Precedence: Book One of the Hourglass Trilogy

by Kevin Jackvony

Physicists Ben and David set out to develop a
revolutionary clean energy source—only to stumble
upon a discovery with staggering
The technology also allows them glimpses of the
future. They decide to exploit this phenomenon to
make millions in the stock market. But with each
new person who finds out about this dangerous
secret, the consequences of the technology are
raised. Some people want the window into the future
destroyed; other, darker forces want to acquire it
for their own purposes. As Ben and David grapple
with the impact of their invention, they discover
something catastrophic is about to happen in the
near future. Can they use their knowledge of the
future to change events that haven’t happened?

576 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2025

Reviews

[Bree Ervin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pick up 'Precedence' and join this crew of elitists whose imperfections are revealed during a journey of one of mankind's deepest scientific wonders. The possibilities and human dependencies with technology are jarringly revealed while you, the reader, form a kinship with the characters as they learn, grow, disagree, and eventually take action over their unknown futures. Character and scenic descriptions pull the reader in easily, making this book a page turner, leaving readers wanting more! I can't wait for the next book!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love science fiction books, especially ones that are rooted in real life. The trouble with most sci-fi books, however, is that the author doesn't bother to create characters that feel real and have authentic motivations. Not so with Precedence! This is the story of two friends with a secret: the electric generator they invented also allows them to peer into the future. What would you do if you had this technology? Would you use your knowledge of the future to change the future? Precedence examines this ethical dilemma through conversations between David and Ben, the two main characters, and their friends, coworkers, and family. Some characters feel that the technology is dangerous and should be destroyed; others feel that no matter what actions we take, we can't change the future. As the story progresses, Ben and David discover that something catastrophic is looming in the year ahead, but they are not sure what it is. We see the characters through the New England seasons trying to prevent or prepare for the disaster. Without giving anything away, I will say that the book's conclusion is especially gripping! I am really looking forward to finding out what happens to these characters in book two of the trilogy!

[Rajveer Tandon]

A Clever Blend of Physics and Suspense – This novel does a great job balancing scientific curiosity with fast-moving tension. Ben and David feel like real researchers caught in something far bigger than they intended. The stock-market exploitation adds a modern, believable twist. I appreciated that the story doesn’t paint the technology as purely good or evil. Some sections lean heavily into theory, but they’re written clearly enough to stay engaging. By the end, the sense of an approaching catastrophe is genuinely unsettling. Definitely recommended for sci-fi readers who enjoy smart, grounded storytelling.

[Neil Ahluwalia]

Smart Science Fiction With Real Consequences – This book isn’t just about futuristic tech, it’s about what happens when humans get access to power they’re not ready for. I really liked how the story slowly reveals the implications of seeing the future rather than dumping information all at once. The tension grows naturally as more people learn the secret. At times the pacing slows during scientific explanations, but it adds credibility. The looming disaster gives the story urgency without cheap thrills. Fans of realistic, idea-driven sci-fi will appreciate what Kevin Jackbony sets up here.

[Anaya Singhal]

Time, Technology, and Tough Choices – Precedence asks an uncomfortable question: if you knew the future, would you try to change it? The clean energy discovery is exciting on its own, but the ability to glimpse what’s coming raises the stakes dramatically. I enjoyed how the authors explore greed, fear, and responsibility without turning characters into clichés. The threat from outside forces keeps the tension sharp. While it’s clearly the first book in a trilogy, it stands strong on its own. A solid pick for readers who enjoy thoughtful science fiction with suspense.

[Saanvi Chaturvedi]

A Thoughtful Take on Time and Power – This isn’t flashy sci-fi; it’s the kind that slowly digs into your mind. The physics feels researched, and the emotional impact sneaks up on you. Ben and David’s friendship adds depth as they struggle with guilt, fear, and ambition. The future-glimpsing concept is used wisely, creating tension instead of easy answers. It sets up the trilogy well without feeling incomplete. Readers who enjoy ethical dilemmas mixed with science will find a lot to appreciate here.

[Kavya Narain · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Innovation Becomes Dangerous – What starts as a hopeful clean-energy breakthrough quickly turns into a moral nightmare, and that’s what makes Precedence so compelling. The idea of seeing fragments of the future is handled carefully, without overcomplicating things. The tension escalates naturally as more people become involved. I especially liked how the book explores the cost of secrecy and trust. The ending leaves you thinking long after the last page. If you like science fiction that focuses on consequences rather than explosions, this is worth your time.

[Book Begum · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Intriguing Start to a Trilogy – As the first book in the Hourglass Trilogy, Precedence lays a strong foundation. The clean-energy premise hooked me immediately, and the future-glimpse twist elevated it. The story asks big questions without pretending to have easy answers. I appreciated the restraint in revealing information gradually. The looming disaster creates real suspense. If you enjoy trilogies that build intelligently over time, this is a promising beginning.

[Arjumand Bano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science, Greed, and Fate Collide – This novel does a great job showing how human nature complicates even the best intentions. The moment the future becomes visible, everything changes. The tension between secrecy and exploitation is handled well. I found myself constantly wondering what I would do in the same situation. The pacing is steady, not rushed. A smart and engaging sci-fi read with depth.

[Taj Mohd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic Sci-Fi With High Stakes – I appreciated how grounded this book feels despite its big ideas. The science is explained without dumbing it down. The ethical conflicts feel genuine, not forced. The future-window concept is used sparingly, which makes it more impactful. While it ends with open questions, it works well as a standalone story too. A strong addition to modern science fiction.

[Abdul Mabood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Warning Wrapped in Science Fiction – Precedence reads like a cautionary tale for our technology-driven world. The clean-energy breakthrough offers hope, while the future-glimpses bring dread. The balance between optimism and fear is handled well. I liked that the story focuses more on choices than action scenes. The ending left me eager for the next book. A thoughtful and engaging read.

[Yashika]

Smart, Tense, and Unsettling – This book slowly tightens the screws until the pressure becomes unbearable. The idea of knowing what’s coming but not being able to stop it is haunting. Ben and David’s dynamic adds emotional weight. The threats feel real and modern. Not light reading, but very rewarding for sci-fi fans who like substance.

[Pragya Shukla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sci-Fi Concept That Feels Too Real – The technology in this book doesn’t feel far-fetched, which makes it unsettling. The moral dilemmas feel relevant in today’s world of data and prediction. I enjoyed how the story avoids clear heroes and villains. The pacing is deliberate but effective. Definitely worth reading if you like intelligent, idea-driven fiction.

[Diya Bhattacharyya · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Future Isn’t a Gift – Knowing the future sounds tempting, but Precedence shows the dark side beautifully. The story builds tension through choices rather than constant action. The scientific foundation makes it believable. The looming catastrophe adds urgency without cheap tricks. A solid, thoughtful sci-fi novel.

[Sydra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Chilling Look at Knowing Too Much – The scariest part of Precedence isn’t the technology, it’s how people react to it. The story feels unsettling because it’s believable. The scientists aren’t villains, just flawed humans. The sense of inevitability builds nicely toward the end. This is thoughtful sci-fi that respects the reader’s intelligence. Highly recommended for fans of cerebral thrillers.