Cider - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$2.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Julia Ibbotson
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

A Shape on the Air: A haunting Anglo-Saxon time-slip of mystery and romance (Dr DuLac series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Julia Ibbotson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 360 ratings
For fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, Christina Courtenay
Can echoes of the past threaten the present? They are 1500 years apart, but can they reach out to each other across the centuries? One woman faces a traumatic truth in the present day. The other is forced to marry the man she hates as the 'dark ages' unfold.

How can Dr Viv DuLac, medievalist and academic, unlock the secrets of the past? Traumatised by betrayal, she slips into 499 AD and into the body of Lady Vivianne, who is also battling treachery. Viv must uncover the mystery of the key that she unwittingly brings back with her to the present day, as echoes of the past resonate through time. But little does Viv realise just how much both their lives across the centuries will become so intertwined. And in the end, how can they help each other across the ages without changing the course of history?

Praise for Julia Ibbotson and A Shape on the Air:

“In the best Barbara Erskine tradition … I would highly recommend this novel” Historical Novel Society

“Amazing …a really great book …I just couldn’t put it down” Hazel Morgan

"a beautiful tale … a must-read for fans of time-slip and time-travel" Cathie Dunn

"gripping, with a very real sense of sense of threat and danger, an enthralling mystery focused on hidden treasure, a wholly convincing romance, all across both timelines! Anne Williams

"Lovely identifiable heroines in both time periods … I love the strength and vulnerability" Melissa Morgan

"Meticulously researched and wonderfully evocative. Loved it!" Anne Harvey

"Well-rounded characters and a wealth of historical research make this a real page-turner" Amazon review

"Enthralling!" Amazon review
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 3
    Dr DuLac series
  2. Print length
    220 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    October 9, 2021
  5. File size
    2.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  2. The Lovers (Echoes from the Past Book 1)
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  6. Kaitlyn and the Highlander
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  15. A Stitch in Time
    Kindle Edition
    $6.99
  16. Through the Mist: A Novel
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
Next page
Loading...

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09J43ZKZP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (October 9, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 9, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 220 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 360 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Julia Ibbotson

Julia Ibbotson

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Acclaimed, award-winning author Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the early medieval world and the concept of resonances across time. She read English at Keele University, England (after a turbulent but exciting gap year in Ghana, West Africa) specialising in medieval language, literature and history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics. She wrote her first novel at 10 years of age, but became a school teacher, then an academic as a senior university lecturer and researcher.

She has published a number of books, including memoir, children’s medieval fantasy, a trilogy set in Ghana, and early medieval time slip/dual time, as well as academic works. Apart from insatiable reading, she loves travelling the world, singing in choirs, swimming, yoga and walking in the countryside in England and Madeira where she and her husband divide their time.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
360 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Book Squirrel
    5.0 out of 5 stars An absolutely captivating book.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This brilliant story is an absolutely enthralling blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction.

    Drawn into the life of Vivianne Du Lac, history professor, the reader is almost immediately plunged into an intricate web of complications, challenges and unexpected developments that are woven together so that no strand of the story is independent of the others. The narrative is smooth and well-constructed, and Ibbotson's writing is excellent.

    The characters are very well crafted, especially given that each fits into more than one story strand. Viv is the most complex and detailed of them all, being the central character, but the others are all given depth through their interactions and responses as the story progresses.

    More than simply being enjoyable, this is a thought-provoking and involving read in which the reader becomes completely engrossed.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • sadiezmom
    4.0 out of 5 stars Shadows of Oz
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This book has many elements of Dorothy's travel to Oz. The people in Viv's circle are present in both timelines, as friends and foes.
    Parts of the story seemed a bit slow, but I enjoyed seeing good triumph over evil in each time period.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Penny L
    5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED IT TO THE VERY LAST PAGE
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I did not feel that the characters were stereotypical at all. Some people may wonder how the main character didn't see how scummy her ex was before he dumped her. I know personally and I have friends who know that sometimes you don't really know someone until it all falls apart. I did not feel that the back and forth between the two time periods to be confusing and it actually increased the suspense. I am a fairly quick reader and devoured this in less than 24 hours. This is a full length novel, not a novella. I definitely plan to read anything else by this author.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Carm
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sorta Time Travel
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Little different time travel story. A shape on the air was from previous lives. A problem that needed to be corrected in a different life. Enjoyed reading this one, eventhough sometimes hard to keep up with the back and forth of the characters.
    Helpful
     Report
  • james byrd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful heartwarming story
    Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Really loved this story and miss Viv and Rory already! Wish there was a sequel!
    Looking forward to reading more from this author
    Helpful
     Report
  • Exchange students rock
    2.0 out of 5 stars Trite “time slip” romance
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The writing was passable and the afterword interesting but, oh my,was the plot was predictable and the characters generally too insipid.
    Helpful
     Report
  • JB Johnston
    4.0 out of 5 stars A really enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2017
    Julia Ibbotson has been an author I have always enjoyed reading and this book has shown me the diversity of genres that she is able to turn her hand to. Having read her children's fantasy book S.C.A.R.S I did wonder if it would only be a matter of time before writing in this fantasy genre developed into something more for an adult readership from her usual romance /contemporary fiction I had read from her previously. Drumbeats being such an intriguing book for me. A Shape On The Air is proof that Julia Ibbotson is a diverse writer able to give something to readers of differing genres.

