Mick is an ordinary boy living in Chicago in 2024—until he unexpectedly finds himself transported to 1852 London. There, he discovers a mysterious school filled with children who have all traveled back in time, just like him. But something is amiss. Beyond the mystery of random time travel, a sinister pattern emerges: children who are pulled into the past often meet a grim fate. Determined to uncover the truth, Mick and his new friends embark on a dangerous quest to solve the puzzle of what’s really happening.

While the story occasionally feels a bit too complex for a YA novel, and certain details—like how pale everyone is—are repeated a little too often, it’s overall an engaging and enjoyable read. The book blends cozy charm with suspenseful intrigue. Fans of Harry Potter will find echoes of its magic here, though this tale swaps spells for time travel and offers a fresh, thrilling twist on the genre. Overall an 3.75 ⭐️.

Thank you to Wayzgoose Press and NetGalley for this ARC! It’s been a while since I read a YA book but I love historical fiction and time travel, so I’m excited to delve into An Ambush of Years. I’ll update my review as soon as I finish it!

I loved to read this book. I wasn't expecting it to be soooo good as it is. I recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic and the story is immaculate.

I have not read a YA book in a while, let alone a time travel one, so An Ambush of Years ended up being an entertaining read. A young man, Mick who has lost his mother. And abandoned by his father has to go from one relative to another along with his little sister. Until one day he's thrown back into time where he meets others travellers like him. Except there's a villian who's out to get the portals and mortals. Can Mick thwart the villian and get back?

Thrilling and fast-paced.

#netgalley #AnAmbushofYears

An Ambush of Years tells the story of Mick, who is transported back in time by a mysterious portal to London 1853. He's found by other "alley rats" - other children who have travelled back in time - and starts his training at the Institute. Their duties involve finding other "alleys" or portals and greeting the children that come out of them. Unfortunately, someone is deliberately entering the alleys, making them unstable and causing the children inside the alley to die when they come out.

I was engrossed in the mystery of who was deliberately entering alleys and killing children, and I'm looking forward to the next book!