cover image Department of Temporal Adjustment

Department of Temporal Adjustment

Veronica R. Tabares, . . Sun Break, $32.99 (292pp) ISBN 978-1-60916-004-3

YA fantasy author Tabares (the Behold the Eye trilogy) takes a tentative step into science fiction for adults with a tissue-thin time travel story. Lightweight heroine Vanessa is stressed out by raising three daughters while working toward an archeology degree at a Seattle university. When a closet in the archeology lab turns out to be a portal that takes her decades into the future, her kindly host sends her back right away, erasing her memories of the trip and incidentally leaving her unable to remember how to dress, cook, or recognize her children; but he can't erase the curiosity that draws her back to the portal again and again. Vanessa's temporary amnesia is the story's focus, and SF fans looking for solid characterization or any real exploration of time travel will be disappointed. (June)