Advance Reader Edition - The Trauma Machine

by Brent G. Spalding, Tim Grahl (Editor)

312 pages, Paperback

Published October 16, 2025

Reviews

[Andrea Soung · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to receive an advanced reader copy of this novel. If I hadn't been part of the StoryGrid email group and been offered the possibility, I probably never would have read this novel. (I'm not a big fan of time travel books. Nor do I enjoy reading ebooks.) But am I ever glad I did so!

The novel is quite similar to the movie The Butterfly Effect, and it lingers in the mind the same way the movie did for me years ago. The emotional ending, even though I anticipated it, still worked effectively.

I'm not going to try to figure out if all the timelines worked logistically. I'm not sure they did, but in the end, that's not why I was reading the book. With my suspension of belief in full effect, the novel was effective, emotional, gritty, and gripping. Definitely recommend it to others, especially fans of the genre.

This was a phenomenal work by a debut author. I'm glad I got out of my comfort zone and gave the book a read.

[Steven Nimocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read!
"The Trauma Machine" is a masterpiece of science fiction that transcends genre boundaries to deliver a profoundly moving meditation on guilt, family, and the dangerous allure of trying to fix the past. What struck me most powerfully was how Spalding uses the complex mechanics of time travel not as mere plot device, but as a metaphor for the way trauma shapes our lives and the lengths we'll go to undo our perceived failures.
The relationship between Nate and his Aunt Peggy forms the emotional heart of this intricate narrative. Their bond feels authentic and lived-in, making their shared journey through multiple timelines both heartbreaking and ultimately redemptive. Spalding's writing captures the weight of survivor's guilt with remarkable sensitivity, showing how the desire to save those we love can become its own form of torment.
What impressed me most was the author's ability to maintain perfect control over an incredibly complex narrative structure while never losing sight of the deeply human story at its core. The time travel elements are sophisticated and well-thought-out, but they serve the characters rather than overwhelming them. The resolution, when it comes, feels both surprising and inevitable—a testament to Spalding's skillful plotting and deep understanding of his characters' emotional journeys. I will not easily forget this story.

[Irina LeMaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Trauma Machine is an inspired debut novel by Brent Spalding, exploring the themes of guilt, trauma and sacrifice - all within the genre trappings of science fiction and thriller. The motivation of the story is so painfully familiar. Most of us have a moment in our lives or an event we wish we could prevent by going back and 'fixing' it. We rewind the memory of that moment in our head, again and again, confident that we would avoid the tragedy if only we could undo that one moment, that one action - but if we had that chance, would we really fix anything or create bigger problems? This is what Nate, the protagonist of the story, is grappling with.

The Trauma Machine is a fast-paced ride that is also deeply emotional. Nate is forced into difficult, almost impossible choices that carry the tale all the way to an equally emotional and satisfying conclusion.

[Joan de Marcham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d describe this book as a Metaphysical/Sci-fi with a strong family relations element. It deals with the concept of time travel, so there are several timelines intertwined. It’s packed with surface-level descriptions throughout the whole thing, which helps the reader envision the scenes, and also helps us feel immersed. There was at least one point where I felt so immersed in the story that I was surprised by what was slowly being revealed. There was also a switching from past tense to present tense and back again, which I thought was an interesting choice for the author. It’s a high stakes, life or death story that also brought tears to my eyes.

[Janus Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story flows well and is written with a strong drive that keeps the reader turning pages. While the storytelling is confident and the prose polished, I am not a great fan of the genre itself. The overall feel of the book was competent, though not quite my cup of tea. At times, the tone and pacing leaned towards a distinctly American style of sci-fi—fast, bold, and plot-driven—which may appeal strongly to some readers but felt slightly overfamiliar to me. That said, if you enjoy time travel and science fiction, this book will likely entertain you with its assured storytelling and slick execution.

[Courtney Vymetalik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the concept of this book. Aside from the beginning it was a fast paced easy read. I enjoy time travel stories and this one had an intriguing concept. There are a fair amount of spelling errors (wrong word spelled correctly or a word left out of a sentence so it passed spellcheck), which is always frustrating for me as it pulls me out of the story. I also found the first few chapters to be very slow. But once I stuck with it I found it to be enjoyable. Well done :)

[Mike Krogh · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a first-time author to deliver a book that had me spellbound, in a genre I don’t usually read, is quite something. Brent has delivered big-time. From the beginning through to all the mistakes, to his final realization that changing history is never a good idea, his tale had me reading the entire book in one sitting.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

fast-paced, clever, and touching. I will probably be thinking about this one for awhile.

[Michael Witkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. I loved the story, characters, and style. AND, what a finish! Bravo.