Do you have a favorite book or story that you read repeatedly until you know it by heart, making the characters feel real? Have you ever wished you could dive into a book and become part of the adventure, perhaps even change a few things and leave your mark on the storyline? This is exactly what happens to a twelve-year-old boy named Finn. He spends most of his time with his nose in a book, shutting out the outside world. His reading companion is his grandmother, who currently lives in a nursing home and is thought to be rapidly declining. However, what no one knows is that she holds a secret—one that Finn literally falls into. They are Storytellers: individuals who can enter books, participate in the stories, and even alter the plotlines, sometimes permanently.

Aurora Hatchel’s novel, The Fullness of Time, is the first book in her series titled The Storytellers. In this story, Finn finds himself transported into his favorite Arthurian novel, where he befriends a young Arthur and Lancelot, before Arthur pulls Excalibur from the stone. While there are many books about the legend of Excalibur, Hatchel’s novel stands out due to its human portrayal of Arthur and Lancelot as teenagers, living their lives without any knowledge of their future destinies. In contrast, Finn believes he already knows how the story will end.

The conversations among the three young men, as well as with Zoe and Merlin, are particularly engaging. The personal connections that bridge the worlds of the book and Finn’s real life highlight the universality of themes such as fear and self-doubt. Additionally, the world-building is more complex than one might initially expect. The sky shifts in colors of black and red, serving as a physical representation of Finn’s realization that the story is in flux and that the “Heart of the story” is i jeopardy. This changing sky mirrors Finn’s own emotions and uncertainty about how to navigate the unfolding situation around him

The Fullness of Time offers a fresh perspective on the teen and young adult Fantasy genres by taking a classic story and giving it a unique twist that appeals to readers of all ages. Who wouldn’t want to be there when Arthur discovers his destiny and pulls Excalibur from the stone? This book is perfect for anyone who sees reading as an escape and hopes to leave their mark on a story. I can’t wait to see what adventures Aurora Hatchel will create in this series; it will undoubtedly be an experience readers won’t soon forget.

Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0CV4MRJKV