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The Time Portal #1
The Time Portal
Lucky, a jewel thief, is recruited by the CIA. When a routine "theft" for The Company turns deadly and Lucky is almost killed, upon recovering he must find out who double-crossed him. Unbeknownst to others, the secret curtains of light that only Lucky can see provide him with comfort. Lucky and his sidekick, Mickey, will find the people behind them trying to destroy him and the United States.
Audible Audio
First published August 7, 2012
68 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Joe Corso
125 books41 followersKoren Veteran, FDNY Retired, I grew up in Queens,New York and my motivation to write came from my wish to help my grandchildren pay for their college education. So far I've completed 16 books and 9 short stories including my popular 'ENGINE 24 FIRE STORIES' trilogy and I've just finished the 5th installment in the 'TIME PORTAL' series as well as LAFITTE'S TREASURE which is presently being edited.
THE STARLIGHT CLUB 5: The Nazi has been published. I'm in the process of writing a sequel to my award winning western 'THE ADVENTURES OF THE LONE JACK KID', titled 'THE RETURN OF THE LONE JACK KID'.
THE STARLIGHT CLUB 5: The Nazi has been published. I'm in the process of writing a sequel to my award winning western 'THE ADVENTURES OF THE LONE JACK KID', titled 'THE RETURN OF THE LONE JACK KID'.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 3, 2014
A great Time Travel Novel Revealing the Inky depths of History and Mystical Scenes of Medieval Era.
The novel kicks on with Lucky, A routine jewel theft recruited by CIA for his skills and bravery for undercover operations, taking on severe blast and barely surviving the damage by Plastic C4 explosive.
Trapped under surveillance in a CIA secured compartment, he's looked after by a sexy nurse (later his companion) who's summoned for Lucky's recovery.
The novel gets interesting after a short flash back through his cloudy memory, later when Lucky discovers a mysterious curtain masking rays of light in secured CIA compound that only he can see.
With the flinch of his skepticism, he drags through the curtain only to find himself into a new (Old) realm of timeline. Yes, it's 12th Century, where Old English is spoken, outdated clothes are in use and a horde of creatures that look infants to the beastly figure of Lucky.
I couldn't stop from turning the pages faster than I can read as things got interesting when I discovered, there were many other portals that lead Lucky and his side kick Mickey to different realms of timeline. From the CIA to Harvard, from the Crusades to the Gladiators, from nuclear weapons to safe-houses, Joe Corso brilliantly managed to write the entire story very cinch , What otherwise would be a convoluted time travel. Here he wins some great points.
The King and Kingdom from 12th Century was fantastically described with fascinating details.
Walking into another portal, that dragged Lucky in the early stages of Egypt. What a fantastic section of book where we could clearly imagine the pre-construction of Pyramids.
I must highlight over an enticing point, That the time travel just doesn't occurs to show the dark forces or the sparkles of magic, but the entire story from CIA, to different portals and time travel is based on a strong foundation of solid mission that Lucky seeks for throughout the novel.
What mission it could be? Offcourse the best thing that Joe Corso books have, REVENGE!
There's something outstanding about Revenge and mission, plot buildup and planning that no one does better than the Koren Veteran, The American Author Joe Corso, as I've realized over reading multiple books by the same.
But what happens when all of his best skills are combined with essence of Time Travel and History? We get outstanding book like The Time Portal.
I read this 340 pages book merely in just 2 days as I was so much intrigued with the whole plot the author set up.
I've read many time travel books over the past, but the best thing I loved about this book was it's simplicity and the whole story was based on a strong mission, to save America from the most destructive and brutal attacks planned by Abu Bin Sadhr (terrorist) with the help of internal CIA traitors.
The intelligent and innovative ways Lucky and his Side Kick Mickey escape the CIA traitors, use various time portals that lead them to different realm of time line and how they engage themselves in being the savior of their nation is what the Time Portal is all about, if I have to scale it down precisely.
Well, I didn't like the formatting/editing of text that much. Could have been much better. The linguistic skills too were average , but not that weak. That contributes to the fast pace and fluid reading of the story alot as I didn't need to stop and fumble for my dictionary in the middle of the line, as with most Dan Brown books ( I love Dan Brown).
I may take away half star from the rating just for the above, but does not effects or hampers the intriguing and unfolding story.
Taking about the cover art, Now it's something I am still drooling over.
What a fantastic piece of art by cover designer.
Absolutely stunning and catchy. That was one strong reason for me picking up this book from all the other Corso's books.
Looking on his website, I see, all the other Time Portal series book have matching cover and it only gets better.
I'd give the best ratings for cover designing.
Splendid job!
I've previously read a book by Joe Corso called "The Revenge of John W" which I loved and which forced my subconscious to pick up his other books from his wide range of catalog, and I was lucky enough to select Time Portal. This book meets all my expectations that I have from Corso's books and Great to know, Time Portal is a series of books which further explore the what started as a tour to the inky depths of history, mystery and intelligently planned revenge mission.
With all my honest opinion and knowledge, I'd definitely recommend The Time Portal to any reader looking for a Great time travel, thriller, mystery novel.
Proudly, Thumbs Up!
The novel kicks on with Lucky, A routine jewel theft recruited by CIA for his skills and bravery for undercover operations, taking on severe blast and barely surviving the damage by Plastic C4 explosive.
Trapped under surveillance in a CIA secured compartment, he's looked after by a sexy nurse (later his companion) who's summoned for Lucky's recovery.
The novel gets interesting after a short flash back through his cloudy memory, later when Lucky discovers a mysterious curtain masking rays of light in secured CIA compound that only he can see.
With the flinch of his skepticism, he drags through the curtain only to find himself into a new (Old) realm of timeline. Yes, it's 12th Century, where Old English is spoken, outdated clothes are in use and a horde of creatures that look infants to the beastly figure of Lucky.
I couldn't stop from turning the pages faster than I can read as things got interesting when I discovered, there were many other portals that lead Lucky and his side kick Mickey to different realms of timeline. From the CIA to Harvard, from the Crusades to the Gladiators, from nuclear weapons to safe-houses, Joe Corso brilliantly managed to write the entire story very cinch , What otherwise would be a convoluted time travel. Here he wins some great points.
The King and Kingdom from 12th Century was fantastically described with fascinating details.
Walking into another portal, that dragged Lucky in the early stages of Egypt. What a fantastic section of book where we could clearly imagine the pre-construction of Pyramids.
I must highlight over an enticing point, That the time travel just doesn't occurs to show the dark forces or the sparkles of magic, but the entire story from CIA, to different portals and time travel is based on a strong foundation of solid mission that Lucky seeks for throughout the novel.
What mission it could be? Offcourse the best thing that Joe Corso books have, REVENGE!
There's something outstanding about Revenge and mission, plot buildup and planning that no one does better than the Koren Veteran, The American Author Joe Corso, as I've realized over reading multiple books by the same.
But what happens when all of his best skills are combined with essence of Time Travel and History? We get outstanding book like The Time Portal.
I read this 340 pages book merely in just 2 days as I was so much intrigued with the whole plot the author set up.
I've read many time travel books over the past, but the best thing I loved about this book was it's simplicity and the whole story was based on a strong mission, to save America from the most destructive and brutal attacks planned by Abu Bin Sadhr (terrorist) with the help of internal CIA traitors.
The intelligent and innovative ways Lucky and his Side Kick Mickey escape the CIA traitors, use various time portals that lead them to different realm of time line and how they engage themselves in being the savior of their nation is what the Time Portal is all about, if I have to scale it down precisely.
Well, I didn't like the formatting/editing of text that much. Could have been much better. The linguistic skills too were average , but not that weak. That contributes to the fast pace and fluid reading of the story alot as I didn't need to stop and fumble for my dictionary in the middle of the line, as with most Dan Brown books ( I love Dan Brown).
I may take away half star from the rating just for the above, but does not effects or hampers the intriguing and unfolding story.
Taking about the cover art, Now it's something I am still drooling over.
What a fantastic piece of art by cover designer.
Absolutely stunning and catchy. That was one strong reason for me picking up this book from all the other Corso's books.
Looking on his website, I see, all the other Time Portal series book have matching cover and it only gets better.
I'd give the best ratings for cover designing.
Splendid job!
I've previously read a book by Joe Corso called "The Revenge of John W" which I loved and which forced my subconscious to pick up his other books from his wide range of catalog, and I was lucky enough to select Time Portal. This book meets all my expectations that I have from Corso's books and Great to know, Time Portal is a series of books which further explore the what started as a tour to the inky depths of history, mystery and intelligently planned revenge mission.
With all my honest opinion and knowledge, I'd definitely recommend The Time Portal to any reader looking for a Great time travel, thriller, mystery novel.
Proudly, Thumbs Up!
December 12, 2016
An exciting new time travel story.
This book starts another chapter in the exciting Time Traveler series. It is spring in the 12th century and we find Lucky’s young 6 year old son Robert in the castle gardens, waiting for the chance to enjoy special time with his father. The bond between father and son is very close, and it is closer still when Robert reveal to his father that he can see sparkles, and Lucky realises that his son has inherited his father’s gift for seeing portals into other times in history.
Lucky recognises that it is important that Robert learns to respect the portals in due time, when he is old enough, however, for now, he needs to understand the danger they can put him in. Obediently Robert listens to his father’s words, and agrees never to go through one, until his father decides the time is right and takes him.
A year later, with the agreement of his wife, the Princess Krystina, Lucky is just about to take Robert on his first trip through the portal when there is an emergency at the palace, the King is ill. Lucky decides he has no choice but to take the King with them to the 21st century and seeking emergency help.
Well of course, young Robert is amazed at the 21st century the televisions, light, iphones, electricity and even has a ride in a car, everything is so magical to him. However soon the adventure takes a dark twist as Micky and Robert are kidnapped, by three men, trying to locate Lucky.
In fear of their lives, and needing to escape, Robert disobeys his father and takes Micky through a portal, and thus begins an amazing adventure. It leads them to the spot where the famous aviator brothers Wilber, and Orville Wright are trying out their flying machine, and Lucky catches up with them there.
Deciding not to go back through the same portal the trio start an amazing journey, leapfrogging through time and across continents, meeting famous people through history, like Alexander Dumas, and Queen Elizabeth I, and actually witnessing first hand world changing events like the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
A thrilling adventure for a young boy, certainly, however, sometimes he finds himself alone, facing real dangers, having to use his wits to survive, and needing his mother, as any young boy would.
I love the ‘Time Traveler’ series of stories, however, this book can stand alone. The bond between father and son is wonderful, and the clever links between time, events and historical figures make it not only an enjoyable book to read, but also very interesting.
This book starts another chapter in the exciting Time Traveler series. It is spring in the 12th century and we find Lucky’s young 6 year old son Robert in the castle gardens, waiting for the chance to enjoy special time with his father. The bond between father and son is very close, and it is closer still when Robert reveal to his father that he can see sparkles, and Lucky realises that his son has inherited his father’s gift for seeing portals into other times in history.
Lucky recognises that it is important that Robert learns to respect the portals in due time, when he is old enough, however, for now, he needs to understand the danger they can put him in. Obediently Robert listens to his father’s words, and agrees never to go through one, until his father decides the time is right and takes him.
A year later, with the agreement of his wife, the Princess Krystina, Lucky is just about to take Robert on his first trip through the portal when there is an emergency at the palace, the King is ill. Lucky decides he has no choice but to take the King with them to the 21st century and seeking emergency help.
Well of course, young Robert is amazed at the 21st century the televisions, light, iphones, electricity and even has a ride in a car, everything is so magical to him. However soon the adventure takes a dark twist as Micky and Robert are kidnapped, by three men, trying to locate Lucky.
In fear of their lives, and needing to escape, Robert disobeys his father and takes Micky through a portal, and thus begins an amazing adventure. It leads them to the spot where the famous aviator brothers Wilber, and Orville Wright are trying out their flying machine, and Lucky catches up with them there.
Deciding not to go back through the same portal the trio start an amazing journey, leapfrogging through time and across continents, meeting famous people through history, like Alexander Dumas, and Queen Elizabeth I, and actually witnessing first hand world changing events like the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
A thrilling adventure for a young boy, certainly, however, sometimes he finds himself alone, facing real dangers, having to use his wits to survive, and needing his mother, as any young boy would.
I love the ‘Time Traveler’ series of stories, however, this book can stand alone. The bond between father and son is wonderful, and the clever links between time, events and historical figures make it not only an enjoyable book to read, but also very interesting.
July 26, 2015
Really enjoyed the unique approach to the benefits of time travel. No "history altering" events here. Just some good clean fun and the solution to un-complicating a very entangled life. A fun read
June 28, 2019
Quite possibly the worst time travel story ever
I really tried to like this book but only got about a third of the way and just couldn't stand It any more. It is written more like the author owed the publisher a book than if he really cared about the characters. I
He keeps going from first to third person and apparently interfering in 12th century history is fine as well. Avoid this book
I really tried to like this book but only got about a third of the way and just couldn't stand It any more. It is written more like the author owed the publisher a book than if he really cared about the characters. I
He keeps going from first to third person and apparently interfering in 12th century history is fine as well. Avoid this book
June 13, 2019
Terrible editing.
Wow I have never actually tried to read a book with this many editing problems before. Whole sentences repeated, Chapters repeated. Grammar errors beyond belief. Spelling errors. I say tried because I just couldn’t continue with it. This could have been a great story but the editing errors make it just too much hard work. Please rewrite it properly.
Wow I have never actually tried to read a book with this many editing problems before. Whole sentences repeated, Chapters repeated. Grammar errors beyond belief. Spelling errors. I say tried because I just couldn’t continue with it. This could have been a great story but the editing errors make it just too much hard work. Please rewrite it properly.
April 24, 2019
Excellent setting....believable details....impressive characters
I would recommend this book to anyone planning to create an alternate universe. What happens first....nature vs nurture....environment or action. However it happens this author is epitome of a planner.
I would recommend this book to anyone planning to create an alternate universe. What happens first....nature vs nurture....environment or action. However it happens this author is epitome of a planner.
August 15, 2019
Great story with plenty of action
Characters well developed throughout the book.
Good action kept me reading to see what happens next.
Easy to read story line. Looking forward to the next in series
Characters well developed throughout the book.
Good action kept me reading to see what happens next.
Easy to read story line. Looking forward to the next in series
July 18, 2019
What?
Horrible. Written like it was just a preliminary memory dump. I didn’t even get through the first chapter before I had to put it down.
Horrible. Written like it was just a preliminary memory dump. I didn’t even get through the first chapter before I had to put it down.
December 14, 2015
A brilliant story!
Fans of The Time Portal series know that the main character is called Lucky Campo, and that he gained the power of time travel after a horrific accident. In this book the author, Joe Corso, takes the reader back to Lucky’s terrible ‘accident,’ and explains how, and why it happened.
The story is told in the form of a meeting at the Astoria Safe House between Lucky and Professor Lindstrom. At the meeting, Lucky recounts to the professor what happened when he was kidnapped, and woke up in a hospital room, at an unknown location, securely tied to the metal frame of his bed.
Eventually, he discovers that he is in a medical facility in Huntingdon, Long Island owned by Ivan Stross. He is being questioned by a Dr Gustav Abrams, and finds himself enjoying recounting how he gained his powers, and explaining what they are to the doctor.
Of course, the doctor doesn’t believe him. However, after consideration, he cannot resist humouring Lucky, by taking him up his offer to travel with him to another time through one of the portals.
Stepping with Lucky into the portal, the doctor soon discovers to his amazement that Lucky is telling the truth, as they travel back through the centuries, stopping off in Egypt and ancient Rome, before going to Medieval England, where he meets Lucky’s wife and children.
However, he is soon to learn that everything has a price, Lucky needs to know who captured him and why. After reassurance that he, and his family can be protected, the doctor agrees to help…
Back in the present time, Lucky and friends have to first get the doctor and his family safe, then they set about teaching Ivan Stross, and Lionel Sturm, his assistant, and the person who kidnapped Lucky a lesson, or two.
It doesn’t matter whether you have read Joe Corso’s The Time Portal series of books or not, this book stands alone. I have read them all, and yet thoroughly enjoyed learning all about Lucky’s accident. One thing I am sure of though is that once you have read this book, you will not be able to resist The Time Portal series, and trust me, you will not be disappointed!
Fans of The Time Portal series know that the main character is called Lucky Campo, and that he gained the power of time travel after a horrific accident. In this book the author, Joe Corso, takes the reader back to Lucky’s terrible ‘accident,’ and explains how, and why it happened.
The story is told in the form of a meeting at the Astoria Safe House between Lucky and Professor Lindstrom. At the meeting, Lucky recounts to the professor what happened when he was kidnapped, and woke up in a hospital room, at an unknown location, securely tied to the metal frame of his bed.
Eventually, he discovers that he is in a medical facility in Huntingdon, Long Island owned by Ivan Stross. He is being questioned by a Dr Gustav Abrams, and finds himself enjoying recounting how he gained his powers, and explaining what they are to the doctor.
Of course, the doctor doesn’t believe him. However, after consideration, he cannot resist humouring Lucky, by taking him up his offer to travel with him to another time through one of the portals.
Stepping with Lucky into the portal, the doctor soon discovers to his amazement that Lucky is telling the truth, as they travel back through the centuries, stopping off in Egypt and ancient Rome, before going to Medieval England, where he meets Lucky’s wife and children.
However, he is soon to learn that everything has a price, Lucky needs to know who captured him and why. After reassurance that he, and his family can be protected, the doctor agrees to help…
Back in the present time, Lucky and friends have to first get the doctor and his family safe, then they set about teaching Ivan Stross, and Lionel Sturm, his assistant, and the person who kidnapped Lucky a lesson, or two.
It doesn’t matter whether you have read Joe Corso’s The Time Portal series of books or not, this book stands alone. I have read them all, and yet thoroughly enjoyed learning all about Lucky’s accident. One thing I am sure of though is that once you have read this book, you will not be able to resist The Time Portal series, and trust me, you will not be disappointed!
March 24, 2016
This book seems to be one in a series, and it behaves at times as if it is summarizing the others. In some ways it reminds me of those TV episodes where there is a flimsy new story, and lots of repeat scenes as padding. The style is where Lucky Campo tells a recorder what happened to him, and as a consequence, very much of the book is in the style "tell, not show". Basically, the plot involves Lucky having found the ability to find portals to different times, hence he becomes a time traveller. In the present he is captured and interrogated to try to get the secret from him. Lucky elects to show the interrogator, with obvious consequences. The story is not too involved, but it is reasonably clever. The story is told in a chatty sort of style, and is easy to read.
My basic problem with this book is it badly needs editing, and those who have followed my previous reviews will know I am usually quite tolerant on this issue. Near the beginning, at least in my download, there is a section that appears to be a repeat (or near repeat) of a previous section. As the story proceeds, this tendency to go over things more than once persists, although not to this extent. There are references to previous books, which is fine by me, except they have nothing to do with the present story. An example is the section on Lucky in Australia. The grammar is a bit rough, and as an example, the proper use of "me" is neglected. To summarize, this book could be a very interesting story, but it badly needs serious editing and significant rewriting.
I read the Kindle edition - no comment re illustrations.
My basic problem with this book is it badly needs editing, and those who have followed my previous reviews will know I am usually quite tolerant on this issue. Near the beginning, at least in my download, there is a section that appears to be a repeat (or near repeat) of a previous section. As the story proceeds, this tendency to go over things more than once persists, although not to this extent. There are references to previous books, which is fine by me, except they have nothing to do with the present story. An example is the section on Lucky in Australia. The grammar is a bit rough, and as an example, the proper use of "me" is neglected. To summarize, this book could be a very interesting story, but it badly needs serious editing and significant rewriting.
I read the Kindle edition - no comment re illustrations.
February 3, 2015
Everyone knows that things happen for a reason and this story is the proof. Who would have believed when Lucky had an horrific injury it would leave him with an amazing gift - the ability to jump through time.
This time travel makes him incredibly rich, changing life for Lucky and his friends, opening new doors and making unbelievable things possible, like the inventions of his friend The Professor. However, things like this do not go unnoticed, others are watching him too.
This is the first sci-fi book I have read from Joe Corso, however, with its great characters, excitement, intrigue, suspense, adventure and brilliant storyline, all I can say is, I want to read more!
This time travel makes him incredibly rich, changing life for Lucky and his friends, opening new doors and making unbelievable things possible, like the inventions of his friend The Professor. However, things like this do not go unnoticed, others are watching him too.
This is the first sci-fi book I have read from Joe Corso, however, with its great characters, excitement, intrigue, suspense, adventure and brilliant storyline, all I can say is, I want to read more!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews