, as he has become a totally different person, no longer kind and caring, but bullish and selfish. She is devastated and traumatised by his behaviour.
Viv is understandably distraught until she meets Rory, who reminds her of Sir Roland in her 'other' life. But how can that be? And why doesn't he treat her as if she is going mad?
As the story progresses, she slips back and forth with increasing frequency, but while she can spend hours or even days in the past, time stands still in the here and now.
The author has undertaken a considerable amount of research, because we are not talking about slipping into a made up fantasy world. I know very little about the so-called 'dark ages', but I can see that the references to the language, artifacts, lifestyle, and beliefs of the time are both detailed and accurate, or the book would have little authenticity.
I was interested to learn about the term 'shapes in the air' and also the information about the Einstein-Bridge Theory. It involves parallel universes and wormholes, but that's all I'm going to say as it's hard to understand and I don't want to dig myself into a hole (wormhole?) of ignorance.
I wouldn't usually choose this genre (I'm not generally a fan of time travel, fantasy or sci fi), but it's the richness of the history and storytelling that made this such an interesting and entertaining read.
Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
Viv's partner Pete suddenly decided to leave her for one of her best friends. She cannot understand why, when they have always had such a strong relationship, living together in her beloved apartment. He also seems to have undergone a major head transplant, as he has become a totally different person, no longer kind and caring, but bullish and selfish. She is devastated and traumatised by his behaviour.
Viv is understandably distraught until she meets Rory, who reminds her of Sir Roland in her 'other' life. But how can that be? And why doesn't he treat her as if she is going mad?
As the story progresses, she slips back and forth with increasing frequency, but while she can spend hours or even days in the past, time stands still in the here and now.
The author has undertaken a considerable amount of research, because we are not talking about slipping into a made up fantasy world. I know very little about the so-called 'dark ages', but I can see that the references to the language, artifacts, lifestyle, and beliefs of the time are both detailed and accurate, or the book would have little authenticity.
I was interested to learn about the term 'shapes in the air' and also the information about the Einstein-Bridge Theory. It involves parallel universes and wormholes, but that's all I'm going to say as it's hard to understand and I don't want to dig myself into a hole (wormhole?) of ignorance.
I wouldn't usually choose this genre (I'm not generally a fan of time travel, fantasy or sci fi), but it's the richness of the history and storytelling that made this such an interesting and entertaining read.
Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
March 3, 2024
Brilliant book!
A Shape on the Air is Book 1 of the DuLuca Series.
What a fascinating topic... a time slip...
I do love my historical fiction, and when mixed with an element of fantasy... perfect!
Viv (our modern-day character) is strong, resourceful, professional, and extremely intelligent. She's an academic, and I loved this about her.
Lady Vivianne (our past character) is exactly the same strong, resourceful, and extremely intelligent. Ultimately, she is probably ahead of the times, so to speak.
The way Julia weaves these 2 stories is incredible, and she effortless takes us between the characters without any awkward gaps or awkward scene changes.
The story is very easy to follow, full of twists and turns as we try and solve the overall mystery of why this time slip has occurred and ultimately... why are these women connected.
A great read!
A Shape on the Air is Book 1 of the DuLuca Series.
What a fascinating topic... a time slip...
I do love my historical fiction, and when mixed with an element of fantasy... perfect!
Viv (our modern-day character) is strong, resourceful, professional, and extremely intelligent. She's an academic, and I loved this about her.
Lady Vivianne (our past character) is exactly the same strong, resourceful, and extremely intelligent. Ultimately, she is probably ahead of the times, so to speak.
The way Julia weaves these 2 stories is incredible, and she effortless takes us between the characters without any awkward gaps or awkward scene changes.
The story is very easy to follow, full of twists and turns as we try and solve the overall mystery of why this time slip has occurred and ultimately... why are these women connected.
A great read!
February 26, 2024
A Shape on the Air was my first time slip novel and I have to say I think I have a new genre I like. This was easily a 4.5 star which I have rounded up. The only thing that kept it from being full 5 stars was there was a little too much focus on arms etc of the male characters for me. That however was mostly overshadowed by the brilliant writing and storytelling. Ibbotson manages to use historical fact and pair it with a unique fictional tale to create a captivating tale. I adored the detail given the to the past, visuals, smells and sounds made the past truly come to life off the page.
The characters were also well rounded and entertaining. Like I mentioned above, yes Viv and Lady Vivienne might pay a bit too much attention to the appearance of the males at times but I still loved both of them. If you love novels with a good amount of historical accuracy, brilliant writing and well built characters this is for you. I would say A Shape on the Air is also perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine.
The characters were also well rounded and entertaining. Like I mentioned above, yes Viv and Lady Vivienne might pay a bit too much attention to the appearance of the males at times but I still loved both of them. If you love novels with a good amount of historical accuracy, brilliant writing and well built characters this is for you. I would say A Shape on the Air is also perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine.
February 27, 2024
I love the cover art for this novel, and as a big romance fan this one really appealed to me.
I found the story flowed really well, and I got hooked quickly on the characters and what was happening to them.
If you enjoy romance with a historical setting or one that plays around with time travel, then this may appeal to you also.
I found the story flowed really well, and I got hooked quickly on the characters and what was happening to them.
If you enjoy romance with a historical setting or one that plays around with time travel, then this may appeal to you also.
February 9, 2024
In 499 AD, Lady Vivianne is doing all she can to ensure that she doesn’t marry Sir Pelleas. When she finds out he is in a relationship with Guin, her personal maid, she knows she needs to find evidence to get rid of him from the settlement that her parents had looked after until they both died in a fire.
In the present day, Dr Viv DuLac is a university lecturer on medieval times. When she starts having strange ‘turns’ and sees things from the past, she thinks she is losing the plot. When she meets the local vicar, Rory, she realises she has seen him back in 499 AD.
Can Viv, Rory and friends help to secure the settlement and lands by finding the portal? And in the present day, will Viv manage to get her life back on track after her partner, Pete, ruins her life?
I liked the dual timelines in the book, it added a lot of mystery to the story.
There were a lot of characters, which took a while to remember who was who!
I didn’t like Pete’s character at all, he was the sort of man who gives men a bad name.
I liked Vivian’s character, she didn’t rush things, took her time to make sure of the best outcome.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
In the present day, Dr Viv DuLac is a university lecturer on medieval times. When she starts having strange ‘turns’ and sees things from the past, she thinks she is losing the plot. When she meets the local vicar, Rory, she realises she has seen him back in 499 AD.
Can Viv, Rory and friends help to secure the settlement and lands by finding the portal? And in the present day, will Viv manage to get her life back on track after her partner, Pete, ruins her life?
I liked the dual timelines in the book, it added a lot of mystery to the story.
There were a lot of characters, which took a while to remember who was who!
I didn’t like Pete’s character at all, he was the sort of man who gives men a bad name.
I liked Vivian’s character, she didn’t rush things, took her time to make sure of the best outcome.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 2, 2022
A historical timeslip of mystery and romance story. I was in my element with this book. I love timeslip stories, and I am a history nerd as well! It is a perfectly woven tale that blended historical fiction, fantasy, and even science fiction together
Dr Viv Dulac is an academic who specialises in Anglo Saxon history. She finds herself on the brink when her partner leaves her for her best friend and her world crumbles. As it crumbles, she finds herself back in the Dark Ages as Lady Vivienne, facing her love troubles as well. The story slips back and forth as Viv begins to realise how much their lives intertwine.
The author has created a rich and detailed story that shows just how much research has been poured into these books. The settings are so vivid that I could imagine it so clearly. I loved how the timeslips were dealt with. The rationale of the explanation of the portals. It made Viv even more of an academic for me.
I love myths and legends, and this story certainly fulfilled that love, too. Julia Ibbotson has brought elements of the Arthurian legends and grounded it in a real historical setting. This was like better for me. Especially when we discover the heroine is linked to the Lady in the Lake, too. It's almost like Christmas and Easter have arrived at once! History, Fantasy myths, mystery... so good.
The author has succeeded in making both ends of the time slip as interesting as each other. This does make a nice change as I am always drawn to the historical setting and not the modern day. With the issues Viv is experiencing in the real world, it draws more interest than if she was just spirited away from normal life.
In conclusion, this is a captivating story that swept me out of my day-to-day life until I sadly got to the end.
Dr Viv Dulac is an academic who specialises in Anglo Saxon history. She finds herself on the brink when her partner leaves her for her best friend and her world crumbles. As it crumbles, she finds herself back in the Dark Ages as Lady Vivienne, facing her love troubles as well. The story slips back and forth as Viv begins to realise how much their lives intertwine.
The author has created a rich and detailed story that shows just how much research has been poured into these books. The settings are so vivid that I could imagine it so clearly. I loved how the timeslips were dealt with. The rationale of the explanation of the portals. It made Viv even more of an academic for me.
I love myths and legends, and this story certainly fulfilled that love, too. Julia Ibbotson has brought elements of the Arthurian legends and grounded it in a real historical setting. This was like better for me. Especially when we discover the heroine is linked to the Lady in the Lake, too. It's almost like Christmas and Easter have arrived at once! History, Fantasy myths, mystery... so good.
The author has succeeded in making both ends of the time slip as interesting as each other. This does make a nice change as I am always drawn to the historical setting and not the modern day. With the issues Viv is experiencing in the real world, it draws more interest than if she was just spirited away from normal life.
In conclusion, this is a captivating story that swept me out of my day-to-day life until I sadly got to the end.
March 3, 2024
This is the first book in the Dr DuLac series and my first read by this author.
I think that this genre is known as a time slip and it's the first time I've heard of this as an actual genre, but think that I've read a couple of books that are centred around this notion.
After suffering a traumatic break up with her long-term partner, Dr Viv DuLac finds herself slipping between herself in the present day and Lady Vivienne, living in 499AD - the dark ages!
As her slips become more and more frequent, their lives become more and more intertwined.
I am not a massive history buff, but really found myself completely engrossed in this storyline. Maybe because of the intrigue and romance threads woven within.
I found that the descriptive writing really immersed me in the past sections and it was really easy to see how life was back in the dark ages.
This was so well researched and written.
Our main characters were so well presented and developed over this book - I loved them - but there was a pretty big cast of other characters which I found took time to get to grips with.
Not that this was necessarily a bad thing as obviously with the dual timelines, there needed to be more to make both storylines work as well as they did.
I even found some of the science included in this intriguing.
My son is really interested in this side of science a d so this did prompt a few more detailed conversations for us over the course of the book.
Overall, this was a really well written and enjoyable read and I'd be keen to continue the series in the future.
I think that this genre is known as a time slip and it's the first time I've heard of this as an actual genre, but think that I've read a couple of books that are centred around this notion.
After suffering a traumatic break up with her long-term partner, Dr Viv DuLac finds herself slipping between herself in the present day and Lady Vivienne, living in 499AD - the dark ages!
As her slips become more and more frequent, their lives become more and more intertwined.
I am not a massive history buff, but really found myself completely engrossed in this storyline. Maybe because of the intrigue and romance threads woven within.
I found that the descriptive writing really immersed me in the past sections and it was really easy to see how life was back in the dark ages.
This was so well researched and written.
Our main characters were so well presented and developed over this book - I loved them - but there was a pretty big cast of other characters which I found took time to get to grips with.
Not that this was necessarily a bad thing as obviously with the dual timelines, there needed to be more to make both storylines work as well as they did.
I even found some of the science included in this intriguing.
My son is really interested in this side of science a d so this did prompt a few more detailed conversations for us over the course of the book.
Overall, this was a really well written and enjoyable read and I'd be keen to continue the series in the future.
February 22, 2022
A Shape on the Air by Julia Ibbotson is a great start to the Dr. Dulac series. It’s an intriguing blend of historical, fantasy, and science fiction.
Vivianne Dulac is a really compelling main character. She is a history professor with an intricate background. While she is the most developed, the side characters aren’t flat. I love how well I was able to get to know these characters.
This story is quite the web of unexpected events that are woven together very well. This author’s writing style is very unique.
I enjoyed this read and look forward to see what the rest of series brings!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
Vivianne Dulac is a really compelling main character. She is a history professor with an intricate background. While she is the most developed, the side characters aren’t flat. I love how well I was able to get to know these characters.
This story is quite the web of unexpected events that are woven together very well. This author’s writing style is very unique.
I enjoyed this read and look forward to see what the rest of series brings!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
February 24, 2023
Dr. Viv DuLac is a professor in medieval studies. One night she learns that her lover has been cheating on her. Due to the stress of her break-up, she goes back in time to 499 CE. She witnesses the life of another individual, Lady Viviane, whose life mirrors her own. Lady Viviane is forced to marry a man that she hates. Could both women from different time periods help each other throughout their hardships?
Dr. Viv DuLac is a highly accomplished woman. She is an academic and lecturer of medieval studies. When her first love fails, she soon finds another man named Rory who also claimed that he was in the past of 499 CE. I found this to be very interesting and wanted to know the connection between her and Rory. Therefore, I found her story to be just as compelling as Lady Viviane’s story.
Lady Viviane’s story was very intriguing. Even though I loved both timelines, I thought that Lady Viviane was a more interesting character than Dr. Viv DuLac. She was a very strong and courageous woman who had a dark past. I found her story to be very mysterious, and I was curious to learn what happened to her in the end. Thus, her story was very emotional and heart-wrenching.
Overall, this novel was about trauma, loss, and renewed love. I found all the characters to be very fascinating. There were a few flaws to the novel. The beginning started out very slow. The middle of it tended to be a bit repetitive. Nevertheless, I did like how it ended. I like how it focuses on the origins of King Arthur. I found the story to be very atmospheric, engaging, and meticulously researched. Mrs. Ibbotson superbly made medieval Britain come alive for it felt as if I was walking alongside Lady Viviane. A Shape on the Air is filled with suspense and romance with a dash of the paranormal. I recommend this novel for fans of Daughters of Fire, Quest of the Scottish Warrior, and The Outlander!
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Dr. Viv DuLac is a highly accomplished woman. She is an academic and lecturer of medieval studies. When her first love fails, she soon finds another man named Rory who also claimed that he was in the past of 499 CE. I found this to be very interesting and wanted to know the connection between her and Rory. Therefore, I found her story to be just as compelling as Lady Viviane’s story.
Lady Viviane’s story was very intriguing. Even though I loved both timelines, I thought that Lady Viviane was a more interesting character than Dr. Viv DuLac. She was a very strong and courageous woman who had a dark past. I found her story to be very mysterious, and I was curious to learn what happened to her in the end. Thus, her story was very emotional and heart-wrenching.
Overall, this novel was about trauma, loss, and renewed love. I found all the characters to be very fascinating. There were a few flaws to the novel. The beginning started out very slow. The middle of it tended to be a bit repetitive. Nevertheless, I did like how it ended. I like how it focuses on the origins of King Arthur. I found the story to be very atmospheric, engaging, and meticulously researched. Mrs. Ibbotson superbly made medieval Britain come alive for it felt as if I was walking alongside Lady Viviane. A Shape on the Air is filled with suspense and romance with a dash of the paranormal. I recommend this novel for fans of Daughters of Fire, Quest of the Scottish Warrior, and The Outlander!
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour. All opinions expressed are my own.)
February 13, 2023
Viv DuLac is an academic studying England's Dark Ages. After a sudden, heartbreaking breakup with her longtime boyfriend, Peter, Viv learns of his betrayal with her friend. With the news, Viv begins to have episodes where she becomes Lady Vivianne in 499 AD. Lady Vivianne lives near the Mere where Viv is and Vivianne is in a dire situation with a controlling man in her life. Viv continues to have episodes slipping into Lady Vivianne's life and learns of her troubles. Viv divulges her concerns to her friends, Ellie and Tilly and soon find that the local Reverend, Rory has slipped into the same time as Sir Roland, friend to Lady Vivianne. Viv and Rory figure out how to help Lady Vivianne and Sir Roland from their own time while discovering their own connection to the past.
A Shape on the Air takes the tale of the Lady of the Lake to another level with a time-slip element. This is a fast-paced and shorter novel with constant action. Right away, Viv is traumatically dumped and sent into a time slip. At first, I had a hard time understanding why Viv put up with Pete taking advantage of her after the breakup, but Viv's story fit so well with Vivianne's experience, that it began to make sense. As soon as Viv began to time-slip more frequently into Lady Vivianne's life, I was hooked into the common issue that was vexing the women in both time periods. I enjoyed visiting Lady Vivianne's time and being able to experience what was called the Dark Ages and challenging some of the views of that era. I also loved the integration of the Lady of the Lake myth and how it connected to Viv's experiences in the present day.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
A Shape on the Air takes the tale of the Lady of the Lake to another level with a time-slip element. This is a fast-paced and shorter novel with constant action. Right away, Viv is traumatically dumped and sent into a time slip. At first, I had a hard time understanding why Viv put up with Pete taking advantage of her after the breakup, but Viv's story fit so well with Vivianne's experience, that it began to make sense. As soon as Viv began to time-slip more frequently into Lady Vivianne's life, I was hooked into the common issue that was vexing the women in both time periods. I enjoyed visiting Lady Vivianne's time and being able to experience what was called the Dark Ages and challenging some of the views of that era. I also loved the integration of the Lady of the Lake myth and how it connected to Viv's experiences in the present day.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
March 3, 2022
A Shape on the Air by Julia Ibbotson is an evocative timeslip fantasy romance. This is the first book in the Dr DuLac series, set in 499AD and the present time.
Dr Viv DuLac, a medievalist and university lecturer, is planning a romantic evening with her partner Pete.
Pete returns home to announce that he is leaving Viv for her best friend Gwyn. Not only he drops this bombshell, the nasty scoundrel also announces that he needs money and insists on the sale of their flat. The problem is he hardly contributed to the mortgage, while she used her inheritance to pay for it, supporting her partner to set up his business.
Viv is shattered, and tries to drown her sorrows in Merlot. Drunk and feeling sorry for herself, she ventures outside for a nightime walk towards the mere. The village is very old, built on the site of the Romano-British and Anglo-Saxon remains. She watches the ripples in the dark water, and feels an invisible hand pushing her in the murky mere.
When Viv becomes conscious, a stranger carries her out of the mere. There are people around, and they are all dressed in strange clothes. Viv feels confused and bewildered. Is this some kind of enactment?
In 499AD Lady Vivianne is facing problems of her own. Several years earlier her parents perished in the fire. Lady Vivianne, being high-born and fatherless, is given to her protector, Sir Pelleas, as his bride, against her will. Her maid Guin tells her she has no choice but to marry the detestable Pelleas, yet everything inside her protests.
Lady Vivianne is a Christian, who is hiding her faith from Sir Pelleas and his Saxon cronies. She hopes to escape the inevitable marriage and bring her community back to the Christian ways her parents upheld.
A thousand and a half years apart, two namesakes are inexplicably connected. The stress of the betrayal and the anxiety of the imminent loss of her flat, create an emotional trigger which allows the present day Viv to timeslip into the past. Could the realistic nature of her vivid dreams be explained by the current stress? Then how is it possible that she finds herself clutching the antique objects, which she brings back from her "dreams"?
Dr DuLac and Lady Vivianne's lives are inter-connected, and it looks like the finds in the present can unlock the mysteries of the past.
Lady Vivianne has supporters in her own time, her little maid Tilly, and Lord Roland, a warrior, who promised her parents to watch over and protect her.
In the present day, the local vicar Rory Netherbridge shares Viv's interest in the early medieval history. With his help and support from her friends, Viv is trying to figure out if there is a possible timeslip. "I feel her feelings, I think her thoughts, I am her. It really was like I slipped into her time, her life... I think I kind of time-slipped. No, I'm certain of it. And I brought back real items with me. I know it's madness. And I'm too logical a thinker for this..."
Viv must face her own tragic past, and see if her parents' heritage might hold the clues to her "visions". Could there be a hint of a solution to the mystery of the key she has unwittingly brought with her from the past? Can Viv help her namesake without changing the progression of the historical events.
A Shape on the Air is an intriguing and beguiling beginning of the series. The explanation of the timeslip sounds plausible and is handled cleverly.
A diverting novel for fans of Barbara Erskine and Christina Courtenay.
Dr Viv DuLac, a medievalist and university lecturer, is planning a romantic evening with her partner Pete.
Pete returns home to announce that he is leaving Viv for her best friend Gwyn. Not only he drops this bombshell, the nasty scoundrel also announces that he needs money and insists on the sale of their flat. The problem is he hardly contributed to the mortgage, while she used her inheritance to pay for it, supporting her partner to set up his business.
Viv is shattered, and tries to drown her sorrows in Merlot. Drunk and feeling sorry for herself, she ventures outside for a nightime walk towards the mere. The village is very old, built on the site of the Romano-British and Anglo-Saxon remains. She watches the ripples in the dark water, and feels an invisible hand pushing her in the murky mere.
When Viv becomes conscious, a stranger carries her out of the mere. There are people around, and they are all dressed in strange clothes. Viv feels confused and bewildered. Is this some kind of enactment?
In 499AD Lady Vivianne is facing problems of her own. Several years earlier her parents perished in the fire. Lady Vivianne, being high-born and fatherless, is given to her protector, Sir Pelleas, as his bride, against her will. Her maid Guin tells her she has no choice but to marry the detestable Pelleas, yet everything inside her protests.
Lady Vivianne is a Christian, who is hiding her faith from Sir Pelleas and his Saxon cronies. She hopes to escape the inevitable marriage and bring her community back to the Christian ways her parents upheld.
A thousand and a half years apart, two namesakes are inexplicably connected. The stress of the betrayal and the anxiety of the imminent loss of her flat, create an emotional trigger which allows the present day Viv to timeslip into the past. Could the realistic nature of her vivid dreams be explained by the current stress? Then how is it possible that she finds herself clutching the antique objects, which she brings back from her "dreams"?
Dr DuLac and Lady Vivianne's lives are inter-connected, and it looks like the finds in the present can unlock the mysteries of the past.
Lady Vivianne has supporters in her own time, her little maid Tilly, and Lord Roland, a warrior, who promised her parents to watch over and protect her.
In the present day, the local vicar Rory Netherbridge shares Viv's interest in the early medieval history. With his help and support from her friends, Viv is trying to figure out if there is a possible timeslip. "I feel her feelings, I think her thoughts, I am her. It really was like I slipped into her time, her life... I think I kind of time-slipped. No, I'm certain of it. And I brought back real items with me. I know it's madness. And I'm too logical a thinker for this..."
Viv must face her own tragic past, and see if her parents' heritage might hold the clues to her "visions". Could there be a hint of a solution to the mystery of the key she has unwittingly brought with her from the past? Can Viv help her namesake without changing the progression of the historical events.
A Shape on the Air is an intriguing and beguiling beginning of the series. The explanation of the timeslip sounds plausible and is handled cleverly.
A diverting novel for fans of Barbara Erskine and Christina Courtenay.
February 25, 2025
A Shape on the Air by Julia Ibbotson is a captivating historical time-slip novel. Having previously read and loved the third book in the Dr DuLac series, I was eager to go back and start from the beginning—and I’m so glad I did!
The story follows Dr. Vivienne DuLac in the present day and Lady Vivianne in 499 AD, two women separated by 1,500 years but both facing events beyond their control. The writing is beautifully detailed, bringing both timelines to life with a steady and immersive pace.
I’ve grown to love Vivienne and Vivianne’s characters, and supporting figures like Tilly provide humour, while Sir Rowland and Reverend Rory add a touch of romance. These elements enrich the story, balancing light hearted moments with emotional intensity. The interactions between the characters create a dynamic contrast that keeps the narrative engaging.
The plot unfolds steadily, weaving moments of wonder and excitement as the two worlds collide. While I found the scene involving the computer screen changing on its own a little hard to believe, it was a minor detail that didn’t take away from the brilliance of the story.
A Shape on the Air is a beautifully crafted time-slip novel filled with history, mystery, romance, and a touch of the unexpected. Julia Ibbotson masterfully intertwines two compelling narratives, making this a must-read for fans of historical fiction with a magical twist. I can’t wait to continue the series!
The story follows Dr. Vivienne DuLac in the present day and Lady Vivianne in 499 AD, two women separated by 1,500 years but both facing events beyond their control. The writing is beautifully detailed, bringing both timelines to life with a steady and immersive pace.
I’ve grown to love Vivienne and Vivianne’s characters, and supporting figures like Tilly provide humour, while Sir Rowland and Reverend Rory add a touch of romance. These elements enrich the story, balancing light hearted moments with emotional intensity. The interactions between the characters create a dynamic contrast that keeps the narrative engaging.
The plot unfolds steadily, weaving moments of wonder and excitement as the two worlds collide. While I found the scene involving the computer screen changing on its own a little hard to believe, it was a minor detail that didn’t take away from the brilliance of the story.
A Shape on the Air is a beautifully crafted time-slip novel filled with history, mystery, romance, and a touch of the unexpected. Julia Ibbotson masterfully intertwines two compelling narratives, making this a must-read for fans of historical fiction with a magical twist. I can’t wait to continue the series!
February 26, 2022
I was attracted to the blurb for A Shape on Air, even though historical romance is not really my genre, by the mention of time-slips, something I've enjoyed in stories I've read in the past.
A Shape On The Air is a time slip romance with hints of magic, mystery and a dash of sci-fi mixed in too.
The timelines were seamlessly woven together, modern times alongside the so called 'dark ages', without a hint of confusion on my part and having read a few time slip stories in my time, this can be a difficult feat!
The story was well researched, and I enjoyed the use of old English words in the past timeline, adding an air of authenticity.
Both main characters, Dr Viv Dulac and Lady Vivianne, were both well written and flawed. Lady Vivianne was strong-willed and brave, not afraid to stand up for herself, but bore scars of losing her parents at such a young age. I found it a little harder to like Dr Dulac, for an academic, who I always assume are quite level-headed, she was a little overly emotional at times.
I felt that the modern sections of the story didn't quite have the same level of tension and mystery as the past parts, but of course, that's just my opinion.
A solid start to the series and a must if you're looking for some romantic escapism.
A Shape On The Air is a time slip romance with hints of magic, mystery and a dash of sci-fi mixed in too.
The timelines were seamlessly woven together, modern times alongside the so called 'dark ages', without a hint of confusion on my part and having read a few time slip stories in my time, this can be a difficult feat!
The story was well researched, and I enjoyed the use of old English words in the past timeline, adding an air of authenticity.
Both main characters, Dr Viv Dulac and Lady Vivianne, were both well written and flawed. Lady Vivianne was strong-willed and brave, not afraid to stand up for herself, but bore scars of losing her parents at such a young age. I found it a little harder to like Dr Dulac, for an academic, who I always assume are quite level-headed, she was a little overly emotional at times.
I felt that the modern sections of the story didn't quite have the same level of tension and mystery as the past parts, but of course, that's just my opinion.
A solid start to the series and a must if you're looking for some romantic escapism.
October 15, 2022
This book had a really cool premise. Slipping through time and experiencing the life of a lady in 499 AD while being a history professor that specializes in that general area of time.
I really enjoyed how the parallels of life were represented throughout the story.
Ellie was honestly my favorite, I liked her healthy doses of skepticism but how she just went with everything anyway.
I really enjoyed how the parallels of life were represented throughout the story.
Ellie was honestly my favorite, I liked her healthy doses of skepticism but how she just went with everything anyway.
January 17, 2025
Enjoyable read
Beautifully written time slip novel.
Incorporating history, romance and fiction. I do enjoy a time slip book and this didn't disappoint.I really enjoyed it, thank you.
Beautifully written time slip novel.
Incorporating history, romance and fiction. I do enjoy a time slip book and this didn't disappoint.I really enjoyed it, thank you.
February 21, 2022
My review of A Shape on the Air can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
November 1, 2022
If you have been looking for a medieval romance intertwined within a mystery of hidden treasure and time-slips? This is the book for you. The author specializes in medieval language, literature and history giving it a creative edge. It was a quick read at 220 pages. It felt like a lot more with the duel timelines of present day and 499 A.D. I absolutely loved the Einstein-Bridge Theory (portals to other dimensions) and that each dimension mimics the present day and the events transpiring - Viv is Lady Vivianne & Rory is Sir Roland. The beginning was tough to get through, between getting to know Viv, Pete and the other characters. I feel like I really got into the book around the 25% point. I did feel at times the book jumped around due to switching “dimensions.”
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