    In the book we are introduced to Viv Du Lac, a university lecturer who appears to be blissfully happy with her life. She has a man she adores, and is living in a place she loves and completely enjoying her job studying and teaching Medieval history and it seems that she has it all. And then, her partner drops a bombshell and her whole life is turned upside down. The trauma of this seems to set in motion a series of very weird experiences for her when she finds herself thrown in and out of time, living the life of Lady Vivianne, living in the Dark Ages and desperately trying to fight off the advances of her so called protector Sir Pelleas. She is alone in this world after the suspicious death of her parents and is betrothed to Sir Pelleas, a man she despises as he has little or no values and is claiming Vivianne and all the lands and people that her parents once ruled over. It seems that only Sir Roland and her young apprentice maid are her only allies to help uncover the mystery of her parents death and the magic that seems to be her destiny. However, she is unaware of Viv Du Lac and her involvement in this mystery from across the ages.

    This is a really enjoyable time-slip romance. Julia Ibbotson clearly knows her stuff when it comes to medieval history and the depth of research that was undertaken for this book is evident. There is quite a lot of historical detail to process and there were times when I had to go and look up some words and their meanings / context but being a bit of a history buff I actually didn't mind this. If you like historical accuracy then Julia Ibbotson has left nothing out! I found this period in history quite fascinating and one I hadn't known an awful lot about. It is laid out in this book brilliantly. There were other times however that I felt there was unnecessary detail regarding certain things such as brand names of jeans, coffee machines etc but this didn't in any way detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.

    Julia Ibbotson has created fascinating characters and I did have a few light-bulb moments of recognition regarding people and names etc. Sir Pelleas is a character that quite easily makes your skin crawl and Sir Roland of course is definitely swoon-worthy along with the hunky Rev Roland! As well as a modern day mystery that has its foundations back in the Dark Ages, A Shape On The Air is a super read and treasure hunt all rolled into one and I really enjoyed it. With just the right amount of suspense to leave the reader thinking about the connections through time that bind the characters, its a really great book that I'd recommend to those of you who love to disappear through time.
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Placeholder
    5.0 out of 5 stars Historical novel with a twist
    Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is such an exciting tale of history, love and time slipping with believable and lovable characters. Couldn't stop reading, very enjoyable.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • wendy amphlett
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Beautifully written time slip novel.

    Incorporating history, romance and fiction. I do enjoy a time slip book and this didn't disappoint.I really enjoyed it, thank you.
    Report
  • Niki Talbot
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!
    Reviewed in France on August 31, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I wasn't sure when I started this book that it would grip me, but it did. So good was it that Dr. Ibbotson has written or will write more for me to enjoy!
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read
    Reviewed in Australia on March 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Tbh when I first started this book I thought it was another cliched time slip novel but I persevered. I am glad I did as I enjoyed the book. A simple read with a predictable ending and character development, but all-in-all I would recommend it for the genre.
    Report
  • cb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining read
    Reviewed in Canada on August 27, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A Shape In the Air is a timeslip that tightly links a past storyline with the present. Dr. Viv DuLac is an academic who specializes in Anglo Saxon history. Her perfect world crumbles when her partner leaves her for her best friend but not before mortgaging everything they have without her knowledge to finance a failing venture. The stars are aligned for a shift and the fabric between the present world and the past is split pulling Viv into a Celtic-Romano world where she is the Lady Vivianne. In the past, the Lady Vivianne has to deal with a warrior charlatan who is close to taking control of her people and usurping her inheritance. Along the way, Viv and Lady Vivianne both find their own champion and use their wits to foil their enemy.

    I grew up with stories of Arthur and Lady of the Lake, who is one of my personal favourites, so I was delighted that the heroine was linked to her. The author borrows elements from these myths for the past story but grounds them in a historical setting. There is plenty of rich historical details to delight the histfic reader as well as a growing contemporary romance to keep things interesting. Too often with timeslips, I find that one thread (for me, usually the historical) is more compelling than the other, but with this story, both were equally balanced thanks to the challenges that Viv was facing in her current life.

    For those who enjoy a mixture of history and time travel, and especially those who have a love of the Arthurian legends, this book is an enjoyable read.
    Report
  • The Larl Bookworm
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A Shape on the Air is Book 1 of the DuLuca Series.

    What a fascinating topic... a time slip...

    I do love my historical fiction, and when mixed with an element of fantasy... perfect!

    Viv (our modern-day character) is strong, resourceful, professional, and extremely intelligent. She's an academic, and I loved this about her.

    Lady Vivianne (our past character) is exactly the same strong, resourceful, and extremely intelligent. Ultimately, she is probably ahead of the times, so to speak.

    The way Julia weaves these 2 stories is incredible, and she effortless takes us between the characters without any awkward gaps or awkward scene changes.

    The story is very easy to follow, full of twists and turns as we try and solve the overall mystery of why this time slip has occurred and ultimately... why are these women connected.

    A great read!
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report