Call It Consequences

by Alli Prince

What would you do if your 12-year-old self showed up and told you that you had to travel back in time to save your dead mother’s life?

Lorraine’s mother died almost a decade ago, and her life has been spiraling out of control ever since. If it’s not the grief, or her aloof father who won’t give up his pointless time travel experiments, then it’s the mysterious man in black who always seems to be watching her.

Does that mean it’s up to Lorraine to fix everything? Lorraine’s an artist, not a mathematician. With only her unwitting boyfriend for help, how will she ever accomplish what her genius parents never could? More importantly, will she be able to keep it a secret from the strange government forces following her?

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2026

About the author

Alli Prince has been creating stories since she could form words and has been writing since long before she learned about sentence structure and grammar (her editors think she could still learn a thing or two about grammar).

She’s been published to The Pearl and was the project manager for Lawless. Alli is currently attending a writing trade school called The Company. She is learning everything she can about writing, editing, and marketing. She hopes to use these skills to influence the world of Christian literature and bring glory to God’s name.

Reviews

[Amelie · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Family is the most important thing.”

Like any good timey-wimey yarn, Call It Consequences keeps you guessing. With small-town and secret-agent vibes, intriguing setups surrounding the time travel, pervasive character tension, and a weighty twist I didn’t see coming, the story swings from plot point to plot point until it reaches a fitting, heartfelt ending. I do wish I’d connected to the characters a little more, and I sometimes had to pause or rewind because I needed to make sure I was following certain moments, interactions, or plot directions. But Call It Consequences makes a fun addition to the category of time travel fiction. Propelled by a heart for family and forgiveness and threaded with a KFC-sized bucketful of snark, Alli Prince’s foray into sci-fi offers a great, quick read for fans of time stream adventures.

the heads-ups: not many besides a few instances of brutal but non-gruesome violence

⌚️ The author very kindly sent me an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are entirely my own! ⌚️

[Audrey Terrill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 4/10

Time travel is a hard topic to tackle, and the author actually did a great job making it work (as logically as time travel can be lol). The idea itself wasn’t bad, I just…didn’t really care. The characters felt flat a lot of the time, and the MC and her boyfriend were supposed to be 20/22 but read more like teens. The book definitely has a middle-grade feel, which isn’t bad, but I feel like Lorraine should have been aged down to fit with the story. (Personally, Lorraine and Buck gave friends more than they gave lovers…the story would be the EXACT same if they weren’t dating, and the chemistry was weak). There were a few other things that bothered me but they’re spoilery lol.

The author is extremely good at writing descriptive metaphors, but there were so many of them that it started to take me out of the story.

All in all, it wasn’t a BAD book—it just wasn’t great.

[I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]

[Anna (Crochetsavetheday) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Wow! Alli comes in swinging. I’ve read her book Copper Lies before so I knew she was an excellent writer. I just wasn’t ready for this level of awesome. Time travel?? KFC?? Father and daughter reconciliation?? Teen wolf?? (Iykyk) ack this was great. I recommend this book to anyone in the mood for a clever read with a fun twist.

[Thirzah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely pulls at the heartstrings and captures a lot of the pain and grief that comes with letting go.

If you’re a fan of YA sci-fi or you like time travel, witty humor, and you aren’t afraid to shed a few tears, I recommend that you check this novel out!

[C.K. Slorra · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book to make me cry since Hunger Games released.

[Rebecca McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was good and suspenseful throughout. but the ending fell flat.

[M.D. Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could this be the next Wrinkle in Time?

There’s a mysterious agent, there’s a woman in time, and there’s a bird in the KFC. Call it Consequences by Alli Prince can only be described as an energizing work of speculative fiction. Lorraine Sullivan’s life had been entirely uprooted by a scientific experiment gone wrong, one that killed her mother and left her father obsessed, disgraced, and seemingly unreachable. But it also left her with something else… (You’ll have to read the story to find out what—I don’t make the rules).

Alli Prince does a stellar job digging into the nitty-gritty of a time travel story without overbearing the reader with so many details of the science behind it as many sci-fi books tend to do. But, I could hardly call it sci-fi. It is simply a good story. But what makes it good?

It's been said that good stories reveal the human heart—they are not meant to cater to our escapist fantasies. This book offers a good story. It is a lens to look at our own grief and guilt, forcing us to face the questions like, “If you could fix the moment that broke your family, would you?” and "What if we could make the sad untrue?" Call it Consequences may fit into the speculative fiction genre, but it is a confrontation with real ideas and emotions you will face in your life. Love does not necessitate the absence of evil. Healing does not necessitate the expunging of pain. Our suffering becomes meaningless if it can be undone by our own actions.

If it’s not clear, I am encouraging you to read this book. The snarky dialogue will keep you reading, and the heart of the story will keep you growing.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorraine’s story is a compelling blend of grief, mystery, and science fiction that pulls readers in from the very first page. The premise alone—being told by your younger self to travel back in time and save your mother—creates an immediate sense of urgency and intrigue.
At its core, this novel is not just about time travel, but about loss and the lingering impact it has on a person’s life. Lorraine is a deeply relatable protagonist. She’s not a genius scientist like her parents, but an artist struggling to hold herself together after her mother’s death. This contrast makes her journey feel more human and grounded, even as the story explores complex scientific ideas.
The tension builds effectively with the presence of the mysterious man in black and the looming government forces, adding layers of suspense that keep the reader guessing. The relationship with her boyfriend adds a touch of warmth and realism, showing that even in extraordinary circumstances, human connection remains essential.
What makes this story stand out is how it balances emotional depth with high-stakes adventure. Lorraine’s struggle isn’t just about changing the past—it’s about confronting her fears, trusting herself, and deciding how far she’s willing to go for the people she loves.
Overall, this is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will appeal to fans of time travel, character-driven stories, and emotional journeys. It leaves readers wondering: if you had the chance to rewrite your past, would you take it—and what would it cost you?

[Michelle Nezat · Rating 4 out of 5]

While young adult time-travel stories aren’t typically my go-to genre, this novel surprised me in the best way. What stood out most was how the story ultimately gathered momentum—by the final stretch, the action and emotional stakes carried me swiftly to the conclusion.

The book captures the intensity of adolescence with honesty, and while the characters’ emotional volatility may feel familiar to anyone who’s lived beyond those years, it also offers something illuminating: a reminder of how real and formative those moments are when you’re living them. The story doesn’t shy away from the inner turmoil of youth, but instead uses it to explore growth, regret, and self-understanding.

What truly anchored the story for me was the relationship between the father and daughter. Their shared grief—and the way the narrative allows space for reconciliation, understanding, and healing—adds real depth and heart. It’s a beautiful portrayal of how tragedy can shape a family.

The time-travel element is used in a particularly meaningful way, allowing the protagonist to encounter a younger version of herself. This becomes a powerful reflection on compassion—on what it might look like to extend grace to the person we once were, instead of judging her by what we know now. That idea lingered with me long after I finished the book.

Readers who enjoy emotionally driven YA fiction with heart, momentum, and thoughtful themes will find much to appreciate here.

[E Reichert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. The book itself wasn't exactly my thing... I don't know. Just a personal taste thing. But I did like the overall message and the concept of the story. I enjoyed Lorraine as a character and liked that she was truly, deeply flawed (like, majorly). But she's not the same person at the end, which, if that's not the message of time travel, I don't know what is.
The Lord's name is used in vain multiple times, which (call me too sensitive, I don't really care) is not something I care for. But there were no other swear words or content of particular note.
Overall, it was good. The writing and overall vibe of this story isn't the sort of thing that I gravitate towards reading, so I'm probably not the target audience. Hence, take everything I say with a grain of salt. But I liked it, and if time travel is a plot device that you enjoy, I would say it's worth checking out. You'll probably enjoy the high-jinks and the action sequences, as well as the more tender, emotional parts. :)

[Angie - The Introverted Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is classified as YA Science Fiction and so I read it aloud to my just turned 12 year old. We both really enjoyed this book about time travel.

I don't typically read sci-fi, so I wasn't too sure what to expect, but the storyline was done well. It felt like a mystery, which is something both my son and I love. It also felt like a movie or TV show that our family would watch together.

We both felt sad for the FMC who had lost her mom, and didn't have the best relationship with her dad. She did have a great relationship with her boyfriend, who was a steady anchor in her topsy-turvy, chaotic life.

I love the theme of forgiveness that ended the story. "Family is the Most Important Thing"

I give this book 3.5 stars.

For Christian parents who may have concerns about language, there wasn't straight up profanity, but it was implied with things like "he cursed under his breath". Also, there were the following words or phrases: freakin', friggin', God (as in OMG but spelled out), butt, holy cow, geeze, jerk, "screw him", "screw this", screwed, "I hate you/him", crappy, idiot, heck, and gosh.

Also, the FMC seemed to have stolen food and drink from the chicken fast food joint where she worked.

I would recommend this probably for a mature age 14+ at the least.

[Hannah A · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!
Call It Consequences is the first book I have read by Alli Prince. This time-travel themed novel is filled with science, family, action, and a twist I certainly was not expecting.

Lorraine is a young woman whose life is turned upside down when her younger self appears. Together, they try to undo the past while being investigated by the government. As the truth unfolds, Lorraine must make a decision that will impact both her future and her past.

While the characters were interesting, I did wish they were more mature. At times, Lorraine and her boyfriend felt like teenagers rather than adults.

I enjoyed the themes of family and forgiveness in the book. Although God is not mentioned often, I appreciated the acknowledgments that touched on Lorraine’s faith.

This is a quick, clean read for younger audiences. If you enjoy modern sci-fi and action, then this is the book for you!

I received a copy of the book and chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Kamryn Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if your past self asked you to change the past?

Lorraine, a 20 year old with past trauma and a broken relationship from her father, had to answer this question when she was visited by her 12 year old self. As they team up to save her mom, Lorraine has to decide: should she change the past, or grow from the grief?

I had so much fun reading this! It began as a time travel adventure, but began to go deeper into the secrets behind the lab’s research. The characters popped out on the page, and by the end of the book, I felt like I knew them all. Buck will have a place in my heart!

The feelings of grief really hit home with me. I felt seen by Lorraine’s grappling with not only the loss of a person but also what that person will miss.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi adventures!

[Bekah C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally don't enjoy time travel books or movies (unless the time travel is played for comedy). I can safely say that this time travel novel was not played for comedy, in fact I almost cried a couple times while reading it, AND I loved this book.
Call It Consequences has relatable characters, hateable villains, fantastic prose, and a dead bird in the KFC. Alli Prince handled a story of grief with respect and made it tangible, while keeping the action and the stakes high. And she kept the science of time travel understandable to an artist, without overexplaining anything.
I can't recommend this book enough.

[Rachel E. Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Call It Consequences is an engaging sci-fi story involving time travel, nefarious government-backed labs, and themes of family.

It was an engaging read once I got into it, with very solid writing. Lorraine was an interesting character, although I have to admit, I wanted to slap Lorrie half the time. Buck was awesome, though. 10/10 boyfriend right there.

It's not exactly the sort of book I gravitate towards, but it was still enjoyable. And as a bonus, it was a clean read as far as I can remember.

If you like time travel stories for an adult or NA audience, this would be a great choice. I just didn't fully click with it, which is why I only gave it 3 stars.

[Dô · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I read the details of the book and other reviews I wanted to read this! This one was fun, fast paced and kept my attention. Never knew I’d enjoy a time travelling story but I did! Really was a page turner, good action and need to know what happens next kind of read! Great YA/teens/adults too! MFC is well developed and has a wittiness/depth to her character. Loved the strong Christian message. Unique creative story line. A solid 4.5 but gave a full 5 on Goodreads and will keep my eye on this imaginative talented author!

Time-traveling/fun , fast paced read, relatable characters, action /high stakes, real-life battles, life-changing lesson, strong Christian message, “Family is the most important thing”
Back to the future mix with Honey I shrunk the kids vibes, bits of humor/wittiness, themes of grief, anger forgiveness , clean (no spice or swearing).

[Zariel Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible! The book is a must-read. It's not just a story about time travel but it dives much deeper into the real-life battles we face with unforgiveness, anger, and failing to appreciate the good things we have in front of us before they're almost gone. Call it Consequences will definitely keep you flipping the pages to see what happens next. You truly feel what the protagonist (Lorraine) is experiencing in every part of the story. By the end, you'll learn a life-changing lesson and probably shed a tear or two.

[Rylie Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a free ebook from the author but all thoughts are honest and my own :)

“Family is the most important thing.”

I read this book in one sitting. It’s fast paced, holds your attention well, and had a little bit of humor to it. It had no language and no spice which I greatly appreciated.

That being said, the characters are in their 20s and I felt like this read like more of a YA book (which I didn’t mind). Overall. If you like time travel and KFC, you will probably enjoy this book!

Thank you to the author for the ARC 🫶

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted an ebook copy to share an honest review, and I am truly so glad to have found this gem!

Call It Consequences is a sci-fi/time travel that literally had me laughing out loud and then practically sobbing by the end of it! I absolutely loved the banter and dynamics this book shown with the complications of time travel! This book shares an amazing example of Gods love without him even being talked about in the story much if at all. I would 100% recommend this book and will be purchasing a physical copy to add to my shelf!

[Christina Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than the last one I read from this author. I liked the characters and the setting felt real and grounded. While some situations were a bit unrealistic, on the whole it seemed reasonable for a time travel novel and the time travel elements served the message of the book well. The themes of grief, anger, forgiveness, and healing were woven naturally into and drove the plot. It was fun and thoughtful at the same time.

[Courtnie ~ courtniemustreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the plot on this one! This story kept my attention. This gave off Back to the Future vibes in terms of time travel which I enjoyed. The characters were fun and well developed. I like the pace of the story and the suspense toward the end. Overall, it was a well worth my time reading.

Content: dealing with the loss of a loved one is a major theme of the story

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the message Alli was trying to get across. While this wasn't a story I loved or related to, the author did a good job portraying how to forgive and deal with it.

There is a bit of swearing in the book but not much. Like maybe 3 times?
The characters were flush out and the time travel concept was interesting as I like how she made it were you can't change time even if you try.

[Vella Karman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, compelling, effervescent.

I'm a big fan of time travel books and this one just knocked it out of the park. Go buy the book right now!

Content warnings: It’s clean (no spice or swearing).

[Jenna White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun take on time travel! Starts a little slow, but once it gets going you can’t put it down. Has all the feelings (I nearly bawled and I’m not a cryer), all the humor, and all the twists. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call it Consequences is such a fun book! Lots of emotions throughout, with wonderful bits of humor sprinkled in too. Just a warning, if you're like me you'll read the last 100 pages in one sitting. Highly recommend!!

[El Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Call IT Consequences, and I highly recommend it! It’s a sci-fi thriller with romance, and the book does a new take on time travel. I absolutely loved this book and I’m glad I got to read it.

[Breanna Goonan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite literally a love letter to your younger self. I tore through this book in a matter of days and loved every single minute of it. It’s funny, endearing and emotional!

[Kevin Hinebaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally enjoyable book! I read it in two days and had fun doing so. Ali is an imaginative author. I can't wait for whatever comes from her, because it assuredly will be worth reading!

[Kn.Ranchlifereads_25 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:
4🌟
Honestly guys to anyone who says that Christian Fiction is boring, im immediately giving them this book because what do you mean its a YA Time travel sci-fi and its completely clean with faith content?!

These were completely new concepts in a book for me and that made me love it so much more.
This will definitely be one that I go back and re-read even slower because I feel like there were just so many good concepts that I really want to go over again!