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Tomorrow Was Beautiful Once
Jack can only choose one future…
2150 – time travel has accelerated climate change and set humanity on the brink of destruction. As a Person of Mixed Era Origin with the ability to recall parallel versions of time, British historian, Jack Elliot, seems the perfect candidate to travel to the past and prevent the advent of time travel.
The catch? Success means Jack will cease to exist.
Critically injured when he arrives in the past, Jack’s life is saved by Maddie, a second-generation immigrant and resistance fighter, who mistakenly believes he’s connected to the disappearance of her sister, Suraya.
Jack’s denial soon unravels with the discovery that Suraya can lead him to his father – the man who robbed him of his mother – and that they are all searching for the inventor of time technology.
What begins as a fragile alliance soon puts their feelings and their missions to the test. Jack’s won’t be the only life affected by his sacrifice, but does he have the right to decide who should live and who should die – and will it be worth it for the futures he and Maddie hope to create?
In this impressive first novel, Amy Orrell creates a credible theory and practice for time travel where various factions try to manipulate time for their own benefit, and the fate of the human race. Clever and absorbing. – Mike Ashley, Hugo nominated author and editor, and winner of the Pilgrim Award for lifetime achievement in science fiction scholarship
2150 – time travel has accelerated climate change and set humanity on the brink of destruction. As a Person of Mixed Era Origin with the ability to recall parallel versions of time, British historian, Jack Elliot, seems the perfect candidate to travel to the past and prevent the advent of time travel.
The catch? Success means Jack will cease to exist.
Critically injured when he arrives in the past, Jack’s life is saved by Maddie, a second-generation immigrant and resistance fighter, who mistakenly believes he’s connected to the disappearance of her sister, Suraya.
Jack’s denial soon unravels with the discovery that Suraya can lead him to his father – the man who robbed him of his mother – and that they are all searching for the inventor of time technology.
What begins as a fragile alliance soon puts their feelings and their missions to the test. Jack’s won’t be the only life affected by his sacrifice, but does he have the right to decide who should live and who should die – and will it be worth it for the futures he and Maddie hope to create?
In this impressive first novel, Amy Orrell creates a credible theory and practice for time travel where various factions try to manipulate time for their own benefit, and the fate of the human race. Clever and absorbing. – Mike Ashley, Hugo nominated author and editor, and winner of the Pilgrim Award for lifetime achievement in science fiction scholarship
435 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2025
1 person is currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Amy Orrell
1 book7 followersAmy grew up in a family of artists and writers where discussions about dragons and leprechauns flowed into debates on the existence of extraterrestrial life or the probability of time travel.
Painting was Amy’s first artistic calling — her artworks focused on narrative art — but the complexity of the stories she wanted to tell demanded something more, and naturally led her to writing.
Amy likes to write thought-provoking science fiction, fantasy and thrillers, delving into her characters’ emotional lives whilst delivering fast-paced thrills, twists, and turns.
In pursuit of balance, Amy also writes Motherland meets Bridget Jones style rom-coms, because it’s important to laugh, even if it’s at yourself.
Amy lives in Norwich, in the East of England (which, contrary to popular opinion, is not flat) with her husband, two children and writer’s support cat.
Painting was Amy’s first artistic calling — her artworks focused on narrative art — but the complexity of the stories she wanted to tell demanded something more, and naturally led her to writing.
Amy likes to write thought-provoking science fiction, fantasy and thrillers, delving into her characters’ emotional lives whilst delivering fast-paced thrills, twists, and turns.
In pursuit of balance, Amy also writes Motherland meets Bridget Jones style rom-coms, because it’s important to laugh, even if it’s at yourself.
Amy lives in Norwich, in the East of England (which, contrary to popular opinion, is not flat) with her husband, two children and writer’s support cat.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 18, 2025
Review originally on JamReads
Tomorrow Was Beautiful Once is a Sci-Fi novel written by Amy Orrell, and published by Elsewhen Press. A smart and clever storyline that makes an excellent use of timetravel and changes in possible timelines to weave a compelling plot which also tackles over some current problems such as climate change, inequality and how technology is used in favour of the money.
Jack, as a Person of Mixed Era Origin, is the perfect candidate to travel to the past and prevent the invention of time travel, which has accelerated problems such as climate change; however, success means his death. After a difficult landing in the past, Jack is saved by Maddie, a resistance fighter and whose sister, Suraya, is disappeared; soon Jack discovers Suraya can lead him towards his father, starting a fragile alliance with Maddie while they look to find and destroy the time travel technology. All their effort are put towards creating a better future even if that means sacrifices.
While Jack is the main character, and honestly, having to take a decission as difficult as his results in a great narrative device, I couldn't avoid getting sucked into Maddie's arc; not only we have a fierce and brave female character, refugee in a country that despises immigration, but how she's fighting against everything just to keep her younger sister safe. It is really interesting to see how Jack doubts about what he should do to get the best possible timeline, and how Orrell twists it even more to play with the morale dilemma in the most intense section of this book.
Time travel is a difficult beast to tackle in many stories, but I think Orrell has achieved a smart solution to avoid plotholes; the future changes, but most of people can't perceive it, and only people of Mixed Era Origins can sense those changes. Using this kind of Sci-Fi story, we also have an opportunity to examine some current themes such as climate change and the immigration movements that are created as a result of it, the rise of far-right ideologies and how capital puts benefits over keeping the enviroment.
Tomorrow Was Beautiful Once is a great Sci-Fi novel, a fast-paced story perfect if you want a compelling and well-written proposal about time travel, thought-provoking moral dilemmas and excellent characters. A great debut for Amy Orrell.
Tomorrow Was Beautiful Once is a Sci-Fi novel written by Amy Orrell, and published by Elsewhen Press. A smart and clever storyline that makes an excellent use of timetravel and changes in possible timelines to weave a compelling plot which also tackles over some current problems such as climate change, inequality and how technology is used in favour of the money.
Jack, as a Person of Mixed Era Origin, is the perfect candidate to travel to the past and prevent the invention of time travel, which has accelerated problems such as climate change; however, success means his death. After a difficult landing in the past, Jack is saved by Maddie, a resistance fighter and whose sister, Suraya, is disappeared; soon Jack discovers Suraya can lead him towards his father, starting a fragile alliance with Maddie while they look to find and destroy the time travel technology. All their effort are put towards creating a better future even if that means sacrifices.
While Jack is the main character, and honestly, having to take a decission as difficult as his results in a great narrative device, I couldn't avoid getting sucked into Maddie's arc; not only we have a fierce and brave female character, refugee in a country that despises immigration, but how she's fighting against everything just to keep her younger sister safe. It is really interesting to see how Jack doubts about what he should do to get the best possible timeline, and how Orrell twists it even more to play with the morale dilemma in the most intense section of this book.
Time travel is a difficult beast to tackle in many stories, but I think Orrell has achieved a smart solution to avoid plotholes; the future changes, but most of people can't perceive it, and only people of Mixed Era Origins can sense those changes. Using this kind of Sci-Fi story, we also have an opportunity to examine some current themes such as climate change and the immigration movements that are created as a result of it, the rise of far-right ideologies and how capital puts benefits over keeping the enviroment.
Tomorrow Was Beautiful Once is a great Sci-Fi novel, a fast-paced story perfect if you want a compelling and well-written proposal about time travel, thought-provoking moral dilemmas and excellent characters. A great debut for Amy Orrell.
April 4, 2025
A pacy, intelligent sci-fi thriller with high stakes, set in London in two time periods. Jack Elliot, a British historian, is tasked with travelling back from the 2150s to the 2070s in order to prevent the invention of time travel, which has exacerbated climate change. But there’s a catch — he is a cronod, a person of mixed era origins, so this might well mean he ceases to exist. The novel, based on a smart idea, is well written and buzzes with momentum from the get go. Both lead characters, Jack and Maddie, are brave and empathetic. Plenty of topical issues — such as the rise of the far right and the demonisation of migrants — are explored but never in a way that eclipses the story being told. Highly recommended.
April 3, 2025
Oooh where to begin?! Firstly thank you so much Amy Orrell and Elsewhere publishing for sending me a physical ARC. I absolutely loved this book and was gripped from the start - From the witty banter/sense of humour, actually believable time travel and the consequences of said time travel, to the political intrigue and moral dilemmas. One of the best Sci-fi books I've read in a long while.
we have our mmc, Jack, who is of mixed era origin and tasked with preventing timetrivel even if it means his destruction, but along the way he learns important information, meets new people and has to decide which actions to take and the pressure of making the right decisions and if he Is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for a better world?
Time travel has always been tricky for me to read because it always feels like 'it just doesn't make sense', however Amy has covered all aspects of time travel,the logic and rationalto make it really make sense and you feel as though this could actually happen!
Overall, i think fans of Sci-fi will absolutely adore this book - i know i did! If you want to laugh, gripping the book tight because you feel you can't get through the pages quick enough and want to be sucked into a believable world filled with time travel, changing time lines, moral decisions, and world politics - you will absolutely adore this novel!
overall I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and can't wait to see what work Amy produces in the future!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
we have our mmc, Jack, who is of mixed era origin and tasked with preventing timetrivel even if it means his destruction, but along the way he learns important information, meets new people and has to decide which actions to take and the pressure of making the right decisions and if he Is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for a better world?
Time travel has always been tricky for me to read because it always feels like 'it just doesn't make sense', however Amy has covered all aspects of time travel,the logic and rationalto make it really make sense and you feel as though this could actually happen!
Overall, i think fans of Sci-fi will absolutely adore this book - i know i did! If you want to laugh, gripping the book tight because you feel you can't get through the pages quick enough and want to be sucked into a believable world filled with time travel, changing time lines, moral decisions, and world politics - you will absolutely adore this novel!
overall I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and can't wait to see what work Amy produces in the future!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 6, 2025
For me a five star book needs to be unputdownable and a story that stays in your mind long after you’ve finished it. This book was both of those things.
As my first ever sci-fi read I was surprised how much I loved this time-travel story. The London setting (even though in the future) made this a great introduction to the genre as it felt familiar enough yet still opened my eyes to a new reading experience.
I instantly warmed to Jack and Maddie and found myself rooting for them as they embarked on a perilous mission that would see them working together but for different aims.
The writing was beautiful, the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and a sprinkling of romance topped it all off.
For me the best part of the book was the way it made me question issues we face today around climate change and migration. It felt like an important warning about what could happen should humanity go down the wrong path.
Overall a brilliant book that I highly recommend!
As my first ever sci-fi read I was surprised how much I loved this time-travel story. The London setting (even though in the future) made this a great introduction to the genre as it felt familiar enough yet still opened my eyes to a new reading experience.
I instantly warmed to Jack and Maddie and found myself rooting for them as they embarked on a perilous mission that would see them working together but for different aims.
The writing was beautiful, the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and a sprinkling of romance topped it all off.
For me the best part of the book was the way it made me question issues we face today around climate change and migration. It felt like an important warning about what could happen should humanity go down the wrong path.
Overall a brilliant book that I highly recommend!
June 24, 2025
Smart, moving, and refreshingly original.
Tomorrow Was Beautiful Once is a thought-provoking sci-fi debut that combines time travel, climate collapse, and emotional depth.
Tomorrow Was Beautiful Once is a bold, emotionally intense journey. Amy Orrell delivers a richly imagined world where time travel isn’t just a tech gimmick—it’s tied to climate collapse, identity, sacrifice, and human connection. If you're a fan of smart, character-driven sci‑fi with high emotional stakes, this is for you.
For a sci-fi newbie, this was one incredible read.
Tomorrow Was Beautiful Once is a thought-provoking sci-fi debut that combines time travel, climate collapse, and emotional depth.
Tomorrow Was Beautiful Once is a bold, emotionally intense journey. Amy Orrell delivers a richly imagined world where time travel isn’t just a tech gimmick—it’s tied to climate collapse, identity, sacrifice, and human connection. If you're a fan of smart, character-driven sci‑fi with high emotional stakes, this is for you.
For a sci-fi newbie, this was one incredible read.
October 4, 2025
With its fast-paced plot twists, high octane action scenes and world-building on a whole new level, this book was hard to put down. I’ve never read a book where the physical events are described with such craft and flair so that the futuristic setting is equally convincing and compelling. The beauty and tension between Jack and Maddie was delicious and kept me curious about what would happen to them, their city, the planet and the future of humankind! The whole book was a satisfying, meaningful, escapist experience.
September 3, 2025
I can't remember the last time I picked up a sci-fi book, but I'm glad this was the one I chose. A good book to me, means I can see it clearly in my mind and be there with the characters...this succeeded in that. My review is a general overall one.
Amy is a local author, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to borrow the library book when I spotted it in the local library following a post about copies hitting shelves. I missed Amy Orrell's talk which was at the same library sadly.
I enjoyed the building storyline between all the characters, and the way in which the story unfolded. Once I'd gotten used to there being two core timelines, the storyline was seamless and engaging.
The content may have themes of truth echoed with instability, racial/belonging/economic/environmental aspects being forefront within the UK at the moment...I found it hard not to imagine this storyline taking place, like many cities, it has underground disused networks, being one snapshot that comes to mind, although the book is based in London.
I've read indie/non mainstream published books before, and stopped reading them as the books I came across didn't come across as up to parr either in interest or the way it was presented.... but this certainly isn't the case here. I didn't spot any mistakes whilst reading, so they have done the book justice. I hope Amy gets signed by mainstream if that's what she wants...I'd love to see and read more of her books.
I did get immersed in this book and the characters, it felt real and well delivered.
Amy is a local author, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to borrow the library book when I spotted it in the local library following a post about copies hitting shelves. I missed Amy Orrell's talk which was at the same library sadly.
I enjoyed the building storyline between all the characters, and the way in which the story unfolded. Once I'd gotten used to there being two core timelines, the storyline was seamless and engaging.
The content may have themes of truth echoed with instability, racial/belonging/economic/environmental aspects being forefront within the UK at the moment...I found it hard not to imagine this storyline taking place, like many cities, it has underground disused networks, being one snapshot that comes to mind, although the book is based in London.
I've read indie/non mainstream published books before, and stopped reading them as the books I came across didn't come across as up to parr either in interest or the way it was presented.... but this certainly isn't the case here. I didn't spot any mistakes whilst reading, so they have done the book justice. I hope Amy gets signed by mainstream if that's what she wants...I'd love to see and read more of her books.
I did get immersed in this book and the characters, it felt real and well delivered.
June 25, 2025
This book blew me away, expanded my mind and now I have an excellent introduction into reading this type of genre. The sci fi element was of course present, but the exceptional story shone through for me.
The characters are rich and satisfying. The story is pacy, fulfilling and oh so clever. I was hooked from the off.
I loved the time travelling theme as it took me back to my childhood when I wondered more about this.
A wonderful debut and I can't wait to read more from this author.
The characters are rich and satisfying. The story is pacy, fulfilling and oh so clever. I was hooked from the off.
I loved the time travelling theme as it took me back to my childhood when I wondered more about this.
A wonderful debut and I can't wait to read more from this author.
May 13, 2025
A well-written novel that explores a plausible alternative reality. The characterisation is exceptionally skilful. Jack and Maddie experience such emotional conflict in terms of their belonging and identity, and we are compelled to follow their journey through to the heart-wrenching but hopeful ending. Topical themes, such as climate change and morality, are explored expertly. A page turner, and I would definitely recommend this!
March 23, 2025
A great and vivid portrayal of a terrifying future. You will be rooting for the endearing protagonists throughout.
May 29, 2025
Along the Thames, through its tunnels and sewers, out of dark corners and into its iconic buildings, England's now decaying capital city is the atmospheric setting for this exciting debut sci-fi thriller that places a young historian, Jack Elliot, both in 2150 and 2073, for the quest of a lifetime.
The time-travelling academic is waging a battle to save the planet from catastrophic climate change, and in doing so must travel to the past to destroy the technology that allows citizens with access to time travel.
It is this scientific 'achievement' that has ironically exacerbated global warming - exploited by the greed of far right forces - and it is also the reason for Jack's very existence as a Person of Mixed Era Origin who can recall parallel versions of time.
With his unique abilities, Jack may be the ideal candidate for the mission, but he is also actuely aware that to succeed he will cease to exist. He must also confront his own painful past and make the decision (or not) to seek revenge on his father's wrongdoing.
For Jack the bigger picture is more important, yet his plans of self-sacrifice come unstuck when - on entering the 21st century - he almost perishes. He is saved by Maddie, a resistance fighter on her own mission, and forms a fragile alliance that will either advance both their causes or sabotage their individual goals as the pair reluctantly fall for each other. Jack knows he won't be able to be part of Maddie's future, or can he?
This impressively plotted sci-fi thriller is a page-turner to the end as you rush to discover the fate of the two protagonists and whether climate change can be reversed. I thoroughly recommend this book for fans of science fiction, and even for a broader audience, like myself, who loves a quest story with strong world-building and fully fledged characters.
The time-travelling academic is waging a battle to save the planet from catastrophic climate change, and in doing so must travel to the past to destroy the technology that allows citizens with access to time travel.
It is this scientific 'achievement' that has ironically exacerbated global warming - exploited by the greed of far right forces - and it is also the reason for Jack's very existence as a Person of Mixed Era Origin who can recall parallel versions of time.
With his unique abilities, Jack may be the ideal candidate for the mission, but he is also actuely aware that to succeed he will cease to exist. He must also confront his own painful past and make the decision (or not) to seek revenge on his father's wrongdoing.
For Jack the bigger picture is more important, yet his plans of self-sacrifice come unstuck when - on entering the 21st century - he almost perishes. He is saved by Maddie, a resistance fighter on her own mission, and forms a fragile alliance that will either advance both their causes or sabotage their individual goals as the pair reluctantly fall for each other. Jack knows he won't be able to be part of Maddie's future, or can he?
This impressively plotted sci-fi thriller is a page-turner to the end as you rush to discover the fate of the two protagonists and whether climate change can be reversed. I thoroughly recommend this book for fans of science fiction, and even for a broader audience, like myself, who loves a quest story with strong world-building and fully fledged characters.
September 19, 2025
A unique time-hop sci-fi with layers of emotion and action. Jack, a British historian, time travels to prevent the invention of time travel and the subsequent impact on the climate — with the result meaning he would cease to exist. I immediately connected with Jack, and loved his character development.
The story is original and has weaves of romance, friendship, politics, and social issues throughout, which really kept me interested.
Beautifully written with scene setting that created visuals, I didn’t want this book to end and it provoked a lot of thought in me — always the sign of a brilliant book! Highly recommended.
The story is original and has weaves of romance, friendship, politics, and social issues throughout, which really kept me interested.
Beautifully written with scene setting that created visuals, I didn’t want this book to end and it provoked a lot of thought in me — always the sign of a brilliant book! Highly recommended.
January 17, 2026
In Tomorrow Was Beautiful Once, Amy Orrell has written a cleverly conceived, time-travelling page turner. A character driven sci-fi thriller (I was so rooting for Jack and Maddie!) this is well plotted with excellent world building and a sense of urgency that reflects our times. Orrell writes with warmth, intelligence, and gives us a cracking story – she’s one to watch. If you enjoy time travel, adventure and the thrill of the countdown, then this is one for you.
February 19, 2025
Love the time travel aspect of this and the Looper vibes were REAL. Such a complex world to dive into, but she carried me along brilliantly, building tension and keeping me turning pages. I was also really drawn to the climate–fiction aspect to it, which was so well laid out and scarily real. Definitely recommend for those who love sci–fi with a touch of slow burn on the romance side!
September 4, 2025
Even time travel cannot beat human corruption! I’m not usually a sci-fi reader, but you don’t need to be to get into this book.
The character development is wonderful and the setting is very believable, with certain things staying the same while other technology advances. The style of writing also made it very easy to picture every scene.
It’s an enjoyable thriller on the face of it, with a very thought provoking undertone. It almost feels like it could have been written by someone in the future and sent back to us as a warning - not all technology is good.
I look forward to reading more of Amy’s work!
The character development is wonderful and the setting is very believable, with certain things staying the same while other technology advances. The style of writing also made it very easy to picture every scene.
It’s an enjoyable thriller on the face of it, with a very thought provoking undertone. It almost feels like it could have been written by someone in the future and sent back to us as a warning - not all technology is good.
I look forward to reading more of Amy’s work!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews