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Jared Plummer vs. the Ancient World #1
Prime Time Travelers
MESSING UP HISTORY ONE EPISODE AT A TIME
When TV director Jared Plummer starts having vivid flashbacks to ancient Egypt, he thinks it has to do with the stress of his first international shoot and the heartache of breaking up with his boyfriend Carlos.
The real reason is far more bizarre.
In the shadow of a temple along the Nile, Jared encounters a mysterious old woman with an extraordinary she'll open a portal to the past, allowing him to shoot the "greatest documentary" ever made.
The catch?
Jared must navigate the twelve gates of the Egyptian underworld and retrieve a misplaced mummy. Easy, right?
As Jared and his hapless crew embark on this time-traveling escapade, they're thrust into the world of Ramses the Great, who isn't exactly thrilled about their unexpected arrival. To achieve TV greatness, they must navigate double-crossing embalmers, a dangerously alluring Nubian assassin, and a royally disgruntled pharaoh.
Will they survive the chaos and bring home an Emmy-winning series, or will they get canceled before the first episode is even finished?
Imagine a rainbow-colored time machine with the wit of Neil Gaiman, the ancient romance of Song of Achilles, the queer coming-out charm of House in the Cerulean Sea and the time slip passion of Outlander, and your destination is Prime Time Travelers . If you crave a tale that's as outrageous as it is original, buckle up for a time-travel odyssey like no other.
When TV director Jared Plummer starts having vivid flashbacks to ancient Egypt, he thinks it has to do with the stress of his first international shoot and the heartache of breaking up with his boyfriend Carlos.
The real reason is far more bizarre.
In the shadow of a temple along the Nile, Jared encounters a mysterious old woman with an extraordinary she'll open a portal to the past, allowing him to shoot the "greatest documentary" ever made.
The catch?
Jared must navigate the twelve gates of the Egyptian underworld and retrieve a misplaced mummy. Easy, right?
As Jared and his hapless crew embark on this time-traveling escapade, they're thrust into the world of Ramses the Great, who isn't exactly thrilled about their unexpected arrival. To achieve TV greatness, they must navigate double-crossing embalmers, a dangerously alluring Nubian assassin, and a royally disgruntled pharaoh.
Will they survive the chaos and bring home an Emmy-winning series, or will they get canceled before the first episode is even finished?
Imagine a rainbow-colored time machine with the wit of Neil Gaiman, the ancient romance of Song of Achilles, the queer coming-out charm of House in the Cerulean Sea and the time slip passion of Outlander, and your destination is Prime Time Travelers . If you crave a tale that's as outrageous as it is original, buckle up for a time-travel odyssey like no other.
- GenresFantasyTime TravelGay
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2024
22 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 14, 2024
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This was fun! I took a chance on this as I don't know this author and it was a gamble that paid off. I was entertained at every turn. There are several sub-plots going, though I can't reveal any of it because it will ruin everything. The blurb really tells you everything you need to know, and I can assure you there is a happy ending for all.
It is very obvious that a lot of research was done to write this story and for that this deserves 5 stars, though my actual rating is 4 stars. Yes, it was exciting, yes it was fun, and yes, I do recommend, but there were times the story dragged, and I skipped ahead because I didn't see how that particular moment played into the overall story. There was a lot of detail and a lot of build up to the characters getting to the "twelve gates of the Egyptian underworld." It was a bit much, and then their escape, the same.
I didn't mind that the love story between Jared and Carlos was rather buried and not the main part of this story. It was just a given that it would work out, and at no time did I doubt the love they had for each other. I can't explain why, somehow the author just made that work, probably because I got so much from Jared throughout the story. I did need to warn you that
There are serious moments, so it's not all fun and games, but it wasn't all down and dark either. If you try, I hope you like it! So yep, 4 stars.
This was fun! I took a chance on this as I don't know this author and it was a gamble that paid off. I was entertained at every turn. There are several sub-plots going, though I can't reveal any of it because it will ruin everything. The blurb really tells you everything you need to know, and I can assure you there is a happy ending for all.
It is very obvious that a lot of research was done to write this story and for that this deserves 5 stars, though my actual rating is 4 stars. Yes, it was exciting, yes it was fun, and yes, I do recommend, but there were times the story dragged, and I skipped ahead because I didn't see how that particular moment played into the overall story. There was a lot of detail and a lot of build up to the characters getting to the "twelve gates of the Egyptian underworld." It was a bit much, and then their escape, the same.
I didn't mind that the love story between Jared and Carlos was rather buried and not the main part of this story. It was just a given that it would work out, and at no time did I doubt the love they had for each other. I can't explain why, somehow the author just made that work, probably because I got so much from Jared throughout the story. I did need to warn you that
There are serious moments, so it's not all fun and games, but it wasn't all down and dark either. If you try, I hope you like it! So yep, 4 stars.
April 30, 2024
When I saw this book and blurb, I was definitely intrigued by them. I started it, and it wasn’t quite what I expected. That isn’t a bad thing, just a thing. LOL! We have several characters that we get to see from their points of view. In some ways, that made the story a little fuller and richer. While this wasn’t quite as completely adventurous as I thought it would be, there was still adventure with a lot of character development, wonderful scenes I could readily imagine, and great writing. This was an interesting, unique, well-written book and sure to please a lot of readers. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
April 25, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an electronic ARC from NetGalley.
As a fan of all mythology whether that be Greek, Roman, or Egyptian this book (and hopefully future books) really peaked my interest.
I was invested the entire time in this entertaining story spanning millennia and multiple reincarnations. The in depth descriptions of the Egyptian Gods and their domain was amazing. The journey through the 12 Gates of Duat, was my favorite part I could not put the book down after getting there.
But, this was not just an adventure book, the relationship between the characters and the personal growth was so well developed. Not to mention Kara’s journey through her grief, so so well done. I might be a sucker for a good coming out and accepting yourself story, but this was great.
I can’t wait for the general public to read this book and fall in love with it as I have. I hope this is the beginning of wonderful time traveling series.
Also the cameo of Achilles and Patroclus was perfect and I hope a foreshadowing of what’s to come!
As a fan of all mythology whether that be Greek, Roman, or Egyptian this book (and hopefully future books) really peaked my interest.
I was invested the entire time in this entertaining story spanning millennia and multiple reincarnations. The in depth descriptions of the Egyptian Gods and their domain was amazing. The journey through the 12 Gates of Duat, was my favorite part I could not put the book down after getting there.
But, this was not just an adventure book, the relationship between the characters and the personal growth was so well developed. Not to mention Kara’s journey through her grief, so so well done. I might be a sucker for a good coming out and accepting yourself story, but this was great.
I can’t wait for the general public to read this book and fall in love with it as I have. I hope this is the beginning of wonderful time traveling series.
Also the cameo of Achilles and Patroclus was perfect and I hope a foreshadowing of what’s to come!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2024
If you have been wanting to read a very exciting action/adventure book with several love stories on the side, then Prime Time Travelers (Jared Plummer vs. the Ancient World) by Neil Laird is just what you are looking for. In this book a group of workers from a cable show that is out to prove or debunk myths travel to ancient Egypt and learn a lot about reincarnation, history, and themselves along the way. Jared Plummer, the associate producer focusing mainly on research, has been given his first major assignment to direct an episode of Ancient Encounters with Derek Dees. He is in Egypt with the lead Derek, who thinks he knows everything and acts that way, Kara his camera person and outspoken best friend, and Ali, the sound engineer who lives for him family. Jared has great ideas but not much backbone so he allows everyone to walk all over him, especially Derek who doesn’t like him and tries to call the whole shoot off because he thinks it is a fraud. He has also been having visions of his past that scare him, but he wants to find out what they mean. He has tracked down a lead to find ancient Egypt by talking to Omm, who is actually the latest reincarnation of Tiya who was the lover of Mehy, the son of the Pharoah Seti who is slowly being erased by Ramses, his brother. He is doing this so Mehy’s Ka (soul) is trapped and he can no longer time travel and the memory of him will die out. When they talk to Omm she asks them to save Mehy by recording him so his Ka can once again travel and they can be reunited, which they agree to since they will be able to film what they are seeing and doing and think it will be a great episode. Once they get started Omm takes them through a magical door to ancient Egypt which starts their adventures. They meet Seti in his last days and when he dies they follow him through his final journey by boat through Duat and the 12 gates to see if he is worthy of passage into the paradise of the Field of Reeds. Along the way they face many challenges that keep you on the edge of your seat as you wonder how they will ever get through them unscathed. These include being separated, threatened with death, facing many gods and monsters, finding out if they are worthy, and facing the fears each of them have. Also, unknown to them, getting back to their own time is in jeopardy as Omm has also run into trouble. Luckily for them, Jared has figured out what his visions mean and who he was in ancient Egypt so he can use this knowledge to get them home. There is also a love story going on between Jared and a man he left because he was afraid to commit, a short fling with a Nubian guard, and Kara’s lost girlfriend who she grieves for. In the end they all show growth as they come to terms with their lives and what they need to change in order to be truly happy. I really enjoyed this book. I am blown away by the number of facts Mr. Laird has researched and how he wove them into this story to make it realistic yet very readable with lots of action, suspense, and taking you through what might happen if you could visit ancient Egypt. The characters were well thought through and while not always in sync, grew to depend on each other, especially when times were difficult. There were also many that I did not mention in this review that were important in helping them get through their trials. And there was a bit of humor through some sightings of other important figures in history that break up the tension. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are into action and adventure stories that take place in ancient times. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see where Jared will take us next.
April 21, 2024
**I was provided an electronic ARC from the author- Thank you!**
Neil Laird presents the first in the Jared Plummer vs. the Ancient World series, Prime Time Travelers. Readers follow Jared, an assistant producer for a TV show exploring ancient legends. Jared has his first opportunity to direct when the subject of the Egyptian episode agrees to speak only to him about her story. Struggling with the confidence to lead, Jared also is dealing with visions that seem more like memories and are only getting worse the closer he gets to Egypt. The show must go on, and Jared and crew will follow the story to its end, even if that means traveling to hell itself.
Laird has experience (and a couple Emmy nominations to show for his work) in the area of nonfiction television production, particularly in the areas that would be covered by Jared's show Ancient Encounters. It's one thing to have an understanding of a topic and another to give a rendering in a fiction novel that is both an honest representation and entertaining to a reader. Laird successfully manages both in Prime Time Travelers, giving enough detail to be authentic while not drowning a reader unfamiliar with the field. Likewise, Laird navigates through Ancient Egyptian mythology and historical events with reasonable artistic license.
Jared and the crew are all well established characters that showcase growth over the course of the novel as well as providing a variety of representation in the main cast. Jared and Kara are both queer characters, while Kara and Ali are both characters of color. The side characters featured also seemed to have been fully developed and appeared to have their own stories beyond their functions to the plotline.
Overall, I found myself entertained throughout my reading experience and was happy to have had the opportunity to read Prime Time Travelers early. I look forward to future works from Neil Laird both on screen and on page.
Neil Laird presents the first in the Jared Plummer vs. the Ancient World series, Prime Time Travelers. Readers follow Jared, an assistant producer for a TV show exploring ancient legends. Jared has his first opportunity to direct when the subject of the Egyptian episode agrees to speak only to him about her story. Struggling with the confidence to lead, Jared also is dealing with visions that seem more like memories and are only getting worse the closer he gets to Egypt. The show must go on, and Jared and crew will follow the story to its end, even if that means traveling to hell itself.
Laird has experience (and a couple Emmy nominations to show for his work) in the area of nonfiction television production, particularly in the areas that would be covered by Jared's show Ancient Encounters. It's one thing to have an understanding of a topic and another to give a rendering in a fiction novel that is both an honest representation and entertaining to a reader. Laird successfully manages both in Prime Time Travelers, giving enough detail to be authentic while not drowning a reader unfamiliar with the field. Likewise, Laird navigates through Ancient Egyptian mythology and historical events with reasonable artistic license.
Jared and the crew are all well established characters that showcase growth over the course of the novel as well as providing a variety of representation in the main cast. Jared and Kara are both queer characters, while Kara and Ali are both characters of color. The side characters featured also seemed to have been fully developed and appeared to have their own stories beyond their functions to the plotline.
Overall, I found myself entertained throughout my reading experience and was happy to have had the opportunity to read Prime Time Travelers early. I look forward to future works from Neil Laird both on screen and on page.
May 2, 2024
Neil Laird's debut in the "Jared Plummer vs. the Ancient World" series, titled "Prime Time Travelers," emerges as a masterful blend of adventure and historical intrigue. Laird, an Emmy-nominated producer, crafts a narrative that seamlessly weaves together elements of time travel, mystery, and the allure of ancient Egypt.
At the heart of the story is Jared Plummer, an assistant producer for a television show delving into ancient legends and myths. When Jared seizes the opportunity to lead an episode exploring Egyptian tombs, little does he know it will catapult him into a thrilling adventure across time and space. Laird's characterization of Jared is commendable; he's not your typical flawless hero but rather a character imbued with flaws and imperfections, making him relatable and authentic. Supported by a diverse cast of characters, the depth of the story is enriched as each character's complexities unfold.
One of the novel's strengths lies in Laird's meticulous attention to detail in depicting ancient Egyptian mythology and historical events. The vivid portrayal of these elements adds layers of authenticity and richness to the narrative. While "Prime Time Travelers" marks a promising beginning to the series, it's worth noting that its appeal might extend beyond traditional genre boundaries. While it offers a captivating storyline, those expecting a conventional MM romance might find themselves exploring unfamiliar territory. Nevertheless, for readers seeking an immersive adventure with a fresh perspective, "Prime Time Travelers" is certainly worth delving into.
At the heart of the story is Jared Plummer, an assistant producer for a television show delving into ancient legends and myths. When Jared seizes the opportunity to lead an episode exploring Egyptian tombs, little does he know it will catapult him into a thrilling adventure across time and space. Laird's characterization of Jared is commendable; he's not your typical flawless hero but rather a character imbued with flaws and imperfections, making him relatable and authentic. Supported by a diverse cast of characters, the depth of the story is enriched as each character's complexities unfold.
One of the novel's strengths lies in Laird's meticulous attention to detail in depicting ancient Egyptian mythology and historical events. The vivid portrayal of these elements adds layers of authenticity and richness to the narrative. While "Prime Time Travelers" marks a promising beginning to the series, it's worth noting that its appeal might extend beyond traditional genre boundaries. While it offers a captivating storyline, those expecting a conventional MM romance might find themselves exploring unfamiliar territory. Nevertheless, for readers seeking an immersive adventure with a fresh perspective, "Prime Time Travelers" is certainly worth delving into.
May 7, 2024
The story follows Jared an assistant producer on a reality show about ancient Egypt. With his best friend and camerawoman Kara, Ali the local soundman and the supposedly star of the show Derek Dees a wannabe explorer, each one have a reason to be there.
I liked Jared straightaway, whilst he was in Egypt, he was there for answers to explain his vivid memories and he was hoping that an interview with an elderly woman would have them.
Jared did not like making waves and even when Derek, who thought he was god's gift to man was obnoxious to him, he would not say anything and if it was not for Kara, it would have been a lot worse. But as his journey through ancient Egypt progressed, he was really coming out of his shell, his confidence grew and took some risks.
From the moment they stepped through the portal I was hooked, the scenes were detailed making me feel as I was on the journey with them and you can tell that the author did their research. There were some laugh out load moments thanks to Kara and when Jared took what he wanted a cheer.
At the start I was a bit confused with the timelines but quickly got used to it flicking from Jared to Omm and by the end I just wanted to read more and I hope that this was the author teasing us with what is to come, because if there are more in the series then I will be one clicking them. If you are looking for an adventure story with a difference then this is the story for you. As for me this is another author that I will be looking out for more to read
I liked Jared straightaway, whilst he was in Egypt, he was there for answers to explain his vivid memories and he was hoping that an interview with an elderly woman would have them.
Jared did not like making waves and even when Derek, who thought he was god's gift to man was obnoxious to him, he would not say anything and if it was not for Kara, it would have been a lot worse. But as his journey through ancient Egypt progressed, he was really coming out of his shell, his confidence grew and took some risks.
From the moment they stepped through the portal I was hooked, the scenes were detailed making me feel as I was on the journey with them and you can tell that the author did their research. There were some laugh out load moments thanks to Kara and when Jared took what he wanted a cheer.
At the start I was a bit confused with the timelines but quickly got used to it flicking from Jared to Omm and by the end I just wanted to read more and I hope that this was the author teasing us with what is to come, because if there are more in the series then I will be one clicking them. If you are looking for an adventure story with a difference then this is the story for you. As for me this is another author that I will be looking out for more to read
May 6, 2024
Prime Time Travelers is a exciting and strange book . With wonderful characters and a little adventure across time . We start our adventure with our main character , Jared Plummer and his crew as they venture to ancient Egypt. Trying to help out ancient God and to try to find out more about themselves along the way. Prime Time Travelers isn't your typical MM romance. It's a slow burn romance and you won't find no instant love here. Nor will you get a spicy sex scenes here . But it has a lot of character development and multiple POVs . So please check it out for yourselves.
***I received a ARC ebook of this book from the author ***
***I received a ARC ebook of this book from the author ***
May 7, 2024
An enjoyable adventure book which takes a cast of a prime time show to Ancient Egypt and its underworld to save a plot against the eldest son of pharaoh Seti!
The author has an accurate knowledge of modern Egypt, a common pitfall for stories which take place there, and this adds authenticity to the book.
The story was a bit too long and too raw at some points (the mechanics of the time travel were not very clear and the romance was oddly paced) but it was overall an enjoyable journey of self discovery mixed with historical and mythological elements!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
The author has an accurate knowledge of modern Egypt, a common pitfall for stories which take place there, and this adds authenticity to the book.
The story was a bit too long and too raw at some points (the mechanics of the time travel were not very clear and the romance was oddly paced) but it was overall an enjoyable journey of self discovery mixed with historical and mythological elements!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
July 14, 2024
“Prime Time Traveler” is a lovely read that will captivate fans of fantasy, romance, and time-travel adventures. Laird’s clever and brisk writing vividly brings an intriguing cast of characters to life. Although I typically read non-fiction, the allure of exploring an ancient world drew me into this book for a summer read, especially during the oppressively hot nights lately where one needs to escape reality with a cold beer, a shot, and a damn good book. Regardless of your choice of libations, your venture into this novel is appealing, descriptive, and easy to follow. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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November 18, 2024This book is a fascinating read. Imaginative and colorful in all the ways that matter to those who are searching for a book that taps into the history of Pompeii and enjoys time travel. For those who enjoyed de Maurier's The House on the Strand and Crichton's Timeline, you're in for a real treat. Time and place may change, but human nature does not. Neil Laird does an exceptionally good job of portraying characters who exemplify the very meaning of "history always repeats itself." Entertainment at its finest.
May 6, 2024
I am a fan of mythology and love to read about how different cultures worship their gods. Jared is a tv director who is in Egypt so he can shoot a show about ancient Egypt. His co-worker Derek doesn’t like the lines that were written and wrote what he thought was good. What follows is a new adventure for Jared and his crew. I loved the way this author portrayed the old world and cannot wait to read more.
May 6, 2024
This is a lovely time travel story with elements of adventure, romance, humor and a journey into ancient Egypt. We are given a fabulous cast of characters that I connected with and they are all on their own personal growth journeys.
I am constantly on the lookout for stories that can entertain me but that also have something unique and this one did a wonderful job. I look forward to reading more stories in this series and more from this author.
I am constantly on the lookout for stories that can entertain me but that also have something unique and this one did a wonderful job. I look forward to reading more stories in this series and more from this author.
May 6, 2024
A very original and entertaining story with lots of ancient Egyptian history/beliefs combined with some intriguing supernatural ideas. The character growth for all four travellers was excellent (even Derek improved) and I see enormous potential in this series. Perhaps a good way to counter some of the straight-washing rife in history as it is still mostly portrayed today. There wasn't much mm romance in this story but perhaps that will be further developed later.
June 12, 2024
One of the things I liked the most about this book was the amazing worldbuilding. I truly felt as if I were in Egypt again.
However, as much as I liked the vibes and the place descriptions, I didn't get as hooked as I wanted.
I liked Jared (MC), his personality, and development, but I thought that his interpersonal relationship could have been more developed.
Still, the book was lovely written and very intriguing
However, as much as I liked the vibes and the place descriptions, I didn't get as hooked as I wanted.
I liked Jared (MC), his personality, and development, but I thought that his interpersonal relationship could have been more developed.
Still, the book was lovely written and very intriguing
August 28, 2024
This is a work of endless surprises. What starts out as a comedic romp through the underworld becomes a tender and moving story of love lost and regained. I can't recommend this book strongly enough and I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment!
August 28, 2024
This takes way too long to get to the fireworks factory.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews