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The Interscission Project #3
Insurrection
Listening Length: 7 hours and 50 minutes
Life settles into a routine for the inhabitants of Chiron Colony, humanity's first interstellar settlement, after the threat of the time traveler Gifford has apparently been eliminated. But the Hourglass and its leader, Admiral O'Dare, are not content to rest on their laurels, convinced that time travel remains a palpable threat to human civilization. When Annette Sutton uncover a possible secret plot to eliminate the principal members of the Interscission Project decades in the past, when they had only just met, the colonists' idyllic peace is shattered.
Can Martin and his people head off disaster as the Admiral moves to destroy the potential for time travel, once and for all? Or is there a deeper agenda in play? As loyalty and duty become pawns in the race to prevent the erasure of all that they have accomplished, Martin will have to decide once and for all how far he will go to save everything and everyone he loves.
Life settles into a routine for the inhabitants of Chiron Colony, humanity's first interstellar settlement, after the threat of the time traveler Gifford has apparently been eliminated. But the Hourglass and its leader, Admiral O'Dare, are not content to rest on their laurels, convinced that time travel remains a palpable threat to human civilization. When Annette Sutton uncover a possible secret plot to eliminate the principal members of the Interscission Project decades in the past, when they had only just met, the colonists' idyllic peace is shattered.
Can Martin and his people head off disaster as the Admiral moves to destroy the potential for time travel, once and for all? Or is there a deeper agenda in play? As loyalty and duty become pawns in the race to prevent the erasure of all that they have accomplished, Martin will have to decide once and for all how far he will go to save everything and everyone he loves.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 30, 2016
5 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Arshad Ahsanuddin
68 books208 followersBy profession, I am a hematopathologist, a laboratory physician who specializes in diagnosis of diseases of blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes, such as leukemia and lymphoma. In my off time, I write LGBT Fantasy and Scifi books. Yes, I realize the irony that I write about vampires. ;)
Note: I do not guarantee a happy ending to any individual book within each series.
Note: I do not guarantee a happy ending to any individual book within each series.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 6, 2021
Reread April 2021: Audiobook = ***5 Stars***
************************************
Original review January 2017:
Impending-book-hangover-from-hell material
... might be the only way to save the future. But what are you willing to give? What are you willing to risk? I know I have said something similar in my review for Azimuth, but in this book it gets even more apparent what might be at stake...
I have to apologize in advance, in case this review turns into rambling. I was so absorbed in the story, my feelings are still all over the place... Where the hell do I even start??? Well, the beginning might be a good starting point.
Back to the roots seems to be the motto of the first chapters. You get teleported back into the time when everything began, when certain events are set in motion. You learn more about the incident that costs the life of the parents of Marty and his twin Jacob. You learn more about how all the characters, who were involved in enabling time travels, met. You learn more about their pasts and what led them to make certain decisions that have an impact on their futures lives. You learn more about the relationship of Martin and his first love Charles, and you definitely wish to learn more about what could have been...
Back in the timeline of the events at the end of Azimuth, for Martin and Edward (and all the others) everything seems to have calmed down after the apparent death of the time traveler Gifford and the threat he posed for their lives. New insights about Martin's former mentor, Admiral O'Dare and his secret military organization Hourglass, who wants to stop the ostensible threat of time travel for humanity by eliminating everyone who was involved in the first place, brings them back into action.
And time is running out...
Their primal mission is to stop the Admiral from succeeding, only to find themselves suddenly in a position to help him, when everything takes a surprising turn and new possibilities present themselves that might have an alternating effect on their personal past and the people that come along with it.
I know I'm repeating myself - again -, but what a brilliant ride this was! In case you couldn't already tell, I just loved everything about this book... In fact, I might have loved it more than Zenith and Azimuth, if that is even possible. The reason?
For one, it may be the fact that the story is more focused on personal relationships.
You get more romance, more intimacy between the characters and... well - although it is not the most important part for me, but I won't complain, either ;-) - more sexy times.
On the other hand, the aspects of the story are well-balanced. The romance is perfectly integrated into the more thrilling parts, which gives you time to breathe and only makes you feel even more for the characters, because you never know what kind of surprise is lurking round the Corner.
The character development, especially Marty's, is breathtaking. A hero against his will, willing to take every risk by trying to save his loved ones. He was my hero right from the start and I was glad that did not change one bit and he stayed true to himself over the whole storyline. But all the others are strong characters as well and I have rarely read a series where each and every character was portrayed so authentic and plausible. Just another indication of the outstanding writing style of the author.
Furthermore, you get the chance to be absorbed in the story to begin with, because the leaps in timeline are kept within limits and you are able to read it in one go without scratching hour head and wondering sometimes what's going on.
Although I could have totally lived with the ending as it was...
(well, maybe except for the somewhat ominous epilogue), you will never hear me complain about the fact that there will be another book in this series. On the contrary... I can hardly wait to get my grabby hands on it!
Highly recommended!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
************************************
Original review January 2017:
Impending-book-hangover-from-hell material
... might be the only way to save the future. But what are you willing to give? What are you willing to risk? I know I have said something similar in my review for Azimuth, but in this book it gets even more apparent what might be at stake...
I have to apologize in advance, in case this review turns into rambling. I was so absorbed in the story, my feelings are still all over the place... Where the hell do I even start??? Well, the beginning might be a good starting point.
Back to the roots seems to be the motto of the first chapters. You get teleported back into the time when everything began, when certain events are set in motion. You learn more about the incident that costs the life of the parents of Marty and his twin Jacob. You learn more about how all the characters, who were involved in enabling time travels, met. You learn more about their pasts and what led them to make certain decisions that have an impact on their futures lives. You learn more about the relationship of Martin and his first love Charles, and you definitely wish to learn more about what could have been...
Back in the timeline of the events at the end of Azimuth, for Martin and Edward (and all the others) everything seems to have calmed down after the apparent death of the time traveler Gifford and the threat he posed for their lives. New insights about Martin's former mentor, Admiral O'Dare and his secret military organization Hourglass, who wants to stop the ostensible threat of time travel for humanity by eliminating everyone who was involved in the first place, brings them back into action.
And time is running out...
Their primal mission is to stop the Admiral from succeeding, only to find themselves suddenly in a position to help him, when everything takes a surprising turn and new possibilities present themselves that might have an alternating effect on their personal past and the people that come along with it.
I know I'm repeating myself - again -, but what a brilliant ride this was! In case you couldn't already tell, I just loved everything about this book... In fact, I might have loved it more than Zenith and Azimuth, if that is even possible. The reason?
For one, it may be the fact that the story is more focused on personal relationships.
Marty kissed him again, more deeply this time, and muttered, "Thank you.""For what?" "For being you." He stroked Edward's cheek with one fingertip. "And for coming back to me." "I love you." "I love you more."
You get more romance, more intimacy between the characters and... well - although it is not the most important part for me, but I won't complain, either ;-) - more sexy times.
On the other hand, the aspects of the story are well-balanced. The romance is perfectly integrated into the more thrilling parts, which gives you time to breathe and only makes you feel even more for the characters, because you never know what kind of surprise is lurking round the Corner.
The character development, especially Marty's, is breathtaking. A hero against his will, willing to take every risk by trying to save his loved ones. He was my hero right from the start and I was glad that did not change one bit and he stayed true to himself over the whole storyline. But all the others are strong characters as well and I have rarely read a series where each and every character was portrayed so authentic and plausible. Just another indication of the outstanding writing style of the author.
Furthermore, you get the chance to be absorbed in the story to begin with, because the leaps in timeline are kept within limits and you are able to read it in one go without scratching hour head and wondering sometimes what's going on.
Although I could have totally lived with the ending as it was...
(well, maybe except for the somewhat ominous epilogue), you will never hear me complain about the fact that there will be another book in this series. On the contrary... I can hardly wait to get my grabby hands on it!
Highly recommended!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
December 31, 2019
Hear ye, hear ye! Now in audio narrated by Greg Tremblay!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Full reviewage on Prism Book Alliance®
Going back to the beginning can bring emotional devastation.
This is how we begin book three in this cracking series. Knowing what’s to come, it’s killer on the heart, I say. Course, on the flipside, it’s cool as hell getting to learn how some of our now favorite characters first meet, or lose one another, or decide to take a risk and go for what they want instead of what’s expected.
On Martin, Henry, Charles, Sophia, Jacob, Trevor, and many more, we get origin stories. For me, this upped the emotional ante, anticipating what fate awaits them, if it’s different than what we know from books one and two.
One of the most exciting things for me in this story is gaining more insight into Charles. It was a hope I carried from the beginning of book one. Up until now, we’d gotten much on the inner workings of Martin and Edward, so more of the puzzle that is Charles, how he felt and still feels about Martin, raises the stakes. The beginnings of their friendship is something I feel like I should treasure, and will.
Even as things change, relationships evolve, partners shifting and dancing around one another, the chemistry between Charles and Martin is everpresent. As is the deep caring and knowledge they trade back and forth. Being the imperfect human beings they are, however, these things aren’t always utilized in the smartest of ways. They’re both frustratingly stubborn, especially regarding each other. Lucky for us, and them, they wholeheartedly make up for it, lemme tell ya.
Ahsanuddin achieves all of this by sharing the many levels of intimacy these characters live and breathe together, breaking down any possible barriers between them and me.
Full circle. It feels like this is a large thread woven through every character’s arc. As is the idea of the road not taken, especially the one unseen until you’re already making you’re way along it. With all of the timelines and destinies, much of everything comes down to one misguided young man attempting to make things right decades after the fact. Unintended consequences and impossible decisions are the inevitable companions to his actions. What makes all of this thrilling and enthralling is the wonderfully messy and unrelenting humanity splayed about on the pages of this book. Every emotionally wrenching turn is rewarded with soul-satisfying surprise.
All of the uncertainty and loss and sacrifice is made worthy of the unexpected emotional payouts.
Q: ”You said we’d be wiped out of history if we stayed,” said Charles.
“Yes. But you’d live new lives based on the changed history,” answered the elder Martin. “Is that what you want? Or would you rather survive this iteration with your memories and life histories intact, to face the next iteration as outsiders to history?” He shrugged. “It’s up to you.” /Q
The ultimate conundrum to end all conundrums. Quite literally.
The capacity of the human heart, to expand and shift in order to accommodate. To make those decisions that alter life forever, all the while knowing what you’ve given up to step into the unknown. It can make the emotionally impossible seem possible. Over and over this is demonstrated by these characters. As much pain and selfishness we use to fuel our actions, our love and generosity in spirit are limitless. That’s how I was feeling, and thinking, while reading this.
Since I’ve given Charles some attention here, I feel I must do the same for Martin.
Martin, my man, when I first met you, I never imagined you’d be our reluctant, imperfect, but undeniable hero. Despite knowing as much as I do about you, and your cohorts, by this time, I was still experiencing surprise. I was still wondering where in the universe this was all heading, which choice would each of you make when it comes to love, family, life and death, knowing the decision carries the power over all of them. You encompass all of this and I will always be rooting for you, no matter the iteration.
What a glorious ride! Complex characters, masterfully crafted action sequences, a plot that never quits, and a blend of inventiveness and science that makes for splendid gorgeous sci-fi. It makes me want to dance around and pump my fists in celebration. Thinking back on the opening scenes in book one, Zenith, where book two, Azimuth, then took me (so many directions!), and the final (are they really, though??) destinations of these people by the end of this story… Wow. Wow! Epic. This series for me is epic. Most of all, it’s the epic journey for Marty and Chuck.
And I’ll be taking this one again, I can tell you that. :)
ETA: Dec 2016 Recommended Read on PBA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Full reviewage on Prism Book Alliance®
Going back to the beginning can bring emotional devastation.
This is how we begin book three in this cracking series. Knowing what’s to come, it’s killer on the heart, I say. Course, on the flipside, it’s cool as hell getting to learn how some of our now favorite characters first meet, or lose one another, or decide to take a risk and go for what they want instead of what’s expected.
On Martin, Henry, Charles, Sophia, Jacob, Trevor, and many more, we get origin stories. For me, this upped the emotional ante, anticipating what fate awaits them, if it’s different than what we know from books one and two.
One of the most exciting things for me in this story is gaining more insight into Charles. It was a hope I carried from the beginning of book one. Up until now, we’d gotten much on the inner workings of Martin and Edward, so more of the puzzle that is Charles, how he felt and still feels about Martin, raises the stakes. The beginnings of their friendship is something I feel like I should treasure, and will.
Even as things change, relationships evolve, partners shifting and dancing around one another, the chemistry between Charles and Martin is everpresent. As is the deep caring and knowledge they trade back and forth. Being the imperfect human beings they are, however, these things aren’t always utilized in the smartest of ways. They’re both frustratingly stubborn, especially regarding each other. Lucky for us, and them, they wholeheartedly make up for it, lemme tell ya.
Ahsanuddin achieves all of this by sharing the many levels of intimacy these characters live and breathe together, breaking down any possible barriers between them and me.
Full circle. It feels like this is a large thread woven through every character’s arc. As is the idea of the road not taken, especially the one unseen until you’re already making you’re way along it. With all of the timelines and destinies, much of everything comes down to one misguided young man attempting to make things right decades after the fact. Unintended consequences and impossible decisions are the inevitable companions to his actions. What makes all of this thrilling and enthralling is the wonderfully messy and unrelenting humanity splayed about on the pages of this book. Every emotionally wrenching turn is rewarded with soul-satisfying surprise.
All of the uncertainty and loss and sacrifice is made worthy of the unexpected emotional payouts.
Q: ”You said we’d be wiped out of history if we stayed,” said Charles.
“Yes. But you’d live new lives based on the changed history,” answered the elder Martin. “Is that what you want? Or would you rather survive this iteration with your memories and life histories intact, to face the next iteration as outsiders to history?” He shrugged. “It’s up to you.” /Q
The ultimate conundrum to end all conundrums. Quite literally.
The capacity of the human heart, to expand and shift in order to accommodate. To make those decisions that alter life forever, all the while knowing what you’ve given up to step into the unknown. It can make the emotionally impossible seem possible. Over and over this is demonstrated by these characters. As much pain and selfishness we use to fuel our actions, our love and generosity in spirit are limitless. That’s how I was feeling, and thinking, while reading this.
Since I’ve given Charles some attention here, I feel I must do the same for Martin.
Martin, my man, when I first met you, I never imagined you’d be our reluctant, imperfect, but undeniable hero. Despite knowing as much as I do about you, and your cohorts, by this time, I was still experiencing surprise. I was still wondering where in the universe this was all heading, which choice would each of you make when it comes to love, family, life and death, knowing the decision carries the power over all of them. You encompass all of this and I will always be rooting for you, no matter the iteration.
What a glorious ride! Complex characters, masterfully crafted action sequences, a plot that never quits, and a blend of inventiveness and science that makes for splendid gorgeous sci-fi. It makes me want to dance around and pump my fists in celebration. Thinking back on the opening scenes in book one, Zenith, where book two, Azimuth, then took me (so many directions!), and the final (are they really, though??) destinations of these people by the end of this story… Wow. Wow! Epic. This series for me is epic. Most of all, it’s the epic journey for Marty and Chuck.
And I’ll be taking this one again, I can tell you that. :)
ETA: Dec 2016 Recommended Read on PBA
September 18, 2016
Just finished reading “Innsurrection (The Interscission Project Book Three) by Arshad Ahsanuddin. First and foremost Arshad, you are my hero. I, as a 60 year old gay man. wish I would have had the opportunity to read this kind of book when I was a teen/younger man growing up without positive gay role models. Every book I’ve read by Arshad, (and by the way, I’ve read them all) has had very strong positive gay characters in high positions and leading by example. I really cannot say enough about how much I enjoy reading Arshad’s books, and if you are a young gay man (or not) who is having difficulty finding something of substance to read, well please take a moment to check out this man’s work. Science Fiction (Check), Time Travel (Check), Space Fleet (Check), Fantasy (Check), Gay and Straight Characters living together in as much harmony as they can be expected to, because let’s face it that’s reality (Check), Romance with a little erotica (Check), Adventure (Check), Gay Characters who are in it for the long haul and committed to their partners (Check, Check and Check). These books have it all and I can not recommend them any more than to say they will be well worth your time and money.
Synopsis: One man will destroy the past to save the present. The price is too high. But it may already be too late to stop him.
Life settles into a routine for the inhabitants of Chiron Colony, humanity’s first interstellar settlement, after the threat of the time traveler Gifford has apparently been eliminated. But the Hourglass and its leader, Admiral O’Dare, are not content to rest on their laurels, convinced that time travel remains a palpable threat to human civilization. When Annette Sutton uncover a possible secret plot to eliminate the principal members of the Interscission Project decades in the past, when they had only just met, the colonists' idyllic peace is shattered.
Can Martin and his people head off disaster as the Admiral moves to destroy the potential for time travel, once and for all? Or is there a deeper agenda in play? As loyalty and duty become pawns in the race to prevent the erasure of all that they have accomplished, Martin will have to decide once and for all how far he will go to save everything and everyone he loves.
Synopsis: One man will destroy the past to save the present. The price is too high. But it may already be too late to stop him.
Life settles into a routine for the inhabitants of Chiron Colony, humanity’s first interstellar settlement, after the threat of the time traveler Gifford has apparently been eliminated. But the Hourglass and its leader, Admiral O’Dare, are not content to rest on their laurels, convinced that time travel remains a palpable threat to human civilization. When Annette Sutton uncover a possible secret plot to eliminate the principal members of the Interscission Project decades in the past, when they had only just met, the colonists' idyllic peace is shattered.
Can Martin and his people head off disaster as the Admiral moves to destroy the potential for time travel, once and for all? Or is there a deeper agenda in play? As loyalty and duty become pawns in the race to prevent the erasure of all that they have accomplished, Martin will have to decide once and for all how far he will go to save everything and everyone he loves.
October 12, 2016
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
I am really enjoying this series! This third installment, Insurrection of the awesome "Interscission Project" series, it's official! I'm hooked!
Arshad Ahsanuddin has a complex take on the sci-fi "time travel" trope that is fresh and unique. This book consists of: individual characters who are the same, yet different, depending on which timeline in they appear--and there are multiple timelines. These separate timelines/threads all eventually converge.
There characters have different relationships, and in some cases different spouses and even different parents. Also, in these different timelines, there are different ships, different colonies and different technological capabilities.
BUTdon't be put off by this. Arshad Ahsanuddin, with his straight forward writing and narrative style keeps all of this together. He also has a gift of expressing what might be complicated in simple terms. I think in the hands of another writer, I might have felt flummoxed.
This is very accessible science fiction that has a high level of adventure with a good mix of human relationships, though the relationships are more prominent than they were in the first two books, Zenith and Azimuth.
This series is quite an achievement and a pleasure to read. I will definitely read some of the earlier books written by this author.
I am really enjoying this series! This third installment, Insurrection of the awesome "Interscission Project" series, it's official! I'm hooked!
Arshad Ahsanuddin has a complex take on the sci-fi "time travel" trope that is fresh and unique. This book consists of: individual characters who are the same, yet different, depending on which timeline in they appear--and there are multiple timelines. These separate timelines/threads all eventually converge.
There characters have different relationships, and in some cases different spouses and even different parents. Also, in these different timelines, there are different ships, different colonies and different technological capabilities.
BUTdon't be put off by this. Arshad Ahsanuddin, with his straight forward writing and narrative style keeps all of this together. He also has a gift of expressing what might be complicated in simple terms. I think in the hands of another writer, I might have felt flummoxed.
This is very accessible science fiction that has a high level of adventure with a good mix of human relationships, though the relationships are more prominent than they were in the first two books, Zenith and Azimuth.
This series is quite an achievement and a pleasure to read. I will definitely read some of the earlier books written by this author.
February 16, 2017
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews.)
I missed the release of this book, but I’m very glad I’ve found it and have gotten a chance to read and review it. This is the third book in the series. One word of warning before we get started. This series must be read in order. There are storylines within storylines within storylines due to the multiple time lines occurring all at the same time. There are multiple versions of the same characters from different times. It is confusing at times, even to someone who has read them all. If you haven’t, you would be totally lost if you tried to jump in mid-story.
Confusion aside, I am really enjoying this series. I thought right until the last couple pages that this might be the end of it, but the author skillfully threw in something at the very end that leads me to believe there is more to come.
In The Interscission Project’s third book, Insurrection, we are again back with our familiar characters from the previous two books. As I mentioned above, we again have multiple time lines, or ‘iterations’ and multiple copies of the characters, ranging from new born babies to some that are in their thirties. If I’m honest, you need to be really careful while reading to make sure you know when the current timeline is and who the characters are. Unlike in most traditional time travel stories, the characters in this one can interact with their own prior or future selves. They can do this because the future has been rewritten by themselves through the simple act of their time travel.
The books are well written, and I recommend all three of them. I just re-read books one and two to prep for this one and I’m glad I did. I enjoyed them as much this time as I did when I read them previously.
If you’re a science fiction reader, and like a story with some thought put into the science of the story, you will enjoy this series.
I missed the release of this book, but I’m very glad I’ve found it and have gotten a chance to read and review it. This is the third book in the series. One word of warning before we get started. This series must be read in order. There are storylines within storylines within storylines due to the multiple time lines occurring all at the same time. There are multiple versions of the same characters from different times. It is confusing at times, even to someone who has read them all. If you haven’t, you would be totally lost if you tried to jump in mid-story.
Confusion aside, I am really enjoying this series. I thought right until the last couple pages that this might be the end of it, but the author skillfully threw in something at the very end that leads me to believe there is more to come.
In The Interscission Project’s third book, Insurrection, we are again back with our familiar characters from the previous two books. As I mentioned above, we again have multiple time lines, or ‘iterations’ and multiple copies of the characters, ranging from new born babies to some that are in their thirties. If I’m honest, you need to be really careful while reading to make sure you know when the current timeline is and who the characters are. Unlike in most traditional time travel stories, the characters in this one can interact with their own prior or future selves. They can do this because the future has been rewritten by themselves through the simple act of their time travel.
The books are well written, and I recommend all three of them. I just re-read books one and two to prep for this one and I’m glad I did. I enjoyed them as much this time as I did when I read them previously.
If you’re a science fiction reader, and like a story with some thought put into the science of the story, you will enjoy this series.
October 14, 2018
4.5 Stars
I was worried going into this one that I'd be a bit lost considering I know this whole series is super technical and deals with time travel and its' affect on reality. And to start things off I was definitely a little lost since it'd been awhile since I read book 2 in this series. But, it really didn't take long before I was back up to speed and following along just fine.
Things are just getting more complicated with this one. Every time the loose ends start to look like they're tied up and we can move on with life some other monkey wrench gets thrown in things. This wrench throws us even further back into disaster time, which of course discombobulates everything yet again. Of course the hardest part now is going to be remembering where everything is at when the next book comes out. Still I really enjoyed this story and the science in these books. It's all really thought provoking and told in a fun story with great characters. I always enjoy Arshad's book's.
I was worried going into this one that I'd be a bit lost considering I know this whole series is super technical and deals with time travel and its' affect on reality. And to start things off I was definitely a little lost since it'd been awhile since I read book 2 in this series. But, it really didn't take long before I was back up to speed and following along just fine.
Things are just getting more complicated with this one. Every time the loose ends start to look like they're tied up and we can move on with life some other monkey wrench gets thrown in things. This wrench throws us even further back into disaster time, which of course discombobulates everything yet again. Of course the hardest part now is going to be remembering where everything is at when the next book comes out. Still I really enjoyed this story and the science in these books. It's all really thought provoking and told in a fun story with great characters. I always enjoy Arshad's book's.
May 21, 2021
Wow!! So much going on in this story. Different versions of the same person i.e. past, future and present tense so to speak, and I'm so glad some of them went by their middle names to avoid confusion 🤯. Betrayal, hidden agendas and double dealing went hand in hand with trying to solve what actually happened to the good ship Janus years ago. I was quite surprised by the explicit sex in this one I have to say, but happy that the participants involved 😏 finally got their hearts desire. And that WTF moment at the end?? Bring it on 👽👽👽🤖🤖🤖💥💥💥
July 8, 2019
I read Zenith and Azimuth in July of 2015 and it has taken me a horribly long time to get to this one but I am glad I finally did. I read this book in a single day which seems to be par for the course with this series because I read Zenith in one day as well and I started Azimuth the moment I finished Zenith and was done with it by the next day. The books in this series definitely have that charm which makes them very hard to put down and I wouldn't like it any other way.
The fact that it had been almost four years since I read the first two books in this series meant that I was kind of a blank slate when I started reading this one, so I really don't know how these characters are in those books. For a very long time, I didn't even know who the main characters were but despite the fact that I didn't have that insight into these characters this book was still such an interesting read that I actually didn't miss the fact that I didn't know these characters. In a weird way, it helped me sympathize with the characters because the moment history is re-written that insight counts for very little.
I am pretty sure we don't see this side of Charles and Martin in the previous books the fact that they were so close to becoming everything to each other. I really felt like slapping Chuck upside the head on multiple occasions during that part of the book. But, I am actually satisfied with how the author chooses to handle this unexpected insight into Charles and Martin's relationship.
There is a lot happening in this book but unfortunately, the character development is so intrinsically connected with the plot that anything I say will be a spoiler so I don't know what I should talk about.
This book was a roller coaster of a ride and I really like the way things have been progressing. Despite the fact that I didn't remember these characters I still found myself very invested in their lives and I really want to read the next in this series especially because that blurb is making me swoon with the number of hijinks that book is going to contain. I am actually glad I read this book when I did because with the release of the next book seems to be right around the corner so, I definitely picked a good time to jump aboard the Interscission express.
The fact that it had been almost four years since I read the first two books in this series meant that I was kind of a blank slate when I started reading this one, so I really don't know how these characters are in those books. For a very long time, I didn't even know who the main characters were but despite the fact that I didn't have that insight into these characters this book was still such an interesting read that I actually didn't miss the fact that I didn't know these characters. In a weird way, it helped me sympathize with the characters because the moment history is re-written that insight counts for very little.
I am pretty sure we don't see this side of Charles and Martin in the previous books the fact that they were so close to becoming everything to each other. I really felt like slapping Chuck upside the head on multiple occasions during that part of the book. But, I am actually satisfied with how the author chooses to handle this unexpected insight into Charles and Martin's relationship.
There is a lot happening in this book but unfortunately, the character development is so intrinsically connected with the plot that anything I say will be a spoiler so I don't know what I should talk about.
This book was a roller coaster of a ride and I really like the way things have been progressing. Despite the fact that I didn't remember these characters I still found myself very invested in their lives and I really want to read the next in this series especially because that blurb is making me swoon with the number of hijinks that book is going to contain. I am actually glad I read this book when I did because with the release of the next book seems to be right around the corner so, I definitely picked a good time to jump aboard the Interscission express.
November 12, 2023
Greg Tremblay killed it again (in a good way 😄).
I am impressed by the acceptance of characters meeting other versions of themselves and the people they care about. Here we get new iterations, new intrigues and betrayals and also so many possibilities.
I love the insight into Martin's and Charles's past, it was never explored in detail before and now it's even more heartache. How are these books always doing this to me?
I wonder where everyone will end up (and with whom 🤫).
I am impressed by the acceptance of characters meeting other versions of themselves and the people they care about. Here we get new iterations, new intrigues and betrayals and also so many possibilities.
I love the insight into Martin's and Charles's past, it was never explored in detail before and now it's even more heartache. How are these books always doing this to me?
I wonder where everyone will end up (and with whom 🤫).
November 6, 2021
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Given that Insurrection is the third intalment of a series, this review assumes that the reader is already familiar with the earlier volume, events of which will not be considered spoilers. For my thoughts on said volumes, refer to Zenith and Azimuth.
Insurrection finally comes close to striking believable note in terms of human psychology even as it defaults to very unlikely reactions on occasion. But it is an improvement on the franchise on virtually every front. The time travel angle is integrated into the plot, which is greatly appreciated, but it has almost become so common that it lost the initial impact. The way this instalment compares different outcomes in several timelines can be often confusing and leads to an expansion of the cast without actually adding anyone new- a feat consistent with the time travel logistics as presented- but it is also an innovation that sets this particular volume from its precessors while setting the tone for upcomings entries.
There is a lot of adventure and some of the key characters are given more background. Their being more fleshed out helps the reading experience. Seeing more of Martin, Jacob and Charles in particular added much to the story. The sibling interaction had been too rushed previously and to actually seem them interact was greatly appreciated.
The more detailed description helped firm the story in the hard sci-fi setting it had tried to establish. Perhaps for the first time the franchise gains a solidity of atmosphere even if it is not original or very deep. But we now have a solid grasp on epic space stations and their stately nature so that the world building, while not immersive, is much more functional.
Unfortunately, the issues that have plagued the franchise remain. There is still a lot of techno-babble, the protagonists still have a free moral pass on highly dubious deeds for which they are not called for (and this in a fiction universe that is not amoral but does insist on making a stance in moral terms), the Hourglass and the like are still rather ill-defined and the highfaluting quotations opening each chapter, usually from Shakespare, are out of place and only bring into sharp contrast the dry prose.
The relationship angle is better accomplished and used to explore potentially different outcomes with some couple dynamics being rather interesting. This applies almost exclusively to the same gender ones given that the franchise cannot seem to tackle heterosexuality in a capable sense. There is still a rather unlikely convergence that makes everyone too obviously the product of the same novel and author. Which is to say, in this volume the established and new pairings all seem to affirm themselves at the same time as if to make a point in accordance to the plot's demands.
There are some details that do not entirely mesh together (for example, we are told that the whole of humanity only amounts to 10 billion people, one would assume a much greater number given the space colonization angle; birth control seems entirely absent in this highly scientifically advanced evironment) but overall, this is the best entry in The Interscission Project so far. Were it to explore a bit more notions of self-identity that result from having several versions of the same individual present then it might have been ground breaking.
As it is, Insurrection is a fun read that shows progress and will probably intrigue the reader for the upcoming entries.
Given that Insurrection is the third intalment of a series, this review assumes that the reader is already familiar with the earlier volume, events of which will not be considered spoilers. For my thoughts on said volumes, refer to Zenith and Azimuth.
Insurrection finally comes close to striking believable note in terms of human psychology even as it defaults to very unlikely reactions on occasion. But it is an improvement on the franchise on virtually every front. The time travel angle is integrated into the plot, which is greatly appreciated, but it has almost become so common that it lost the initial impact. The way this instalment compares different outcomes in several timelines can be often confusing and leads to an expansion of the cast without actually adding anyone new- a feat consistent with the time travel logistics as presented- but it is also an innovation that sets this particular volume from its precessors while setting the tone for upcomings entries.
There is a lot of adventure and some of the key characters are given more background. Their being more fleshed out helps the reading experience. Seeing more of Martin, Jacob and Charles in particular added much to the story. The sibling interaction had been too rushed previously and to actually seem them interact was greatly appreciated.
The more detailed description helped firm the story in the hard sci-fi setting it had tried to establish. Perhaps for the first time the franchise gains a solidity of atmosphere even if it is not original or very deep. But we now have a solid grasp on epic space stations and their stately nature so that the world building, while not immersive, is much more functional.
Unfortunately, the issues that have plagued the franchise remain. There is still a lot of techno-babble, the protagonists still have a free moral pass on highly dubious deeds for which they are not called for (and this in a fiction universe that is not amoral but does insist on making a stance in moral terms), the Hourglass and the like are still rather ill-defined and the highfaluting quotations opening each chapter, usually from Shakespare, are out of place and only bring into sharp contrast the dry prose.
The relationship angle is better accomplished and used to explore potentially different outcomes with some couple dynamics being rather interesting. This applies almost exclusively to the same gender ones given that the franchise cannot seem to tackle heterosexuality in a capable sense. There is still a rather unlikely convergence that makes everyone too obviously the product of the same novel and author. Which is to say, in this volume the established and new pairings all seem to affirm themselves at the same time as if to make a point in accordance to the plot's demands.
There are some details that do not entirely mesh together (for example, we are told that the whole of humanity only amounts to 10 billion people, one would assume a much greater number given the space colonization angle; birth control seems entirely absent in this highly scientifically advanced evironment) but overall, this is the best entry in The Interscission Project so far. Were it to explore a bit more notions of self-identity that result from having several versions of the same individual present then it might have been ground breaking.
As it is, Insurrection is a fun read that shows progress and will probably intrigue the reader for the upcoming entries.
August 4, 2017
SOMETIMES I’M uncertain what to say in reviews for a book that isn’t the first or last book in a series, but if you’ve already read the first two books and you’re wondering if you should read this one, you should. Plain and simple. This is a real treat. Unfortunately it’s not a standalone, so if you haven’t read the others yet, you should start there. Fortunately, if you haven’t read the first book, Zenith, then you are about to have your mind blown. Holy cow. Go read it right now.
This is everything every Star Trek lover everywhere wants in a series–and it’s gay (whoo hoo!). It also isn’t just an all boy’s club (whoo hoo!). There are some intensely cool women, people with disabilities, and our protagonist is bisexual–and does talk about it openly. As a pansexual, this sort of inclusion in fiction, especially speculative fiction, is supremely important to me. I want to believe in a future where people are more focused on the person they love and not just what’s inside their pants. I understand that for some biology is biology (believe me, I hear it all the time), but in my ideal future world being open-minded is the majority, not the exception. So thank you, Ahsanuddin for that.
The third book puts us on Chiron Colony, in another iteration right after the last temporal attacks on the crew of the Azimuth. Azimuth was a whirlwind of time shifts, double crossings, and gun fights. In comparison this book was a bit more methodical–we mostly only have to keep track of one timeline–and more focused on personal relationships than the other two books. The other two books were perfect as they were, don’t get me wrong, but it was nice to slow down and sort of take stock, and it was (in my humble opinion) necessary to address the woes of Martin’s poor heart.
Martin is an incredible and resilient protagonist, but he’s had a rough go of it. Admittedly he doesn’t remember everything terrible that’s happened to him, because most of those things happened to parallel versions of Martin, but it’s been pretty bleak. He’s immensely successful and has found happiness where he could, but it was nice to finally see him settle down and become the person I think we all wanted him to be–not scarred by his past or tortured by lost love. Whereas in the last book I felt scattered trying to follow all the other characters, we really have some quality time with Martin and it was a good thing. He truly found his center (also–*cough*–it was pretty sexy).
That being said, I know there’s another (maybe the last?) The Interscission Project book in the works, so we’ll see what heartache Ahsanuddin has in store for us. Engage.
This is everything every Star Trek lover everywhere wants in a series–and it’s gay (whoo hoo!). It also isn’t just an all boy’s club (whoo hoo!). There are some intensely cool women, people with disabilities, and our protagonist is bisexual–and does talk about it openly. As a pansexual, this sort of inclusion in fiction, especially speculative fiction, is supremely important to me. I want to believe in a future where people are more focused on the person they love and not just what’s inside their pants. I understand that for some biology is biology (believe me, I hear it all the time), but in my ideal future world being open-minded is the majority, not the exception. So thank you, Ahsanuddin for that.
The third book puts us on Chiron Colony, in another iteration right after the last temporal attacks on the crew of the Azimuth. Azimuth was a whirlwind of time shifts, double crossings, and gun fights. In comparison this book was a bit more methodical–we mostly only have to keep track of one timeline–and more focused on personal relationships than the other two books. The other two books were perfect as they were, don’t get me wrong, but it was nice to slow down and sort of take stock, and it was (in my humble opinion) necessary to address the woes of Martin’s poor heart.
Martin is an incredible and resilient protagonist, but he’s had a rough go of it. Admittedly he doesn’t remember everything terrible that’s happened to him, because most of those things happened to parallel versions of Martin, but it’s been pretty bleak. He’s immensely successful and has found happiness where he could, but it was nice to finally see him settle down and become the person I think we all wanted him to be–not scarred by his past or tortured by lost love. Whereas in the last book I felt scattered trying to follow all the other characters, we really have some quality time with Martin and it was a good thing. He truly found his center (also–*cough*–it was pretty sexy).
That being said, I know there’s another (maybe the last?) The Interscission Project book in the works, so we’ll see what heartache Ahsanuddin has in store for us. Engage.
February 20, 2018
These books keep getting better. If I could give all of them more than 5 stars I would! I loved that you get sent back to where everything began, when certain events are set in motion. You learn more about the incident that costs the loves of Marty and Jake’s parents. You learn more about Marty and Chuck. You see who crosses who’s paths and how they made their decisions that took them down their initial paths. You learn more about all the characters, who were involved in enabling time travel met. You learn more about their pasts and what led them to make certain decisions that have an impact on their futures lives. You get to see the characters meeting different timelines of themselves, which still has me scratching my head. Several couples are with different partners. No I’m not telling you, read it for yourself. But I do have to warn you, you need to pay careful attention or you can get lost and confuse and then have to go back and reread certain sections. Or do what I did, have a notebook handy. This is an amazing series. I can’t wait for the next book cause there are unanswered questions like: Who is staying where. Cause right now you have two Jakes, three Marty’s and two chucks and a partridge in a pair tree. Plus the new/old bad guy, they need to take care of them. Mr. Ahsanuddin, please wright faster.
October 17, 2018
I thought I would be more lost since I'm spacing the books in this series out so much, and while it does get hard to keep track of who is who, who is related to who, which timeline is this etc etc etc, it's not that bad. The plot is engaging enough that you don't really have time to puzzle over it, you just keep reading and it eventually gets sorted in your mind. I will say it's a bit weird to see different versions of the same people end up paired with different people. It seems super complicated and awkward.
February 10, 2017
4.5 of 5 stars – Keep the Good "Times" Rolling.
[Thanks to the author for a free copy via Goodreads' M/M Romance-DBML group]
They say you can’t change the past; but if I could, I wish I had written a series like this. This third in the series was just as good as the previous two in Arshad Ahsanuddin’s engaging, complex, and entertaining sci-fi/time-travel adventure, with strong world-building and an interesting mix of gay, straight and bi.
Summary: I was pleased with how Ahsanuddin’s creative world-building tapped into the classic tradition of what I call “hi” sci-fi, combining both “hard” and “soft’ sciences. There was believable technology and scientific dialogue, as well as further exploration of social and moral issues related to time travel. The plot was complex, tense and well-paced, if a bit convenient or confusing at times. It was nice to see the characters develop further, and to now have a new enemy. Their relationships were interesting in their mix of gay, straight and bi, and in how they changed with multiple time iterations. Okay as a standalone, the series continued its high-quality and storyline, leaving me wondering if there is a book 4.
If You Want to Know the Details:
The “hard” sciences were heavily displayed in the technology and scientific explanations of computers, space aviation and mechanics, and by jargonistic dialogue between the scientists and engineers. While I don’t have a strong background in these disciplines, it all seemed believable to me; and there was enough to please those who yearn for that.
Although well done, sometimes the techno-babble was confusing or a bit too much. Fortunately, the non-techies might ask them to dumb it down for him, so that allowed me as a reader to know what was going on too. Other times, I found I could gloss over it without affecting the story as long as I got the gist of it. It may have even helped keep the pace from slowing down too much.
Also well displayed here were the "soft" science issues related to sociology, psychology and philosophy. Each significant scientific breakthrough introduces its own set of social and moral questions. I love sci-fi partly because it can creatively pose the possibilities of what might happen in the future with a new breakthrough, and in so doing shine a light on our present circumstances.
Here, Ahsanuddin creatively built on the time travel trope, where time travelers can change history (is it ok if it’s for the right reasons?). In this third book, he further explored resultant issues. There was further development of the moral questions, for a traveler, of what to do with advanced knowledge, and for an original occupant, of what to do with the people with this knowledge. Then there was the practical dilemma and fear of time travelers continually going back, and he continued the development of a possible scenario of how we might deal with it.
Book 3 continued to deal with the issue of when someone traveled back to when he was younger, because of the change in history, his past was now now not only different than his younger self (so he was really a different person), but he also had to coexist with his younger self and friends. I loved how these issues kept unfolding.
The plot, plans and actions were complex, tense and well-paced from one scene to the next, with time in between to catch my breath and learn more about this world. It was all mostly reasonable; but sometimes things seemed a bit convenient, and the scenario posited for how to deal with time travel seemed a bit simplistic. The tension came partly from new enemies from the future trying to sabotage the Interscission Project.
Tension also came from all the political, organizational and interpersonal intrigues, which were well done, complex, and emotionally intelligent. The numerous relationships were still a bit hard to keep track of at first, this time with the additional complication of time travel. But it was explained well enough as part of the longer journey, and I ended up enjoying it - the characters, their changing relationships across different timelines, and how they interacted with earlier versions of themselves. And for the new reader, it was nice but not necessary to have knowledge of past iterations covered previously; it just added more depth to the relationships and action.
I liked the vast array of characters and that Ahsanuddin gave each their own unique personality and voice. He was able to portray their actions, motivations and emotions, such as how they were torn between suspicions, duty, guilt, vengeance, jealousy and love. In this book I got to learn more about everyone, now through the various iterations of themselves; but I still wished for more diversity (beyond cisgender and sexual orientation).
I did enjoy seeing the further development of the various gay, straight, and bi relationships, particularly between Martin and Edward, and how they changed as time changed. It was also nice to see a few more hot gay sex scenes than previously, almost as if time travel made them more passionate, or maybe it was in case they could lose each other when their timeline changed.
This continued to be a thought-provoking and entertaining series. Book 3 worked okay as a standalone, bringing me up to date smoothly and concluding satisfactorily, yet still leaving a teasing snippet to suggest the story continues. If so, I look forward to book 4.
[Thanks to the author for a free copy via Goodreads' M/M Romance-DBML group]
They say you can’t change the past; but if I could, I wish I had written a series like this. This third in the series was just as good as the previous two in Arshad Ahsanuddin’s engaging, complex, and entertaining sci-fi/time-travel adventure, with strong world-building and an interesting mix of gay, straight and bi.
Summary: I was pleased with how Ahsanuddin’s creative world-building tapped into the classic tradition of what I call “hi” sci-fi, combining both “hard” and “soft’ sciences. There was believable technology and scientific dialogue, as well as further exploration of social and moral issues related to time travel. The plot was complex, tense and well-paced, if a bit convenient or confusing at times. It was nice to see the characters develop further, and to now have a new enemy. Their relationships were interesting in their mix of gay, straight and bi, and in how they changed with multiple time iterations. Okay as a standalone, the series continued its high-quality and storyline, leaving me wondering if there is a book 4.
If You Want to Know the Details:
The “hard” sciences were heavily displayed in the technology and scientific explanations of computers, space aviation and mechanics, and by jargonistic dialogue between the scientists and engineers. While I don’t have a strong background in these disciplines, it all seemed believable to me; and there was enough to please those who yearn for that.
Although well done, sometimes the techno-babble was confusing or a bit too much. Fortunately, the non-techies might ask them to dumb it down for him, so that allowed me as a reader to know what was going on too. Other times, I found I could gloss over it without affecting the story as long as I got the gist of it. It may have even helped keep the pace from slowing down too much.
Also well displayed here were the "soft" science issues related to sociology, psychology and philosophy. Each significant scientific breakthrough introduces its own set of social and moral questions. I love sci-fi partly because it can creatively pose the possibilities of what might happen in the future with a new breakthrough, and in so doing shine a light on our present circumstances.
Here, Ahsanuddin creatively built on the time travel trope, where time travelers can change history (is it ok if it’s for the right reasons?). In this third book, he further explored resultant issues. There was further development of the moral questions, for a traveler, of what to do with advanced knowledge, and for an original occupant, of what to do with the people with this knowledge. Then there was the practical dilemma and fear of time travelers continually going back, and he continued the development of a possible scenario of how we might deal with it.
Book 3 continued to deal with the issue of when someone traveled back to when he was younger, because of the change in history, his past was now now not only different than his younger self (so he was really a different person), but he also had to coexist with his younger self and friends. I loved how these issues kept unfolding.
The plot, plans and actions were complex, tense and well-paced from one scene to the next, with time in between to catch my breath and learn more about this world. It was all mostly reasonable; but sometimes things seemed a bit convenient, and the scenario posited for how to deal with time travel seemed a bit simplistic. The tension came partly from new enemies from the future trying to sabotage the Interscission Project.
Tension also came from all the political, organizational and interpersonal intrigues, which were well done, complex, and emotionally intelligent. The numerous relationships were still a bit hard to keep track of at first, this time with the additional complication of time travel. But it was explained well enough as part of the longer journey, and I ended up enjoying it - the characters, their changing relationships across different timelines, and how they interacted with earlier versions of themselves. And for the new reader, it was nice but not necessary to have knowledge of past iterations covered previously; it just added more depth to the relationships and action.
I liked the vast array of characters and that Ahsanuddin gave each their own unique personality and voice. He was able to portray their actions, motivations and emotions, such as how they were torn between suspicions, duty, guilt, vengeance, jealousy and love. In this book I got to learn more about everyone, now through the various iterations of themselves; but I still wished for more diversity (beyond cisgender and sexual orientation).
I did enjoy seeing the further development of the various gay, straight, and bi relationships, particularly between Martin and Edward, and how they changed as time changed. It was also nice to see a few more hot gay sex scenes than previously, almost as if time travel made them more passionate, or maybe it was in case they could lose each other when their timeline changed.
This continued to be a thought-provoking and entertaining series. Book 3 worked okay as a standalone, bringing me up to date smoothly and concluding satisfactorily, yet still leaving a teasing snippet to suggest the story continues. If so, I look forward to book 4.
January 7, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Insurrection is a great balance of thrilling adventure and moving romance. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone with a love for sci-fi time travel stories.
At the end of Azimuth I thought, “What could possibly come next?” And as Insurrection started I really wasn’t sure where it would go and how it would fit with the series. And then everything meshed together in wonderful and unexpected ways.
As with Zenith and Azimuth, this is a fast-paced adventure that is very engaging. It has a very involved plot with multiple timelines, seen from many perspectives, and somehow it’s not confusing.
The romance and adventure are interwoven well, and the pacing is perfect. There are even a few super-hot sex scenes. The characters continue to grow through this series, making me love them more and more with each book.
I loved this book, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Insurrection is a great balance of thrilling adventure and moving romance. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone with a love for sci-fi time travel stories.
At the end of Azimuth I thought, “What could possibly come next?” And as Insurrection started I really wasn’t sure where it would go and how it would fit with the series. And then everything meshed together in wonderful and unexpected ways.
As with Zenith and Azimuth, this is a fast-paced adventure that is very engaging. It has a very involved plot with multiple timelines, seen from many perspectives, and somehow it’s not confusing.
The romance and adventure are interwoven well, and the pacing is perfect. There are even a few super-hot sex scenes. The characters continue to grow through this series, making me love them more and more with each book.
I loved this book, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
October 30, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Insurrection by Arshad Ahsanuddin
1) Wow! I'm a geek for stories about interstellar travel and time travel. This novel includes both in a rousing story that kept me glued to the pages. I'll definitely have to go back and check out the earlier books in this series.
2) Being the third instalment in a series I have not read, I found parts of this time travel story quite complex and had to re-read sections to understand what was happening. That being said, I love an intelligently written, well developed plot with lots of surprises that makes me think, along with a strong cast of characters, and this book fit the bill perfectly. I have already ordered books 1 and 2 to read once my reading for the Awards is over.
1) Wow! I'm a geek for stories about interstellar travel and time travel. This novel includes both in a rousing story that kept me glued to the pages. I'll definitely have to go back and check out the earlier books in this series.
2) Being the third instalment in a series I have not read, I found parts of this time travel story quite complex and had to re-read sections to understand what was happening. That being said, I love an intelligently written, well developed plot with lots of surprises that makes me think, along with a strong cast of characters, and this book fit the bill perfectly. I have already ordered books 1 and 2 to read once my reading for the Awards is over.
August 8, 2017
I was enjoying this but, in the end, the numerous iterations, made worse by the appearance of the characters' earlier person, just wore me out and I called a mental time-out.
Then I did a physical time-out to listen to some music, intending to resume awhile later but found I couldn't bring myself to tap my audiobook folder. It was depressing. I had such high hopes after enjoying the second book, Azimuth, so much. It had brought back memories and longing for Morgan Hawke's Interstellar Service Discipline series, though, admittedly, the latter is erotic sci-fi whereas the IP is supposedly a sci-fi adventure with gay elements.
My internal complaint about Martin and Charles was like the proverbial sand in the shoe - I was sure the two men had never gone beyond kissing and in my review of the previous book, I even mentioned understanding why the author chose this route (I actually find Martin and Charles' romance more believable than M and Edward's) because of who Edward turns out to be. Yet in a conversation between Charles and Matthew in this book it has:
Matthew’s jaw dropped. “Wait. You … are you saying you were involved at some point? As in … a romantic relationship?”
“Yes, although it took me a long time to accept that’s what it was.” Charles sighed. “We were together in everything but name for almost two years.”
Now, on a relook at that snippet of conversation, it appears that I took "together in everything" to include sex but clearly the author meant otherwise. In any case, it kept niggling at me that I'd lost an iteration or two between Martin and Charles. Oh, and the Matthew in that conversation is Martin in that particular iteration.
The Martin-Edward thread wasn't at all convincing in this installment. Yet suddenly, Martin is proposing. And they get married...while my heart and mind is still somewhat engaged with the Martin-Charles coupling. And, hopefully, someone will fill me on how Charles and Jennifer became a couple, got married and had 2 kids, because I absolutely, definitely, missed that iteration nugget.
Anyway, I had to scan the three books on my Kindle and just reading the author's timeline for each book (included at the end of the story) had me concluding that I now need to go reread my beloved Interstellar Service Discipline so as to get back my equilibrium.
I'm sad to say that, in the end, this trilogy turned out to be a mess: Matthew is Martin/Marty and Charles/Chuck is Christopher; Stella is Annette; Edward is hmmm...just Edward? And while Martin ends up marrying Edward, you also have Matthew and Christopher starting an intimate relationship and picking up from when and where Charles had turned Martin down and both would go on to marry different people. Matthew and Christopher are, if you recall, the younger versions of Martin and Charles in a different, earlier iteration. I don't really have a problem with that - it's when the older and younger versions all appear in the same time and place that my head starts to ache.
And the little headache takes over my entire reading/listening experience when I have to juggles so many iteration balls in the air, each with their own set of experiences which the other iteration's characters (the 'travelers') are trying to change.
So much here yet so little got in my lame brain. Bummer. I need a headslap.
But, at least my feelz about Martin and Charles was right - they did have something worth salvaging and I'm glad they were given their second chance. And while I decided, after this book, to not buy the 4th, I will if Matthew and Christopher aka Martin and Charles are in it and I get to see how their reunion goes.
Then I did a physical time-out to listen to some music, intending to resume awhile later but found I couldn't bring myself to tap my audiobook folder. It was depressing. I had such high hopes after enjoying the second book, Azimuth, so much. It had brought back memories and longing for Morgan Hawke's Interstellar Service Discipline series, though, admittedly, the latter is erotic sci-fi whereas the IP is supposedly a sci-fi adventure with gay elements.
My internal complaint about Martin and Charles was like the proverbial sand in the shoe - I was sure the two men had never gone beyond kissing and in my review of the previous book, I even mentioned understanding why the author chose this route (I actually find Martin and Charles' romance more believable than M and Edward's) because of who Edward turns out to be. Yet in a conversation between Charles and Matthew in this book it has:
Matthew’s jaw dropped. “Wait. You … are you saying you were involved at some point? As in … a romantic relationship?”
“Yes, although it took me a long time to accept that’s what it was.” Charles sighed. “We were together in everything but name for almost two years.”
Now, on a relook at that snippet of conversation, it appears that I took "together in everything" to include sex but clearly the author meant otherwise. In any case, it kept niggling at me that I'd lost an iteration or two between Martin and Charles. Oh, and the Matthew in that conversation is Martin in that particular iteration.
The Martin-Edward thread wasn't at all convincing in this installment. Yet suddenly, Martin is proposing. And they get married...while my heart and mind is still somewhat engaged with the Martin-Charles coupling. And, hopefully, someone will fill me on how Charles and Jennifer became a couple, got married and had 2 kids, because I absolutely, definitely, missed that iteration nugget.
Anyway, I had to scan the three books on my Kindle and just reading the author's timeline for each book (included at the end of the story) had me concluding that I now need to go reread my beloved Interstellar Service Discipline so as to get back my equilibrium.
I'm sad to say that, in the end, this trilogy turned out to be a mess: Matthew is Martin/Marty and Charles/Chuck is Christopher; Stella is Annette; Edward is hmmm...just Edward? And while Martin ends up marrying Edward, you also have Matthew and Christopher starting an intimate relationship and picking up from when and where Charles had turned Martin down and both would go on to marry different people. Matthew and Christopher are, if you recall, the younger versions of Martin and Charles in a different, earlier iteration. I don't really have a problem with that - it's when the older and younger versions all appear in the same time and place that my head starts to ache.
And the little headache takes over my entire reading/listening experience when I have to juggles so many iteration balls in the air, each with their own set of experiences which the other iteration's characters (the 'travelers') are trying to change.
So much here yet so little got in my lame brain. Bummer. I need a headslap.
But, at least my feelz about Martin and Charles was right - they did have something worth salvaging and I'm glad they were given their second chance. And while I decided, after this book, to not buy the 4th, I will if Matthew and Christopher aka Martin and Charles are in it and I get to see how their reunion goes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2021
More like 3.5 rounded up.
I personally found the first two more fun. I think there's just something about 'everyone else is time traveling to change the future so we might as well too' that just doesn't sit well with me. And that's what the plot is starting to feel like. Also, there's
On the other hand, certain bits from iteration one is super interesting, seeing how things have changed, and it's confusing to no end when we get three of the same person running around. And, unfortunately for my personal preference, everyone is going wedding crazy.
And, save the epilogue, much like the ending of the second book, the story could totally end here and have a happy ending. (So, no cliffhangers for those that dislike them.)
I personally found the first two more fun. I think there's just something about 'everyone else is time traveling to change the future so we might as well too' that just doesn't sit well with me. And that's what the plot is starting to feel like. Also, there's
On the other hand, certain bits from iteration one is super interesting, seeing how things have changed, and it's confusing to no end when we get three of the same person running around. And, unfortunately for my personal preference, everyone is going wedding crazy.
And, save the epilogue, much like the ending of the second book, the story could totally end here and have a happy ending. (So, no cliffhangers for those that dislike them.)
May 6, 2019
A great story
Ahsanuddin tells a great third story in The Interscission Project series. If you're going to read this one, Insurrection, I recommend reading the first two, first. I've read all three and was able to understand the nuances and ins and outs of the multitude of characters, and backstories. The plot was a great pace and added a lot of adventure and action within it. A secret was revealed in book 2 and lends to the story now playing out. A new story on the verge of war and invasion, while there is more than what is thought. I like the connection between Charles and Martin. It's one of those attractions but we're "not dating" situations. The time travel piece is also interesting, as they come to terms with their older-selves, seeing what another timeline could result in, especially for their relationship. A great story.
Ahsanuddin tells a great third story in The Interscission Project series. If you're going to read this one, Insurrection, I recommend reading the first two, first. I've read all three and was able to understand the nuances and ins and outs of the multitude of characters, and backstories. The plot was a great pace and added a lot of adventure and action within it. A secret was revealed in book 2 and lends to the story now playing out. A new story on the verge of war and invasion, while there is more than what is thought. I like the connection between Charles and Martin. It's one of those attractions but we're "not dating" situations. The time travel piece is also interesting, as they come to terms with their older-selves, seeing what another timeline could result in, especially for their relationship. A great story.
November 21, 2017
2.5
The different timelines/iterations get even more confused, especially in the end, when characters from different interactions are present at the same time with slightly different names. In fact I remember an instance when a character expresses his confusion about this fact, exactly like the readers. This is worsened by the appearance of even more characters from earlier iterations towards the end. The emotional part stays on the shallow side. The action parts are well done and gripping. I'm not going to buy part 4 though.
The different timelines/iterations get even more confused, especially in the end, when characters from different interactions are present at the same time with slightly different names. In fact I remember an instance when a character expresses his confusion about this fact, exactly like the readers. This is worsened by the appearance of even more characters from earlier iterations towards the end. The emotional part stays on the shallow side. The action parts are well done and gripping. I'm not going to buy part 4 though.
October 4, 2016
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!
Okay, I must calm down now. Wow...so much happens in this book.
First, let me say that: YOU MUST READ THE SERIES IN ORDER. I am notorious for reading series out of order, but please do not attempt it here. Each book is built upon the previous story. With that being said, I strongly suggest reading the books very close to one another. Looking back, I read Azimuth about a year ago and I was lost at the beginning of this book.
With that, this book begins with a bang! You are instantly catapulted into a world of science fiction, high adventure, sabotage and romance. The past timelines all combine into one with the sole goal of preventing any further disruption to the past and future. Martin and everyone are once again fighting an unknown. Secrets come out while others are hidden. This book had a less techie feel to it than the others. I think the personal connections between the characters were front and center in this book.
A must read series.
Okay, I must calm down now. Wow...so much happens in this book.
First, let me say that: YOU MUST READ THE SERIES IN ORDER. I am notorious for reading series out of order, but please do not attempt it here. Each book is built upon the previous story. With that being said, I strongly suggest reading the books very close to one another. Looking back, I read Azimuth about a year ago and I was lost at the beginning of this book.
With that, this book begins with a bang! You are instantly catapulted into a world of science fiction, high adventure, sabotage and romance. The past timelines all combine into one with the sole goal of preventing any further disruption to the past and future. Martin and everyone are once again fighting an unknown. Secrets come out while others are hidden. This book had a less techie feel to it than the others. I think the personal connections between the characters were front and center in this book.
A must read series.
October 4, 2016
The series must be read in order from book 1-3 or it won't make any sense. I'm going to skip over summarizing it since the blurb gives a really descriptive summation of what the book occurs in the book without giving anything away. I don't feel I could do it without giving major spoilers.
The author keeps blowing my mind with each book he releases. The story was both complex and simple. At times I had a hard time wrapping my head around all the the things that were happening and at the same time I knew what was happening and why. The timelines, the Martys, Jacobs and Charles were awesome to see and read about. I liked seeing the different scenarios and situations that were the causation for certain events to take place resulting in the group needing to take action.
I'm really looking forward to the next installment and seeing what will become of the group, the hourglass and their new enemy.
The author keeps blowing my mind with each book he releases. The story was both complex and simple. At times I had a hard time wrapping my head around all the the things that were happening and at the same time I knew what was happening and why. The timelines, the Martys, Jacobs and Charles were awesome to see and read about. I liked seeing the different scenarios and situations that were the causation for certain events to take place resulting in the group needing to take action.
I'm really looking forward to the next installment and seeing what will become of the group, the hourglass and their new enemy.
October 6, 2016
We go further down the rabbit hole as this installment adds a new level to the twisty time-travel experience. I’m hanging in there though, giving my brain some much-needed exercise. Unfortunately, I’ll be back to square one by time book 4 comes out.
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