This was a fun read and I enjoyed it. I personally like the going to another country to find yourself trope, and I'm glad that this book followed it while also putting its own spin on it.

This was a super interesting and unique read for me. I love the concept of time travel, so I was instantly hooked. I loved reading a book based in beautiful Paris, and I loved Hallie! The romance is such a beautiful journey. Also-the cover is gorgeous!

this book was definitely different than most of the books i normally read. it wasn’t bad for being a genre / concept i normally read on a daily basis. i liked the idea of time travel. some parts did fall short for me but it definitely started to pick up once i got further into the book. overall, it wasn’t a bad read at all, and i enjoyed it.

"Paris Adrift" by E.J. Swift offers readers a richly woven tapestry of time travel, self-discovery, and the eternal allure of Paris. Through the eyes of Hallie, a young Englishwoman seeking to redefine her life, Swift plunges us into an atmospheric adventure that deftly combines the fantastical with the intimate.

The narrative thrives on its vivid depiction of Paris across eras—from the bohemian rhapsody of 1875 to the dystopian shadows of 2042. Swift's prose brings the city to life, capturing its beauty and despair with equal finesse. This is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, shaping and being shaped by Hallie's journey through time.

Hallie's evolution from a runaway geologist to a time-traveling explorer is the heart of this story. Her experiences at Millie's, a bar that hides more than just spirits in its cellar, offer a unique lens on the concept of family, belonging, and identity. The supporting cast, diverse and vibrantly drawn, enriches the narrative, providing depth and a sense of community that transcends time and space.

The romance, initially a subplot that I was ambivalent towards, evolves beautifully, becoming an integral part of Hallie's journey. The slow burn between Hallie and Léon underscores the novel's exploration of choice, consequence, and connection.

While the novel's engagement with modern politics and societal issues adds a layer of urgency and relevance, it's the treatment of time travel that sets "Paris Adrift" apart. Swift's imaginative approach to the mechanics and ethics of time travel adds a thrilling dimension to the story, while also posing poignant questions about free will and the impact of small actions on the broader tapestry of history.

However, the casual use of terms like "psychopath" and "schizophrenic" in a pejorative context was a disappointing misstep in an otherwise thoughtful narrative. Such language, unbecoming of the book's inclusive and empathetic tone, detracts from its exploration of mental health and diversity.

Despite this, "Paris Adrift" remains a compelling read, marked by Swift's skillful storytelling and the enchanting setting of Paris. It's a testament to the power of fiction to transport, challenge, and inspire. Whether you're drawn to the romance of the city, the allure of time travel, or the depth of human connection, this novel offers a captivating journey. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an immersive and thought-provoking adventure.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this read.

I was initially drawn to this book based on the concept of time travel. The idea of time travel is captivating and I love reading different books exploring the idea of it.

The story is set in Paris and our main character, Hallie, is trying to make a new life for herself and is taken under the wing by a group of people and gets a job at a bar. There she discovers she is an incumbent who can travel through time. Her job is to rectify issues in history in order to maintain a peaceful future.

This book was slow and confusing to start and I wasn’t sure I would finish at times. I think it would have been better if things were revealed earlier on to fully engage me into the story.

I would probably rate this a 3.75. Hallie has come to Paris to escape her old life in the UK, but this is not where the story starts. Hallie is an incumbent with a anomaly that will let her travel in time once she figures it out. A group of fellow abilities in the distant future send two of their number back in time to set Hallie on a course to change their future.

This book is doing a lot of things. Time travel speculative fiction, coming of age/exploring self, some romance, historically inspired fiction. I felt a bit discombobulated. A good read for those who want a place fixed time travel adventure paired with drifting through Paris.

Thank you to @RebellionPublishing for an ARC on @NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Overall rating: 3.5 stars

I was initially drawn to this for the time-travel concept. The thought of travelling back in time Paris is completely enchanting to me. Ironically, finding out you can time travel via a time travelling portal in the keg room of a bar is not something I saw coming. The main character, Hallie, uses the portal to time travel to Paris to escape her somewhat dull and seemingly boring life for something more exciting. As someone approaches her, she discovers that there is more than one concept and layer to reality. She forms new relationships with a newfound family, who lack any kind of deeper meaning of life.

I somewhat found Hallie's actions and behaviour to be relatable: in the sense of wanting more from life, searching for a deeper meaning to things, and discussing modern day topics and issues such as climate change, brexit, inequality, the current refugee crisis, amongst other extremely relatable topics. This novel is highlighting facts such as political issues and environmental issues as well, seemingly these being the most focused topics of discussion.

What Hallie did not first seemingly realise, is that every time travel takes it's inevitable toll on anyone who partakes, and causes issues such as addiction. For Hallie, this means the increasing decline of her health. What I did find fascinating is that Hallie's main plan is to stop the world as we know it from becoming a nuclear waste dumping ground.

I received a free digital copy of this book from the publishers/author via NetGalley UK in exchange for an honest review.