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Crescent Tides
Dr. Calvin Schmitt, a burned-out veterinarian with a long neglected interest in medieval history, is accidentally whisked back to 16th century Mediterranean. Or was it an accident? Cal and his friends are suddenly the major obstacle in the wild scheme of an enigmatic villain intent on changing the world, and must decide if preserving the future they once knew is worth risking their lives in the past. Within these pages you will find carefully researched historical facts centered around the pivotal Battle of Lepanto, combined with speculative science fiction, philosophical discussion, relevant debate about the religious wars between the east and west, quirky humor, and page-turning storytelling.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2016
8 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
J. Aaron Gruben
21 books56 followersI grew up in the Southwest and currently live in Texas with my wife and six children where I work full time as a veterinarian. I've been writing for over 20 years and am the author of works of varied genres. An article about the Crusades inspired me to start writing historically accurate stories – especially on topics that have become either distorted by political or social bias or have been forgotten by today’s general public. The major goals of my writing are to bring honor to Christ and to edify, entertain, and educate readers.
When not writing or repairing sick animals, I enjoy reading, hiking, dancing with toddlers, yodeling, playing board games, and playing a variety of musical instruments. I travel to conventions with my publishing company, Post Tenebras Lux Books, which strives to improve lives and revitalize old truths through quality Christian stories and studies.
When not writing or repairing sick animals, I enjoy reading, hiking, dancing with toddlers, yodeling, playing board games, and playing a variety of musical instruments. I travel to conventions with my publishing company, Post Tenebras Lux Books, which strives to improve lives and revitalize old truths through quality Christian stories and studies.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 4, 2017
7 out of 5 stars, this has been the absolute best novel that I have read so far this year, and for me this is a high compliment because I love to read and this specific genre is not typically something I would peruse. I have been blessed by Mr. A. Gruben to review his work with an honest eye, and I have come away with way more knowledge than I started with. From the well placed quotes at the beginning of each chapters, to the details that came from actual history provided throughout each three of the books, I have found a deeper appreciation for the world as I currently know it.
Life and the way that we live is something that we all take for granted on a daily basis, but when reading Mr. Gruben's novel Crescent Tides, you enter into a world of what could have been. What would have happened if the Christian's of our past had not pushed back the one's that would have had us murdered for what we believe? What would have happened if those in the Middle East in today's time had control over the entire world as we currently know it? Where would we be, if we were even alive at all? These are all questions that I promise you will ask yourself as you dive in the adventure, just as the main character Cal does.
I feel that this novel, made up of the three different books, has made me more appreciative of the freedom that I experience everyday, and how I would like to fight for those that might not be allowed to enjoy the same. I highly recommend this piece of fiction, that very well could have been nonfiction, to everyone that I know and to those that I do not know as well. I promise, even if you are thinking that this might not be "your taste" in literature, your mind will change as you begin this journey with some unbelievable martyrs of our past!
Life and the way that we live is something that we all take for granted on a daily basis, but when reading Mr. Gruben's novel Crescent Tides, you enter into a world of what could have been. What would have happened if the Christian's of our past had not pushed back the one's that would have had us murdered for what we believe? What would have happened if those in the Middle East in today's time had control over the entire world as we currently know it? Where would we be, if we were even alive at all? These are all questions that I promise you will ask yourself as you dive in the adventure, just as the main character Cal does.
I feel that this novel, made up of the three different books, has made me more appreciative of the freedom that I experience everyday, and how I would like to fight for those that might not be allowed to enjoy the same. I highly recommend this piece of fiction, that very well could have been nonfiction, to everyone that I know and to those that I do not know as well. I promise, even if you are thinking that this might not be "your taste" in literature, your mind will change as you begin this journey with some unbelievable martyrs of our past!
July 11, 2017
I've never read a book like this one! Calvin's first scene immediately pulled me in. There were loads of intriguing and suspenseful scenes. I really enjoyed the drawn illustrations throughout! I'm not usually a fan of time travel books, but this one was well presented and the Christian message strong. Just think...what if history could be changed?
I found a lot throughout this book that I just couldn't concentrate, especially with the historical details. The general details of events and circumstances seemed almost too much at times, and toward the end several POVs were brought in that made the scenes a little scattered.
This book made me consider a lot of things, and I commend the author for writing such a detailed book. If you like time travel stories, with intriguing twists, this one is for you!
*I received this in exchange for an honest review*
I found a lot throughout this book that I just couldn't concentrate, especially with the historical details. The general details of events and circumstances seemed almost too much at times, and toward the end several POVs were brought in that made the scenes a little scattered.
This book made me consider a lot of things, and I commend the author for writing such a detailed book. If you like time travel stories, with intriguing twists, this one is for you!
*I received this in exchange for an honest review*
July 21, 2018
I don’t say this often, but I’m saying it now: this book has made my top ten favorite books ever list. J. Aaron Gruben amazed and delighted me with his masterful blend of historical fiction and scifi. The cultural details were vivid, the characters diverse, and the emotional impact powerful.
Probably my favorite aspect of Crescent Tides, however, was that Gruben deals with philosophical, religious, and political topics between the modern era and medieval times, and he does it in a way that it really flows right out of the story itself.
Over all, this is one of the best historical fiction books I’ve ever read, and beyond a few typos I don’t think I would change anything. Please, please tell me there will be more books by this author!
Probably my favorite aspect of Crescent Tides, however, was that Gruben deals with philosophical, religious, and political topics between the modern era and medieval times, and he does it in a way that it really flows right out of the story itself.
Over all, this is one of the best historical fiction books I’ve ever read, and beyond a few typos I don’t think I would change anything. Please, please tell me there will be more books by this author!
May 13, 2016
The fact that there's a broadsword crossed with an AK-47 rifle on the cover should give you a hint you're in for something wonderfully different when you pick up this book. Beware, this is NOT your average time traveling historical fiction work! Physics, horse sedatives, medieval politics, fierce enemies, and fiercer friends, this is a rollicking tale put together with impeccable research and beautiful skill.
Crescent Tides is a book that will stay with you forever. The characters seem to mold themselves to your heart, and it is hard to say goodbye to them when the book is over. And when it is over...I found myself not just thinking, "Oh that was a good book!" (which I did, with a happy sigh), but much more than that, I found myself wanting to DO something. It is a book that makes you want to get up off the couch and change the world for the Savior that claimed your soul as His own. Inspiring? It seems a flimsy word for the glow that burns in me every time I put this book down.
Read it. But you should probably set a weekend aside for the purpose, because you're not going to want to put it down once you start. Expect to be vastly entertained, learn a host of things you never knew, and be prepared to have your peaceful negligence challenged by the knowledge you should be fighting for your Lord.
Crescent Tides is a book that will stay with you forever. The characters seem to mold themselves to your heart, and it is hard to say goodbye to them when the book is over. And when it is over...I found myself not just thinking, "Oh that was a good book!" (which I did, with a happy sigh), but much more than that, I found myself wanting to DO something. It is a book that makes you want to get up off the couch and change the world for the Savior that claimed your soul as His own. Inspiring? It seems a flimsy word for the glow that burns in me every time I put this book down.
Read it. But you should probably set a weekend aside for the purpose, because you're not going to want to put it down once you start. Expect to be vastly entertained, learn a host of things you never knew, and be prepared to have your peaceful negligence challenged by the knowledge you should be fighting for your Lord.
June 7, 2017
This book is full of action! It’s like Johnny Rambo trying to turn the tide during the last days of Saigon. Except that this time Saigon is saved, due to not only amazing military defence but also very cunning intelligence and a daring special forces action that destroys the enemy logistics train!
The plot line to this is very strong and clear. What might have happened if some jihadist organisation develops Time Travel? Might they use it to send modern weapons back in time so the Ottomans win the pivotal Battle of Lepanto? It is doubtful that Christendom could have endured such a blow. Our heroes find themselves thrown back into this circumstance, and have to find a way to stop the unstoppable.
Apart from the plot line, the author portrays the mind-sets of the 16th century protagonists with skill. It could be argued that the Ottomans are portrayed a bit two-dimensionally, but even so he is much more insightful than contemporary European chroniclers. As the action rages and the Ottomans grind unrelentingly forward, our 21st century heroes come more-and-more to adopt the same 'soldiers of the Cross' attitudes that typified the times. Even the pacifist, tree-hugging left-winger in the group is driven this way. We are so much the products of our environment! Put someone in a new ‘normal’ and watch the change.
In this way Gruben holds up various world-views for us to examine out of our own comfort contexts. Thus he not only gives a rattling good yarn, but he also prompts us to re-assess these world-views which we tend to routinely either despise or endorse without properly considering, and hopefully re-assess our own world-view in the process. Not a bad effort for an action/adventure story!
I would give it four stars out of five. The fifth star is missing because of faults in production, not in the novel itself.
Reviewed by Bob Springett
January 15, 2018
Wow. Just wow.
That book was beyond excellent. I mean, in some ways it was a little too heavy on historical detail for my taste? It was almost overwhelming. But the depth of the research was very impressive. I applaud the author!
The whole plot could be described by the saying: "the plot thickens." It just kept thickening and thickening! Very complex, very detailed, very thought-out. It was quite exciting, too. There were a couple times where I caught myself skimming (due to the detailed fighting scenes; not my thing), but otherwise, it was very intense and interesting.
The characters were also quite interesting. Fred was probably my favorite. He was hilarious! And Sara ... Sara was so wildly impossibly perfect. The author captured the super-modern woman perfectly. I should have been irritated at her naivety, but instead, I was just amused. :P (Cal was cool, too, but he didn't stick out to me in the same way.)
There were some minor editing mistakes and a lot of info-dumping, but I forgive that because it was really a masterpiece.
One thing I'd like to note is that some people in the modern world might consider this book to edge on racism/prejudice against Islam? But I don't think this book was unrealistic, and I think it made it clear that the problem was the Muslim extremists who truly did want to cause harm to as many people as they could - specifically the whole "IGGG" association. And if the Battle of Lepanto had gone the other way, then I can see what happened in the whole alternate-history thing happening. Totally.
Definitely worth the read for any conservative Christian who loves history!
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
That book was beyond excellent. I mean, in some ways it was a little too heavy on historical detail for my taste? It was almost overwhelming. But the depth of the research was very impressive. I applaud the author!
The whole plot could be described by the saying: "the plot thickens." It just kept thickening and thickening! Very complex, very detailed, very thought-out. It was quite exciting, too. There were a couple times where I caught myself skimming (due to the detailed fighting scenes; not my thing), but otherwise, it was very intense and interesting.
The characters were also quite interesting. Fred was probably my favorite. He was hilarious! And Sara ... Sara was so wildly impossibly perfect. The author captured the super-modern woman perfectly. I should have been irritated at her naivety, but instead, I was just amused. :P (Cal was cool, too, but he didn't stick out to me in the same way.)
There were some minor editing mistakes and a lot of info-dumping, but I forgive that because it was really a masterpiece.
One thing I'd like to note is that some people in the modern world might consider this book to edge on racism/prejudice against Islam? But I don't think this book was unrealistic, and I think it made it clear that the problem was the Muslim extremists who truly did want to cause harm to as many people as they could - specifically the whole "IGGG" association. And if the Battle of Lepanto had gone the other way, then I can see what happened in the whole alternate-history thing happening. Totally.
Definitely worth the read for any conservative Christian who loves history!
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
May 8, 2017
This is an interesting alternative history/time travel tale. The author uses a military conflict that was taking place hundreds of years ago to examine philosophies and conflicts we're still dealing with today. It feels a bit like propaganda at times but I still give the author credit for writing a solid story that gives the reader lots to think about.
June 29, 2016
This is the best alternative history time travel story I have ever read! Move over Marty and doc. Brown!
December 21, 2017
I guarantee that this is nothing like you've ever read before - and that is a good thing. Excellent, in fact. An incredible, well-crafted mix of historical and science fiction, alternative history, and all sorts of religious and political considerations blended within. A true pleasure to read, and a definite recommendation to anyone looking for a thoughtful as well as entertaining read.
May 1, 2017
Though scifi/fantasy/time travel books are not typically on my shelf, this was a great read from start to finish. Interesting characters, dilemmas, and goodness, just the entire premise of terrorists changing an integral part of Christian history. Hard topics are addressed but humor is aplenty. I want to read more time travel adventures - especially with these characters. Write a sequel! :D
June 22, 2023
Crescent Tides is a fun time-travel and historical fiction story that offered some twists and turns I did not expect. This book is much more than an entertaining read, offering interesting historical facts and details and deep philosophical and theological arguments and thoughts.
The plot is unique from many time-travel stories I've read, in that Dr. Gruben offers some interesting twists that turn your expectations on their heads. I won't say too much as to avoid spoilers, but it was hard to put this book down. The plot revolves around the Battle of Lepanto, an incredibly important event in Christian history, and does so in rich detail. The footnotes explaining historical events or details were great! I personally love books with footnotes.
Along with the plot, I also really enjoyed the characters. Cal was definitely my favorite, but I also liked Fred. Sara took some getting used to, but her character arc was a satisfying one. I appreciated that he gave the villain a deeper motive than just the obvious motive presented.
Even more, the themes in Crescent Tides are poignant. I love the faith element that is an integral part of the story. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, time travel stories, philosophy, and theology, give this story a try!
Content: mostly violence of battles, but nothing described too graphically; mentions of pillage after battle; mention of a character cursing.
The plot is unique from many time-travel stories I've read, in that Dr. Gruben offers some interesting twists that turn your expectations on their heads. I won't say too much as to avoid spoilers, but it was hard to put this book down. The plot revolves around the Battle of Lepanto, an incredibly important event in Christian history, and does so in rich detail. The footnotes explaining historical events or details were great! I personally love books with footnotes.
Along with the plot, I also really enjoyed the characters. Cal was definitely my favorite, but I also liked Fred. Sara took some getting used to, but her character arc was a satisfying one. I appreciated that he gave the villain a deeper motive than just the obvious motive presented.
Even more, the themes in Crescent Tides are poignant. I love the faith element that is an integral part of the story. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, time travel stories, philosophy, and theology, give this story a try!
Content: mostly violence of battles, but nothing described too graphically; mentions of pillage after battle; mention of a character cursing.
October 2, 2019
I won this book in a giveaway toward the beginning of the year and really enjoyed getting to read it. It has a thrilling plot with lots of twists and turns. It's rich with history but with the added intrigue of time-travelers and some modern weaponry in a much older civilization. Very much worth the read. The only drawbacks to the experience were that the author's tendency to head-hop got me lost a few times, and a plot twist later in the book came with little enough foreshadowing that I had a hard time following it. In spite of those minor things, I loved the action and the themes of this book and definitely recommend it.
April 29, 2018
This book is well written with some great passages within the fantastic tale that shows an amazing imagination. I enjoyed the dialogue and personal stories of the main characters the most, which got lost a little in the bigger story. Lots of action!
November 28, 2022
Doesn't pick up until the midfle of the book. Starts very slow and dense.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews