Second Down

by Travis Starnes

Reliving the Past. Remaking the Future.
In 2024, after a lifetime of bad luck, Blake Sims dies alone and angry about what could have been. But that was not the end of Blake's story. It's the beginning of a new version of his life when fourteen-year-old Blake wakes up in 1994 with the memory of a vivid dream. A dream of living a whole life filled with disappointment that all started his sophomore year of high school when his father died.

The dream is odd and Blake thinks nothing of it, until things from his dream start coming true. It quickly becomes clear to Blake that his dream, still clear in his memory, was more than just a dream. Using what he learned in the dream life, Blake sets his sights on correcting the wrongs and creating a new future for himself. His first goal, to find a way to save his father, who was killed in a gang initiation gone wrong.

Covering the fall of Blake's freshman year, Second Down is a story of friends, football and finding a new path.

Genres: Time Travel

461 pages, Paperback

Published February 22, 2025

About the author

Travis writes science fiction, fantasy, and thriller novels (and the occasional coming-of-age story), with the hope of transporting and enthralling readers. Publishing novels since 2015, Travis’s passion is creating worlds and characters that live and breathe, and experiencing the joy of those stories with his readers.

When not writing, Travis enjoys connecting with readers and other writers, managing the popular Complete Marvel Reading Order website, where he works on his other passion for comics and graphic novels, and spending time with his family.

Reviews

[Greg Tuers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great First Book!

Really enjoyed the book. Had the right amount of pulling from what he remembered and trying to navigate the changes.

[Keith Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second down reminded me of Inmon's "Middle Falls" series. Someone dies and returns to their younger self, and they can change their life. It had an intriguing twist--In Starnes' version, the main character views their past life as a dream.
Though the book was roughly 450 pages, it held my attention. That is not easy to do! However, it bogged down with the intricate descriptions of football games. I eventually started skimming these. It also ended abruptly; I expected some closure.

The main character was very likable. He was using his "second down" to help vulnerable people rise above their circumstances. Instead of being the bully, he protected those being bullied. His villains, however, were too "villainous" for my taste. Villains are always more interesting if they have some good in them.
All in all, I'm glad I read it. However, I hope the next in the series will be more streamlined.

[george c. rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great book that can be enjoyed can be enjoyed by everyone

This book grabs you quickly. I read it in one long session in less than a day. Like Enders Game I this is a book that I would recommend to everyone even those who are not into science fiction. As the characters are so well written.

[Dragos Macelaru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Again

Another excellent coming of age story; likeable characters, good progression, very good writing skills. A bit more humor would have been nice. A middle aged man is exiting this coil, but is somehow given a second chance, being. ..magically? returned to a young age, while keeping the memories of his first life. So, what does he do?

[Julie French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably good

I have always liked do overs and this one does not disappoint.
However I really loved the overall tone and language of an adult man, reassessing his life choices, and taking charge of his destiny. The characters are great and I’m looking forward to the next book.

[Sabrina Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great do over stories are hard to come by and this one is off to a great start. I’m loving Blake’s attitude and is much more realistic then most characters in do over stories. I hope he keeps relying on the lessons his “dream” taught him to navigate his second chance. Now I have to wait months to see what happens next, past me thought future me would be more patient. She was wrong

[Robert Dill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Potential

I love the premise. Anyone, such as myself, given a chance to correct mistakes would leap! This story had all the necessary components but was a bit boring. I found myself doing some skimming through the game scenarios.
Can't quite put my finger on exactly why.

[jay Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance.

I think everyone has at one time or another looked back on their life and wished they could change the outcome. Second Down makes this a reality. Loved the book and the plot. Interesting and exciting..

[Jack Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good first novel in a sports-based series!

Good use of tension, appropriate when the protagonist is a high-school freshman. Some improvement in his life, but still many questions for future books. I’m looking forward to the next one!
Highly recommended.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Great writing with a unique story that I found difficult to put down. Great characters, emotional play, exciting sports battles. Looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Grant Merrifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book.

I like this story. I like this book.
I hope he sorts out that stuff with his brother.
Big time.

[Mike Fidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

pretty damn good.

I’m not a football fan but I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, good slice of life story and a slow burn. Looking forward to the next.

[Steven L Kohler · Rating 4 out of 5]

very enjoyable

Very nice coming of age story, looking forward to the next book in this series. The author did a nice job making the characters believable, not and easy task