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Cast in Time #6
Duke
An Engineer finds himself in an Alternate reality, Cornwall, in the year 715 A.D. He awakens in the body of a young Baron.
James Fletcher continues on his world conquest. He has realized that nothing short of world domination will allow him to live in peace. No matter how he expands the new neighbors will covet his goods and lands.
Now it is Italy that is being conquered while James is doing a grand tour of all his territories. With heavier than aircraft it is smooth sailing, well almost.
Continue on with this wild ride through the eighth century.
James Fletcher continues on his world conquest. He has realized that nothing short of world domination will allow him to live in peace. No matter how he expands the new neighbors will covet his goods and lands.
Now it is Italy that is being conquered while James is doing a grand tour of all his territories. With heavier than aircraft it is smooth sailing, well almost.
Continue on with this wild ride through the eighth century.
- GenresFantasy
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2025
368 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 1, 2025
Good story , needs editing
This book was a good addition to the series, as far as story is concerned. I enjoyed the advancement in Empire building and technology. However, this edition lacked the finished polish of the other books. There were many instances of both spelling and grammar errors or just plain wrong word usage, which would have been rare in the previous books. I pre-ordered this book because I am a fan of the series but I am disappointed with the result. I gave it three stars only because of the story. I hope the author does another addition with a lot of editing.
This book was a good addition to the series, as far as story is concerned. I enjoyed the advancement in Empire building and technology. However, this edition lacked the finished polish of the other books. There were many instances of both spelling and grammar errors or just plain wrong word usage, which would have been rare in the previous books. I pre-ordered this book because I am a fan of the series but I am disappointed with the result. I gave it three stars only because of the story. I hope the author does another addition with a lot of editing.
January 30, 2025
poor editing and proof reading
This is a disappointing book after so many superb books by this author. It needs to be strongly proof read, edited, and have chapters of detailed information that are irrelevant to the story deleted. It is a shame.
This is a disappointing book after so many superb books by this author. It needs to be strongly proof read, edited, and have chapters of detailed information that are irrelevant to the story deleted. It is a shame.
January 30, 2025
Not worth the time
No evidence of editing or proofreading. There is no possible excuse for something this poorly done. Some of the earlier books in this series were interesting, but not this one.
No evidence of editing or proofreading. There is no possible excuse for something this poorly done. Some of the earlier books in this series were interesting, but not this one.
January 31, 2025
formatting and general story layout
The formatting of this book could hardly be worse.
Random page breaks and bad text color along with changing of the colors used is frankly unexceptionable.
More over the story itself felt very phoned in.
Large diatribes going over random bits of how things work/ are built for pages.
Little to no dialogue and very little present tense. Almost all of it is written as if the main character was writing down what had happened years ago but in a fresh diary. Along with that there would be constant time jumps where we would get project updates many years in advance making the whole timing of the story feel off kilter.
I was a fan of the original books but I fear that this is the last in the series I will read.
The formatting of this book could hardly be worse.
Random page breaks and bad text color along with changing of the colors used is frankly unexceptionable.
More over the story itself felt very phoned in.
Large diatribes going over random bits of how things work/ are built for pages.
Little to no dialogue and very little present tense. Almost all of it is written as if the main character was writing down what had happened years ago but in a fresh diary. Along with that there would be constant time jumps where we would get project updates many years in advance making the whole timing of the story feel off kilter.
I was a fan of the original books but I fear that this is the last in the series I will read.
February 1, 2025
Love the series but …
I don’t know who did the proofreading but they should be fired. There are so many errors that in places it was almost unreadable! I hope they will have someone correct these. I have anticipated this book for a while and now I don’t know if I will spend the effort to follow the author. Very sad.
I don’t know who did the proofreading but they should be fired. There are so many errors that in places it was almost unreadable! I hope they will have someone correct these. I have anticipated this book for a while and now I don’t know if I will spend the effort to follow the author. Very sad.
January 31, 2025
Somewhat disappointing
You can see the brilliance of the earlier books, but the typos and irregular type color are very distracting. And the ending is abrupt. It doesn't end so much as just stop.
You can see the brilliance of the earlier books, but the typos and irregular type color are very distracting. And the ending is abrupt. It doesn't end so much as just stop.
March 10, 2025
An OK read.
February 9, 2025
Unreadable
I enjoyed this series until this volume. Beginning with the well-written technical description of powered flight the story descends into a review by the author of his technical expertise in describing twenty-first century manufacturing techniques. It is simply ridiculous to believe that from books or one teacher his medieval artisans will be able to FIND, EXTRACT, REFINE, and FABRICATE metals and components that are necessary for making the sensors, alloys, and chemical forms that are necessary "just" for the instruments and navigation and the motor of a complex machine like a Piper Cub. This is the conceit of a good engineer, that raw material supply and manufacturing chains are unimportant. The terms to be invented, the materials to be made, the techniques of fabrication and the construction of workshops to build factories, and the limited ability of technologically illiterate craftsmen to work together make this boring. Oh, and there was no "Italy" until the nineteenth century, but I digress. This one stinks.
I enjoyed this series until this volume. Beginning with the well-written technical description of powered flight the story descends into a review by the author of his technical expertise in describing twenty-first century manufacturing techniques. It is simply ridiculous to believe that from books or one teacher his medieval artisans will be able to FIND, EXTRACT, REFINE, and FABRICATE metals and components that are necessary for making the sensors, alloys, and chemical forms that are necessary "just" for the instruments and navigation and the motor of a complex machine like a Piper Cub. This is the conceit of a good engineer, that raw material supply and manufacturing chains are unimportant. The terms to be invented, the materials to be made, the techniques of fabrication and the construction of workshops to build factories, and the limited ability of technologically illiterate craftsmen to work together make this boring. Oh, and there was no "Italy" until the nineteenth century, but I digress. This one stinks.
February 6, 2025
Boring
I am starting to feel like the author is taking his readers for granted. This book was an enormous waste of time and I finished it just because I enjoyed the first 3 or 4 books in the series. It almost feels like the author is running out of ideas and is just putting random stuff together as page fillers. There is no progression through the story, it just randomly jumps around without completing a story arc or developing any story line that for me could be carried through to the next book. And not to talk of all the pages of technical specifications that has no place in a story like this. Pages and pages... What an utter waste of time!
I am starting to feel like the author is taking his readers for granted. This book was an enormous waste of time and I finished it just because I enjoyed the first 3 or 4 books in the series. It almost feels like the author is running out of ideas and is just putting random stuff together as page fillers. There is no progression through the story, it just randomly jumps around without completing a story arc or developing any story line that for me could be carried through to the next book. And not to talk of all the pages of technical specifications that has no place in a story like this. Pages and pages... What an utter waste of time!
July 21, 2025
When did the MC get so annoying?
I had been enjoying this series, but I don’t know if I just had to much of it, or the minor issues with the MC just were more prominent in this one. Made it about 70% through and just didn’t care if I finished it. Mostly the MC’s personally, just not appealing to me. His family treats him like a joke, no respect, and he is just kinda lame. Worse, he doesn’t care. His daughter is running around hooking up with anyone and everyone, and he claims to care, but doesn’t do anything. Caves on anything when having a disagreement with his wife, doesn’t matter if his daughter heart gets ripped to shreds, he just goes with the flow. Nothing about his personal life seems to match his supposed military background. I get that this might be considered normal behavior for some, but it just comes across to me as a weak man with no self respect.
Well, that’s my rant, the rest of the story is similar to previous books in the series, nothing new or exciting, just a natural progression building on what came before. New places, wars, and inventions, as you’d likely suspect by this point in the series.
I had been enjoying this series, but I don’t know if I just had to much of it, or the minor issues with the MC just were more prominent in this one. Made it about 70% through and just didn’t care if I finished it. Mostly the MC’s personally, just not appealing to me. His family treats him like a joke, no respect, and he is just kinda lame. Worse, he doesn’t care. His daughter is running around hooking up with anyone and everyone, and he claims to care, but doesn’t do anything. Caves on anything when having a disagreement with his wife, doesn’t matter if his daughter heart gets ripped to shreds, he just goes with the flow. Nothing about his personal life seems to match his supposed military background. I get that this might be considered normal behavior for some, but it just comes across to me as a weak man with no self respect.
Well, that’s my rant, the rest of the story is similar to previous books in the series, nothing new or exciting, just a natural progression building on what came before. New places, wars, and inventions, as you’d likely suspect by this point in the series.
February 5, 2025
Generally good
Alternate universe, base building, administration, expansion
James continues to use his alternate history and eidetic memory to give his Cornish kingdom advances. As their weapons of war, standard of living, and entertainments vastly outpace their neighbors, some surrender to reap the benefits of moving from early feudal to early twentieth century technology. At times it devolves into a technology primer. More friends have fallen away, with only Lady Agnes of the Grey Ladies integral to absorbing any new territory being mentioned with any regularity, but she and they interact only indirectly. The archbishop and Baron Steel aren't even mentioned, it's just "friends" when he goes to Owen-nap to visit.
The system of expansion is well integrated, and sanitation, clean water, roads, and rail are added. It's mostly James Eleanor, Cathy, and Doug and their travel through conquered territories. At least he's trying to take steps for the future.
Above average editing.
Alternate universe, base building, administration, expansion
James continues to use his alternate history and eidetic memory to give his Cornish kingdom advances. As their weapons of war, standard of living, and entertainments vastly outpace their neighbors, some surrender to reap the benefits of moving from early feudal to early twentieth century technology. At times it devolves into a technology primer. More friends have fallen away, with only Lady Agnes of the Grey Ladies integral to absorbing any new territory being mentioned with any regularity, but she and they interact only indirectly. The archbishop and Baron Steel aren't even mentioned, it's just "friends" when he goes to Owen-nap to visit.
The system of expansion is well integrated, and sanitation, clean water, roads, and rail are added. It's mostly James Eleanor, Cathy, and Doug and their travel through conquered territories. At least he's trying to take steps for the future.
Above average editing.
January 31, 2025
I gave this book 2 stars, and in some ways I think that I was generous. It is a lot of work to write a book, so I honor that. I enjoyed the first few books in this series, but, even though they were very dry in some ways, but as time has gone on they have been getting dryer and dryer, except for being told in the first person they read like history books, with just as little emotion. Just in the first few pages the protagonist moves populations around like chess pieces, sends people to be slaves, destroys a city and practically salts the ground, just to make a point when a city revolts. That could still be a story of sorts except it is told and done with absolutely no emotion at all. The protagonist has become a monster. I am afraid that I could not finish the book, and will not be continuing the series.
January 31, 2025
This one reads like a report
I’ve enjoyed the other books, but this one is just a litany of top level things the engineer accomplished, with no character input or interest in it. I fought my way through to 40% and gave up. It also was ridiculously impossible - not so much conquering everyone, but then taking all these nations essentially into the 21 century. Aircraft, movies, radio and in 2 decades? And getting everyone happily embracing it all? Cultures and nations don’t change that rapidly. I won’t read any more of this series; I could not suspend my disbelief enough….
I’ve enjoyed the other books, but this one is just a litany of top level things the engineer accomplished, with no character input or interest in it. I fought my way through to 40% and gave up. It also was ridiculously impossible - not so much conquering everyone, but then taking all these nations essentially into the 21 century. Aircraft, movies, radio and in 2 decades? And getting everyone happily embracing it all? Cultures and nations don’t change that rapidly. I won’t read any more of this series; I could not suspend my disbelief enough….
February 2, 2025
This book was apparently edited by autocorrect, and formatted by a random number generator. There are three major info dumps (airplane design, different types of solenoids, African tourist destinations) that read like corporate reports and don’t move the story much. The main character has gotten pretty casual about death sentences = both hangings and nobody-survives-their-sentence forced labor. I think I’m done with this series. Too bad, the previous five books were a pretty good Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court style adventure.
February 2, 2025
What happened to this series?!?
As my Oma used to say, "Mein Gott, was für eine Droge hat dieser Typ genommen?". I guess I should have known something was up when this volume wasn't on Kindle Unlimited. This whole book felt like I was reading the output from a first-generation AI cobbling a rambling narrative together from Wikipedia, Bollywood gangster pictures, Sim City, and Mrs. Kraus' 1st grade remedial art class. I will be dropping future editions of the series from my reading list. So sad.
As my Oma used to say, "Mein Gott, was für eine Droge hat dieser Typ genommen?". I guess I should have known something was up when this volume wasn't on Kindle Unlimited. This whole book felt like I was reading the output from a first-generation AI cobbling a rambling narrative together from Wikipedia, Bollywood gangster pictures, Sim City, and Mrs. Kraus' 1st grade remedial art class. I will be dropping future editions of the series from my reading list. So sad.
January 31, 2025
Oh baby! Ed, you wonderful man.
This has been the best 'modern man in the past' story I've read since Fostering Faust.
This text was rough, but with a good story alot can be forgiven.
Some of the technical jargon was a bit much only. I feel the author could have used a brief summary, then put all the technical specifications in the back with the boiler plate.
Overall, gonna buy the paperbacks for my little library, and highlight all my favorite parts.
This has been the best 'modern man in the past' story I've read since Fostering Faust.
This text was rough, but with a good story alot can be forgiven.
Some of the technical jargon was a bit much only. I feel the author could have used a brief summary, then put all the technical specifications in the back with the boiler plate.
Overall, gonna buy the paperbacks for my little library, and highlight all my favorite parts.
February 1, 2025
Fun read but desperate need of editing.
A continuation of the series taking us to incorporation of all of Western Europe but presented as first I did this then I did this and then this with a bit of family life and adventure thrown in. Many malapropisms, disordered sentences, and incorrect words (usually homonyms but frequent their vs there). Nevertheless I did enjoy enough to finish. Not sure I'll continue.
A continuation of the series taking us to incorporation of all of Western Europe but presented as first I did this then I did this and then this with a bit of family life and adventure thrown in. Many malapropisms, disordered sentences, and incorrect words (usually homonyms but frequent their vs there). Nevertheless I did enjoy enough to finish. Not sure I'll continue.
February 1, 2025
Wonderful edition to the series!
The 6th book in this series was mostly very fun to read. I'm looking forward to the next book. As the problems keep getting bigger, so do the solutions. Can't wait to see how the development of Africa and the Americas go on. Also something needs to be done about the eastern part of Europe.
Hopefully it will not be too long until the next book comes out.
The 6th book in this series was mostly very fun to read. I'm looking forward to the next book. As the problems keep getting bigger, so do the solutions. Can't wait to see how the development of Africa and the Americas go on. Also something needs to be done about the eastern part of Europe.
Hopefully it will not be too long until the next book comes out.
February 1, 2025
worn out theme
The previous books in the series have been interesting , with a mix of adventure & science & engineering. However have been in the library they were free. Book 6 was too much listing .... tourist spots of the world and detailed engineering notes on aerodynamics & electric motors to name a few . I think Ed has run out of ideas now he has a military 500 years ahead of the rest of the world.
The previous books in the series have been interesting , with a mix of adventure & science & engineering. However have been in the library they were free. Book 6 was too much listing .... tourist spots of the world and detailed engineering notes on aerodynamics & electric motors to name a few . I think Ed has run out of ideas now he has a military 500 years ahead of the rest of the world.
February 10, 2025
I’m not entirely sure why, but I still quite enjoy these books. The series is marketed as an alternative History, but it has become pure Fantasy. The advance in technology is already ridiculous, but James then decides to build the Panama Canal and his main concern is that he makes it big enough so he can make his ships bigger than an Iowa Class Battleship.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
February 17, 2025
Reads more like a technical manual
Again, kudos to anyone with the balls to publish his own stories...but...
As an engineer, I enjoy it but am not sure how others would. Also, in my opinion, in a medieval society, he has assumed way to many advances in a short 21 years time span. I guess i have to suspend my disbelief.
It's a fast bathroom read, still entertaining, and thank God for small favors, no grammar mistakes.
Again, kudos to anyone with the balls to publish his own stories...but...
As an engineer, I enjoy it but am not sure how others would. Also, in my opinion, in a medieval society, he has assumed way to many advances in a short 21 years time span. I guess i have to suspend my disbelief.
It's a fast bathroom read, still entertaining, and thank God for small favors, no grammar mistakes.
April 28, 2025
needs editing
Last part reads more like a travel bucket list then novel. In the middle of this book, we get into obsessive detail on a couple of technical topics. Well, this genre of cross time engineer leans into important scientific knowledge, there is a point where it becomes over much.
All in all, I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first few, but I would still read the next one to see where the story goes.
Last part reads more like a travel bucket list then novel. In the middle of this book, we get into obsessive detail on a couple of technical topics. Well, this genre of cross time engineer leans into important scientific knowledge, there is a point where it becomes over much.
All in all, I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first few, but I would still read the next one to see where the story goes.
January 31, 2025
Not his best storytelling
The storytelling was the biggest drop off for me, it was not as engaging as previous books. The need for long explanations of scientific and/or engineering esoterica had me skipping pages.
The editing and formatting was a fairly large issue that was not nearly as present in prior works.
The storytelling was the biggest drop off for me, it was not as engaging as previous books. The need for long explanations of scientific and/or engineering esoterica had me skipping pages.
The editing and formatting was a fairly large issue that was not nearly as present in prior works.
February 4, 2025
Was looking forward to this one. What a colossal waste of time. Blood disappointed.
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
February 5, 2025
Terrible.
Is the author Ed Nelson trolling us? Did someone else wrote this book? I have read the whole series, and this book verry different than previuos books.
The moment I read in chapter 20 that they where using silk SPIDERS cocoons to make silk I knew there where problems. Then they use a esperimental plane to fly over the Atlantic Ocean that runs out of fuel over the Amazon jungle and not only survive but are easely rescued.
Then the duke's elder daughter hooks with a guy who is going to marry other girl. Does she not have security? The more unrealistic is that the Duke does not kill him, when the guy tells him that she is not that good in bed.
So many other things but I will stop here.
Sorry for the rant. I am really angry.
Is the author Ed Nelson trolling us? Did someone else wrote this book? I have read the whole series, and this book verry different than previuos books.
The moment I read in chapter 20 that they where using silk SPIDERS cocoons to make silk I knew there where problems. Then they use a esperimental plane to fly over the Atlantic Ocean that runs out of fuel over the Amazon jungle and not only survive but are easely rescued.
Then the duke's elder daughter hooks with a guy who is going to marry other girl. Does she not have security? The more unrealistic is that the Duke does not kill him, when the guy tells him that she is not that good in bed.
So many other things but I will stop here.
Sorry for the rant. I am really angry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2025
Seems a bit rushed
This book needs major editing and formatting work. The story line remains the same as the first five books. Seems to be much less human interaction and more travelogue in this book.
This book needs major editing and formatting work. The story line remains the same as the first five books. Seems to be much less human interaction and more travelogue in this book.
February 1, 2025
Excellent
Another fine installment in the Cast in Time series. I love the premise of the 20th century mind in the 8th century. It creates so many wonderful dichotomies! I already anticipate the next!
Another fine installment in the Cast in Time series. I love the premise of the 20th century mind in the 8th century. It creates so many wonderful dichotomies! I already anticipate the next!
February 2, 2025
not ready for release - needs more proofreading
I can handle spelling mistakes but there are too many errors of grammar or simply sentences not being correct that I am finding it quite hard to read
I can handle spelling mistakes but there are too many errors of grammar or simply sentences not being correct that I am finding it quite hard to read
February 3, 2025
Entertaining Read
The Duke continues to introduce new technologies and refine ones in use. He expands his conquests to provide a safe world for his family. I like the action, humor, results of technology introduction, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
The Duke continues to introduce new technologies and refine ones in use. He expands his conquests to provide a safe world for his family. I like the action, humor, results of technology introduction, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
February 6, 2025
Wtf
This felt like it was written by some one else. I loved the first 5 books, this one not so much. The editor/ proofreader must have gone on strike! I have all the books this author has on Amazon and this is the only one I dislike.
This felt like it was written by some one else. I loved the first 5 books, this one not so much. The editor/ proofreader must have gone on strike! I have all the books this author has on Amazon and this is the only one I dislike.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews