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Strands of Time and Magic

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Magic is dangerous. Being a charmer is deadly...

Concealing her modest magical abilities, which brand her as a reviled charmer, the headstrong Brylee lives in fear of exposure. If her abilities are discovered, she could be banished from the town or, worse, fall victim to merciless mages eager to drain her power and leave her for dead.

The threat she does not foresee is a physical attack. To survive, she must harness her magic.

Now, the secret of Brylee’s magic is out, and she is forced to flee. One mage offers salvation to her family and their farm. His price? A deadly mission - she must hunt down the Red Assassin.

But her quest, step by step, will bring her into conflict with a far greater evil...

458 pages, ebook

First published November 7, 2023

45 people are currently reading
74 people want to read

About the author

Andrew Platten

4books6followers
📖 Free Novella! Want to sample my writing or dive deeper into the Weavers of Destiny world? You will receive a free eBook when sign up for my reader list at

About the Author:
Born in England, I emigrated to Canada with my two children and now live in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island.

My initial career was in technology; a realm akin to magic with its ability to make lives better (and worse). It has mystery, a language few can master, and often fails us just when we need it most. It’s no surprise to me that many who revel in fantasy are drawn from the ranks of technology.

I am a view junkie and am drawn to places where I can imagine being an explorer discovering them for the first time. It’s why I became a pilot. People-watching is also one of my favourite hobbies. I try to understand how our minds, perceptions, and emotions work. The hundreds of hours of podcasts and papers I devour don’t make me a psychology expert, but they have helped me develop the characters that act out the book’s plot.

Oh, and I am tormented by cheese. I love cheese.

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5 stars
34 (58%)
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19 (32%)
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2 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Briar's Reviews.
2,193 reviews574 followers
May 12, 2024

"Strands of Time and Magic" by Andrew Platten immerses readers in a world where fantasy and adventure intertwine seamlessly. At its core, the story follows Brylee, a young woman burdened by the secret of her magical abilities, whose journey leads her into a perilous quest filled with twists of time travel. Platten's masterful world-building, intricate character development, and skillful handling of time travel create a captivating narrative that transcends the boundaries of genre, exploring universal themes of courage, friendship, and hope amidst the backdrop of a richly imagined fantasy realm.

With its elegant prose, compelling plot, and deeply relatable characters, "Strands of Time and Magic" emerges as a masterpiece of epic fantasy storytelling. Platten's attention to detail, balanced pacing, and exploration of timeless themes elevate the novel beyond mere escapism, inviting readers on a journey that will linger in their minds long after the final page has been turned. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy enthusiast or new to the genre, "Strands of Time and Magic" is a must-read that promises to captivate and enchant, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this spellbinding series.

Four out of five stars.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Zenia Platten.
Author4 books3 followers
October 21, 2023
I had the privilege of being a beta reader for this book. Writing any time travel plot can be hard to do well - but I think Andy nailed it! Check it out if you like detailed and interesting settings, diverse characters, and a villain that you'll love to hate.
Profile Image for Deborah Svensson.
351 reviews3 followers
October 20, 2024
This was an enjoyable story to read. The time travel capability was very interesting and I loved the relationships that built throughout the story. The ending was sweet and had a surprise at the very last.
1 review1 follower
November 8, 2023
The start of a new adventure

(This review is based on an advance copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest, uninfluenced review)

Diving into an author’s first published work can often be hit or miss. Not everyone has what it takes to create a compelling story that pulls you in, and suspends reality as you ride along with the adventures, trials, and tribulations of characters that you’ve just met for the first time. So it was a pleasant surprise for me as I ventured into the first few chapters of this book, with both the characters and the storytelling feeling like old friends after only a few minutes of reading. Being a whole new world, the author does a great job of introducing concepts (be it social structures, magic systems, or the economics of the new world) with a steady pace� just fast enough to keep the story exciting as it develops through the first few chapters, while slow enough so that we can enjoy a proper introduction to important concepts and characters.

The introductions keep coming throughout the book, as you discover new ideas and encounter new people along with the main characters. The concept of time traveling, while central to the book, is handled in such an elegant manner that at no point did I feel confused about how anything worked. Magic concepts that could have easily been regurgitated from epic classics such as The Wheel of Time series, or the works of Sanderson and Goodkind, are recast in a new and novel way that delivers a fresh take on the genre. The foundations are laid throughout this book for many future story possibilities (sequels or spinoffs), yet the story is properly self-contained. I finished the book quite satisfied, while also ready for more. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!

If you like medieval magic fantasy, mixed with science-fiction concepts such as the many-worlds theory, and a healthy dose of creative problem-solving, then this novel is for you. If that sentence makes you think “well that is so broad!”� that’s the point. This book is for everyone who enjoys a good story with well-defined characters, plot twists, and a strong story arc that manages to bring everything together by the conclusion. It truly sets a high bar as the author’s first book.
Profile Image for Caprice Pettem barbour.
1 review1 follower
November 17, 2023
Review contains mild spoiler.

Started reading Strands of Time & Magic by Andrew Platten and I was very happy to see the details provided in laying out the geography, politics, and individuals and their cultures. Very well written Fantasy that grabbed me immediately. I was trying to figure out who the good guys and bad guys and even the well, it depends on the circumstances guys were when, WHAM I was hit by the twist in the book, Time Travel! I ended up staying up very late to finish this extensive book but don't regret it a bit. A completely self-contained story but I really hope it has brothers and sisters. I will wait and watch. I will not spoil more than I have.

Caprice Barbour
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kez Marie.
945 reviews66 followers
November 7, 2023
This is an exciting and engaging epic fantasy, with diverse and complex characters, and strong themes of destiny, self discovery and resilience.
With immersive world building and an engaging and captivating plot, this story explores light against darkness, imaginative magic, time travel, and intricate revelations and plot twists.
This is a captivating fantasy journey with friendships, betrayals, dark revelations, action and adventure.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
1 review
December 19, 2023
Excellent debut novel. I'm more of a sci fi reader but this hooked me and kept me engrossed all the way to the end
Profile Image for R.M. Krogman.
Author12 books42 followers
April 11, 2025
"Strands of Time and Magic" by Andrew Platten is a fast-paced, incredibly fun fantasy with world-ending stakes, all wrapped up with fascinating time magic. It is difficult to do time travel stories well - so many what-ifs and what-abouts and potential paradoxes to navigate - and Platten hits it out of the park. Here's why: Platten knows his world so incredibly well. He knows his magic system. He knows his map, his cultures, and his characters. Every single piece bears the weight of scrutiny under a looking-glass. I was blown away by the nature and description of places, for it was clear that each had its own history and context for its current characteristics and role in trade and politics. Each character had their own personality and will, their own aspirations and quirks. They did not exist in a vacuum, for they had relationships with family, friends, and enemies; histories and reputations; and worries for how to fit into new places. Each revelation of magic was a sliver of realization of the solid foundation of Platten's magic system.

I also found this book to be very readable. It uses more modern language, not in an anachronistic manner but rather, in a way that a typical reader can consume it without feeling like they're wading through a 1970s epic fantasy. The setting and character behaviors are not so adherent to the traditional "medieval" expectations and just feel unique. I definitely couldn't put down the last 100 pages.

Finally, I really appreciated the main character Brylee. She was a little bit older, highly capable with a mind for business, tenacious (sometimes mistaken for "stubborn"), and not just a pretty face. She has a good heart for helping people, but is not a mushy push-over in any way, shape, or form. Well, she will push you over, but only if you're being a jerk. She has great agency, even at the beginning before she learns more about magic, simply because she is a clever woman willing to learn and willing to teach herself. She is willing to challenge herself and make herself uncomfortable in order to reach a goal. How can you not cheer for a character like Brylee?

If you like stories with time magic, you should definitely check this one out. I am so grateful I have this one in paperback for my shelf!!
Profile Image for Nadhia.
32 reviews
Read
January 26, 2024
This book has good bones. However, the padding needs work. I wanted to like it, and think the concept is interesting, but the author gets bogged down in scenery details instead of character detail/development. I found myself wanting to know more about the characters and their personalities (because they are set up to be so interesting!), but I would have to read unnecessary scenery details instead. It ended up being frustrating for me.

If the author added more focus on describing the characters, it would be easier to connect with them. Again, they are interesting, and I wanted to know more about them. Without that character development though, it was difficult to read the book.

I think if you have more patience than myself, you would have an easier time reading this book than I did.
1 review
November 22, 2023
This author has written a very good book. The story flows very smoothly with continual action and mystery which kept me captivated. The storyline is easy to follow with just the right amount of suspense as to what is going to happen. I was not sure what to expect with this book from this first time author but it turned out to be a fascinating and captivating book that was hard to put down. I hope that the author writes more books, I would definitely put any future books on my list of must reads.
Profile Image for Peaceful.
4 reviews
November 27, 2023
Warning! Make sure you have all necessities before starting this book! Received the book on Friday, cracked it open and found myself reading most of the weekend. Really enjoyed the story - compelling blend of adventure, character depth, and imaginative settings. I enjoy stories with strong female protagonists who are realistic, flaws and all. There were twists, villains, and suspense, and it was also heartwarming. Nice to read a new author who writes like a seasoned one.
1 review
May 16, 2024
What an awesome ride! Great story with deep characters that I fell in love with. Twists and turns that kept me reading and wanting more. I didn’t see a few things coming which was exciting, I love being surprised, even though I cursed the author for what he did (no spoiler) but kept reading and he redeemed himself, thank you, I want more!!!
Profile Image for A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews.
637 reviews73 followers
November 6, 2023
"Strands of Time and Magic" by Andrew Platten is a sweeping and meticulously crafted epic fantasy novel that demands to be savored. This richly woven tapestry of a story is a mesmerizing journey through a world where magic, destiny, and the very fabric of time intertwine to create a tale that is both intricate and profoundly engaging.

In the realm of Mordeland, a sense of impending doom lingers, and the inhabitants remain blissfully unaware of the perilous fate that hangs over their world. At the heart of this impending disaster stands Levinial, a time weaver chosen by the gods, who carries the burden of preventing the unraveling of time itself. Platten skillfully introduces readers to a world where time is a precious and fragile resource, and the concept of time weaving adds a unique layer of complexity to the story.

However, "Strands of Time and Magic" is not just a tale of destiny and gods; it is a story that thrives on the strength and determination of its characters. Brylee, a seemingly ordinary young woman, emerges as a central figure whose fate is irrevocably linked to the very survival of Mordeland. Her struggles, tenacity, and her battle against a male-dominated society bring forth a character who is not only relatable but also deeply compelling.

Platten masterfully delves into themes of magic, identity, and societal prejudice, as Brylee grapples with her innate magical abilities and the stigma that comes with being a "charmer." Her journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, and it is impossible not to become emotionally invested in her story.

The novel's intricate plot and well-drawn characters make it a work of epic fantasy that is well worth savoring. Platten's world-building is immersive, and his prose is both eloquent and vivid, drawing readers into the richly detailed landscapes and cultures of Mordeland.

"Strands of Time and Magic" is a captivating tale that challenges its characters to confront their destinies and embrace the magic within themselves. It is a testament to the power of choice, resilience, and the enduring battle between light and darkness. Platten's storytelling is as enchanting as the magic that flows through the pages, making this a book that readers will want to linger over, taking in every nuance and revelation.

"Strands of Time and Magic" is a meticulously crafted epic fantasy that offers a rich and immersive reading experience. Andrew Platten's ability to blend intricate world-building with compelling characters and a spellbinding plot is nothing short of masterful. This is a book that deserves to be cherished, making it a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and those who appreciate a deeply engaging and beautifully told tale of magic, destiny, and the enduring spirit of its characters.
18 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2024
Something new this way comes. I’m always thrilled when I read a new author/book and their perspective and way of writing is new and fresh and different. It’s not that unusual for someone to come up with a new magic framework or an interesting world/culture/society but for someone to do both of those things and then to put together a very interesting, captivating story set within that word, it’s just, well, exciting for me.

Strands of Time and Magic is Andrew Platten’s debut novel. The first version release came out last year and I read it then. Andrew and I are connected through a few different threads (maybe I should have said strands?) and I managed to get an early copy of his book. I enjoyed it quite a bit and this year, after doing some work on the first few chapters to tighten them up and flow a bit better, he asked me to read it again. He has also asked me to do an ARC read of his sequel so these things lined up really well. I’d get to make the first book fresh in my mind again before tackling the sequel and I’d have something to show for it for SRC.

The work that Andrew has done in this version was somehow both noticeable and subtle. It’s the same story, the same characters, the same everything really but it’s an easier story to slide into and feel at home in. I enjoyed the version but this one is better.

Strands of Time and Magic has an interesting framework around its magic. The ability to do magic is shunned until you’re powerful enough for people to respect you. It is also predatory in nature as the easiest path to more power is stealing it from people who have a small capability (killing them in the process). It’s also interesting in that the tapestry of time and reality is woven through the world and magic. So this book manages to deftly take the daily practice of magic as a plot point and weave within it the trappings of reality and what makes the world a place. Some of you will like that philosophical depth in your story and this book delivers.

Platen is really quite gifted at producing nuanced, real characters that we care about. There are no one dimensional characters in these books (ok, maybe a couple of the throw away villains�), good and evil are definitely a spectrum. The story in Strands, as with any book that involves discussions about the malleability of time, is complex but unlike many such novels, it handles it deftly with a gentle touch.

I definitely recommend and am looking forward to reading the sequel.
1 review
November 6, 2023
I have been lucky enough to pre-read this book. This novel is a must-read for those who love a good fantasy novel, and it also makes for a great holiday-gift for that person who already has everything! The story is vivid, complex and captivating, with compelling individual characters (and as you would expect from a good story some are lovable and some less so). The language is rich and beautiful, the world that it welcomes one into is fascinating, with creatively named characters and places. The book really is enjoyable and captivating from the first page. I really hope for, and look forward to a sequel already!
1 review
November 24, 2023
This was an enjoyable read with a well constructed premise and good world building. It is a good fantasy for both teens and adults.

The characters were will developed with backstories, and as a reader you cared about them and what happens to them. The plot was not obvious and it leaves you wondering where it will go next. The magic was interesting and unique. The time travel aspect was present without being overpowering or confusing. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy. I am eager to read more from this new author.

(Reviewer was given an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review)
1 review
November 24, 2023
Finished, and I liked it!

Interesting and entertaining multi-dimensional characters, a complex social environment, and some puzzlers on time itself made for an entertaining read. The parts exploring different aspects of our current world from a different point of view added to it.

Someone asked me for a "meets" assessment, and I'd say it's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah Maas (minus the romance backbone) meets "The Seven Kennings" by Kevin Hearne (minus the intenrational intrigue).

In summary, it kept me up late reading a few nights, and yes, I'm already looking forward to volume 2. It's worth the read!
1 review
January 26, 2024
I am not normally a fantasy reader but my husband suggested I try this one. Well, what I surprise, I am hooked! I couldn't put it down. I was immediately captivated by the strong female characters, and drawn into the vivid depictions of towns and countryside settings. The restaurants, bars, markets felt alive to me and the patrons very relatable. I am absolutely gob-smacked by the complex web of magic and time travel that the author has created and the story-line had me hooked. This book has it all, suspense, romance, emotion, loyalty and betrayal. I am looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for J.P. McLean.
Author14 books74 followers
July 12, 2024
This epic fantasy put me in mind of Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name of the Wind. Patten’s characters are well developed, and the plot is expansive. I really enjoyed the unique take on magic and time manipulation. There’s almost an engineering-level reasoning behind each of the concepts, which makes it easy for the reader to understand the contraptions and magic. If you enjoy epic fantasy that feels limitless, you’ll enjoy Strands of Time and Magic.
4 reviews
November 30, 2023
This book is not just words on paper. I love the way in which Andrew brings the characters and the situations in which they find themselves to life. Each one has a back story of their own and I really felt like I knew them and shared their journey from beginning to climatic end. A really good read. I'm looking forward to book 2.
8 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2024
While the story was dense with information and description, the characters andtheir relationships felt real. The fantasy world was complex, and the magic system was fascinating with its various elements and applications. It was a very interestingstory witha satisfyingending.
Profile Image for Barbara Larson.
1 review
November 24, 2023
This was a great read. A complex magical system, very character driven, strong world building.
Very entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Darielle Pettem.
39 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2024
If you enjoy classic fantasy that contains tropes such as found family and epic quests, this book is for you. It is a meaty, standalone tale to immerse yourself in. Detailed world-building, characters you will remember, and an unusual and well-explained magic system. The story is fresh and engaging with plot twists and originality spun across some favourite tropes. The character arcs of the protagonist and antagonist are believable and interesting. Brylee is a seemingly ordinary farmer and merchant who has a dangerous secret. She also has flaws that precipitate the trigger event, forcing her to leave her home and loved ones. There are several characters I enjoyed meeting, and I particularly want more of Lu, a fierce Mobi’dern warrior, and her companion mountain lion, Shanna.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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