Chasing Time

by Thomas Reilly

Chasing Time takes the reader on a thrilling adventure as history professor Tony Lucas seeks an ancient time-bending key that may hold the secrets to a miracle cure for his beloved wife, trapped in the throes of the debilitating and deadly ALS. Racing against time as the disease extracts its unforgiving toll, Tony embarks on an amazing quest involving a series of unexpected plot twists, cryptic clues, and memorable characters.

Driven by a strong male lead, this heartwarming book combines realistic medical elements with a hint of fantasy to create a gripping, suspenseful narrative. Reilly spins a compelling tale of a devoted husband’s resilience and perseverance as he pursues a life-saving mission that extends from ancient Rome to modern-day America to the lush olive groves of Andalusia. The story takes the classic medical drama, historical fiction, and fantasy genres and turns them all completely on their heads. With its precise and witty style, Chasing Time is an engaging, must-read story like nothing you have read before.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2023

About the author

Thomas Reilly is a retired biotechnology scientist and executive. He holds a doctorate degree in microbiology. He has written hundreds of articles and essays on scientific topics and brings that expertise to life in his first novel in the Janus key Series, the award-winning CHASING TIME.

His second novel in the series, TRIAL AND REDEMPTION, continues the story of the time-bending effects of an ancient key on 21st-century characters. Already achieving Amazon best-seller status, TRIAL AND REDEMPTION was awarded the Literary Titan Gold Medal Book award standing as a mark of distinction, recognizing excellence in writing that is both innovative and impactful.

He lives in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife Linda.

Reviews

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retired history professor Tony will stop at nothing to heal his wife's terminal illness, even if it means he has to chase time. Tony's wife is dying a slow death and with each day, she crawls closer. It's torture to watch her slip away so when Tony discovers a magical object from his youth might unlock the key to her cure, Tony vows to use it. On his travels, he unearths clues, puzzles, and a miracle cure. He meets intriguing people who help him in his quest. Will he find the cure to his wife's disease in time? It's a frantic race against time and death to save his beloved.

Chasing Time is a suspense-filled fantasy adventure I couldn't put down. The stakes couldn't have been higher which only made me read at a frenetic pace. Part fantasy thriller, part historical fantasy, part literary fiction, Chasing Time is one of the most original stories I have read. The descriptive narration is emotional and relatable to anyone who's had to deal with a terminally ill loved one. The narration is also lush with childhood memories of baseball which I enjoyed immensely. Thomas Reilly took his knowledge of science and technology, infusing them into the story with accuracy and forethought. The characters are well-developed and easy to connect with. Thomas Reilly is a gifted writer and Chasing Time reminded me of well-established writers of thrillers. If you're looking for an in-depth fantasy thriller, pick up Chasing Time. A brilliant debut novel from start to finish, you won't be able to put it down. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Lisa]

I really enjoyed this book. I read it as an ARC and couldn't put it down. In less than two days I was finished and sad to be so. I was intrigued from the start with the prologue. Just had to keep reading to figure out how it all fit together. The author was able to weave it together as believably as possible given the improbability of it all. A very readable book with a mix of fantasy, history, science, and a love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

A strange talisman slips through time enhancing the lives of various individuals. Is time a continuous event with no beginning or no end? Lucius Fabius Antonius thought this might be true of the first century A.D. Lucius was an olive oil merchant in the Roman empire when disease ravaged the production in Italy. He was forced to look outside the empire and found a better product in Spain.

Two thousand plus years later Anthony Lucas waits patiently for a time capsule to be opened after it is discovered in a cornerstone of his old school. He is lucky to be chosen the recipient of the unusual talisman in the small copper box.

He discovers a five inch key-like object near an Italian restaurant which is intricately carved into the figure of a two-faced man. Tony tosses the key in his backpack and proceeds home. The box he won in class had an old newspaper clipping from 1906. Weird events continue to happen to the eighth grader as he progresses through life.

This entire story is a very engrossing tale of what could be. As I read the book, I was drawn into the whirlpool of potential events in the confluence of time. I was so engrossed I could not put the story down but zipped through it. Start the book and you too will be all consumed! 5 stars – CE Williams

We received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Time is an interesting story of a boy with a special awareness of time. The story begins in 1905 with Lucius and Appia Antonius then picks up in 1965 with Anthony Lucas’ eighth grade class opening the time capsule from 1905. Anthony, known as Tony, He has won the chance to take it home and share with his family. As they explore the time capsule they read the newspaper that was placed inside. Tony questions the stories printed as not worthy of being mentioned. His mother reminds him that the US was not the powerful country it is now and was somewhat isolated in it's thinking. The next morning Tony will look at the newspaper again but will see a different date with the year of 2025, sixty years in the future. Tony writes down the stories of interest, one involving a future President Bill Clinton becoming a Special Envoy for Sudan. The next is a story about the Yankees hopeful rebounding for the season and referencing fall from grace in 1965. And finally a story about a miracle cure for a crippling disease referencing the name of George Janusowski and some strange letters 'BMAA'. And just like that the newspaper changes back to the year 1905. All of this is hard for him to understand but he knows it must be important somehow.

As time moves on several of these things prove to be correct such as the Yankees, and President Clinton being elected. Tony will continue to have an uncanny sense of time as he pursues a cure in order to save his wife diagnosed with a crippling disease.

This is a fascinating adventure from 1905 to 1965 and the present. But it is also hopeful that someday there may be cures for these dreaded diseases.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Ferne Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is time really real?

I usually read crime novels but this book caught my eye and sounded good so I gave it a try. I'm glad I did. The book starts in Rome 52AD. An oil merchant needs to send his ships to Spain for a supply of olive oil. He is negotiating a contract for a loan and has to include his home and a very high interest rate to get the loan. On the day beforebthe loan is do, his ships are not back and doesn't have the payment. He gets the key for his strong box so he can check the contract. The key is made in the image of the Roman God Janus, God of time who can see the past and the future. All of a sudden the eyes of the God on the key glow and from then on everything changes.

Now the time is 1965 and we meet Tony. He goes to a Catholic school and today they are opening a time capsule that was found in 1905 when the school was being expanded. At the end of the day Tony gets to bring the time capsule home to share with his family. On the way home he passes an italian store and outside the store he finds a strange key of a person with 2 faces, past and future. Then his life begins to change. I can't tell you more because I don't want to ruin the story for you, but I will say, read it.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent Read

Reilly pens a magnficient story in Chasing Time. I haven't read work from this author before, and I really loved this story. The characters were magnetic and compelling. This author brings the story to life. The characters had a lot of depth, and were very realistic. It's a mix of realism, fantasy and magic, that it brings in the mysteries of science fiction, and a journey that is just want Tony needs. Desparately needs. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. This book deserves a second read! (and maybe more). It is a very well-written story, and I enjoyed it. It’s one of those embraceable stories. It’s definitely un-put-downable! Very impressive story telling. Chasing Time is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.

[Joyce W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that entertain, and then there are books that linger, Chasing Time falls firmly in the second category. It dares to explore territory most fiction avoids: the emotional toll of terminal illness, the fear of losing someone piece by piece, and the silent desperation of those who love them. But rather than wallow in sadness, it soars with hope and imagination. The premise might sound unconventional (time travel, ancient relics, and a race for a mythical cure) but Reilly makes it work in the most unexpected, beautiful ways. It’s about a man trying to reclaim time not for himself, but for the woman he loves. It’s intellectual, spiritual, and heartbreakingly human. Don’t be surprised if it sparks conversations long after you finish the last page.

[Elizabeth C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just a story, it’s a tapestry woven with love, history, and longing. Chasing Time reads like a tribute to all those who have stood at the edge of helplessness and dared to fight back. Reilly’s writing is elegant and emotionally precise, his prose carrying the weight of grief, hope, and discovery with grace. The segments set in ancient Rome are especially vivid and transporting, giving the narrative a grand, timeless scope. But it’s not the mystery or the action that makes this book unforgettable, it’s the quiet intimacy of Tony’s internal struggle, his unwavering love for his wife, and the sacrifices he’s willing to make. It’s rare to find a novel that moves with the urgency of a thriller and the emotional depth of literary fiction.

[Patti R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Lucas isn’t a superhero. He’s not a genius billionaire or a secret agent. He’s a husband, a man terrified of losing the woman he loves, and willing to follow even the faintest trail of hope if it means saving her. That’s what makes him unforgettable. His journey through ancient ruins, cryptic codes, and time-worn legends is thrilling, but it’s his internal battle between fear and faith, despair and determination that resonates so powerfully. Thomas Reilly gives us a protagonist who feels profoundly real, and a story that acknowledges pain without ever surrendering to it. Chasing Time is emotionally heavy in the best way: it challenges you, lifts you, and leaves you feeling a little more alive.

[Frank L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you were moved by The Midnight Library or captivated by the layered storytelling of The Clockmaker’s Daughter, then Chasing Time is absolutely your next read. Like Haig and Morton, Reilly writes with a deep sense of wonder, emotional intelligence, and a gift for blending past and present. But what makes this novel stand apart is its foundation in real, tangible suffering ALS and the extraordinary love that rises from it. There’s a depth here that feels personal, almost spiritual, and it’s told with a voice that is both lyrical and grounded. This isn’t a story about escaping reality; it’s about confronting it with courage, compassion, and imagination. Reilly is a literary talent worth watching.

[Tracy H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Time is a beautiful contradiction: intellectually gripping yet emotionally raw, rooted in history yet infused with timeless emotion. The fantasy elements, subtle and sparing never overpower the human core of the story. In fact, they heighten the emotional tension, especially as Tony Lucas chases answers across time not for glory, but for the love of his wife who is slowly fading to ALS. Every cryptic clue he deciphers, every historical secret he unearths, feels like another act of devotion, one last chance to outpace the inevitable. It’s rare to find a novel that makes you feel and think so deeply, and rarer still for one to stay with you afterward. This is that kind of book.

[Gregory N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t cry often while reading but this book got to me. Not because of melodrama, but because of the raw truth behind the fiction. Chasing Time is a love story at its core, but not the kind filled with tropes or fluff. It’s about a man watching the person he loves slowly fade, and refusing to let that be the end. The desperation Tony feels is gut-wrenching, yet it’s tempered by the beauty of his devotion. His journey across countries, timelines, and history itself is powered not by a desire for adventure, but a plea to keep love alive. The ending left me aching, but also grateful. This is a story for anyone who’s ever faced the impossible and chosen love anyway.

[John A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read dozens of time-bending stories, but none have carried this kind of emotional weight. Chasing Time doesn’t rely on high-concept gimmicks or endless twists its power lies in its emotional honesty. Tony’s journey isn’t about changing the world; it’s about trying to hold onto his world his wife, their life, their love. The historical mystery elements are fascinating, but they’re never the point, they’re the vehicle through which grief, hope, and devotion unfold. And Reilly’s writing doesn’t sensationalize; it honors. This novel teaches that sometimes the most heroic thing a person can do is simply not give up. And that’s exactly what Tony does again and again.

[Mary Maciejewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Time, by Thomas Reilly, is a fascinating story of suspense, romance, hope and renewal. Chasing Time is a short book of the fantasy genre packed with a mixture of sentiments. The story begins in 1905 with Lucius and Appia Antonius then merges into 1965 with Anthony Lucas’ eighth grade class opening the time capsule from 1905. Anthony, known as Tony, discovers yet another gift he possesses. His first gift is that of time, which has aided him many times in his young life. With the discovery from the time capsule, Tony is ready to take on a cure for a crippling disease.
Set in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, Reilly cleverly guides the reader from the youthful adventure of Tony Lucas’ young life to his adulthood. Reilly creates vivid images of the thoughts of a young man, so much so, the reader feels he or she knows Tony, and can relate to his experiences.
Reilly has a true grasp of dialogue. His character’s interactions are inexhaustible, spot on to the age of the main characters, and thought-provoking. Reilly also creates a quick pace, sense of suspense and action for the reader to keep turning pages. Will Tony’s cure for a crippling disease work?
What I found most intriguing were the interactions between Lucius, and Tony, and a disreputable character. Several times I wanted to yell for them not to fall for the scheme. Had one or both of them fallen for it? How were their lives affected?
I am giving Chasing Time, by Thomas Reilly, 5 out of 5 stars. I couldn’t find anything I didn’t like about this book. The story captures the reader’s attention and takes them on a whirlwind adventure. The transition from 1905 to 1965, and again from Tony’s youth to his adulthood is done perfectly.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

We first meet the protagonist as an eighth grade student when he wins a drawing at school. The newspaper that he brings home is from 1905, but magically it reports of events sixty years in the future. Could the unusual key he found (and then lost) have something to do with it. As the years pass, Tony marries Ann, they get jobs, raise a family, and retire. When Ann gets ill, the mystery/adventure takes off. Interesting, informative, and enjoyable to read. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Time is a gripping blend of suspense, history, and heartfelt emotion. The story of Tony Lucas chasing a magical key to save his loved one kept me turning pages late into the night. The plot twists are clever, the characters are memorable, and the mix of fantasy with realistic stakes makes it feel both magical and grounded. I was completely absorbed and came away feeling inspired and moved. Highly recommend for anyone who loves suspenseful, imaginative storytelling with a strong emotional core.

[Jessica Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of a caregiver the way this one does. Tony’s devotion to his wife isn’t just touching, it’s heroic. And while the story is infused with ancient secrets and coded puzzles, it never loses sight of its heart. Watching Tony navigate the slow heartbreak of ALS while chasing a mythical cure across continents is both thrilling and deeply emotional. Reilly creates vivid, cinematic scenes from Roman ruins to Andalusian groves but the true beauty lies in the moments between Tony and his wife. This is more than a book; it’s an experience.

[Lena G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know a book could break my heart and thrill me at the same time. But that’s exactly what Chasing Time does. Tony is a brilliant, flawed, and incredibly human protagonist. His motivations are so pure and relatable that even the most fantastical elements feel grounded in truth. I especially loved the historical riddles and the vivid descriptions of ancient places. Reilly clearly did his research, but more importantly, he knows how to tell a story that matters. The stakes aren’t just global or historical, they’re deeply personal. And that makes all the difference.

[James I. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony’s journey is both epic and intimate. You’ll travel through time and space from modern-day hospitals to ancient Roman temples but the emotional thread tying everything together is his love for his wife. As someone with a family member battling a neurodegenerative disease, I found this story incredibly moving. The scientific aspects of ALS are handled respectfully, and the moments of fantasy are used sparingly but meaningfully. If you’re looking for a book that combines intelligence, suspense, and genuine heart, this one’s for you.

[Norman D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Time is that rare novel that makes you question what you’d be willing to do for love and what lines you’d cross to change fate. Thomas Reilly creates a world where ancient artifacts may hold the key to modern medicine, and where emotional stakes are just as high as the physical ones. The writing is smooth, vivid, and often lyrical, especially in the quiet, heartbreaking moments between Tony and his wife. I stayed up late turning pages, not because of cliffhangers, but because I needed to know what happened to them.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an imaginative and daring book! The plot is smart and full of twists, but what really got me was the emotional core. Tony is an academic, yes, but also a man fighting the most personal of battles. Reilly captures the helplessness of watching someone you love fade before your eyes but also the strength that love can give. I found the blend of history, science, and fantasy really refreshing. It’s like The Da Vinci Code, if Robert Langdon were driven by heartbreak instead of ego.

[Florence B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t prepared for how deeply this book would affect me. Tony’s struggle felt so authentic, his pain so real. Reilly doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of ALS, but he also offers a glimmer of hope, not through miracles, but through perseverance, love, and the human spirit. The historical elements were fascinating and well-researched, but they never overshadow the human story. I was completely absorbed from the first chapter.

[Clarice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn’t just another time-travel adventure. Chasing Time has real emotional weight. Reilly doesn’t write from a distance, he brings you into Tony’s mind, his fears, his hopes, and his memories. And while there are thrilling moments and ancient mysteries, the most powerful scenes are the quiet ones, the bedside talks, the flashbacks, the memories that haunt and inspire. This is historical fiction for readers who care about people more than dates.

[Anthony Philosophos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel traces the history of a Janus ring that foretells the future for whomever wears the ring. I liked the ancient Roman start to the book. Every owner of the ring has a unique special interest in time. The book from 1905 to present is about a man trying to save his wife from dying of ALS. It's a engrossing book, well worth the read.

[Shannon D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way Reilly writes ALS is gut-wrenchingly real, but he balances that pain with beauty. There’s a deep sense of awe in this book, awe for history, for the mysteries of the human body, and for love itself. The final chapters especially left me thinking long after I finished. I recommend this to anyone who loves historical thrillers with soul.

[John B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an incredible journey. Chasing Time is about more than just finding a cure or solving a mystery, it’s about what makes life worth fighting for. The scenes set in Andalusia were especially vivid and made me feel like I was right there with Tony. I also appreciated the attention to detail in the historical flashbacks. This is storytelling at its finest.

[Bridgett P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me underlining passages and rereading chapters. Reilly has a way of weaving poetry into prose without it ever feeling forced. The dialogue is natural, the pacing is tight, and the emotions run deep. Whether you're drawn to history, romance, or speculative fiction, there's something here for you.

[Aneesha Shewani]

When a book starts with Prologue: Rome, AD 52, a lover of history, like me is bound to pick it up. The foreground is promising as the writer draws us into the daily life of ancient Rome. There seem to be mystical elements at play, as is often associated with antiquities.

When Tony tells his mother, "I didn't think high school would be so bad, I never knew there were so many mean people in the world," we think this is a story of a bullied teenager with prowess that gradually manifests. Drawn into the world of young Tony in the summer of 1965 and his youth, I cannot relate much to the references to baseball. I ponder whether this story holds universal appeal. 

However, the steady narration does hold my attention as the story winds through the bylanes of Tony's career and family life. Tony eventually reaches a point where his entire energies are focused on a single quest. He is researching the potential treatment of a rare condition that afflicts his wife, Ann. The story starts to grow on me. Yet, I wonder, what about Rome, AD 52!

A book that keeps one guessing is doing a good job. At times it seems to dwell too much on the intricacies of Ann's illness. But, like a good book, it is also informative and dispenses a wealth of research. Chasing Time aims to raise awareness about issues such as seen in Ann's medical condition and its "heavy burden."

Tony is desperate to fix his present and author, Thomas Reilly, delivers this engaging course of events. Recollections from his teenage, direct Tony to learn more about ancient Rome. He believes he has an antique object that may have mysterious powers to lead to the future. A trip to the museum fills the pages with more interesting information. From here on one thing leads to another, and keeps the reader hooked as Tony embarks on a flight to Spain. The prologue starts making sense now.

I liked this young adult contemporary fiction based on the mysteries of time. I see a lot of potential in it as a web series that transverses multiple timelines. I need to learn more about the Yankees and baseball to appreciate that part of the story. All in all a good, engaging, weekend read with a fresh premise that attempts to build a bridge across time.