A.L. Lester has impressed me with the abundance of research she did to take readers on an amazing adventure surrounding the beauty and danger of the Himalayas and India in “The Flowers of Time”. I was so intrigued, I found myself with a map of India to find Srinagar to Leh, the route Jones, Edie and their companions journeyed. There is also information on the flora and fauna of the region, as Edie is a botanist and artist for the Kew Gardens. A.L. Lester introduces readers to Frances “Jones” Jones and Edith “Edie” Merton. Two women who are not afraid to step outside the box of society and face life head-on. As opposite as these two women are they have a connection that grows to be wonderful. I have to admit this is my first time reading about a non-binary character and Lester does amazing with Jones’ character.

Jones is adventurous and courageous and and her heart lies in India. She’s not a lady of society but respects her fathers last wishes and does experience the social life of London. Deep down inside she knows London is not the life she craves. She knows she’s different and is at times confused and scared.

Edie is just the opposite. Being brought up in society she is charming and sweet and likes her comforts but she’s willing to explore especially when it comes to new discoveries of exotic flora. She’s also patient, caring and understanding, especially when it comes to Jones.

As Jones and Edie become deeper involved with Jones’ father note books and the green book they are faced with mystery, danger and terror of the Border hidden in the Himalayas.

“The Flowers of Time” starts out in Little Tibet in the year 1779 and Lester gives us a very concise picture of the life that Jones lives in this far away country. The author gives a clear understanding of Jones’ close relationship with her father and the importance of his works. Jones also deals with a great tragedy that she witnessed as a child that leads back to the mysterious Border. There’s emotional moments of sadness, grief, guilt and a budding love between Jones and Edie. There’s also secondary characters: Sonam, Dechen, Robert Merton and Bennett Carruthers that add interesting moments to the story. This novel is certainly an action packed adventure with danger and unknown terror that the mystery of the Border brings.

“The Gate” is a short novella that led to the start of the “Lost In Time” series. It’s followed by “Lost In Time”, “Shadows On The Border” and the snippets for “Inheritance of Shadows”. “The Flowers of Time” is an outstanding addition to this continuing series and I can’t wait for more!