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ChronoSpace #1
Bootstrap's Journey
When Claire Hilyer receives a mysterious letter and package from her best friend Tony, she thinks it an unexpected romantic gesture. Then she learns Tony sent it over twenty-five years ago, before his birth. Intrigued, Claire visits Tony's house. She arrives in time to see him fighting a stranger, and a moment later, they vanish before her eyes into the past. Tony's package - a diary electronically forged from his thoughts - is a cry for help from 2017 to Claire. He must learn to survive without money, family or friends in an era before his birth. Meanwhile, a deadly enemy craves Tony's invention - a time travelling device - for his own deadly purposes and stalks him from the past and the future. Can Claire save Tony and bring him home before time runs out? Bootstrap's Journey is a tale of fantastic hope, danger and romance as Tony finds himself embroiled in his personal history, a timeline he mustn't change despite his inner urges.
200 pages, Paperback
Published December 26, 2017
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Chris Johnson
14 books58 followersChris Johnson writes high-stakes thrillers with a sci-fi and supernatural edge—think ancient secrets, time travel, and rogue agencies chasing ghosts.
When he’s not writing, Chris performs as a mentalist at private and corporate events, bending minds with psychology and sleight of hand. He lives in Brisbane, Australia, with his family, and still reads The Phantom when no one’s looking.
“Life’s an adventure. So are my books.”
When he’s not writing, Chris performs as a mentalist at private and corporate events, bending minds with psychology and sleight of hand. He lives in Brisbane, Australia, with his family, and still reads The Phantom when no one’s looking.
“Life’s an adventure. So are my books.”
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 5, 2018
The novel Bootstraps by the Australian author Chris Johnson is a sci-fi story with a fast-paced narrative. Tony, the main protagonist, accidentally travels to the past with his own invention - his bootstrap. With this time-traveling device, he arrived in 2017 and in the same community where he still lives in 2042. On the upside, he gets to see his grandparents again and his parents whom he hardly remembers as they had died in an accident when he was a young boy. On the downside, no-one knows who he is, and he has no identity.
The time traveling theme really got me hooked as I have always dreamed of doing exactly that - traveling back in time to meet my relatives who had migrated to the States and Canada and see and experience much more...
The story kicks off quite intriguing when in 2042 Claire — who turns out to be Tony's childhood friend — receives a parcel that was sent to her two decades ago by Tony asking her for help. Claire turns out to be of little of value in the main act but serves her purpose in the beginning and most definitely towards the end.
What I loved about Bootstraps is, it easily attracts readers of nearly every age group and even with all the nerdy stuff, it's still very entertaining. It sometimes gets into geeky details about technical know-how which only shows a thorough research and is, therefore, a big thumb up. What's further intriguing is the notion of creating possible chaos and changing events when trying to mess in past events. Would the future change if Tony (who calls himself Buck in the past) dabs into and ultimately changes the past? Or is the past rock solid? To find out, you gotta read this book.
In the main act, we have the antagonistic force Cutter, a greedy and power hungry University colleague of Prof. Stockwell, who aches to lay his hands on the bootstrap and every invention before it even gets made. The young Cutter is here to create problems whilst Tony knew the old Cutter only too well, he had tried to kill Tony whilst time traveling with him to the past. In my opinion, the young Cutter could have caused way more trouble up until the very end... as he weakens and gets a bit lost later on...)
So Tony, aka Buck also needs to save his teen idol Professor Stockwell from Cutter, as in hindsight, Stockwell has invented the sky-shield that would, later on, save future planet earth. Tony also needs Stockwell's help in fixing his time-traveling device as it broke down whilst crashing into the future. Else, he'd be forever stuck in time and wouldn't that change the course of planet earth?
Meanwhile, Tony (or Buck) meets the love of his life Erin - and gets slightly worried this might end not well for the both of them. But he can't help it as he's head over heels in love with her. When he finds out Cutter used to date her, more trouble comes his way... But then Erin suddenly vanishes... and hell breaks loose...
A twisted adventurous story that would delight the little boy in every male adult but entertain every other person who has ever wondered what it would be like traveling in time... A sparkling read, not too long and delivers the reader a pretty unforeseen hook at the end. Like it.
The time traveling theme really got me hooked as I have always dreamed of doing exactly that - traveling back in time to meet my relatives who had migrated to the States and Canada and see and experience much more...
The story kicks off quite intriguing when in 2042 Claire — who turns out to be Tony's childhood friend — receives a parcel that was sent to her two decades ago by Tony asking her for help. Claire turns out to be of little of value in the main act but serves her purpose in the beginning and most definitely towards the end.
What I loved about Bootstraps is, it easily attracts readers of nearly every age group and even with all the nerdy stuff, it's still very entertaining. It sometimes gets into geeky details about technical know-how which only shows a thorough research and is, therefore, a big thumb up. What's further intriguing is the notion of creating possible chaos and changing events when trying to mess in past events. Would the future change if Tony (who calls himself Buck in the past) dabs into and ultimately changes the past? Or is the past rock solid? To find out, you gotta read this book.
In the main act, we have the antagonistic force Cutter, a greedy and power hungry University colleague of Prof. Stockwell, who aches to lay his hands on the bootstrap and every invention before it even gets made. The young Cutter is here to create problems whilst Tony knew the old Cutter only too well, he had tried to kill Tony whilst time traveling with him to the past. In my opinion, the young Cutter could have caused way more trouble up until the very end... as he weakens and gets a bit lost later on...)
So Tony, aka Buck also needs to save his teen idol Professor Stockwell from Cutter, as in hindsight, Stockwell has invented the sky-shield that would, later on, save future planet earth. Tony also needs Stockwell's help in fixing his time-traveling device as it broke down whilst crashing into the future. Else, he'd be forever stuck in time and wouldn't that change the course of planet earth?
Meanwhile, Tony (or Buck) meets the love of his life Erin - and gets slightly worried this might end not well for the both of them. But he can't help it as he's head over heels in love with her. When he finds out Cutter used to date her, more trouble comes his way... But then Erin suddenly vanishes... and hell breaks loose...
A twisted adventurous story that would delight the little boy in every male adult but entertain every other person who has ever wondered what it would be like traveling in time... A sparkling read, not too long and delivers the reader a pretty unforeseen hook at the end. Like it.
May 28, 2018
Chris Johnson has done something I never thought possible: set a science fiction story in central Queensland. Oh yeah, and written a fun, frolicking and fabulous tale about a man's journey through time.
As per the label on the box, the author does as promised and eschews "sciencey" jargon; where he does delve into the scientific, he makes those elements relevant and understandable. In short, he has delivered a pacy, page-flipper of a tale. The hook at the end has me itching for the next installment.
With Bootstrap's Journey, Johnson has delivered a story that will engage readers of all ages and tastes.
As per the label on the box, the author does as promised and eschews "sciencey" jargon; where he does delve into the scientific, he makes those elements relevant and understandable. In short, he has delivered a pacy, page-flipper of a tale. The hook at the end has me itching for the next installment.
With Bootstrap's Journey, Johnson has delivered a story that will engage readers of all ages and tastes.
June 21, 2018
An original, interesting and fast-moving story about a time traveller. Written in an informal and conversational style it’s easy to read and comprehend. The style does not get in the way of the flow of the story. It is quite funny in places and overall an absorbing read. To me it presented an insightful look at some of the dilemmas facing time travellers. Overall a lighthearted entertaining read.
June 21, 2018
An original, interesting and fast-moving story about a time traveller. Written in an informal and conversational style it’s easy to read and comprehend. The style does not get in the way of the flow of the story. It is quite funny in places and overall an absorbing read. To me it presented an insightful look at some of the dilemmas facing time travellers. Overall a lighthearted entertaining read.
May 23, 2018
I really liked this story. It has elements of Ben Elton's 'Time and Time Again'. If you start mucking around with time travel, can you change the past or future? Chris Johnson's hero Buck or Tony depending on the time zone isn't making a bad job of time-travel even with the interference of evil opportunist Cutter who wants to make a fortune out of the technology rather than serve the common good. But Buck is such a good guy, he'll do anything to stop the rascal until beautiful Erin comes into the picture and romance muddies the waters. This is the first book in a series with as many future possibilities as there are millennia.
May 22, 2018
Bootstrap’s Journey is a time travel science fiction book; it is set in 2042 and 2017. The main character is Anthony Nowlan, the inventor of a time travel device.
I love this book, my fantasising with time travel made this book appeal to me. Chris gave a lot of thought to the paradox of moving through time, and the way he presented it in the book was marvellous.
The book itself is quite short, which makes you be whisk away by the narrative. I enjoyed myself reading this book, as I nearly did it one sitting. The characters were well explored, and I hope there might be a sequel in the works.
I love this book, my fantasising with time travel made this book appeal to me. Chris gave a lot of thought to the paradox of moving through time, and the way he presented it in the book was marvellous.
The book itself is quite short, which makes you be whisk away by the narrative. I enjoyed myself reading this book, as I nearly did it one sitting. The characters were well explored, and I hope there might be a sequel in the works.
June 2, 2018
I enjoyed this 'back to the future' time traveling story about a young man (Buck or Tony, take your pick) who is a genius, and has developed a time traveling device. He writers a letter to a close friend of his (Claire) but she doesn't realise that the letter had been sent, 20 years earlier. As she comes to his plea for help in the letter, she witnesses him disappearing while wrestling with another man. We soon learn that Buck, has indeed traveled back in time, to a period a couple of years before he was even born.
Here, Buck rediscovers a new life apart from Claire and falls for another woman, Erin. How is he ever going to explain this to Claire? Will it end badly, or is this fate?
This 'romp across time' is certainly a fun one with all kinds of curly twists and hidden surprises. The only qualm I have is that the present tenses POV make it a little difficult to follow, if you can't be forgiving of it. Mind you, it's difficult to write about the past, when it is your present, and when the future is also your present... You'd better read this one to see what I mean.
Here, Buck rediscovers a new life apart from Claire and falls for another woman, Erin. How is he ever going to explain this to Claire? Will it end badly, or is this fate?
This 'romp across time' is certainly a fun one with all kinds of curly twists and hidden surprises. The only qualm I have is that the present tenses POV make it a little difficult to follow, if you can't be forgiving of it. Mind you, it's difficult to write about the past, when it is your present, and when the future is also your present... You'd better read this one to see what I mean.
August 2, 2018
Bootstrap's Journey had me hooked from the start. This time travel adventure has everything a book can offer and it had me engrossed until the very end.
Chris Johnson doesn't disappoint. A highly recommended read.
Chris Johnson doesn't disappoint. A highly recommended read.
May 30, 2018
I write Christian historical/Biblical fiction but enjoy many different genres. I am old enough to read for pleasure.
And it was a pleasure to read Bootstraps Journey - a brilliant sci-fi fantasy page-turner. I read it all in one sitting. There were so many cliff-hangers.
Buck/Tony and his relationship in the past with Erin, then his friend from the present time... don't want to give any spoilers - only to say 'Read this book' it is worth more than the cost and the time. The author takes you through time and space with him.
And it was a pleasure to read Bootstraps Journey - a brilliant sci-fi fantasy page-turner. I read it all in one sitting. There were so many cliff-hangers.
Buck/Tony and his relationship in the past with Erin, then his friend from the present time... don't want to give any spoilers - only to say 'Read this book' it is worth more than the cost and the time. The author takes you through time and space with him.
May 31, 2018
Fantastic fast paced intricate read. Love love loved it. A well written intense page-turner. There has to be a 'next' and when there is 'gimme'
June 3, 2023
I almost messed up and read the second book first - I thought I was a little behind in what was going on when Tony (main character) referenced something from before and I was only on the second or third page. Anyway, This time jumping will make yer head spin! I loved it! I had to slow down reading to catch on the “great-great-great-etc. grandfather” compared to who’s in the room with you. You could be sitting with yourself, and that could end badly…universe go into a tailspin, each person dissolve/blow up. The references to different eras makes me figure the author either has a great head for history or he researched the fool out of things to be as detailed as he was. The actual reason I read this before the new book was to savor the new one. Read a little at a time. Because I’m the lucky one who got her name (fer real!) IN this book! You think THAT isn’t the coolest! Haven’t gotten there yet, but figure I don’t have a big place or any speaking parts, but still - it’s my 15 minutes. ;). I really enjoyed reading it, but explaining (trying) to my husband what it was about was a lost cause - it’s the little things in the story that make it as good as it is. First thing that caught my eye was that the main character was busy reading a Chris Johnson book - made ME smile anyway. And toward the end the main character says, “And here’s where it gets weird!”. Uh…no. That was waaaay back! Highly recommend. And get the second book (little PR for Chris and no, he didn’t know me from a bump in the road before this). ;)
June 2, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this tale. Liked the concept. Read it in a oner. A good page turner. A few missing small words here and there and past/ present parts of a verb (which must have just got missed in the final edit) did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Looking forward to the next chapters.
October 31, 2018
The Book
Bootstrap's Journey (ChronoSpace Book 1) by Chris Johnson is a 183-page science fiction, fantasy, time travel, and cyberpunk novel that was published on December 26, 2017, by the author himself.
Plot
When Claire receives a mysterious package and letter from her friend, Tony, she reads the letter and heads to his house. She hopes it is a romantic letter. The letter was written by Tony but 25 years ago and before he was born. She arrives at his house in time to see Tony fighting with a stranger then disappearing. She doesn't understand what happens until she reads the letter and opens the package.
Meanwhile, Tony has time traveled to an era before his time. He has no friends, family, identity, and no money. Will he survive or will his enemy get to him first. Claire learns that the letter was written in 2017 and is Tony's way of asking for help.
Can Claire help him in time and save him without changing history? You will have to read the book to find out.
My Thoughts
The one thing that I have learned through the years of reading many novels is that you should never judge a book by its cover or author. What I love about this novel is that even though it is written by a man, he writes a good time travel with romance in the air. Many years ago, I wouldn't have read a romance novel written by a man. The main genre of this novel is time travel, cyberpunk, and science fiction but he throws romance in, too. I read this book in two days and loved it. I couldn't put it down but had to because life happens.
The book is divided into parts, Future 1, Past, Future 2 and the Future 3. The book mainly is focused on the past and is divided into days. I love that it is easy to read and to follow along. Chris has a way of making the reader know what is going on even though you don't know cyber terms. It's like you are there in the book.
The Author
Chris Johnson lives in Brisbane Australia with his wife and daughter. His book ideas come from his jobs as a stage magician, mentalist, psychic, and a computer systems programmer. He also writes about vampires, demons, witches, wizards, immortals, aliens, and more.
If you want to be updated about Chris, you can visit him on his website at http://ChrisJohnsonAuthor.blogspot.co...
My Recommendation
I would definitely recommend this book to readers who love science fiction, fantasy, time travel, and cyberpunk genre. You will love this book even if you don't know anything about computer technology. There is also romance in the air in this novel.
https://hubpages.com/literature/Boots...
Bootstrap's Journey (ChronoSpace Book 1) by Chris Johnson is a 183-page science fiction, fantasy, time travel, and cyberpunk novel that was published on December 26, 2017, by the author himself.
Plot
When Claire receives a mysterious package and letter from her friend, Tony, she reads the letter and heads to his house. She hopes it is a romantic letter. The letter was written by Tony but 25 years ago and before he was born. She arrives at his house in time to see Tony fighting with a stranger then disappearing. She doesn't understand what happens until she reads the letter and opens the package.
Meanwhile, Tony has time traveled to an era before his time. He has no friends, family, identity, and no money. Will he survive or will his enemy get to him first. Claire learns that the letter was written in 2017 and is Tony's way of asking for help.
Can Claire help him in time and save him without changing history? You will have to read the book to find out.
My Thoughts
The one thing that I have learned through the years of reading many novels is that you should never judge a book by its cover or author. What I love about this novel is that even though it is written by a man, he writes a good time travel with romance in the air. Many years ago, I wouldn't have read a romance novel written by a man. The main genre of this novel is time travel, cyberpunk, and science fiction but he throws romance in, too. I read this book in two days and loved it. I couldn't put it down but had to because life happens.
The book is divided into parts, Future 1, Past, Future 2 and the Future 3. The book mainly is focused on the past and is divided into days. I love that it is easy to read and to follow along. Chris has a way of making the reader know what is going on even though you don't know cyber terms. It's like you are there in the book.
The Author
Chris Johnson lives in Brisbane Australia with his wife and daughter. His book ideas come from his jobs as a stage magician, mentalist, psychic, and a computer systems programmer. He also writes about vampires, demons, witches, wizards, immortals, aliens, and more.
If you want to be updated about Chris, you can visit him on his website at http://ChrisJohnsonAuthor.blogspot.co...
My Recommendation
I would definitely recommend this book to readers who love science fiction, fantasy, time travel, and cyberpunk genre. You will love this book even if you don't know anything about computer technology. There is also romance in the air in this novel.
https://hubpages.com/literature/Boots...
September 12, 2022
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. Chris Johnson is a brilliant story teller!
March 29, 2021
Bootstrap’s Journey: Diary of a Time Traveler (ChronoSpace Book 1), my first read from author Chris Johnson, an author I'd not heard of before receiving the opportunity to read this book. December seemed to be my month for new authors, January & February continued the trend, and now March. A captivating, page-turning, well-written read. “I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author and hope there is a sequel. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
June 19, 2022
Received as a review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. A gorgeous, unique time travel story that begins with Claire receiving a mysterious package from a friend that has serious complications as Claire witnesses her friend vanish into thin air. A story that's more than just rescuing a friend, as Claire has to keep her wits about her as playing with time isn't a game no one should be able to play. Witty, fun and poignant- highly recommended.
March 30, 2021
A page turner which was interesting right from the start. Chris Johnson has crafted a brilliant story about a time traveller who is transported to a past era. Tony Nowlan has invented a time travelling device. A button on it pressed by accident transports him from 2042 to 2017. Will he adapt to his new surroundings? Does he manage to find his way back?
April 14, 2021
This is the first book I have read from this author and I was glad that I decided to read it. The book had a good time traveling storyline and I really enjoyed it. I recommend this book
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews