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Wielding an Hourglass: A Time Travel Thriller
In this action-packed sci-fi thriller from the bestselling author of the Sol Saga, a man is on a mission to stop his family’s killer no matter what—or when.
Andrew Frost had been gone no more than fifteen minutes. It was just supposed to be a quick run to the store. But in that brief interval, his entire universe was stolen from him, every parent and spouse’s worst nightmare on display at the kitchen table upon his return. Two months later, he’d do anything to see Sylvia and Alison again. He’s certainly taken enough pills to make that possible. However, there may be another way . . .
With the help of a strangely anachronistic device and its snarky AI, Andrew suddenly has a chance at a new future. It’s simply a matter of changing the past. Soon, he’s chasing after a killer with a shifting face, who has his sights set on Andrew’s wife and daughter. He can’t—he won’t—let them die again. But when the mysterious Clockmen are dispatched with orders to keep the timeline on track at any cost, it could mean the last grain of sand in the hourglass for Andrew, bringing his own time to an end.
How far would you be willing to go—and what price would you pay—to save the ones you love? In this thrilling science-fiction adventure from Hunter Blain, bestselling author of the Preternatural Chronicles and Sol Saga, a grieving father will discover the inevitable cost of manipulating time in order to do the impossible.
Andrew Frost had been gone no more than fifteen minutes. It was just supposed to be a quick run to the store. But in that brief interval, his entire universe was stolen from him, every parent and spouse’s worst nightmare on display at the kitchen table upon his return. Two months later, he’d do anything to see Sylvia and Alison again. He’s certainly taken enough pills to make that possible. However, there may be another way . . .
With the help of a strangely anachronistic device and its snarky AI, Andrew suddenly has a chance at a new future. It’s simply a matter of changing the past. Soon, he’s chasing after a killer with a shifting face, who has his sights set on Andrew’s wife and daughter. He can’t—he won’t—let them die again. But when the mysterious Clockmen are dispatched with orders to keep the timeline on track at any cost, it could mean the last grain of sand in the hourglass for Andrew, bringing his own time to an end.
How far would you be willing to go—and what price would you pay—to save the ones you love? In this thrilling science-fiction adventure from Hunter Blain, bestselling author of the Preternatural Chronicles and Sol Saga, a grieving father will discover the inevitable cost of manipulating time in order to do the impossible.
- GenresTime Travel
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2023
43 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Hunter Blain
32 books206 followersMy name is Hunter, and I’m a wordaholic. I’m also about to break the fourth wall…of your mindhole. Because there is a true story behind this…well…story.
It begins with two best friends who grew up together, breaking rules and raising hell as they shaped each other’s personalities into the shameless assholes they are today. Well, at least for one of them, but I’ll get to that in a moment. These two boys—let’s call them Hunter and John—were all but inseparable. John excelled at creating music powerful enough to make angels weep and being the funniest asshole in Texas while Hunter dabbled—poorly, I might add—in his humble writings. Because they were self-declared brothers from other mothers, John respected Hunter’s humble writings as much as I—I mean Hunter (stupid third person perspective)—respected John’s musical magic. John’s tunes could have changed the world, one day…
One fine day, after reading one of Hunter’s horrifically detailed short stories about a serial killer, John asked Hunter to write a story about him.
“Hell yeah, dude! What do you want to be?” Hunter asked, brimming with honor and biting back a very manly squee.
“A vampire,” John responded with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “But not one of those sparkly ones. A true bad ass!”
“Done!” Hunter crowed with a smile and an accompanying high five.
“No, dude. Promise. Promise you’ll write and finish a book about me. You are the most prolific writer of our generation!” John said. (Something like that. I might be paraphrasing a little, but you get the gist of it). “I would consider it an honor to live on for eternity with your words as my life’s blood.”
Hunter agreed, never to realize the weight of that promise until one Sunday morning when John’s mother called, crying incoherently.
John…had died.
Hunter was left in a cold world without his best friend and doppelgänger. Hunter still thinks about that moment to this day. How the morning light crept through the bedroom window while Hunter stared at the ceiling, noticing how the popcorn texture created cruel, jagged shadows. How everything started to blur as his chest was crushed beneath the weight of what he was hearing, each word stacking heavily upon the other until only fitful, ragged gasps of air could escape his throat. Only fiery tears existed, especially after the horrific realization that Hunter now had to make some of the hardest phone calls of his life to the circle of friends who orbited around John’s solar pull.
Their star was no more, leaving their universe a colder and darker place.
John not only left Hunter, but a friend named Valenta as well. There was also Nathanial and Depweg. The friends were each stricken numb with the loss of such a beloved flare of life. But…
When the three found out that Hunter was keeping his promise to write the greatest story ever told—starring their dear friend, John—they demanded to be a part of the adventure. Each of them immediately knew what type of supernatural character they wanted to play in this urban fantasy eulogy. It would be a funeral pyre of words, and their fictional personas would be John’s pallbearers.
So please, as you read the following pages, feel free to laugh. Laugh at the situations John is placed in and his dickish dialogue to those around him, because John is 100% in this story without alteration (albeit he is a vampire). Laugh and let his memory live on inside the theater of your mind. Like he does in ours.
Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my beating heart, for giving my best friend the chance to live again. You are part of this magical ritual, and that would make him the happiest man in the…well, wherever the hell he is.
It begins with two best friends who grew up together, breaking rules and raising hell as they shaped each other’s personalities into the shameless assholes they are today. Well, at least for one of them, but I’ll get to that in a moment. These two boys—let’s call them Hunter and John—were all but inseparable. John excelled at creating music powerful enough to make angels weep and being the funniest asshole in Texas while Hunter dabbled—poorly, I might add—in his humble writings. Because they were self-declared brothers from other mothers, John respected Hunter’s humble writings as much as I—I mean Hunter (stupid third person perspective)—respected John’s musical magic. John’s tunes could have changed the world, one day…
One fine day, after reading one of Hunter’s horrifically detailed short stories about a serial killer, John asked Hunter to write a story about him.
“Hell yeah, dude! What do you want to be?” Hunter asked, brimming with honor and biting back a very manly squee.
“A vampire,” John responded with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “But not one of those sparkly ones. A true bad ass!”
“Done!” Hunter crowed with a smile and an accompanying high five.
“No, dude. Promise. Promise you’ll write and finish a book about me. You are the most prolific writer of our generation!” John said. (Something like that. I might be paraphrasing a little, but you get the gist of it). “I would consider it an honor to live on for eternity with your words as my life’s blood.”
Hunter agreed, never to realize the weight of that promise until one Sunday morning when John’s mother called, crying incoherently.
John…had died.
Hunter was left in a cold world without his best friend and doppelgänger. Hunter still thinks about that moment to this day. How the morning light crept through the bedroom window while Hunter stared at the ceiling, noticing how the popcorn texture created cruel, jagged shadows. How everything started to blur as his chest was crushed beneath the weight of what he was hearing, each word stacking heavily upon the other until only fitful, ragged gasps of air could escape his throat. Only fiery tears existed, especially after the horrific realization that Hunter now had to make some of the hardest phone calls of his life to the circle of friends who orbited around John’s solar pull.
Their star was no more, leaving their universe a colder and darker place.
John not only left Hunter, but a friend named Valenta as well. There was also Nathanial and Depweg. The friends were each stricken numb with the loss of such a beloved flare of life. But…
When the three found out that Hunter was keeping his promise to write the greatest story ever told—starring their dear friend, John—they demanded to be a part of the adventure. Each of them immediately knew what type of supernatural character they wanted to play in this urban fantasy eulogy. It would be a funeral pyre of words, and their fictional personas would be John’s pallbearers.
So please, as you read the following pages, feel free to laugh. Laugh at the situations John is placed in and his dickish dialogue to those around him, because John is 100% in this story without alteration (albeit he is a vampire). Laugh and let his memory live on inside the theater of your mind. Like he does in ours.
Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my beating heart, for giving my best friend the chance to live again. You are part of this magical ritual, and that would make him the happiest man in the…well, wherever the hell he is.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 12, 2023
Surprised me
I don't usually write reviews, but I feel like I had to write one for this book.
I am an avid fan of both fantasy and science fiction novels, with one exception - time travel books. They're just not my thing. The only one I have ever enjoyed is A Discovery of Witches and the rest of that series, but I have just never been able to get into any others. I decided to read this book because I am a fan of Hunter Blain's other books (for which I am impatiently still waiting for a new book), and I am glad I did. This book hooked me from the start and I quickly became fully invested in following this story to the end. All the science-y time travel stuff was not difficult to understand, and the momentum does not let up at all. I was caught up in the book and quickly swept away.
If you are like me, a fan of science fiction/fantasy but never really enjoyed time travel books, I'd ask you to just try a sample of this. I'm pretty sure you won't be able to put it down.
I don't usually write reviews, but I feel like I had to write one for this book.
I am an avid fan of both fantasy and science fiction novels, with one exception - time travel books. They're just not my thing. The only one I have ever enjoyed is A Discovery of Witches and the rest of that series, but I have just never been able to get into any others. I decided to read this book because I am a fan of Hunter Blain's other books (for which I am impatiently still waiting for a new book), and I am glad I did. This book hooked me from the start and I quickly became fully invested in following this story to the end. All the science-y time travel stuff was not difficult to understand, and the momentum does not let up at all. I was caught up in the book and quickly swept away.
If you are like me, a fan of science fiction/fantasy but never really enjoyed time travel books, I'd ask you to just try a sample of this. I'm pretty sure you won't be able to put it down.
March 15, 2023
This book was jam packed with action, twists, and a healthy punch of snark (most often delivered by the adorable but severely judgmental AI puppy). Our MC was riddled with grief but surprisingly strong in his determination to leap face first into all of this adventure. Anything to save his family! I was only slightly lost and a little let down by the cyclical nature and underwhelming explanation of WHY all this started in the first place. But in the end, I was cheering our MC on and ready to jump into their next adventure. I DO wish we had come back around to see some kind of resolution with the father in law, but all in all, I was impressed and satisfied with this tale.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2023
Surprising twist into time travel. Totally new voice.
Hunter has succeeded again in creating a new voice for a new MC. Not surprising as he is a master wordsmith. I found that I was engrossed from the beginning; caught in the emotions and trials the hero is run through. Cheering for him and starting to almost despise the AI side kick. Kudos to all the nods to other authors, and other characters from Hunters other worlds and their stories; made me laugh every time. So hoping that the sequel is coming out soon.
Hunter has succeeded again in creating a new voice for a new MC. Not surprising as he is a master wordsmith. I found that I was engrossed from the beginning; caught in the emotions and trials the hero is run through. Cheering for him and starting to almost despise the AI side kick. Kudos to all the nods to other authors, and other characters from Hunters other worlds and their stories; made me laugh every time. So hoping that the sequel is coming out soon.
February 16, 2024
Hunter Blain set the hook early, but I still was able to easily guess most of the plot twists. Other than some time travel theories that needed a pause and deeper thinking to wrap my head around, it was an enjoyable, fast paced, and engaging story that can stand on its own. Series are nice, but I prefer ones that are complete enough to stand alone rather than being left feeling that the story was just interrupted. But I'm waiting for the next one to see if some minor open questions are answered as well as being interested in the larger story.
March 30, 2023
Another great offering from Hunter Blain
So, I've read everything officially published by this guy, and he just keeps out-doing himself. Props for researching some of the things he uses in his books to be as close to realistic as possible (yes I know he's sci-fi/urban fantasy, but he's trying to make it as theoretically possible as he can).
That being said, brain hurts after reading this one. Still, a great effort.
So, I've read everything officially published by this guy, and he just keeps out-doing himself. Props for researching some of the things he uses in his books to be as close to realistic as possible (yes I know he's sci-fi/urban fantasy, but he's trying to make it as theoretically possible as he can).
That being said, brain hurts after reading this one. Still, a great effort.
June 9, 2023
Having conversed with Hunter through Social Media (thank god for that capability), I knew I was in for something “different” but still damn well worth the time to read/listen to. Without giving away anything.. I was NOT ready for the suddenness that starts off the entire process premise of the story so soon. My hats off to Hunter B & Luke Daniels for their collective efforts to bringing about this book & sure future universe/series.
March 30, 2023
Amazing!!!
Hunter Blain does it again! Brilliant writing,excellent imagery and full throttle action. I have to say that Tim is already my favorite character and Luke Daniels really brings him to life. Excellent narration as always. Can’t wait to see what happens next
Hunter Blain does it again! Brilliant writing,excellent imagery and full throttle action. I have to say that Tim is already my favorite character and Luke Daniels really brings him to life. Excellent narration as always. Can’t wait to see what happens next
April 14, 2023
I've read all of Hunter Blain's books; starting off with The Preternatural Chronicles (John On!!!), through the first of the Sol Saga books and now into a new series, the Chronos Paradox; and his writing just keeps getting stronger and stronger. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended
June 21, 2023
Wickedly fascinating!!
Hunter Blain has once again produced an uncanny, delightfully, twisted, sometimes funny, tale that will question your imagination. This newest effort will take you on a journey that you will scratch your head and ask Wait, What, but Why! Well done!
Hunter Blain has once again produced an uncanny, delightfully, twisted, sometimes funny, tale that will question your imagination. This newest effort will take you on a journey that you will scratch your head and ask Wait, What, but Why! Well done!
August 30, 2023
What a twist
Once again Hunter writes an excellent story filled with the things that make a great story possible. Murder, mayhem a romp through time, and a believable protagonist. With a twist that hits even if you see it coming.
Once again Hunter writes an excellent story filled with the things that make a great story possible. Murder, mayhem a romp through time, and a believable protagonist. With a twist that hits even if you see it coming.
February 11, 2024
fascinating
Ok, so the science side is above my pay grade, but even so, great storyline, fascinating possibilities and “what if”s. Written well, as always. Pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
Ok, so the science side is above my pay grade, but even so, great storyline, fascinating possibilities and “what if”s. Written well, as always. Pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
March 16, 2024
Read comment below
I do not like giving a two star rating but what was basically a good story was bogged down by science debate between two characters which was totally unnecessary and rather frustrating at ,not did it move the story along .hopefully book two will be better.
I do not like giving a two star rating but what was basically a good story was bogged down by science debate between two characters which was totally unnecessary and rather frustrating at ,not did it move the story along .hopefully book two will be better.
September 20, 2025
The Chronos Paradox Book1
Wow! Just Wow! This book draws you in and doesn’t let you go! Go Andrew! I’m rooting for you! If you like time travel you will love this book!! A must Read!
Wow! Just Wow! This book draws you in and doesn’t let you go! Go Andrew! I’m rooting for you! If you like time travel you will love this book!! A must Read!
March 28, 2023
wow! just wow!
Hunter hit a home run with this one! Really gets in your head! What would you do if someone took everything that truly mattered to you? Well written!
Hunter hit a home run with this one! Really gets in your head! What would you do if someone took everything that truly mattered to you? Well written!
March 29, 2023
wow
What a great story. Couldn’t put it down. Hunter Blain has done it again. Can’t wait for the next installment.
What a great story. Couldn’t put it down. Hunter Blain has done it again. Can’t wait for the next installment.
August 10, 2025
Future and Past
The future is determined by what is happening now, making changes to the past, has a rippling effect on the future.
The future is determined by what is happening now, making changes to the past, has a rippling effect on the future.
November 11, 2025
Was intrigued by the storyline
More questions the answers that I am looking forward to getting the answers on as I ride the timelines and universes HB continues to create
More questions the answers that I am looking forward to getting the answers on as I ride the timelines and universes HB continues to create
dnf
February 22, 2026Second attempt, still DNF
February 17, 2024
WIELDING AN HOURGLASS:☆ Book #1 The Chronos Paradox☆ HUNTER BLAIN☆
THIS BOOK HAS MORE TWISTS
THAN CHUBBY CHECKER!
The story did lose me in a couple of places, but I was only listening to the audio when that happened & was busy in the kitchen, I normally read along & listen at the same time, but had to stop to make lunch but was so enthralled I couldn't stop altogether. There aren't that many authors who make me feel this way, it's a credit to this writer's impressive talent, it's like he has an infinite loop, a never-ending imagination to pull inspiration from. Hunter Blain enthrals his readers keeping them locked in & wearing side blinders,
It's like you're cocked, locked & ready to rock, so entertained & flying by the seed of your pants, it's quite envious.
Blain is a Master Writer, one of the best character writers around today & a master wordsmith too. This author has a certain something many authors just don't have.
So much humanity, pain & passion is clearly conveyed by Andrew Frost. He is the type of bloke every woman wants to be loved by, hoping for the kind of love & dedication he showers on the family he so dearly loves, and every man aspires to be the type of man Andrew Frost is. He's kind, loyal, loving, honest & a gentleman, but when pushed to the limit he can be whatever he desires to do right by his family, even if that means doing or becoming something/someone he doesn't want to be. I loved the duality, the good, the bad the ugly & the heart-wrenching crisis of conscious Andrew faced.
I think because of my love of this author (I own everything he has written in both book format & audio) that I know Hunter Blain & his writing style so well, I wasn't surprised to work out the shocking twist in chapter 37, but I don't think many others will & I won't reveal or spoil it for other readers, but its a ripper!
My love for Luke Daniels is well-known. He is by far my favourite male narrator & once again does justice to another terrific series. This series sounds nothing like any other series by this multi-talented narrator.
Hunter Blain is a true poet, the way this man has with written words is a true credit to his skill, craft & profession.
Multiple chapters just blow the mind, the prowess, Hunter you have truly established yourself in not only Urban Fantasy but the Super Hero genre too & now you can add the Sci-Fi genre with this Time Travel ripper, the research & dedication to wanting it all 100% correct is truly inspiring too with the time, dedication & effort you articulate with wanting the science & techno-babble spot on. I don't know many authors who go to those extremes for the research that you do, I tip my hat to you, Sir Blain!
I RATE WIELDING AN HOURGLASS
5☆ OUT OF 5☆!
I highly recommend this book, this author, series & narrator. Run out & buy it today.
I read an ARC version, and bought an e-book copy & audio versions of this book. This is my fair, honest, and impartial review as always.
Reviewed By: Jewelz Pederick
🙋♀ ❤ the 🤪 🇦🇺 📖🐛❗
(Bye, Love The Crazy Australian BookWorm).
THIS BOOK HAS MORE TWISTS
THAN CHUBBY CHECKER!
The story did lose me in a couple of places, but I was only listening to the audio when that happened & was busy in the kitchen, I normally read along & listen at the same time, but had to stop to make lunch but was so enthralled I couldn't stop altogether. There aren't that many authors who make me feel this way, it's a credit to this writer's impressive talent, it's like he has an infinite loop, a never-ending imagination to pull inspiration from. Hunter Blain enthrals his readers keeping them locked in & wearing side blinders,
It's like you're cocked, locked & ready to rock, so entertained & flying by the seed of your pants, it's quite envious.
Blain is a Master Writer, one of the best character writers around today & a master wordsmith too. This author has a certain something many authors just don't have.
So much humanity, pain & passion is clearly conveyed by Andrew Frost. He is the type of bloke every woman wants to be loved by, hoping for the kind of love & dedication he showers on the family he so dearly loves, and every man aspires to be the type of man Andrew Frost is. He's kind, loyal, loving, honest & a gentleman, but when pushed to the limit he can be whatever he desires to do right by his family, even if that means doing or becoming something/someone he doesn't want to be. I loved the duality, the good, the bad the ugly & the heart-wrenching crisis of conscious Andrew faced.
I think because of my love of this author (I own everything he has written in both book format & audio) that I know Hunter Blain & his writing style so well, I wasn't surprised to work out the shocking twist in chapter 37, but I don't think many others will & I won't reveal or spoil it for other readers, but its a ripper!
My love for Luke Daniels is well-known. He is by far my favourite male narrator & once again does justice to another terrific series. This series sounds nothing like any other series by this multi-talented narrator.
Hunter Blain is a true poet, the way this man has with written words is a true credit to his skill, craft & profession.
Multiple chapters just blow the mind, the prowess, Hunter you have truly established yourself in not only Urban Fantasy but the Super Hero genre too & now you can add the Sci-Fi genre with this Time Travel ripper, the research & dedication to wanting it all 100% correct is truly inspiring too with the time, dedication & effort you articulate with wanting the science & techno-babble spot on. I don't know many authors who go to those extremes for the research that you do, I tip my hat to you, Sir Blain!
I RATE WIELDING AN HOURGLASS
5☆ OUT OF 5☆!
I highly recommend this book, this author, series & narrator. Run out & buy it today.
I read an ARC version, and bought an e-book copy & audio versions of this book. This is my fair, honest, and impartial review as always.
Reviewed By: Jewelz Pederick
🙋♀ ❤ the 🤪 🇦🇺 📖🐛❗
(Bye, Love The Crazy Australian BookWorm).
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews