Lost Time (Between Two Evils) by DL Orton is the second book in the series. The first book in the series, Crossing In Time, is the love story between Isabel and Diego. If you did not read the first book, much of the plot will not make sense.
What if you could rewrite the course of your life, change one decision, erase one scar? Lost Time (Between Two Evils) by DL Orton dials into this poignant question through its gripping narrative of time travel, redemption, and the fragile balance of human connection. Set against a dystopian backdrop where time doesn’t just slip—it unravels—the book hooks readers from the first page with its intricate exploration of parallel realities and the consequences of tampering with them.
Are you a fan of science fiction, dystopian worlds, or the mind-bending paradoxes of time travel? This book will feel tailor-made for you. With its sharp blend of speculative exploration and human emotion, it’s a treasure for those who enjoy thought experiments wrapped in a gripping narrative.
If you are looking for a linear continuation of the first book, this is not for you.
At the heart of this novel is Diego, a compelling, flawed character thrown into chaos when a time travel experiment propels him into the future instead of the past. Diego is more than a relatable (and oftentimes heart-wrenching) character—he’s a mirror for our own questions about regret and second chances. Has he learned his lessons about losing Isabel the first time? I think not.
Lani, his healer, she has no formal medical training in a future shaped by strange circumstances, brings warmth and complexity, challenging Diego to accept the fractured pieces of his current life. But does she really? Because, Isabel, though seemingly absent, looms powerfully in his memory and choices, embodying a theme that echoes throughout the book—can we truly move forward bound to the memories to the past? Does Lani even give him a chance to mourn his losses?
When Diego’s failed time travel experiment sends him forward instead of backward, he finds himself in a fractured future where nothing is quite as it seems. The love of his life, Isabel, is presumed dead, and Diego is forced to rebuild his sense of purpose with Lani, a strong yet enigmatic character who challenges his understanding of moving on.
This book hits all the right notes for a fan of speculative fiction—it’s layered, thought-provoking, and filled with moral grey areas that keep you turning pages. I appreciated how DL Orton explores time travel as more than just a sci-fi trope. Instead, it becomes a metaphor for our own what-ifs, regrets, and inability to escape the butterfly effects of our actions.
The concept of parallel realities is particularly compelling—they aren't just divergent paths; they serve as stark reminders that our decisions create ripples across all dimensions of our lives. Orton masterfully raises questions like, even with a second chance, are we destined to repeat our mistakes? Or will we just make the same mistakes in all realities?
Diego is a relatable, imperfect self. His struggles, not only with time but with the weight of his choices, make him feel deeply human. Lani grounds the narrative emotionally, offering a spark of hope amid the despair of dystopia. That said, some readers may find the timeline shifts slightly convoluted at first, but it’s worth sticking with—it all ties together beautifully in the end.
My main criticism of the book is that there is no Isabel. In the first book, it was of the most importance for her to change time. I does not seem to happen.
Lost Time (Between Two Evils) is a must-read for anyone who loves their science fiction served with a hearty dose of existential musings. Are our timelines malleable, or are they as fixed as the stars? Can we truly redeem ourselves, or are our scars and destinies intertwined, inescapable?
If you’re ready for a book that will not only entertain but also linger in your mind long after the final page, this is it. Be prepared to question not only how we perceive time—but how we perceive ourselves.
Thank you to Netgalley and Rocky Mountain Press Audio for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.