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Middle Falls Time Travel #2
Die Erlösung des Michael Hollister: Ein Zeitreiseroman aus Middle Falls (Middle Falls Zeitreise)
All Michael Hollister wanted was death.
What he got was time travel.
Convicted of murder, and with nothing left to live for, Michael commits suicide in his jail cell in 1977, then opens his eyes in 1966, in his eight year old body, all memories of his previous life intact.
His first thoughts are of the dark intentions of his father. When the man who raised him once again tries to do the unthinkable, Michael has a chance to right his childhood's greatest wrong. But, can he do that without becoming a killer all over again?
The Redemption of Michael Hollister is the second in the Middle Falls Time Travel series, but is a complete novel that can be read without having read the first book - The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver. The third book in the Middle Falls series - The Death and Life of Dominick Davidner - is also available, and the fourth book - The Final Life of Nathaniel Moon - is available on preorder, and will be released in March..
What he got was time travel.
Convicted of murder, and with nothing left to live for, Michael commits suicide in his jail cell in 1977, then opens his eyes in 1966, in his eight year old body, all memories of his previous life intact.
His first thoughts are of the dark intentions of his father. When the man who raised him once again tries to do the unthinkable, Michael has a chance to right his childhood's greatest wrong. But, can he do that without becoming a killer all over again?
The Redemption of Michael Hollister is the second in the Middle Falls Time Travel series, but is a complete novel that can be read without having read the first book - The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver. The third book in the Middle Falls series - The Death and Life of Dominick Davidner - is also available, and the fourth book - The Final Life of Nathaniel Moon - is available on preorder, and will be released in March..
258 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2017
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411 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
February 14, 2022
*** 4 ***
I didn't know how the author could possibly redeem the horrible human being that Michael Hollister showed himself to be in the previous book, but he managed it beautifully! Not only did he take his 89th chance of life, but he embraced it and ran with it, while even making me cry towards the end. A very successful and strong entry in the Time Travel/Parallel Universe story of being in an environment which might bring the best in you, instead of the worst... Be aware, there are allusions to abuse, just in case it might be a trigger to folks... Handled quite well though.
I was pleasantly surprised with the jump in quality of writing and am definitely going to continue with the series 😃👍
I didn't know how the author could possibly redeem the horrible human being that Michael Hollister showed himself to be in the previous book, but he managed it beautifully! Not only did he take his 89th chance of life, but he embraced it and ran with it, while even making me cry towards the end. A very successful and strong entry in the Time Travel/Parallel Universe story of being in an environment which might bring the best in you, instead of the worst... Be aware, there are allusions to abuse, just in case it might be a trigger to folks... Handled quite well though.
I was pleasantly surprised with the jump in quality of writing and am definitely going to continue with the series 😃👍
August 23, 2019
The second book in the ‘Middle Falls Time Travel’ series and I am continuing to enjoy it. I started in at the fifth book of the series and, whilst they can all be read as singular books, out of order, I am enjoying reading the novels in sequence. Inmon does not disappoint once again and this was a book that I enjoyed, leaving me keen to read the third one available.
This instalment focuses on the very evil Michael Hollister. Readers are introduced to his character in the previous story, and have a solid foundation of hating him. He really is truly evil! However, Inmon explores the idea of being given a second chance and literally redeeming oneself for previous actions. This is a delightful moral to the story and I believe that the idea of eventual forgiveness creates a positive spin to what begins as a very dark story. And when I say ‘dark’, I mean, extremely dark and bleak. The first few chapters are horrific and I was very surprised to see this total abandonment of what I consider quite a light-hearted read from Inmon. Readers see a black side to Inmon’s writing and the atmosphere created is terrifying. I actually worried that I would not enjoy this book as much because of this morbid opening, but am relieved that I persevered.
Hollister, reincarnated as his eight year-old self, is frustrated with his life and those around him. He barely remembers his childhood yet, his angry, negative thoughts from his previous life still continue to exist within. When he is eventually sent away to a military camp, this marks the shift in Hollister’s attitude and we gradually witness his redemption over many years. Over time, it becomes apparent how Hollister came to behave in the way he did in the previous book and, whilst it is no excuse for this evil attitude, this began to encourage feelings of sympathy and warmth towards the character, particularly as it was clear he was beginning to find happiness at last.
Inmon provides readers with even more of an insight into the “science” of these reincarnations. I relished in these parts of the story because it provided more answers. True, there are still plenty of ambiguities and questions; I hope these are revealed in the next book. However, this adds to the depth of the story and is what saves the series from becoming too repetitive. Coupled with this, is the presence of characters from previous books. Whilst I have yet to encounter Veronica, I delighted in seeing these characters “pass by” in the narrative. It makes all the stories inter-connect and, as the instalments increase, it will be interesting to see if they all continue to appear in the future stories.
I really appreciated the historical references made to global history, as Hollister grows up. Again, this roots the narrative in a particular time period and this made it even more vivid to imagine. Coupled with the futuristic science behind those watching Hollister, I liked the juxtaposition created between the two worlds.
The only element that I can really criticise about this narrative is that fact that whilst Hollister is supposed to be a small, eight year-old boy, it did not seem realistic at all. I failed to imagine this, instead picturing Hollister as around nineteen/twenty years old – more of a young adult than an innocent, lost little boy. I appreciate that he has been reborn and carries with him his mature, “previous life” thoughts, but I do not feel Inmon successfully portrayed this younger character, nor his military brothers around him. True, the boys are forced to grow up at the military camp, but I still felt that there was something missing.
Despite this criticism, I really enjoyed reading this book and I looking forward to discovering the next one in the series. I will see if I can spot other characters once more and it will be interesting to see if the writer can continue making this an original story each time.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This instalment focuses on the very evil Michael Hollister. Readers are introduced to his character in the previous story, and have a solid foundation of hating him. He really is truly evil! However, Inmon explores the idea of being given a second chance and literally redeeming oneself for previous actions. This is a delightful moral to the story and I believe that the idea of eventual forgiveness creates a positive spin to what begins as a very dark story. And when I say ‘dark’, I mean, extremely dark and bleak. The first few chapters are horrific and I was very surprised to see this total abandonment of what I consider quite a light-hearted read from Inmon. Readers see a black side to Inmon’s writing and the atmosphere created is terrifying. I actually worried that I would not enjoy this book as much because of this morbid opening, but am relieved that I persevered.
Hollister, reincarnated as his eight year-old self, is frustrated with his life and those around him. He barely remembers his childhood yet, his angry, negative thoughts from his previous life still continue to exist within. When he is eventually sent away to a military camp, this marks the shift in Hollister’s attitude and we gradually witness his redemption over many years. Over time, it becomes apparent how Hollister came to behave in the way he did in the previous book and, whilst it is no excuse for this evil attitude, this began to encourage feelings of sympathy and warmth towards the character, particularly as it was clear he was beginning to find happiness at last.
Inmon provides readers with even more of an insight into the “science” of these reincarnations. I relished in these parts of the story because it provided more answers. True, there are still plenty of ambiguities and questions; I hope these are revealed in the next book. However, this adds to the depth of the story and is what saves the series from becoming too repetitive. Coupled with this, is the presence of characters from previous books. Whilst I have yet to encounter Veronica, I delighted in seeing these characters “pass by” in the narrative. It makes all the stories inter-connect and, as the instalments increase, it will be interesting to see if they all continue to appear in the future stories.
I really appreciated the historical references made to global history, as Hollister grows up. Again, this roots the narrative in a particular time period and this made it even more vivid to imagine. Coupled with the futuristic science behind those watching Hollister, I liked the juxtaposition created between the two worlds.
The only element that I can really criticise about this narrative is that fact that whilst Hollister is supposed to be a small, eight year-old boy, it did not seem realistic at all. I failed to imagine this, instead picturing Hollister as around nineteen/twenty years old – more of a young adult than an innocent, lost little boy. I appreciate that he has been reborn and carries with him his mature, “previous life” thoughts, but I do not feel Inmon successfully portrayed this younger character, nor his military brothers around him. True, the boys are forced to grow up at the military camp, but I still felt that there was something missing.
Despite this criticism, I really enjoyed reading this book and I looking forward to discovering the next one in the series. I will see if I can spot other characters once more and it will be interesting to see if the writer can continue making this an original story each time.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2022
Holy wow this book is absolutely brilliant. Set up expertly in book 1 you go into this story with a preconceived notion of Michael Hollister but the depth of character made it impossible to hate him.
This also make you think about the age old question of nature vs. nurture. Can the outcome of someone like a serial killer be changed if their childhood circumstances are changed?
I also really enjoyed the continuation of Carrie's story and look forward to hearing more from her. She might just be my favorite character.
Oh one last thing, this book made me cry... TWICE. For me to even get teary eyed is rare let alone double waterworks. Score.
On to book 3!!!
This also make you think about the age old question of nature vs. nurture. Can the outcome of someone like a serial killer be changed if their childhood circumstances are changed?
I also really enjoyed the continuation of Carrie's story and look forward to hearing more from her. She might just be my favorite character.
Oh one last thing, this book made me cry... TWICE. For me to even get teary eyed is rare let alone double waterworks. Score.
On to book 3!!!
January 26, 2020
I didn't think the writing was a good in this one but still a good read nonetheless. I was actually surprised that I ended up liking this one. My friend Shaun predicted that my mind might be changed about Michael by the end and he was right.
I still don't feel warm and fuzzy toward him but I.. don't hate him? I guess is the term.
I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop in one respect for awhile and was relieved when it did.
In the other a familiar face that was present throughout had me puzzled why this person was there. It was fitting in its own strange way I guess. One part later on did have me smiling.
Very vague but can't mention without spoilers
This idea of Time Travel/After Life .. I hope they explore it more because I would love to learn more about the different aspects. Especially
3.5 stars *Read for free with Kindle Unlimited*
I still don't feel warm and fuzzy toward him but I.. don't hate him? I guess is the term.
I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop in one respect for awhile and was relieved when it did.
In the other a familiar face that was present throughout had me puzzled why this person was there. It was fitting in its own strange way I guess. One part later on did have me smiling.
Very vague but can't mention without spoilers
This idea of Time Travel/After Life .. I hope they explore it more because I would love to learn more about the different aspects. Especially
3.5 stars *Read for free with Kindle Unlimited*
January 25, 2022
Even better than the first! This series is such a surprise for me and I look forward to continuing. I love seeing a grown adult trapped in a kid's body, and having them go through the day to day crap kids go through, but knowing that none of it really matters. This book features the antagonist of the first book, who truly does find redemption in a study of nature vs nurture. I can't think of a single thing wrong with it. 5 stars.
May 29, 2019
The grumpus23
Book 2 in the series. Another life reset. This time nature versus nurture. Both books five stars. I am immediately starting book three.
Book 2 in the series. Another life reset. This time nature versus nurture. Both books five stars. I am immediately starting book three.
March 3, 2022
I listened to this audiobook on audible plus, and the narrator does a remarkable job of making each voice unique, seamlessly flowing between characters and narration.
As for the story, much like Inmon says in his afterword--I didn't think anything could redeem Michael Hollister. He was a despicable human being in book 1, and I cheered when he was locked up for good. He got what he deserved.
I was wrong.
Within the very first chapter, somehow, Inmon had me cheering for Michael. What follows is at poignant journey about forgiveness and finding worth in life. Furthermore, the addition of
Usually I have trouble getting into series which switch main characters every book. I also have trouble focusing during audiobooks. This entry into the series has won me over on both counts.
As for the story, much like Inmon says in his afterword--I didn't think anything could redeem Michael Hollister. He was a despicable human being in book 1, and I cheered when he was locked up for good. He got what he deserved.
I was wrong.
Within the very first chapter, somehow, Inmon had me cheering for Michael. What follows is at poignant journey about forgiveness and finding worth in life. Furthermore, the addition of
Usually I have trouble getting into series which switch main characters every book. I also have trouble focusing during audiobooks. This entry into the series has won me over on both counts.
December 17, 2022
After disliking this character so much in the first book, I really enjoyed reading about his redemption in this second book. This was a bad dude, and while he was the result of his own choices… it also has a lot to do with his circumstances/environment.
I’ve always found it interesting to think about the possibilities of life going in a different direction/outcome were it for different choices & decisions made along the way and this book does a great job of showing us that.
I’ve always found it interesting to think about the possibilities of life going in a different direction/outcome were it for different choices & decisions made along the way and this book does a great job of showing us that.
October 14, 2017
The Redemption of Michael Hollister by Shawn Inmon Review
All Michael Hollister wanted was death and so did I!
What he got, was time travel. Convicted of murder, and with nothing left to live for, Michael commits suicide in his jail cell in 1977, then opens his eyes in 1966, in his eight-year-old body, all memories of his previous life intact. His first thoughts are of the dark intentions of his father. When the man who raised him once again tries to do the unthinkable, Michael has a chance to right his childhood's greatest wrong. But, can he do that without becoming a killer all over again? The Redemption of Michael Hollister is the second in the Middle Falls Time Travel series but is a complete novel that can be read without having read the first book - The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver.
What did I like? At the end of The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver, I wanted nothing more than the cruel and unusual punishment of Michael but as this book goes on and without giving away the ending because it is so great that I want you to read it for yourself, he became my favorite character of both books.
What will you like? A weak character that will take on a life that you will never expect, a storyline that will blow your socks off and wonder where the heck that came from but will be cheering! To sum it up you will fall in love with Michael and all that he does in this book. I cried, yelled, laughed and felt the righteous feeling of pride with this book. I truly cannot wait for the next book as each has been so much better than the last. I received this from the author as an advanced reader for an honest review with no other compensation.
All Michael Hollister wanted was death and so did I!
What he got, was time travel. Convicted of murder, and with nothing left to live for, Michael commits suicide in his jail cell in 1977, then opens his eyes in 1966, in his eight-year-old body, all memories of his previous life intact. His first thoughts are of the dark intentions of his father. When the man who raised him once again tries to do the unthinkable, Michael has a chance to right his childhood's greatest wrong. But, can he do that without becoming a killer all over again? The Redemption of Michael Hollister is the second in the Middle Falls Time Travel series but is a complete novel that can be read without having read the first book - The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver.
What did I like? At the end of The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver, I wanted nothing more than the cruel and unusual punishment of Michael but as this book goes on and without giving away the ending because it is so great that I want you to read it for yourself, he became my favorite character of both books.
What will you like? A weak character that will take on a life that you will never expect, a storyline that will blow your socks off and wonder where the heck that came from but will be cheering! To sum it up you will fall in love with Michael and all that he does in this book. I cried, yelled, laughed and felt the righteous feeling of pride with this book. I truly cannot wait for the next book as each has been so much better than the last. I received this from the author as an advanced reader for an honest review with no other compensation.
January 10, 2022
This is book two of the so-far fourteen book Middle Falls Time Travel series. The main character in this second book, Michael Hollister, is the antagonist from the first book, which is why I decided to read on. I had to find out what made this horrible person tick, and how he could possible be redeemed.
I liked this book better than the first book, the redemption was truly worth reading about and satisfying. There were a few happenings in the book that didn't make sense to me, though, and lessened my interest in Michael's story. During the course of the novel he was between eight and eighteen/nineteen and was living this life with full knowledge of his prior lives, world events, etc., but didn't seem to use this knowledge except in excelling in school. Also, his dad was a disgusting individual and sexually abusive to Michael but for some reason Michael didn't feel the need to reveal this horrific criminal behavior to anyone else. Michael decided to get him back in this life by vandalizing one of his beloved personal items. Huh? I just couldn't fathom this. He could've had this dangerous man put away.
Like in the first book there were short interludes with supernatural beings who were monitoring / guiding the lives of the characters. A little bit more was revealed about them in this novel and I'm guessing the purpose and motivations of them will be revealed eventually if I were to continue with the series but for now they were just an uninteresting distraction from the main plot. 2.5 stars.
I liked this book better than the first book, the redemption was truly worth reading about and satisfying. There were a few happenings in the book that didn't make sense to me, though, and lessened my interest in Michael's story. During the course of the novel he was between eight and eighteen/nineteen and was living this life with full knowledge of his prior lives, world events, etc., but didn't seem to use this knowledge except in excelling in school. Also, his dad was a disgusting individual and sexually abusive to Michael but for some reason Michael didn't feel the need to reveal this horrific criminal behavior to anyone else. Michael decided to get him back in this life by vandalizing one of his beloved personal items. Huh? I just couldn't fathom this. He could've had this dangerous man put away.
Like in the first book there were short interludes with supernatural beings who were monitoring / guiding the lives of the characters. A little bit more was revealed about them in this novel and I'm guessing the purpose and motivations of them will be revealed eventually if I were to continue with the series but for now they were just an uninteresting distraction from the main plot. 2.5 stars.
March 21, 2021
Enjoyable....
My 2nd book by this author, and although
much different that the genres I usually read, I am really enjoying this series. In the first book, it is so easy to hate Michael Hollister & his evil ways. When you discover what made him the way he was, while unjustified it is understandable. By the end, you are rooting for him, feeling sorrow at his failures and joy in his victories. An excellent read.
My 2nd book by this author, and although
much different that the genres I usually read, I am really enjoying this series. In the first book, it is so easy to hate Michael Hollister & his evil ways. When you discover what made him the way he was, while unjustified it is understandable. By the end, you are rooting for him, feeling sorrow at his failures and joy in his victories. An excellent read.
June 3, 2019
I think the synopsis of this book says it best: What Michael Hollister wanted was death - what he got was time travel. This is a great story of redemption and how just a few choices can dramatically change a person's life. I loved the themes here - forgiveness, humility, kindness. And Johnathan McClain (one of my favorite narrators) makes this audiobook even better with his amazing talent.
December 20, 2020
I never felt like Micheal was truly challenged in a way that made him confront who he was in his previous life.
July 26, 2024
I’m not one to typically read series books, but I do have several exceptions. I typically don’t read one right after the other, but this week I did just that. After finishing book one in the series I dived up book 2.
The premise is that the main character is reliving his (or her) life over again, but retaining the information learned from the first time. They don’t start as babies, but when there was an “important moment” when things started to change for them, that's the explanation given for when they are "reborn".
In this book the main character is someone carried over from the first book, who was a significant character, Michael Hollister. He was not portrayed as a nice person, quite the opposite. So it was with trepidation that I headed into this book, with the title that contained the word redemption, well figured things would go differently for Michael this time around. And it did.
The book is on the short side, but still I got through it quite fast. I have the third book ready to go but that will have to wait. Not sure how many of these books in the series I will read, but I will at least do the next one. If the next proves to be as the first two have been, then this series may be another exception for me.
Oh, I actually ended up enjoying this book slightly more than the first one, and I was worried. Go figure.
The premise is that the main character is reliving his (or her) life over again, but retaining the information learned from the first time. They don’t start as babies, but when there was an “important moment” when things started to change for them, that's the explanation given for when they are "reborn".
In this book the main character is someone carried over from the first book, who was a significant character, Michael Hollister. He was not portrayed as a nice person, quite the opposite. So it was with trepidation that I headed into this book, with the title that contained the word redemption, well figured things would go differently for Michael this time around. And it did.
The book is on the short side, but still I got through it quite fast. I have the third book ready to go but that will have to wait. Not sure how many of these books in the series I will read, but I will at least do the next one. If the next proves to be as the first two have been, then this series may be another exception for me.
Oh, I actually ended up enjoying this book slightly more than the first one, and I was worried. Go figure.
March 17, 2021
It's been a long time since I pulled an all-nighter with a book. That should tell you something.
Michael Hollister, the antagonist in The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver, is in prison. He's been tried and convicted of various crimes, and he can't handle jail anymore. So, he commits suicide ... and wakes up inside his 8-year-old self.
As was the case with Weaver, Hollister retains his memories ... and decides he's going to set things right. And, as with Weaver, not everything goes to plan. His parents decide he is mentally deranged, and send him to Hartfield Military Academy as both a means of punishment and a way to keep him out of their hair.
The Academy proves to be more than Hollister expects, as he learns how to develop friendships that give him a sense of family that he did not previously possess.
Seeing events that led to first-life Hollister's behavior was hard, but seeing the changes he chose to make in his second life was incredibly satisfying. Redemption is not too strong a word.
While this book is part of a series, it could easily be read as a stand-alone. Highly recommended.
Michael Hollister, the antagonist in The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver, is in prison. He's been tried and convicted of various crimes, and he can't handle jail anymore. So, he commits suicide ... and wakes up inside his 8-year-old self.
As was the case with Weaver, Hollister retains his memories ... and decides he's going to set things right. And, as with Weaver, not everything goes to plan. His parents decide he is mentally deranged, and send him to Hartfield Military Academy as both a means of punishment and a way to keep him out of their hair.
The Academy proves to be more than Hollister expects, as he learns how to develop friendships that give him a sense of family that he did not previously possess.
Seeing events that led to first-life Hollister's behavior was hard, but seeing the changes he chose to make in his second life was incredibly satisfying. Redemption is not too strong a word.
While this book is part of a series, it could easily be read as a stand-alone. Highly recommended.
December 31, 2022
I'm very stingy with my star ratings and rarely give out 5 starts but this was pretty close for me. I did not anticipate enjoying this one that much after finally starting this series earlier this month.
I'm a bit of time travel junkie...of books that is. I don't actually do any time travelling...or do I? This series has been on my radar for quite some time and I finally started it. The audio books are free on Audible and fairly short listens, or the first two have been so far. I won't be waiting as long to delve into book 3.
I'm a bit of time travel junkie...of books that is. I don't actually do any time travelling...or do I? This series has been on my radar for quite some time and I finally started it. The audio books are free on Audible and fairly short listens, or the first two have been so far. I won't be waiting as long to delve into book 3.
March 6, 2022
This was not as good as the first book in some respects and a lot better in others. I think I will really love this series if the author continues to create very different stories based on the same principle.
This book was surprisingly emotional. Never thought someone could totally change my mind about a character and in such a convincing way too.
I am super happy I stumbled onto this series.
This book was surprisingly emotional. Never thought someone could totally change my mind about a character and in such a convincing way too.
I am super happy I stumbled onto this series.
January 1, 2023
I wasn't sure how Michael Hollister could be redeemed, but this worked.
January 28, 2023
After the first few chapters, I put this book down due to the amount of darkness. I decided to read some reviews and was informed that there would be some incredible redemption. I went back to the book and I’m so glad I did. What a good story.
May 21, 2023
Such a HUGE improvement from the first book. I didn’t think it possible to redeem one of the previous characters from the first book. Yet, not only was his second+ life interesting, it was fabulous. There were a few bumps along the way, but he overcame his horrible early childhood and forgave himself and those who had mistreated him. I’m so glad I stuck with the series.
December 23, 2017
This book is being billed as the second in the “Middle Falls Time Travel series.” The first, The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver, had as its protagonist a character who died and found himself in a new life, kind of. He’d wake up as the same person, taken back in time to when he was a kid, but with all the knowledge of what he’d done in his past life or lives. Maybe a better term would be a “do over.” In that book Thomas had a classmate, Michael Hollister. If you’ve read the book you’ll know Michael wasn’t a very nice person. In fact, he was Oregon’s most prolific serial killer.
With that introduction to Michael you might wonder how he could possibly redeem himself. But when Michael finds a way to “end it all” while in prison, then wakes up in his boyhood bed in his boyhood home he’s smart enough to recognize the chance he’s been given. That’s the easy part. The hard part is figuring out what to do differently this time around.
The author does a masterful job of taking a character that was irredeemable to those who read the prior book and somehow redeeming him. Not excusing him for the crimes he committed in his past life, but helping us to understand how he got to that point and drawing us into the story so that we were pulling for Michael to find a different path for his life the next time around. The premise of the books in this series of being given another chance is an interesting mind exercise that makes for entertaining books. Well done, Mr. Inmon.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
With that introduction to Michael you might wonder how he could possibly redeem himself. But when Michael finds a way to “end it all” while in prison, then wakes up in his boyhood bed in his boyhood home he’s smart enough to recognize the chance he’s been given. That’s the easy part. The hard part is figuring out what to do differently this time around.
The author does a masterful job of taking a character that was irredeemable to those who read the prior book and somehow redeeming him. Not excusing him for the crimes he committed in his past life, but helping us to understand how he got to that point and drawing us into the story so that we were pulling for Michael to find a different path for his life the next time around. The premise of the books in this series of being given another chance is an interesting mind exercise that makes for entertaining books. Well done, Mr. Inmon.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
June 1, 2018
I really, really, really didn't want to like this. I was introduced to Michael in the first Middle Falls Time Travel Novel and hated him. He was an animal abuser, and he was destined to become one of America's worst serial killers.
All that changed when he killed himself in prison for killing a young woman who was on her 12th or 13th life, trying to get things right. He woke up the next day not as the high school graduate teen he was, but as the 8-year-old boy he had been. How he goes about changing himself and his course throughout history actually made me cheer for him and want him to do better.
I am so impressed with this series. I've also completed the third offering about Dominick Davidner (another awesome story), and am so looking forward to the other 2 or 3 or 45 ahead, however many Shawn Inmon decides to write.
I highly, highly recommend this book, and the whole series, to everybody ... no matter how old or which life you're on.
All that changed when he killed himself in prison for killing a young woman who was on her 12th or 13th life, trying to get things right. He woke up the next day not as the high school graduate teen he was, but as the 8-year-old boy he had been. How he goes about changing himself and his course throughout history actually made me cheer for him and want him to do better.
I am so impressed with this series. I've also completed the third offering about Dominick Davidner (another awesome story), and am so looking forward to the other 2 or 3 or 45 ahead, however many Shawn Inmon decides to write.
I highly, highly recommend this book, and the whole series, to everybody ... no matter how old or which life you're on.
September 25, 2018
My only real issue with this book was that Michael's path to redemption didn't feel believable. It wasn't a slow progression at all. He appeared to go from a psychopathic killer to a decent, respectable human being, almost immediately after murdering his abusive father 20+ times with a kitchen knife. From that point on, he appears to have no sick, twisted, evil urges. He's content to sit in a treehouse to watch TV and read books. At the military academy, he's a model student from the get-go. He's respectful, obedient, and sticking up for his fellow classmates.
I may not understand how his personality and behaviors changed so drastically, so quickly, with no reasonable explanation, but I still didn't let that stop me from enjoying the book. Hollister's story was just as fun and exciting as Thomas Weaver's, and I'm really looking forward to reading Dominick Davidner's story in the next book of the series.
I may not understand how his personality and behaviors changed so drastically, so quickly, with no reasonable explanation, but I still didn't let that stop me from enjoying the book. Hollister's story was just as fun and exciting as Thomas Weaver's, and I'm really looking forward to reading Dominick Davidner's story in the next book of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2022
Notes:
Books 1-12 Currently on Audible Plus
Yay! I enjoyed this book too. It was an appropriately dark story with character development. The main arc was good. It would have been more than a good popcorn read if the story was allowed to develop a bit more. It was more like a series of well established summaries with personal touches. Couple of very well established side characters made the main two stand out well.
Another fun BR with friends!
Books 1-12 Currently on Audible Plus
Yay! I enjoyed this book too. It was an appropriately dark story with character development. The main arc was good. It would have been more than a good popcorn read if the story was allowed to develop a bit more. It was more like a series of well established summaries with personal touches. Couple of very well established side characters made the main two stand out well.
Another fun BR with friends!
February 14, 2022
I went into this not believing.. ah...the title of the book. I was pleasantly surprised. The book even managed to have me re-evaluate my feelings on redemption and forgiveness. Looking forward to continue with the series.
October 11, 2019
I'm normally not a fan of the stories where folks loop again and again through time, each time changing things to suit their circumstances until they finally get out of it. However, recently, I've discovered at least two books, (well, one besides this one) that handled the story arc pretty well, and may have me rethinking my stance on such stories. I liked this one, and I think I'm going to seek out other books in this series, as I believe this author does an admirable job of making this particular subgenre work, and work well.
January 23, 2018
The first part of the book is emotionally disturbing with all the violence and the psychopath behavior of Michael. The story turns in an average book about the reformation of a killer into a young boy/man in military school. In the end, Michael is able to turn his life into something respectable. The time-traveling recycling plays little in the book except the very beginning. A continuation of an OK series.
July 10, 2020
Having enjoyed the first in the Middle Falls series, about Thomas Weaver, I hoped I would like the Michael Hollister (who features in the tale of Thomas Weaver) story. Like? I loved it. Having come across him before he is offered a chance to change his future life. Not as easy as it sounds when you return to your eight years old self, but with the knowledge of your previous lifetime. Challenging time for young Michael and the trip makes an excellent novel.
Ray Smillie
Ray Smillie
August 14, 2021
Two of these novels was enough
Read the Thomas Weaver novel first and only picked this out to see the conclusion of Michael's story arch. Meh. It was an ok read and I finished it quickly enough, but I see no reason to go any further into another eight novels of this. Light read if you are so inclined.
Read the Thomas Weaver novel first and only picked this out to see the conclusion of Michael's story arch. Meh. It was an ok read and I finished it quickly enough, but I see no reason to go any further into another eight novels of this. Light read if you are so inclined.
June 30, 2019
Not as good as his first book. Just not as much of interest in this one. The character, through no work of his own, lived an entirely different life. Some redemption, and a much better life, but I was disappointed
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