Time Conduit: Time Travel Science Fiction Adventure

by Max Neivandt

I had always imagined science as orderly and predictable, a world of rules and neat equations. Yet here I was, standing in front of a machine that should not exist. It was now apparent that the collective minds of the world may not have the complete picture.

Stranded in the 1930s, Ryan desperately wants to return to 1980 and reunite with Lucy, the one person who truly understands him. But now the time machine is destroyed and history is unraveling in ways that don’t make sense. (This book is entirely written by the author. No AI used for the content or cover)

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2026

Reviews

[Mae-Anne Bryant]

"Time Conduit" by Max Neivandt is a story that is both deeply moving and full of imaginative wonder. Neivandt writes in a very clear, human way. The sentences are short but full of sensory details, and the narrator's scientific certainty gives way to confused amazement in a way that feels real rather than staged. The pacing shifts from thoughtful passages about longing and identity to sudden, breathless shifts as history itself begins to fall apart. The 1930s scenes last long enough to build up the mood, but they speed up when the stakes get higher, which made me turn the pages. The book's emotional weight comes from the fact that the main character is stuck in the 1930s with a broken time machine and desperately wants to return to 1980 to be with Lucy. The book's look at how group knowledge can be incomplete adds depth to the story without making it drag on. Neivandt's dialogue sounds real; his descriptions make me think of other times, and the way he holds back on plot reveals keeps the suspense while still respecting the characters. Neivandt combines scientific inquiry and human sensitivity so well that the book reads like a meditation on loss, hope, and the memory that never goes away. Each chapter gives us little bits of information that add up to a whole that is softly sad, ultimately hopeful, and bright. Reading Time Conduit was like standing on the edge of a familiar shore, feeling a hidden current pushing you toward something that both scared you and made you feel good. It made me want Ryan to get back together with his family and cheer for how smart he is. After reading this book, I wanted more!

[Connie Newell]

DNF - Books are so subjective

I went into Time Conduit really excited. The premise had so much potential — time manipulation, layered realities, high-stakes tension — all things I normally gravitate toward. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me.

I gave it a fair shot, but I ultimately decided to DNF because I couldn’t fully connect with the writing style or the pacing. The concept felt ambitious (which I appreciate!), but I found myself struggling to stay grounded in the world and emotionally invested in the characters. At times, the narrative felt more focused on explaining mechanics than building momentum, and I kept waiting for that moment where everything would click — and it just didn’t happen for me.

That said, I can absolutely see how readers who enjoy dense, idea-driven sci-fi with intricate time theories might really enjoy this. It simply wasn’t the right fit for my reading style right now.

Books are so subjective, and just because this wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it won’t be for someone else. I’m still glad I gave it a try.

[kathleen r.]

Just dreadful. If you do plow your way through this nonsense, you might need some serious psychiatric help with your concept of reality.
I think the author wanted to present a "Back-to-the-future" effort, but the jarring misread of science and fiction just kept getting in the way.
The protagonist is a whiny and petulant 17 year old child with the poorly adjusted attitude one has grown to accept in those who just don't fit into the world. His only friend appears to be a slightly younger female, maybe a tomboy, and equally poorly socialized.
The construct of time travel is made even more over-the-top by absurb pseudo scientific jargon and minimal relatable fact, and IMO, it all seriously distracted the reader from any hope that the actual story was readable, enjoyable and/or memorable.
I thought it was a hot mess.
I am assuming it was a self published effort, because if this garbage is actually marketable, I am in the wrong line of work.
Save yourself.
Read Jules Verne.

[Shayla Keels]

A very scientific adventure through time. This book includes some new and tangled thoughts about time travel. While reading, the science and time traveling explanations could get quite confusing at times. The main characters learned about consequences of time traveling actions. And making the best out of the hard situations they found themselves in.
A very interesting read. With a good conclusive ending.

[Bill]

Tom Swift has nothing on Ryan

I was reminded of a country novelty song “I’m My Own Grand Pa” back in the 40s, explaining how, without incest, a young man became his own forebear. It was a stretch, just as this YA time travel tale expanded and contracted, sending Ryan to the past to meet the mother he had never known. It wasn’t heartwarming but it made me grin as it took shape. No matter your age, It’s a fun trip through our recent past.

[Paul Madsen]

Nice clean PG rated tale

A teenager invents time travel and finds out there rules governing time traveling but no-one can explain what the rules or penalties are for screwing things up. All he wishes is to get back to proper time space where he can resume his life and girlfriend.

[dyan stafford]

what a story!

This was such a fun story to read! To hear about him meeting family members and learning the stories from different times. It’s fascinating who came to help him get back home. I loved reading every minute of this book! It was so heart warming and fun to read!