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In Times Like These #3
The Day After Never
Ben Travers has gone missing, and Ben Travers needs to find him.
Returning home from his harrowing adventures through time, Ben just wants a normal life with the girl he loves, but tying up the loose threads of his fragmented existence is proving more difficult than he ever suspected. Someone is attacking time travel labs — threatening the safety of the Quickly family — and Ben is getting messages from a version of himself that he thought was dead.
When a strange cult of consciousness-shifting time travelers called The Eternals begins to worm its way into the past — endangering the very nature of time and space — Ben will have to solve the mystery of his own disappearance to stop them. He’ll journey farther into time than he’s ever been before, to protect the family and friends he has come to love, and to discover his own inevitable destiny.
Join Ben and Mym in this third novel in the In Times Like These time travel adventure series.
Returning home from his harrowing adventures through time, Ben just wants a normal life with the girl he loves, but tying up the loose threads of his fragmented existence is proving more difficult than he ever suspected. Someone is attacking time travel labs — threatening the safety of the Quickly family — and Ben is getting messages from a version of himself that he thought was dead.
When a strange cult of consciousness-shifting time travelers called The Eternals begins to worm its way into the past — endangering the very nature of time and space — Ben will have to solve the mystery of his own disappearance to stop them. He’ll journey farther into time than he’s ever been before, to protect the family and friends he has come to love, and to discover his own inevitable destiny.
Join Ben and Mym in this third novel in the In Times Like These time travel adventure series.
502 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2016
386 people are currently reading
825 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Van Coops
28 books505 followersNathan Van Coops lives in St. Petersburg, Florida on a diet comprised mainly of tacos. When not tinkering on old airplanes, he writes heroic adventure stories that explore imaginative new worlds. He is the author of the time travel adventure series In Times Like These, the time travel detective series Paradox PI, and The Skylighter Adventures. His recent series, Kingdom of Engines explores a swashbuckling alternate history where the modern and medieval collide. He also writes aviation mystery thrillers under the name Nate Van Coops. Learn more at www.nathanvancoops.com or www.natevancoops.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
June 29, 2016
I read a lot of time travel novels, and it's rare that I encounter truly new concepts, but this one has two that really stand out. The first is a the concept of a Neverwhere--a strange and dreamlike world that time travelers go to when they make failed time travel jumps. The second is the inclusion of Zurvan, the twin-spirited god of infinite time and space, popular in the years 226 to 651 CE. While this is the 3rd book in the series, I think all of the books stand well alone and have ideas unique to the genre.
The time travel concept in this series allows for the existence of parallel worlds created by time travelers. Thus, in one world, Ben is fine. However, another version of Ben has landed himself in the Neverwhere through a time travel mishap. One of the parts I looked forward most while experiencing this novel was exploring the concept of the Neverwhere. However, to explain it here would be to spoil this experience for future readers. The two Bens learn to communicate with each other in order to search for their kidnapped girlfriend and to fight against Zurvan whose actions and plans threaten the existence of the galaxy.
I always enjoy Van Coops' vision of the future. My favorite gadget of his imagined future world is a type of virtual glasses that nearly everyone wears which allows wearers to see the world in a different way. A common person can appear as whatever avatar they would like. Drab buildings can be transformed into palatial paradises. But, of course, the world is also filled with virtual advertisements. Again in this novel, Van Coops has explored the idea of a world where there is a stark contrast between people who are fully human and those with technological modifications (synths). The ideas of social relations between these groups is explored quite imaginatively.
This novel is truly a 4.5-star novel, but GoodReads doesn't allow for half stars. The missing half star is mainly for the wordiness of the ruminations that interject themselves into action scenes and slows down the reading a bit. Really, it's a great read. Just like in his previous novel where the original idea of a time race (or chronothon) sticks in the reader's mind, the idea in this novel of a Neverwhere where misplaced time travelers go will be in the reader's mind for a long time after reading. This is the perfect ending to a great time travel series. All's well that ends well.
The time travel concept in this series allows for the existence of parallel worlds created by time travelers. Thus, in one world, Ben is fine. However, another version of Ben has landed himself in the Neverwhere through a time travel mishap. One of the parts I looked forward most while experiencing this novel was exploring the concept of the Neverwhere. However, to explain it here would be to spoil this experience for future readers. The two Bens learn to communicate with each other in order to search for their kidnapped girlfriend and to fight against Zurvan whose actions and plans threaten the existence of the galaxy.
I always enjoy Van Coops' vision of the future. My favorite gadget of his imagined future world is a type of virtual glasses that nearly everyone wears which allows wearers to see the world in a different way. A common person can appear as whatever avatar they would like. Drab buildings can be transformed into palatial paradises. But, of course, the world is also filled with virtual advertisements. Again in this novel, Van Coops has explored the idea of a world where there is a stark contrast between people who are fully human and those with technological modifications (synths). The ideas of social relations between these groups is explored quite imaginatively.
This novel is truly a 4.5-star novel, but GoodReads doesn't allow for half stars. The missing half star is mainly for the wordiness of the ruminations that interject themselves into action scenes and slows down the reading a bit. Really, it's a great read. Just like in his previous novel where the original idea of a time race (or chronothon) sticks in the reader's mind, the idea in this novel of a Neverwhere where misplaced time travelers go will be in the reader's mind for a long time after reading. This is the perfect ending to a great time travel series. All's well that ends well.
July 10, 2016
This book is a finale. This book is a time travel adventure novel. This book is a love story. This book is all of these things, and more.
The Day After Never is a worthy finale to Nathan Van Coops’ time travel trilogy. The novel has an intricately woven plot that includes multiple point of view characters (who all happen to be versions of the trilogy’s protagonist, Ben Travers.)
The book begins where the second novel in the series ends - immediately after Ben Travers has sacrificed his life to save the woman he loves. Ben is still in the room where he died, but there’s a catch. He’s not dead. Or is he? That’s precisely what he needs to figure out, and the only way to do it is to ask Ben Travers. The other one.
The other Ben Travers is back in St. Petersburg, Florida, after a harrowing race through time in The Chronothon. He just wants to tinker with his beloved motorcycle and spend some quality time with his best girl, Mym.
And there is the crux of Ben’s story. Because in the world of time travel, it’s possible to die and still be alive (at least some version of you.) Ben just wants to get back to a normal life but as usual in Ben’s world, normal isn’t what he gets.
The novel moves back and forth between Ben in the Neverwhere (a fascinating place of otherness that both mystifies and moves the plot forward) and Ben in the present, trying as usual to accept and act on the distinctly weird turns his life is taking.
Van Coops masterfully weaves in characters and plot lines from the two previous books in the series as he brings us along on yet another fast-paced Ben Travers adventure. And don’t forget Mym, who is, after all, the reason these books exist. Ben’s love for her transcends time, and this book admirably reflects that (for all you folks out there who have been waiting for the culmination of the Ben/ Mym romance, you won’t be disappointed.)
The novel moves fluidly back and forth between ancient cult rituals and a future world where synthetic humans are fighting for their rights, and Ben Travers (both of them) must find a way to make sense of it all without losing themselves and the girl they love, in the process.
Like all of the books in this series, The Day After Never can be read alone, but do yourself a favor and start at the beginning, with In Times Like These. You’ll really appreciate the places and people who are brought back to help Ben navigate his final adventure.
The Day After Never is a worthy finale to Nathan Van Coops’ time travel trilogy. The novel has an intricately woven plot that includes multiple point of view characters (who all happen to be versions of the trilogy’s protagonist, Ben Travers.)
The book begins where the second novel in the series ends - immediately after Ben Travers has sacrificed his life to save the woman he loves. Ben is still in the room where he died, but there’s a catch. He’s not dead. Or is he? That’s precisely what he needs to figure out, and the only way to do it is to ask Ben Travers. The other one.
The other Ben Travers is back in St. Petersburg, Florida, after a harrowing race through time in The Chronothon. He just wants to tinker with his beloved motorcycle and spend some quality time with his best girl, Mym.
And there is the crux of Ben’s story. Because in the world of time travel, it’s possible to die and still be alive (at least some version of you.) Ben just wants to get back to a normal life but as usual in Ben’s world, normal isn’t what he gets.
The novel moves back and forth between Ben in the Neverwhere (a fascinating place of otherness that both mystifies and moves the plot forward) and Ben in the present, trying as usual to accept and act on the distinctly weird turns his life is taking.
Van Coops masterfully weaves in characters and plot lines from the two previous books in the series as he brings us along on yet another fast-paced Ben Travers adventure. And don’t forget Mym, who is, after all, the reason these books exist. Ben’s love for her transcends time, and this book admirably reflects that (for all you folks out there who have been waiting for the culmination of the Ben/ Mym romance, you won’t be disappointed.)
The novel moves fluidly back and forth between ancient cult rituals and a future world where synthetic humans are fighting for their rights, and Ben Travers (both of them) must find a way to make sense of it all without losing themselves and the girl they love, in the process.
Like all of the books in this series, The Day After Never can be read alone, but do yourself a favor and start at the beginning, with In Times Like These. You’ll really appreciate the places and people who are brought back to help Ben navigate his final adventure.
August 30, 2016
Bigger better more complex and just plain brilliant
If you like a good time travel story buy this book because it's brilliant BUT you really need to read the previous books in the series for a better understanding of the characters and the underlying plot. The story is strong and the characters remain interesting, sympathetic and believable.
If you like a good time travel story buy this book because it's brilliant BUT you really need to read the previous books in the series for a better understanding of the characters and the underlying plot. The story is strong and the characters remain interesting, sympathetic and believable.
July 3, 2016
This is the third book in the In Times Like These series, this time, or times, Ben Travers is not looking for adventure, but is drawn into interwoven episodes from past, present and future. The characters are engaging and the action exciting.I thoroughly enjoyed the attention to detail, humour and imagination in this book. Look out for the lift repair man, he has some good advice and real insight. I can recommend this book to all aficionados of time travel and science fiction. It was enthralling from beginning to end. Time travel has never been so much fun, or so dangerous. I do hope that Mr Van Coops has another adventure waiting for us in the not too distant future.
April 10, 2024
In this third installation in the In Times Like These series, Ben and Mym are making a solid go of their relationship, which is a FINALLY moment for everyone. But as always in time travel, things are never as easy as we want them to be. Kudos to Nathan Van Coops for the painstaking effort he put into authoring the entire trilogy, because getting all the intricacies right must have been soul-sucking.
Ben's travels in the previous two books have complicated his existence, and he continues to encounter versions of himself, each of whom has their own idiosyncrasies. One Ben is gone, "dead"?, stuck in the Neverwhere, a time purgatory no one would wish on their worst enemy. And to add to the confusion, there are these (Stargate-styled) "Eternals" complicating the way things are, by mucking with how they were. Altogether, Ben has his work cut out for him, trying to avoid paradoxes and to set things right. Or not as wrong.
I have a special place in my heart for futuristic ideas that show a more graceful existence for humanity. This is why Star Trek has always been a favorite of mine. This book showed a less apocalyptic future than we see in most speculative fiction, and even showed some hopeful advancements. There were also examples of tech-gone-overboard, like some of the more intensive synth options for "people", that were incredibly realistic.
Overall I give this series five stars and will continue to keep Nathan Van Coops flagged as a favorite author, no matter what genre he delves into next.
Ben's travels in the previous two books have complicated his existence, and he continues to encounter versions of himself, each of whom has their own idiosyncrasies. One Ben is gone, "dead"?, stuck in the Neverwhere, a time purgatory no one would wish on their worst enemy. And to add to the confusion, there are these (Stargate-styled) "Eternals" complicating the way things are, by mucking with how they were. Altogether, Ben has his work cut out for him, trying to avoid paradoxes and to set things right. Or not as wrong.
I have a special place in my heart for futuristic ideas that show a more graceful existence for humanity. This is why Star Trek has always been a favorite of mine. This book showed a less apocalyptic future than we see in most speculative fiction, and even showed some hopeful advancements. There were also examples of tech-gone-overboard, like some of the more intensive synth options for "people", that were incredibly realistic.
Overall I give this series five stars and will continue to keep Nathan Van Coops flagged as a favorite author, no matter what genre he delves into next.
August 12, 2016
When I read the first book in Nathan Van Coops’ time travel series, I found it excellent and didn’t see how the second book could possibly be as good. Then I read the second book, The Chronothon, and found it even better than the first and decided that the third book could not possibly surpass it. I was wrong. The third book in the series, The Day After Never is the best yet. Each one of these books can stand on its own, but I think it is far better to read them in order. The Day After Never continues from the ending of The Chronothon and presents us immediately with a fascinating paradox in which two Bens occupy the same timeline but one of those Bens has died. But is he dead? Aware of his deceased state, he seeks a way to communicate with his living version by invading his dreams. Living Ben finds this disturbing and attempts to suppress that communication, but in doing so, he fails to heed the warnings of a danger that Deceased Ben knows of and tries to impart. This situation creates a tension that builds throughout the novel, as events in Surviving Ben’s life threaten to spiral out of control. Both Bens are sent through time into the past and into the future, travels that plunge the living Ben into grave dangers. Although his desire is to merge with Living Ben and thus regain life, Deceased Ben is driven away from this goal by Living Ben’s resistance and thus drawn closer to fading into oneness with the cosmos that is true death. Meanwhile the world is spiraling toward a future destruction that will end all timelines. Van Coops pulls out all the stops to keep the reader in a state of suspense that makes it impossible to put this book down. In the novel’s pages the reader will find humor, thrills, philosophy, both hopeful and bleak looks at possible futures of the human race, and well-developed characters that the book will leave you eager to read more about in future volumes. I highly recommend this novel to readers of thrillers, of time travel adventures, and of books that challenge the mind.
July 14, 2016
The Day after Never
My favorite character is a goofy, embarrassing, overzealous kook. He adds so much to the story.
The surprises in this book are eye popping. I had a sneaky suspicion about one thing and I was right. How fun. The humor is my humor. Made me laugh so many times.
I feel Dr. Quickly's quotes from his journal at the beginning of the chapters is enough to make this book with reading. They are funny and sometimes heart stopping beautiful.
The complexities in this book had me in awe of Nathan's imagination and ability to write and put it all down on paper. The descriptions are so easy to visualize.
The style where you read two parallel stories works well because Nathan interweaves them. He cleverly connects the two with cool techniques. I've read some books where it did not work easily and I was frustrated. In this book it is smooth and flows beautifully.
I have read many time travel books especially after reading Nathan's first one, In Times Like These. None can compare. I love how Nathan has created a world where time travel is a way of life. It is dangerous and not everyone is successful. So many thrilling events happen too.
I love the climax of this story. So clever. I was yelling YES, when one super important scene unfolded.
There are funny parts, scary parts and just plain exciting parts. Do yourself a favor and read this book but make sure you read all three. I mean, why not? The journey is amazing.
My favorite character is a goofy, embarrassing, overzealous kook. He adds so much to the story.
The surprises in this book are eye popping. I had a sneaky suspicion about one thing and I was right. How fun. The humor is my humor. Made me laugh so many times.
I feel Dr. Quickly's quotes from his journal at the beginning of the chapters is enough to make this book with reading. They are funny and sometimes heart stopping beautiful.
The complexities in this book had me in awe of Nathan's imagination and ability to write and put it all down on paper. The descriptions are so easy to visualize.
The style where you read two parallel stories works well because Nathan interweaves them. He cleverly connects the two with cool techniques. I've read some books where it did not work easily and I was frustrated. In this book it is smooth and flows beautifully.
I have read many time travel books especially after reading Nathan's first one, In Times Like These. None can compare. I love how Nathan has created a world where time travel is a way of life. It is dangerous and not everyone is successful. So many thrilling events happen too.
I love the climax of this story. So clever. I was yelling YES, when one super important scene unfolded.
There are funny parts, scary parts and just plain exciting parts. Do yourself a favor and read this book but make sure you read all three. I mean, why not? The journey is amazing.
July 12, 2016
Did you ever wonder about parallel universes, and what happens to the other you when you avoid a bad decision? Have you ever wondered how you'd cope if you began to haunt yourself? There's no escape from the past in the third of the Ben Travers time travel trilogy.
Ben is back, trying to re-establish his normal life in the Sunshine City. But there are more than a few dark clouds hanging over him as a result of all his time-travel: lives not lived (or died), roads not travelled, questions not answered.
After an explosive adventure like The Chronothon, you wonder where Nathan Van Coops can go with the series. As I intimated above, choices have consequences for survivors, and his past literally comes back to haunt him. Add to that a mysterious death cult who will stop at nothing to achieve their goal, and you've got a high-stakes thriller. Nathan Van Coops is the absolute master of creating time-line conflicts.
What I loved about this novel was that there's also another dimension. As a sometime philosopher and armchair metaphysician, I found rich food for thought here, which made for a very satisfying read on a number of levels. Truly wonderful stuff - read it!
Ben is back, trying to re-establish his normal life in the Sunshine City. But there are more than a few dark clouds hanging over him as a result of all his time-travel: lives not lived (or died), roads not travelled, questions not answered.
After an explosive adventure like The Chronothon, you wonder where Nathan Van Coops can go with the series. As I intimated above, choices have consequences for survivors, and his past literally comes back to haunt him. Add to that a mysterious death cult who will stop at nothing to achieve their goal, and you've got a high-stakes thriller. Nathan Van Coops is the absolute master of creating time-line conflicts.
What I loved about this novel was that there's also another dimension. As a sometime philosopher and armchair metaphysician, I found rich food for thought here, which made for a very satisfying read on a number of levels. Truly wonderful stuff - read it!
June 14, 2016
4.5 stars really. solid ending to the trilogy. very solid
February 12, 2025
Fun and entertaining time travel adventure.
This third instalment in the series manages to keep the momentum going from the previous book without becoming repetitive and even tie up some loose ends from the previous storylines, it very much feels like a finale to the series.
This third instalment in the series manages to keep the momentum going from the previous book without becoming repetitive and even tie up some loose ends from the previous storylines, it very much feels like a finale to the series.
July 12, 2016
I’ve now read all three books (to date) in the “In Times Like These” series, and I continue to be impressed. Each is unique in its storyline and could stand on its own, but they share some favorite characters and the author’s accessible and entertaining writing style. Great stuff.
What I enjoyed most about “The Day After Never,” is the world the author has imagined along with the fast-paced adventure and engaging Time Travel labyrinth. It’s an incredible vision of the future. Except it actually is credible, and might one day exist. A world of humanized technology and future society, inhabited by natural born humans and synthetic ones who seem to get along as well if not better than diverse groups in our present day. And there are other technologies that seem real enough to make you wonder, why couldn’t the future be like that? I found myself grinning as I read these descriptions. I encourage the author to visit a patent office straightaway.
A totally enjoyable read. I hope there'll be a Book Four.
What I enjoyed most about “The Day After Never,” is the world the author has imagined along with the fast-paced adventure and engaging Time Travel labyrinth. It’s an incredible vision of the future. Except it actually is credible, and might one day exist. A world of humanized technology and future society, inhabited by natural born humans and synthetic ones who seem to get along as well if not better than diverse groups in our present day. And there are other technologies that seem real enough to make you wonder, why couldn’t the future be like that? I found myself grinning as I read these descriptions. I encourage the author to visit a patent office straightaway.
A totally enjoyable read. I hope there'll be a Book Four.
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August 29, 2025Rating: minus 4 on a scale of minus 5 to plus 5.
I could not finish this silliness. This was not uncommon in attempting the Unlimited selection. This and other revisions are more complete reactions as opposed to my previous personal scribbles and mild criticism.
Before I begin, a visit to the YouTube is required. This was made possible by the channels Doctor Who/Never Cruel or Cowardly -Ozar, NCMI, AllShorts, Anark, Town of Wallkill Podcast, Red Glasgow, Supertanskiii, The Military Show, Anne Applebaum, LuckyBlackCat, Your Morning CTV, Reese Waters, Guerrilla Miniature Games, Ministry of Miniatures, Dungeons and Discourse, Welcome to Ukraine, Anton Petrov, Snappy Dragon, Bernadette Banner, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, Shannon Makes, RevolutionarythOt, Ship Happens, Sailing Melody, Abney Park, North of MAGA, Astro Alexandra, Leonidas Sparta, Thought Couture, Agro Squirrel Narrates, FAFO, Kopke613, Angry Ginger Live Clips, TizzyEnt, YT News 24, Starbound Extra, Shelly Swearingen, ConeOfArc, Brandon Fisichella, Astrum, Hawk's Podcasts, Breaking Bread, Sabine Hossenfelder, NFKRZ, SciFi Odyssey, Tale Foundry, ScaredKetchup, Wes O'Donnell, Chris Norlund, Johnny Keen, Letterkenny, Canadian Dominion, Business Basics, Unlearning Economics, DW News, JohnTheDuncan, Ship Happens, Sailing Melody, Times Radio, Cruising Crafts, Kris Atomic, The Mindful Narrowboat, Dark Brandon, Words in Time, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Frazetta Girls, Yarmak, Naughty Nana DUZ, Decoding Geopolitics Podcast, Kyiv Post, Armoured Italia, Atun Shei Films, Dreamloop Cinema, Democratic Penguins Republic, African Diaspora, Katie Halper, Combat Veteran Reacts, Science Before Sleep, Pecherroni TV, Leena Norms, HIstory with Kayleigh, Gutsick Gibbon, Megalithhunter, Kgb detected, Michael H Forde, Europe Hits Different, Chem Thug, Geo Girl, RobWords, Pulp Mortem, Vidya Mitra, Caitlin Speaks Out, Debbie Elicksen, Dakota Warren, Chasing Oz, V. Birchwood, Caitlin Speaks Out, Isaac Arthur, Guard the Leaf.
I saw recently a pompous ass, who whilst insulting an essayist whom I mention, complain to her that I list other trans creators. The epidemic of nasty arrogant US man babies continues. A trigger warning then. The channels which I list include architect, planetologist, socialist, lesbian, redhaired, Indian, asexual, sewist, older, married, het, marine biologist, tall, trans, Bahamian, writer, physicist, queer, Buddhist, miniatures gamer, artist, bi, military historian, WOC, British, model, archaeologist, ship builder, and other female creators known as Women. Almost as threatening to fragile, infantile male egos are the channels hosted by communist, anthropologist, chemist, other LGBTQI+, model builder, boater, philosopher, other BIPOC, painter, Ugandan, RPG gamer, neurodivergent, chess player, military board gamer, Canadian, fashion historian, astrophysicist, futurist, musician and others known as Human Beings. If the voices persist, seek emergency pastoral counselling, convert to Taoism or apply for the exorcism. My reaction to these clods is continued dismay at the depth of sociopathy among reader members tinged with a healthy portion of contempt.
The lack of worldbuilding in Kindle Unlimited titles is standard as is the character depth thinner than that of cardboard cutouts. One such is this book.
Time travel is possibly the easiest technology to assume to my mind but logic and consistency are even more demanding than other subgenre. Neither of these demands were met. The resultant hot mess is no surprise.
The story rests on the characters alone. They are a sad group with misogynistic gender portrayals throughout. I wrote in the original that there is only the main character with all others his backdrop. I also described him as a self-serving buffoon. In truth so little effort was given to developing him that I thought of the main character as "it" not he.
The dialogue fit the characters.
The story of a being who exhibits no wonder at discovering alternate versions of himself nor empathy is chilling. He blithely dismisses the very notion. When confronted by his girlfriend, he ascribed her empathy to an emotional reaction from childhood trauma. It is very similar to the tech billionaire and the current US government's pronouncements that empathy is the great threat to Western civilisation.
The writer assigns a leadership role of this monster among the members of his "friend" group. His girlfriend accepts his sociopathy as if in a cult.
I treated this and the previous volume as spoofs in order to find some purpose in the books. I finally admitted that this was another Unlimited series dedicated to the US man-child controlling the universe.
The writer displays no great prose talent and certainly did no story outline, though he definitely described his worldview and personal politics which align very well with the Tin Pool, Musk, Charlie Kirk, Farage, Reform, Bravernan school of thought. Poorly written drama but frightening nonetheless.
I began this series at Volume Two on accident. I imagined that this was a bad writer with connections who would grow into the role. My naivete and misunderstanding of publishing and Amazon's role in being responsible for something like 80% of English language ebooks, if I remember correctly, is embarrassing. My present self would not have finished that volume or considered this one.
My optimism for the growth of poor writers have taken another hit. I suggest that if you want a fun read or a serious read or a good time travel series, look elsewhere.
Have earned another YouTube break before I continue. The next is courtesy of channels Doctor Who/Be Kind - Reality Genre Studios, NCMI, Anark, ThatDaneshGuy, India Today, Think that Through, Heather Cox Richardson, princess compilations, Tennessee Brando, Honest Government Ads, Anahata, Today I Learned Science, City News, Cappy Army, Katy Montgomerie, Kady2.0, Carl Walmsley, Ukraine Matters, Spackle Grackle, Russian Dude, Josh Johnson, Jormungandr, Canadian Dominion, Verilybitchie, Jay Reed, Jen the Librarian, fay the gay, Andra Berghoff, Natasha's Adventures, Legendary Tactics, Zilla Blitz, Caerhl Irey, Michael Lambert, Hoots, Venom Geek Media, Lore Reloaded, Outlaw Bookseller, Ember Green, Kirkpattiecake, Boat Time, Cruising Alba, Nini Music, Amie's Literary Empire, Karissa Stevens, Sarah Millican, Cossack and Caucasus Sword Dance, Juna Serita, According to Alina, Brunuhville, Ian Gubeli, Riverboat Jack, Queen Penguin, The Kavernacle, Noella Reacts, JammiDodger, Tabletop Minions, Skip Intro, Jessica Kellgren Fozard, Purple Sweater, CBC News, Mr Newberger's AI Funnies, Monte Mader, Luke Sherlock, Owen Jones, Novara Media, A Very Casual Librarian, Scotland History Tours, Elvira Bary, Astro Alexandra, Friendly Atheist, Elizabeth Veronica, Lily Thompson, Agro Squirrel Narrates, AllShorts, Japan Past and Present, TIKHistory, UK Justice, Time Scholar, Beatrice Florea, Veritas et Caritas.
I only began visiting YouTube after frustration with Goodreads recommendations. That decision was perhaps the only benefit I derived from my experience on the Amazon sites. The myriad channels were a shock. The science fiction movie and TV commentary were splendid. There followed the lifestyle, science educator, history and finally the literary criticism which led to the BookTube. 😍 Those host reader communities with varied interests and tastes but all of whom are enamoured of bookish things. I promise that they are a far different experience to that of Goodreads.
The science educators are usually very good, the history channels require sifting but the as a whole are good at separating popular myth from historical research, the political channels are sometimes good and sometimes horrible. YouTube have developed a pattern of demonetisation of the better channels without explanation. The pro-human creators are especially targeted. Overall the site is still a worthwhile investment of time.
Consider treating this site as possibly hostile. 🤔
Goodreads do not encourage discourse. As example, I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written, juvenile salute to what would now be called the
sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero. The writer, Travis Corcoran self-described as libertarian (now anarcho capitalist without the investment portfolio?) and advocate for the return of chattel slavery (popular public US stance), veteran, employee of an unnamed US agency, supporter of Putin (popular stance of the US white nationalist).
My opinion was that in addition to writing quality, the story glorifying the overthrow of the US government with aid of the military in order that a twit not pay inheritance tax was dangerous and unhealthy. The writer and six fellow patriots were outraged. Travis and fellows spent nearly a year demanding my response to unhinged political comments. As a communist, the level of irony was painful.
The final comment was delivered by Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr. He proudly declared that They had "won" (?). A veritable deluge of vile sexual, racist and other anti-human comments were delivered against apparently every channel which I referenced having a female creator. While They failed to beguile the literary critic, archaeologist, military historian, sewist or other female creators, They certainly increased the global overabundance of ugliness. In addition They did deliver an accurate self-portrait of the Snowflake (poorly educated, viciously self-involved US man-child) to a multinational audience which seems to qualify as Victory. Goodreads discourse at its finest ??
Another stepaway have been earned. This last is made possible by YouTube channels Doctor Who/Where I Fall, NCMI, SchitzoKitzo, Shut Up & Kiss Me, Drunk on Tea, On Table Top, GeorgeM, The Cheeky Celt, Haunts' Wargaming, RFDHobby, Lazy Pirate Painting, Dungeons and Discourse, Boat Time, Cruising Crafts, Chris and Shell, En Choeur, Julie and Martin on Rhapsody in Blue, Capital Lumber Log Yard, Dark Isle Bagpiper, Gloves Trains, Event Horizon, ScIFi Scavenger, Secret Sauce of StoryCraft, Lady Rose, The Gaze, Tom Powell Jr, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Captured in Words, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, DeadGirlRising Studios, 9 News Australia, Belle of the Ranch, Underthedesknews, Abbie Emmons, Asturia Quartet, Model Paint Whatever, Blackboot Official, Bethany Atazadeh, Model Minutes, Harry Sisson, The String Quartet Channel, Guard the Leaf.
Ominous music begins. 😊 The comment gangs described above were not unusual for me and I have seen them operate against other one star science fiction reviewers. My first appeared within three to four months into my membership. BookTube do address the abusive comment gangs acting against one star romance and romantasy reviewers. These are endemic it seems, to the site and are supported by Kindle, Goodreads employees. Their abuse is not limited to shrill and ugly comments but include doxxing, stalking, threats against family and friends of the victims and I imagine soon the Swatting. Amazon have not to my knowledge ever acknowledged an incident, disciplined mental members, punished writers who sometimes organise them or dismissed the employees who enable them.
My own ultimate experience was the Australian Intervention. My limited message history being shared with nutters allowed a request by Pine Gap Centre of Australian Security services to interrogate the one friend whom I occasionally messaged. The attempt at my personal life failed, dangerous as it was. It did create two outraged customers, which concerned Amazon not at all. That is, until we shared that bizarre episode with many others.
At that point, Bezos and Co removed all visible harassment by restoring normal functions to my pages, masking all comments, disappearing Lurkers I had previously not been Permitted to remove and the rest. Lacking was acknowledgement of criminal behaviour, assurance of consequences to "rogue" employees or apology. The USA will always be a respected entity as long as it remains such a free speech haven and land of law and corporate accountability. 😁
Recently a seventh ex-employee of EBay was sentenced for harassment of a lovely couple whose small ecommerce channel expressed insufficient deference to EBay. The couple were awarded several millions pounds and that employee had been the EBay Chief of Global Security or something like. In dealing with all US data corporations, these might be things to consider.
My suggestions for a safer Goodreads experience. Remove all personal information from profile and avoid the messaging app. Remove the Lurker, those friends who never post. They are monitors for these comment gangs, not admirers. Lastly, given the Amazon penchant for Alteration of customer pages, the screenshot of the odd, ugly or threatening are invaluable. These should suffice.
Kindle represent a more serious danger. Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Contacts or Email. As well as my experience, I did prove that Amazon read emails without permission or notice. Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks as you own only your device not downloads, which may be altered or deleted at Amazon's whim. This was a mistake I made. BookTubers will discuss alternative sellers and devices. I have dropped those BookTubers who gush over Kindle or Goodreads as at best unserious. To mention them for comparisons and such is their job but to lend them authority in any way is suspect. Lastly, all searches on Silk should be non-critical and innocuous.
All the above are easily implemented, to not have done may invite dangerous reactions. I must mention that all the atrocious behaviours from attack gangs through the Australian Incident occurred before the current US government gave corporations complete freedom of action and legal protections. Americans have a well deserved reputation for stupidity, deficiency of critical thought and empathy, which is now labelled as a grave threat to Western Culture by both government and US billionaires. Then there was MAGA. Ominous music ends. 😊
He safe and may we all discover good reading. 🤗
Some favourite YouTube channels.
NCMI, Fiona Hill, The Military Show, DW English, Philosophy Tube, What Vivi did next, Some More News, Bobbing Along, Dr Becky, Red Viburnam Song, Vidya Mitra, Mia Mulder, Peter & Lois Pasada, Sons of Liberty, Grandma Got a Glock, With Cindy, Lilly's Life, With Olivia, Trickie Rickie Songs, Elina Charatsidou, Prime of Midlife, Starbound Extra, OliviaReadsaLatte, Postmodern Jukebox, Shades of Orange, Petrik Leo, Anton Petrov, ScaredKetchup, The Discriminating Gamer, TizzyEnt, CBC News, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Curt Jaimungal, Kris Atomic, Wes O'Donnell, Miranda Mills, Karolina Zebrowska, Break N Remake, Lady of the Library, Renegade Cut, The Book Peddler, Nookrium, France 24 English, Lady Knight the Brave, MOS6510Models, UKraine News TV, ChristopherTitusTV, Bild Lagezentrum International, Kazachka, Suchomimus, Jason Jay Smart, Daria Happy, Lucy Darling, Eleanor Morton, Abel Montero, Skip Intro, Rebecca Watson, HNX Media, King Paramount Canal Adventures, Nomadic Crobot, The Mindful Narrowboat, Canal Boats, Jen's Reading Life, Subha Reads, Tabletop Command Post, Jay Exci, Spacedock, Jess of the Shire, Book and Things, Jean's Thoughts, Hoots, Lee Francis, Britta Bohler, On Table Top, Times Radio, Dark Brandon, Hardy's Books, 7th Son, Soviet Star Trek - Dreamloop Cinema, The Presentation School Choir, Neural Derp -Redneck Stargate, Amie's Literary Empire, Emilie's Literary Corner, Element 18, Paranormal Scholar, Megalithhunter, Planarwalker, Council of Geeks.
I wish you a splendid morning, a sunny afternoon, a pleasant evening, a wonderful night and may we all continue learning.
To turn away seems easy, the costs may not be.
I could not finish this silliness. This was not uncommon in attempting the Unlimited selection. This and other revisions are more complete reactions as opposed to my previous personal scribbles and mild criticism.
Before I begin, a visit to the YouTube is required. This was made possible by the channels Doctor Who/Never Cruel or Cowardly -Ozar, NCMI, AllShorts, Anark, Town of Wallkill Podcast, Red Glasgow, Supertanskiii, The Military Show, Anne Applebaum, LuckyBlackCat, Your Morning CTV, Reese Waters, Guerrilla Miniature Games, Ministry of Miniatures, Dungeons and Discourse, Welcome to Ukraine, Anton Petrov, Snappy Dragon, Bernadette Banner, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, Shannon Makes, RevolutionarythOt, Ship Happens, Sailing Melody, Abney Park, North of MAGA, Astro Alexandra, Leonidas Sparta, Thought Couture, Agro Squirrel Narrates, FAFO, Kopke613, Angry Ginger Live Clips, TizzyEnt, YT News 24, Starbound Extra, Shelly Swearingen, ConeOfArc, Brandon Fisichella, Astrum, Hawk's Podcasts, Breaking Bread, Sabine Hossenfelder, NFKRZ, SciFi Odyssey, Tale Foundry, ScaredKetchup, Wes O'Donnell, Chris Norlund, Johnny Keen, Letterkenny, Canadian Dominion, Business Basics, Unlearning Economics, DW News, JohnTheDuncan, Ship Happens, Sailing Melody, Times Radio, Cruising Crafts, Kris Atomic, The Mindful Narrowboat, Dark Brandon, Words in Time, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Frazetta Girls, Yarmak, Naughty Nana DUZ, Decoding Geopolitics Podcast, Kyiv Post, Armoured Italia, Atun Shei Films, Dreamloop Cinema, Democratic Penguins Republic, African Diaspora, Katie Halper, Combat Veteran Reacts, Science Before Sleep, Pecherroni TV, Leena Norms, HIstory with Kayleigh, Gutsick Gibbon, Megalithhunter, Kgb detected, Michael H Forde, Europe Hits Different, Chem Thug, Geo Girl, RobWords, Pulp Mortem, Vidya Mitra, Caitlin Speaks Out, Debbie Elicksen, Dakota Warren, Chasing Oz, V. Birchwood, Caitlin Speaks Out, Isaac Arthur, Guard the Leaf.
I saw recently a pompous ass, who whilst insulting an essayist whom I mention, complain to her that I list other trans creators. The epidemic of nasty arrogant US man babies continues. A trigger warning then. The channels which I list include architect, planetologist, socialist, lesbian, redhaired, Indian, asexual, sewist, older, married, het, marine biologist, tall, trans, Bahamian, writer, physicist, queer, Buddhist, miniatures gamer, artist, bi, military historian, WOC, British, model, archaeologist, ship builder, and other female creators known as Women. Almost as threatening to fragile, infantile male egos are the channels hosted by communist, anthropologist, chemist, other LGBTQI+, model builder, boater, philosopher, other BIPOC, painter, Ugandan, RPG gamer, neurodivergent, chess player, military board gamer, Canadian, fashion historian, astrophysicist, futurist, musician and others known as Human Beings. If the voices persist, seek emergency pastoral counselling, convert to Taoism or apply for the exorcism. My reaction to these clods is continued dismay at the depth of sociopathy among reader members tinged with a healthy portion of contempt.
The lack of worldbuilding in Kindle Unlimited titles is standard as is the character depth thinner than that of cardboard cutouts. One such is this book.
Time travel is possibly the easiest technology to assume to my mind but logic and consistency are even more demanding than other subgenre. Neither of these demands were met. The resultant hot mess is no surprise.
The story rests on the characters alone. They are a sad group with misogynistic gender portrayals throughout. I wrote in the original that there is only the main character with all others his backdrop. I also described him as a self-serving buffoon. In truth so little effort was given to developing him that I thought of the main character as "it" not he.
The dialogue fit the characters.
The story of a being who exhibits no wonder at discovering alternate versions of himself nor empathy is chilling. He blithely dismisses the very notion. When confronted by his girlfriend, he ascribed her empathy to an emotional reaction from childhood trauma. It is very similar to the tech billionaire and the current US government's pronouncements that empathy is the great threat to Western civilisation.
The writer assigns a leadership role of this monster among the members of his "friend" group. His girlfriend accepts his sociopathy as if in a cult.
I treated this and the previous volume as spoofs in order to find some purpose in the books. I finally admitted that this was another Unlimited series dedicated to the US man-child controlling the universe.
The writer displays no great prose talent and certainly did no story outline, though he definitely described his worldview and personal politics which align very well with the Tin Pool, Musk, Charlie Kirk, Farage, Reform, Bravernan school of thought. Poorly written drama but frightening nonetheless.
I began this series at Volume Two on accident. I imagined that this was a bad writer with connections who would grow into the role. My naivete and misunderstanding of publishing and Amazon's role in being responsible for something like 80% of English language ebooks, if I remember correctly, is embarrassing. My present self would not have finished that volume or considered this one.
My optimism for the growth of poor writers have taken another hit. I suggest that if you want a fun read or a serious read or a good time travel series, look elsewhere.
Have earned another YouTube break before I continue. The next is courtesy of channels Doctor Who/Be Kind - Reality Genre Studios, NCMI, Anark, ThatDaneshGuy, India Today, Think that Through, Heather Cox Richardson, princess compilations, Tennessee Brando, Honest Government Ads, Anahata, Today I Learned Science, City News, Cappy Army, Katy Montgomerie, Kady2.0, Carl Walmsley, Ukraine Matters, Spackle Grackle, Russian Dude, Josh Johnson, Jormungandr, Canadian Dominion, Verilybitchie, Jay Reed, Jen the Librarian, fay the gay, Andra Berghoff, Natasha's Adventures, Legendary Tactics, Zilla Blitz, Caerhl Irey, Michael Lambert, Hoots, Venom Geek Media, Lore Reloaded, Outlaw Bookseller, Ember Green, Kirkpattiecake, Boat Time, Cruising Alba, Nini Music, Amie's Literary Empire, Karissa Stevens, Sarah Millican, Cossack and Caucasus Sword Dance, Juna Serita, According to Alina, Brunuhville, Ian Gubeli, Riverboat Jack, Queen Penguin, The Kavernacle, Noella Reacts, JammiDodger, Tabletop Minions, Skip Intro, Jessica Kellgren Fozard, Purple Sweater, CBC News, Mr Newberger's AI Funnies, Monte Mader, Luke Sherlock, Owen Jones, Novara Media, A Very Casual Librarian, Scotland History Tours, Elvira Bary, Astro Alexandra, Friendly Atheist, Elizabeth Veronica, Lily Thompson, Agro Squirrel Narrates, AllShorts, Japan Past and Present, TIKHistory, UK Justice, Time Scholar, Beatrice Florea, Veritas et Caritas.
I only began visiting YouTube after frustration with Goodreads recommendations. That decision was perhaps the only benefit I derived from my experience on the Amazon sites. The myriad channels were a shock. The science fiction movie and TV commentary were splendid. There followed the lifestyle, science educator, history and finally the literary criticism which led to the BookTube. 😍 Those host reader communities with varied interests and tastes but all of whom are enamoured of bookish things. I promise that they are a far different experience to that of Goodreads.
The science educators are usually very good, the history channels require sifting but the as a whole are good at separating popular myth from historical research, the political channels are sometimes good and sometimes horrible. YouTube have developed a pattern of demonetisation of the better channels without explanation. The pro-human creators are especially targeted. Overall the site is still a worthwhile investment of time.
Consider treating this site as possibly hostile. 🤔
Goodreads do not encourage discourse. As example, I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written, juvenile salute to what would now be called the
sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero. The writer, Travis Corcoran self-described as libertarian (now anarcho capitalist without the investment portfolio?) and advocate for the return of chattel slavery (popular public US stance), veteran, employee of an unnamed US agency, supporter of Putin (popular stance of the US white nationalist).
My opinion was that in addition to writing quality, the story glorifying the overthrow of the US government with aid of the military in order that a twit not pay inheritance tax was dangerous and unhealthy. The writer and six fellow patriots were outraged. Travis and fellows spent nearly a year demanding my response to unhinged political comments. As a communist, the level of irony was painful.
The final comment was delivered by Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr. He proudly declared that They had "won" (?). A veritable deluge of vile sexual, racist and other anti-human comments were delivered against apparently every channel which I referenced having a female creator. While They failed to beguile the literary critic, archaeologist, military historian, sewist or other female creators, They certainly increased the global overabundance of ugliness. In addition They did deliver an accurate self-portrait of the Snowflake (poorly educated, viciously self-involved US man-child) to a multinational audience which seems to qualify as Victory. Goodreads discourse at its finest ??
Another stepaway have been earned. This last is made possible by YouTube channels Doctor Who/Where I Fall, NCMI, SchitzoKitzo, Shut Up & Kiss Me, Drunk on Tea, On Table Top, GeorgeM, The Cheeky Celt, Haunts' Wargaming, RFDHobby, Lazy Pirate Painting, Dungeons and Discourse, Boat Time, Cruising Crafts, Chris and Shell, En Choeur, Julie and Martin on Rhapsody in Blue, Capital Lumber Log Yard, Dark Isle Bagpiper, Gloves Trains, Event Horizon, ScIFi Scavenger, Secret Sauce of StoryCraft, Lady Rose, The Gaze, Tom Powell Jr, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Captured in Words, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, DeadGirlRising Studios, 9 News Australia, Belle of the Ranch, Underthedesknews, Abbie Emmons, Asturia Quartet, Model Paint Whatever, Blackboot Official, Bethany Atazadeh, Model Minutes, Harry Sisson, The String Quartet Channel, Guard the Leaf.
Ominous music begins. 😊 The comment gangs described above were not unusual for me and I have seen them operate against other one star science fiction reviewers. My first appeared within three to four months into my membership. BookTube do address the abusive comment gangs acting against one star romance and romantasy reviewers. These are endemic it seems, to the site and are supported by Kindle, Goodreads employees. Their abuse is not limited to shrill and ugly comments but include doxxing, stalking, threats against family and friends of the victims and I imagine soon the Swatting. Amazon have not to my knowledge ever acknowledged an incident, disciplined mental members, punished writers who sometimes organise them or dismissed the employees who enable them.
My own ultimate experience was the Australian Intervention. My limited message history being shared with nutters allowed a request by Pine Gap Centre of Australian Security services to interrogate the one friend whom I occasionally messaged. The attempt at my personal life failed, dangerous as it was. It did create two outraged customers, which concerned Amazon not at all. That is, until we shared that bizarre episode with many others.
At that point, Bezos and Co removed all visible harassment by restoring normal functions to my pages, masking all comments, disappearing Lurkers I had previously not been Permitted to remove and the rest. Lacking was acknowledgement of criminal behaviour, assurance of consequences to "rogue" employees or apology. The USA will always be a respected entity as long as it remains such a free speech haven and land of law and corporate accountability. 😁
Recently a seventh ex-employee of EBay was sentenced for harassment of a lovely couple whose small ecommerce channel expressed insufficient deference to EBay. The couple were awarded several millions pounds and that employee had been the EBay Chief of Global Security or something like. In dealing with all US data corporations, these might be things to consider.
My suggestions for a safer Goodreads experience. Remove all personal information from profile and avoid the messaging app. Remove the Lurker, those friends who never post. They are monitors for these comment gangs, not admirers. Lastly, given the Amazon penchant for Alteration of customer pages, the screenshot of the odd, ugly or threatening are invaluable. These should suffice.
Kindle represent a more serious danger. Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Contacts or Email. As well as my experience, I did prove that Amazon read emails without permission or notice. Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks as you own only your device not downloads, which may be altered or deleted at Amazon's whim. This was a mistake I made. BookTubers will discuss alternative sellers and devices. I have dropped those BookTubers who gush over Kindle or Goodreads as at best unserious. To mention them for comparisons and such is their job but to lend them authority in any way is suspect. Lastly, all searches on Silk should be non-critical and innocuous.
All the above are easily implemented, to not have done may invite dangerous reactions. I must mention that all the atrocious behaviours from attack gangs through the Australian Incident occurred before the current US government gave corporations complete freedom of action and legal protections. Americans have a well deserved reputation for stupidity, deficiency of critical thought and empathy, which is now labelled as a grave threat to Western Culture by both government and US billionaires. Then there was MAGA. Ominous music ends. 😊
He safe and may we all discover good reading. 🤗
Some favourite YouTube channels.
NCMI, Fiona Hill, The Military Show, DW English, Philosophy Tube, What Vivi did next, Some More News, Bobbing Along, Dr Becky, Red Viburnam Song, Vidya Mitra, Mia Mulder, Peter & Lois Pasada, Sons of Liberty, Grandma Got a Glock, With Cindy, Lilly's Life, With Olivia, Trickie Rickie Songs, Elina Charatsidou, Prime of Midlife, Starbound Extra, OliviaReadsaLatte, Postmodern Jukebox, Shades of Orange, Petrik Leo, Anton Petrov, ScaredKetchup, The Discriminating Gamer, TizzyEnt, CBC News, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Curt Jaimungal, Kris Atomic, Wes O'Donnell, Miranda Mills, Karolina Zebrowska, Break N Remake, Lady of the Library, Renegade Cut, The Book Peddler, Nookrium, France 24 English, Lady Knight the Brave, MOS6510Models, UKraine News TV, ChristopherTitusTV, Bild Lagezentrum International, Kazachka, Suchomimus, Jason Jay Smart, Daria Happy, Lucy Darling, Eleanor Morton, Abel Montero, Skip Intro, Rebecca Watson, HNX Media, King Paramount Canal Adventures, Nomadic Crobot, The Mindful Narrowboat, Canal Boats, Jen's Reading Life, Subha Reads, Tabletop Command Post, Jay Exci, Spacedock, Jess of the Shire, Book and Things, Jean's Thoughts, Hoots, Lee Francis, Britta Bohler, On Table Top, Times Radio, Dark Brandon, Hardy's Books, 7th Son, Soviet Star Trek - Dreamloop Cinema, The Presentation School Choir, Neural Derp -Redneck Stargate, Amie's Literary Empire, Emilie's Literary Corner, Element 18, Paranormal Scholar, Megalithhunter, Planarwalker, Council of Geeks.
I wish you a splendid morning, a sunny afternoon, a pleasant evening, a wonderful night and may we all continue learning.
To turn away seems easy, the costs may not be.
May 10, 2018
This book took me a long time to read. I'd start then stop, start then stop. But, I trusted in the author to get me through and, I wasn't disappointed. This may have been slower than the others in the series for me but, it's still a really good read. Full of adventure, danger, friendship, and TONS of imagination. It's colorful and vivid and wholly unique. I LOVE these characters and concept. This author never disappoints.
November 5, 2022
This book is third in a series and to be honest I really struggled through it. I listened via Audible, like the first two, but this one seemed so confusing and all over the place.
It could be that I was not 'in the mood' for sci-fi fantasy and my brain was not in the right place.
I did see other reviews and there were high rating.
So don't judge by my experience. I just couldn't get into this one.
It could be that I was not 'in the mood' for sci-fi fantasy and my brain was not in the right place.
I did see other reviews and there were high rating.
So don't judge by my experience. I just couldn't get into this one.
December 31, 2021
'There is certainly no way I’ll be asked to come in to work. I’ve called in dead.'
Fantastic! Ben, Mym and Harold are caught up in a religious time travelling Resurrection that could end the world. Spanning the breadth of man kind itself.
This is seriously the best time travel series ever!
'The Neverwhere may linger on the edge of eternity, but it’s an edge I’ve gotten too close to.'
Fantastic! Ben, Mym and Harold are caught up in a religious time travelling Resurrection that could end the world. Spanning the breadth of man kind itself.
This is seriously the best time travel series ever!
'The Neverwhere may linger on the edge of eternity, but it’s an edge I’ve gotten too close to.'
June 12, 2025
Nathan Van Coops creates worlds and characters you will love
All of Nathan Van Coops sagas are PG rated clean, good action along with trips up and down many time frames. Come take a wild trip with Ben and Myn your never know where you will end up.
All of Nathan Van Coops sagas are PG rated clean, good action along with trips up and down many time frames. Come take a wild trip with Ben and Myn your never know where you will end up.
September 23, 2022
A good story, but maybe not the strongest of the series. This was a more dark tale and I did miss some of the whimsy that was in the book of the series. Still a strong time travel book..
June 25, 2024
A wild romp through several time streams and alternate versions of the main characters.
November 1, 2023
Not my favorite book in the series
What happened? For a book that focused on the mysterious place that was the Neverwhere, a place where space and time hold no ground, this book was a struggle to finish. The book was too long, with chapters filled with random scenes, needless character conflict, of depictions of a place with little importance to the main plot. I found myself skipping some of these sections, just to get the story back on track. There was also the Ben's in the book, no single one with redeemable qualities Each of them became a whiner version of the Ben from the last two book. The baddie, Zurtan, was another villain with a black cape sulking in the past of his fail accession into godhood.
I contemplated just slapping 3 stars to this review, the equivalent of an OK book, but I think this book is more of a 'meh', so, 2.5 stars. I still like the Universe that wax created in this and Paradox PI books, this is just not my favorite read in the series.
What happened? For a book that focused on the mysterious place that was the Neverwhere, a place where space and time hold no ground, this book was a struggle to finish. The book was too long, with chapters filled with random scenes, needless character conflict, of depictions of a place with little importance to the main plot. I found myself skipping some of these sections, just to get the story back on track. There was also the Ben's in the book, no single one with redeemable qualities Each of them became a whiner version of the Ben from the last two book. The baddie, Zurtan, was another villain with a black cape sulking in the past of his fail accession into godhood.
I contemplated just slapping 3 stars to this review, the equivalent of an OK book, but I think this book is more of a 'meh', so, 2.5 stars. I still like the Universe that wax created in this and Paradox PI books, this is just not my favorite read in the series.
March 5, 2020
This is where I part ways with this series, Van Coops goes in a bizarre direction, roughly half the novel, in a boring dream-scape that yet again changes the universe roles, edging the series far more into fantasy than sci-fi. Manic pixie dream girl, Mim, for a third novel is sidelined, and this go around reduced to a damsel in distress. It also triples down on its kooky time-streams that leads to four Benjamins, three of which are out to save Mim and a bit of dues ex machina. I found myself tuning out whenever the story switched to the dreamworld sequences as they made little sense.
It's strange as the series that dangles the idea of time travel as a life style constantly reels away from it, focusing on less interesting plot devices and also feels free of consequence with its definition of time stream, and feels more interested in fantasy that sci-fi.
It's strange as the series that dangles the idea of time travel as a life style constantly reels away from it, focusing on less interesting plot devices and also feels free of consequence with its definition of time stream, and feels more interested in fantasy that sci-fi.
July 23, 2016
A fun romp through space and time
This is the third book in the Times Like These series. I must say right at the start that this is my favorite book in the series.
The action is fast paced and smooth. The jumps from one POV to the other are entertaining, and as always, the journal entries are amusing and give subtle hints about what comes next.
Lastly,this is a love story with appeal to both adults young and old. The writer knows how to bring the reader's imagination into the story in a way that writing out the explicit details never will. This is a sweet and engaging story.
This is the third book in the Times Like These series. I must say right at the start that this is my favorite book in the series.
The action is fast paced and smooth. The jumps from one POV to the other are entertaining, and as always, the journal entries are amusing and give subtle hints about what comes next.
Lastly,this is a love story with appeal to both adults young and old. The writer knows how to bring the reader's imagination into the story in a way that writing out the explicit details never will. This is a sweet and engaging story.
May 15, 2016
I received an advance copy of the book in order to review it prior to release. I want to say I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The excitement and adventure with the well known characters of Ben and Mym as well as some new characters, both good and bad, made it hard to put down. I was looking forward to the next chapter of Ben and Mym and I was definitely not disappointed. I give this book five stars. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
December 15, 2016
Strong ending to the trilogy.
May 26, 2025
The Day After Never is the third book in Nathan Van Coops' time travel series. It brings new threats into the world of its unlikely hero, this time a bit darker and even more dangerous. The author continues to impress me with his writing, his sense of humour and his ability to perfectly tie together things that have been left unresolved since the adventure started.
November 6, 2018
I had read the first book in this series and really liked it. Skipped the second for some reason, but picked up this third one. Sorry I did. It just wasn't interesting to me. Too wordy and not enough going on. Finally gave up at 35%. What a boring slog. Maybe it got better nearer the end, but I just couldn't hang in there.
June 8, 2016
I was given a pre-released copy to help proofread. This is a great book and a wonderful completion to the In Times Like These trilogy! I highly recommend them! It was a lot of fun and I am going to miss "hanging" with the main characters.
March 28, 2023
The third book in the In Times Like These series. A further exploration of the time travel multiverse created by Nathan Van Coops, featuring Ben Travers and a now familiar cast of associates, plus the expected introductions of new characters to further the new plot along and a further exploration of the multiverse and nuances of time travel and the future as Van Coops envisions.
Ben Travers is fresh off his "victory" in the Chronothon, covered in the previous book, and spending some quality time with Mym, daughter of Dr. Quickly, the founder of the whole time travel thing in this series and whose journal excerpts intro every chapter.
Ben Travers is also freshly awakened to find himself dead in the Neverwhere just after said Chronothon, the result of his noble sacrifice to thwart ... well, read book two if you care about the details. They aren't crucial to understanding this book. Suffice to say, time travelers need to be grounded to something when they do a time travel jump or they could end up in this "neverwhere" and that's believed to be as good as death. Van Coops gives us a first-person account of Travers' experiences there in parallel with the Travers who didn't go to the Neverwhere - the whole multiverse thing - and along the way their paths will cross.
And have crossed. So maybe you should go back and read the Chronothon.
If you don't, here's a quick spoilery rundown. In this version of time travel, when you go back in time, you can jump back a few minutes and meet yourself. This is discouraged, because at that point you are two people knowingly experiencing the same moment twice. You can go back a few minutes and hide from yourself and that doesn't cause a paradox, because in a few minutes the first person will jump back in time and disappear and you can get on with your business. If the paradox occurs, you end up with a new time-traveling twin, identical to a point, and then you are unique.
This becomes important because in this book, Ben meets...other Bens. Back in the first book, the big challenge was getting back home to 2009 from 1985. Back to THEIR 2009. They made it back to a 2009 that wasn't theirs, and other thems were already there, not having been time traveled in the first place. So they had to make another long journey to return to the proper timestream. One of the things they did in that first book was change history, and (SPOILER!) save Dr. Quickly, who gave them a shortcut lift home.
But thanks to that whole alternate timestreams thing, there were outcomes where things didn't turn out so well, and it took a while but another Ben Travers, older and more jaded and sick of time travel, rolls into town. He conveniently doesn't mind doing the job Ben no longer needs/likes, and takes a liking to an old/young ex girlfriend, who chirpily calls him Benji. There's no telling how many other alt-Bens might show up next, or in what condition.
And in the Neverwhere, our dead Ben encounters an older, jaded, scruffy version of himself who has figured out a bit of how to get around their new home, including their childhood home. For convenience' sake, he's taken to calling himself Benny, as he was called as a child.
Throw in Tucket, the nerdy uber-fan of the 20th century from the previous book, who shows up dressed to fit in (complete with Michael Jackson glove) to hang out and try to convince Ben and friends to get with the time travel bureaucracy, and Dr. Quickly, whose lab was vandalized and burgled, and Ben's friends and Benji, and it's an overcrowded party at Ben's apartment.
All this is setting and setup. A mysterious stranger in the Neverwhere is somehow connected to the attacks on Dr. Quickly, and soon Ben...and Ben...are in a race through time and memory and politics and religion to put the pieces together and save the day...and the multiverse itself.
You know. The usual.
If I have a complaint, it's "too many notes." There's an awful lot stuffed into this story. it's all interesting, and the author does a good job of letting it work through the characters, who are genuinely compelling. At the root of it all is Ben's devotion to his girlfriend, his strength and his Achilles' heel. Also his curiosity - where Dr. Quickly has invented time travel, Ben has furthered it in many ways by asking practical questions and either coming up with practical solutions or getting the eggheads to develop it for him. Having started with the Paradox PI series, a lot of the things I see Travers' grandson taking for granted, we see the grandfather saying "hey, why can't we...?"
Even the minor characters get a chance to shine. Tucket, the nerdy recent graduate of the time travel university and devotee of the music group Avocado Problems, is easy to laugh off at first but the roles he plays go deeper than first suspected. Much deeper, in fact, by the final reveal. No spoilers given.
Anyway. it's a fun romp through the future, a satiric take on the extendio ad absurdum of augmented reality in the 22nd century, a surprisingly sensitive consideration of the nature of life and afterlife and the soul, too many Ben Travers for comfort, and ... well, it felt like a very long read. Enjoyable, but long.
Ben Travers is fresh off his "victory" in the Chronothon, covered in the previous book, and spending some quality time with Mym, daughter of Dr. Quickly, the founder of the whole time travel thing in this series and whose journal excerpts intro every chapter.
Ben Travers is also freshly awakened to find himself dead in the Neverwhere just after said Chronothon, the result of his noble sacrifice to thwart ... well, read book two if you care about the details. They aren't crucial to understanding this book. Suffice to say, time travelers need to be grounded to something when they do a time travel jump or they could end up in this "neverwhere" and that's believed to be as good as death. Van Coops gives us a first-person account of Travers' experiences there in parallel with the Travers who didn't go to the Neverwhere - the whole multiverse thing - and along the way their paths will cross.
And have crossed. So maybe you should go back and read the Chronothon.
If you don't, here's a quick spoilery rundown. In this version of time travel, when you go back in time, you can jump back a few minutes and meet yourself. This is discouraged, because at that point you are two people knowingly experiencing the same moment twice. You can go back a few minutes and hide from yourself and that doesn't cause a paradox, because in a few minutes the first person will jump back in time and disappear and you can get on with your business. If the paradox occurs, you end up with a new time-traveling twin, identical to a point, and then you are unique.
This becomes important because in this book, Ben meets...other Bens. Back in the first book, the big challenge was getting back home to 2009 from 1985. Back to THEIR 2009. They made it back to a 2009 that wasn't theirs, and other thems were already there, not having been time traveled in the first place. So they had to make another long journey to return to the proper timestream. One of the things they did in that first book was change history, and (SPOILER!) save Dr. Quickly, who gave them a shortcut lift home.
But thanks to that whole alternate timestreams thing, there were outcomes where things didn't turn out so well, and it took a while but another Ben Travers, older and more jaded and sick of time travel, rolls into town. He conveniently doesn't mind doing the job Ben no longer needs/likes, and takes a liking to an old/young ex girlfriend, who chirpily calls him Benji. There's no telling how many other alt-Bens might show up next, or in what condition.
And in the Neverwhere, our dead Ben encounters an older, jaded, scruffy version of himself who has figured out a bit of how to get around their new home, including their childhood home. For convenience' sake, he's taken to calling himself Benny, as he was called as a child.
Throw in Tucket, the nerdy uber-fan of the 20th century from the previous book, who shows up dressed to fit in (complete with Michael Jackson glove) to hang out and try to convince Ben and friends to get with the time travel bureaucracy, and Dr. Quickly, whose lab was vandalized and burgled, and Ben's friends and Benji, and it's an overcrowded party at Ben's apartment.
All this is setting and setup. A mysterious stranger in the Neverwhere is somehow connected to the attacks on Dr. Quickly, and soon Ben...and Ben...are in a race through time and memory and politics and religion to put the pieces together and save the day...and the multiverse itself.
You know. The usual.
If I have a complaint, it's "too many notes." There's an awful lot stuffed into this story. it's all interesting, and the author does a good job of letting it work through the characters, who are genuinely compelling. At the root of it all is Ben's devotion to his girlfriend, his strength and his Achilles' heel. Also his curiosity - where Dr. Quickly has invented time travel, Ben has furthered it in many ways by asking practical questions and either coming up with practical solutions or getting the eggheads to develop it for him. Having started with the Paradox PI series, a lot of the things I see Travers' grandson taking for granted, we see the grandfather saying "hey, why can't we...?"
Even the minor characters get a chance to shine. Tucket, the nerdy recent graduate of the time travel university and devotee of the music group Avocado Problems, is easy to laugh off at first but the roles he plays go deeper than first suspected. Much deeper, in fact, by the final reveal. No spoilers given.
Anyway. it's a fun romp through the future, a satiric take on the extendio ad absurdum of augmented reality in the 22nd century, a surprisingly sensitive consideration of the nature of life and afterlife and the soul, too many Ben Travers for comfort, and ... well, it felt like a very long read. Enjoyable, but long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2023
This series is Time Travel done right! The action is brisk, the background building is incredibly detailed and imaginative, the character development is perfectly dynamic, and the banter? The banter is both witty and giggle out loud funny!! What more could you ask for?? Nathan Van Coops is easily one of my favorite authors in this genre and if you've read any of my prior reviews you'll know that that is a mammoth compliment because I'm a HUGE, ginormous, gargantuan fan of Time Travel!! Mr. Van Coops' writing is not only consistently solid it's addictive too... he always has me fiending for the next book like a literary junkie. Is the physics behind the Time Travel heavy on scientific jargon? No, and I don't seem to mind that here...His books are so good that I don't even mind the wait AND with my horrible memory forcing me to reread the prior books all over again (as each new book comes out) just to refresh the ole squishy brain...THAT'S saying a LOT!
What makes a book a Favorite for me? 9/10 it's the characters! In this book/series the characters are extremely well crafted and, if I was pressed to pick a favorite, I find that I can't, in good conscience, choose only 1! I do ship Ben & Mym with all of my heart though! Every sticky spot the duo finds themselves in I find that I can't help but root for them... out loud... to no one in particular WHICH happens often and is very embarrassing in public. Speaking of poor public etiquette I may or may not (spoiler alert: I certainly did) have Squeeeed aloud when my suspicions were confirmed regarding the identity of who the ultimate hero was... again, an extra dollop of public humiliation plopped on top of the pile but sooo worth it! There's just SO much to adore here (and in the series as a whole). Not only does Nathan crush the Trifecta of Awesomeness ( Character Development + World Building + Writing Quality = The Trifecta of Awesomeness), but his books just keep getting better, somehow outshining the ones before... it's impressive!
Overall:
I enjoyed this as an audiobook and not only did the premise, execution, and effect kick butt but the orator brought the book to life seamlessly as well SO if you're searching high and low for your next read and high-octane Time Travel, with super creative/imaginative/detailed backdrops and a perfectly paced plot is your Thing then I highly recommend you pick this series up... BUT be warned... start with book #1- In Times Like These- or else you'll be missing vital information and you won't have the great appreciation for the nuanced characters that you'll undoubtedly have if you do this in sequential order... go on... whatcha waiting for? Hurry up and dive into this series... you'll thank me later!!
~Enjoy
What makes a book a Favorite for me? 9/10 it's the characters! In this book/series the characters are extremely well crafted and, if I was pressed to pick a favorite, I find that I can't, in good conscience, choose only 1! I do ship Ben & Mym with all of my heart though! Every sticky spot the duo finds themselves in I find that I can't help but root for them... out loud... to no one in particular WHICH happens often and is very embarrassing in public. Speaking of poor public etiquette I may or may not (spoiler alert: I certainly did) have Squeeeed aloud when my suspicions were confirmed regarding the identity of who the ultimate hero was... again, an extra dollop of public humiliation plopped on top of the pile but sooo worth it! There's just SO much to adore here (and in the series as a whole). Not only does Nathan crush the Trifecta of Awesomeness ( Character Development + World Building + Writing Quality = The Trifecta of Awesomeness), but his books just keep getting better, somehow outshining the ones before... it's impressive!
Overall:
I enjoyed this as an audiobook and not only did the premise, execution, and effect kick butt but the orator brought the book to life seamlessly as well SO if you're searching high and low for your next read and high-octane Time Travel, with super creative/imaginative/detailed backdrops and a perfectly paced plot is your Thing then I highly recommend you pick this series up... BUT be warned... start with book #1- In Times Like These- or else you'll be missing vital information and you won't have the great appreciation for the nuanced characters that you'll undoubtedly have if you do this in sequential order... go on... whatcha waiting for? Hurry up and dive into this series... you'll thank me later!!
~Enjoy
January 1, 2020
I needed a book to close out 2019 with and two days to read, so I spun the wheel of to-read books and The Day After Never came up. I was immediately concerned because while it’s only 500 pages, these books are dense. The time travel rules are elaborate, consistent, and require slow reading and conscious thought to follow, so I wasn’t sure I’d make it in 48 hours.
I did, with time to spare, and this was easily my favorite of the three. It’s strange that such a detail oriented trilogy is meant to be read as a stand-alone, and while I think you’d be very lost if you jumped into the second or third book, people do it and enjoy it.
I will say that if there’s any time gap between books for me, I usually need a primer or a refresher or a helpful author to lightly recap where we were. Van Coops doesn’t do that, and it’s complicated, detail specific material, and I felt that I was able to pull it all together. I only had to look up on event late in the book. That’s outstanding, especially for a reader like me who can’t remember where his car keys are half the time.
I won’t spoil here, which is sad for me because in five years I’ll be trying to recall those details. This is the story of two Bens (technically up to 4) who are dealing with the fallout from the end of the second book while trying to deal with a villain backing up the time stream. Plots here remind me of Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter, as well as The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, but who is to say what originated where. It works very well here. Moments, especially in the first third, seemed quite cinematic. While I felt buried under exposition and too many characters in early books, I felt on the edge of my seat here.
So much of reading is the mood you’re in when you picked up the book. If that’s the case, my initial concern was unwarranted, and I picked the right day to read The Day After Never.
Tucket wins a ribbon.
This one is absolutely on my favorites list.
I did, with time to spare, and this was easily my favorite of the three. It’s strange that such a detail oriented trilogy is meant to be read as a stand-alone, and while I think you’d be very lost if you jumped into the second or third book, people do it and enjoy it.
I will say that if there’s any time gap between books for me, I usually need a primer or a refresher or a helpful author to lightly recap where we were. Van Coops doesn’t do that, and it’s complicated, detail specific material, and I felt that I was able to pull it all together. I only had to look up on event late in the book. That’s outstanding, especially for a reader like me who can’t remember where his car keys are half the time.
I won’t spoil here, which is sad for me because in five years I’ll be trying to recall those details. This is the story of two Bens (technically up to 4) who are dealing with the fallout from the end of the second book while trying to deal with a villain backing up the time stream. Plots here remind me of Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter, as well as The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, but who is to say what originated where. It works very well here. Moments, especially in the first third, seemed quite cinematic. While I felt buried under exposition and too many characters in early books, I felt on the edge of my seat here.
So much of reading is the mood you’re in when you picked up the book. If that’s the case, my initial concern was unwarranted, and I picked the right day to read The Day After Never.
Tucket wins a ribbon.
This one is absolutely on my favorites list.
February 12, 2023
The Day After Never is book three in Nathan Van Coops' time-traveling series. I loved In Times Like These, the first book in the series and, while I didn’t like The Chronothon (Book 2) quite as much, its Amazing Race-style plot and pacing held my attention.
I can’t say the same about The Day After Never. It was a slog to get through - it truly took me years to finish it. I picked it up in 2018, and read the first fifty pages but kept choosing other books instead of picking it back up. Thinking it may have been timing, I restarted from the beginning a few months ago and it still wasn’t as strong as the first two.
Like previous books, each chapter opens with words of wisdom from Dr. Harold Quickly, who invented time travel. It also features Mym from the first two books, though she is relegated to the background for most of the book, and other familiar faces like Francesca.
The best parts of the story are when Ben Travers struggles against himself. The book had an interesting premise and it comes back around in the end, but it was longer than it needed to be. It got bogged down with too many unnecessary and confusing elements.
I’m on the fence as to whether I will read The Warp Clock, book 4 of the series. The ending of Day After Never seems to wrap up the series, so it doesn’t leave the reader with a strong need to see what happens next.
I think I may need to try one of VanCoops other books before deciding to invest more time in the Benjamin Travers series. I’m glad I was introduced to VanCoops, though. He opened the world of independent authors to me - and, for that, I will forever be grateful.
For more of my reviews, visit www.bookpicksandpics.com.
I can’t say the same about The Day After Never. It was a slog to get through - it truly took me years to finish it. I picked it up in 2018, and read the first fifty pages but kept choosing other books instead of picking it back up. Thinking it may have been timing, I restarted from the beginning a few months ago and it still wasn’t as strong as the first two.
Like previous books, each chapter opens with words of wisdom from Dr. Harold Quickly, who invented time travel. It also features Mym from the first two books, though she is relegated to the background for most of the book, and other familiar faces like Francesca.
The best parts of the story are when Ben Travers struggles against himself. The book had an interesting premise and it comes back around in the end, but it was longer than it needed to be. It got bogged down with too many unnecessary and confusing elements.
I’m on the fence as to whether I will read The Warp Clock, book 4 of the series. The ending of Day After Never seems to wrap up the series, so it doesn’t leave the reader with a strong need to see what happens next.
I think I may need to try one of VanCoops other books before deciding to invest more time in the Benjamin Travers series. I’m glad I was introduced to VanCoops, though. He opened the world of independent authors to me - and, for that, I will forever be grateful.
For more of my reviews, visit www.bookpicksandpics.com.
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