3012: The Artifact

by John M. Grier

After spending a lifetime traveling through time to visit any place or time period that strikes his fancy, Jack finds himself trapped one thousand years in the future, a future radically different from what he is used to. He quickly befriends Paul, an archeologist, who unwittingly helps him recover his lost time machine.

The two of them, along with Janet, a government worker, and Suzie, a hologram with an infectious personality, set off on a quest to find a lost treasure. Their journey takes them throughout earth’s history, from the far future to the distant past where they discover much of what they thought they knew about history and science was simply not true.

Along the way, they encounter secret societies, dinosaurs, pirates, and political refugees. All four learn much about themselves while they experience for the first time the closeness of friends and family.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

I’ve had an interesting life so far. Although I was born in Nebraska, I grew up in Western Maryland. My mother moved back to her hometown when I was 5 or 6 weeks old…I’m not really sure, the whole experience is rather vague to me. Anyway, after high school, I spent a brief time in the US Navy. Since then, I have lived in Northern Minnesota, both North and South Florida and The Bahamas. Currently, I live in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia with my wife Suzie and our two cats, Jethro and Abby.

I’ve held many jobs, everything from White Water Raft Guide to Weapons Technician to Bank Teller, Printing Press Operator (yes, printing books!!) and Water Treatment Plant Operator. My wife and I have also dabbled in Civil War reenacting, but have let that sort of fade away these past few years due to a serious lack of free time.

Reviews

[Jett Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute little ride through the past present and future. I have to admit i was surprised by the culmination. I enjoyed the tale for what it was, but am sure that there are many people i know who would have some major issues with the proposed history discovered in the novel.

If you are open to enjoying a story for what it offers, and not to easily hung up on assertions this might be for you. If the young earth (i think that's what its called)theory really bugs you or you get easily angered by theology then perhaps this is not a book for you.

I tend to think of myself as an apathetic agnostic so it was more of a thought experiment for me. I for one thought it as a cute and fun read. Suspension of disbelief is after all the only way to enjoy sci-fi/fantasy!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an adventure! Pirates, dinosaurs, God, oh my! I literally could not put the book down and that doesn't happen often. I usually despise anything that has to do with time travel (except for Dr. Who and very few other works of fiction) because normally you can bust a thousand and one holes into the storyline. The author managed to keep me so enthralled with his amazing characters and refreshingly original plot that I really didn't have the time to ponder the validity of the time jumping. I absolutely loved this book. It is a story for all ages and I can't wait to recommend it to my friends and family.

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Thoroughly enjoyed it. It has everything: suspense, intrigue, action, imagination, truth, entertainment, intellectually provocative, etc. Really great read!

[Cheryl Lopatka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Story

I enjoyed this book and felt it was creative and engaging. I liked the main characters and the plot. The writing, while adequate, sometimes feels a little awkward, but didn't interfere with the story for me. I liked the Christian parts of it, being a Christian myself. If you are uncomfortable with obvious Christian themes and gospel then this is not the book for you. But I loved it.

[Jo Depreitere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead *** Nice, well-written story with an interesting premisse. I was a bit miffed when I came to the part where the world only seems to be 6000 years old, and the bible is revealed to be an exact retelling of history. But, setting that sentiment aside, the book was entertaining enough.

[Duane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun time-travel yarn with hints of social commentary. A few technical flaws and a few fun surprises surround our 3+1 heros from the beginning of time, to a barn buried in glacial ice in the distant future.

[Kristi K Hurd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Adventure

I have often wondered what it would be like to travel through time as only God can do. Or maybe as all who follow Jesus into Heaven will be able to do for eternity!

[John Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story line.

The book was a very easy read. It had some very intesting parts and some not so interesting. All in all a decent read!

[Frank Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time well spent!

Characters are real and the plot is plausible. Well worth the time and effort. A view into what can and will happen unless we change it.

[Michael Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simplistic sci-fi fare with too many coincidences. Seems written for a 4th grade reading level at best. But the worst part is the heavy turn the author takes at the end to promote Christianity & Christian beliefs. More than a part of the story, the author seems like he is trying to convert readers, to the detriment of the story.

[Dennis Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for Adventure.

Well you got the right book if you buy this one!
I lost a lot of sleep because I just could not put it down!
Okay, it's 3am one more chapter!
Well. It's 5 am..... Time for my morning medications.
Now, it's 7am I can't leave these characters suspended
without my reading more!
Suffice to say, this is a gripping story .
If you don't read just a sample , you will live to regret it!
Oh, did I mention happy ending?
And to my pleasure, the story continues in the next book!
I can't WAIT!
I received this ebook for an honest review !
Try it! You will love it!
Best to all, Dennis

[mike vallee · Rating 1 out of 5]

.SciFi fans read the reviews first.

If you are comfortable with the absurd concept that our planet is 6,000 years old, then this book is for you.
If you enjoy really good time travel science fiction, then hit the backup key and find something worthy of your time or you will wish you had a working time machine so you could go back in time and not waste your time and money on this creationist garbage.

[Deborah Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I truly enjoyed this story. I didn't want to stop reading. It's been few and far between since I have enjoyed a book so much. Wonderful character's and amazing story line. I am looking forward to the next book in series.

[Angie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

Great read...slow going at first, but once it picked up I couldn't stop! Very different from....can't say...I'd be giving away the story. So get the book and read it. I have to go get the second one.

Thank you John.....can't wait to start the next.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun wholesome book. Didn't realize it was Christian until 1/2 way through, but I didn't mind at all. If you like Time travel, dinosaurs or pirates, then I think you will enjoy this.

[olivia francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book I am not a writer so just know what I like time travel are some of the type I like