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Time Chain #3

ADDICTED TO TIME: A TIME TRAVEL NOVEL

Charles’s obsession with immortality is well known, as are his methods for achieving it. But what about the side effects? So far, most of them have been positives, for telepathy, mind reading, creating things with his bare hands. Will there be any negatives? Oh yes. And now the entire galaxy is in peril. Author’s To fully enjoy each book in the Time Chain series, please read them in order.

260 pages, Paperback

Published June 18, 2023

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About the author

Steven Decker

31 books4,185 followers
Steven Decker is the author of many novels, including the bestselling Time Chain series and Child of Another Kind. His love of writing was born on the day he threw a spitball at one of his 5th-grade classmates. Rather than punish him, his wise old teacher, Mrs. Brewer, called Steven to the front of the class and handed him a book of poetry. She quietly instructed him to memorize “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” by Robert Frost and informed him that he would be reciting the poem in front of the class the following day. Mrs. Brewer hit a home run.

Inspired by Frost’s ability to paint a picture and generate deep emotion with the written word, Steven fell in love with reading, writing, and storytelling. As an 8th grader, he read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, for fun. It wasn’t a homework assignment. As a student at the University of Virginia, he was thrilled at the prospect of writing a thesis as the culmination of his undergraduate studies. While traveling the world for work, Steven kept writing, and his experiences around the globe have influenced his novels in many ways.

When living in Appalachia while writing his first novel, Steven studied and practiced the art of storytelling. Since that time, he always edits his books by reading them aloud to himself. Novels are a story and need to sound like one. Fiction readers want to escape from their everyday lives when they read a novel. Thus the true job of a novelist is to imagine special things, sometimes even spectacular things, then write about them in a way that inspires the reader to go there, too, leaving the ordinary behind.

Steven lives and writes in both Arizona and Connecticut and travels throughout the world looking for new ideas and settings for his books. He enjoys spending time with Karen and Mr. Wilson, the beagle, walking in the countryside, and being with his family.

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5 stars
484 (45%)
4 stars
456 (42%)
3 stars
84 (7%)
2 stars
31 (2%)
1 star
15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
5 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2023
So, I curled up with "Addicted to Time" last weekend, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster. Not the kind that makes you hurl your cotton candy, but the kind that leaves you slightly dizzy and questioning reality.
Decker's take on time is... well, it's something. The plot was very Intriguing. The characters felt so real that I half expected them to jump out of the pages
The writing style is a bit like if Hemingway and Douglas Adams had a literary baby. It's crisp, it's witty, and at times, it's bizarre. But in a good way!
This was one of those books where I sank into the pages and lost hours of my afternoon and evening. If it hadn’t been for the phone ringing and interrupting me I would have probably got through it in one sitting. Very detailed characters (especially Charles)with his own individual depths, and of course his foibles as well..He somehow always had be rooting for him even though some of his actions created terrible consequences!
In conclusion, "Addicted to Time" isn't just a book. It's an experience. One that's weird, wonderful, and will leave you pondering the nature of time, existence, and why squirrels are so darn fast. If you're in the mood for something different, give it a whirl. Just maybe keep a stuffed animal nearby for emotional support.
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,844 followers
June 18, 2023
‘We changed history and pushed ourselves into another reality’ - A great read!

Connecticut author Steven Decker is a world explorer - for business, for sport (he has been a traveling triathlete), and for the pleasure of examining and appreciating other cultures. He has published six novels to date - DISTANT FINISH, PROJECTOR FOR SALE, CHILD OF ANOTHER KIND, and the TIME CHAIN series of which ADDICTED TO TIME is the third volume.

Decker has mastered the paranormal and science fiction arenas, always in his own way - and always quite successfully tackling subject matter few authors can acquiesce. It is imperative to read the initial books first as the characters are defined there. In this third volume, now in Earth Year 2257, the suspense is initiated as follows - ‘Please allow me to tell you some things you don’t know about me, some of which might surprise you. I promise to do it quickly because events has transpired on Terrene, on Earth, and beyond, which I must urgently report to you There is some good news, and yes, some bad news as well, I’m afraid to say…’ Or as Decker summarizes, ‘Charles speaks. And what a tale he has to tell. Charles’s obsession with immortality is well known, as are his methods for achieving it. But what about the side effects? So far, most of them have been positives, for him: telepathy, mind reading, creating things with his bare hands. Will there be any negatives? Oh yes. And now the entire galaxy is in peril.’

Few authors can traverse the spectrum of time travel with the finesse Steven Decker imbues this novel. The manner in which he escorts his characters through the different dimensions signals a position in the top tier of contemporary writers. Very highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
14 reviews7 followers
July 13, 2023
Addicted to Time by Steven Decker I found to be comforting, thought-provoking, and full of depth. It's a book that wraps you in its embrace and takes you on a journey through the complexities of time. Decker's writing was personable and familiar, and drew you into the conversation with rich and meaningful sentences.
The characters in the book are like old friends. They're complex, relatable, and deeply human. Their struggles with time, their fears, and their triumphs feel so real that you can't help but see a bit of yourself in them. Decker has a knack for creating characters that live and breathe off the page.
The theme of time is explored with a warmth and depth that's truly impressive. Decker doesn't just skim the surface - he dives deep, asking hard questions and challenging us to do the same. The theme throughout is like a conversation about life, time, and our place in the universe.
In a nutshell Addicted to Time was more than just a book - it was more of an experience. I’ll definitely go back and read it again, and it’s a book I will definitely be recommending to friends.
Profile Image for Leasa Ana Maria.
49 reviews14 followers
July 20, 2023
I always loved it when an author managed to capture your interest from the first page, and Steven Decker is one of them. By starting the book with Charles narrating and especially with his need to explain how things end up where they are, good and bad, and by doing so revealing more details about himself, the author transforms the book into one that is tempting, full of suspense, mystery, amusing, and with complex characters reading. I also loved how alluring and what a "gold mouth" Charles was and had as he narrated his story. Every time he spoke about a bad decision that he took knowingly or not and the repercussions of each one of them, from trying the first time to save his parents to him becoming immortal or "the most powerful person in the world", he always managed to sweet talk the reader so that the arguments and empathy were in his favor. What a dazzling character Steven Decker has created!
Profile Image for Grymm Gevierre.
257 reviews17 followers
July 4, 2023
I've been following Decker's novels for a while now, and it's pretty amazing to see how some of the best parts in his earlier novels persist while the writing continues to improve. One of my favorite parts of his writing, which persists in this novel, is how well he creates a picture.

One thing I liked about this book is how much more we see Charles' mindset. He's a complex character, and Decker did an excellent job creating a balance between his deeds to obtain his goals and his inner turmoil. Even the book's opening lines show how self-aware Charles is regarding his actions. I find it exceptionally "in character" for him to plead for empathy and attest to his goal of doing good to seek forgiveness for his past transgressions. This is definitely the best of the series, and I'm excited to see what Decker has in store for us next!
Profile Image for Maxiumus.
14 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2023
Addicted to Time: A Time Travel Novel by Steven Decker is a well-written and intriguing book. In this captivating series, the author skillfully develops the complex character of Charles, making readers like him despite his huge ego and past mistakes. The first-person narration provides an intimate glimpse into Charles' thoughts and emotions, creating a deep connection with readers. The incorporation of time travel and science fiction elements adds a great dimension. The series seamlessly blends character development, intricate time travel mechanics, and a captivating narrative. This must-read appeals to fans of time travel and sci-fi, showcasing the author's skillful storytelling. With its flawed yet relatable protagonist and a compelling blend of genres, it's a story that captivates from start to finish. Recommended.
12 reviews2 followers
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July 12, 2023
Addicted to Time by Steven Decker made me feel like I was on a rollercoaster ride through time and space. Charles, our protagonist, is a character with plenty of layers. His obsession with immortality is both fascinating and terrifying, and it's this paradox that kept me glued to the pages.
The whole way while reading this I felt like I had been on a journey with Charles, witnessing his triumphs and failures, his hopes and fears. The side effects of his pursuit of immortality are as intriguing as they are terrifying, and Decker does a fantastic job of exploring these in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Addicted to Time is a book that made me question the nature of time, mortality, and the lengths one might go to defy both. It's a thrilling ride that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a book that will make them think, laugh, and gasp in equal measure.
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
9,375 reviews217 followers
July 17, 2023
Addicted to Time by Steven Decker
Although this is a series I did not read them in order and don't feel like I was left out of anything.
This story is about Charles and he has a lot of uncommon things about himself, immortality and he knbows how to achieve it. Some aspects of it are on the bad side of effects but there are other things that are on the good side. Starts with him as a kid trekking to the top of the trail, which I found fascinating, til a figure appears in front of him.
Love travel, even in different galaxies and realms and to Sea People and Land People. Like the explanations of them and what they do for mankind.
Action, adventure, sci fic, travel and day to day life is what I appreciated the most.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Profile Image for Lily.
3,532 reviews127 followers
July 10, 2023
Charles is back, and this time we get to see things from his POV. He’s a very complex character, and getting to see his inner thoughts and learn his motivations first-hand makes him feel more...human in a way. He has his own motivations for what he’s done in the pursuit of immortality, and is now facing down the consequences. There was plenty of tension, and the plot moves along quickly and smoothly. Decker did an excellent job of bringing the characters and setting to life, and the story unfolds like a movie in front of you. You absolutely need to read the previous books in the series to fully appreciate all that happens in this one, but I think this could also be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Rose.
3,505 reviews76 followers
August 6, 2023
The 3rd book in the Time Chain series, Addicted to Time has Charles pondering whether or not he can reverse his evil deeds and be reunited in love with Annette. As he thinks about this, he develops a plan that he be cloned and be able to right his wrongs. Annette and his friends try to discourage him.
As Charles, who truly is addicted to time travel, goes through time, he is confronted with choices. Will he make the choice to be reunited with Annette and let his friends be together?
Interesting, quick story.
395 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2024
This time-travel series began brilliantly, creating a technology of how the travel started and how it evolved. It was all so believable, especially the time chain concept. The characters were endearing. So this third book was disappointing in that it was basically a narcissistic account of only Charles Burke. The book almost became boring during the middle. Sorry Steven Decker, but it just wasn't up to the mark. Overall the series is great but the ending was a disappointment.
3 reviews
October 5, 2023
By far the worst of the three books. I despise story tellers that make me hate a character and then try to redeem them for a third book. 🙄🙄🙄🙄 At one point four sentences in a row, in the same paragraph, started with the word “I”. This reader will say again…..great story idea HORRIFIC editing.
1 review
February 7, 2024
Loved this series

These books were so captivating! I could barely put them down. Could barely wait to get to the next one. I loved all the characters and being taken to different times different worlds!!!!!
Profile Image for Beverly Fuqua.
913 reviews8 followers
June 28, 2023
I had to make myself finish this book. I gave it 3 stars because it was well written, but I really didn't care for the story.
Profile Image for Brian Quick.
211 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2024
interesting time travel.
a little hard to keep track of the versions of the same person, but it is working out well
The summation of Charles with a good time trip ending
Profile Image for Christina Simons.
945 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2024
Evidently there may be more coming in this series. I thought this one nicely concluded these first three, and I'll probably read any further books in the series.
Profile Image for Karen Edgecombe.
108 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2025
Addicted to Time

This story is a!most too intense to read! I did read it and now I am taking a break- so emotional.
Profile Image for Patrick.
1,028 reviews7 followers
August 2, 2025
Addicted to Time

It almost seems like this is the end of the story. Charles is dead, or is he? You never can tell in the time travel universe.
Profile Image for Swati Tanu.
Author 1 book637 followers
June 26, 2023
This book is the third part of the "Time Chain" series.

As per the last two books in this series, I am well aware of Charles's relentless pursuit of immortality. This part of the story shows the unforeseen consequences it brings. The story brims with suspense, and the narrative unfolds at a brisk and seamless pace. As I read this book, I sensed as though I had embarked on a journey alongside Charles, witnessing his successes and setbacks, his dreams and anxieties.

Steven Decker once again showcases his mastery of blending paranormal and science fiction elements in a unique and successful manner. To truly understand and enjoy everything that goes on, it's essential to read the earlier books in the series.

You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews