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Time's Legacy
Barbara Erskine returns with this beautiful and haunting tale of dark forces and mystical powers. In present-day Cambridge, Abi, a recently ordained priest of the Church of England, is appointed to a notoriously difficult parish. The priest in charge is the charismatic but fundamentalist Kier. He objects to her mysticism, her practice of healing in particular. When she sees a vision of a congregation in an old church, Kier accuses her of witchcraft, but Abi soon sees more visions; an entire Roman family history, dark with betrayal and a promise of bloody revenge. With foreboding forces building up to violence, Abi must battle the approaching terror along with her own personal demons, drawing upon the expertise of Druidry and shamanism from a questionable source!
502 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Barbara Erskine
39 books1,177 followersAn historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of six bestselling novels that demonstrate her interest in both history and the supernatural, plus two collections of short stories. Her books have appeared in at least twenty different languages. She lives with her family in an ancient manor house near Colchester, and in a cottage near Hay-on-Wye.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
February 5, 2015
I really enjoyed this book as the author easily goes between a mystical past and the present day. There are many strong characters both past and present giving the reader a fascinating tale right to the end. I’ve only read two of Barbara Erskine’s books rating this one much higher as the whole story blended together so well and was such a good read.
August 15, 2010
Barbara Erskine's books tend to follow a recognisable pattern -but each time, she shakes her kaleidoscope to create a new and enthralling variation. The result is always a novel very difficult to put down. I’ve never taken more than three days to finish any of her books.
The heroine of Time's Legacy is Abi, an Anglican priest. Harassment from her disturbed superior, Kier, who has decided she is a witch, drives her from her Cambridge parish into retreat near Glastonbury. Unfortunately Kier has no intention of letting her go that easily. As Abi tries to evade him, she is drawn into the story of the haunted place where she is staying. Through the medium of the crystal her mother left to her, she watches as a two-thousand-year-old tragedy unfolds. It’s an experience which will lead her to question her faith, her identity and her future.
The Glastonbury area is beautifully evoked, both in the past and the present: as I read I could hear the birds, smell the wood-smoke and feel the touch of swirling mists. The creation of atmosphere is Barbara Erskine’s speciality. She uses layers of description to build up tension to the point where you are almost afraid to turn the page.
But she also knows how to break up the tension - and in fact, no-one can combine chills and cosiness the way she does. On one page, kettles boil, cakes come out of the oven and labradors snooze by the fire; on the next, rain spatters the window, the electricity fails and the dogs begin to whimper as footsteps are heard overhead. Even though you thought you were alone in the house. It’s an irresistible combination.
Time’s Legacy didn’t topple my two favourite Erskine novels, Lady of Hay and Midnight is a Lonely Place, from their pedestal. Nor did I feel it was all it could have been. Although I loved the last page, I wasn’t altogether convinced by the way things were tied up and there are some loose threads – like the couple Abi meets in a coffee shop who are introduced by name: I kept waiting for them to reappear before realising belatedly that they wouldn’t.
Notwithstanding, this is a very recommendable book – entertaining, suspenseful and thought-provoking. If you’ve never read any Barbara Erskine, this would be a great place to start.
Full review and quotes here: http://bit.ly/bITyHK
The heroine of Time's Legacy is Abi, an Anglican priest. Harassment from her disturbed superior, Kier, who has decided she is a witch, drives her from her Cambridge parish into retreat near Glastonbury. Unfortunately Kier has no intention of letting her go that easily. As Abi tries to evade him, she is drawn into the story of the haunted place where she is staying. Through the medium of the crystal her mother left to her, she watches as a two-thousand-year-old tragedy unfolds. It’s an experience which will lead her to question her faith, her identity and her future.
The Glastonbury area is beautifully evoked, both in the past and the present: as I read I could hear the birds, smell the wood-smoke and feel the touch of swirling mists. The creation of atmosphere is Barbara Erskine’s speciality. She uses layers of description to build up tension to the point where you are almost afraid to turn the page.
But she also knows how to break up the tension - and in fact, no-one can combine chills and cosiness the way she does. On one page, kettles boil, cakes come out of the oven and labradors snooze by the fire; on the next, rain spatters the window, the electricity fails and the dogs begin to whimper as footsteps are heard overhead. Even though you thought you were alone in the house. It’s an irresistible combination.
Time’s Legacy didn’t topple my two favourite Erskine novels, Lady of Hay and Midnight is a Lonely Place, from their pedestal. Nor did I feel it was all it could have been. Although I loved the last page, I wasn’t altogether convinced by the way things were tied up and there are some loose threads – like the couple Abi meets in a coffee shop who are introduced by name: I kept waiting for them to reappear before realising belatedly that they wouldn’t.
Notwithstanding, this is a very recommendable book – entertaining, suspenseful and thought-provoking. If you’ve never read any Barbara Erskine, this would be a great place to start.
Full review and quotes here: http://bit.ly/bITyHK
May 15, 2010
I have heard Barbara Erskine speak and was fascinated by her knowledge of history but had not read any of her novels before picking up The Time's Legacy.
The story has had me gripped for the past few days, with the characters whirling around my head and the sense of anticipation as each page is turned is massive. I can only compare how I felt whilst reading this story to how I felt when I read Labyrinth by Kate Mosse - another book that gripped me from start to finish. I discovered that yes, I do like historical fiction and I like it best when it is told in dual narrative form and the story is about real down-to-earth people that I can relate to.
The novel opens with newly ordained priest, Abi Rutherford who has just started a new job. Unfortunately her new boss Kier is causing lots of problems, not only is she strangely attracted to him but he is accusing her of being a witch. Abi soon leaves the parish and finds sanctuary in Glastonbury where she intends to consider her future.
Abi has always had the gift of healing but it is after her Mother shows her a mysterious crystal that she starts to see ghosts. Glastonbury is a town full myths and magical beliefs, the house she is staying in seems to be full of spirits. Abi's visions are centred around Roman characters over 2000 years old, druids and healers and Romans.
The dual narrative is wonderfully done, each part of the story, both modern and ancient weave together seamlessly. Abi's modern day dramas and her visions link together so well. The tension builds quickly in both parts of the story, in modern Glastonbury Abi's old boss Kier is becoming increasingly bizarre in his behaviour - stalking her and flinging more and more accusations at her. In ancient times, a young healer from Galilee is visiting England to learn the druid's ways - he is being stalked by Roman soldiers sent by Herod.
Gradually it dawns on the reader who exactly this young healer could be, which to me, only added to the whole mystery of the story.
Historical, supernatural and suspenseful, this novel drew me in from page one. I got so wrapped up by the modern story and then suddenly I was back 2000 years, but the writing is so good that within a paragraph I was firmly ensconced in that part of the story, and so it goes, back and forth, but loses nothing in the style.
An absolute delight that I am sure Barbara Erskine's existing fans will love and I hope will also gain her many more new ones.
The story has had me gripped for the past few days, with the characters whirling around my head and the sense of anticipation as each page is turned is massive. I can only compare how I felt whilst reading this story to how I felt when I read Labyrinth by Kate Mosse - another book that gripped me from start to finish. I discovered that yes, I do like historical fiction and I like it best when it is told in dual narrative form and the story is about real down-to-earth people that I can relate to.
The novel opens with newly ordained priest, Abi Rutherford who has just started a new job. Unfortunately her new boss Kier is causing lots of problems, not only is she strangely attracted to him but he is accusing her of being a witch. Abi soon leaves the parish and finds sanctuary in Glastonbury where she intends to consider her future.
Abi has always had the gift of healing but it is after her Mother shows her a mysterious crystal that she starts to see ghosts. Glastonbury is a town full myths and magical beliefs, the house she is staying in seems to be full of spirits. Abi's visions are centred around Roman characters over 2000 years old, druids and healers and Romans.
The dual narrative is wonderfully done, each part of the story, both modern and ancient weave together seamlessly. Abi's modern day dramas and her visions link together so well. The tension builds quickly in both parts of the story, in modern Glastonbury Abi's old boss Kier is becoming increasingly bizarre in his behaviour - stalking her and flinging more and more accusations at her. In ancient times, a young healer from Galilee is visiting England to learn the druid's ways - he is being stalked by Roman soldiers sent by Herod.
Gradually it dawns on the reader who exactly this young healer could be, which to me, only added to the whole mystery of the story.
Historical, supernatural and suspenseful, this novel drew me in from page one. I got so wrapped up by the modern story and then suddenly I was back 2000 years, but the writing is so good that within a paragraph I was firmly ensconced in that part of the story, and so it goes, back and forth, but loses nothing in the style.
An absolute delight that I am sure Barbara Erskine's existing fans will love and I hope will also gain her many more new ones.
December 19, 2010
What an absolute disappointment. I really regret this Kindle purchase. The basic premise behind this pagan/Christian/Da Vinci Code wannabe is that a Protestant vicar starts seeing ghosts and images after her mother passes on a magical crystal that has been in the family for generations. It makes her question her faith as a Christian. At the saame time, her attractive but control freak boss who also sees strange things starts to stalk her out of a suspicion that she's actually a witch. She starts seeing an account of Jesus Christ while he travels through England and..blahblahblah. It goes on from there. While the author has a voice and CAN tell a story, the type of story she's telling was just a little too jump-all-over-the-place with characters that seemed so flat and repetitive and uninteresting that the story just didn't do it for me. It's the right book for a certain audience, but that audience just wasn't me, I'm afraid.
July 15, 2010
Barbara Erskine books will always hold a very special place on my bookshelf. The first novel she wrote was Lady of Hay and it introduced me to the time travel/historical genre and I loved it. Sadly around that time there weren't really any other authors writing that genre. Her unique style of writing can keep you captivated for over 700 pages. Then she wrote Kingdom of Shadows in the same style as Lady of Hay and then the follow on Child of the Phoenix which sadly had no time travel in it but was still a fantastic historical novel. Child of the Phoenix was a staggering 1100 pages and I remember buying it the day it was available at the book store and staying up all night reading it and going to work the next day. Then in 1994 she wrote Midnight is a Lonely Place and she'd completely changed her style and to be honest it was a little on the scary side. So that was the end of my love affair with Barbara Erskine books or so I thought. That is until now!
I had forgotten how quickly Barbara Erskin draws you into the story. For me, this book was truly amazing and contained many aspects of various genres and storylines that I love. Abi is a Curate for the Church of England and will one day become a Priest. She is a strong and complex woman who is drawn into a dark and unknown story from the past. The story that Abi is drawn into is over 2000 years old and it explores the idea that Jesus, during the unknown years spent time with the Druids in Brittany. This story in its own unique way brings together all religious beliefs and the various gods they worship whilst testing Abi's faith to the core of her beliefs.
If like me you don't know much about the modern Church of England then you will learn a great deal in this book. My knowledge of the Church of England is limited to the Tudor period so I was fascinated with the information. I enjoyed the level of understanding I gained and what it must be like for a woman to be called to the Priesthood, not only will she face challenges within the church but also within the community and her own parish. This is not an easy calling and in many ways is so much harder than it is for a man.
In true Barbara Erskin style this book is very difficult to put down with it's fast paced plot and with two stories being told at the same time, you are racing to get from one story to the other. In fact, that is one of the things I love about these types of books, it keeps your mind so completely occupied that it is so easy to get lost in these books.
I had forgotten how quickly Barbara Erskin draws you into the story. For me, this book was truly amazing and contained many aspects of various genres and storylines that I love. Abi is a Curate for the Church of England and will one day become a Priest. She is a strong and complex woman who is drawn into a dark and unknown story from the past. The story that Abi is drawn into is over 2000 years old and it explores the idea that Jesus, during the unknown years spent time with the Druids in Brittany. This story in its own unique way brings together all religious beliefs and the various gods they worship whilst testing Abi's faith to the core of her beliefs.
If like me you don't know much about the modern Church of England then you will learn a great deal in this book. My knowledge of the Church of England is limited to the Tudor period so I was fascinated with the information. I enjoyed the level of understanding I gained and what it must be like for a woman to be called to the Priesthood, not only will she face challenges within the church but also within the community and her own parish. This is not an easy calling and in many ways is so much harder than it is for a man.
In true Barbara Erskin style this book is very difficult to put down with it's fast paced plot and with two stories being told at the same time, you are racing to get from one story to the other. In fact, that is one of the things I love about these types of books, it keeps your mind so completely occupied that it is so easy to get lost in these books.
March 21, 2017
DNF about page 60. The Mary Sue main character irritated me. Seriously, she's perfect, can do no wrong, and everyone loves her. Add in hands-on faith healing, magic crystals, and the religious beliefs, and this is just not for me.
October 10, 2011
I must admit that this reivew is biased. Why, you may ask? Well, there hasn't been one of Barbara Erskine's books that I didn't like whenever I've picked one up, and Time's Legacy is no exception. Peopled with complex characters and and rich, deep storylines, this book is like stepping into another world. Although quite a long book, the writing is flowing and fast-paced, with just enough description to detail what you need to know. Ms. Erskine knows how to weave a spell with words and none of them are wasted.
Some people might not like the duality of a modern day tale set against one so far in the past, in this case around 2,000 years ago, but for me it was book heaven. The main character, Abi, has just recently been ordained as a priest, which was unusual to say the least. I've only read one other set of books where the heroine was a female priest, the Merrily Watkins mysteries series by Phil Rickman.
Abi is very spiritual and a bit psychic, she also seems to have the gift of healing and these things combine to make her new boss, Keir Scott accuse her of witchcraft and she is forced out of her new parish on a retreat to the west country. Her story is juxtaposed with that of a young Roman family living near Glastonbury Tor and the enigmatic young man who is studying with the druids there. But with Abi's forays into the past becoming more and more frequent, is he a danger or something else?
It's a bit of cliche, but this book was a page turner. I needed to keep reading to find out what happened next. The storyline is intriuging, but I don't want to say too much in case I give the plot away, it is something you'd need to read for yourself and come to your own conclusions. But if you like things like the Da Vinci Code, then this one is another that you might like.
Great, satisfying read.
Some people might not like the duality of a modern day tale set against one so far in the past, in this case around 2,000 years ago, but for me it was book heaven. The main character, Abi, has just recently been ordained as a priest, which was unusual to say the least. I've only read one other set of books where the heroine was a female priest, the Merrily Watkins mysteries series by Phil Rickman.
Abi is very spiritual and a bit psychic, she also seems to have the gift of healing and these things combine to make her new boss, Keir Scott accuse her of witchcraft and she is forced out of her new parish on a retreat to the west country. Her story is juxtaposed with that of a young Roman family living near Glastonbury Tor and the enigmatic young man who is studying with the druids there. But with Abi's forays into the past becoming more and more frequent, is he a danger or something else?
It's a bit of cliche, but this book was a page turner. I needed to keep reading to find out what happened next. The storyline is intriuging, but I don't want to say too much in case I give the plot away, it is something you'd need to read for yourself and come to your own conclusions. But if you like things like the Da Vinci Code, then this one is another that you might like.
Great, satisfying read.
April 22, 2014
I have to say that reading this book felt like getting out of a maze of sorts.
Abi, the heroine of the story, is posted as a curate under a parish headed by Kieran Scott who first seems kind but with time proves to be overbearing, and this leads to her resignation. She seeks shelter at the Cavendish home after her mother's sudden death. She can see ghosts, and it feels as though she is living their life and feeling their pain, but what's sad is Kieran believes she is a witch and the demons have to be cast out of her.
What drew me to this story was the idea of seeing ghosts and having a main character whose beliefs are questioned by everything that's happening around her.
Abi is opinionated, and quite stubborn and that made it easier to read because there's the feeling that she'd always see things to the very end.
I didn't buy the whole Yeshua story because it seemed to ruffle everything I know about Jesus but nonetheless, I found it to be a very interesting twist to the story.
It's a good read.
Abi, the heroine of the story, is posted as a curate under a parish headed by Kieran Scott who first seems kind but with time proves to be overbearing, and this leads to her resignation. She seeks shelter at the Cavendish home after her mother's sudden death. She can see ghosts, and it feels as though she is living their life and feeling their pain, but what's sad is Kieran believes she is a witch and the demons have to be cast out of her.
What drew me to this story was the idea of seeing ghosts and having a main character whose beliefs are questioned by everything that's happening around her.
Abi is opinionated, and quite stubborn and that made it easier to read because there's the feeling that she'd always see things to the very end.
I didn't buy the whole Yeshua story because it seemed to ruffle everything I know about Jesus but nonetheless, I found it to be a very interesting twist to the story.
It's a good read.
May 15, 2013
I so love this book. It was my first Barbara Erskine book, bought for me by my son last Christmas and as soon as I picked it up I couldn't put it down. More telling is the fact that some 6 months after finishing it, I still think about the characters in this book. For me it is in my top 10. I particularly like the way so many faiths are weaved together without prejudice. Yes, there are some parts of the story that question your belief's, but, over all I think this book stretches our acceptance of other people. It is based on the idea that Jesus visited England ( hence the song Jerusalem ) and some people poo-hoo that. I prefer to keep an open mind. I am not religious but do enjoy the historical thought behind the idea.
I have also now read Whispers In the Sand, which I enjoyed but didn't love , and am part way through Lady of Hay ( which is grabbing me again ) by the same author. If you like a historical, other wordly book then grab an Erskine!
I have also now read Whispers In the Sand, which I enjoyed but didn't love , and am part way through Lady of Hay ( which is grabbing me again ) by the same author. If you like a historical, other wordly book then grab an Erskine!
September 23, 2022
Another excellent Erskine novel.
March 21, 2024
The second Barbara Erskine novel I’ve read in two months and I’m hooked. This one is set against the backdrop of Glastonbury, the Tor, the Chalice Well and the atmospheric Somerset Levels. If I’m honest it was a bit churchy for me. I’m not religious and it is very religious. But it on the flip side of that the religion is fundamental to the plot and it has given me a new respect for those that have a religious faith. It also includes Paganism, as you would expect from a novel about Glastonbury, so that floated my boat much more.
I would give it 4.5 stars but that isn’t an option!
I would give it 4.5 stars but that isn’t an option!
July 31, 2022
This book has had me reading well into the night, only to wake early and read more. Prior to reading, I knew almost nothing of Roman & Druid history in Glastonbury. Although it's fiction, it was so beautifully entwined with fact.
The magic of the land, the stories of the past, the lessons we have been taught, they're real. To a sense.
Character wise, I think they were all important for the story. The modern present day and the old. There were a few eye rolls and gasps at times, but I don't feel like they should have been left out. I think B.E did a phenomenal job at keeping me gripped, right to the end.
Now? I'm going to sleep and dream about the history of this wonderful and ancient country
The magic of the land, the stories of the past, the lessons we have been taught, they're real. To a sense.
Character wise, I think they were all important for the story. The modern present day and the old. There were a few eye rolls and gasps at times, but I don't feel like they should have been left out. I think B.E did a phenomenal job at keeping me gripped, right to the end.
Now? I'm going to sleep and dream about the history of this wonderful and ancient country
September 1, 2011
I enjoyed the characters in this book. The lack of doubt in things mystical stretches believability sometimes, but I guess if no one got scared of the ghosties, there wouldn't be much to the book ;)
Despite ancient crystals and a Glastonbury setting (who needs another mystical Gastonbury novel, right?), there was much unique and likeable about this book. Erskine tackles some tough issues, like faith, female clergy and alternate healthcare without overdoing it.
The main character is a strong, modern woman who has rebelled against her parents, and her father in particular, by becoming a priest. However, she is sensitive to pyshic forces, something suited to a male priest, but seen as witchery in a female one. I won't spoil the plot by revealing the trouble it causes, but both the modern and historic aspects of the novel are well written and well researched.
A significant lack in this novel is how the pagan versus Christian thing isn't addressed to any great degree. While it comes up in a couple of character relationships, the goodies all get past it readily, and the baddie doesn't. So, while Erskine tackles other tough issues, this one is carefully and notably put in a sterile bubble. Except for this one issue, Time's Legacy is good story. It was hard to put down and thoroughly enjoyable.
This is the second Erskine book I've read. While I don't think she will go down in history as a great novelist, she's a heck of a story teller.
Despite ancient crystals and a Glastonbury setting (who needs another mystical Gastonbury novel, right?), there was much unique and likeable about this book. Erskine tackles some tough issues, like faith, female clergy and alternate healthcare without overdoing it.
The main character is a strong, modern woman who has rebelled against her parents, and her father in particular, by becoming a priest. However, she is sensitive to pyshic forces, something suited to a male priest, but seen as witchery in a female one. I won't spoil the plot by revealing the trouble it causes, but both the modern and historic aspects of the novel are well written and well researched.
A significant lack in this novel is how the pagan versus Christian thing isn't addressed to any great degree. While it comes up in a couple of character relationships, the goodies all get past it readily, and the baddie doesn't. So, while Erskine tackles other tough issues, this one is carefully and notably put in a sterile bubble. Except for this one issue, Time's Legacy is good story. It was hard to put down and thoroughly enjoyable.
This is the second Erskine book I've read. While I don't think she will go down in history as a great novelist, she's a heck of a story teller.
January 31, 2013
I came across my first Barbara Erskine years ago. I was browsing in the library heavily pregnant and fed up when I chanced upon 'Midnight is a Lonely Place'. I was hooked within a few pages and raced through it. I was halfway through 'Lady of Hay' when I went into labour and grabbed it as I was driven off to hospital! Her books were great escapism in my early stressful days of parenthood and I'll always be grateful to Barbara for that. However I have felt that just lately she's gone 'off the boil' a bit. I've enjoyed her more recent novels but haven't been as sucked in and transfixed as I was reading the first five or so. I'm glad to say therefore that she's nearly back to her best with this one. 'Time's Legacy' combines all the compelling Erskine ingredients - ghosts, history, time slips, creepy atmospheres, dual narratives, feisty heroine and barking mad male adversary. It's set in and around the magical town of Glastonbury and centres on the fascinating legend that Jesus visited England during his so-called 'missing' years. I loved it!
December 18, 2010
I have read all (? I think) of Barbara Erskine's books and this one follows the history blended with supernatural themes that Erskine does so well. While the plot felt a little too familiar at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the historical setting and the preChristianity mystery that was woven throughout. It isn't a time period I know much about and found some of the legends and Druid mysticism quite fascinating. Makes me want to go visit Glastonbury someday :) Although some of the elements of the book were a little predictable - Abi's attraction to Just (the prerequisite male that has to come save our heroine) and the conflict with Kier, I found myself unable to put it down once I got past the halfway mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2010
What a wonderful read - I'm a total sucker for dual-time writing anyway, but this one is quite superbly done. The story of Abi and the characters around her blends quite seamlessly into pre-Christian Glastonbury and the lives of the roman family and the druids. And the ending was absolutely perfect... Although I have read one by her many years ago, I'm quite thrilled to have found an author I love with a nice hefty back catalogue to explore...
May 26, 2016
Ovo mi je prvi roman ove autorice,ali sigurno ne i posljednji.Zanimljiva priča gdje se prošlost isprepliće sa sadašnjišćnu,povijest s mitovima i legendama.Mistično mjesto radnje,šaroliki i upečatljivi likovi,ima tu i kućanica,biskupa,druida,rimskih vojnika...ljubavi,straha,prijateljstva,mržnje,okrutnosti,vidljivih i nevidljivih sila,mističnih moći,odlučnosti,vjere...ma svega! 500 stranica mi je bilo premalo,mada ima dosta prostora za maštu i što bi bilo kad bi bilo.Moja velika preporuka!
July 13, 2024
A disappointing read from start to finish. The book starts slow and never picks up pace. The ending is equally monotonous. For such a big book, I expected a lot of stuff. The characters are annoying and the plot really boring.
October 30, 2015
Very well written and interesting plotline. However, some questions were left unanswered.
April 12, 2023
Set against a background of ancient and modern Glastonbury, ghosts, myths, legends, druids, healers, claims for the magical properties of crystals and comparative theology, Barbara Erskine has created a mystery thriller. At its centre is a young female priest who experiences a crisis of faith when she discovers that, through a crystal sphere bequeathed to her by her mother, she frequently gains vivid images of disturbing past events. The plot is something of a supernatural fantasy, with a dose of romantic interest thrown in for good measure.
The story is told using a dual time narrative, between 25AD and the present, and through this device explores the almost 2000 year-old mystery about whether Jesus, during his “missing years”, visited Britain in order to learn from the Druids, and to practise as a healer. Whilst this aspect was, from a literary point of view, well handled, I found most of the modern day characters rather one-dimensional; much of their behaviour seemed barely credible, as did many of the plot lines. I thought that the story was far too long, frequently finding myself feeling irritated by what I thought was extremely padded-out narrative.
However, there were some aspects of the story-telling which I found thought-provoking, essentially because her exploration of the myths and legends about Glastonbury, and other areas of pagan Britain, appeared to have been well researched – also because the story, albeit it superficially, explored some of the conflicts and tensions within the Church of England, particularly those surrounding the ordination of women priests, and the church’s struggle to reconcile its brand of Christianity with other religions and belief systems. These were the elements, plus the fact that it was the choice of a member of my reading group, which persuaded me to read to the end of the book rather than give it up after fifty pages!
The story is told using a dual time narrative, between 25AD and the present, and through this device explores the almost 2000 year-old mystery about whether Jesus, during his “missing years”, visited Britain in order to learn from the Druids, and to practise as a healer. Whilst this aspect was, from a literary point of view, well handled, I found most of the modern day characters rather one-dimensional; much of their behaviour seemed barely credible, as did many of the plot lines. I thought that the story was far too long, frequently finding myself feeling irritated by what I thought was extremely padded-out narrative.
However, there were some aspects of the story-telling which I found thought-provoking, essentially because her exploration of the myths and legends about Glastonbury, and other areas of pagan Britain, appeared to have been well researched – also because the story, albeit it superficially, explored some of the conflicts and tensions within the Church of England, particularly those surrounding the ordination of women priests, and the church’s struggle to reconcile its brand of Christianity with other religions and belief systems. These were the elements, plus the fact that it was the choice of a member of my reading group, which persuaded me to read to the end of the book rather than give it up after fifty pages!
November 10, 2016
Oh, how I love a good ghost story! This one did not disappoint! In fact, I was so into it I stayed up until dawn to read the whole thing! A female priest in her new role of curate of a parish is soon disillusioned by the crazed rantings of the pastor and retreats to the home of a spiritual advisor of the church. There, she discovers she has the ability (aided by a crystal given to her by her mother) to 'see' the lives of a ghostly family living in the area before the time of Christ. Each time she looks into their lives she becomes more convinced that she is meant to do something for this family, but does not know what it is. Meanwhile, the crazed pastor, who thinks she is a witch, harasses her with phone calls and stalking determined that they can save each other's lives. The to-ing and fro-ing between the past and the future is captivating, and the exploration of both Christian and pagan beliefs is fascinating. I was thoroughly intrigued by the nail-biting pace and drama of the story and felt emotional at the very end reading the interwoven story of Jesus healing the sick. An intriguing story with controversial religious elements (think The Da Vinci Code) and time-crossing adventures which I found impossible to put down.
April 30, 2020
Audiobook ready by Janice McKenzie
Part of me enjoyed the narrative and wanted to carry on reading to the end (which I did, and in audiobook of 15CD albeit as a download, that's commitment!), whilst the rest of me was really irritated:
1. Seriously? there's a stalker that ends up kidnapping a woman and threatening poison and the police aren't called? IThe Christian Church has had some stick for hiding things in recent years, so this felt remarkably tin-eared and misogynistic. This was written in 2013 not 1993. Any sane woman would have got herself a restraining order out on him, vicar or no.
2. Seriously? the Druids in the dark ages/ local populations wouldn't have just mugged & killed an intruder that threatened their own?
3. The main protagonist was way too easily bewildered by males pulling a fast one and pretending inherent superiority over her. Felt hollow and frankly less believeable than being able to see ghosts. This was written in 2013 not 1913.
Apart from that (which jarred all the way through) it was reasonably well envisaged form of time travel both mental and physical. I did enjoy the descriptions of historical differences in the geography. There were some good suspense hooks too, where it didn't necessarily go where you expected it to.
Part of me enjoyed the narrative and wanted to carry on reading to the end (which I did, and in audiobook of 15CD albeit as a download, that's commitment!), whilst the rest of me was really irritated:
1. Seriously? there's a stalker that ends up kidnapping a woman and threatening poison and the police aren't called? IThe Christian Church has had some stick for hiding things in recent years, so this felt remarkably tin-eared and misogynistic. This was written in 2013 not 1993. Any sane woman would have got herself a restraining order out on him, vicar or no.
2. Seriously? the Druids in the dark ages/ local populations wouldn't have just mugged & killed an intruder that threatened their own?
3. The main protagonist was way too easily bewildered by males pulling a fast one and pretending inherent superiority over her. Felt hollow and frankly less believeable than being able to see ghosts. This was written in 2013 not 1913.
Apart from that (which jarred all the way through) it was reasonably well envisaged form of time travel both mental and physical. I did enjoy the descriptions of historical differences in the geography. There were some good suspense hooks too, where it didn't necessarily go where you expected it to.
August 13, 2021
Very enjoyable read, I feel a little bad giving a 4/5 instead of 5/5 but there were a few loose ends and characters with very odd reactions to things (as a result a little hard to connect with) which, alongside the loose ends, led to it feeling a little unfulfilling.
The good: I found it to be a compelling plot and overall good pacing, it really picked up nearer to the end and I got hooked in the last 100 pages or so. Very enjoyable read despite not being religious myself!
My grumbles: There was quite a large cast for a 500 page book which isn't a bad thing but some characters were just...forgotten about? Overall some characters just felt quite hollow, too. Particularly, I struggled with all of the modern day characters, the past characters less so as they were each flawed and knew it, while the present day were supposed to be flawed and never acknowledged their flaws/didn't accept them which just led to them being frustrating to read about in places. E.g. Abi's whiny baby voice- perhaps this was intentional? I'm not sure but I found the modern day characters a little grating...
Anyhow, I enjoyed it and would recommend it!
The good: I found it to be a compelling plot and overall good pacing, it really picked up nearer to the end and I got hooked in the last 100 pages or so. Very enjoyable read despite not being religious myself!
My grumbles: There was quite a large cast for a 500 page book which isn't a bad thing but some characters were just...forgotten about? Overall some characters just felt quite hollow, too. Particularly, I struggled with all of the modern day characters, the past characters less so as they were each flawed and knew it, while the present day were supposed to be flawed and never acknowledged their flaws/didn't accept them which just led to them being frustrating to read about in places. E.g. Abi's whiny baby voice- perhaps this was intentional? I'm not sure but I found the modern day characters a little grating...
Anyhow, I enjoyed it and would recommend it!
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October 3, 2021I read this book about 9 yrs ago and remembered I loved it (I thought) especially the part about Jesus. However I decided to re read it a few weeks ago. Also Dream Weaver, Barbara's latest.
I did not finish Dream Weaver as found it slow and was bored. As for Times Legacy I felt it went on too too long 3/4 way through, with the same plot repeating over and over it got boring and very corny. I feel she could have shortened the book a great deal to help the story unfold more smoothly. The story got so over the top that it lost its credability. Maybe not the right word but will do. I loved her first 2 books Lady of Hay and Kingdom of shadows. I love how she weaves interesting historical events with the present. The Occult and mystical. But I have done with her now as she has become too repetitive for me in her stories and too many ghost stories. I feel she could branch out and change her style and some of her wording is very repetiive. But so much wonderful imagination. Have a rest Barbara and do something new with your gifts.
I did not finish Dream Weaver as found it slow and was bored. As for Times Legacy I felt it went on too too long 3/4 way through, with the same plot repeating over and over it got boring and very corny. I feel she could have shortened the book a great deal to help the story unfold more smoothly. The story got so over the top that it lost its credability. Maybe not the right word but will do. I loved her first 2 books Lady of Hay and Kingdom of shadows. I love how she weaves interesting historical events with the present. The Occult and mystical. But I have done with her now as she has become too repetitive for me in her stories and too many ghost stories. I feel she could branch out and change her style and some of her wording is very repetiive. But so much wonderful imagination. Have a rest Barbara and do something new with your gifts.
December 24, 2018
Oddly, I suspect I bought this by accident and was probably thinking of another author with a similar name. I nearly gave up some third of the way thru, but did finish it. Normally I love split timelines but somehow this one was just too much for me - I ended up mildly annoyed by both the Christian and Pagan "wafting around", even more once they blended more towards the end - not sure what I mean by that but can't put it any better. Also, and I know this is picky, but too many times the writing (or editing) was too sloppy - using the same words and phrases, eg ancient or at once, again within 3 or 4 lines would jolt me out of the story in the way alternative words at that point wouldn't have. Feel sad cos suspect the younger me would have loved this. Still, did finish it, and it had good sense of atmosphere (if somewhat melodramatic at times) and some interesting historical details.
September 28, 2017
Barbara Erskine's novel Time's Legacy managed something that not a lot of others have done before, it made me interested in the plot and characters from the very start. It usually takes a few chapters before I start judging a book but Time's Legacy I was invested in from the get-go. Such a beautiful and insightful story connecting many beliefs and controversies which were a mystery to me.
When it comes to the characters, I must admit I envy them a bit because of their profound faith which connects to the good in people. And with that belief, be it Christian or Pagan, that spirituality makes them find inner peace. It sounds quite nice.
Time's Legacy is a definite recommendation to anyone interested in the mystical, spiritual or plain old good fiction!
When it comes to the characters, I must admit I envy them a bit because of their profound faith which connects to the good in people. And with that belief, be it Christian or Pagan, that spirituality makes them find inner peace. It sounds quite nice.
Time's Legacy is a definite recommendation to anyone interested in the mystical, spiritual or plain old good fiction!
April 14, 2018
Jesus had a gap year and he visits with the druids of ye olde England. One of the druids can connect across time to our heroine, who is of the Church, in contemporary England. The book is lush with fantastic and historical theories serving as plot points - spiritual healing, Jesus in Somerset, Druids and Christianity, time traveling souls, vengeful spirits, with some extra-marital lust and sexual harassment in the workplace. The mind boggled. I liked the historical bits - but the contemporary characters kept running towards anti-climaxes. Weirdly enough, the only character I found somewhat interesting was the protagonist's boss who is a sexually abusive religious fanatic, the study of whose insecure, fear ridden psyche could have made the tale interesting.
May 19, 2019
Oh dear. I've read many Barbara Erskine books, one of which is an all time favourite, this one is just awful. Could not connect with any character. A bunch of priests acting in a totally unbelievable way, a druid who had a teacher called Meryn (straight away thought of Merlyn, don't know if that was the intention, but added to my frustration)! Then for them to be seeing ghosts, of which one was Jesus! Come on could this get any worse. Yes is the answer, so much so that I gave up with 100 pages left to go.
Sorry Barbara. Will read more of your books because I know you are better than this.
Sorry Barbara. Will read more of your books because I know you are better than this.
April 12, 2022
I really loved House of Echoes, which is why I thought I'd try this. The premise sounded interesting: druids; a mysterious supernatural stone; time-skips to Roman Britain, so I can't exactly say why I found this just okay. I found myself skimming a lot. Abi was likeable enough and I felt for her with losing her job, being sexually harassed, etc. I think it was probably just quite long at 534 pages, so the story went on too many tangents for me with what seemed like filler at times. Nevertheless, I will give her other books a go next as River of Destiny and The Warrior's Princess sound interesting.
February 26, 2020
I read this book last year and absolutely loved it. I have just finished listening to it on audio.
Times Legacy by Barbara Erskin. Narrated by "Janice Mackenzie." The best narrator I have found to date.
I love the way Eskine weaves together stories from the present and past, in such a beautiful way that it makes you feel like you are there with the characters.
If you like ghost stories I think Erskine is the best I have ever read and she has a way of making her characters' stories plausible.
Great storytelling and excellent narration.
Times Legacy by Barbara Erskin. Narrated by "Janice Mackenzie." The best narrator I have found to date.
I love the way Eskine weaves together stories from the present and past, in such a beautiful way that it makes you feel like you are there with the characters.
If you like ghost stories I think Erskine is the best I have ever read and she has a way of making her characters' stories plausible.
Great storytelling and excellent narration.
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