Secrets of the Time Society by Alexandra Monir
Publisher: Delacorte Press for Young Readers/Random House
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (26 pages)
Age Recommendation: 12+
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by LavenderThere exists a secret society where one’s ability to travel through time is “gifted” to members only by blood. Those who try to enter the society quickly come to realize that time is a force not to be reckoned with. Alexandra Monir’s short story exclusive ebook, Secrets of the Time Society, sheds light upon the world created in her novel Timeless and forecasts the fate that lies ahead for its protagonist, Michele Windsor. Now that Michele is gifted, there are some who will do anything to take that power away.
What could such a scary and strange dream mean? Sixteen-year-old Michele wakes up startled in her grandparents’ mansion.
Secrets of the Time Society is a bridge, a short story, interesting on its own. It adds information and tension to the novel Timeless, answering some of the questions presented there. It also prepares readers for the next novel in the series expected to be published later this year.
This tale introduces a villain, Rebecca, an antagonist to match Michele. Readers now worry a bit more for the heroine. Rebecca is devious and selfish. She’s smart and could seriously hurt Michele’s chances of happiness. Her character is clearly drawn, making it easy to visualize her and her nature.
The fantasy setting of the Time Society’s headquarters is done well. It’s remarkable and descriptive. We meet other time travelers. What’s also attention grabbing for those who have read Timeless is the revisitation to a scene from that book, but from the perspective of the new antagonist.
It’s a good little story, and the new developments set things up for the next book in the series. While I would have liked to have had a chance to see a bit more of Michele and Philip, this story was obviously meant to introduce Rebecca. Readers will just have to wait to see if they find each other across time again. Having read the first book, the second novel is greatly anticipated.
For a ten-minute or so read filled with twists, check out Secrets of the Time Society. But I recommended you first read the wonderful novel that comes before it, Timelesss, to get a full appreciation of how this all came about and where it might be going.
