The Temporal Divide: A Jack Carter Novel

by C.S. Harris

The Temporal Divide is a companion novel in the Ring of Worlds series, set between books three and four (The Vergence of Time and Descendant of Dragons). It reveals what unfolds during the gap in the main storyline. Read this after book four to avoid spoilers. This features a diverse cast of characters of different ethnicities, identities, and orientations. This is not a standalone story and should be read in order with the series.

Friends lost in time. Dark magic unfolds. Enemies come out of the shadows.

Jack Carter didn’t expect to spend six years waiting for Alex, Imara, and Sirenī to return. They were supposed to come back from their time-traveling adventure just a few weeks or months after they left. What would be a short time for him would be the years they needed. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way.

While Carter waits for the Three to return, he has plenty of problems of his murderous managers, cats that don’t do as they’re told, kids who think the barrier makes a fun place to party, and a mysterious figure whose agenda could get his Earthen friends killed.

Discover the untold story of The Temporal Divide, a tale of resilience, unexpected challenges, and the enduring fight against encroaching darkness. Dive into a world of intrigue, hidden threats, and the unwavering hope for the return of lost allies.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2026

About the author

C.S. Harris has been a storyteller since before he could spell his own name. What began with crayons and a battered typewriter became a lifelong pursuit of wonder—worlds where love defies fear, identity is sacred, and power comes with a human cost.

A bisexual author who writes for readers who rarely get to see themselves as heroes, he lives in Maine with his wife and some cats who think they’re on the payroll. When he’s not writing, he’s usually lost in thought about distant suns, forgotten gods, or how to smuggle an extra cup of coffee into the afternoon.

For Harris, every story is a mirror—one that reflects the beauty, chaos, and fragile hope that make us human. Reunion of the Three is the first glimpse into that reflection: a story of love, exile, and the courage to come home again.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Fills in the details between books 3 & 4. I thought the characters were very likable, even if a little cliche. There are a LOT of POV changes, like the rest of the series - which is hard on my ADHD, but some people like it. It was a little slow to start, but picked up well and I was really into the story.

[Ashleigh Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received Arc copy from author

As someone who hasn't read any of the other books in the series I was confused in the beginning, but as I went on I was able to really get into the story and the characters.
I felt for them and grew to understand the series. It is meant to be a bridge book between the third and fourth book and it felt like a bridge. I couldn't put it down once I got further in. I'm ready to start the whole series to get the full perspective and find out what happens next.

[Kaitlyn Ashlii · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. This is a novella, and I found it really hard to relate to either main characters or wanting to pay attention to the book, I kept getting distracted. I do like that it filled in some gaps between The Vergence of Time and Descendant of Dragons, but maybe too much time was spent on that as well. Though I do enjoy the actual full-length novels.

[Genevieve Blair-Dyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received a advanced reader copy of this book from C.S. Harris in exchange for an honest review."

While going into this novella not having to of read any other books in this series I have been able to get a good idea as to what the series is based on. Following the day to day of Jack Carter and his group of close friends to family was slow to start at first, I was intrigued by the dynamic of the characters as the story line that I kept reading and didn't feel like I wasn't able to read it without the previous books input.
I loved the diverse experiences each character experienced, the feeling of puzzle pieces going into spots I thought they were going in just to have them twisted and changing their direction to the unexpected.
The evident detail and work out into creating this world of magic is it of this world. A book I would read again while reading the series. Just my kind of fantasy.

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Temporal Divide is a novella set between books three and four of the Ring of Worlds series, centered on Jack Carter and what he and the others at the manor endured while The Three were off on their time-traveling adventure. In book four, we only get brief glimpses of these events. This novella finally fills in the gaps and gives us the full picture of what was happening behind the scenes.

Because this story sits firmly within an already well-established series, there’s no new world building here, and that’s completely fine. The worlds, rules, and core cast are already familiar, which allows the novella to focus entirely on character moments and plot developments. We’re also introduced to a few new characters during the chaos at the manor, and they fit in naturally without feeling forced.

Overall, this book delivers exactly what I expected from this series: solid storytelling, familiar characters, and meaningful context that enhances the larger narrative. That said, a couple of small things kept it from being a five-star read for me. At times, too much space was spent recapping events from earlier books. Since this is a novella meant for readers already invested in the series, I felt some of that could have been trimmed to tighten the pacing.

Additionally, while this is a minor gripe, some of the dialogue between female characters felt a bit eye-roll-inducing to me (as a female reader), likely a reflection of the male author’s perspective rather than anything malicious or story-breaking.

Despite these issues, I really enjoyed finally seeing what Jack was up to during this critical period, and the novella adds valuable depth to the overall series. A worthwhile read for fans of Ring of Worlds, especially those curious about the missing pieces between books three and four.

[Ann Onimaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set between The Vergence of Time and Descendant of Dragons, The Temporal Divide follows Jack Carter and the manor crew as they navigate grief, shifting relationships, and the growing influence of magic across worlds. The premise is interesting and the world itself is imaginative, though the novella occasionally leans too heavily on exposition and worldbuilding. At times this slows the pacing, particularly for a book of this length. However, the characters remain the strongest aspect of the narrative, and it was enjoyable spending more time with Carter and the familiar cast.
Carter’s emotional journey, especially following the death of John Thurley, serves as the emotional core of the story. His reflections on past relationships with Alex, Imara, and Sirenī add depth to his character while highlighting how history and grief shape present choices. The story also emphasizes the importance of community, with friends like Jordan, Sue, and Drëndi providing support as Carter struggles to process loss.
Magic plays a central role in both the plot and Carter’s personal growth. Enhanced by the influence of amṛta, the nectar of immortality, his expanding abilities mirror his internal transformation. The story explores how magic can be both a tool for healing and a dangerous source of power, particularly through characters who blur the line between justice and vengeance.
Despite moments of heavy exposition, The Temporal Divide offers a thoughtful look at grief, loyalty, and responsibility within a world where magic and technology coexist. At its heart, the novella is about connection, how relationships endure through loss, and how strength is often found through community.

[Betty Rowlette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Temporal Divide
I have read some of your other books in the past and that drew me to this A.R.C. offer. I have not read any of the other books in this series, however.
When I started this, I was not sure I was going to make it past the first chapter as it was not really my style of read. But I persevered and ended up really loving the book. I laughed and cried while reading it and those are the things that make me want to see more and continue reading. I will go back and read the others in this series now and see where it all began.
Each time I thought I had things figured out, there was another twist and a new idea thrown in.
Thank you for the new worlds to delve into. And the laughter and tears. Good books always have those.

[Phin1912 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a Jack Carter novel that takes place between books three and four in Harris’s The Ring of Worlds series. It should be read though after book four. This story fills in the missing years on Earth and we finally get to find out what Carter, Richard, Jordan and all the rest of the gang had going on while Alex, Imara and Sireni were on their time travel adventures. Learning more about Jack Carter was terrific! He is an extremely likable character. He is strong, humorous, witty, kind and fiercely loyal to those he loves. The story has all the feels, with a lot of character growth, and of course a really terrible villain lol, along with amazing magic and great battles. Harris’s world building continues to be top notch, and I truly love and appreciate his diverse cast and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ in his stories. It brings a realness to his work, and a representation of our world that isn’t always accepted or found in other stories. I can’t wait for book five!!!

[Lisa Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. A glimpse into the personal life of Jack Carter, his friends, and those from Gaea is fast paced, raw emotions showing the closeness of the characters. I love the banter between friends giving the story a light feel throughout the danger. Magical help is abundant, most helpful during murder investigation, healing friends and saving newborns. The anxiety level climbs as close acquaintances are targeted, families put at risk. The discovery of technology and growing magical abilities keeps your interest as the storyline becomes more gripping, suspenseful and fast paced, keeping you engaged and wanting to know more

[Laura Coulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book, I was a little bit lost though because I haven't read any of the other books in the series. I liked the magic in the story. I am definitely going to go back and read the rest of the series so that I will understand it more because I actually really like the writing and find it interesting.

I was an ARC reader. I really appreciate being chosen to review the book as it has opened up a new world for me to explore. I am giving this 4⭐ because it is a great concept and I will leave another view after I read the rest of the series