It’s funny, the tricks life throws our way, because, indeed, how do we know that someone among us isn’t from the future? They wouldn’t go around publicly announcing it, that’s for sure. I think Kevin Ansbro has come from the future, sent to, among other more important things, prove me wrong. To prove that actually time travel in stories isn’t as horrid as I have thought until reading In the Shadow of Time. 

I won’t pussyfoot around it, time travel in books is, was, one of my least favorite elements. I stayed away from time travel stories like a proper intelligent moth stays away from live fire. Yeah. But, true to nature and naturally characteristic to his artistic skill, Kevin Ansbro has effectively drawn that moth to the flame. In the Shadow of Time is a book that one could easily enjoy a couple of comfy afternoons with. 

You know, the memorable things in life – like music, art, people, ideas, etc – they stand out from the crowd, because there is something unique about them. You have a mass of something and that mass will always have the one or very few that stand out. Important here is that the ones that stand out, do not even really try to do so. They are simply different. They have a quality to them, an authentic quality, that writes them just a rung above the others on history’s ladder. Kevin Ansbro is easily one of those authors that fits onto that higher rung. There is a cleverness, there is certain wisdom, playfulness and a dash of staying true to reality as much as magical, that Kevin pours onto the paper. There is an ease to the style of writing that gives the ease of reading. It’s not simple nor plain. It’s just that with a certain characteristic and attitude, a story reflects onto the reader differently. 

I mean, frickin’ time travel! I loved this story! From the 2020 pandemic in UK, to the 1970s of Mexico City. Mexico City! The vibe! The places and people that Ansbro weaves together into this story is magnificent. People from all walks of life and different levels of humanity to them. Doctor Sofia, Luna, Pablo, Hugo and all the other characters of this book made me feel like I was amongst my own people. I also have a feeling that alongside our time travelers, there was another, quite close to them, yet in secret. Ohhh, someone read this book, so I can talk theories with you! 

There is, throughout the story, brief nods of the head to other famous people, and salutations to other great works of literature. I love it when author’s somehow manage to weave their inspirations into the story and attach them to the characters. It’s a magical moment, indeed. 

This was the second book by the author for me, the first one was The Fish That Climbed A Tree… Both of the books feature a strong, yet neutral for those not that way inclined, element of religion, and an Irish character. I love that there is a similar yet different streak to both these titles I have read. Could it be the 2 signature elements a reader will always be presented with in Kevin Ansbro titles?! I do wonder… Wouldn’t that be nice. 

And in the end, I am left with some questions… Was life easier in the past – was it simpler and thus better? In comparison, with the advances in modern technology and science, is the future the better place to be? Wouldn’t it be great, if we got the best of both worlds? The things we find exciting and nostalgic about the past alongside the things that make us appreciate the now? And, if you could go back in time, what would you do to make the future you came from, a better place? And finally, if time travel is possible, is it also possible that we are not alone in the Universe? Be it God, or aliens? Or alien gods? Finally-finally, does any of it really even matter if you could try and be the best version of yourself in the now?!