I had such difficulty with the writing style of this author in TIME IS A ROOM. Author Sarah Trainor has written this book in a stream of consciousness, daydream-like style that is so murky I often lost interest or just lost the plot. Is our protagonist depressed, visionary, psychotic or… incredibly inwardly focused. Some parts of the book really stand out in terms of mood and place creation. But apparently I am not the right reader for this book. I received my copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

Book Review: Time is a Room by Sarah K. Trainor
Sarah K. Trainor's debut novel Time is a Room is an enthralling journey into the complexities of time, love, and destiny. The first book in The Doyen Series, this dark contemporary fantasy grips readers with its compelling world-building, morally complex characters, and philosophical exploration of choice and consequence. Fans of V.E. Schwab’s A Darker Shade of Magic and Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter will find themselves at home in Trainor’s intricately woven narrative, though the book confidently carves out its own identity in the genre.

A Captivating Premise: Time is Malleable
The novel opens with Eliza Martin living an ordinary life until her boyfriend Connor disappears without a trace. Enter Alden, a mysterious figure offering Eliza a deal that changes her world forever. The concept of Epoch, a town that exists outside time, and the idea of time as something malleable yet precariously balanced, immediately set the stage for a high-stakes narrative. Trainor’s exploration of alternate realities and timelines isn’t just a flashy backdrop—it is the beating heart of the story. The author’s deft handling of complex temporal mechanics, combined with a palpable emotional core, makes the story both intellectually and emotionally engaging.

Characters: Tangled Loyalties and Intriguing Chemistry
Eliza Martin is a relatable and resilient protagonist whose personal struggles and determination anchor the fantastical elements of the plot. Her evolution from a heartbroken woman to someone capable of navigating the intricate threads of time is both believable and inspiring. The supporting cast enhances the richness of the story, particularly Alden, who is as enigmatic as he is charismatic. His morally ambiguous nature keeps readers questioning his true intentions, adding depth to the central dynamic.

Sid, a scientist with charm and wit, serves as a delightful counterbalance to Alden’s brooding intensity. The growing camaraderie and potential romantic tension between Eliza, Alden, and Sid form a triangle that is more about trust and loyalty than traditional romance, which is refreshing. Meanwhile, Connor’s absence lingers as a poignant reminder of what Eliza is fighting for, giving her quest a deeply personal urgency.

Themes: Choices, Sacrifices, and the Nature of Time
At its core, Time is a Room is about the sacrifices we make for love and the rippling effects of our choices. Trainor delves into questions of free will and destiny, using time as both a literal and metaphorical lens. The shadowy force eliminating entire realities introduces an existential threat that raises the stakes beyond Eliza’s personal journey, though her emotional struggle remains central. The juxtaposition of grand, universe-altering events with intimate character moments is one of the book’s greatest strengths.

World-Building: A Universe Worth Getting Lost In
Epoch, the town outside time, is richly imagined and teeming with mystery. Trainor’s descriptions evoke a surreal yet grounded setting, filled with curious artifacts and eccentric inhabitants. The rules governing time and parallel realities are complex but never overwhelming, thanks to the author’s clear explanations and Eliza’s gradual immersion into this strange new world.

The ominous presence of a force collapsing universes adds a layer of tension and urgency, keeping readers on edge. Yet Trainor balances the darker elements with moments of wonder, whether it’s Eliza discovering her abilities or the fleeting glimpses into alternate versions of her life.

Pacing and Writing Style
Trainor’s prose is evocative without being overly ornate, striking a balance between vivid descriptions and snappy dialogue. The pacing is deliberate in the first half, as Eliza learns about her abilities and the mechanics of Epoch, but accelerates in the latter half as the stakes rise. This gradual build allows readers to fully invest in the characters and their journey before being swept into the whirlwind of action and revelation.

One minor critique could be that some secondary characters and subplots feel underexplored, perhaps a consequence of the book setting up threads for future installments. However, this does little to detract from the overall impact of the story.

Final Thoughts
Time is a Room is an ambitious and captivating debut that combines intricate plotting with emotional resonance. Sarah K. Trainor masterfully blends dark fantasy, romance, and science fiction into a story that feels both personal and epic. The book’s exploration of time, identity, and sacrifice lingers long after the final page, leaving readers eager for the next installment in The Doyen Series.

Whether you’re a fan of thought-provoking speculative fiction or character-driven narratives, Time is a Room is a must-read. Trainor has established herself as a bold new voice in contemporary fantasy, and her ability to balance high-concept ideas with heartfelt storytelling is a testament to her talent.

Rating: 4.5/5
Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories that make you think as much as they make you feel.

[DNF at ca. 30%]
Unfortunately, this book was not for me so I decided not to finish it. The cover initially drew me to it and the premise sounded really intriguing, but I couldn't quite get into the writing style. There were instances where the main character's internal monologue would be something like "This is the moment where my life will change." - which I feel like is just not how a person thinks about their own life. Also unfortunately the MMC Alden wasn't for me, as he's introduced as someone who's overstepping boundaries just to be #mysterious. What I really did like were the imaginative world descriptions and the 2nd person snippets that really got the dream-like state of mind across!

I think this book had a lot of potential, but it didn’t quite come through. This book is a debut novel, as well as the first in a series. While I do think there was some missed potential in this book, I think the ideas are very strong which shows a lot of promise for the author’s future works.
World-building: 4/5
I think Epoch is a really interesting idea, and the magic system is fascinating, though I do wish we spent a little more time on Eliza learning to use it (but I’m personally a huge fan of training arcs in general, so that’s just personal preference).
Plot: 3/5
I think the plot had a strong foundation, but could have been executed a little better. I feel like we spent a lot of time building up to conflicts, and then a lot of time resolving them, but I personally would have loved some of the tenser scenes to last longer.
Characters: 2/5
Personally, I didn’t really connect to any of the characters. I really liked Dusty, but since I wasn’t super attached to the main characters, I also wasn’t as invested in their relationships.
Writing: 3/5
I think the writing is effective. There are some periods where it feels a little dull (especially in the beginning), but I think that helps to immerse the reader into the perspective of someone who seems to be suffering from depression. It kinda has the feel of older classics at times, which I could definitely see some people loving.

Thank you to the author and publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Well this book was really great! I wasn't expecting it to be so good as it was. I read it as an experience for me to get out of my comfort zone but I really enjoyed it.

This book had a lot of promise and it was compared to one of my favorite books ever so I gave it a read and was pretty disappointed. It lacked a lottttt. It was poorly written and felt like a teenager write it. I wish it was better, and stuck to the synopsis. It was underexplained with far too many loopholes and plot holes, so it was just lazy writing in my opinion


Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!