The Color of Time

Filled with compelling characters, an intriguing narration, and an interstellar setting that feels both at once innovative and familiar, The Color of Time invites reader into a narrative that dares to explore the difficult—and oftentimes uncomfortable—choices a person might make in order to survive. The plot is tightly structured and the stakes continue to rise throughout, offering a thrilling experience that will have you up all night. Abecassis skillfully preserves a fable-like touch in this sci-fi reimagining of the Donkeyskin fairytale, making this a wholly unique and positively delightful read!

I haven’t read very many second-person POV books, mostly because I think it’s a difficult perspective to utilize effectively, but Abecassis does this flawlessly. It’s a different reading experience (for me, at least) from first- and third-person POV, since it really puts you in the protagonist’s shoes. I will say that I was a bit confused about what exactly was going on in the beginning, but it’s such a short read that everything gets cleared up fairly quickly. This is a great scifi reimagining of Peau d’Âne, with a more autonomous heroine, an absolutely despicable villain, and a queer twist I very much enjoyed. To put icing on the cake, there’s even a heist! If you’re looking for a book that will only take a few hours but still keep your attention, The Color of Time is the perfect candidate.

Thank you to the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy!I'd never heard of Donkeyskin before picking up this book, so I went ahead and read the original fairy tale before diving into the book based on the recommendations from the author and other reviewers. I don't think it was necessary to read the original fairy tale to fully enjoy the book, but doing so made me appreciate the book more (because The Color of Time was much more enjoyable for me)!This science fiction retelling was so unique (and not only from the second person perspective)! The way Abecassis uses the "impossible" nuptial gifts within the technology on these planets made everything fit together so well. I've never read a book written in the second person perspective (only short stories online), and I really loved how it was used as a tool for telling the story. I enjoyed the world building and character development of our princess. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves sci-fi, sapphic romance, and unique storytelling!

Political intrigue, interplanetary space travel, technologically advanced societies, involved deities, as well as the timeless desire for power, control, and wealth. People are divided between the haves and have-nots and are ruled by corrupt politicians and villainous monarchies. A princess is on the precipice of being forced into an incestuous marriage to her brother, and she is searching for a way to escape her fate. On her journey, the incognito Princess Cyrelle meets a woman who seeks justice and fairness for her people. They bond over their secrets and ambitions.The Color of Time by Millie Abecassis has many elements that should make for an exciting and suspenseful story, along with a romantic subplot. However, I did not emotionally connect with the characters, nor did I feel the urgency of their missions. The relationship between Cyrelle and Sianna was not convincing.It may have been partially due to the second-person POV. It felt like reading the telling of a myth without much showing. I wanted to know how it would turn out, but overall, it was not very engaging. I just needed something more.The cover is beautiful, though.#scifi #retelling #sapphic #fairytale #myth #fantasy #spacetravel