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Time Kicks Back
Kev buried his demons when he was 22. And dug them up again 22 years before he was born.
Shortly before paranoia sets in, Kev discovers the secret his housemates are keeping from him. The Time Capsule in the attic? It really works. The first time-travel jaunt has him witnessing a historic cup final - pretty awesome, but it leads to an unhealthy obsession with the Jules Rimet trophy-theft. Returning to 1966, his investigation attracts unsavoury attention, and he has to dig deep for the skills to survive. With nasty side-effects.
Meanwhile, the WWII Bletchley Park role-play scenario reveals hidden depths under Georgie's serene, tree-hugging exterior. Every twisty-turny corner is fraught with hidden clues as the drama builds and Kev's character doesn't know who he can trust. Any more than Kev does. Then the whole thing flips leaving them racing toward inconceivable danger.
Third in the Time Doctors series, this fun-filled romp can be read as a stand-alone.
The stories combine Dungeons and Dragons with Time Travel. Nutty, but it kinda works.
#1 Time and Time Again - Labyrinth & Silver Jubilee 1977
#2 Just in Time - Ghost Castle & Wimbledon 1955
#3 Time Kicks Back - Bletchley Park & Football World Cup 1966
#4 Time After Time - Dragon Hunters & 1988 - coming late 2023
Shortly before paranoia sets in, Kev discovers the secret his housemates are keeping from him. The Time Capsule in the attic? It really works. The first time-travel jaunt has him witnessing a historic cup final - pretty awesome, but it leads to an unhealthy obsession with the Jules Rimet trophy-theft. Returning to 1966, his investigation attracts unsavoury attention, and he has to dig deep for the skills to survive. With nasty side-effects.
Meanwhile, the WWII Bletchley Park role-play scenario reveals hidden depths under Georgie's serene, tree-hugging exterior. Every twisty-turny corner is fraught with hidden clues as the drama builds and Kev's character doesn't know who he can trust. Any more than Kev does. Then the whole thing flips leaving them racing toward inconceivable danger.
Third in the Time Doctors series, this fun-filled romp can be read as a stand-alone.
The stories combine Dungeons and Dragons with Time Travel. Nutty, but it kinda works.
#1 Time and Time Again - Labyrinth & Silver Jubilee 1977
#2 Just in Time - Ghost Castle & Wimbledon 1955
#3 Time Kicks Back - Bletchley Park & Football World Cup 1966
#4 Time After Time - Dragon Hunters & 1988 - coming late 2023
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
1 person is currently reading
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About the author
Jacky Gray
38 books27 followersAs so often happens with these things, Archer was born while I was in the middle of writing another book. Events were conspiring to ensure I wrote this story, beginning with a trip to Warwick Castle where I stood enthralled with my friend and our kids while the Warwick Bowman talked us through the history of the long bow. He treated us to the ultimate demonstration, firing 100 arrows in rapid succession through a loop of rope, approximately the size of a human head. The warrior within me awoke - I was hooked.
I had recently read the first two books in Bernard Cornwell’s excellent Grail Quest series – these obviously made a big impact. I started writing it in march 2009; 18 days and 56,000 words later, Archer’s tale was told. After a year spent mostly in Wessex, the next four books were drafted and I was ready to go back and start editing the first two books.
I am currently writing the 6th book in the series and wondering if this will be the last.
I had recently read the first two books in Bernard Cornwell’s excellent Grail Quest series – these obviously made a big impact. I started writing it in march 2009; 18 days and 56,000 words later, Archer’s tale was told. After a year spent mostly in Wessex, the next four books were drafted and I was ready to go back and start editing the first two books.
I am currently writing the 6th book in the series and wondering if this will be the last.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
June 23, 2025
Buckle up for a wild ride through time with Time Kicks Back, a thrilling tale that throws you into chaos alongside Kev, a man unwittingly sharing his home with time travelers. As Kev discovers a functioning Time Capsule in his attic, his reality spirals into a captivating blend of historical mystery, personal demons, and unforeseen danger. Join Kev on a time hopping adventure that whisks you away to a 1966 football match and a chilling obsession with the Jules Rimet trophy theft, weaving a story that’s equal parts sci-fi, detective mystery, and unpredictable twists.
Jacky Gray’s world-building is ingenious and immersive, transporting readers to the past rather than merely visiting it. The story seamlessly shifts between a football frenzy and a WWII Bletchley Park role play that turns out to be more real than expected. These backdrops not only provide cool settings but also reveal hidden layers in the characters, particularly Georgie, whose peaceful exterior conceals unexpected resilience and secrets. The twists keep coming, and just when you think you’ve figured things out, the story completely flips the script.
What sets this series apart, particularly this book, is its unique blend of genres, combining the geeky appeal of Dungeons & Dragons, the complexity of time travel, and the emotional resonance of characters navigating multiple timelines, with Kev’s struggles with trust, identity, and survival adding depth to the story.
With its smart humor and offbeat charm, Time Kicks Back strikes the perfect balance between lighthearted and intense. This entry in the Time Doctors series is a wild ride, full of surprises and high-stakes action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this book is a must read for anyone who loves time-travel adventures with intelligence and heart.
Jacky Gray’s world-building is ingenious and immersive, transporting readers to the past rather than merely visiting it. The story seamlessly shifts between a football frenzy and a WWII Bletchley Park role play that turns out to be more real than expected. These backdrops not only provide cool settings but also reveal hidden layers in the characters, particularly Georgie, whose peaceful exterior conceals unexpected resilience and secrets. The twists keep coming, and just when you think you’ve figured things out, the story completely flips the script.
What sets this series apart, particularly this book, is its unique blend of genres, combining the geeky appeal of Dungeons & Dragons, the complexity of time travel, and the emotional resonance of characters navigating multiple timelines, with Kev’s struggles with trust, identity, and survival adding depth to the story.
With its smart humor and offbeat charm, Time Kicks Back strikes the perfect balance between lighthearted and intense. This entry in the Time Doctors series is a wild ride, full of surprises and high-stakes action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this book is a must read for anyone who loves time-travel adventures with intelligence and heart.
Displaying 1 of 1 review