Book Review: Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor
From the moment I stumbled upon Just One Damned Thing After Another, I was captivated. The promise of time travel blended seamlessly with humor and history struck a chord in me—a mix reminiscent of my favorite comedies and the thrill of discovering the past. Jodi Taylor, with her unique flair, invites readers into a world where history isn’t just studied; it’s experienced firsthand. The thought of immersing myself in different epochs sparked my imagination, and I couldn’t resist the urge to dive in.
The story follows Dr. Madeleine "Max" Maxwell, a relatively unassuming protagonist with a strong, fiery personality. With her incomparable wit and relatability, Max represents a fresh take on female heroes in fiction. She is at once flawed and fierce, navigating life’s struggles with a quirky charm that makes you root for her from the start. Taylor’s rich characterization allows readers to feel a genuine connection to Max, especially as she embarks on her time-traveling adventures at St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research.
St. Mary’s itself is a delightful concoction of absurdity and seriousness—a place where historians leap back in time to observe events firsthand. Just imagine the chaos that ensues when something goes amiss in the meticulous art of history-watching! The author has a knack for balancing humor with the gravity of historical moments. There are laugh-out-loud instances that had me giggling at Max’s misadventures, while also invoking a sense of empathy as the narrative tackles weighty themes like loss and betrayal.
The writing style? Utterly engaging. Taylor’s prose flows effortlessly, filled with clever banter and vivid descriptions that breathe life into each era the characters visit—from the tumultuous battlefields of World War I to ancient London. Some readers have noted that the beginning feels a touch slow, but the character development and eventual pacing made for a thrilling build-up. I found myself unexpectedly hooked and turning the pages faster than I could read.
Quotes from fellow readers resonate deeply: “One of my favorite books of all time,” echoes Charlaine Harris. The infectious enthusiasm shared among fans of the series made me feel like I was part of an exclusive club of time-traveling enthusiasts. The humor is sharp, making it akin to “Monty Python’s Flying Historians,” sparking a transformation in the way we perceive historical events.
For those of you who revel in time travel, rich historical settings, and a cast that feels almost familial, Just One Damned Thing After Another is a must-read. It beautifully blends laughter, peril, and the sometimes chaotic nature of life. I walked away with not just a sense of fulfillment but a desire to explore what unorthodox adventures await Max in the subsequent books of the series. This delightful mix of fun and reflection left me feeling enriched, and I can’t wait to travel through time with her again.
In short, if you enjoy engaging narratives filled with history, humor, and heart, then Jodi Taylor’s Chronicles of St. Mary’s might just be the next series to sweep you off your feet—trust me, you’ll be glad you took the leap!
You can find Just One Damned Thing After Another (Chronicles of St. Mary’s Book 1) here >>