A Tale of Two Centuries
Author: Rachel Harris
Series: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century #2
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Fantasy
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Summary:
One mystical spell later, Alessandra appears on Cat’s Beverly Hills doorstep five hundred years in the future. Surrounded by confusing gadgets, scary transportation, and scandalous clothing, Less is hesitant to live the life of a twenty-first century teen…until she meets the infuriating – and infuriatingly handsome – surfer Austin Michaels. Austin challenges everything she believes in…and introduces her to a world filled with possibility.
With the clock ticking, Less knows she must live every moment of her modern life while she still can. But how will she return to the drab life of her past when the future is what holds everything she’s come to love?
First Sentence: I close my eyes against the gentle breeze and twirl, my green silk surcoat swishing around my ankles in glorious abandon.
My Review:
I’ve never read My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, but I’ve wanted to ever since I first heard about it. I did request the book from the library, but the copy was so ripped and full of mysterious crumbs (were they even crumbs?) that I ended up not borrowing it. When I was offered to read and review the sequel of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, A Tale of Two Centuries, I immediately jumped at the chance to, especially since it looked like you didn’t have to read the first book to get the second book, unlike most sequels out there.
The relationship between Alessandra and Austin developed a little too fast for my taste in A Tale of Two Centuries. One second they were hating each other like crazy, the next they were hanging out 24/7, eventually landing in a relationship. This all happens in around one week. I’m glad that there were no actual “I love yous” though, that Alessandra realizes that she was falling in love with Austin, but was not yet in love with him. However, their relationship was giving off strong “I can’t live without yous” vibes.
“Baby, I just found you…you really think I’m gonna let her take you away from me? We’ll figure something out, I promise you that.” (ARC 276)
Another problem I had with A Tale of Two Centuries was the words that were used. Let me explain: Alessandra traveled forward in time to the 21st century, where she meets her older cousin Cat. (Alessandra was originally from the 16th century.) However, sometimes Alessandra understood certain words that people from the 16th century shouldn’t have known or understood, such as the word “blush,” which is used as being flustered or to redden in this case. There is also the issue of the word “cheat,” which was used as someone cheated romantically on another person in A Tale of Two Centuries. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I highly doubt that somebody from the 16th century would understand the context of the word “blush” and “cheat” used in the modern day 21st century without any explanation. (I tried to Google this, but alas, no reliable answer popped up.) Not to mention the fact that Alessandra should also not get the meaning of certain modern days phrases such as “Holy cow, girl,” and “pretty hot and heavy.”
“D-don’t call me that,” I stammer, blushing all the more from his brazen question. “And I do not blush.” (ARC 62)
Some things in A Tale of Two Centuries were also so unrealistic. For example, how can Alessandra’s cousin, Cat, manage to get Alessandra a spot in her high school in a day without any proper records or documents? I don’t know about you, but in New York City, you can’t attend/sign up to attend a high school in a day, especially without the proper records and documents.
However, despite all these problems, A Tale of Two Centuries was a very fun enjoyable read. I literally couldn’t put the book down and get my much needed sleep. I especially enjoyed reading about Alessandra’s personal character growth and watching her get her own well-deserved happy ending. In the beginning of the book, Alessandra was a bit annoying; always comparing herself to her cousin Cat and stating how she pales in comparison. Alessandra also hints that she wants more freedom (because women in the 16th century have no control over their life), but she doesn’t do anything about it. Luckily, Alessandra slowly grows a backbone with the help of Austin. In the end, Alessandra turned out to be a character I can genuinely root for and like.
It is imperative that Austin not see my distress. I want him to think me brave and confident. I want him to be proud of me – I want to be proud of me. (ARC 202)
Overall, if you’re looking for a cute, fluffy read, then grab a copy of A Tale of Two Centuries. It will definitely be the perfect book for you. Reading A Tale of Two Centuries made me want to grab a copy of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century asap and read it to see how the series started, even though I already have a strong feeling about what had happened in it.
Great review! I haven’t read the first book and my library doesn’t have it, but I have always wanted to read this series. ;)
This book is so cute Cali! It makes me want to read the first book. :D
And thank you! (:
Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway Hop
I haven’t read the first one because Historical YA isn’t my thing, but that first line was sooo beautiful. The word choice would probably irritate me a little. I focused on 16th and 17th century literature / drama in college, and word choice is really important in time periods. I’m pretty sure “cheat” wouldn’t be used like it is today. Not sure about “blush” — that one’s a little tricky. Also, I have to mention that one of the quotes you used called the girl “baby” — I can’t stand that for some reason. It makes me squirm when guys in YA (or NA) call girls “baby.” Personal problem, I realize lol :) Love the review!
Becca @ Nawanda Files recently posted…Sexy Sunday: Ricochet by K.B. Ritchie + GIVEAWAY + Blog Tour Sign-Ups
Well, I can officially confirm “cheat” is used incorrectly in the book. I’m still suspicious about the word “blush” though.
You’re definitely not alone Becca, tons of other people get annoyed when book guys call girls “baby.” It reminds me of the Justin Bieber song -shivers-.
Thanks! :D
Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway Hop
I haven’t read the first book yet, but many reviewers enjoyed this, so I am very excited to see how this series turns out. It sounds super cute and relaxing, and I love books like that! Glad you enjoyed this overall! Great review! :D
~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
Maida @ Literary Love Affair recently posted…Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking
I sadly haven’t read the first book yet either. :P
And yeah, TONS of other people enjoyed this book.
Thanks! :D
Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway Hop
Sometimes it’s nice to read a light, fluffy book. I’ll have to keep this one in mind!
Nicole Hewitt recently posted…Sunday Post 8/4/13
I think you’ll enjoy this one Nicole. (:
Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway Hop
I can’t stand “insta-love.” Before I didn’t mind them, but after numerous books with the same idea, it sort of got annoying. Usually when I read books with romance, I prefer the romance to be equally paced. I want the romance to slowly build just like they do in real life. I don’t like it when characters declare their love for each other when they just met a week ago. It’s just too unrealistic. Anyways, great review! I love reading them.
I’m glad you’re with me on this Holly – I can’t stand insta-love either. It just doesn’t make any sense to me. I mean, will you really give up/sacrifice your life for a person you’ve just met a week ago? I know I wouldn’t. You barely know them!
Thanks! :D
Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway Hop
I have seen a lot of people like this series and had my eye on it but am not sure if it for me. It might be a little too sweet and fluffy for me. I’m glad to hear your honest thoughts on it. It bothers me sometimes when books are unrealistic in the same ways.
Yeah, I understand what you mean when you say that you may not like books that are a little too sweet and fluffy. :l
Hey, I’m always honest in my reviews. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway Hop
I think this book looks so cute!, but I would like to read the first book first. Great review!
Yeah, I will definitely like to get my hands on the first book. The cover of this one looks adorable too. :D
Thank you! (:
Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Books I Wish Could Have Had Sequels
I’ve only just read a review of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century and have put it on my to read list. I didn’t realise there was a sequel. It’s disappointing that there were things that weren’t great about, but I think it sounds good as a light, fun read. There’s other stuff to read for depth!
Sarah @ Girl!Reporter recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday (#11) – books I wish could have had sequels
I think there’s also a sequel after this one. I’m not sure, but I’m at least 85% sure of this. :P
A Tale of Two Centuries is definitely a good light, fun read. It’s so light and fluffy! :D
Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Books I Wish Could Have Had Sequels
This one sounds like a sweet read! Alessandra and Austin are adorable! :)
Hazel recently posted…{Blog Tour} Review: The Guys Are Props Club + Giveaway
It is a cute read Hazel. Alessandra and Austin were adorable together, but it was just a little too insta-lovey for me.
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: The Distance Between Us – Kasie West
I keep seeing this book, wondering if it was for me or not. You’re review really helped in the final decision, so thanks as always!
Jess Chiles recently posted…Super Six Sunday (2)
Ha ha, glad to help you Jess. ;D
Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: Thornhill – Kathleen Peacock
I have This ebook but I don’t have the first one in this series. I don’t want to read it as a stand-alone book. I want to run along the story since the very start.. Nice Review :)
Sana @ Novels they Wrote or Movies they Made recently posted…Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway : Student Bodies (Poltergeeks#2) by Sean Cummings
A Tale of Two Centuries has a pretty good recap of what had happened in the first book, so don’t worry much Sana. o:
Kelly recently posted…Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop
So, this means it won’t be a trouble if I’ll skip the first book.
Sure then I’ll give it a try :]
I’ve heard so many things about this book/series regarding hot guys ;D
Sana @ Novels they Wrote or Movies they Made recently posted…Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway : Student Bodies (Poltergeeks#2) by Sean Cummings
Ha ha, you’ll definitely love Austin Sana. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Things That Make Your Life As A Reader/Book Blogger Easier
I haven’t read the first book (even though I have it) so I’ve been hesitant to pick up the second – but it seems like you really liked the ATOTC without reading the first…so I might have to give it a try.
I didn’t think blush or cheat were non-16th century words…they seem like they mean the same thing no matter what. I do think the “Holy cow, girl” should probably have confused Alessandra, but maybe she just interpreted it as an exclamation?
Anyway, this sounds super addictive, and I might have to pick it up…although I wasn’t in love with the writing based on the snippets you posted – it sounds a bit too bodice ripping, somehow.
Great review!
Tiff @ Mostly YA Lit recently posted…Guest Review: Black Swan Green by David Mitchell
I hope you’ll like this series Tiff! (:
I dunno, “blush” and “cheat” sounds like iffy words for me if you live in the 16th century. As for “Holy cow, girl,” I don’t think it was interpreted as an exclamation because it was used in an explanation.
The overall writing is exactly my taste either, but I got sucked into the fun world as I read on, so I didn’t mind it much.
Thanks! :D
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [47]
I’m reading this right now! I really like it! I think I’ll end up giving it 4.5 stars in the end. :) Also, how did you decide to use watermelons for your ratings? They’re cute, haha.
Holly recently posted…MOVIE REVIEW: City of Bones (by Cassandra Clare)
I’m glad you really like this one Holly! :D
Well, I was looking for something that was green and also a food, then decided to do fruits instead because it would look cuter than random food used as a rating. I finally decided on a slice of watermelon because it does have a shade of green on it and it matches my blog layout + theme. :D
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [47]
Never heard about this series before. But I’m in the mood for fluffy reading now and this seems like good choice. Thanks for the review
This series is definitely perfect for you if you want to read fluffy books.
Thanks for stopping by! (:
Kelly recently posted…Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop
I think with books like this over-thinking them is really bad. It’s like going to an action movie and expecting an involved plot! Lol!
I’m not sure what you mean Susan? Do you mean reading these kind of books and over-thinking is bad? o:
And hey, some action movies do have an involved plot. :P
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
I meant that with a “fluffy” read like this it probably is best to let any historical inaccuracies slide and just enjoy the story! And I suppose some action movies do have a complicated plot but many don’t require deep thought. :) It doesn’t mean that they are bad, just easy on the brain!
Ohh, ha ha. The thing is when I read books, any kind of books, I want all the facts I read about to be accurate. (I do kind of read young adult to learn.) When authors write a book, I expect them to do research like all the other authors do. -shrugs-
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer – Katie Alender
excellent review… i can see what you mean when you say that when you write about time travel you must be coherent with the speech and such… i did read some excellent books for that and for example if you try the sentinel of new orleans series by suzanne johnson you can see that the pirate jean lafitte, even if he did some travel in modern time, still has some trouble to adjust to slang and modern vocabulary and that all the charm of time travel i thionk^^
still i will start with book 1 in this series and then i will seee
miki recently posted…White Witch, Black Curse (The Hollows 7) by Kim Harrison
Thanks Miki! (:
I’ve never heard of that series before, but I’m glad it got everything right! o:
I hope you’ll enjoy this series! (:
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer – Katie Alender
Nice honest review
Thanks! (:
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer – Katie Alender
Awww this book sounds so fun! I’ve heard about Rachel Harris books, especially about this series, and I’m really curious about it. I’ll definitely add it to my tbr list =)
great review!
i want to read this book!!
I definitely want to read this one. It sounds like the perfect read to get your mind off troubles :) lol, despite the flaws in writing. I imagine it is difficult to get facts about vocabulary- I know i have discovered other misuses in other books.
Ashleigh Swerdfeger recently posted…GMO Mini Summit 2013
I feel so behind! I haven’t read the first yet. But I have heard it’s really cute. Glad to hear you enjoyed the sequel. That makes the series even more appealing.
I agree with a lot of facets of your review, like how quickly Austin and Less’s relationship progresses, but as far as the speech, Cat does spend part of the time in book 1 teaching Less some slang, if that eases your mind. Yes, there will be a third book in the series, this time split between Cat and Lucas’s povs. I hope you have the opportunity to read MSSSC because you need to meet Lorenzo!
Mary H recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday #31: 2014 Resolutions
I enjoyed this book as well, thanks for the review!