What do you think?
Rate this book
Yours Truly, 2095
Jeff Blue—the victim of a time-travel conspiracy—wakes up trapped in the year 2095. The only familiar face is J0; a robotic copy of the wife he left behind in 1981. But can she be trusted?
J0 could be the only key to unlock Jeff’s journey home, but it will require her to do something against her programming—something human.
During Jeff’s perilous journey through the future, he will have to discover the truth about J0’s origins, and solve the mystery behind how he wound up in 2095, in order to uncover the reality of his own destiny.
Armed with a one-way ticket to the moon, Jeff must race against the clock to seize what might be his last chance to return home to his time. A time without hover cars, Justice Computers, or TeleSkins—a time over one hundred years ago.
J0 could be the only key to unlock Jeff’s journey home, but it will require her to do something against her programming—something human.
During Jeff’s perilous journey through the future, he will have to discover the truth about J0’s origins, and solve the mystery behind how he wound up in 2095, in order to uncover the reality of his own destiny.
Armed with a one-way ticket to the moon, Jeff must race against the clock to seize what might be his last chance to return home to his time. A time without hover cars, Justice Computers, or TeleSkins—a time over one hundred years ago.
350 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2015
22 people are currently reading
1173 people want to read
About the author
Brian Paone
35 books362 followersBrian Paone—a Salem, Massachusetts native displaced to northern Virginia—has been a published novelist since 2007. Brian is primarily a speculative fiction author who doesn’t know how to stay in his lane. His novels feature an array of subgenres for those readers who dare to venture just outside of realism.
Brian is a police detective in Maryland and has worked in law enforcement since 2002. He is the father to four children, a self-proclaimed rollercoaster junkie, a Star Wars 501st member since 2005, a New England Patriots fanatic, and his favorite color is burnt orange. In 2019, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming the proud owner of a 1981 DeLorean!
Brian is a police detective in Maryland and has worked in law enforcement since 2002. He is the father to four children, a self-proclaimed rollercoaster junkie, a Star Wars 501st member since 2005, a New England Patriots fanatic, and his favorite color is burnt orange. In 2019, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming the proud owner of a 1981 DeLorean!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 19, 2015
First of all, as an avid (rabid) fan of all things rock 'n' roll, this book had me at ELO! So that's what I took with me going into it. It's purely a love letter to a great album by a great band.
If you're looking for hard science fiction in the vein of Clarke or Asimov, search elsewhere. If you're wanting a fun story with a rock flavor, this is for you! If Back to the Future slept with an American Douglas Adams, Yours Truly, 2095 would be its love child!
One of the things the author does best is relationship dialogue. The husband/wife dream sequences are some of the best scenes here. The pain the character(s) feel comes across as being honest.
There are also genuinely creepy moments. Both in the overall plot, and in some scenes of blurred ethical/moral decision making on the main character's part. All of which brings up the real questions presented here: When given the opportunity to have everything you've ever wanted, how far would you be willing to go to gain your desires? And are the means necessary worth it?
If you're looking for hard science fiction in the vein of Clarke or Asimov, search elsewhere. If you're wanting a fun story with a rock flavor, this is for you! If Back to the Future slept with an American Douglas Adams, Yours Truly, 2095 would be its love child!
One of the things the author does best is relationship dialogue. The husband/wife dream sequences are some of the best scenes here. The pain the character(s) feel comes across as being honest.
There are also genuinely creepy moments. Both in the overall plot, and in some scenes of blurred ethical/moral decision making on the main character's part. All of which brings up the real questions presented here: When given the opportunity to have everything you've ever wanted, how far would you be willing to go to gain your desires? And are the means necessary worth it?
August 6, 2015
I really wanted to like this book better than I did. It was presented to me as science fiction, possibly even science fiction romance, but although there was time travel and androids and flying cars and a sort of romance with a possible HEA, it didn't really work for me as either.
It was a love song to the 70s, with a heavy rose-coloured nostalgia feel about the “good old days” or at the very least, “the last good music was made in the 70s.” All the rest felt tacked on.
There was an almost satirical observation about the superficiality of modern life, but not really strong enough to work, and it happens to be a view I disagree with, so that may contribute to why the book didn't work for me.
The first two hundred pages nothing much really happens. I think this is when our intrepid narrator is supposed to be falling in love with the android replica of his estranged wife, but it didn't read that way. Between wondering how he got there, and working out his issues with said estranged wife in his dreams, it was extremely slow. The final hundred pages (where most of the blurb happens) could have been awesome but by then I was picking up on more song lyrics and it seemed almost juvenile. Like does anyone actually believe 70s music will still be popular in 2095?
I was never sure if the author was pulling my leg or if I was supposed to take this story seriously. I ended up finding it too silly to take seriously and not silly enough (or satirical enough) to be an over-the-top extravaganza.
And I struggled to write this review, because after reading all the reviews on Amazon, I feel like I read a totally different book. If you love 70s music, give it a spin. If you're looking for science fiction... eh, try John Scalzi.
It was a love song to the 70s, with a heavy rose-coloured nostalgia feel about the “good old days” or at the very least, “the last good music was made in the 70s.” All the rest felt tacked on.
There was an almost satirical observation about the superficiality of modern life, but not really strong enough to work, and it happens to be a view I disagree with, so that may contribute to why the book didn't work for me.
The first two hundred pages nothing much really happens. I think this is when our intrepid narrator is supposed to be falling in love with the android replica of his estranged wife, but it didn't read that way. Between wondering how he got there, and working out his issues with said estranged wife in his dreams, it was extremely slow. The final hundred pages (where most of the blurb happens) could have been awesome but by then I was picking up on more song lyrics and it seemed almost juvenile. Like does anyone actually believe 70s music will still be popular in 2095?
I was never sure if the author was pulling my leg or if I was supposed to take this story seriously. I ended up finding it too silly to take seriously and not silly enough (or satirical enough) to be an over-the-top extravaganza.
And I struggled to write this review, because after reading all the reviews on Amazon, I feel like I read a totally different book. If you love 70s music, give it a spin. If you're looking for science fiction... eh, try John Scalzi.
August 26, 2015
Not the best Science Fiction book on the planet, but Yours Truly, 2095 certainly had me thinking. The story follows Jeff who wakes up in 2095 after a conspiracy from the future. He has to learn to live in this new world, with all its changes of technology and the way of living with his android ‘wife’ Jo. While simultaneously learning about the conspiracy and fighting to find his way back to the 1980’s.
Jeff is an interesting character, who takes his enforced time travel at lot calmer than I would! He is reasonably well-developed, but I would have liked to know more about who he really is. I wasn’t really able to connect with him as well as I would have liked. Henry however is not so well-developed, but still likeable, Jo, the android ‘wife’, is an interesting concept. I loved how her changes affected her behaviour, but they left a few to many questions for me.
The plot is interesting to say the least, I’m not sure how believable it is; no greenery and only artificial plants? If that’s what’s to come, no thank you. Having said that, I loved the idea of the daily news tab thing, the flying cars and some of the other technical advances, but again believable? I don’t know, maybe. The story is well paced with some romance, intrigue and excitement which kept me hooked throughout.
I think this is a great book for a Science Fiction fan, possibly a younger one. Enjoy.
NB I received this book free for an honest review
Jeff is an interesting character, who takes his enforced time travel at lot calmer than I would! He is reasonably well-developed, but I would have liked to know more about who he really is. I wasn’t really able to connect with him as well as I would have liked. Henry however is not so well-developed, but still likeable, Jo, the android ‘wife’, is an interesting concept. I loved how her changes affected her behaviour, but they left a few to many questions for me.
The plot is interesting to say the least, I’m not sure how believable it is; no greenery and only artificial plants? If that’s what’s to come, no thank you. Having said that, I loved the idea of the daily news tab thing, the flying cars and some of the other technical advances, but again believable? I don’t know, maybe. The story is well paced with some romance, intrigue and excitement which kept me hooked throughout.
I think this is a great book for a Science Fiction fan, possibly a younger one. Enjoy.
NB I received this book free for an honest review
February 7, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
What I really liked about this story is the original and refreshing way to address time travel. The "bouncing" tech was cool. The robots programmed with the memories of their human counterparts was also a nice touch. I would have liked to see a few scenes of Jeff's descendant wrecking mayhem in 1981, but that doesn't take anything away from the overall work. All in all, this was a pretty good story that kept me guessing through most of it. The one little thing that irked me, at the end, is Jeff's lack of compassion for what will happen to his wife's consciousness in the future. JO's consciousness replacing Julie's in 1981 is a nice twist, don't get me wrong, but I still feel bad about the real Julie.
What I really liked about this story is the original and refreshing way to address time travel. The "bouncing" tech was cool. The robots programmed with the memories of their human counterparts was also a nice touch. I would have liked to see a few scenes of Jeff's descendant wrecking mayhem in 1981, but that doesn't take anything away from the overall work. All in all, this was a pretty good story that kept me guessing through most of it. The one little thing that irked me, at the end, is Jeff's lack of compassion for what will happen to his wife's consciousness in the future. JO's consciousness replacing Julie's in 1981 is a nice twist, don't get me wrong, but I still feel bad about the real Julie.
April 18, 2018
*Thank you Voracious Readers and Brian Paone for the free copy of this book in exchange with an honest review*
My general impression of the book is that it has an interesting theme and that I would love it way more if it managed to convince me about everything that happened in it more. If the plot is convincing enough, I can believe even the most outrageous thing and go with it. But this book didn't manage to convince me about almost anything, if everything is justified properly... Most importantly the character motive's and their ever-changing opinions, especially Jeff, not only I couldn't figure him out, but he also outraged me at some points!
Now that we touched Jeff, let's talk a bit more about him. at first I was on his team, because he was stranded in a different year thanks to his cruel great-great-grandson and he was trying to find his way home. Understandable. But then, he started supposedly having feelings for J0 (the robot that looks like his wife) and starting trusting her more and he eventually develop feelings about her! But it was not justified! At all! One minute he was talking about time travel and then he was like: "I think J0 is changed, I think I love her, do I really want to go back to Julie?" What the heck dude?
The next topic is the million music references. And I'm not exaggerating. It felt like a trip down to memory lane that although I enjoyed, didn't feel like it fit well with the whole theme of the book. It felt a little bit forced for me... What more, there was an ongoing pattern where jeff would see his wife Julie in his dream, every single night. Like literally every night. The first two times I though it was pretty clever, but then it became pretty tiring.
Summing up, "Yours Truly, 2095" is a book with great potential and a very interesting theme, that I believe could have been executed a little bit more effortlessly.
My general impression of the book is that it has an interesting theme and that I would love it way more if it managed to convince me about everything that happened in it more. If the plot is convincing enough, I can believe even the most outrageous thing and go with it. But this book didn't manage to convince me about almost anything, if everything is justified properly... Most importantly the character motive's and their ever-changing opinions, especially Jeff, not only I couldn't figure him out, but he also outraged me at some points!
Now that we touched Jeff, let's talk a bit more about him. at first I was on his team, because he was stranded in a different year thanks to his cruel great-great-grandson and he was trying to find his way home. Understandable. But then, he started supposedly having feelings for J0 (the robot that looks like his wife) and starting trusting her more and he eventually develop feelings about her! But it was not justified! At all! One minute he was talking about time travel and then he was like: "I think J0 is changed, I think I love her, do I really want to go back to Julie?" What the heck dude?
The next topic is the million music references. And I'm not exaggerating. It felt like a trip down to memory lane that although I enjoyed, didn't feel like it fit well with the whole theme of the book. It felt a little bit forced for me... What more, there was an ongoing pattern where jeff would see his wife Julie in his dream, every single night. Like literally every night. The first two times I though it was pretty clever, but then it became pretty tiring.
Summing up, "Yours Truly, 2095" is a book with great potential and a very interesting theme, that I believe could have been executed a little bit more effortlessly.
September 9, 2016
4.5
This book is so good and I don't even know if I can explain how great it is without giving away spoilers. There are so many twists and turns on this emotional rollercoaster that I tried guessing what would happen, or assumed I knew how the plot would play out, and the author would metaphorically slap me in the face as if to say, "No! THIS is what happens." And then I continued reading while on the edge of my hypothetical seat. I was in sync with the narrator throughout the whole story. The author does a fantastic job with the way he uses words. It's pure magic. At times I could feel the sweat dripping down my forehead as Jeff discovered a dark mystery, even more complicating his incredible situation. And don't even get me started on the dream sequences. These scenes drew me into their faux reality even more than the other scenes did. The imagery is real, everybody. As for the end of the book, there could have been a plethora of outcomes, and I was nervous that the author couldn't continue his snowball effect and that the snowball would melt before it hit the village on the bottom of the mountain (I suck at impromptu metaphors). I was frustrated with the ending at first, but after a few hours of meditation and quarts of chocolate ice cream the epiphany arose that the ending could have been no better. I set aside my egotistical expectations and viewed the entire book in hindsight. Yes, the ending was perfect. I actually want to read this book again it was so good, but I must move on for now. The aforementioned quarts of ice cream are making a come back.
(Real quick)
Honestly, I don't read much science fiction, so I didn't know what to expect. but I was so pleased with the Yours Truly, 2095. If you, the reader, love character driven emotional stories, read this book. Break down the walls of genre, allow the tropes to be used to your advantage and instead of letting tropes control you, forget this is book is based off an ELO album and discover this fresh, heart pumping, true-to-the-concept-album book.
I'm done rambling now, the choice is yours. (Read this book)
Yours truly,
Aaron Wulf
This book is so good and I don't even know if I can explain how great it is without giving away spoilers. There are so many twists and turns on this emotional rollercoaster that I tried guessing what would happen, or assumed I knew how the plot would play out, and the author would metaphorically slap me in the face as if to say, "No! THIS is what happens." And then I continued reading while on the edge of my hypothetical seat. I was in sync with the narrator throughout the whole story. The author does a fantastic job with the way he uses words. It's pure magic. At times I could feel the sweat dripping down my forehead as Jeff discovered a dark mystery, even more complicating his incredible situation. And don't even get me started on the dream sequences. These scenes drew me into their faux reality even more than the other scenes did. The imagery is real, everybody. As for the end of the book, there could have been a plethora of outcomes, and I was nervous that the author couldn't continue his snowball effect and that the snowball would melt before it hit the village on the bottom of the mountain (I suck at impromptu metaphors). I was frustrated with the ending at first, but after a few hours of meditation and quarts of chocolate ice cream the epiphany arose that the ending could have been no better. I set aside my egotistical expectations and viewed the entire book in hindsight. Yes, the ending was perfect. I actually want to read this book again it was so good, but I must move on for now. The aforementioned quarts of ice cream are making a come back.
(Real quick)
Honestly, I don't read much science fiction, so I didn't know what to expect. but I was so pleased with the Yours Truly, 2095. If you, the reader, love character driven emotional stories, read this book. Break down the walls of genre, allow the tropes to be used to your advantage and instead of letting tropes control you, forget this is book is based off an ELO album and discover this fresh, heart pumping, true-to-the-concept-album book.
I'm done rambling now, the choice is yours. (Read this book)
Yours truly,
Aaron Wulf
August 26, 2015
Yours Truly, 2095 Not the best Science Fiction book on the planet, but Yours Truly, 2095 certainly had me thinking. The story follows Jeff who wakes up in 2095 after a conspiracy from the future. He has to learn to live in this new world, with all its changes of technology and the way of living with his android ‘wife’ Jo. While simultaneously learning about the conspiracy and fighting to find his way back to the 1980’s.
Jeff is an interesting character, who takes his enforced time travel at lot calmer than I would! He is reasonably well-developed, but I would have liked to know more about who he really is. I wasn’t really able to connect with him as well as I would have liked. Henry however is not so well-developed, but still likeable, Jo, the android ‘wife’, is an interesting concept. I loved how her changes affected her behaviour, but they left a few to many questions for me.
The plot is interesting to say the least, I’m not sure how believable it is; no greenery and only artificial plants? If that’s what’s to come, no thank you. Having said that, I loved the idea of the daily news tab thing, the flying cars and some of the other technical advances, but again believable? I don’t know, maybe. The story is well paced with some romance, intrigue and excitement which kept me hooked throughout.
I think this is a great book for a Science Fiction fan, possibly a younger one. Enjoy.
NB I received this book free for an honest review
Jeff is an interesting character, who takes his enforced time travel at lot calmer than I would! He is reasonably well-developed, but I would have liked to know more about who he really is. I wasn’t really able to connect with him as well as I would have liked. Henry however is not so well-developed, but still likeable, Jo, the android ‘wife’, is an interesting concept. I loved how her changes affected her behaviour, but they left a few to many questions for me.
The plot is interesting to say the least, I’m not sure how believable it is; no greenery and only artificial plants? If that’s what’s to come, no thank you. Having said that, I loved the idea of the daily news tab thing, the flying cars and some of the other technical advances, but again believable? I don’t know, maybe. The story is well paced with some romance, intrigue and excitement which kept me hooked throughout.
I think this is a great book for a Science Fiction fan, possibly a younger one. Enjoy.
NB I received this book free for an honest review
inspirational-works
May 2, 2016The Summer Drink Everyone Will Love
I am NOT a sci-fi reader. I have never gotten into the realms of science fiction. They just never appealed to me. I had a copy of this novel for a good while, but refused to read it. I felt it would be a waste of my leisure, drone me numb. Don't know what convinced me to finally open up the book, but as soon as I read the first page I knew Yours Truly, 2095 would be phenomenal.
The book is a literature summer cocktail: refreshing, intoxicating, and thrilling. Brain Paone keeps his readers on a non-stop roller coaster of mystery to action to drama to romance, each change of genre had its own twists and turns that makes the reader just want to hold on and complete the ride! The suspense built more questions than answers right to the to the final pages.
I think what helped me get into the novel was it wasn't some militant futuristic war to save mankind. This was about a guy trying to reestablish his relationship with his wife. Plus, the novel was purely psychological and metaphysical than technological or mystical. This book will make you contemplate humanity, spirituality, and existence without it becoming an empirical or righteous buzzkill.
I see how this novel is a Hugo nomination. You will not want to stop wanting to see what happens next. And, on a personal level, it's inspirational.
I am NOT a sci-fi reader. I have never gotten into the realms of science fiction. They just never appealed to me. I had a copy of this novel for a good while, but refused to read it. I felt it would be a waste of my leisure, drone me numb. Don't know what convinced me to finally open up the book, but as soon as I read the first page I knew Yours Truly, 2095 would be phenomenal.
The book is a literature summer cocktail: refreshing, intoxicating, and thrilling. Brain Paone keeps his readers on a non-stop roller coaster of mystery to action to drama to romance, each change of genre had its own twists and turns that makes the reader just want to hold on and complete the ride! The suspense built more questions than answers right to the to the final pages.
I think what helped me get into the novel was it wasn't some militant futuristic war to save mankind. This was about a guy trying to reestablish his relationship with his wife. Plus, the novel was purely psychological and metaphysical than technological or mystical. This book will make you contemplate humanity, spirituality, and existence without it becoming an empirical or righteous buzzkill.
I see how this novel is a Hugo nomination. You will not want to stop wanting to see what happens next. And, on a personal level, it's inspirational.
July 16, 2015
I received a free download of this book from Story Cartel, thank you!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The concept of time travel has always been something that messes with my head, but I like to read about all the potential pros and cons of it.
I also liked reading about and remembering the things from the 1980's. It took me back to my own life in the 80's.
The thing I got the biggest kick out of is the way the author named the chapters after songs from ELO's Time album, (I'm assuming the whole book was based on the story that album tells), and cleverly inserted lyrics from ELO songs throughout the entire book. I found myself giggling and saying "I see what you did there." And then of course I had to reread the lines as if I were singing the songs themselves. I am SO going to dig out my box of albums and listen to Time now.
I would recommend this book to others and I would read more by this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The concept of time travel has always been something that messes with my head, but I like to read about all the potential pros and cons of it.
I also liked reading about and remembering the things from the 1980's. It took me back to my own life in the 80's.
The thing I got the biggest kick out of is the way the author named the chapters after songs from ELO's Time album, (I'm assuming the whole book was based on the story that album tells), and cleverly inserted lyrics from ELO songs throughout the entire book. I found myself giggling and saying "I see what you did there." And then of course I had to reread the lines as if I were singing the songs themselves. I am SO going to dig out my box of albums and listen to Time now.
I would recommend this book to others and I would read more by this author.
August 21, 2016
I had no idea the book was inspired by a music album, which only makes it that much more amazing. This is a fantastic read. It's an entirely new take on the old time travel plot, and manages at once to be both a romance and a sci-fi adventure novel. The plot twists keep going until the very last pages, making this one of the few books I could not predict at any point. I never did know what was coming next. And the author, Brian Paone, manages to avoid resorting to gore or erotica as cheap fanservice. That's not easy with a story as deeply rooted in relationships and characters as this book is. All in all, it's unlike most other books I have read in so many ways, but manages to be fascinating the whole way through the book. The writing also starts strong and gets even better as the book progresses. This could easily become a modern cult classic.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R7QY94Z...
https://www.amazon.com/review/R7QY94Z...
February 4, 2016
I wasn't totally blown away by this story, but I will say that it was one of the better time travel novels I have read. The science might sound a bit dodgy, but it's actually the most logical time travel device I've heard of. The writing was lacking a bit of spark, but I really enjoyed the plot and the mystery. I had several possible twist in mind and I was a bit surprised by the actual ending. It's not your typical HEA.
I listened to the audiobook and I was satisfied with Sean Michael Hogan's narration. He was a bit dry at times and I feel like he mis-timed some of the jokes. And there was a strange echo, like he was recording in a small bathroom.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
I listened to the audiobook and I was satisfied with Sean Michael Hogan's narration. He was a bit dry at times and I feel like he mis-timed some of the jokes. And there was a strange echo, like he was recording in a small bathroom.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
January 28, 2016
Brian very kindly sent me this book to review and I loved it. It was just my kind of book. A bit of a mystery over who was the baddie, a love story and some good scientific ideas about what the future may be like all wrapped up in time travelling science fiction. What's there not to like! A good story which would easily adapt itself to be made into a film or television series. If you liked the old 'Out of the Unknown ' or the 'Twilight Zone' television series then give this book a try.
February 6, 2016
I love anything with sci-fi and decided to give this one a try. I'm glad I did. The story was heavy with 70's nostalgia and delivered an interesting tale that struck me as very different (in a good way) from the mainstream science fiction novels we are all used to.
*I was provided a free copy of this book via AudiobookBlast for a fair and honest review.
*I was provided a free copy of this book via AudiobookBlast for a fair and honest review.
Want to read
November 2, 2015I won a free copy of this novel through Goodread's First Reads giveaways! I'm excited to add it to my list of reads.
April 17, 2016
This book had me hooked from the moment I started reading. Definitely a page turner. I am looking forward to reading more books written by this author.
June 10, 2017
Firstly, I am a time-travel fanatic, and have been writing time-travel stories since I was twelve. So when I started reading this I just couldn't put it down!! I think this does a really good job of explaining the paradoxes that occur when you meddle with time. And also how the time-travel occurs. A lot of the time people just get in a machine with flashing lights and whirring knobs and it's not very scientific! But this book really explains it. And it draws you in by suspense and intrigue...you desperately want to know what's going to happen next. I didn't want to do anything else until I knew...
Secondly, I don't know much about the ELO album this is based on, but I just think it's darn good storytelling. It's not overly descriptive or philosophical, but I just like it a lot better than some novels that are really well known and really descriptive because Brian just tells the story instead of trying to be clever. He really paints a picture with this. And I love the development of the character of J0. Although it's a kind of archetypal 1980s view of the future with flying cars and big TVs, I think that's fitting as the character is from 1981. Also it tells the story of the breakdown of a relationship, which is really moving.
I wasn't quite sure about how parts of the ending tied in with the science of it, but I don't think it mattered overall because the conclusion had a good moral point. I think it's a book to be enjoyed and to come back to.
Secondly, I don't know much about the ELO album this is based on, but I just think it's darn good storytelling. It's not overly descriptive or philosophical, but I just like it a lot better than some novels that are really well known and really descriptive because Brian just tells the story instead of trying to be clever. He really paints a picture with this. And I love the development of the character of J0. Although it's a kind of archetypal 1980s view of the future with flying cars and big TVs, I think that's fitting as the character is from 1981. Also it tells the story of the breakdown of a relationship, which is really moving.
I wasn't quite sure about how parts of the ending tied in with the science of it, but I don't think it mattered overall because the conclusion had a good moral point. I think it's a book to be enjoyed and to come back to.
September 13, 2018
I was sent Yours Truly, 2095 by Brian as a prize for winning a contest run on a Facebook page. That was January 2016. To my eternal shame, it has taken me two-and-a-half years to actually read this book. I regret that.
As a fan of sci-fi, the idea of a time-travel novel based on the 'Time' album by Electric Light Orchestra was 'music to my ears.' I started reading the book on a Monday evening and found by Tuesday I was already 200 pages in, a testament to how smooth and easy the story is to read. A lot of books are referred to as page-turners these days, and that is exactly what I'm going to say about Yours Truly. I was completely immersed in the story and totally invested in Jeff's quest to get back to Julie in 1981, figuring out J0's true personality, and being torn as torn as Jeff himself over who he should spend his eternity with, Julie or J0.
The twists and turns of the final few chapters were amazing and unexpected. Brian did an amazing job with adapting 'Time' into an enticing and gripping novel. I was hooked right up until the end, which itself was very fitting.
This truly was 'another action-filled adventure.'
As a fan of sci-fi, the idea of a time-travel novel based on the 'Time' album by Electric Light Orchestra was 'music to my ears.' I started reading the book on a Monday evening and found by Tuesday I was already 200 pages in, a testament to how smooth and easy the story is to read. A lot of books are referred to as page-turners these days, and that is exactly what I'm going to say about Yours Truly. I was completely immersed in the story and totally invested in Jeff's quest to get back to Julie in 1981, figuring out J0's true personality, and being torn as torn as Jeff himself over who he should spend his eternity with, Julie or J0.
The twists and turns of the final few chapters were amazing and unexpected. Brian did an amazing job with adapting 'Time' into an enticing and gripping novel. I was hooked right up until the end, which itself was very fitting.
This truly was 'another action-filled adventure.'
November 9, 2018
Time travel is possible if one is going back in time and switching bodies with someone one is genetically linked. Nope. Still doesn't make sense to me but it doesn't matter. This book was too fun to worry about it.
Jeff Blue wakes up in house he doesn't know in a time he couldn't possibly live in yet every seems to think he belongs. Except for Bruce who promises to explain everything. And Julie--no, not Julie because his wife isn't in the future with him. It's just some android clone that looks like and is programed to act like his wife. The wife in the past who can't forgive him for driving drunk and killing their daughter but with whom he is still desperately in love. Jeff needs to figure out how and why he is in the future and if it's worth getting back to the past.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. It had engaging characters and an interesting what if. The only thing I didn't like was the ending because it made Jeff seem shallow but it wasn't out of character or contrived in the plot and it wasn't enough to annoy me into dropping a star. I just would have wanted it different.
Jeff Blue wakes up in house he doesn't know in a time he couldn't possibly live in yet every seems to think he belongs. Except for Bruce who promises to explain everything. And Julie--no, not Julie because his wife isn't in the future with him. It's just some android clone that looks like and is programed to act like his wife. The wife in the past who can't forgive him for driving drunk and killing their daughter but with whom he is still desperately in love. Jeff needs to figure out how and why he is in the future and if it's worth getting back to the past.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. It had engaging characters and an interesting what if. The only thing I didn't like was the ending because it made Jeff seem shallow but it wasn't out of character or contrived in the plot and it wasn't enough to annoy me into dropping a star. I just would have wanted it different.
March 21, 2019
I received a review copy of this book from the author and Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
As always, I try to avoid spoilers and writing a summary here. I focus more on what I liked and did not like about the book.
So, first, this was unlike other books I have read. I expected more of a romance, and there was that, but it was not the main part of the book. I did have some trouble keeping up with the science fiction elements -- some of the discussions of the science were a little too in-depth for my taste. There were also quite a few permutations and developments within the science fiction, to the point where the final part of the book seemed like it expected me to suspend my disbelief a little too much.
What did I like about the book? Well, it did keep me reading to find out the resolution, but I wasn't completely satisfied with that resolution. If the ending was the Man-Delay, then how would that be possible? The author did leave a possibility that should not have been possible at the end unless it was meant to be explained with the grandfather paradox.
As always, I try to avoid spoilers and writing a summary here. I focus more on what I liked and did not like about the book.
So, first, this was unlike other books I have read. I expected more of a romance, and there was that, but it was not the main part of the book. I did have some trouble keeping up with the science fiction elements -- some of the discussions of the science were a little too in-depth for my taste. There were also quite a few permutations and developments within the science fiction, to the point where the final part of the book seemed like it expected me to suspend my disbelief a little too much.
What did I like about the book? Well, it did keep me reading to find out the resolution, but I wasn't completely satisfied with that resolution. If the ending was the Man-Delay, then how would that be possible? The author did leave a possibility that should not have been possible at the end unless it was meant to be explained with the grandfather paradox.
November 30, 2017
After reading this book--generously provided free by the author--I came here to read other reviews to see if it wasn't just me.
It wasn't just me.
I struggled ever so badly with the language of this novel. In fact, I stumbled and struggled with the grammar to the point where I had to reset my brain, suspend its critical thinking and start again in order to absorb the story. As I delved, it slowly gathered momentum and by about halfway I found myself enjoying the romp.
As an ELO fan, I totally get where Paone is coming from in this homage to the sensibilities of the 1981 album Time. Rock fiction had been an unknown to me until I encountered Paone's novel, and now it's a genre I want more of. Paone's "Jeff" is the likeable everyman thrust into extraordinary circumstances, and while the genre is rock fiction mixed with sci-fi, the most prominent genre is romance.
I would have given this novel a higher rating had its language been better. I really had to work at reading before I could like the story.
It wasn't just me.
I struggled ever so badly with the language of this novel. In fact, I stumbled and struggled with the grammar to the point where I had to reset my brain, suspend its critical thinking and start again in order to absorb the story. As I delved, it slowly gathered momentum and by about halfway I found myself enjoying the romp.
As an ELO fan, I totally get where Paone is coming from in this homage to the sensibilities of the 1981 album Time. Rock fiction had been an unknown to me until I encountered Paone's novel, and now it's a genre I want more of. Paone's "Jeff" is the likeable everyman thrust into extraordinary circumstances, and while the genre is rock fiction mixed with sci-fi, the most prominent genre is romance.
I would have given this novel a higher rating had its language been better. I really had to work at reading before I could like the story.
March 29, 2019
I received a free copy in return for a review.
Initially the unusual concept of the blurb caught my attention and decided to give this a read, I wasn’t disappointed.
This book is packed with twists and turns to keep the reader guessing how things are going to play out. Although set in the future, there aren’t any complicated concepts which would make the story hard to follow.
I feel that the author didn’t explore certain technologies in the book with enough detail such as the justice computer. They obviously wanted to bring the readers attention to the justice computer but didn’t really elaborate enough for it to be a meaningful addition to the book and instead feels like a lose end. This doesn’t detract from the novel, but is my observation.
There’s a slight 1984 feel at times to this novel, but otherwise I have no comparisons to other perhaps as it’s not my usual read.
Initially the unusual concept of the blurb caught my attention and decided to give this a read, I wasn’t disappointed.
This book is packed with twists and turns to keep the reader guessing how things are going to play out. Although set in the future, there aren’t any complicated concepts which would make the story hard to follow.
I feel that the author didn’t explore certain technologies in the book with enough detail such as the justice computer. They obviously wanted to bring the readers attention to the justice computer but didn’t really elaborate enough for it to be a meaningful addition to the book and instead feels like a lose end. This doesn’t detract from the novel, but is my observation.
There’s a slight 1984 feel at times to this novel, but otherwise I have no comparisons to other perhaps as it’s not my usual read.
July 16, 2019
I received this book from Voracious Readers for an honest review. This book was ok. It was, as a number of others have pointed out, a love story to the music of the 70's and 80's. It was fairly well written and the base of the story was an interesting idea - a man wakes up and doesn't know where he is and as he wakes the familiar yet at the same time unfamiliar neighbourhoods he really starts to question what is happening. So I really liked the concept. I feel the front end of the story lacked compared to the back end. It ended much better then it started. Which was a disappointment on the one hand but a relief on the other.
September 11, 2018
This is the fourth book written by Brian Paone that I have read and all four are very different genres, which I credit to a good imagination and fine writing skills. Although I am aware this book was based on an ELO album, I enjoyed the story without understanding all of the references, which makes a rock-fiction novel appeal to even non-fans of the group. I enjoyed the time travel aspect and the names of inventions in the future. I also liked the love interest of J0, the robot and wondered who Jeff would spend his life with.
Very well done, Mr. Paone!
Very well done, Mr. Paone!
March 19, 2019
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers in return for an honest review
Yours truly 2095 was a real good read. Jeff the main character as to time travel. I found the storyline very interesting with a little romance and kept you thinking if this could be true from a sci-fi angle.
If you like a time travel storyline that’s different from the norm, give this book a try - you just may well be pleasantly surprised.
Yours truly 2095 was a real good read. Jeff the main character as to time travel. I found the storyline very interesting with a little romance and kept you thinking if this could be true from a sci-fi angle.
If you like a time travel storyline that’s different from the norm, give this book a try - you just may well be pleasantly surprised.
January 8, 2024
This book was a gift, from a good friend who knows how much I love ELO's album "Time" and when I had heard about this book I was excited. And let me tell you that excitement was founded!! I loved every moment of reading this book. It's so cleverly written, with references to the songs, and lyrics, even in the most mundane pieces of dialogue. The story is gripping, and I had great difficulty putting it down!
November 17, 2020
A very entertaining book about a man transported into the future, trying to figure out what's happening, and his relationship with his wife and the robot version of his wife. This is a book based on the Electric Light Orchestra's Time album and the references are quite abundant, including the title. 4.5
December 28, 2020
One of those time paradox in loved books, right ?
I felt it should've been, though much shorter, like short or medium-sized novella.
Not really bad (despite the invasion of band names or song titles becomes annoying, even if most are in the rock genre I also like). But just the same too large for what it offers, really.
I felt it should've been, though much shorter, like short or medium-sized novella.
Not really bad (despite the invasion of band names or song titles becomes annoying, even if most are in the rock genre I also like). But just the same too large for what it offers, really.
September 10, 2022
It was a great book. I had a lot of fun reading it. I love the idea of time travel and love triangles. The suspense kept me going so that I read it every chance I could, swatting away my kids so I could read. The characters were well-developed and kept me thinking about them when I wasn’t reading.
August 1, 2025
Destined to be a great time travel book
I loved this unique take on a time travel romance. By using quantum mechanics and other advanced scientific concepts, the author creates a love story that feels fresh and original. The real hook of the novel is the difficult choice the main character must make.
I loved this unique take on a time travel romance. By using quantum mechanics and other advanced scientific concepts, the author creates a love story that feels fresh and original. The real hook of the novel is the difficult choice the main character must make.
March 30, 2021
This story kept me wondering what was going to happen next. I veered out of my typical genre with the romance portion of this book and found myself rather surprised with a good blend of romance and scifi. A good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews