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Artefactum
“Sam was only seven-years old when he destroyed his fi rst universe.
He didn’t do it on purpose, though. In fact, he had no idea what he
was doing.”
So begins the story of Sam, a New York City bartender who one day
discovers that his girlfriend, Una, happens to own an Aboriginal idol
that can transport them to alternate realities. But after Una’s sudden
and untimely death, Sam’s sanity becomes a wobbling tightrope act
as he convinces himself that Una must still be alive somewhere in
the multiverse. As he searches for her with the reluctant help of
Sal, a sardonic loner, and Hazel, Sam’s best friend, his understanding
of reality rapidly unravels as he explores universes of Fear, Death,
Dream, and even the Primordial Void. Of course, it’s when Sam learns
out how to travel through Time that things start to get really weird.
Both hilarious and tragic, ARTEFACTUM tells the story of the more
unfortunate side of fate where, for every knight destined to slay a
dragon, someone else is destined to be the dragon.
Artefactum has proudly won the following awards:
The BookFest Spring 2023 Awards - SciFi - Silver
Reader's Favorite 2023 Awards - Visionary - Honorable Mention
indieBRAG Medallion
He didn’t do it on purpose, though. In fact, he had no idea what he
was doing.”
So begins the story of Sam, a New York City bartender who one day
discovers that his girlfriend, Una, happens to own an Aboriginal idol
that can transport them to alternate realities. But after Una’s sudden
and untimely death, Sam’s sanity becomes a wobbling tightrope act
as he convinces himself that Una must still be alive somewhere in
the multiverse. As he searches for her with the reluctant help of
Sal, a sardonic loner, and Hazel, Sam’s best friend, his understanding
of reality rapidly unravels as he explores universes of Fear, Death,
Dream, and even the Primordial Void. Of course, it’s when Sam learns
out how to travel through Time that things start to get really weird.
Both hilarious and tragic, ARTEFACTUM tells the story of the more
unfortunate side of fate where, for every knight destined to slay a
dragon, someone else is destined to be the dragon.
Artefactum has proudly won the following awards:
The BookFest Spring 2023 Awards - SciFi - Silver
Reader's Favorite 2023 Awards - Visionary - Honorable Mention
indieBRAG Medallion
- GenresScience Fiction
448 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2022
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 3, 2024
Bartender Sam Rankin and his tattoo artist partner Una Malia Owens take their relationship to a whole new level when they accidentally discover that one of her Aboriginal fertility statues can take them into alternate universes. The catch is that because it is a sex goddess, these unique worlds are based on pornographic videos that they are watching. Initially, they are both caught up in the excitement, but soon it seems Sam is enjoying it much more than Una. This causes a falling out that leads to him losing her in our universe.
Feeling guilty and desperate to try to bring her back, Sam starts looking into collecting more artifacts that will help him explore multiverses in search of her. His advice doesn’t always come from the best sources, so he finds himself doing whatever he believes it will take to find her. Things get much more complicated as he travels through the different worlds. While he discovers that there are others who can do this, Sam soon realizes that he is special and that there are others who expect him to play a huge role in something that will affect the multiverse.
J.E. Tobal’s “Artefactum” is truly like nothing that I have ever read before, and I’ve read a lot of books! I completely enjoyed immersing myself in this unusual work of science fiction. I enjoyed the quirky characters whether they were from my universe or someone else’s. The protagonist is greatly flawed, but his character does go through quite a bit of development. The supporting characters add significantly to the complexity of the plot, especially when there are quite a few of them in parallel universes. They are usually similar but not quite the same. The settings are well described and each one incredibly unique.
As the protagonist jumps around through time and space, he is landing in some unique places, as are some of the other important characters. It is interesting to see what he is willing to do to get what he wants. He can justify his actions to do so. This flaw in his character will play out well until the very end.
The premise involved with traveling through parallel universes and different times sounds incredibly complicated. I was impressed with Tobal’s ability to organize his narrative so that it made sense, and I didn’t find myself lost, as I feared I might. It took a great deal of talent to do this. The unpredictable plot was full of unexpected surprises too. I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride until the very end. I am glad I started reading this on the weekend because I could not put this mind-bending science fiction novel down! Science fiction fans who enjoy quirky, complex stories will love “Artefactum.” I look forward to reading more works by J.E. Tobal!
Feeling guilty and desperate to try to bring her back, Sam starts looking into collecting more artifacts that will help him explore multiverses in search of her. His advice doesn’t always come from the best sources, so he finds himself doing whatever he believes it will take to find her. Things get much more complicated as he travels through the different worlds. While he discovers that there are others who can do this, Sam soon realizes that he is special and that there are others who expect him to play a huge role in something that will affect the multiverse.
J.E. Tobal’s “Artefactum” is truly like nothing that I have ever read before, and I’ve read a lot of books! I completely enjoyed immersing myself in this unusual work of science fiction. I enjoyed the quirky characters whether they were from my universe or someone else’s. The protagonist is greatly flawed, but his character does go through quite a bit of development. The supporting characters add significantly to the complexity of the plot, especially when there are quite a few of them in parallel universes. They are usually similar but not quite the same. The settings are well described and each one incredibly unique.
As the protagonist jumps around through time and space, he is landing in some unique places, as are some of the other important characters. It is interesting to see what he is willing to do to get what he wants. He can justify his actions to do so. This flaw in his character will play out well until the very end.
The premise involved with traveling through parallel universes and different times sounds incredibly complicated. I was impressed with Tobal’s ability to organize his narrative so that it made sense, and I didn’t find myself lost, as I feared I might. It took a great deal of talent to do this. The unpredictable plot was full of unexpected surprises too. I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride until the very end. I am glad I started reading this on the weekend because I could not put this mind-bending science fiction novel down! Science fiction fans who enjoy quirky, complex stories will love “Artefactum.” I look forward to reading more works by J.E. Tobal!
February 14, 2023
While Artefactum begins with a hilariously bizarre form of travel through the multiverse involving a sculpture of an Aboriginal fertility goddess, the story grows darker and more serious the deeper you dive. Although the book maintains an offbeat and darkly comedic element throughout, author J.E. Tobal does not let this interfere with the more profound themes the story explores.
All the characters in Artefactum are deeply flawed people who often end up hurting those they love and getting in the way of their own happiness. However, while these flaws can, at times, make you angry at the poor choices that are made, they are also the reason that they are all so relatable.
J.E. Tobal combines humor, sci-fi, vulgarity, and philosophy in a perfect cocktail served up for the reader by bartending protagonist Sam Cattan. As Sam hops through time and space, he makes a thorough exploration of all the lows and highs of the great experiment known as humanity. From the first page to the last, it is a challenge to put the book down, as each new twist makes you eager for the next.
With worlds to match everything we desire, along with everything we dread, you will be pulled along as Sam continues to try and build his own little perfect world. Although the tools he has to accomplish this task may be far beyond what any of us have to work within the real world, he struggles with creating his ideal life just as much as anyone in our corner of the multiverse.
In Artefactum, Tobal achieves the rare accomplishment of creating a story that is equal parts absurd and poignant. The twists and turns of the novel make it a compelling read that will keep you guessing about the true nature of both the universes created by the author and that in which we live. With the powers available to Sam through the artefactum that are scattered throughout the multiverse, he is able to continually answer the question, “What if…?” with the response of, “Let’s find out.”
All the characters in Artefactum are deeply flawed people who often end up hurting those they love and getting in the way of their own happiness. However, while these flaws can, at times, make you angry at the poor choices that are made, they are also the reason that they are all so relatable.
J.E. Tobal combines humor, sci-fi, vulgarity, and philosophy in a perfect cocktail served up for the reader by bartending protagonist Sam Cattan. As Sam hops through time and space, he makes a thorough exploration of all the lows and highs of the great experiment known as humanity. From the first page to the last, it is a challenge to put the book down, as each new twist makes you eager for the next.
With worlds to match everything we desire, along with everything we dread, you will be pulled along as Sam continues to try and build his own little perfect world. Although the tools he has to accomplish this task may be far beyond what any of us have to work within the real world, he struggles with creating his ideal life just as much as anyone in our corner of the multiverse.
In Artefactum, Tobal achieves the rare accomplishment of creating a story that is equal parts absurd and poignant. The twists and turns of the novel make it a compelling read that will keep you guessing about the true nature of both the universes created by the author and that in which we live. With the powers available to Sam through the artefactum that are scattered throughout the multiverse, he is able to continually answer the question, “What if…?” with the response of, “Let’s find out.”
May 12, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for this Advanced Reading Copy!
I was greatly looking forward to this book based on the summary and forced myself to continue reading even though I struggled to get through it. I got about 40% of the way through before completely giving up.
To the surprise of those who know him, the rakish Sam, a bartender living in New York City, falls in love with the red-headed Una. They discover they can travel to different realities depending on the artefact that they hold with them. After a devastating falling out, Sam loses Una, and ventures on a futile quest to get her back while traveling to different realities using different artefacts from different cultures.
I had a really hard time with Sam's character. I understand that he isn't supposed to be the most likable person, but he, like almost all the other characters, is incredibly one dimensional. He is totally incapable of having a platonic relationship with any of the female characters. He is constantly oversexualizing every situation, making crude and inappropriate "jokes" in almost every conversation. The supporting characters seemed to find this endearing rather than frustrating and quite frankly, disgusting. I didn't understand how Una fell for a guy who was so obviously into her because of one thing: she's a sexy redhead who found him funny. Dialogue is tedious, unrealistic, and had me rolling my eyes and wanting to put the book down at several points. The plot of the story meanders, seeming to change course without resolving major issues that arise earlier in the story. Additionally, Tobal and doesn't spend enough time in each reality.
I can't remember the last time I gave a book one star. One-star ratings are so very rare for me. For me, the only redeeming quality of this book is the idea of these artefacts holding the ability to transport carriers to different realities. Too bad that the author could not shape a better story around this concept.
I was greatly looking forward to this book based on the summary and forced myself to continue reading even though I struggled to get through it. I got about 40% of the way through before completely giving up.
To the surprise of those who know him, the rakish Sam, a bartender living in New York City, falls in love with the red-headed Una. They discover they can travel to different realities depending on the artefact that they hold with them. After a devastating falling out, Sam loses Una, and ventures on a futile quest to get her back while traveling to different realities using different artefacts from different cultures.
I had a really hard time with Sam's character. I understand that he isn't supposed to be the most likable person, but he, like almost all the other characters, is incredibly one dimensional. He is totally incapable of having a platonic relationship with any of the female characters. He is constantly oversexualizing every situation, making crude and inappropriate "jokes" in almost every conversation. The supporting characters seemed to find this endearing rather than frustrating and quite frankly, disgusting. I didn't understand how Una fell for a guy who was so obviously into her because of one thing: she's a sexy redhead who found him funny. Dialogue is tedious, unrealistic, and had me rolling my eyes and wanting to put the book down at several points. The plot of the story meanders, seeming to change course without resolving major issues that arise earlier in the story. Additionally, Tobal and doesn't spend enough time in each reality.
I can't remember the last time I gave a book one star. One-star ratings are so very rare for me. For me, the only redeeming quality of this book is the idea of these artefacts holding the ability to transport carriers to different realities. Too bad that the author could not shape a better story around this concept.
July 11, 2023
Review originally on JamReads
Artefactum is a science fiction novel, written by J.E. Tobal; being fair, it is a book that feels really difficult to classify into a genre, because it shares characteristics with multiple genres, and the plot is far from the conventions. A story that starts as a simple tale about not being able to deal with grief ends up spawning several universes and timelines; and honestly, that complexity is probably one of my favourite things about this novel.
Sam, a bartender, one day discovers that his girlfriend Una owns an idol that allows travel to other realities. A match made in hell, until one day the tragic death of Una happens, and Sam starts his descent into madness, as he refuses to accept it, convincing himself that Una is still alive somewhere in the multiverse. He will slowly explore realities/universes based on Fear, Death, Dream, or even the Primordial Void, in the company of characters that are certainly special, such as Sal and Hazem.
But the story gets even weirder, when Sam discovers how it is possible to travel in Time; unraveling a plot which following it requires your full brain power. When timelines and universes start being weaved, the plot becomes complex but at the same time, really hooking, as I found myself glued to the pages once this second part started.
It is such a mindblowing experience, but probably the best way to get it is experiencing it by yourself (I'm actively trying to avoid spoilers in this review, because I feel they would make the experience significantly worse).
We could say that this is a slow-burn story, as the whole first part of the book is about building a foundation that allows creating of a complex story, and that sadly affects the pacing a bit, which lands on the slow side. The pay-off is huge, as the author plays with the notions previously introduced, and even twists the rules for the sake of creating tension.
Characters end up landing on a bit plain side, feeling sometimes underdeveloped in comparison with the rest of the world; most of them are introduced to play a role, more than to be a complete character, except for Sam(ael) and his son, who are the main characters in our story.
Said that, if you are looking for a speculative fiction novel that uses the concept of multiverses and timelines in a really smart way, Artefactum would be an excellent pick. Many interesting ideas used to weave a great story.
Artefactum is a science fiction novel, written by J.E. Tobal; being fair, it is a book that feels really difficult to classify into a genre, because it shares characteristics with multiple genres, and the plot is far from the conventions. A story that starts as a simple tale about not being able to deal with grief ends up spawning several universes and timelines; and honestly, that complexity is probably one of my favourite things about this novel.
Sam, a bartender, one day discovers that his girlfriend Una owns an idol that allows travel to other realities. A match made in hell, until one day the tragic death of Una happens, and Sam starts his descent into madness, as he refuses to accept it, convincing himself that Una is still alive somewhere in the multiverse. He will slowly explore realities/universes based on Fear, Death, Dream, or even the Primordial Void, in the company of characters that are certainly special, such as Sal and Hazem.
But the story gets even weirder, when Sam discovers how it is possible to travel in Time; unraveling a plot which following it requires your full brain power. When timelines and universes start being weaved, the plot becomes complex but at the same time, really hooking, as I found myself glued to the pages once this second part started.
It is such a mindblowing experience, but probably the best way to get it is experiencing it by yourself (I'm actively trying to avoid spoilers in this review, because I feel they would make the experience significantly worse).
We could say that this is a slow-burn story, as the whole first part of the book is about building a foundation that allows creating of a complex story, and that sadly affects the pacing a bit, which lands on the slow side. The pay-off is huge, as the author plays with the notions previously introduced, and even twists the rules for the sake of creating tension.
Characters end up landing on a bit plain side, feeling sometimes underdeveloped in comparison with the rest of the world; most of them are introduced to play a role, more than to be a complete character, except for Sam(ael) and his son, who are the main characters in our story.
Said that, if you are looking for a speculative fiction novel that uses the concept of multiverses and timelines in a really smart way, Artefactum would be an excellent pick. Many interesting ideas used to weave a great story.
March 31, 2023
‘It’s always the end of the world for someone’ - One fine multidimensional travel novel
New York author J.E. Tobal earned his degree in English from New York University and writes short films, comics, and novels, including short story collection A STUDY IN BOURBON, DETAIL: NOWHERE #1, and now ARTEFACTUM. Tobal’s ability to merge multidimensional travel with cutting edge humor as well as philosophy makes this amazingly absorbing novel both entertaining and thought provoking. Bartender Sam is able to jump between time and space, investigating worlds that keep the story of his exploits consistently fascinating and edge of the seat puzzling. His various characters are flawed (and we learn from their at times dysfunctional traits, as Tobal states ‘for every knight destined to slay a dragon, someone else is destined to be the dragon’), and that significant factor adds to the ‘discoveries’ of not only various ‘worlds,’ but also poses the question of what is real and what is imagined, much like a study of humanity itself! The language rages from vulgar to poetic: the themes explored demand that spectrum. This is a novel that invites immersion - start reading for the laughs and become committed to thinking through the concepts explored.
New York author J.E. Tobal earned his degree in English from New York University and writes short films, comics, and novels, including short story collection A STUDY IN BOURBON, DETAIL: NOWHERE #1, and now ARTEFACTUM. Tobal’s ability to merge multidimensional travel with cutting edge humor as well as philosophy makes this amazingly absorbing novel both entertaining and thought provoking. Bartender Sam is able to jump between time and space, investigating worlds that keep the story of his exploits consistently fascinating and edge of the seat puzzling. His various characters are flawed (and we learn from their at times dysfunctional traits, as Tobal states ‘for every knight destined to slay a dragon, someone else is destined to be the dragon’), and that significant factor adds to the ‘discoveries’ of not only various ‘worlds,’ but also poses the question of what is real and what is imagined, much like a study of humanity itself! The language rages from vulgar to poetic: the themes explored demand that spectrum. This is a novel that invites immersion - start reading for the laughs and become committed to thinking through the concepts explored.
April 25, 2024
This is a dark book with graphic violence and profanity. Sam is a sarcastic bartender. He and his equally sarcastic girlfriend discover a way to travel to another realm. After she dies, he’s convinced he can find her in another world. He travels to other realms and through time, searching for certain people and learning he has a destiny to fulfill when all he wants is “peace.” Yet he sabotages himself at every turn. Sam became unsympathetic to me when he turned violent. There are a lot of twists, and I couldn’t imagine where this story would go. It’s a brilliant premise, though dark and depressing. I found little humor, but I did notice many minor errors, like missing words. The story changes about halfway through and gets even more complicated as we learn more about these alternate places and their meaning. The explanation toward the end was too long winded, but the ending worked. I wasn’t sure how Tobal could wrap this up.
April 11, 2023
Artefactum by J. E Tobal tells the tale of Sam, a bartender who accidentally encounters a way to travel to another universe with the hopes of finding his dead girlfriend’s counterpart in that universe. Tobal has gracefully written about the possibilities of alternate multiverses and how it differs and matches the one we live in now. Sam’s character has an endearing side to him, where you would want to be his friend even if he is that sarcastic almost all the time. I like how the story unravels and he meets the people in this alternate universe that would help him understand why things have to happen the way they did. These past few years the idea of a multiverse brings both comfort and a ping of sadness to people, although we have seen these play out, Tobal’s multiverse plot is still as entertaining, interesting, and somehow funny. It is a great book to pass the time.
April 11, 2023
An entertaining and absorbing tale
After reading "Arterfactum", I realized that anything is possible in this world. I loved it! There is a fusion of fantasy with reality in this absorbing novel written by J. E. Tobal.
The story revolves around Sam, a 7-year-old kid who accidentally changes his destiny after destroying one mysterious universe. Following that event, Sam´s life changes and must fight for his survival. Themes of death, fear, courage, and dream are present along the plot.
I started reading it and I couldn't put it down. The way the events unfold kept me at the edge of my seat; there is mystery, suspense and unexpected twists here. It's really entertaining! I highly recommend this tale if you want to let your mind flow throughout universes and fantasy creatures.
After reading "Arterfactum", I realized that anything is possible in this world. I loved it! There is a fusion of fantasy with reality in this absorbing novel written by J. E. Tobal.
The story revolves around Sam, a 7-year-old kid who accidentally changes his destiny after destroying one mysterious universe. Following that event, Sam´s life changes and must fight for his survival. Themes of death, fear, courage, and dream are present along the plot.
I started reading it and I couldn't put it down. The way the events unfold kept me at the edge of my seat; there is mystery, suspense and unexpected twists here. It's really entertaining! I highly recommend this tale if you want to let your mind flow throughout universes and fantasy creatures.
April 7, 2023
Artefactum is a book hard to classify. On one side, it's funny because it has a lot of hilarious moments, but on the other, it is sad and dark, which is a characteristic that I enjoyed plenty. The book follows the story of Sam, a bartender who by coincidence finds a way to travel through different realities. When his girlfriend dies, he will do whatever it takes to find her in another reality.
The story resulted interesting, even though it's a very exploited gender. J.E. Tobal writes in a funny but captivating way, keeping the reader interested until the end.
Overall, it's a great story for people of all ages interested in the Sci-Fi gender!
The story resulted interesting, even though it's a very exploited gender. J.E. Tobal writes in a funny but captivating way, keeping the reader interested until the end.
Overall, it's a great story for people of all ages interested in the Sci-Fi gender!
April 10, 2023
With a commendable storyline, this has to be one of the best sci-fi pieces I have ever encountered. The story is based on the life of Sam, a pedestrian bartender who accidentally unveils the portal of traveling to other dimensions. This ensures the series of what can be called the perfect mixture of tragedy and humor. The plot underpins the theme of balancing forces in nature to show how there exists evil to balance the positive and vice versa. I don't remember reading such a thrilling sci-fi, inundated with shocking revelations and nail-biting suspense. Grab a copy now to enjoy this masterpiece and submerge in its intricacies.
April 11, 2023
It's a novel by J. E. Tobal that recounts the life of a somewhat particular and mysterious young man with the gift of knowing alternative realities and exchanging experiences in each one of them. After suddenly losing his partner, this young man supports the idea that she continues to exist in another of these realities, for which he begins to become a tireless seeker.
It is a controversial, complex and mysterious story that draws the reader in and invites them to travel through supernatural experiences.
I was very interested in this reading, the characters are very well built and the writing is entertaining and simple. I recommend it to lovers of original stories.
It is a controversial, complex and mysterious story that draws the reader in and invites them to travel through supernatural experiences.
I was very interested in this reading, the characters are very well built and the writing is entertaining and simple. I recommend it to lovers of original stories.
April 11, 2023
Artefactum by author J.E. Tobal is the compendium of two books which tells an intricate science fiction story. This is a journey that will not only take readers through the experiences and feelings of Sam, its main character, but it is also a rich literature that impeccably blends humor and tragedy. The cunning of the author stands out in the weave of tragedy and humor in the destiny, several times unexpected, of the protagonists.
All in all, this is a science fiction novel that readers of this genre will like, but it also delves into the experiences of the protagonist and a witty tone that will make many other readers feel attracted.
All in all, this is a science fiction novel that readers of this genre will like, but it also delves into the experiences of the protagonist and a witty tone that will make many other readers feel attracted.
April 11, 2023
This is a captivating story which content is full of mystery, action and surprises.
I've read one of J. E. Tobal’s book before, so I've a good idea of what to expect when it comes to his writing. However, I want to say that he never ceases to amaze me.
As regards the fictional world, it’s well described and with the right number of details so the reader can easily immerse in the story.
I am not quite sure about the plot. I felt as if it was a bit of a mixed bag and at some points it was hard to understand. All in all, I’ll give this title 4-stars because the rest of the elements are perfect.
I've read one of J. E. Tobal’s book before, so I've a good idea of what to expect when it comes to his writing. However, I want to say that he never ceases to amaze me.
As regards the fictional world, it’s well described and with the right number of details so the reader can easily immerse in the story.
I am not quite sure about the plot. I felt as if it was a bit of a mixed bag and at some points it was hard to understand. All in all, I’ll give this title 4-stars because the rest of the elements are perfect.
October 23, 2025
Artefactum is one of those rare books that manages to be both wildly imaginative and deeply emotional. The idea of a bartender stumbling into the multiverse sounds absurd at first, but J.E. Tobal turns it into a powerful exploration of grief, love, and destiny. Sam’s search for Una is heartbreaking and chaotic, filled with strange worlds and even stranger truths. It’s funny, tragic, and thought provoking all at once like a mix of Donnie Darko and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. A must read for anyone who loves smart, emotional sci-fi with a touch of madness.
April 8, 2023
Artefactum is a science fiction novel that captivates the reader from the first page. The plot is gripping and full of unexpected twists that keep the reader glued to the book.
It is a novel that I wholeheartedly recommend. This work's combination of science fiction, humor, suspense, a thrilling plot, and well-developed characters makes it an exciting and addictive read for readers of all ages.
It is a novel that I wholeheartedly recommend. This work's combination of science fiction, humor, suspense, a thrilling plot, and well-developed characters makes it an exciting and addictive read for readers of all ages.
April 11, 2023
Artefactum is the latest novel by Tobal. This captivating story, set across multiple universes, is full of action and suspense. I found myself in the middle of the book without even noticing it. The narrative caught my attention from the very beginning. The plot is very well told with unexpected twists that surprised me. I enjoyed the book very much and will recommend it for sure.
April 12, 2023
This is a great book! It takes the reader on a quite spectacular journey following main character Sam and all of the adventures he will face and the new discoveries he is going to make. Artefactum is a book that may take a while to grow but once it does, it is a very enjoyable read. I recommend reading it.
April 14, 2023
I received an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review
What the heck did I just read? Is this entire book just a meme that I don't get? I could look past some of it, but once we got to killing grandmas to time travel, I had to put it down....
What the heck did I just read? Is this entire book just a meme that I don't get? I could look past some of it, but once we got to killing grandmas to time travel, I had to put it down....
September 7, 2023
We are proud to announce that ARTEFACTUM by J.E. Tobal has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
December 19, 2025
“Sam was only seven years old when he destroyed his first universe.”
Sam’s girlfriend, Una, owns a fertility goddess idol that takes them to alternate universes. After feeling betrayed by Sam’s use of the idol without her, Una dies a tragic death. Guilty and distraught over her death, Sam sets out to find Una in another universe, collecting idols as he goes. But even after he believes he has created his own perfect life, his destiny stands in his way. Sam goes through several different realities, destroying his life the more he tries to find peace. But it turns out Sam has a fate he cannot circumvent.
Artefactum by J.E. Tobal is a unique sci-fi novel with time travel and multiple universes. The story starts off comical and bizarre, but becomes more grim and suspenseful as it goes on, and that’s when it hooked me.
The novel feels a bit long, with slow pacing in the first half, and it feels over-sexualized, with the characters entering alternate realities for sex. The characters in Artefactum are extremely unlikeable, with perhaps the exception of Andrew, who was easily my favorite. Sam and Una are so unlikeable (and unrealistic), I very nearly DNFed the book, but I am glad I held out. Sam is an idiot, truly, but sometimes deeply flawed characters create the best stories, and it made me feel okay about how his story ended.
The second half of the book is phenomenal. I loved the time travel, jumping between realities, and Sam inching closer and closer toward his destiny. I would have loved more time spent with Andrew’s story.
Thank you NetGalley for a reader's e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sam’s girlfriend, Una, owns a fertility goddess idol that takes them to alternate universes. After feeling betrayed by Sam’s use of the idol without her, Una dies a tragic death. Guilty and distraught over her death, Sam sets out to find Una in another universe, collecting idols as he goes. But even after he believes he has created his own perfect life, his destiny stands in his way. Sam goes through several different realities, destroying his life the more he tries to find peace. But it turns out Sam has a fate he cannot circumvent.
Artefactum by J.E. Tobal is a unique sci-fi novel with time travel and multiple universes. The story starts off comical and bizarre, but becomes more grim and suspenseful as it goes on, and that’s when it hooked me.
The novel feels a bit long, with slow pacing in the first half, and it feels over-sexualized, with the characters entering alternate realities for sex. The characters in Artefactum are extremely unlikeable, with perhaps the exception of Andrew, who was easily my favorite. Sam and Una are so unlikeable (and unrealistic), I very nearly DNFed the book, but I am glad I held out. Sam is an idiot, truly, but sometimes deeply flawed characters create the best stories, and it made me feel okay about how his story ended.
The second half of the book is phenomenal. I loved the time travel, jumping between realities, and Sam inching closer and closer toward his destiny. I would have loved more time spent with Andrew’s story.
Thank you NetGalley for a reader's e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
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