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Backtrack
Backtrack is a fast-paced, action-packed, spy-fi novel that mixes the wonder of time travel with the horror of terrorism. Its short-chapter style makes for easy and enjoyable reading.
When our hero is mysteriously given a device allowing the bearer to travel back in time, he inherits the dubious task of preventing the United States from suffering a terrorist attack of cataclysmic proportions. With this device, and a few other tricks up his armor-protecting sleeve, he must backtrack through a myriad of dangerous situations to discover the cause of the disaster. But finding the cause is only half the problem...he must prevent it.
When our hero is mysteriously given a device allowing the bearer to travel back in time, he inherits the dubious task of preventing the United States from suffering a terrorist attack of cataclysmic proportions. With this device, and a few other tricks up his armor-protecting sleeve, he must backtrack through a myriad of dangerous situations to discover the cause of the disaster. But finding the cause is only half the problem...he must prevent it.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2012
49 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 25, 2014
Backtrack is a great example of doing time travel the right way. It takes place over the course of just a couple years and finds really interesting places to fit the twists, turns, and unexpected events. While the main story line is stopping a terrorist attack on the United States, it is how the main character goes about the hunt and the relationships that he forms (and are forgotten) that really push the book forward.
There really isn't much downtime in this book and there is always action around every corner. If the action isn't good enough, the ring will be set back 5 seconds just to make sure it is good enough on the next try. At first I didn't know how I would find the short 2-3 minute chapters, but I actually found it increased the pace and had me reading more than a book where I had to invest 20-30 minutes to a chapter; I would keep saying just one more, just one more, instead of putting it down because I would fall asleep before finishing it. I found it was easy to just pick up during a commercial break or waiting for food to cook as you always got to an end point quickly.
As you follow the character and the decisions he makes and the people he meets, there is no lack of believability. Time travel is the only thing "science fiction" about the book, everything else is kept very real and easy to follow. There is a little humour, a little romance, a little mystery, and a whole lot of action in between these covers. This is one book I highly recommend; give the first few chapters a read for free on Amazon and you will be hooked and have to know what happens next.
It's usually in a horror book that something like this can be said, but it is very fitting for this book too,. You never know who will be waiting for you when you open up the door...
There really isn't much downtime in this book and there is always action around every corner. If the action isn't good enough, the ring will be set back 5 seconds just to make sure it is good enough on the next try. At first I didn't know how I would find the short 2-3 minute chapters, but I actually found it increased the pace and had me reading more than a book where I had to invest 20-30 minutes to a chapter; I would keep saying just one more, just one more, instead of putting it down because I would fall asleep before finishing it. I found it was easy to just pick up during a commercial break or waiting for food to cook as you always got to an end point quickly.
As you follow the character and the decisions he makes and the people he meets, there is no lack of believability. Time travel is the only thing "science fiction" about the book, everything else is kept very real and easy to follow. There is a little humour, a little romance, a little mystery, and a whole lot of action in between these covers. This is one book I highly recommend; give the first few chapters a read for free on Amazon and you will be hooked and have to know what happens next.
It's usually in a horror book that something like this can be said, but it is very fitting for this book too,. You never know who will be waiting for you when you open up the door...
February 3, 2015
Wow
Very interesting and entertaining read. I would be happy to read another of this authors books and look forward to doing so
Very interesting and entertaining read. I would be happy to read another of this authors books and look forward to doing so
January 14, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up.
I think the premise of the story is quite interesting and I did enjoy all of the characters and their roles! It is a fast paced book with lots of action that will keep you wanting to know what happens next. Very much feels like an action movie in written form.
Where points get taken off for me is the writing style. Not the dated chapters, which I did enjoy, but the writing itself. Not the best and very repetitive/formulaic. The book could have been way shorter or different descriptors or details added over repeating itself so much.
Secondly, I think the bad person was a bit of cheesy choice. Wish they were more of a fictional person.
I love time travel books so I still enjoyed my time reading it.
I think the premise of the story is quite interesting and I did enjoy all of the characters and their roles! It is a fast paced book with lots of action that will keep you wanting to know what happens next. Very much feels like an action movie in written form.
Where points get taken off for me is the writing style. Not the dated chapters, which I did enjoy, but the writing itself. Not the best and very repetitive/formulaic. The book could have been way shorter or different descriptors or details added over repeating itself so much.
Secondly, I think the bad person was a bit of cheesy choice. Wish they were more of a fictional person.
I love time travel books so I still enjoyed my time reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2017
Engaging alternate history with a time travel twist
What a great story! Some stories grab you right away and this was one of them. The time travel element was introduced and explained well. The hero was an ordinary guy who was thrust into extraordinary circumstances and did what we all want to think we would do under those circumstances to help save our country. I felt good after reading it!
What a great story! Some stories grab you right away and this was one of them. The time travel element was introduced and explained well. The hero was an ordinary guy who was thrust into extraordinary circumstances and did what we all want to think we would do under those circumstances to help save our country. I felt good after reading it!
January 3, 2021
A bit crazy but good
The book had an interesting premise. But once accepted it proved to be an exciting and fast moving novel. It was an interesting take on time travel.
The style was light and enjoyable. Thanks Fred.
The book had an interesting premise. But once accepted it proved to be an exciting and fast moving novel. It was an interesting take on time travel.
The style was light and enjoyable. Thanks Fred.
November 26, 2023
Loved this book. I’m a sucker for the concept of time travel, but the purpose of this time travel was so different from others I was really taken with it. Plot was very engrossing and characters were very likable. I want to spend more time with these characters and in their world.
February 1, 2017
Excellant
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The idea and the development of the idea and the characters was very well done. Interested in seeing a sequel or two.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The idea and the development of the idea and the characters was very well done. Interested in seeing a sequel or two.
April 5, 2016
I typically don't read for fun. I have a few authors and subjects that I follow, and I am not the person that would search for Backtrack by name, looking for a time travel book. A friend of mine recommended it, so I decided to try it out. To be completely honest, I have never been so interested in a book in my whole life. This took me two days to read, and I'm so sad its over.
Backtrack is very entertaining. When I think of time travel, I always think of all the holes and "what if" scenarios. The author has perfected his interpretation of time travel, leaving no room for many questions of doubt. The story is very creative, and I couldn't help but laugh at certain parts that were not meant to be laughed at. I don't want to spoil anything, so lets just say its kinda funny to read this book in 2016, and not 2004.
Some of the other reviewers have posted things I don't agree with. One mentioned the "dirty" scenes that they were not comfortable with teens reading. The author certainly did not write an erotic novel here, but if implied sexual activity by using phrases similar to "we were up all night long" or "after having some fun in the shower" is too sexually descriptive for you, then you need get out more. Also, a few have criticized the book saying it was boring. I will admit, some parts were maybe a little too strayed from the main point, but to me that's part of what makes this book great. It gives so much detail where it counts, and puts you in the perspective of the main character, understanding why he makes the decisions he does.
For a few dollars, this book is worth your time and money.
Backtrack is very entertaining. When I think of time travel, I always think of all the holes and "what if" scenarios. The author has perfected his interpretation of time travel, leaving no room for many questions of doubt. The story is very creative, and I couldn't help but laugh at certain parts that were not meant to be laughed at. I don't want to spoil anything, so lets just say its kinda funny to read this book in 2016, and not 2004.
Some of the other reviewers have posted things I don't agree with. One mentioned the "dirty" scenes that they were not comfortable with teens reading. The author certainly did not write an erotic novel here, but if implied sexual activity by using phrases similar to "we were up all night long" or "after having some fun in the shower" is too sexually descriptive for you, then you need get out more. Also, a few have criticized the book saying it was boring. I will admit, some parts were maybe a little too strayed from the main point, but to me that's part of what makes this book great. It gives so much detail where it counts, and puts you in the perspective of the main character, understanding why he makes the decisions he does.
For a few dollars, this book is worth your time and money.
February 17, 2016
I could not put it down! Talk about suspenseful. I love the fact that the book was told in first person. It really made me feel like I was right in the action myself. I was really impressed by the amount of science and world events that were covered in the book. It made it feel so real. I am a book lover and read all kinds of genres. I would be very confident to recommend this to anyone, even if you aren't a science fiction / suspense fan. I promise you that you won't be able to put it down either.
June 24, 2022
This book had all of the good stuff- adventure, mystery, action, likable main character. The plot twisted and turned in interesting and unexpected ways. At times, I had no idea how the main character would get out of a situation- and then, well, it was a surprise. The time travel element was interesting, unique and well-written. I did not want to put this read down. Take it from this English teacher- worth the read!
October 15, 2015
Back In Time
The hero of this novel goes back in time to prevent a nuclear attack on the United States. The chapters are short enough you can read several in one sitting. And the plot has plenty twist and turns to keep you guessing.
The hero of this novel goes back in time to prevent a nuclear attack on the United States. The chapters are short enough you can read several in one sitting. And the plot has plenty twist and turns to keep you guessing.
February 4, 2016
I found this book while searching for time travel fiction ebook on amazon. I thought it was a really great read. It would make an awesome movie!
July 8, 2016
Good drama and fictional story
Overall I enjoyed the story. It has good action sequences, with some drama. It's a fun read and keeps you entertained.
Overall I enjoyed the story. It has good action sequences, with some drama. It's a fun read and keeps you entertained.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews