Journeyman

Matt Miller in the Colonies #1

by Mark J. Rose

American scientist Matt Miller is torn from his own century and dropped into Colonial America with nothing except a backpack. His phone, his money and his identity are all useless and he quickly finds that he is foreign and alone in his own country. Matt must meet the challenge to survive in a newly forming society where he seemingly has no relevant skills and no one he can count on. He suspects that his twenty-first century knowledge of science and technology could make him a king in the New World, but he quickly finds that eighteenth-century America is a dynamic place where nothing is guaranteed. The challenge to prosper, succeed and especially to win the hand of a beautiful Virginia farm girl is like nothing he has ever faced.

Genres: Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Alternate History, Fiction, Audiobook, Historical

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2016

About the author

Mark J. Rose is a scientist, author, and screenwriter. He lives in La Jolla, California. He holds a doctorate in pharmaceutical chemistry and is the director of research and development at a major biotech company. He has been fascinated for many years with exploring the intersection of man’s basic humanity with the challenges of a rapidly changing technological world. Working primarily in the science fiction and thriller genres, all his writing deals with the interaction of technology, science, and society.

Reviews

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if you were catapulted into the past of colonial America just before the war of Independence?
How would you survive?

Time travel merely sets the story as the main plot takes place among the farmers and townspeople of Richmond.
Matt learns how to ride horses and look after them while falling in love.

"Journeyman" is part one of a story. I will review part two "Prophet" as soon as I can.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This book was ok for me.
While I really enjoyed the storyline, there were some things that bothered me.
First of all, I was just really excited that there was a character named Kylie (my name!). Even though she was a very very minor character and didn't seem like a very nice one, it's always exciting when a character has your name if it isn't a very popular name.
I listened to this on audiobook and the beginning was a little confusing. I wasn't really sure where the book was headed. Then it turns out the main character Matt also didn't know what was going on, so it made sense and was fun to figure things out along with him. Basically Matt is accidentally transported from present day to 1762 (I think). He meets a wonderful family that takes him in and gives him work. One of the things I really liked was that the family seemed so real. There were a lot of people in the family though, and I kind of forgot who was who.
I feel like it is almost common sense, or the common theme, that in books where people travel to the past, they try their hardest not to reveal anything about the future because things you do in the past could change the future. Matt didn't care. He told everyone about things that hadn't been invented and explained modern day phrases. It went against everything I have read (or movies etc) about time travel and kind of made me cringe every time it happened. It also made me cringe when Matt decided to stay in the past because of the same reason, if he stays in the past he could change the whole future.
Overall, it was a really fun book to listen to. Personally I have never read anything like this book where the main character accidentally time travels and wants to stay in the past. It was a totally different approach on time travel and I would love to see what happens to Matt once he gets to Philadelphia and if he ever makes it back to the Taylors!

[Josh Tomblin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Romance, Sci-fi, Christian Novel?

Congratulations, you've successfully time traveled to just before the American War for Independence.

You have no skills, money or background that would prepare you. Just sell a incredibly expensive ring, that you don't normally wear, but happened to take on a long hike, and learn to farm. Causality be darned!

You could return to your time, or get married to a horse farmers daughter. Shortened life spans are underrated - go to her.

Real review - not terribly written, just not what you'd think. Outside of making a poultice, very little of the story involves having to deal with the consequences of being plopped into a time period well in the past. It reads more like a period drama.

[Tony Hinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this the author's first book? If so, well done.

Not everything rings true, but the story draws you in and the characters are well rendered. Will's character, in particular, was hard to pin down, but not inconsistent. I liked Matt's relationship with Scout the dog. Matt's attitude is positive from the start, which keeps things light enough.

A few things stretch credulity, such as the first girl he meets being his eventual romantic interest. Yet another time-traveller that knows martial arts. A scientist that recalls how to synthesize Ibuprofen. Modern English is only remarked on as a strange accent. And I can't help thinking his excuse for every odd behavior, of being from Philadelphia, will eventually come back to bite him.

Regardless, this is an easy read that draws you in and quickly on to the end. I'm looking forward to the sequel.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is interesting, and the main character is likable. There are scenes that are kind of fun. I’m not sorry I bought the book, but it reads like it was written by a talented amateur without the benefit of a skilled editor. I read historical novels to live in a different time and place for a while. This novel didn’t really give me that opportunity. The historical texture is thin. So is the plot. If the author self published with no help and no training, I give him credit. By those standards, it’s an accomplishment. But I don’t think I’d recommend it as either sci-fi or as a historical.

[Emily Rogers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Changed from 2.5 to 2 stars when I remembered the cringy comments in the beginning 😂

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting premise, although the story could be more detailed and I would like to see the main characters more in depth.
This is the first book, I plan to read the next volume, with a curiosity on where the story is to be taken.

[Travis Kole · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many things that have destroyed books like this out there. Whether it be time travel, colonial fiction, trying to mesh the two. This is the first book in a long time where I didn't read the reviews. People could find a lot of faults with this type of book but the author was bold in attempting it.

I'll cut to the chase in say I love this book so far. There is a little bit of leave your brain aside and just enjoy the story. The best part about this book is easily the characters and the dialogue. The dialogue is quick witted, sarcastic, and just the right amount of believability to the characters.

Why a 4 instead of a 5? Easy. There is one thing I cannot look past and that is historically things were definitely happening during this time. Tension has been building between king and colonies for a while and even though it's 15 years before the declaration there should be more. What we get is a snap shot of a scene for about a months duration. I would have liked more in the way of outside influence, but I bet that is coming with the future books.

I admire the direction the story went and leaving the reader wanting to know what happens next. There is a little bit of things that favor Mr. Miller, but he definitely has his flaws which I appreciate. I like the struggle and a protagonist not getting everything right away. I am onto the next book. Jonathan Taylor is probably the best side character with Scout the dog. Very endearing.

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. My dad recommended it to me as we both love time travel stories. 3.5⭐


*there was a little bit of language in the book, but not too much.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! On to the next one!

[Tom Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok. Matt is transported through a wormhole to 1762. He lands, like Marty McFly, in a barn. Enter the believable family who will help him and assimilate him into their world of God and farm. The author does a good job to describe the farm and the life of a mid-eighteenth century family admirably. Five stars for solid research. But, as a reader, I found myself wanting more daring and interplay between his rescue, the environment, his discovery, and a denouement. It is a long march from entry to end of book one. Humor is mixed into the confusion, as one son discovers Miller’s toothbrush and toothpaste, but otherwise, it’s pretty serious business. I presuppose the author is holding back for Book Two, Prophet. But we’ll see.

[Mark Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks, everyone for reading the book and taking the time to rate! It's definitely been an adventure. The third book in the series is almost ready for the first round at the editor. Hopefully it will be done by the end of 2018. We just completed the audio books this month. Both are available on Audible.com. Your ratings and feedback are very much appreciated!

[Thomas Bergen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time Travel Limited

Good story. Easy read. But it underutilizes the factor of time travel. Main character time travels to 1762 Virginia. But, between that beginning and the book’s end, no other historical detail is added to the story.
Again, I enjoyed reading the book, but the theme could have accomplished so much more.

[Bullman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

Mark Rose has written a superb time travel novel. Being taken back to 1762 and wondering what's next for Matt Miller, I will be reading book 2 ASAP.

[kathleen r. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review covers the 4 books in the series, which I enjoyed. I did not find too much Christian overlay or influence, if there had been some push to preach, I would have dropped the series flat. There were some moments when one character or another would glance upwards and intone, "Please", but who is to say that's necessarily a christian motif? Not me.
There are a few time-travel gaps. There are also a couple of time-traveling criminals, looking to thwart the MC. There is some struggle over decisions. By the 4th book, the time elements collide to make a crisis of mega-proportions, and there is significant drama involved when additional characters are inadvertently caught up in the vortex. It was a bit simple, but it was effective in keeping me turning the pages long past my bedtime.

Moving onwards, this series is strong throughout the first three books. It does lose some steam towards the end of #3 and throughout #4, I kept waiting and hoping for some true revolutionary and Colonial input, but the emphasis just fizzled out and wandered off into a twilight of "perhaps". When Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin seemed to fold their cards and fade into the background noise of nuance without impact, I lost interest. The overall political and social focus was ignored for the most part and seemed to settle more on the mundane policy of horse breeding and trade.

The colonies were a hotbed of activity during this time period, but these books just skimmed over the entire war-like social restrictions and instead settled on what gowns the ladies wore, who liked to drink good whiskey and which roads were easier to travel to cover distance without killing either yourself or your horse. The action that should have propelled the story forward seemed limited and forced.
Reading became a chore rather than a pleasure, but I wanted to see how it all ended, so I continued through book 4. I was expecting some major dust-up by the time book 4 reached its end, but in that, I was disappointed. There was a brief summation and perhaps a tease for a future addition to this series, but I'm not sure I would be interested in reading it.

I have to say, there's just no conclusion. Things just stop. The future is restored. Or is it? Did the journey reach a final destination in the 18th century, or was it finished in the 21st century? Certainly, there are points from both sides to be considered. Did the time travel actually happen or was this all a mild concussion and subsequent altered state of consciousness? Suddenly, new people are added to the mix and things become cloudy again.

I did think the over-simplification of the political hazards of Colonial society was unfair. While the idea and protest of "taxation without representation" was much alluded to, there wasn't any real resolution presented. We know how things actually ended up, from this century, but how did it all happen in that time period?
We know George Washington was a farmer, not a statesman, until he felt obliged to voice his opinion. We know the Continental Army, so called but formed out of a mix of farmers, shop keepers, tradesmen, plumbers, laborers and servants, slaves who fought to win their own and the freedom of others; this was not a trained military force like the British or the Hessians, these were a rabble of people who'd had enough of His Majesty and being pushed about on soil they were breaking with their own backs. We know that "army" damn near starved and suffered catastrophic losses during the war, but knowing it from this modern perspective doesn't mean we understood it from the perspective of the ordinary troops, perhaps those quartered at Valley Forge or those who stood fast in Boston, Concord or Lexington. Some perspective from that point of view, even if fictionally enhanced or imaginative, might have made the reading more interesting.

That said, the series is worth the time to read. There was enough to keep my interest, but I did think the "invention" of the headache tablets was a bit of a stretch. Still, we buy Alka Seltzer in bulk, so maybe that wasn't too much to accept as a side effort of a stranded time-traveler looking to survive.
As for the love interest, I thought it was rather predictable. However, the subsequent trauma of an attempted rape, a miscarriage, and a murder trial with it's unpleasant outcome were all fairly dramatic and well thought out.

Throughout the books, the topic of slavery and indentured servitude is implied but not well dealt with. Glossing over such a dark time in history never serves well. I finished book 4 still unhappy with how the horror of slavery was so lightly treated. Even though the issue has been present for 5000 years, it is too important an historical topic to keep in the background. That's my opinion, and no reflection upon any other person's thoughts or comments. For the purpose of this review, the topic, in my opinion, is poorly addressed.

As a 4 book series, I thought there was more positive than negative content. I borrowed them all from Kindle Unlimited, rather than purchasing them.

[Susan Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of time travel, and I have a special interest in the history of Colonial America, as well as the locations mentioned in the blurb, so I had high hopes for this book, heavily peppered with skepticism. (Mainly because I'm also a very picky reader, with a built-in mental editor that I have a very difficult time turning off - including a virtual red pencil that circles and crosses out things, and questions word choice. I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn't as bad as I was expecting it to be. I know how that sounds, but I've "checked out" some real clinkers from Kindle Unlimited.)

So, here we have Matt Miller, a pharmeceutical chemist from Philadelphia who's generally unsatisfied with his life. He escapes to the hills for an extended hike - a getaway to chill out, and regroup. Not too far away (though it's unclear how far away, or if that's even important) four scientists are tinkering with a nuclear reactor, setting up an experiment that they feel certain will fail. They're overworked, exhausted, ready to call it quits, when suddenly something happens. Matt is caught up in a resulting wormhole that drops him near Richmond, Virginia in 1762. (I didn't go back to check, but I was pretty sure he was hiking Clingman's Dome - which I know is in Tennessee; so he was not only moved back in time, but also quite a bit north. I tried not to think about that too much, but obviously failed since I'm mentioning it here.)

Matt is found unconscious by a young boy, and is taken to a farm owned by the Taylors. The Taylors generously take him in, provide him with meals, a place to sleep, and work. Here he learns quite a bit about harvesting hay and corn, horses, and religion. I'm not a religious person and sort of expected the amount of religion mentioned to put me off - but I know how life revolved around church in the 1760s. Of course he falls in love with the farmer's daughter, but that didn't really bother me either because the developing relationship was believable. The thing that bothered me the most - and made me repeat "Forget the science" over and over - was that Matt's backpack traveled with him, including his phone, which continued to function well enough to recieve and send text messages.

This is more an exploration of life in the late 18th century than anything else. The Taylors, and other residents of Richmond that Matt meets, think he's a bit odd, but everything's passed off due to the fact that he tells them he's from Philadelphia and that's how they talk and do things there. Philadelphia is far enough away - I guess - for them to accept his strangeness. As far as the story goes, there's a tiny bit of conflict, some interesting characters, some good description of farm life, but not much to the plot. I suppose that's because it's the first in a series of four. Continuing on with a measure of uncertainty.

Rounded up to 3 stars from 2.5 stars, because, while "it was ok" it held my attention enough to finish it.

[Travis Kole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scout is a good Boy

There are so many things that have destroyed books like this out there. Whether it be time travel, colonial fiction, trying to mesh the two. This is the first book in a long time where I didn't read the reviews. People could find a lot of faults with this type of book but the author was bold in attempting it.

I'll cut to the chase in say I love this book so far. There is a little bit of leave your brain aside and just enjoy the story. The best part about this book is easily the characters and the dialogue. The dialogue is quick witted, sarcastic, and just the right amount of believability to the characters.

Why a 4 instead of a 5? Easy. There is one thing I cannot look past and that is historically things were definitely happening during this time. Tension has been building between king and colonies for a while and even though it's 15 years before the declaration there should be more. What we get is a snap shot of a scene for about a months duration. I would have liked more in the way of outside influence, but I bet that is coming with the future books.

I admire the direction the story went and leaving the reader wanting to know what happens next. There is a little bit of things that favor Mr. Miller, but he definitely has his flaws which I appreciate. I like the struggle and a protagonist not getting everything right away. I am onto the next book. Jonathan Taylor is probably the best side character with Scout the dog. Very endearing.

[Bryce (Azrathud) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about being forced into unfortunate circumstances, making the best of what you have, and adapting to some aspects of unsavory culture. In the process the protagonist realizes what he was missing was human connection. Human connection is so important to the protagonist that he is willing to work with the antiquated culture and make his place in this world.

This book made me feel good and I liked it but there may be some narrative weaknesses in it:

The protagonist just happened to want to start a family which apparently works better in this time period. For some reason he chose a partner in the old world which didn't want that. I don't think it takes going back in time to want to start a family -- maybe the protagonist doesn't know how to date in the modern world or is too clingy to what he already haves.

What I'm unsure about:
- The protagonist just happens to fall into the hands of a southern rancher and farmer who doesn't use slaves. Is this a perspective that would ever occur in this area at that time period or is this a change which makes the story palatable to our modern sensibilities?

Thoughts:
- If the main character was a another gender or skin color this story might be in the horror genre or similar to The Handmaid's Tale

[Oscar Jordan · Rating 1 out of 5]

What if you were able to travel back in time to a world of early America — a world filled with harsh times, war, murder, genocide, disease, sickness, bad science, inhumanity to man, war, normalized racism, and chattel slavery.

Now imagine visiting this time period and nothing happens — The protagonist in Journeyman is basically on a nice vacation getaway to 1762. On vacation you don't want things to happen. In time travel adventure novels, you want lots of things to happen. If the protagonist were black in 1762, a whole lot would be happening!

In Journeyman everyone and their mother rolls out the red carpet for our priviledged smarty pants hero and I found the story a waste of world building and historical research. Nothing happens. The story is devoid of tension, action, conflict, or sensuality, when in fact the world the protagonist visited was a seven layer cake of drama.

If you enjoy stories about nice guys who travel back in time to stay at a comfortable B&B to have a wonderful vacation meeting folksy people, you'll dig Journeyman.

[Jon Svenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because it looked interesting, and it is to a certain degree. The reason why Matt ends up in 1762 Colonial America doesn't really matter, but once he's there things get interesting. He finds himself in Virginia, where a nearby family who have a farm and raise horses bring him in.

He rests for a few days, and of course as soon as he opens his eyes he is met by the love of his life, who wants nothing to do with him. I'll skip the romance aspect (it's okay), but it gets interesting as Matt does his best to catch up with what is current in the past. How they speak, mannerism, rules of courting and more all cause Matt to stumble.

Once Matt has his wits about him, he knows he needs to get started recreating drugs that he can bring back from the future. Which is the focus of book 2.

Now that I'm writing the review, I've read all three books in the series so far and to my mind it's the best book in the series.

4/5*

[Jason Plowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a captivating read from start to finish. It felt like it was impossible to set down. Mark j. Rose has the ability to create characters that the reader can relate and root for. His attention to detail made took reader to almost a different world

I felt as though this would be an interesting read and it did not disappoint. This type of story was something I would normally shy away from but I am glad I took the chance.

Matt's story of traveling back in time and ability to take a chance was inspirational and shows our innate ability to adapt to situations. It makes me think about better days where we were not surrounded by technology.

I have ordered the second book in the series and cannot wait to read.

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Quick and easy read, plot line I could follow, a little suspense, and of course a time traveling love story.

Why not 4 or 5 stars?

- not enough of the science for me. It was fine as-is, but I was hoping for more.

- the suspense of wondering if the modern scientists were going to snatch him back was under-done. It felt too small of a thread and could have been bigger.

- the use of some words and knowledge of future medicine was cool, but felt too subtle, I was hoping for more.

- the love connection between Matt and Grace was too predictable for me.

I’m already downloading book 2, can’t wait to see what happens in Philadelphia and if Matt ever returns to Grace.

[Kathleen Ann Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

How a man learns to adjust to life in the 1700’s

I like tales of someone being thrust into the past and having to figure out how to adjust; especially if the author makes an effort to give some authenticity to the time period. This story does a good job with the setting, though it seems a little thin on the main character’s efforts to find ways to use his knowledge of chemistry to make a living. Kept my interest though so that I read it through in a single sitting and will read the next book in the series.

[virgil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Series Opener 5🌟

I thoroughly enjoyed this well written historical fiction novel. Characters are interesting, and the storyline is intriguing with much promise for future installments. I'm A big fan of the time period, and the possibilities are abundant for Matt's adventures in finding his place in his new surroundings. I was pleased that his transport back in time was kept a minimum necessary for background and foundation for his new adventures. While minimal, the "toothpaste" chapters are well done, and I expect more of those chapters in future volumes. 👏

[Jim Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. it’s a time travel book, although the actual time travel is a small part of it. A pharmacist from the 21st century finds himself in colonial Virginia a few years before the American Revolution. The plot is interesting and moves quickly renough to maintain my interest. The characterization is ok, although the author couldn’t really stand to give his protagonist any flaws…. In spite of that, I highly recommend this series (there are three kore books that I plan to read) to anyone who likes historical fiction.

[James Backus · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in a series

I know there is a second book in this series. I am going to be reading that book next. I enjoyed this as a sci fi/time travel book. The main character is accidentally transported to 1762 Richmond Virginia. The rest is history as they say, you follow the adventures of a scientist from out time back then. I am looking forward to reading book two and hope there is more in the series.

[JR Knodel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scout a good dog

The read was enjoyable and was not something I would normally read. But I did and I would recommend it. Subjects like these are hard to write about, but if one tries to imagine themselves in the same situation, its like what would I do. That makes it fun and enjoyable. Kudos to mr. Rose. It was also a book with no cussing.killing or sex. Sounds boring, far from it. It was refreshing

[Ford Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Fresh, fun and fast paced!

Can't say enough about what a great surprise this book was. The main character was like well in 1762 came alive in the pages although it was simple and not overly done it told a good story that was fun to read. The Dialogue was simple and didn't try to communicate anything other than the story. Great fun read and I hope to enjoy more books in this series soon!

[Dan Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt Miller series - Book One (Journeyman)

Interesting Science Fiction mix of time travel and the gentry of living in the colonial Times of 1762 in Virginia.
Well written and engaging page turner that kept me reading the entire story in nearly one sitting.
I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Recommend highly to those who are interested in 21st century time travel concepts as well as historical 18th century American society in general.

[Quartknee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover looks amateurish but I liked the premise so I gave it a shot. I'm glad I did - it fulfilled the promise of the premise in ways the subsequent books haven't. I think this story was well structured and it hit a lot of the tropes of the genre (fish out of water/mechanics of time travel/etc).

I found Matt Miller to be an interesting protagonist and by the end of this book, I felt invested in his success and compelled to find out what happens next.