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Blowback Trilogy #1
Blowback '07:
Clashing teenage twins Arky and Iris have one thing in common: an ancient musical instrument left to them by their mother. When Iris plays the strangely curved woodwind, the trouble begins; Arky’s friend, Matt, the school’s star quarterback, disappears.
Transported to 1907 and the Carlisle Indian School, Matt is forced to play football for Coach Pop Warner as the Carlisle “Redmen” revolutionize Ivy League football. Matt’s struggle to “play his way home” is complicated when he falls in love with an Indian girl.
Meanwhile, Arky and Iris discover a cache of secrets that might bring Matt back, and lead to the ultimate rescue: their mother, trapped in the past.
Blowback ’07 launches a century-spanning trilogy to be continued in Blowback ’63 and Blowback ’94. Books two and three propel Arky and Iris to the illuminating past, and transform them in ways they never imagined. After all, as their mother once cautioned, “Every road to the future winds through the past.”
Transported to 1907 and the Carlisle Indian School, Matt is forced to play football for Coach Pop Warner as the Carlisle “Redmen” revolutionize Ivy League football. Matt’s struggle to “play his way home” is complicated when he falls in love with an Indian girl.
Meanwhile, Arky and Iris discover a cache of secrets that might bring Matt back, and lead to the ultimate rescue: their mother, trapped in the past.
Blowback ’07 launches a century-spanning trilogy to be continued in Blowback ’63 and Blowback ’94. Books two and three propel Arky and Iris to the illuminating past, and transform them in ways they never imagined. After all, as their mother once cautioned, “Every road to the future winds through the past.”
346 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2016
4 people are currently reading
2609 people want to read
About the author
Brian Meehl
15 books126 followersSign up for Brian Meehl’s ANNOUNCEMENTS at https://www.blowbacktrilogy.com , or CONTACT him at brian@brianmeehl.com .
Brian’s most recent novel is BLOWBACK '94, the “hugely enjoyable and fast-paced” finale in his critically acclaimed BLOWBACK TRILOGY. The kickoff book in the trilogy, BLOWBACK ’07, received a coveted red-star review from Publishers Weekly.
His award-winning books include a bestselling comedic riff on vampires, SUCK IT UP, OUT OF PATIENCE (Junior Library Guild Selection), and YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME (Blue Ribbon from the Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books).
Once upon a time, Brian worked for Jim Henson’s Muppets and puppeteered the gamut from a young pup, Barkley on SESAME STREET, to the Dying Master in Henson’s cult classic, THE DARK CRYSTAL. After taking up the pen, Brian wrote for kids’ shows like THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS and BETWEEN THE LIONS, winning three Emmys along the way.
For more on Brian, his books and the BLOWBACK TRILOGY, visit www.blowbacktrilogy.com and www.brianmeehl.com. Or watch his interview presenting BLOWBACK '07 and talking about his career with the Muppets at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZM26....
You can also check out my latest interview and get a hint of what I hope to work on next at: https://www.californiaherald.com/goin...
Brian’s most recent novel is BLOWBACK '94, the “hugely enjoyable and fast-paced” finale in his critically acclaimed BLOWBACK TRILOGY. The kickoff book in the trilogy, BLOWBACK ’07, received a coveted red-star review from Publishers Weekly.
His award-winning books include a bestselling comedic riff on vampires, SUCK IT UP, OUT OF PATIENCE (Junior Library Guild Selection), and YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME (Blue Ribbon from the Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books).
Once upon a time, Brian worked for Jim Henson’s Muppets and puppeteered the gamut from a young pup, Barkley on SESAME STREET, to the Dying Master in Henson’s cult classic, THE DARK CRYSTAL. After taking up the pen, Brian wrote for kids’ shows like THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS and BETWEEN THE LIONS, winning three Emmys along the way.
For more on Brian, his books and the BLOWBACK TRILOGY, visit www.blowbacktrilogy.com and www.brianmeehl.com. Or watch his interview presenting BLOWBACK '07 and talking about his career with the Muppets at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZM26....
You can also check out my latest interview and get a hint of what I hope to work on next at: https://www.californiaherald.com/goin...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 17, 2017
It has been a year since Iris and Arky Jongler-Jinks's mother has gone missing without a trace, but before leaving, she left Iris her old Cor Anglais, a wind instrument similar to an oboe. Iris never knew why her mom left it - until she makes Matt Grinnell, Arky's friend and quarterback of their high school's football team, disappear by playing it. After finding their mom's journal, they realize that Matt was sent to the past, and that the ability to send people to the past with the Cor Anglais has been passed down through the generations in the Jongler family. While Arky and Iris frantically look for a way to get him back before the state title game, they realize this is why their mom disappeared, and they begin to gain hope that they will see her again.
Matt, meanwhile, was blown back to 1907, and is forced to enroll at Carlisle Academy, a school for Indians, where he starts playing football. He quickly realizes that football back then was much different than the modern game, and in order to keep up with the other Indians, he has to pick up his game. While in 1907, he meets an Indian girl, Tawny Owl, who gives him feelings unlike any he's ever had - even for his girlfriend back in the present. In addition to growing as a football player, Tawny Owl forces him to become a better person. These changes in Matt make him wonder if he wants to go back to the present, if he can even get back at all.
Opinion:
To put it simply, this book was unlike any book I have ever read. It was a brilliant blend of science fiction, historical fiction, and realistic fiction. The idea for this story was unique as well: an English horn that can blow people into the past. However, this book was so much more than just a good storyline. There were very well developed characters, which made them very relatable, and the characters had great growth and interactions with other characters, which makes it very easy to root for the characters you like.
I think the story was made even better because of the specifics. There were specific terms and vivid descriptions of football games as well as musical instruments. Since I enjoy both sports and music, this was especially pleasing for me, and while other people may not enjoy either sports or music as much as the author, this should not be a turn off, as there are so many good aspects in the story. It was made even more enticing for me after learning that most of the characters and events that happened to Matt, such as the football games he played in and some of the characters he befriended, were real people and events.
The one thing I think could have been done slightly better was the original transition from the realistic side of the story to the science fiction side. One minute Matt and Arky are celebrating a big win in the state semifinals, and the next minute the author is telling us about a Cor Anglais that can blow people back in time. While I appreciate the diversity of the story and the inclusion of both aspects, I think the flow between the two could have been slightly smoother. However, after a few pages, you are sure to forget about the rough transition in favor of the brilliant storyline and characterization.
As a whole, this was an excellent book that tied together many different aspects. They were woven together to create an amazing story. The characters were relatable, the storyline was engaging, and descriptions will bring you to 1907 along with Matt. This excellent writing paired with historical accuracy and a sprinkling of humor makes it a must read for fans of football, science fiction, historical fiction, and everyone in between. I will definitely be looking for the next books in the series once they are released.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age:17
Matt, meanwhile, was blown back to 1907, and is forced to enroll at Carlisle Academy, a school for Indians, where he starts playing football. He quickly realizes that football back then was much different than the modern game, and in order to keep up with the other Indians, he has to pick up his game. While in 1907, he meets an Indian girl, Tawny Owl, who gives him feelings unlike any he's ever had - even for his girlfriend back in the present. In addition to growing as a football player, Tawny Owl forces him to become a better person. These changes in Matt make him wonder if he wants to go back to the present, if he can even get back at all.
Opinion:
To put it simply, this book was unlike any book I have ever read. It was a brilliant blend of science fiction, historical fiction, and realistic fiction. The idea for this story was unique as well: an English horn that can blow people into the past. However, this book was so much more than just a good storyline. There were very well developed characters, which made them very relatable, and the characters had great growth and interactions with other characters, which makes it very easy to root for the characters you like.
I think the story was made even better because of the specifics. There were specific terms and vivid descriptions of football games as well as musical instruments. Since I enjoy both sports and music, this was especially pleasing for me, and while other people may not enjoy either sports or music as much as the author, this should not be a turn off, as there are so many good aspects in the story. It was made even more enticing for me after learning that most of the characters and events that happened to Matt, such as the football games he played in and some of the characters he befriended, were real people and events.
The one thing I think could have been done slightly better was the original transition from the realistic side of the story to the science fiction side. One minute Matt and Arky are celebrating a big win in the state semifinals, and the next minute the author is telling us about a Cor Anglais that can blow people back in time. While I appreciate the diversity of the story and the inclusion of both aspects, I think the flow between the two could have been slightly smoother. However, after a few pages, you are sure to forget about the rough transition in favor of the brilliant storyline and characterization.
As a whole, this was an excellent book that tied together many different aspects. They were woven together to create an amazing story. The characters were relatable, the storyline was engaging, and descriptions will bring you to 1907 along with Matt. This excellent writing paired with historical accuracy and a sprinkling of humor makes it a must read for fans of football, science fiction, historical fiction, and everyone in between. I will definitely be looking for the next books in the series once they are released.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age:17
June 30, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but, based on this book, I would like to find his others and read them! As an aside, Blowback is one of a series-type story, but he has written other books that were different. I am interested in all of them.
Blowback '07 is one of those 'person who gets transported to another time period' books. While I might not ordinarily have selected a book of that genre, this author has done such a great job that, as noted, I would definitely read his other books. A high school football player finds himself back years ago in the infancy of the football game. Considering the fact that football is one of those sports that I think the world could do without, and the fact that I continued reading every word of every page, demonstrate my admiration for the author's style of writing. And I admit I did not understand the subtle differences between the current sport rules and the old ones because I know next to nothing about football.
Nevertheless, the book is highly recommended as is the author.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but, based on this book, I would like to find his others and read them! As an aside, Blowback is one of a series-type story, but he has written other books that were different. I am interested in all of them.
Blowback '07 is one of those 'person who gets transported to another time period' books. While I might not ordinarily have selected a book of that genre, this author has done such a great job that, as noted, I would definitely read his other books. A high school football player finds himself back years ago in the infancy of the football game. Considering the fact that football is one of those sports that I think the world could do without, and the fact that I continued reading every word of every page, demonstrate my admiration for the author's style of writing. And I admit I did not understand the subtle differences between the current sport rules and the old ones because I know next to nothing about football.
Nevertheless, the book is highly recommended as is the author.
March 13, 2021
A well-crafted sci-fi fantasy adventure...
Forty-some years ago my uncle gave me a science fiction anthology. It was a thick red hardback that I read from cover to cover. It inspired a lifelong love of the genre. The stories in that book made me think outside the box. They filled me with awe for the imagination it took to write them. That book still remains in my collection today. The title is OMNIBUS OF SCIENCE FICTION, edited by Groff Conklin, a well-known and prolific editor of the genre. It was published in 1952, the Golden Age of Science Fiction. It’s a substantial volume, 562 pages, with 43 stories divided into sections relating to a common theme. Some stories are fun, some are thought-provoking, and some are adventurous. I love them all.
Blowback '07: When the Only Way Forward Is Back (Blowback Trilogy Book 1) by Brian Meehl is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this sci-fi fantasy adventure that it guarantees the attention of the reader. A skillfully constructed time-travelling adventure interlaced with historical lessons, romance, and poignant moments, this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well-written sci-fi adventure with perfect pacing. Highly recommended and eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
Forty-some years ago my uncle gave me a science fiction anthology. It was a thick red hardback that I read from cover to cover. It inspired a lifelong love of the genre. The stories in that book made me think outside the box. They filled me with awe for the imagination it took to write them. That book still remains in my collection today. The title is OMNIBUS OF SCIENCE FICTION, edited by Groff Conklin, a well-known and prolific editor of the genre. It was published in 1952, the Golden Age of Science Fiction. It’s a substantial volume, 562 pages, with 43 stories divided into sections relating to a common theme. Some stories are fun, some are thought-provoking, and some are adventurous. I love them all.
Blowback '07: When the Only Way Forward Is Back (Blowback Trilogy Book 1) by Brian Meehl is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this sci-fi fantasy adventure that it guarantees the attention of the reader. A skillfully constructed time-travelling adventure interlaced with historical lessons, romance, and poignant moments, this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well-written sci-fi adventure with perfect pacing. Highly recommended and eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
December 24, 2020
DNF. This might have had an amazing plot or whatever but I will never know because I couldn't get past the gross frat-boy rapey behavior of the teenage boys who we're (apparently) supposed to be rooting for in the book. There was an early red flag when one of the boys (the one who ends up going back in time and is the big romantic hero of that plotline, according to the blurb) tells his friend that there are two types of girls - verticals, which are the kind you're friends with and can talk to, and horizontals. I'll let you extrapolate what those girls are good for. He goes on to say that his current girlfriend is a "horizontal." He later demonstrates his view of her as nothing but a sex toy when, at a party in front of the whole football team and all of their classmates, he "pranks" her by pretending he's going to show a video of the football team they'll be playing in their next game and instead showing a video of her and her friend taking their clothes off for him. I was done at that point, especially when I stopped to consider that this book was written by an older white man and that he is, in this particular section, describing the sexual humiliation of two teenage girls, to the soundtrack of the laughter of the male protagonist and his alpha male friends. It's possible that the author's intent was to, later on, use this scene to show the growth of the character but it was unnecessary and crass. I don't recommend this book to anyone.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2020
One of the cleverest plots I've encountered. This is a blend of urban fantasy and historical fiction that moves seamlessly between present day and 1907. Imagine being drunk at a party, pulling an extremely dumb stunt that embarrasses your girlfriend to a point where she is so angry she leaves. You wander upstairs where your friend's twin sister is playing an antique oboe that lands you in Carlyle Pennsylvania more than 100 years earlier. If that isn't enough, you end up attending the Indian School there and becoming a part of their famed football team. All of this overlays the original mystery-what happened to Arky and Iris' mother who vanished a year ago. I like the historical perspective, the involvement of famous people from the early days of football, the way time flows differently in 1907 and that this story continues in two more installments. I've ordered the next one already.
March 17, 2021
Time-travel with a twist! A musical instrument sends other mysteriously into the past when its played. This book is the beginning of a trilogy, where warring twins Arky and Iris fight over most everything. Their latest fight is about a mysterious musical instrument left to them by their mother. When Iris plays it, Matt a friend of Arky gets sent back into time, 1907 to be exact. While Matt tries to survive in a unfamiliar time, the twins find secrets that they hope to unravel in time to bring Matt back. Will they be able to ever bring him back? Will they be able to work together?
Great young adult adventure novel. Plenty of mystery throughout the book and the characters go through quite a development and maturing over the course of the book which is good as they were not so likeable in the beginning. I will certainly recommend this to my young nephews and nieces.
Great young adult adventure novel. Plenty of mystery throughout the book and the characters go through quite a development and maturing over the course of the book which is good as they were not so likeable in the beginning. I will certainly recommend this to my young nephews and nieces.
Read
November 12, 2017Had to abandon. This will undoubtedly sound super San Franciscan, but that is where I live and work: this book was too full of gender-based slurs for me to bother finishing. I think any 7 th grader who read it would come to me in horror. It is a not done thing in our world to denigrate other boys for being “girlie”. And the casual trash-talking banter about the other football team (the Trojans) wearing ‘skirts’ and that these boys are going to blow up their skirts, and also blow up the skirts of the actual girls at the after-party, would be viewed by our students and faculty as gender-normative hate speech. Unless this book is about to turn a corner and have these characters deal with their bias, I don’t think our students would accept it. I will read on in the hope that is the case.
June 25, 2020
I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. It is very entertaining. It is an interesting combination of sports, music, time travel and teen age behavior. Arky and Iris, twins, experience typical sibling rivalry, but also pull together to solve a dilemma. Though there are many stereotypes in the book Blowback '07 also describes the road to maturity while telling an enjoyable tale. I look forward to finding out the ending to the saga by reading the next 2 parts of the trilogy.
April 26, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. I’m not a football fan, so I got some education about that topic, but even through my lack of knowledge on that topic, the story held my interest.
I work in a high school, and some of the characters in the book roam my halls.
I look forward to the next two installments.
I work in a high school, and some of the characters in the book roam my halls.
I look forward to the next two installments.
January 20, 2017
What fun. If you like time travel or football check this one out. As one character goes back in time the reader is taking to Carlisle Indian School and football history.
My copy was a gift from Goodreads First Reads.
My copy was a gift from Goodreads First Reads.
January 29, 2018
Totally loved this book. The historical setting of the Indian School and football team of 1907 draws the reader in and I can't wait to read the next book that will take the reader back to the American Civil War.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
June 23, 2020
Thank you Brian for the opportunity to read this book. I am looking forward to completing the entire series. Due to your originality this story captured my interest and I read it in one day. I recommend this book to anyone who likes the possibility of time travel.
September 6, 2020
Fun and easy read. Perfect for a relaxing evening. I like the characters and really liked the connection to the history. The writer included information about the historical facts of the characters in the story.
February 20, 2021
A Page Turner
I wanted to challenge myself and read a book that forced me outside of my geographical box. This book did that for me. This book scratched a mystical, diversity and astrological itch all in one read. I finished the book within two days. What a good read!
I wanted to challenge myself and read a book that forced me outside of my geographical box. This book did that for me. This book scratched a mystical, diversity and astrological itch all in one read. I finished the book within two days. What a good read!
January 26, 2018
Great adventure and pacing, tad bit problematic in that some of the words used feel like they could be from a book written in the 1950s...
February 10, 2018
This book had great potential but it just fell kind of flat for me. I loved the beginning but I felt like it took a very long time to get to the conclusion.
July 22, 2020
twins are transported back in time . It is century - spanning trilogy that is continued in two more books
January 21, 2021
Starred Review in Publishers Weekly
"In this time-bending first novel in a planned trilogy, Meehl (Suck It up and Die) creates a fascinating dichotomy between past and present. North High junior Arky Jongler-Jinks, a sharp-witted cross-country runner, is best friends with his high school’s star quarterback, Matt Grinnell, and defensive back, Danny Bender. Arky’s twin sister, Iris, prefers making music—especially playing an unusual antique English horn that her mother left to her in secret, before vanishing—to sports and partying. The extent of the woodwind’s powers are revealed when Iris’s playing accidentally sends Matt back to the year 1907. Sports, music, and science collide as Iris and Arky attempt to retrieve Matt while wondering if their mother could be found, too. Meanwhile, Matt must adjust to his new century (and playing for the Carlisle Indian School’s football team, coached by Pop Warner) and figure out a way to get back to “hometime.” With propulsive pacing and an entertaining mix of witticisms, historical lessons, romance, and poignant moments, Meehl’s SF adventure hits all the right notes. Believable characters infuse energy into each scene—readers will eagerly await future installments. Ages 12–up."
"In this time-bending first novel in a planned trilogy, Meehl (Suck It up and Die) creates a fascinating dichotomy between past and present. North High junior Arky Jongler-Jinks, a sharp-witted cross-country runner, is best friends with his high school’s star quarterback, Matt Grinnell, and defensive back, Danny Bender. Arky’s twin sister, Iris, prefers making music—especially playing an unusual antique English horn that her mother left to her in secret, before vanishing—to sports and partying. The extent of the woodwind’s powers are revealed when Iris’s playing accidentally sends Matt back to the year 1907. Sports, music, and science collide as Iris and Arky attempt to retrieve Matt while wondering if their mother could be found, too. Meanwhile, Matt must adjust to his new century (and playing for the Carlisle Indian School’s football team, coached by Pop Warner) and figure out a way to get back to “hometime.” With propulsive pacing and an entertaining mix of witticisms, historical lessons, romance, and poignant moments, Meehl’s SF adventure hits all the right notes. Believable characters infuse energy into each scene—readers will eagerly await future installments. Ages 12–up."
September 19, 2018
Let me start off by saying that I really enjoyed this book. It had two things I enjoy Time Travel and football. Now lets get into what this book is about. Twins Arky and Iris who's mother has been missing for a year and they are not sure where she has gone. Iris has instrument left behind from her mother that she has kept from her bother and father. Matt who is Arky friend who plays high school football. One night while the twins father was gone. They throw a party and Matt goes to Iris and she plays her instrument and that's where trouble begins. Matt is taken to 1907 to the Carlisle Indian School. Where Matt has to learn to play football by their rules. Amazing story and how Matt handles living in 1907. and Arky and Iris try and learn how to find out how to get Matt back and how to find out about thieir mother and how they can find her. I recommend people who like time travel and football. I cant wait to start reading book two and finding out more about the twins.
December 2, 2016
If you like time travel and football this is the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews