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Cast in Time #3
Count
An Engineer finds himself in an Alternate reality, Cornwall, in the year 715 A.D. He awakens in the body of a young Baron.
A retired Lieutenant General, former head of the Army Corp of Engineers, lies dying at the age of ninety-two. Leading a full life, he is a decorated veteran of World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam.
After a long illness, he lies dying. His last thought is, "What a waste of such wonderful knowledge."
As he fades to black, the fun begins. He is to build a modern civilization without being burned as a witch!
Now James faces King Ine of Western Wessex, its Saxons against the Britons. More complications face his county of Cornwall as it wealth comes to the notice of more Kingdoms.
A retired Lieutenant General, former head of the Army Corp of Engineers, lies dying at the age of ninety-two. Leading a full life, he is a decorated veteran of World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam.
After a long illness, he lies dying. His last thought is, "What a waste of such wonderful knowledge."
As he fades to black, the fun begins. He is to build a modern civilization without being burned as a witch!
Now James faces King Ine of Western Wessex, its Saxons against the Britons. More complications face his county of Cornwall as it wealth comes to the notice of more Kingdoms.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2023
472 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 6, 2024
Quite good, I really enjoy this series!
October 4, 2023
Book three picks up with our MC working on new inventions. He's also building up the army and attempting to hold off the Vikings.
As other reviewers have noted, coffee and corn weren't available back in the middle ages. I let it go because I enjoy the story, but those are obvious flubs. The book reads closer to a biography than fiction. There is some dialogue but not very much. On top of that there is very little interaction between the characters. Sure, he spends time with his wife and daughter but that happens few and far between. The series is really about bringing things from the future to the past.
In addition to this, Cornwall is expanding to France and Spain. King Ine is a danger to the north, but no one seems too put out by him.
I like the series, and I will say that the editing is much better than it was for book two. It's not perfect but it's better. The lack of regular dialogue still rubs me the wrong way, but that's the author's choice.
I think it's clear that the count (he upgraded from a baron) will soon be king. It's alluded to a number of times because his daughter wants to be a princess, and that can't happen if he's not a king. The question I have is what comes next? Explore the new world? Take over Constantinople? Rome? Things are moving at such a pace that any and all of these things are possible.
Anyway. I enjoyed book three and will read book 4. 5/5*
As other reviewers have noted, coffee and corn weren't available back in the middle ages. I let it go because I enjoy the story, but those are obvious flubs. The book reads closer to a biography than fiction. There is some dialogue but not very much. On top of that there is very little interaction between the characters. Sure, he spends time with his wife and daughter but that happens few and far between. The series is really about bringing things from the future to the past.
In addition to this, Cornwall is expanding to France and Spain. King Ine is a danger to the north, but no one seems too put out by him.
I like the series, and I will say that the editing is much better than it was for book two. It's not perfect but it's better. The lack of regular dialogue still rubs me the wrong way, but that's the author's choice.
I think it's clear that the count (he upgraded from a baron) will soon be king. It's alluded to a number of times because his daughter wants to be a princess, and that can't happen if he's not a king. The question I have is what comes next? Explore the new world? Take over Constantinople? Rome? Things are moving at such a pace that any and all of these things are possible.
Anyway. I enjoyed book three and will read book 4. 5/5*
October 2, 2023
Way too much useless detail
While the story moves forward, far too much
space is used describing how to manufacture petroleum, create drugs, etc. It would be useful to understand how this upstart county is being viewed outside their borders and how this might impact their future.
While the story moves forward, far too much
space is used describing how to manufacture petroleum, create drugs, etc. It would be useful to understand how this upstart county is being viewed outside their borders and how this might impact their future.
November 18, 2023
Engaging engineer
I liked the premise: a staggeringly knowledgeable engineer of the present day, upon his apparent death in his nineties, is suddenly a 26 year old Baron in eight century England. He starts making changes, making marvelous improvement in the quality of life and the safety of its citizens. Along the way, the characters get a little more real. This is a cool piece of engineer fantasy. But I have to say, his choices for change are interesting and reasonable. And if I should find myself in such appalling conditions, I'd look for an engineer. Too many of us might as WELL be from the 8th century.
I liked the premise: a staggeringly knowledgeable engineer of the present day, upon his apparent death in his nineties, is suddenly a 26 year old Baron in eight century England. He starts making changes, making marvelous improvement in the quality of life and the safety of its citizens. Along the way, the characters get a little more real. This is a cool piece of engineer fantasy. But I have to say, his choices for change are interesting and reasonable. And if I should find myself in such appalling conditions, I'd look for an engineer. Too many of us might as WELL be from the 8th century.
November 24, 2023
About an engineer who has a photographic memory of Wikipedia (not the way it's said in the book, but the same thing really.
One of the most implausible alternate history series, I've read. I slogged my way through the earlier volumes because the first volume wasn't quite as implausible and I like alternate history books.
There's a deus ex machina quality to the way he solves his problems including no account for how he got into possession of his new body and took over the brain and a magical alteration of his brain to understand the languages he's encountering while still having all his memories and inner thoughts.
One of the most implausible alternate history series, I've read. I slogged my way through the earlier volumes because the first volume wasn't quite as implausible and I like alternate history books.
There's a deus ex machina quality to the way he solves his problems including no account for how he got into possession of his new body and took over the brain and a magical alteration of his brain to understand the languages he's encountering while still having all his memories and inner thoughts.
October 3, 2023
No disappointment in this third installment of the series
Characters are maturing as this series fleshes them out. Old and new technologies counterpoint each other. War changes things but is not the focal point of the evolution and innovation that is taking place. A highly satisfying read in this book and across the series. If you like history, then these alternate history tales are a great read!
Characters are maturing as this series fleshes them out. Old and new technologies counterpoint each other. War changes things but is not the focal point of the evolution and innovation that is taking place. A highly satisfying read in this book and across the series. If you like history, then these alternate history tales are a great read!
October 3, 2023
The rapid development of ‘new technology’ has always been a bit over-the-top in these books, but it gets silly in this one. It doesn’t matter how much James remembers much of the technology was not possible in the 700s AD, especially given the rapid time frame.
However by treating this a ‘Fantasy’ I still found the story an enjoyable read.
I side issue was the formatting in my Kindle copy, the left margin is far too wide and impossible to adjust to stop half the screen being blank.
However by treating this a ‘Fantasy’ I still found the story an enjoyable read.
I side issue was the formatting in my Kindle copy, the left margin is far too wide and impossible to adjust to stop half the screen being blank.
October 3, 2023
Entertaining Read
The Count of Cornwall is the reincarnation of deseased Lieutenant General Jim Fletcher. He was thrust back in time as a young Baron who has expanded his territory and become a Count with several Barons swearing fealty to him. As an engineer in his previous life, he is industrializing his territory. He improves the lifestyle of his people and introduces modern warfare to the time. I look forward to the next book.
The Count of Cornwall is the reincarnation of deseased Lieutenant General Jim Fletcher. He was thrust back in time as a young Baron who has expanded his territory and become a Count with several Barons swearing fealty to him. As an engineer in his previous life, he is industrializing his territory. He improves the lifestyle of his people and introduces modern warfare to the time. I look forward to the next book.
November 16, 2023
Great series.
I really love this series this author's done a great job and it's a excellent time travel story . There was a few inconsistencies that bothered me 1st you used corn starch As a binding agent in your penicillin tablets however corn did not come to the old world until 1492. Also There was a question asked which of the 3 popes was infallible. Pope being infallible was not determined till the second Vatican counsel in 1869-1870. Otherwise awesome story.
I really love this series this author's done a great job and it's a excellent time travel story . There was a few inconsistencies that bothered me 1st you used corn starch As a binding agent in your penicillin tablets however corn did not come to the old world until 1492. Also There was a question asked which of the 3 popes was infallible. Pope being infallible was not determined till the second Vatican counsel in 1869-1870. Otherwise awesome story.
December 12, 2023
Engaging Tale
Alternate universe, time travel, world building
Despite formatting issues, it's an absorbing story, as the people of Cornwall become a force to reckon with. Thankfully fewer embedded hyperlinks; if the author wants to cater to those desiring to learn more, add a page or two at the tale's end. Could benefit from having someone who knows their way around a word processor. Even so, it was enjoyed.
Alternate universe, time travel, world building
Despite formatting issues, it's an absorbing story, as the people of Cornwall become a force to reckon with. Thankfully fewer embedded hyperlinks; if the author wants to cater to those desiring to learn more, add a page or two at the tale's end. Could benefit from having someone who knows their way around a word processor. Even so, it was enjoyed.
January 29, 2024
This is the exact same review as the previous book, because it's basically a continuation of the previous book
3.5 stars.
I liked it... I definitely liked it... but 4 stars is "really liked it". It was a fun read. Again the main character seems to just sail through the challenges sorting them out with the advantage of his photographic memory and knowledge of 21st century technology.
Still I enjoyed it and will be buying next
3.5 stars.
I liked it... I definitely liked it... but 4 stars is "really liked it". It was a fun read. Again the main character seems to just sail through the challenges sorting them out with the advantage of his photographic memory and knowledge of 21st century technology.
Still I enjoyed it and will be buying next
February 14, 2025
Great series
This is another book in a great series. Characters, plot, action, and pace of the book is great. I highly look forward to reading the next one.
The main character in coming books should start breeding livestock to be bigger. Also he should give his kids trained guard dogs as well as himself so as not to be surprised which could be his one weakness. Dogs are great to have in stories.
This is another book in a great series. Characters, plot, action, and pace of the book is great. I highly look forward to reading the next one.
The main character in coming books should start breeding livestock to be bigger. Also he should give his kids trained guard dogs as well as himself so as not to be surprised which could be his one weakness. Dogs are great to have in stories.
July 28, 2025
Can't Do It Anymore
This story is so unbelievable it's like reading what must be an engineer's fantasy.
The main character now has the ability to make machine guns, cars, locomotives, and anything else that pops into his mind in the 8th century. Battles are fought in a da and a couple pages, he always wins, and now he has built a refinery?
Give me a break already. This author is writing about himself in a story that never seems to end.
This story is so unbelievable it's like reading what must be an engineer's fantasy.
The main character now has the ability to make machine guns, cars, locomotives, and anything else that pops into his mind in the 8th century. Battles are fought in a da and a couple pages, he always wins, and now he has built a refinery?
Give me a break already. This author is writing about himself in a story that never seems to end.
October 2, 2023
Another Cross-Time Engineer Tale
To date, my favorite cross time engineer genre author was the late Leo Frankowski! Other authors have joined the mix and as a cross time engineer junkie I must say I have been delighted! Ed Nelson's venture into the cross time engine genre is in my opinion very satisfying. Can't wait for book 4 in the series! Keep them comin' Ed!.
To date, my favorite cross time engineer genre author was the late Leo Frankowski! Other authors have joined the mix and as a cross time engineer junkie I must say I have been delighted! Ed Nelson's venture into the cross time engine genre is in my opinion very satisfying. Can't wait for book 4 in the series! Keep them comin' Ed!.
October 3, 2023
Fun
There's a lot of development in this new book in the series, but everything is glossed over, presented with very little depth, much blunting any emotional impact. A lot of phrases are unnecessarily split, periods being used when commas would make more sense.
Otherwise, good fun, and I will buy the next book in this series.
There's a lot of development in this new book in the series, but everything is glossed over, presented with very little depth, much blunting any emotional impact. A lot of phrases are unnecessarily split, periods being used when commas would make more sense.
Otherwise, good fun, and I will buy the next book in this series.
October 7, 2023
A Most Interesting read
I have now read the first three books of this series. There will be more. Or the story will not get told. A well crafted story, with a heap of technical detail. You will either love of loath it, but after this third book you will be hooked and wanting more. You will be asking yourself, what if. Give it a try.
I have now read the first three books of this series. There will be more. Or the story will not get told. A well crafted story, with a heap of technical detail. You will either love of loath it, but after this third book you will be hooked and wanting more. You will be asking yourself, what if. Give it a try.
March 2, 2024
manifest destiny
Fletcher’s county stretches from Cornwall to Kent, and to London and Worcester. He has a trading foothold in northwestern France and a port and oilfield on the Spanish Marches.
His family, county, and future look like the sun will shine every day.
This series is a lot of fun.
Fletcher’s county stretches from Cornwall to Kent, and to London and Worcester. He has a trading foothold in northwestern France and a port and oilfield on the Spanish Marches.
His family, county, and future look like the sun will shine every day.
This series is a lot of fun.
December 17, 2024
The conquest, technical advancement, and social revolution continue in this excellent third book.
The conquest, technical advancement, and social revolution continue in this excellent third book. Author Ed Nelson continues to give us entertaining reading. Read it, you’ll like it.
The conquest, technical advancement, and social revolution continue in this excellent third book. Author Ed Nelson continues to give us entertaining reading. Read it, you’ll like it.
December 30, 2025
A really good book marred by an obnoxious number of web links to wikipedia. The links are TERRIBLE on a kindle. Accidentally touching 1 results in Amazon's 'expiremental' browser taking 2 minutes to crash. If I wanted to read a web document I would have read on royal road.
There are a couple of errors science wise and geography is not his strong suit but it is fiction in a parallel world...
There are a couple of errors science wise and geography is not his strong suit but it is fiction in a parallel world...
October 1, 2023
This is my new favorite series!
I really enjoy these books! So much so I was desperately refreshing last night to see if it was available yet! I finished this one already and now I have to wait again! Please read this series so we can keep getting more!
I really enjoy these books! So much so I was desperately refreshing last night to see if it was available yet! I finished this one already and now I have to wait again! Please read this series so we can keep getting more!
October 2, 2023
US Army General in 800AD.....
Another 5 Star read from Ed Nelson.
Continuing story of what happens when a
Engineer from the 21st Century is dumped into
England....kill or be killed? Conquer or Submit.
Great reading.....I recommend it !
Another 5 Star read from Ed Nelson.
Continuing story of what happens when a
Engineer from the 21st Century is dumped into
England....kill or be killed? Conquer or Submit.
Great reading.....I recommend it !
October 2, 2023
Eagerly awaiting the next book
Interesting fiction. The science seems to be realistic and accurate. Being a twenty year combat arms (infantry and special forces officer) the lead protagonists leadership is really good.
Interesting fiction. The science seems to be realistic and accurate. Being a twenty year combat arms (infantry and special forces officer) the lead protagonists leadership is really good.
October 3, 2023
great read
I love this type of book though at times the author is a bit too verbose. That said I’ve read all of this series on release and have added other works of this author to my reading list highly recommend the same dear reader. May you laugh, cry, and truly enjoy.
I love this type of book though at times the author is a bit too verbose. That said I’ve read all of this series on release and have added other works of this author to my reading list highly recommend the same dear reader. May you laugh, cry, and truly enjoy.
October 3, 2023
Excellent
I loved it! The shear amount of information transferred is mind boggling. I've often pondered what might happen if a single song were introduced earlier in time. The effects could be profound. And you're introducing more than a song.
I loved it! The shear amount of information transferred is mind boggling. I've often pondered what might happen if a single song were introduced earlier in time. The effects could be profound. And you're introducing more than a song.
October 4, 2023
So this comes with a warning.
I really like the material and concept, hence the five stars. But this is DRY. It could easily be construed as boring if you do not like the set up. Take from that what you will.
I really like the material and concept, hence the five stars. But this is DRY. It could easily be construed as boring if you do not like the set up. Take from that what you will.
October 6, 2023
Great book from an excellent series.
Another fine addition to this series. Love the world building. Great characters, and wonderful story arcs. Can't wait for the next installment.
Another fine addition to this series. Love the world building. Great characters, and wonderful story arcs. Can't wait for the next installment.
October 7, 2023
Really fun read
This was just a really fun read. It’s different as it really is focused on what kind of advancements an engineer would make in this world and not so much on character development. But if you know what you are getting into then you will love this book.
This was just a really fun read. It’s different as it really is focused on what kind of advancements an engineer would make in this world and not so much on character development. But if you know what you are getting into then you will love this book.
October 8, 2023
very good book
This is such a well written story, of a man from the future creating the future in the past.
He even has hypertext, with explanations from wiki on how things work. Truly a creative author of the future.
Such a pleasure to read.
This is such a well written story, of a man from the future creating the future in the past.
He even has hypertext, with explanations from wiki on how things work. Truly a creative author of the future.
Such a pleasure to read.
October 10, 2023
How to build England by an American time traveler
pick a start time and the order in which inventions must occur and a few smart people and make a plan works well. Everything works best when there are fewer people and they see reason.
pick a start time and the order in which inventions must occur and a few smart people and make a plan works well. Everything works best when there are fewer people and they see reason.
October 10, 2023
Excellent Series
This story of a retired General who is reborn in the body of a Baron in the Middle Ages and uses his engineering skills to pull his folks into the Industrial Revolution.
This story of a retired General who is reborn in the body of a Baron in the Middle Ages and uses his engineering skills to pull his folks into the Industrial Revolution.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews