Who Would Like This Book:
Looking for a clever mix of historical fiction, romance, and time travel with a dash of adventure? 'The River of No Return' delivers British aristocrats, secret organizations, enigmatic objects, and a battle for the past and the future - all set against vivid Regency England. Ridgway crafts a world where time travel hinges on emotion and the rules aren’t so simple. Fans of genre mash-ups like 'Outlander,' 'The Time Traveler’s Wife,' or Connie Willis’s novels will love the twisty plot, smartly balanced period authenticity, intriguing supporting characters, and plenty of swashbuckling fun.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Not everyone will be swept away by this river. If you like your plots tight and your books neatly wrapped up, be warned: this is the first in a series and leaves plenty of threads dangling. Some readers found the pacing slow, the writing a bit flowery or repetitive, and the time travel logic more whimsical than scientific. If a story that mixes genres or doesn’t stick to hard rules isn’t your thing, you might get frustrated. Those wanting a deep historical deep-dive, or less romance, may also feel let down.
About:
'The River of No Return' by Bee Ridgway is a time travel novel that follows the story of Lord Nicholas Falcott, who wakes up in a London hospital in 2003 after dying on a battlefield in 1815. He is recruited by a secretive group of time travelers known as the Guild to prevent their enemies, the Ofan, from altering history. The book combines elements of historical fiction, romance, mystery, and adventure, with a focus on the concept of time as a river that only a select few can navigate. The writing style is described as captivating, fast-paced, and imaginative, with well-developed characters and an intriguing plot that keeps readers engaged.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of historical violence, emotional distress, and instances of familial abuse that may be sensitive to some readers.
Has Romance?
The romance between Nick and Julia is central to the plot, with their emotional connection driving much of the narrative.
From The Publisher:
Named a Notable Fiction Book of 2013 by The Washington Post
"An engrossing adventure, with mystery, romance, humor, and impeccable historical detail." -The Boston Globe
Devon, 1815. The charming Lord Nicholas Davenant and the beguiling Julia Percy should make a perfect match.
But before their love has a chance to grow, Nicholas is presumed dead in the Napoleonic war.
Nick, however, is lost in time. Somehow he escaped certain death by leaping two hundred years forward to the present day where he finds himself in the care of a mysterious society - the Guild. Questioning the limits of the impossible, Nick is desperate to find a way back to the life he left behind. Yet with the future of time itself hanging in the balance, could it be that the girl who first captured his heart has had the answers all along? Can Nick find a way to return to her?
Ratings (3)
It Was OK (3) |
Reader Stats (20):
Read It (3) | |
Want To Read (13) | |
Not Interested (4) |
What can you read after
The River of No Return?
About the Author:
Bee Ridgeway is an English professor at Bryn Mawr College. She lives in Philadelphia.
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