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The Time That's Given
Have you ever awoken from a vivid dream and wondered which side of waking was real?
Burt Higgins' retirement is not going well. His children have grown, and his wife has gone off to earn a late-life degree, leaving him alone in his sprawling suburban home. With too much time on his hands, he broods on the state of the world, obsessively following the worst of cable news and the Internet. Increasingly angry at the state of affairs, he nurtures a fantasy that a dark lord from another realm has foisted these problems on humankind. If only he could transport to that world, he'd confront the demon and use the magic found there to defeat the beast and end despair forever.
On a particularly bad news day, while housebound in the midst of a snowstorm, he retreats to his study to shut out the world and immerse himself in his books. When, on a whim, he lights a candle purchased in an obscure Prague curiosity shop, a magical guide appears and offers to take him on whatever quest he chooses. When he asks to become a hero in a fantasy realm, he discovers a more complex world than he expected, and battling evil with magic turns out to be far from his greatest challenge.
Burt Higgins' retirement is not going well. His children have grown, and his wife has gone off to earn a late-life degree, leaving him alone in his sprawling suburban home. With too much time on his hands, he broods on the state of the world, obsessively following the worst of cable news and the Internet. Increasingly angry at the state of affairs, he nurtures a fantasy that a dark lord from another realm has foisted these problems on humankind. If only he could transport to that world, he'd confront the demon and use the magic found there to defeat the beast and end despair forever.
On a particularly bad news day, while housebound in the midst of a snowstorm, he retreats to his study to shut out the world and immerse himself in his books. When, on a whim, he lights a candle purchased in an obscure Prague curiosity shop, a magical guide appears and offers to take him on whatever quest he chooses. When he asks to become a hero in a fantasy realm, he discovers a more complex world than he expected, and battling evil with magic turns out to be far from his greatest challenge.
- GenresFantasy
232 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2019
7 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
David Litwack
11 books293 followersThe urge to write first struck at age sixteen when working on a newsletter at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the wild night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by the northern lights rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter’s editor, a girl with eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry line between reality and the fantastic.
Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process — and without prior plan — becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.
In this new stage of his life, he’s published Along the Watchtower in June, 2013 and The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky in May, 2014. His latest book, The Children of Darkness, the first of the Seekers series, a dystopian trilogy, was published in June, 2015.
David now lives in the great Northwest and anywhere else that catches his fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.
Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process — and without prior plan — becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.
In this new stage of his life, he’s published Along the Watchtower in June, 2013 and The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky in May, 2014. His latest book, The Children of Darkness, the first of the Seekers series, a dystopian trilogy, was published in June, 2015.
David now lives in the great Northwest and anywhere else that catches his fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 24, 2021
This managed to be both quite different from the fantasy books I've read before and yet containing elements that I enjoy in a story like this. The audiobook was great and I'd definitely read more from David Litwack in the future
December 11, 2019
An exceptionally inspiring epic fantasy, with a protagonist who for many reasons is appealing and readily identified with. Shortly into retirement, exciting travel over, spouse away at Cornell studying for her MFA, our "hero" (in multiple senses) suffers an existential crisis of being, an "empty nest" multiplied. He wants to be a hero--to somebody. He wants value, and purpose. And then..... Read and discover.
October 23, 2019
Wow... I mean wow. This is an incredible read. It's kinda of different from the traditional fantasy novels that cross my screen. I would put this in a catagory all by itself. I would call this a thought provoking fantasy. With definite reflective aspect.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book the characters were well developed. The world was fantastic. The life lessons were subtly but powerfully delivered. What else could you ask for in a novel.
I think it was enjoyable to be challenged on an intellectual level. This book was so interesting it kept me continually wanting to see what comes next.
If you want to read a truly remarkable book this should be high on you list. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This fact has no influence on this review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book the characters were well developed. The world was fantastic. The life lessons were subtly but powerfully delivered. What else could you ask for in a novel.
I think it was enjoyable to be challenged on an intellectual level. This book was so interesting it kept me continually wanting to see what comes next.
If you want to read a truly remarkable book this should be high on you list. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This fact has no influence on this review.
August 13, 2024
Echoes of a Shattered Journey: on the boredom of the surreal, or the wonders of the routine
David Litwack's The Time That's Given is a mesmerizing tale that dances on the edge of reality and fantasy, before the twilight between dreams and the waking world. The story follows Burt Higgins, a man adrift in the sea of retirement, whose life teeters on the precipice of the ordinary until he is swept away by the unexpected. Here, amidst enchanted swords and shadowy villains, Burt’s journey becomes a kaleidoscope of surreal encounters, each one reflecting the fractured pieces of his own restless soul.
Litwack's style is like an intricate web, spun from the silken threads of Burt’s inner turmoil and external adventures. The protagonist, no longer content with the static silence of his Massachusetts home, finds himself in a world where reality bends, and dreams seep through the cracks. As he navigates this labyrinth of the mind, the author leaves both Burt and the reader to question where one world ends and the other begins.
Litwack crafts a story that is as elusive as it is enchanting, pulling readers into a black hole. Burt’s quest, ostensibly a hero’s journey, unfolds as a meditation on the nature of time, memory, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of our lives (and the place we have in this world). The duality of Burt’s existence—caught between the mundane reality of his old life and the shimmering allure of the fantastical—serves as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral human condition (as dreams themselves, Calderón de la Barca dixit). A must-read for contemporary fantasy enthusiasts!
David Litwack's The Time That's Given is a mesmerizing tale that dances on the edge of reality and fantasy, before the twilight between dreams and the waking world. The story follows Burt Higgins, a man adrift in the sea of retirement, whose life teeters on the precipice of the ordinary until he is swept away by the unexpected. Here, amidst enchanted swords and shadowy villains, Burt’s journey becomes a kaleidoscope of surreal encounters, each one reflecting the fractured pieces of his own restless soul.
Litwack's style is like an intricate web, spun from the silken threads of Burt’s inner turmoil and external adventures. The protagonist, no longer content with the static silence of his Massachusetts home, finds himself in a world where reality bends, and dreams seep through the cracks. As he navigates this labyrinth of the mind, the author leaves both Burt and the reader to question where one world ends and the other begins.
Litwack crafts a story that is as elusive as it is enchanting, pulling readers into a black hole. Burt’s quest, ostensibly a hero’s journey, unfolds as a meditation on the nature of time, memory, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of our lives (and the place we have in this world). The duality of Burt’s existence—caught between the mundane reality of his old life and the shimmering allure of the fantastical—serves as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral human condition (as dreams themselves, Calderón de la Barca dixit). A must-read for contemporary fantasy enthusiasts!
August 14, 2024
Far from the expected turnout, Burt Higgins’ retirement is not going well. His wife is pursuing a degree while his children are grown, leaving him alone in his suburban home with ample time and troubling thoughts. Capitalizing on the grimness of the world’s condition, Burt pulls back into himself, daydreaming about a parallel universe where he can confront the evil forces that cause man’s troubles. However, during a snowstorm, Burt ignites an enigmatic candle he bought while in Prague, thereby summoning his magical guide, who offers to transport him to a world where he can become a hero.
What begins as a fantasy escape quickly deepens. It turns out that this realm of imagination does not at all resemble the simple quest that Burton had anticipated when embarking on it. Instead of simply fighting off wickedness by using his newfound superpowers, he has arrived in a land that challenges everything he believes in, tries his determination, and forces him to confront his demons within himself. Illusion and reality intertwine, raising questions about truth, heroism, and personal growth.
The novel is a reflective examination of the midlife crisis, escapism, and the courage to confront fears. Burt’s transition from an embittered retiree to an unwilling champion exemplifies as much his search for identity as it does his struggle between good and evil. The story is beautifully written in that it captures man’s insatiable thirst to flee from an unsatisfactory world, even as it underlines that genuine heroism lies in daring to confront things head-on.
In general, this book is a captivating and relatable story that a reader will easily identify with, especially when he feels he cannot take life anymore. It serves as a reminder that running away into some other reality can be easy, but the real battles—or triumphs—lie in confronting life’s battles head-on.
What begins as a fantasy escape quickly deepens. It turns out that this realm of imagination does not at all resemble the simple quest that Burton had anticipated when embarking on it. Instead of simply fighting off wickedness by using his newfound superpowers, he has arrived in a land that challenges everything he believes in, tries his determination, and forces him to confront his demons within himself. Illusion and reality intertwine, raising questions about truth, heroism, and personal growth.
The novel is a reflective examination of the midlife crisis, escapism, and the courage to confront fears. Burt’s transition from an embittered retiree to an unwilling champion exemplifies as much his search for identity as it does his struggle between good and evil. The story is beautifully written in that it captures man’s insatiable thirst to flee from an unsatisfactory world, even as it underlines that genuine heroism lies in daring to confront things head-on.
In general, this book is a captivating and relatable story that a reader will easily identify with, especially when he feels he cannot take life anymore. It serves as a reminder that running away into some other reality can be easy, but the real battles—or triumphs—lie in confronting life’s battles head-on.
August 11, 2024
Burt Higgins' retirement takes an unexpected turn as he finds himself alone in a sprawling suburban home, with his children grown and his wife off pursuing a late-life degree. With too much time on his hands, Burt becomes increasingly obsessed with the grim state of the world, fueled by a steady diet of cable news and Internet doomscrolling. His frustrations manifest into a fantastical belief that a dark lord from another realm is responsible for humanity's woes. In a moment of desperation during a snowstorm, he retreats to his study, where a magical guide offers him an escape to a fantasy world. Burt seizes the opportunity, eager to confront this imagined evil and use newfound magic to restore peace.
In this alternate realm, Burt quickly discovers that the fantasy world is far more complex than he anticipated. His quest to battle evil and save a woman and her children becomes a journey of self-discovery, as the lines between the real and fantastical blur. The challenges he faces in the fantasy world reflect the internal struggles he’s been avoiding in his real life. The author masterfully weaves these dual narratives together, making Burt’s journey not just an adventure, but a profound exploration of the human condition.
The novel is a brilliant blend of adventure and introspection, with well-developed characters and a richly imagined world. The prose is evocative, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader into both the stark realities of Burt's suburban life and the enchanting landscapes of the fantasy realm. The life lessons are subtly yet powerfully delivered, challenging readers on an intellectual level while keeping them thoroughly engaged. It’s a thought-provoking and compelling read that seamlessly merges two worlds into a cohesive and captivating story.
In this alternate realm, Burt quickly discovers that the fantasy world is far more complex than he anticipated. His quest to battle evil and save a woman and her children becomes a journey of self-discovery, as the lines between the real and fantastical blur. The challenges he faces in the fantasy world reflect the internal struggles he’s been avoiding in his real life. The author masterfully weaves these dual narratives together, making Burt’s journey not just an adventure, but a profound exploration of the human condition.
The novel is a brilliant blend of adventure and introspection, with well-developed characters and a richly imagined world. The prose is evocative, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader into both the stark realities of Burt's suburban life and the enchanting landscapes of the fantasy realm. The life lessons are subtly yet powerfully delivered, challenging readers on an intellectual level while keeping them thoroughly engaged. It’s a thought-provoking and compelling read that seamlessly merges two worlds into a cohesive and captivating story.
August 13, 2024
A thoughtful and engaging read
Litwack cleverly uses Burt's retirement and his dissatisfaction with the state of the world as a vehicle to explore deeper themes of escapism, the human desire for control, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The novel taps into that universal feeling of helplessness in the face of global issues, making Burt's fantasy of confronting a dark lord not just an adventure but a metaphor for our own struggles against the intangible demons of modern life.
Stylistically, Litwack’s writing is crisp, with just enough description to paint vivid scenes without bogging down the pace. The dialogue feels natural, and Burt's inner monologues, though at times veering into the heavy handed, are thought provoking and relatable. The fantasy elements are well crafted, serving as both a literal and figurative escape for Burt, but they also challenge the reader to question the lines between reality and imagination.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is how it handles the concept of time. Burt’s fixation on having too much time contrasts with his longing to make a significant impact, reflecting a common struggle among retirees. Litwack explores this tension beautifully, showing that the true battle isn’t against an external dark lord but rather the internal demons of purposelessness and despair.
Litwack cleverly uses Burt's retirement and his dissatisfaction with the state of the world as a vehicle to explore deeper themes of escapism, the human desire for control, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The novel taps into that universal feeling of helplessness in the face of global issues, making Burt's fantasy of confronting a dark lord not just an adventure but a metaphor for our own struggles against the intangible demons of modern life.
Stylistically, Litwack’s writing is crisp, with just enough description to paint vivid scenes without bogging down the pace. The dialogue feels natural, and Burt's inner monologues, though at times veering into the heavy handed, are thought provoking and relatable. The fantasy elements are well crafted, serving as both a literal and figurative escape for Burt, but they also challenge the reader to question the lines between reality and imagination.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is how it handles the concept of time. Burt’s fixation on having too much time contrasts with his longing to make a significant impact, reflecting a common struggle among retirees. Litwack explores this tension beautifully, showing that the true battle isn’t against an external dark lord but rather the internal demons of purposelessness and despair.
August 13, 2024
The Time That’s Given by David Litwack features story of a man who wanted to change the world and gladly gets the opportunity and takes it with both his hands. He makes no mistake but makes the most out of what is available to come up with the best decisions. The man is Burt Higgins a retired guy from Massachusetts who has seen enough of the evil in the world and wants to change it. Luckily, he learns of some magic that will make this dream a reality and he wastes no chance. Well after embarking on this mission he soon realizes it is a daunting task. Will he manage to defeat the evil in the world? Will age allow him? Does he posses the strength to do it alone? Some questions linger on from the onset and hook you to get deeper just to see whether he comes out alive.
This is one entertaining novel with action parked events from the onset. The fantasy world has suspense but is synonymous to the real world. I admired Burts resilience through the challenges he encountered which spiked courage from within to soldier on despite the many adversaries. David Litwack’s writing invites moments of self-discovery and self-reflection. At one point you’ll stop to think about your life and the world. I applause this ingenuity and invite readers to enjoy this magical tale.
This is one entertaining novel with action parked events from the onset. The fantasy world has suspense but is synonymous to the real world. I admired Burts resilience through the challenges he encountered which spiked courage from within to soldier on despite the many adversaries. David Litwack’s writing invites moments of self-discovery and self-reflection. At one point you’ll stop to think about your life and the world. I applause this ingenuity and invite readers to enjoy this magical tale.
August 9, 2024
I liked the premise, but the execution could have been a tad better in my opinion.
First off, the premise of the novel is great. A hero who unexpectedly gets whisked into another world usually makes for an interesting story. The author also did a great job at writing the book. Its almost poetic. There's also a neat twist at the end that reminds me of something out of my favourite childhood movies.
However, I feel as though the writer tried doing too many things at once. At times, the book felt extremely slow and drawn out. I question the choice of making the main character an old retiree who misses his wife, as this book is meant for youth. The genre is also more popular with them. The authors mastery of words may have been a fault in and of itself, as he sometimes spent pages describing things that the reader frankly would not care much about.
All in all I would say its a good story with some solid moments of excitement, but also punctuated by moments of boredom as well.
First off, the premise of the novel is great. A hero who unexpectedly gets whisked into another world usually makes for an interesting story. The author also did a great job at writing the book. Its almost poetic. There's also a neat twist at the end that reminds me of something out of my favourite childhood movies.
However, I feel as though the writer tried doing too many things at once. At times, the book felt extremely slow and drawn out. I question the choice of making the main character an old retiree who misses his wife, as this book is meant for youth. The genre is also more popular with them. The authors mastery of words may have been a fault in and of itself, as he sometimes spent pages describing things that the reader frankly would not care much about.
All in all I would say its a good story with some solid moments of excitement, but also punctuated by moments of boredom as well.
August 13, 2024
Imaginative and thought provoking
At some point, we all look for a magic cure to solve our problems or those of society. Some of us may turn to books, using our imagination as an escape from reality. Both of these things happen in The Time That's Given.
Along the journey, the main character learns many lessons, finds hope, and discovers a magic of his own. However, in the end, he has to make a difficult choice.
This was an interesting read. I liked the theme and lessons in the story. However, I thought the main character took too long to learn them. All in all, this novel was an imaginative story. I recommend it for fantasy lovers as well as those who need to relight the spark within themselves.
At some point, we all look for a magic cure to solve our problems or those of society. Some of us may turn to books, using our imagination as an escape from reality. Both of these things happen in The Time That's Given.
Along the journey, the main character learns many lessons, finds hope, and discovers a magic of his own. However, in the end, he has to make a difficult choice.
This was an interesting read. I liked the theme and lessons in the story. However, I thought the main character took too long to learn them. All in all, this novel was an imaginative story. I recommend it for fantasy lovers as well as those who need to relight the spark within themselves.
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August 13, 2024The Time That's Given by David Litwack is an exciting fantasy with a main character who is easy to relate to and connect with. The writer does an excellent job in keeping the audience engaged. The characters did justice to their roles.
The story revolved around the main character, Burt Higgins a retired engineer. Disillusioned by things around him, he ventures into the fantasy world with the book detailing his experiences.
Overall I rate this fantasy book high. Recommended to readers of all genre.
The story revolved around the main character, Burt Higgins a retired engineer. Disillusioned by things around him, he ventures into the fantasy world with the book detailing his experiences.
Overall I rate this fantasy book high. Recommended to readers of all genre.
August 23, 2024
I’ve read many fantasy books. I’m a fan of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, The 39 Clues and much more. One of the things I loved about this book is that I could see elements of the books I love in it.
One of the things I love about it is that it keeps you engaged, as a good book should. The story goes between past and present, real life and fantasy. I highly recommend getting the audio book for this as well, since I purchased both. The narrator has a very pleasant voice and adds a lot to it.
I am anxious to read more from this author!
One of the things I love about it is that it keeps you engaged, as a good book should. The story goes between past and present, real life and fantasy. I highly recommend getting the audio book for this as well, since I purchased both. The narrator has a very pleasant voice and adds a lot to it.
I am anxious to read more from this author!
August 12, 2024
This is such an interesting story. I liked how the author thought about how the older generation often gets caught up in ideology, politics, etc. until it consumes them. He took that and spun it into something really unique and entertaining. I think he's a great author.
I think that anyone, whether they are a youth or someone as old as Burt. It's a well-done fantasy-mixed-with-reality book, in my opinion. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the genre.
I think that anyone, whether they are a youth or someone as old as Burt. It's a well-done fantasy-mixed-with-reality book, in my opinion. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the genre.
November 30, 2019
Well-Written, if Odd, Fantasy Novel
I am not quite sure what to think about this book. I will admit that I was first put off by the information that even came before the novel itself started. I'm used to some level of self-promotion in books, but it seemed excessive in this book, both with pages of recommendations for the author's other works as well as a somewhat long-winded foreword from the author’s editor about how wonderful the author is and how wonderful this book is. It was just too much. Like in other aspects of writing: show, don't tell. Once I started the story, I found myself intrigued by it. He does know how to spin an unusual tale and create a complex fantasy world. I liked that the hero was an older gentleman, though I think that the author truly has no clue what it is to be like a man of that age because he gives in to common stereotypical statements throughout the book. That was a little disappointing. I definitely thought that the choice of quest for the hero was an unusual one. Seriously, if one was given such an opportunity as the hero had at the beginning of the book, would anyone choose a pretty terrible quest like he did. And we weren't really giving any background about why he would choose a quest like that. Once the novel moved on to the quest portion, it was fascinating to watch the world created unfold, even if at times it felt like it was a little slow. If you're used to reading straight-up fantasy, this is definitely different than what you are used to. While fiction often looks at a variety of themes, this one is very forthright about what is being explored; it is not subtly woven into the story. It is a reflective fantasy morality play. It definitely attempts to give a moral lesson or three, which I think ends up ultimately lacking power because of the way the story ends.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I am not quite sure what to think about this book. I will admit that I was first put off by the information that even came before the novel itself started. I'm used to some level of self-promotion in books, but it seemed excessive in this book, both with pages of recommendations for the author's other works as well as a somewhat long-winded foreword from the author’s editor about how wonderful the author is and how wonderful this book is. It was just too much. Like in other aspects of writing: show, don't tell. Once I started the story, I found myself intrigued by it. He does know how to spin an unusual tale and create a complex fantasy world. I liked that the hero was an older gentleman, though I think that the author truly has no clue what it is to be like a man of that age because he gives in to common stereotypical statements throughout the book. That was a little disappointing. I definitely thought that the choice of quest for the hero was an unusual one. Seriously, if one was given such an opportunity as the hero had at the beginning of the book, would anyone choose a pretty terrible quest like he did. And we weren't really giving any background about why he would choose a quest like that. Once the novel moved on to the quest portion, it was fascinating to watch the world created unfold, even if at times it felt like it was a little slow. If you're used to reading straight-up fantasy, this is definitely different than what you are used to. While fiction often looks at a variety of themes, this one is very forthright about what is being explored; it is not subtly woven into the story. It is a reflective fantasy morality play. It definitely attempts to give a moral lesson or three, which I think ends up ultimately lacking power because of the way the story ends.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
December 6, 2019
This book was an adventure of a man straddling two worlds... a real one and a fantasy one. In the fantasy world, he seeks to learn the source of all despair, and to save a woman and her children. However, the two worlds tend to blend together and what he does in one affects the other. The prose was brilliant the descriptions of things and places were very well done. However, I did have trouble at times understanding what was going on, what certain things meant or represented. I think my take away is that the fantasy world helped the narrator to gain appreciation for what he had in the real world, and to ultimately cherish it.
January 17, 2020
The author gifted me this book for an honest review. I had a hard time reading this one and all the blame is on me. While I appreciated the authors effort to show how the actions taken in the world of fantasy actually affected his reality, I found it irritating. The author seemed to include life lessons which should encourage you to cherish your life, it could be worst.
October 11, 2019
A different take , on which is the real , reality in life . I enjoyed this , a light sort of Donaldson read .
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews