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Brooks & Smith #1
Time Binge
Detectives Arturo Brooks and Edward Smith hated time travel long before they ever laid eyes on a time machine. Now some jerk has gone and invented one, and the consequences go beyond breaking the timeline. This time machine renders anyone who dares to use it immortal.
Racing against several clocks, Brooks and Smith must team up with a terrified Puritan and a moon-dwelling hipster to stop increasingly bizarre time travel exploits from tearing a hole in reality, before it's too late...or too soon.
About the Series:
The Brooks & Smith series presents a satirical take on paranormal detectives. It is often silly, sometimes dark, and never child friendly.
Racing against several clocks, Brooks and Smith must team up with a terrified Puritan and a moon-dwelling hipster to stop increasingly bizarre time travel exploits from tearing a hole in reality, before it's too late...or too soon.
About the Series:
The Brooks & Smith series presents a satirical take on paranormal detectives. It is often silly, sometimes dark, and never child friendly.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2017
17 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Martina Fetzer
10 books25 followersMartina is a technical writer by day and a creative writer by night. She holds an M.A. in English from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. in Emotional Whiplash from the Joss Whedon School of Fiction. She grew up reading comic books and watching stand-up, and now writes genre-bending sci-fi and fantasy stories. She likes her humor like she likes her font colors: #000000.*
*Her hobbies include writing alienating hex code jokes.
*Her hobbies include writing alienating hex code jokes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 8, 2021
The first thing that drew me in to Time Binge is the amazing, comic-inspired cover. It really prepares you for the zany, nonstop ride of this story. It will be loved by fans of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Christopher Moore.
This story is about finding the time, space, and family that works for you. The ride to get to the end and save time and space (and love) is laugh-out-loud funny. The humor in this story is off the charts and you can’t read far without at least a giggle. (Spoiler, my favorite chapter is Chapter 41)
The lead characters, Smith and Brooks, are—thankfully—partners in every sense of the word. They’ve been dealing with trauma and secrets for years, but when they find a time machine, it singles the start in on an adventure that takes them from the past to the future, and (more than once) the present. The writing is excellent, at no time did I lose track of where the characters were (or when) or what was happening. For such a complicated story and plot that is extremely impressive. Everything flowed well and the writing has a light feeling that works perfectly for the story being told.
The supporting characters are a heck of a lot of fun, and all are important to the plot. Patience the puritan was my favorite, along with her slowly lessening shock at the lord’s name being taken in vain. Lemon from the future hipster moon was also a lot of fun.
The Reticent was a delight as far as crazy private paranormal firms go, and the worldbuilding with it worked really well. The metaphors surrounding its board and management were spot on and made me chuckle.
This fun, over-the-top, madcap read is sure to put a smile on your face. Recommended to anyone who knows the answer to life, the universe, and everything.
This story is about finding the time, space, and family that works for you. The ride to get to the end and save time and space (and love) is laugh-out-loud funny. The humor in this story is off the charts and you can’t read far without at least a giggle. (Spoiler, my favorite chapter is Chapter 41)
The lead characters, Smith and Brooks, are—thankfully—partners in every sense of the word. They’ve been dealing with trauma and secrets for years, but when they find a time machine, it singles the start in on an adventure that takes them from the past to the future, and (more than once) the present. The writing is excellent, at no time did I lose track of where the characters were (or when) or what was happening. For such a complicated story and plot that is extremely impressive. Everything flowed well and the writing has a light feeling that works perfectly for the story being told.
The supporting characters are a heck of a lot of fun, and all are important to the plot. Patience the puritan was my favorite, along with her slowly lessening shock at the lord’s name being taken in vain. Lemon from the future hipster moon was also a lot of fun.
The Reticent was a delight as far as crazy private paranormal firms go, and the worldbuilding with it worked really well. The metaphors surrounding its board and management were spot on and made me chuckle.
This fun, over-the-top, madcap read is sure to put a smile on your face. Recommended to anyone who knows the answer to life, the universe, and everything.
October 3, 2021
What a brilliant book!
If you’re a fan of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, then this is the book for you. Packed full of humour and witty happenings, this book will keep you entertained from start to finish.
I’m not one for spoilers so I’ll just say that the story involves partners Smith and Brooks, a time machine, multiple versions of the same character and a plot that jumps from past to present to the future. But don’t worry, it’s handled well by the author and at no point was I left scratching my head.
The focus of the story isn’t actually on the time travel element (although it does play a part). Thankfully, for me at least, the focus of the story is very much character-driven. This means that the plot can motor along nicely and the comedic devices fit well and aren’t in the least bit clunky. As such, the pace of the story works well and before long I found myself blasting through the pages. It’s one of those books that you just do not want to end.
You can feel the narrative drive the story forwards and this is counter-balanced through the dry and somewhat deadpan tone of the piece.
The main characters (Smith and Brooks) arrive fully-formed complete with a ‘warts and all’ approach which helps to engage the reader from the off. Another character I enjoyed (without giving too much away) is Patience Cloyce, a Puritan from the height of the witch trails in Salem, Massachusetts.
What I didn’t know (but thankfully now do) is that Time Binge is part of a series. I will, of course, look to purchase the rest of the series.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this madcap, funny and all round entertaining book and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
If you’re a fan of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, then this is the book for you. Packed full of humour and witty happenings, this book will keep you entertained from start to finish.
I’m not one for spoilers so I’ll just say that the story involves partners Smith and Brooks, a time machine, multiple versions of the same character and a plot that jumps from past to present to the future. But don’t worry, it’s handled well by the author and at no point was I left scratching my head.
The focus of the story isn’t actually on the time travel element (although it does play a part). Thankfully, for me at least, the focus of the story is very much character-driven. This means that the plot can motor along nicely and the comedic devices fit well and aren’t in the least bit clunky. As such, the pace of the story works well and before long I found myself blasting through the pages. It’s one of those books that you just do not want to end.
You can feel the narrative drive the story forwards and this is counter-balanced through the dry and somewhat deadpan tone of the piece.
The main characters (Smith and Brooks) arrive fully-formed complete with a ‘warts and all’ approach which helps to engage the reader from the off. Another character I enjoyed (without giving too much away) is Patience Cloyce, a Puritan from the height of the witch trails in Salem, Massachusetts.
What I didn’t know (but thankfully now do) is that Time Binge is part of a series. I will, of course, look to purchase the rest of the series.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this madcap, funny and all round entertaining book and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
September 11, 2021
What a great book! A wonderful blend of sci-fi, romance, and humor. There were passages that literally made me laugh out loud. So delightful! I love being surprised by a writer. It’s probably said a lot, and I’m not known for hyperbole, but I would put this on a par with Hitchhiker’s Guide To the Galaxy and Year Zero. I didn’t realize when I picked it up that it was part of a series, so I can now look forward to more. The Chapter 41 joke particularly tickled me and WHEN you read it, you’ll understand why. Even the Appendices were funny. The structure of the story is, spoiler alert, about time travel, which can be confusing and difficult to follow if not done well. It is done well here. I found myself not worrying over the details too much, as the characters and story were so enjoyable. Then there is the romance between the two titular characters. You’re always rooting for them, and the writer does a good job of keeping you wondering where things are going to end up with them. (There will be no spoilers here) Another great character was the Puritan, Patience. Her viewpoint was fun, not only in her own time, but (spoiler) in adjusting to a future that she would never see except for time-travel. I don’t know how much more I could say to get someone to read this book. There wasn’t a thing I disliked about it, and, again, am a little bit thrilled to know that there is more to be had. Bravo to the author! Six stars!
September 27, 2021
Wild
Time Binge is a time-travelling adventure packed with wit, casual gore and pop culture references.
Smith and Brooks are a couple that feel real, both together and as individuals, though Smith is the more dominant PoV (at least in this volume).
Any story that involves time travel, particularly one that has multiple versions of a singular character, is far from easy to negotiate from a writer's standpoint. Fetzer makes it reasonably easy to follow along, though the sparing use of specified speech attribution and did occasionally slow the reading process.
The plot and intrigue were entertaining. There is very little world building and the pacing is somewhat choppy, jumping between multiple characters, times and places, and ocasional reductive paragraphs summing up a great deal of action, but as a short book with a lot to keep track of that will bother some more than others. I personally maintained an attitude of 'enjoying the ride' without getting too hung-up on the story structute or its technicalities.
The ending did seem a bit of a let-down in terms of how quickly and conveniently the main climax resolves, but general enjoyment of the humour and characterisation makes it easier to forgive.
I will certainly consider giving the next volume a read.
Time Binge is a time-travelling adventure packed with wit, casual gore and pop culture references.
Smith and Brooks are a couple that feel real, both together and as individuals, though Smith is the more dominant PoV (at least in this volume).
Any story that involves time travel, particularly one that has multiple versions of a singular character, is far from easy to negotiate from a writer's standpoint. Fetzer makes it reasonably easy to follow along, though the sparing use of specified speech attribution and did occasionally slow the reading process.
The plot and intrigue were entertaining. There is very little world building and the pacing is somewhat choppy, jumping between multiple characters, times and places, and ocasional reductive paragraphs summing up a great deal of action, but as a short book with a lot to keep track of that will bother some more than others. I personally maintained an attitude of 'enjoying the ride' without getting too hung-up on the story structute or its technicalities.
The ending did seem a bit of a let-down in terms of how quickly and conveniently the main climax resolves, but general enjoyment of the humour and characterisation makes it easier to forgive.
I will certainly consider giving the next volume a read.
April 15, 2023
This is my favorite type of sci-fi books. I love a smidge of death and danger with lots of puns and nerd jokes. This book delivers all of this and more.
I didn't read the ebook, but I felt that the narrator brought a lot more drama to the story line.
His voice and tone are just perfect for the story line. It reminded me of the The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent series but perhaps a bit more serious?
Time travel makes any book a bit confusing but the author handles this pretty well. The story line circles in on itself like a mobius strip, so I had to go back and listen to some sections a few times.
⚠️ Content Notes: language, general sexual descriptions, frequent death, murder, suicide; alcohol use
🏳️🌈 Representation: most characters are gay, cis, white.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I didn't read the ebook, but I felt that the narrator brought a lot more drama to the story line.
His voice and tone are just perfect for the story line. It reminded me of the The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent series but perhaps a bit more serious?
Time travel makes any book a bit confusing but the author handles this pretty well. The story line circles in on itself like a mobius strip, so I had to go back and listen to some sections a few times.
⚠️ Content Notes: language, general sexual descriptions, frequent death, murder, suicide; alcohol use
🏳️🌈 Representation: most characters are gay, cis, white.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2023
Time Binge (Brooks & Smith #1) is about Agents Arturo Brooks and Eddie Smith’s forbidden love. As agents of Reticent, this fraternizing between colleagues is frowned upon. Still, nothing can come between the two, not even death. It is also about time travel, Lunar colonies of the future, immortal Puritans, time orphans, Parallel Universes, and the Reticent, a secret agency that deals with everything from biblical plagues to the potential event of Earth’s destruction to make way for an intergalactic highway.
Time Binge by Martina Fetzer is the first novel in her Brooks & Smith series. As a sci-fi reader, I’m not too fond of time travel as a serious topic. Lucky for me, this book is anything but serious. Fetzer takes a light-hearted stab at this genre. This book is fun and humorous enough to interest me in hunting out Fetzer’s other novels. I dare anyone to try reading this without laughing out loud at least once. It cannot be done. And any book that gives a shout-out to the late great Douglas Adams, no matter how subtle, is a must-read.
Time Binge by Martina Fetzer is the first novel in her Brooks & Smith series. As a sci-fi reader, I’m not too fond of time travel as a serious topic. Lucky for me, this book is anything but serious. Fetzer takes a light-hearted stab at this genre. This book is fun and humorous enough to interest me in hunting out Fetzer’s other novels. I dare anyone to try reading this without laughing out loud at least once. It cannot be done. And any book that gives a shout-out to the late great Douglas Adams, no matter how subtle, is a must-read.
October 31, 2017
“Time Binge” by Martina Fetzler is a funny irreverent sci-fi, fantasy novel (it’s really hard to categorize). It reminds me of Christopher Moore in any one of his books. It has elements of flat out weirdness and zany characters straight out of an old Marx Brothers movie.
What’s it about? Time travel ostensibly or at least the invention of a time machine, a super secret world organization whose purpose is to investigate paranormal phenomenon to make the world a safer place. Paranormal detectives Brooks and smith set out on a journey to save the world from the anomaly created by the aberrant time machine and from the organization they work for, the Reticent. It made me laugh and appreciate the writing of Ms Fetzler. This one is great if you need a break from serious reading. She has crafted it well.
What’s it about? Time travel ostensibly or at least the invention of a time machine, a super secret world organization whose purpose is to investigate paranormal phenomenon to make the world a safer place. Paranormal detectives Brooks and smith set out on a journey to save the world from the anomaly created by the aberrant time machine and from the organization they work for, the Reticent. It made me laugh and appreciate the writing of Ms Fetzler. This one is great if you need a break from serious reading. She has crafted it well.
July 9, 2022
Three Stars instead of Five Because...
The ending, while not a true cliffhanger (thank you!), was still enough of a non-ending that I cannot trust the author not to do it again. Martina Fetzer is a brilliant world-builder and an excellent author who can take a complicated plot and make it easy to understand and follow. She can also add hysterical asides that sometimes had me laughing out loud. I love time travel stories and this is truly original, but not for me because, again, I like plot issues to wrap up in the end. It is NOT for children, not even YA in my humble opinion. I will not pick up the next one, but you may enjoy it.
The ending, while not a true cliffhanger (thank you!), was still enough of a non-ending that I cannot trust the author not to do it again. Martina Fetzer is a brilliant world-builder and an excellent author who can take a complicated plot and make it easy to understand and follow. She can also add hysterical asides that sometimes had me laughing out loud. I love time travel stories and this is truly original, but not for me because, again, I like plot issues to wrap up in the end. It is NOT for children, not even YA in my humble opinion. I will not pick up the next one, but you may enjoy it.
August 19, 2023
When I first started to read this book, I thought I would like it pretty well. There was a lot of quirky, dark humor, and the characters were pretty interesting. The kind of creatures (and the explanations) that The Reticent sent agents Brooks and Smith to rid the world of, were interesting and kind of weird. However, with all the different time iterations, I started to get weary and also somewhat confused. This book is humoros scifi, so it is all tongue in cheek, and sure to trigger the easily offended (previously in humor, nothing was off bounds). So, if you are a fan of Neil Gaiman, you will probably enjoy this book. I got this book from For Voracious Readers Only.
January 20, 2023
It started off really funny, and then it just didn't hold my interests throughout. I give it five stars as an act of defiance. The star rating, and amateur reviewer era, needs to end. My personal opinion should mean nothing in terms of Martina's book sales. If you think the book sounds good to you, you should buy it and support the author. Don't let me, an amateur reviewer, tell you what is good and what is not good. Maybe I am just not smart enough to get it.
August 8, 2023
(I received a complimentary review copy of this novel from the author via Voracious Readers Only)
I really enjoyed this story. It was so readable and definitely reminds me of the Hitchhiker's Guide books with its zaniness and humour. The story was really well-paced and also easy to follow despite the complicated time travel scenarios. This author is entertaining and creates interesting characters, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I really enjoyed this story. It was so readable and definitely reminds me of the Hitchhiker's Guide books with its zaniness and humour. The story was really well-paced and also easy to follow despite the complicated time travel scenarios. This author is entertaining and creates interesting characters, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
October 24, 2021
this was an interesting take on time-travel, I enjoyed the plot of the book and getting to know the characters. The characters were really well done and were interesting people. I enjoyed the start of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2021
Time Binge by Martina Fetzer
What happens when people time travel? Usually nothing good.
Time Binge is a science fiction story featuring concpericy groups, and time travel. This book is clever and funny.
If you enjoyed Men in Black or love stories about time travel mishaps, you'll love this book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only
What happens when people time travel? Usually nothing good.
Time Binge is a science fiction story featuring concpericy groups, and time travel. This book is clever and funny.
If you enjoyed Men in Black or love stories about time travel mishaps, you'll love this book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only
April 19, 2023
Wonderfully narrated, this book is an absolute delight. Laugh out loud throughout with interesting characters and a fabulously quirky story line. I’m really looking forward to hearing and reading more from Martina Fetzer. She’s a very talented writer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
Sorry, this was a DNF for me. I was so confused, I couldn't follow the story and I didn't find any of the characters interesting enough to invest in.
Others have loved it, so maybe it's just one of those books that's just not for me.
Sorry, this was a DNF for me. I was so confused, I couldn't follow the story and I didn't find any of the characters interesting enough to invest in.
Others have loved it, so maybe it's just one of those books that's just not for me.
September 3, 2017
Met this author at Pop-Con here in WV. So glad I picked up a copy of her book, an autographed one too. :D It is fantastic! Great characters, interesting storyline, and humor that is actually laugh out loud funny. Now, I'm just kicking myself for not purchasing the sequel too.
January 23, 2019
I met this author at Steel City con in Pittsburgh, Pa and her pitch on the book was so good I couldn't resist! I wish I had bought the sequels! Guess I just have to wait for the next con! A truly funny read full of time travel paradox I can't even attempt to unravel! Highly recommend!
October 23, 2021
Fun, enjoyable read, with great characters.
I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
A must read for fans of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
A must read for fans of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 26, 2023
This one is a little rough hitting the right balance between character and narration but stick with it - the story is worth it and from the next book on everything works much smoother.
Looking for your next whacked out ride after reading all the John Dies books and waiting for more Tales from the Gas Station, like me? You’ve found it. I might be the only one in that predicament - I’ve certainly asked for recommendations on that basis enough times and gotten nothing. Why didn’t anyone tell me about these? Maybe nobody knows! Or maybe I’m the only one looking. 😢
Looking for your next whacked out ride after reading all the John Dies books and waiting for more Tales from the Gas Station, like me? You’ve found it. I might be the only one in that predicament - I’ve certainly asked for recommendations on that basis enough times and gotten nothing. Why didn’t anyone tell me about these? Maybe nobody knows! Or maybe I’m the only one looking. 😢
June 3, 2024
Great, funny, relatively short read (for me). Breaks the fourth wall a lot, in a humorous way. All the characters wind up being lovable in their own way. Definitely a good fun read! Probably a great beach read.
August 29, 2021
Loved this book! I can't wait to read the second and third.
November 4, 2021
This is like going to the carnival and taking all the rides. You never know what swoosh or whoop is around the next corner.
May 6, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. I liked it a lot. The plot was good, the pace lightning fast, and the characters believable.
Lots of humour and quirky writing.
Lots of humour and quirky writing.
July 9, 2023
It was confusing, which is how a time travel novel should be!
September 5, 2023
A fun and darkly hilarious sci fi adventure
November 7, 2021
Time Binge, Fetzer’s first Brooks and Smith novel, was an exceptional read. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and found myself faced with a fast-paced, zany ride that bounces from present, to past, to future. Think Douglas Adams with a charming LGBT twist and a healthy dash of darkness that is handled just right. If I wasn’t smirking, I was laughing aloud at this darkly humorous book.
This was an excellent introduction to Fetzer’s urban sci-fi fantasy world. In it, she finds her voice, and her rhythm, and uses it to totally blow readers away with the second book in the series (please go read it after this one. It was sososososo good).
Time travel is a confusing thing, and usually not my go-to when I pick up a novel, but I found it well researched and well-executed while remaining accessible for readers who aren’t heavy into sci-fi. I am not at all sad I gave this series a try and urge everyone who is a fan of Douglas Adams to give it a try.
This was an excellent introduction to Fetzer’s urban sci-fi fantasy world. In it, she finds her voice, and her rhythm, and uses it to totally blow readers away with the second book in the series (please go read it after this one. It was sososososo good).
Time travel is a confusing thing, and usually not my go-to when I pick up a novel, but I found it well researched and well-executed while remaining accessible for readers who aren’t heavy into sci-fi. I am not at all sad I gave this series a try and urge everyone who is a fan of Douglas Adams to give it a try.
July 6, 2023
Fabulously ridiculous and super fun! Great for fans of hitchhiker’s guide.
July 5, 2017
Couldn't help thinking this is going to be a great starting point for a SyFy original series someday.
December 2, 2023
This was such a fast read because I didn't want to put it down! Brooks and Smith added so much personality (and sarcasm) to every page! I loved all of the random pop culture name-dropping! Before I started reading this book I was worried about the time traveling and trying to keep up, but it is written so well so it's easy to follow and sometimes so comically explained.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I can't wait to read more in the series!
So entertaining!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I can't wait to read more in the series!
So entertaining!
January 3, 2017
You've got to hang on to remember who is who and who is whose future or past self at the beginning, but it all makes sense and the characters become clear after the first couple chapters. This is an interesting, entertaining, sci-fi-ish romp through time.
It's on my read again list, as I think it will get even better the more I read it.
It's on my read again list, as I think it will get even better the more I read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews