A Tear In Time

by Miranda Levi

Imagine "Back To The Future" entwined with the havoc-wreaking presence of an alien invader and the storytelling finesse reminiscent of John Scalzi or Octavia Butler.

What fun is time travel when there’s a shape-shifting alien trying to kill you, your best friend is a ghost, and you can’t seem to escape even yourself for long? One man sees the future; another is trying to destroy it.

After a brush with death at the tender age of nine, Faer Michelson has a near-perfect autobiographical memory. He has a good life, loving wife, and he's only mildly concerned about Y2K. Sure, no one else remembers Bobby Kennedy was president or that time an alien took over the TV to declare war, but what's that in the grand scheme of things? Then one day Faer remembers something that he can't shrug off: his own death in 1968.

It turns out, the Time Warp isn't just a song in Rocky Horror. Faer finds himself stranded in the past with a shape-shifting alien and an apparition of his best friend. An unearthly decree is made before Faer can sort out how to get home: save yourself, then save the world.

406 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2023

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang, I had no clue my 9th grade English teacher had THAT in her. The book was something I could only describe as being sweet and sad and just... a spectrum of every single emotion, really, and it's weird, I usually don't like sci-fi or any of that wonderful strangeness that she is an expert in (With the exception of Star Trek) And like... I feel like the fact the book was written by someone I know has made it a little more honest, if that's the right word. It's like being homies with a great artist, and knowing that their masterpiece on a more personal level. Also, ripping on Mick Jagger constantly was a nice touch. Five Fuckin' Stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shilo Goodson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Based on the other reviews I'm in the minority, but I just really wasn't a fan. I felt like there was too much going on. I was confused about timing. Some of this could have been resolved by simply showing at the start of the chapter when it was taking place. There were places where the story jumped around, and I wasn't sure where we were or what was happening. The change of point of view was really abrupt at times. This is probably one of those books that makes more sense the second or third time that you read it, but I really don't have a desire to read it again.

I should state that I'm probably not the ideal audience for this book. While there are some fantasy/science fiction novels that I like, I like ones that feel more realistic. This one had time travel, alternate realities, mind reading, mind manipulation, photography memory, moving objects with your mind, alien invasions, and an assortment of other things going on. For me, it was just too out there.

From the book's description, I expected something that leaned toward the comedy side. Instead, I felt like it was a bit dark and at times gruesome even. This book contains quite a bit of swearing. There are some pretty violent scenes, including at least one fairly descriptive murder scene. I was bothered by it. There's no real sexual content.

This book has a bit of an open-ended ending. There were at least two things that were hinted at in the book that weren't resolved at all. I know that some people will love this book, but unfortunately, I wasn't one of them.

I got this book free through a Goodreads Giveaway, and I provided a voluntary review.

[T.R.Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book last night; it is a complete journey filled with friendships, spaceships, heartache, heart warmth, shocks so big I stopped reading with my mouth wide open, actual fits of laughter, and accurate history both real and alternate. I would compare the style of this book to those of Mary Kowal! I loved this story so much that I didn’t want to keep reading because I knew I was close to the end. I do not remember the last time a book made me feel the was this one did. I miss the characters so much, I can not wait to read it again!
Thank you Miranda for the absolute amazing adventure!!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! I read it cover to cover; received it from Amazon in the morning, and I finished by late evening. The next day, I started reading it again. The opening paragraph, even the very first line, sparked my interest and kept me invested until the end. I won’t give away any spoilers; this book is such an entertaining reading experience, very unique. At times mind blowing, at times funny, at times poignant. Well written, a page turner, for sure. A Tear In Time is the best book I’ve read in a long time. (No pun intended.) You get invested in the well fleshed out characters immediately, and stay along for such a fun ride. I look forward to to reading more books by the authors. Well done!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sister recommended this book to me. I would never have picked it to read as I am not a huge fan of sci-fi or fantasy. I agreed to give it a try. I found myself immediately immersed in the story. It was not too far out of reality and I found the writing brilliant. It reminded me of a “Steven King” novel. I would love to see this on the big screen… I’m sure it would be a blockbuster! I didn’t see any other books by these authors… I sure hope there are more to follow. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who likes to read, regardless of your literary preference.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love time related books. I enjoyed the story. I found it interesting, prompting a lot of “what if” thoughts. It runs the emotional range, and steps into the darker areas. There were time I literally laughed out loud. (I had my earbuds in, and of course no one realized I was listening to a story.) At times it was difficult to keep track of the time and place. Overall, it was a good story, and I would be interested in listening to the next. The narration was well done.
I received a free copy of this audiobook, and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Daniel Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was kind of all over the place. It would start to get into a coherent story then get off the rails again. I went back and re-read the hospital part near the end and it still makes almost zero sense to me. It kept my interest or I would be giving it one star but I cant say I would recommend this book.

#timetravel

[Natalie La · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't picked up a book in a very long time. This book spoke to me, I couldn't put it down. I'd put my hands in the flames and say that if you want to get out of your head, this book is it. I cried, laughed, I didn't want it to end. It will tickle your perception of reality. Read it.

[Melanie Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must buy!!! Must read!!! If you love time travel, mystery, intreuge, suspence, or fantasy this book is for you!!

[PrecariouslyUnflappable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not good at writing reviews. If you look at my profile, you’ll find that I have no problem RATING books, but I am lousy at REVIEWING them. However, despite my abysmal track record in this area, I wanted to write a review for this one.

I’ve waited more than 5 years to read this book. I got verbal teasers and vague descriptions from the writer for literal years—tidbits here and there that made me want to know more. When I finally got to read the book, it turns out that the plot reveals itself in a similar way—you get little nuggets of “what?” and “how?” and “tell me more…” in the early acts, culminating in great reveals later.

In some ways, this story reads like a heist story. In others, like an adventure. Still others, like a coming of age story. I love that this book wasn’t just one thing, because people aren’t just one thing, and life isn’t just one thing—it’s a million inconsequential things that add up to huge ones.

This review isn’t reading much like a review at all, so I’ll sum up with a TL;DR: Read this book, you won’t regret it.