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Lost Time
If someone took everything you live for, how far would you go to get it back?
When a faulty time machine deposits Diego at the top of a pine tree, he knows he's in the wrong place—but has no idea he's in the wrong time. Naked and shivering in the chilly mountain air, he attempts to climb down, but slips, whacks his head, and falls into oblivion.
He wakes up inside a darkened room, crippled and disheartened, and must come to grips with the realization that he is marooned in a bleak alternate future. In this universe, what remains of the human race is trapped inside a handful of aging biodomes. With his mission failed, his world destroyed, and the one woman he loves, dead, he can find no reason to go on living.
But Lani, the emotionally scarred doctor who finds him, refuses to let him die, and as Diego heals, their relationship becomes... complicated. He struggles to let go of the past but is unable to get Isabel out of his head—or his heart. Just when it seems he may be able to find some measure of happiness in a world teetering on the edge of extinction...
Another note arrives from the future: Isabel is alive—but not for long…
When a faulty time machine deposits Diego at the top of a pine tree, he knows he's in the wrong place—but has no idea he's in the wrong time. Naked and shivering in the chilly mountain air, he attempts to climb down, but slips, whacks his head, and falls into oblivion.
He wakes up inside a darkened room, crippled and disheartened, and must come to grips with the realization that he is marooned in a bleak alternate future. In this universe, what remains of the human race is trapped inside a handful of aging biodomes. With his mission failed, his world destroyed, and the one woman he loves, dead, he can find no reason to go on living.
But Lani, the emotionally scarred doctor who finds him, refuses to let him die, and as Diego heals, their relationship becomes... complicated. He struggles to let go of the past but is unable to get Isabel out of his head—or his heart. Just when it seems he may be able to find some measure of happiness in a world teetering on the edge of extinction...
Another note arrives from the future: Isabel is alive—but not for long…
Audiobook
Published July 26, 2017
61 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Orton
8 books469 followersAWARD-WINNING AUTHOR DL ORTON lives in the Tropics with her husband, a golden retriever mix, a Siberian cat, and a bazillion geckos.
In her spare time, she's building a time machine so that someone can go back and do the laundry.
Website:
http://DLOrton.com
Ms Orton is a graduate of Stanford University's Writers Workshop and a past editor of "Top of the Western Staircase," a literary publication of CU, Boulder. The author has a number of short stories published in online literary magazines, including Literotica, Melusine, Cosmoetica, The Ranfurly Review, and Catalyst Press.
You can email her at dlo at dlorton dot com.
In her spare time, she's building a time machine so that someone can go back and do the laundry.
Website:
http://DLOrton.com
Ms Orton is a graduate of Stanford University's Writers Workshop and a past editor of "Top of the Western Staircase," a literary publication of CU, Boulder. The author has a number of short stories published in online literary magazines, including Literotica, Melusine, Cosmoetica, The Ranfurly Review, and Catalyst Press.
You can email her at dlo at dlorton dot com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 15, 2017
As a fan of time travel, what is not to love about this book. Well, I did love it, but I felt the frustrations of Diego as he is where he is not supposed to be and he is not able to connect with Isabel. I liked the doctor, but she was not Isabel.
The tension was stronger in this book and I felt more emotionally stressed reading this. That is great writing.
I am already reading book 3 and I can see where I am going to face a bit more tension and stress. I hope it is all for a good cause. Although I am not a fan of cliffhangers, this book left me ready for book 3.
The tension was stronger in this book and I felt more emotionally stressed reading this. That is great writing.
I am already reading book 3 and I can see where I am going to face a bit more tension and stress. I hope it is all for a good cause. Although I am not a fan of cliffhangers, this book left me ready for book 3.
February 2, 2022
It's Raining Men! Hallelujah!
The Weather Girls.
So The Human Race is in a wee pickle: Bombs, deadly shiny balls and viruses (mostly a deadly virus) have laid waste to The Naked Apes and what’s left of us, live in big plastic bubbles called Biodomes.
We can go Outside, but only in our biosuits (sealed plastic duds - not good if you had a feed of curry the night before), and that’s where we find one hot, blonde Shannon - complete with raging hormones - who’s out near the forest on fishpond-checking duty. All of a sudden, a naked man drops out of the tree, causing Shannon to look up, raise her arms toward Heaven and yell, “THANK YOU GOD!” (Well, I might have added that bit.) Yes, a naked, good-looking man with beautiful long hair and shrunken “boy parts”. Wait. What? Oh well. Three out of four ain’t bad.
Unfortunately, our naked man is none other than Diego. You know – the guy from Book 1. What? You haven’t read Book 1? Well off you go and read it then, ‘cos this book won’t make a whole lotta sense if you don’t. Now besides being unconscious from falling out of a tree like a retarded koala*, our man Diego is mighty pissed off. The pointy-headed dudes back in the lab, put the gearbox in his time machine all arse-about and he ended up 20 years into the future instead of the past. Bummer! And not only that; he ended up naked, with 25 broken bones (lucky the ground broke his fall) and shrunken wedding tackle. DOUBLE BUMMER!
Yes, Diego does spend most of the book recovering, but still manages to squeeze in a few amorous, and not so amorous, adventures as he realises he is in a different dimension. Shazza (Shannon) and a few other new characters are introduced to keep the pace going and all-in-all, it’s a pretty damn good story. Deb has kept her humorous, but engaging writing style and still punches out some great imagery. It's written in first person narrative, but it's a different first person in each chapter which can be a bit confusing for the weak-minded reader like me. Luckily Deb tells us which character is narrating at the beginning of each chapter. But still - switching from one person to the next can be a bit taxing. This book is a short read – my favourite type – and can apparently be obtained in “two flavours”. Mild, sans sweaty love scenes (suitable for the kiddies, weak hearted or those with delicate sensibilities), or Extra Chilli with bonking included. AND best of all, she kept doing the cool little drawings that preface each chapter.
A great read and expect the next instalment pretty soon.
EDIT: As I said in my review of Book 1, too much of Deb's apocalyptic predictions are COMING TRUE. I MUST read Book 3 soon. It slipped off my radar somehow.
The Weather Girls.
So The Human Race is in a wee pickle: Bombs, deadly shiny balls and viruses (mostly a deadly virus) have laid waste to The Naked Apes and what’s left of us, live in big plastic bubbles called Biodomes.
We can go Outside, but only in our biosuits (sealed plastic duds - not good if you had a feed of curry the night before), and that’s where we find one hot, blonde Shannon - complete with raging hormones - who’s out near the forest on fishpond-checking duty. All of a sudden, a naked man drops out of the tree, causing Shannon to look up, raise her arms toward Heaven and yell, “THANK YOU GOD!” (Well, I might have added that bit.) Yes, a naked, good-looking man with beautiful long hair and shrunken “boy parts”. Wait. What? Oh well. Three out of four ain’t bad.
Unfortunately, our naked man is none other than Diego. You know – the guy from Book 1. What? You haven’t read Book 1? Well off you go and read it then, ‘cos this book won’t make a whole lotta sense if you don’t. Now besides being unconscious from falling out of a tree like a retarded koala*, our man Diego is mighty pissed off. The pointy-headed dudes back in the lab, put the gearbox in his time machine all arse-about and he ended up 20 years into the future instead of the past. Bummer! And not only that; he ended up naked, with 25 broken bones (lucky the ground broke his fall) and shrunken wedding tackle. DOUBLE BUMMER!
Yes, Diego does spend most of the book recovering, but still manages to squeeze in a few amorous, and not so amorous, adventures as he realises he is in a different dimension. Shazza (Shannon) and a few other new characters are introduced to keep the pace going and all-in-all, it’s a pretty damn good story. Deb has kept her humorous, but engaging writing style and still punches out some great imagery. It's written in first person narrative, but it's a different first person in each chapter which can be a bit confusing for the weak-minded reader like me. Luckily Deb tells us which character is narrating at the beginning of each chapter. But still - switching from one person to the next can be a bit taxing. This book is a short read – my favourite type – and can apparently be obtained in “two flavours”. Mild, sans sweaty love scenes (suitable for the kiddies, weak hearted or those with delicate sensibilities), or Extra Chilli with bonking included. AND best of all, she kept doing the cool little drawings that preface each chapter.
A great read and expect the next instalment pretty soon.
EDIT: As I said in my review of Book 1, too much of Deb's apocalyptic predictions are COMING TRUE. I MUST read Book 3 soon. It slipped off my radar somehow.
January 22, 2018
My original Lost Time audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
This is the second book in the “Between Two Evils” series, which consists of three books so far. Crossing in Time should ideally be read prior to this one.
Having listened to the first book two years ago, I was a tad worried whether it would be difficult to get back into the story. In book 1, the story line was very complex with several perspectives and different time periods. Here, we have a linear story line and basically just Diego’s story. It was no problem at all to get back into it. However, I was expecting to find out more about Isabel. The love story between Diego and Isabel was a major part of book 1. Instead, there are two other perspectives introduced: 17-year-old Shannon’s and her mother’s, Lani. Lani is the doctor treating Diego after he mistakenly arrives some 20 years in the future in an alternate reality.
The story line is easy to follow. Even though I am not a big fan of science fiction / dystopian / time travel stories, I really enjoy this series because D.L. Orton has a genuine talent for creating interesting, likeable, multi-layered characters and all the relationship aspects are extremely well done and believable. This installment is a lot less steamy than the first book was. There is also less action. Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed it. It is very well written and filled with some nice little bits of humor. While I’m still dying to find out about Diego and Isabel, I am now also fully invested in what happens to Shannon.
My main complaint would be that the end just came out of nowhere. The story moves along quite slowly initially and then becomes pretty intense and really emotional towards the end. I was actually really shocked when the audio stopped and had to check I wasn’t missing anything. If I had checked that book 2 was only half the length of book 1 maybe I wouldn’t have been quite so taken by surprise.
So, by the end of this book, there are still lots of questions unanswered, but I am looking forward to the next installment, which – fortunately – is already available on audio.
The narration is once again done by Noah Michael Levine and Erin deWard. They won an Audie Award in 2016 and are my favorite duo of narrators. Their performances are simply outstanding. They work together so well. Erin deWard’s portrayal of young Shannon is brilliant. Noah Michael Levine’s accents are excellent. This would be worth listening to just for the narration.
There were no issues with the quality of the production.
I would highly recommend this series to anybody who enjoys time travel adventures and/or dystopian stories and who is not put off by some romance / relationship issues and enjoys a bit of humor / banter.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
This is the second book in the “Between Two Evils” series, which consists of three books so far. Crossing in Time should ideally be read prior to this one.
Having listened to the first book two years ago, I was a tad worried whether it would be difficult to get back into the story. In book 1, the story line was very complex with several perspectives and different time periods. Here, we have a linear story line and basically just Diego’s story. It was no problem at all to get back into it. However, I was expecting to find out more about Isabel. The love story between Diego and Isabel was a major part of book 1. Instead, there are two other perspectives introduced: 17-year-old Shannon’s and her mother’s, Lani. Lani is the doctor treating Diego after he mistakenly arrives some 20 years in the future in an alternate reality.
The story line is easy to follow. Even though I am not a big fan of science fiction / dystopian / time travel stories, I really enjoy this series because D.L. Orton has a genuine talent for creating interesting, likeable, multi-layered characters and all the relationship aspects are extremely well done and believable. This installment is a lot less steamy than the first book was. There is also less action. Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed it. It is very well written and filled with some nice little bits of humor. While I’m still dying to find out about Diego and Isabel, I am now also fully invested in what happens to Shannon.
My main complaint would be that the end just came out of nowhere. The story moves along quite slowly initially and then becomes pretty intense and really emotional towards the end. I was actually really shocked when the audio stopped and had to check I wasn’t missing anything. If I had checked that book 2 was only half the length of book 1 maybe I wouldn’t have been quite so taken by surprise.
So, by the end of this book, there are still lots of questions unanswered, but I am looking forward to the next installment, which – fortunately – is already available on audio.
The narration is once again done by Noah Michael Levine and Erin deWard. They won an Audie Award in 2016 and are my favorite duo of narrators. Their performances are simply outstanding. They work together so well. Erin deWard’s portrayal of young Shannon is brilliant. Noah Michael Levine’s accents are excellent. This would be worth listening to just for the narration.
There were no issues with the quality of the production.
I would highly recommend this series to anybody who enjoys time travel adventures and/or dystopian stories and who is not put off by some romance / relationship issues and enjoys a bit of humor / banter.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
August 13, 2025
Lost Time (Between Two Evils) by DL Orton is the second book in the series. The first book in the series, Crossing In Time, is the love story between Isabel and Diego. If you did not read the first book, much of the plot will not make sense.
What if you could rewrite the course of your life, change one decision, erase one scar? Lost Time (Between Two Evils) by DL Orton dials into this poignant question through its gripping narrative of time travel, redemption, and the fragile balance of human connection. Set against a dystopian backdrop where time doesn’t just slip—it unravels—the book hooks readers from the first page with its intricate exploration of parallel realities and the consequences of tampering with them.
Are you a fan of science fiction, dystopian worlds, or the mind-bending paradoxes of time travel? This book will feel tailor-made for you. With its sharp blend of speculative exploration and human emotion, it’s a treasure for those who enjoy thought experiments wrapped in a gripping narrative.
If you are looking for a linear continuation of the first book, this is not for you.
At the heart of this novel is Diego, a compelling, flawed character thrown into chaos when a time travel experiment propels him into the future instead of the past. Diego is more than a relatable (and oftentimes heart-wrenching) character—he’s a mirror for our own questions about regret and second chances. Has he learned his lessons about losing Isabel the first time? I think not.
Lani, his healer, she has no formal medical training in a future shaped by strange circumstances, brings warmth and complexity, challenging Diego to accept the fractured pieces of his current life. But does she really? Because, Isabel, though seemingly absent, looms powerfully in his memory and choices, embodying a theme that echoes throughout the book—can we truly move forward bound to the memories to the past? Does Lani even give him a chance to mourn his losses?
When Diego’s failed time travel experiment sends him forward instead of backward, he finds himself in a fractured future where nothing is quite as it seems. The love of his life, Isabel, is presumed dead, and Diego is forced to rebuild his sense of purpose with Lani, a strong yet enigmatic character who challenges his understanding of moving on.
This book hits all the right notes for a fan of speculative fiction—it’s layered, thought-provoking, and filled with moral grey areas that keep you turning pages. I appreciated how DL Orton explores time travel as more than just a sci-fi trope. Instead, it becomes a metaphor for our own what-ifs, regrets, and inability to escape the butterfly effects of our actions.
The concept of parallel realities is particularly compelling—they aren't just divergent paths; they serve as stark reminders that our decisions create ripples across all dimensions of our lives. Orton masterfully raises questions like, even with a second chance, are we destined to repeat our mistakes? Or will we just make the same mistakes in all realities?
Diego is a relatable, imperfect self. His struggles, not only with time but with the weight of his choices, make him feel deeply human. Lani grounds the narrative emotionally, offering a spark of hope amid the despair of dystopia. That said, some readers may find the timeline shifts slightly convoluted at first, but it’s worth sticking with—it all ties together beautifully in the end.
My main criticism of the book is that there is no Isabel. In the first book, it was of the most importance for her to change time. I does not seem to happen.
Lost Time (Between Two Evils) is a must-read for anyone who loves their science fiction served with a hearty dose of existential musings. Are our timelines malleable, or are they as fixed as the stars? Can we truly redeem ourselves, or are our scars and destinies intertwined, inescapable?
If you’re ready for a book that will not only entertain but also linger in your mind long after the final page, this is it. Be prepared to question not only how we perceive time—but how we perceive ourselves.
Thank you to Netgalley and Rocky Mountain Press Audio for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
What if you could rewrite the course of your life, change one decision, erase one scar? Lost Time (Between Two Evils) by DL Orton dials into this poignant question through its gripping narrative of time travel, redemption, and the fragile balance of human connection. Set against a dystopian backdrop where time doesn’t just slip—it unravels—the book hooks readers from the first page with its intricate exploration of parallel realities and the consequences of tampering with them.
Are you a fan of science fiction, dystopian worlds, or the mind-bending paradoxes of time travel? This book will feel tailor-made for you. With its sharp blend of speculative exploration and human emotion, it’s a treasure for those who enjoy thought experiments wrapped in a gripping narrative.
If you are looking for a linear continuation of the first book, this is not for you.
At the heart of this novel is Diego, a compelling, flawed character thrown into chaos when a time travel experiment propels him into the future instead of the past. Diego is more than a relatable (and oftentimes heart-wrenching) character—he’s a mirror for our own questions about regret and second chances. Has he learned his lessons about losing Isabel the first time? I think not.
Lani, his healer, she has no formal medical training in a future shaped by strange circumstances, brings warmth and complexity, challenging Diego to accept the fractured pieces of his current life. But does she really? Because, Isabel, though seemingly absent, looms powerfully in his memory and choices, embodying a theme that echoes throughout the book—can we truly move forward bound to the memories to the past? Does Lani even give him a chance to mourn his losses?
When Diego’s failed time travel experiment sends him forward instead of backward, he finds himself in a fractured future where nothing is quite as it seems. The love of his life, Isabel, is presumed dead, and Diego is forced to rebuild his sense of purpose with Lani, a strong yet enigmatic character who challenges his understanding of moving on.
This book hits all the right notes for a fan of speculative fiction—it’s layered, thought-provoking, and filled with moral grey areas that keep you turning pages. I appreciated how DL Orton explores time travel as more than just a sci-fi trope. Instead, it becomes a metaphor for our own what-ifs, regrets, and inability to escape the butterfly effects of our actions.
The concept of parallel realities is particularly compelling—they aren't just divergent paths; they serve as stark reminders that our decisions create ripples across all dimensions of our lives. Orton masterfully raises questions like, even with a second chance, are we destined to repeat our mistakes? Or will we just make the same mistakes in all realities?
Diego is a relatable, imperfect self. His struggles, not only with time but with the weight of his choices, make him feel deeply human. Lani grounds the narrative emotionally, offering a spark of hope amid the despair of dystopia. That said, some readers may find the timeline shifts slightly convoluted at first, but it’s worth sticking with—it all ties together beautifully in the end.
My main criticism of the book is that there is no Isabel. In the first book, it was of the most importance for her to change time. I does not seem to happen.
Lost Time (Between Two Evils) is a must-read for anyone who loves their science fiction served with a hearty dose of existential musings. Are our timelines malleable, or are they as fixed as the stars? Can we truly redeem ourselves, or are our scars and destinies intertwined, inescapable?
If you’re ready for a book that will not only entertain but also linger in your mind long after the final page, this is it. Be prepared to question not only how we perceive time—but how we perceive ourselves.
Thank you to Netgalley and Rocky Mountain Press Audio for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 15, 2016
As I said in my review of the author’s first book Crossing in Time, I am a fan of D.L. Orton and this book has only reinforced that opinion.
I enjoyed the focus on the intrigue of this book rather than the love story of the first book. Seriously, this was one of those books that I wanted to keep reading as each chapter built on the next while I become more involved with the characters wondering what would happen next in this future world. And, talk about a cliff hanger ending! I don’t know if it was planned this way, but as I was reading on my Kindle, I noticed I was about 85% complete and moving excitedly through the story when it abruptly ended at a highly emotional spot totally by surprise.
The remaining 15% of the book was a wonderful letter from the author, explaining her thoughts on this book and the previous. I was pleasantly surprised to see how she considered and took to heart all the feedback from her fans after her first book. Authors may have done this previously, but I personally do not recall being aware of this. I was very impressed. In addition, she included a preview of the next book for which I anxiously await.
I enjoyed the focus on the intrigue of this book rather than the love story of the first book. Seriously, this was one of those books that I wanted to keep reading as each chapter built on the next while I become more involved with the characters wondering what would happen next in this future world. And, talk about a cliff hanger ending! I don’t know if it was planned this way, but as I was reading on my Kindle, I noticed I was about 85% complete and moving excitedly through the story when it abruptly ended at a highly emotional spot totally by surprise.
The remaining 15% of the book was a wonderful letter from the author, explaining her thoughts on this book and the previous. I was pleasantly surprised to see how she considered and took to heart all the feedback from her fans after her first book. Authors may have done this previously, but I personally do not recall being aware of this. I was very impressed. In addition, she included a preview of the next book for which I anxiously await.
June 24, 2016
Malfunctioned time machine takes Diego to the future in a parallel universe where Isabel is thought to be dead. Like book 1, Ms. Orton’s creativity is clearly shown in how she explores the idea of time travel and parallel universe. I was totally psyched by the world building, storyline and characters in Crossing in Time, but I am having a hard time liking the direction of the plot in Lost Time it took, mainly because
All in all, the writing, pace, and world building stand out. Plus, the series sort of crosses genre boundaries and has a broad-based appeal. It is just that the romance in here completely bugs the heck out of me.
arc kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!
All in all, the writing, pace, and world building stand out. Plus, the series sort of crosses genre boundaries and has a broad-based appeal. It is just that the romance in here completely bugs the heck out of me.
arc kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!
November 5, 2016
Just finished reading “Lost Time: Between Two Evils Book Two” by DL Orton. I won a print copy of this book on Goodreads.com a few months ago. This is the second book in the Between Two Evils Series. Book One was really good (a little heavy on the romance), but Book Two is so much better and gets more into the Science Fiction/Time Travel and backstory of some of the characters and the new locations in this somewhat dystopian society that reside inside bio domes to survive. Diego being the only exception to this rule, and may have the answer to living outside the domes in his blood. I am looking forward to the continuation of this series and the next book in this series.
Synopsis: If someone took everything you live for, how far would you go to get it back?
When a faulty time machine deposits Diego at the top of a pine tree, he knows he's in the wrong place--but has no idea he's in the wrong time. Naked and shivering in the chilly mountain air, he attempts to climb down but slips, whacks his head, and falls into oblivion.
He wakes up inside a darkened room, crippled and disheartened, and must come to grips with the realization that he is marooned in a bleak alternate future. In this universe, what remains of the human race is trapped inside a handful of aging bio domes. With his mission failed, his world destroyed, and the one woman he loves, dead, he can find no reason to go on living.
But Lani, the emotionally scarred doctor who finds him, refuses to let him die, and as Diego heals, their relationship becomes... complicated.
He struggles to let go of the past but is unable to get Isabel out of his head--or his heart. Just when it seems he may be able to find some measure of happiness in a world teetering on the edge of extinction...
Another note arrives from the future: Isabel is alive--but not for long...
Synopsis: If someone took everything you live for, how far would you go to get it back?
When a faulty time machine deposits Diego at the top of a pine tree, he knows he's in the wrong place--but has no idea he's in the wrong time. Naked and shivering in the chilly mountain air, he attempts to climb down but slips, whacks his head, and falls into oblivion.
He wakes up inside a darkened room, crippled and disheartened, and must come to grips with the realization that he is marooned in a bleak alternate future. In this universe, what remains of the human race is trapped inside a handful of aging bio domes. With his mission failed, his world destroyed, and the one woman he loves, dead, he can find no reason to go on living.
But Lani, the emotionally scarred doctor who finds him, refuses to let him die, and as Diego heals, their relationship becomes... complicated.
He struggles to let go of the past but is unable to get Isabel out of his head--or his heart. Just when it seems he may be able to find some measure of happiness in a world teetering on the edge of extinction...
Another note arrives from the future: Isabel is alive--but not for long...
January 19, 2018
My original Lost Time audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
This is the second book in the "Between Two Evils" series, which consists of three books so far. "Crossing In Time" should ideally be read prior to this one.
Having listened to the first book two years ago, I was a tad worried whether it would be difficult to get back into the story. The story line in book 1 was very complex with several perspectives and different time periods. Here, we have a linear story line and basically just Diego's story. It was no problem at all to get back into it. However, I was expecting to find out more about Isabel. The love story between Diego and Isabel was a major part of book 1. Instead, there are two other perspectives introduced: 17-year-old Shannon's and her mother's, Lani. Lani is the doctor treating Diego after he mistakenly arrives some 20 years in the future in an alternate reality.
The story line is easy to follow. Even though I am not a big fan of science fiction / dystopian / time travel stories, I really enjoy this series because D.L. Orton has a genuine talent for creating interesting, likeable, multi-layered characters and all the relationship aspects are so well done and believable. This installment is a lot less steamy than the first book was. There is also less action. Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed it. It is very well written and filled with some nice little bits of humor. While I'm still dying to find out about Diego and Isabel, I am now also fully invested in what happens to Shannon.
My main complaint would be that the end just came out of nowhere. The story moves along quite slowly initially and then becomes pretty intense and really emotional towards the end. I was actually really shocked when the audio stopped and had to check I wasn't missing anything. If I had checked that book 2 was only half the length of book 1 maybe I wouldn't have been so taken by surprise.
So, by the end of this book, there are still lots of questions unanswered, but I am looking forward to the next installment, which - fortunately - is already available on audio.
The narration is once again done by Noah Michael Levine and Erin deWard. They won an Audie Award in 2016 and are my favorite duo of narrators. Their performances are simply outstanding. They work together so well. Erin deWard's portrayal of young Shannon is brilliant. Noah Michael Levine's accents are excellent. This would be worth listening to just for the narration.
There were no issues with the quality of the production.
I would highly recommend this series to anybody who enjoys time travel adventures and/or dystopian stories and who is not put off by some romance / relationship issues and enjoys a bit of humor / banter.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
This is the second book in the "Between Two Evils" series, which consists of three books so far. "Crossing In Time" should ideally be read prior to this one.
Having listened to the first book two years ago, I was a tad worried whether it would be difficult to get back into the story. The story line in book 1 was very complex with several perspectives and different time periods. Here, we have a linear story line and basically just Diego's story. It was no problem at all to get back into it. However, I was expecting to find out more about Isabel. The love story between Diego and Isabel was a major part of book 1. Instead, there are two other perspectives introduced: 17-year-old Shannon's and her mother's, Lani. Lani is the doctor treating Diego after he mistakenly arrives some 20 years in the future in an alternate reality.
The story line is easy to follow. Even though I am not a big fan of science fiction / dystopian / time travel stories, I really enjoy this series because D.L. Orton has a genuine talent for creating interesting, likeable, multi-layered characters and all the relationship aspects are so well done and believable. This installment is a lot less steamy than the first book was. There is also less action. Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed it. It is very well written and filled with some nice little bits of humor. While I'm still dying to find out about Diego and Isabel, I am now also fully invested in what happens to Shannon.
My main complaint would be that the end just came out of nowhere. The story moves along quite slowly initially and then becomes pretty intense and really emotional towards the end. I was actually really shocked when the audio stopped and had to check I wasn't missing anything. If I had checked that book 2 was only half the length of book 1 maybe I wouldn't have been so taken by surprise.
So, by the end of this book, there are still lots of questions unanswered, but I am looking forward to the next installment, which - fortunately - is already available on audio.
The narration is once again done by Noah Michael Levine and Erin deWard. They won an Audie Award in 2016 and are my favorite duo of narrators. Their performances are simply outstanding. They work together so well. Erin deWard's portrayal of young Shannon is brilliant. Noah Michael Levine's accents are excellent. This would be worth listening to just for the narration.
There were no issues with the quality of the production.
I would highly recommend this series to anybody who enjoys time travel adventures and/or dystopian stories and who is not put off by some romance / relationship issues and enjoys a bit of humor / banter.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
September 9, 2016
Diego was meant to go back in time to try and stop a deadly virus from killing the world’s population. Instead of waking up in the past though, he seems to have made it to the future… and in a parallel universe. Is there still hope for his mission?
I must confess I was slightly worried about starting Lost Time after having finished Crossing in Time over a year ago. All it took was one chapter, though. Honestly, it felt as if I had never stopped reading in the first place. The consistency is beyond extraordinary. Even though we’re traveling across time and space, it feels so congruent that it opens doors to probability. I believe that to be a testament to D.L. Orton’s skill. I am no longer reading from the realm of incredulity, I have comfortably moved to the one of possibility. This change creates a flow between the reader and the text that makes bonding with this story, with these characters, something that happens naturally and that requires no rationalization whatsoever.
I will never grow tired of saying how exceptionally clever this saga is. The original premise has developed into an intricate series of events that seem to flawlessly blend with one another as layers of an immense composition ironically named reality.
Imagine you are given a puzzle with an endless number of pieces. It’s overwhelming at first, you having absolutely no idea of where to start. The Between Two Evils saga is that puzzle, but with a twist. All you have to do is acknowledge the pieces and then watch them come together, becoming a whole − and what a whole it is! I don’t know how D.L. Orton does it, but there are no loose ends. Everything plays a part.
“If you don’t take the time to do it right, how are you going to find the time to do it over?”
Not only is Lost Time intriguing, it manages to be interesting without feeling at all dense. I think the epic references to pop culture, that go from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Harry Potter, and the incredibly written humor are to blame for this delightful dispersion that will keep you floating, even when submerged.
If you liked A Vision of Fire and/or The Martian, I believe you will feel right at home with the Crossing in Time and Lost Time.
February 4, 2017
I loved this book, totally different to the first book, but loved it nonetheless.
This will contain spoilers for the first book if you haven't read it.
In the first book
In this second book we see what happened when Diego leaves the time machine. He has been sent over 20 years into the future in an alternate reality. Rescued from the toxic outside air by a young girl, he is brought into a bio-dome and healed by a doctor called Lani. As we read on, similar to the situations that befell Isabel when she went back in time, Diego finds out that things are subtly different in this universe. Several of the characters we knew in the first book reappear in this book but they have slightly different names/nicknames for example, in the first book when Isabel meets Diego in the alternate universe he is known as Tego by his friends and family. Diego is a miracle man on this world because he can live outside without breathing apparatus whereas the remaining humans on earth would die almost instantly. Could his blood form a vaccine to enable humanity to live outside the bio-domes?
First off, let me say, there is no other time travel in this book. This isn't like Just One Damned Thing After Another where the scientists and historians make several jumps around time. Diego is stuck 20 years in the future in an alternate reality which did not build a time machine, desperately trying to find out if Isabel is alive.
This book reminded me (and I don't know why) of some of Robert A. Heinlein shorter stories and books. Maybe it's the living in a bio-dome, trying to repair old and failing equipment. Maybe it's the religious fundamentalists. Maybe it's Shannon, the young girl who rescued Diego, who reminds me of some of Heinlein's wide-eyed and naive heroes and heroines. I don't know, but it's not a bad thing to be reminded of.
So, if the first book was comprised of two halves: part one being the backstory to creating the time-machine and how the world ended; and part two being Isabel's trip back in time to meet Tego, this book is firmly all about Diego's trip to the future.
I am waiting with baited breath for the third book - so much is up in the air and I worry what will happen to them in the interim ...
I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This will contain spoilers for the first book if you haven't read it.
In the first book
In this second book we see what happened when Diego leaves the time machine. He has been sent over 20 years into the future in an alternate reality. Rescued from the toxic outside air by a young girl, he is brought into a bio-dome and healed by a doctor called Lani. As we read on, similar to the situations that befell Isabel when she went back in time, Diego finds out that things are subtly different in this universe. Several of the characters we knew in the first book reappear in this book but they have slightly different names/nicknames for example, in the first book when Isabel meets Diego in the alternate universe he is known as Tego by his friends and family. Diego is a miracle man on this world because he can live outside without breathing apparatus whereas the remaining humans on earth would die almost instantly. Could his blood form a vaccine to enable humanity to live outside the bio-domes?
First off, let me say, there is no other time travel in this book. This isn't like Just One Damned Thing After Another where the scientists and historians make several jumps around time. Diego is stuck 20 years in the future in an alternate reality which did not build a time machine, desperately trying to find out if Isabel is alive.
This book reminded me (and I don't know why) of some of Robert A. Heinlein shorter stories and books. Maybe it's the living in a bio-dome, trying to repair old and failing equipment. Maybe it's the religious fundamentalists. Maybe it's Shannon, the young girl who rescued Diego, who reminds me of some of Heinlein's wide-eyed and naive heroes and heroines. I don't know, but it's not a bad thing to be reminded of.
So, if the first book was comprised of two halves: part one being the backstory to creating the time-machine and how the world ended; and part two being Isabel's trip back in time to meet Tego, this book is firmly all about Diego's trip to the future.
I am waiting with baited breath for the third book - so much is up in the air and I worry what will happen to them in the interim ...
I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
April 27, 2017
This is the second book in the Between Two Evils series. I enjoyed this book more than the first one.
Diego is a fantastic character. I really liked him. He is kind and loving. There is a lot of cheesy/pun-y dialogue by him that had me rolling my eyes at times, but its all part of his charm. When the time machine (from book 1) malfunctions, he finds himself trapped eighteen years in the future. This future/parallel world has been devastated by a terrible event and the survivors are living in biodomes created by David Kirk (who is known as Dave Kirkland where Diego originally comes from). Will Diego find a way to get home to Isabel, or will he be trapped in this alternate universe forever?
This story is a lot less complicated than the first book and is based purely in the alternate world where Diego finds himself. The story is told mostly through the eyes of Diego, though other characters have their say too, mostly Lani, the unofficial doctor in the biodome (called affectionately the Bub by its inhabitants) and her seventeen year old daughter Shannon. These two characters play a major role in this story and I liked them both. A lot. They have a warmth about them that made them come alive, not to mention they are both stubborn and opinionated. There are also other characters that are introduced and give the story an interesting twist. One of them is Madders, a pilot who is a father figure to Shannon and encourages her to follow her dream of being an engineer. He doesn't actually make an appearance until late into the story but he too has a major role in this tale.
This book is action packed and took me on a wild roller coaster ride of emotion. There is even a hint of romance, and I found myself hoping that Diego and Lani would get together. However, his heart still belongs to Isabel. Diego struggles with his new reality and is determined to find a way to get home to her. I did find some of the story repetitive plot-wise to book one, which annoyed me, even though the scenes were completely different. I suppose this is the problem with time travel type stories, where the plot follows the same line even if events happen in a different way. The story does end on an exciting if somewhat heartbreaking climax and it left me in tears. Although not exactly a cliffhanger, it definitely made me eager to find out what happens next. I am now looking forward to reading the third book, Dead Time, as soon as possible.
DL Orton has written an intriguing time travel romance. I enjoyed her writing style, which is not as fast paced as some other authors I've read but it still had me turning the pages. The flow of the story is a lot smoother than the first book and this made it a more pleasurable read. I would definitely read more of her books in the future.
There are no scenes of an explicit nature, although there is mention of sexual activity. Having said that, I do not recommend this book to younger readers (under 16) due to the nature of the story. However, I do recommend this book if you love dystopian or time travel romances. - Lynn Worton
Diego is a fantastic character. I really liked him. He is kind and loving. There is a lot of cheesy/pun-y dialogue by him that had me rolling my eyes at times, but its all part of his charm. When the time machine (from book 1) malfunctions, he finds himself trapped eighteen years in the future. This future/parallel world has been devastated by a terrible event and the survivors are living in biodomes created by David Kirk (who is known as Dave Kirkland where Diego originally comes from). Will Diego find a way to get home to Isabel, or will he be trapped in this alternate universe forever?
This story is a lot less complicated than the first book and is based purely in the alternate world where Diego finds himself. The story is told mostly through the eyes of Diego, though other characters have their say too, mostly Lani, the unofficial doctor in the biodome (called affectionately the Bub by its inhabitants) and her seventeen year old daughter Shannon. These two characters play a major role in this story and I liked them both. A lot. They have a warmth about them that made them come alive, not to mention they are both stubborn and opinionated. There are also other characters that are introduced and give the story an interesting twist. One of them is Madders, a pilot who is a father figure to Shannon and encourages her to follow her dream of being an engineer. He doesn't actually make an appearance until late into the story but he too has a major role in this tale.
This book is action packed and took me on a wild roller coaster ride of emotion. There is even a hint of romance, and I found myself hoping that Diego and Lani would get together. However, his heart still belongs to Isabel. Diego struggles with his new reality and is determined to find a way to get home to her. I did find some of the story repetitive plot-wise to book one, which annoyed me, even though the scenes were completely different. I suppose this is the problem with time travel type stories, where the plot follows the same line even if events happen in a different way. The story does end on an exciting if somewhat heartbreaking climax and it left me in tears. Although not exactly a cliffhanger, it definitely made me eager to find out what happens next. I am now looking forward to reading the third book, Dead Time, as soon as possible.
DL Orton has written an intriguing time travel romance. I enjoyed her writing style, which is not as fast paced as some other authors I've read but it still had me turning the pages. The flow of the story is a lot smoother than the first book and this made it a more pleasurable read. I would definitely read more of her books in the future.
There are no scenes of an explicit nature, although there is mention of sexual activity. Having said that, I do not recommend this book to younger readers (under 16) due to the nature of the story. However, I do recommend this book if you love dystopian or time travel romances. - Lynn Worton
January 9, 2017
Orton formed the three components in a way that seemed seamless. I wasn’t sure how it could be done but Lost Time illustrates that flow very well.
Not only were the categorical rudiments fashioned flawless, but, just like in Crossing Time, the characters, as the plot, were well-developed and realistic. Diego and Isabel, the time-travelled couple, are back with their respective stories and points of view. Furthermore, Orton makes this novel very easy to follow with the separating of different vantage points. This way, you know exactly who is speaking, how they are feeling as they speak, and where they are speaking.
This time around, I felt like I got a little more Diego, which I was fine with me as he’s my favorite of the characters. In this story, you meet him literally out on a limb and wounded, clutching tight to a shell in his hands while humanity has entered the brink of ending. All the while, he is searching for Isabel. My heart was racing and breaking all at the same time.
Also, you’ll meet some great new characters. Shannon, the humorous teenage girl who finds Diego, is favorite of mine because I know people just like her who, among other things, bring humor and personality to an otherwise bleak situation.
At its core, Lost Time is an enduring tale of love and enigma with an Armageddon-esque twist. While I would have liked it to be as long as the last book and it does end on a cliffhanger, I thoroughly enjoyed it as the plot was constructed in a way that the reader does not feel like any story has been lost.
Not only were the categorical rudiments fashioned flawless, but, just like in Crossing Time, the characters, as the plot, were well-developed and realistic. Diego and Isabel, the time-travelled couple, are back with their respective stories and points of view. Furthermore, Orton makes this novel very easy to follow with the separating of different vantage points. This way, you know exactly who is speaking, how they are feeling as they speak, and where they are speaking.
This time around, I felt like I got a little more Diego, which I was fine with me as he’s my favorite of the characters. In this story, you meet him literally out on a limb and wounded, clutching tight to a shell in his hands while humanity has entered the brink of ending. All the while, he is searching for Isabel. My heart was racing and breaking all at the same time.
Also, you’ll meet some great new characters. Shannon, the humorous teenage girl who finds Diego, is favorite of mine because I know people just like her who, among other things, bring humor and personality to an otherwise bleak situation.
At its core, Lost Time is an enduring tale of love and enigma with an Armageddon-esque twist. While I would have liked it to be as long as the last book and it does end on a cliffhanger, I thoroughly enjoyed it as the plot was constructed in a way that the reader does not feel like any story has been lost.
Read
February 6, 2025I was so conflicted with the first installation of this book. The romance drove the story, which I normally don't like, but it didn't take away from the first one for me because I knew that this was part of a trilogy. In the first book, there was almost no spice, which I loved, and the Sci-Fi subplot was interesting enough to keep me engaged,
In this second book, the spice level was picked up but still not overwhelming, and the romance was tuned down(which I don't object to), since it made room for more background and world building.
While there was some more character development, specifically around Diego, Lani's character was a great introduction in the driving of Diego's character development, and I want to learn more about Shannon. I wanted some more information on how Isabel's character developed in this alternate timeline, for me, just placing someone in a different timeline with a different personality, without a new backstory is not sufficient and felt a little lazy. I hope this is addressed in the third installment.
The narration is not great on this one, and suffered the same issue expressed in my review of the first book: "The normal speed was insanely slow, and the breathy tone of the female at that speed was annoying. Male voice was good."
Given these challenges, the story progression and development is better in this second installment, with the understanding that it is a bridge to the final book.
Thank you to Rocky Mountain Press Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audio. My Opinions are my own.
In this second book, the spice level was picked up but still not overwhelming, and the romance was tuned down(which I don't object to), since it made room for more background and world building.
While there was some more character development, specifically around Diego, Lani's character was a great introduction in the driving of Diego's character development, and I want to learn more about Shannon. I wanted some more information on how Isabel's character developed in this alternate timeline, for me, just placing someone in a different timeline with a different personality, without a new backstory is not sufficient and felt a little lazy. I hope this is addressed in the third installment.
The narration is not great on this one, and suffered the same issue expressed in my review of the first book: "The normal speed was insanely slow, and the breathy tone of the female at that speed was annoying. Male voice was good."
Given these challenges, the story progression and development is better in this second installment, with the understanding that it is a bridge to the final book.
Thank you to Rocky Mountain Press Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audio. My Opinions are my own.
December 30, 2020
Earlier in the year I read the first book in this series Crossing In Time as part of a blog tour and I was really interested in continuing to see how the series was going to progress so and I’m pleased to say this one didn’t disappoint.
I really enjoyed the writing and plot in this one. The world building was also really well done and couldn’t wait to discover more. Although the book starts off a little slow at the beginning the pace soon picks up and I couldn’t stop listening.
I was expecting to find out more about Isabel in this book, but instead we got more from Diego’s side of the story. Personally, I didn’t mind as Diego is my favourite character. We are also introduced to two new main character’s 17 year old Shannon and her mum Lani. I took a liking to both. they were really well done and very believable. I can’t wait to find out what happens to them next especially Shannon.
Another favourite of mine was that this book concentrated less on the romance side, and a little less in your face.
I definitely enjoyed this this book much more and after the cliff-hanger ending can’t wait to pick up the third book Dead Time.
I highly recommend this series so far. If you decide to pick this one up you’ll definitely need to read the first book.
I really enjoyed the writing and plot in this one. The world building was also really well done and couldn’t wait to discover more. Although the book starts off a little slow at the beginning the pace soon picks up and I couldn’t stop listening.
I was expecting to find out more about Isabel in this book, but instead we got more from Diego’s side of the story. Personally, I didn’t mind as Diego is my favourite character. We are also introduced to two new main character’s 17 year old Shannon and her mum Lani. I took a liking to both. they were really well done and very believable. I can’t wait to find out what happens to them next especially Shannon.
Another favourite of mine was that this book concentrated less on the romance side, and a little less in your face.
I definitely enjoyed this this book much more and after the cliff-hanger ending can’t wait to pick up the third book Dead Time.
I highly recommend this series so far. If you decide to pick this one up you’ll definitely need to read the first book.
July 5, 2018
This made sense being shorter
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
I was not sure this could get any more intense but this time around things take a turn. Diego is stuck somewhere in time and without his Isabel. With all this he has to learn to live the life he was currently in. This was deep and challenging. Diego was lost and confused with out Isable and it was hard to see him feel so lost. I did like Dr. Lani but she was not who I came accustom to. I found this to be an unexpected twist in things. The time imbalance was nerve wracking but fulfilling. This was a series adventure through time and the difference in the worlds. I am very excited to get to the next one.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
I was not sure this could get any more intense but this time around things take a turn. Diego is stuck somewhere in time and without his Isabel. With all this he has to learn to live the life he was currently in. This was deep and challenging. Diego was lost and confused with out Isable and it was hard to see him feel so lost. I did like Dr. Lani but she was not who I came accustom to. I found this to be an unexpected twist in things. The time imbalance was nerve wracking but fulfilling. This was a series adventure through time and the difference in the worlds. I am very excited to get to the next one.
March 12, 2017
Although this book (The second in the Between Two Evils series) switches to different characters and story threads, and paces a little differently than the first book, I couldn't help but love it. The book deals more with the depths of interpersonal relations, and the characters are all fully fleshed out, relatable and (even though I didn't want to like some of them) lovable. This book dials back the "action" but it doesn't suffer because of it. The character studies and story flow smoothly and it's truly a joy to read. Every character's story will hold you and they won't let you go. Heart breaking at times, funny, smart, and bloody-well told. I can't wait to read the next one!!!
August 29, 2016
A man in strong plot and a delicious story too boot!
I thought this authors books couldnt get any better, but i was severely wrong! i was glued to the story. A story that followed characters on another journey that was emotional I got invested in his character. A strong confident male lead this time, who I could imagine was gorgeous. You just have to read this, you'd be a fool not to! I was so glad I bought this the second story in this series. Really can't wait to see her next offering in this series! I'm honestly blown away by the plot, its like she has written with her heart and soul!
I thought this authors books couldnt get any better, but i was severely wrong! i was glued to the story. A story that followed characters on another journey that was emotional I got invested in his character. A strong confident male lead this time, who I could imagine was gorgeous. You just have to read this, you'd be a fool not to! I was so glad I bought this the second story in this series. Really can't wait to see her next offering in this series! I'm honestly blown away by the plot, its like she has written with her heart and soul!
May 17, 2017
Book Two
I liked this free ebook from the author. It was not as great as book one. Yes, I missed the intense love scenes that it had. Those two people really cared intensely for each other! Diego, in this story was a lesser hero but a pleasant one. The ending irritated me. Two more books to go.
I liked this free ebook from the author. It was not as great as book one. Yes, I missed the intense love scenes that it had. Those two people really cared intensely for each other! Diego, in this story was a lesser hero but a pleasant one. The ending irritated me. Two more books to go.
July 19, 2016
The next installment of the Between Two Evils series. A top-star rated book!
Read my official OnlineBookClub review here:
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Read my official OnlineBookClub review here:
http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
August 8, 2018
I am goin mad about this story. !
Someone who read this book and wanna cry with me? I can't help it. This is asoiaf all over again. :'(
Someone who read this book and wanna cry with me? I can't help it. This is asoiaf all over again. :'(
November 28, 2024
I'm enjoying this series alot I can't wait to find out what happens next the storylines are so fun but also so full of tension it is addictive and gripping
June 17, 2016
***DISCLAIMER - I'm one of DL Orton's proofreaders, so I received a (free) pre-publication e-copy of this novel to proof. However, I am also buying the e-book just to see how it changes (if at all) and to check out if the chapters still have those little drawings like the first book had***
Was excited at the end of Crossing in Time to see how our heroes—Isabel, Diego, & Matt—would fare when the time machine malfunctioned and Diego was sent who knows when but Tego was in the past with young Iz (possibly being helped by an older Diego). Unfortunately, when you write a series of books about time travelers and the end of the world and parallel universes, you can't exactly follow every single thread—there are just too many balls in the air.
Lost Time follows Diego as he travels to another world/another time and Earth Prime (the one we spent most of CiT in) is all but forgotten. Diego is on another Earth some twenty years into the future—a world ravaged by the Doomsday Plague he was supposed to prevent (if the time machine hadn't sent him to the wrong place and time). Most of the world's population has perished, with only a small fraction living among dozens of biodomes built around the globe.
Orton keeps the same writing pattern she built in CiT—alternating narrators chapter by chapter. But since we don't have Isabel and Matt to guide us any more, we're introduced to Lani & Shannon who each take every third chapter or so. (Small world alarm—Lani is actually a character we met in the first few chapters of CiT & Shannon, her daughter)
Shannon & Lani live in the Bub—a biodome in Colorado that's kept a few dozen (or hundred?) people alive for the twenty years since Doomsday mutated and nearly destroyed humanity. Lani is the de facto doctor who patches up Diego (whom many call "Mystery Man" due to his sudden (naked!) appearance Outside where the virus exists and no one survives) & Shannon is attempting to solve their bulky biosuit dilemma by finding a more streamlined method to travel Outside (and not die).
There are a few chapters where Diego keeps the truth of his situation a secret, trying to figure out where/when he his. Eventually Lani & Diego open up to one another, sharing all (most?) of their dark secrets. Diego mourns for his Isabel, but without an Einstein Sphere or Magic Kingdom, his chances of ever seeing her again are practically zero—so a romance develops between the two. But not until after 17-year-old Shannon puts the moves on Diego (after all, somebody's got to try to repopulate the world, and since Shannon was the one who first found Mystery Man outside, she's basically got dibs).
Orton has scaled back a bit on the "adult" writing that seemed to come out of left field in the last quarter of CiT, but there is still some passion here and there. Whether it's young, immature Shannon talking about Diego's "boy parts" or some magazine's "hunks in the buff" or Diego worrying about his little "Gus" and the "tent" Gus sometimes makes when he gets excited, there's some writing that's a little NSFW. And yet—I don't know exactly how to put this—a lot of the innuendo seems almost PG-13. I don't know—I haven't read much erotica/Harlequin/risqué material but sometimes it just felt a little awkward—like maybe Orton wants to write more of those scenes, but is holding back?
The book is probably about half as long as CiT (25 chapters vs 50+) and I imagine it could work as a standalone novel. It's hard for me to say that with certainty having read both in the series, but I feel like this story works well on its own (although it is definitely enriched by knowing what's come before it). My main complaint (and reason for 4* instead of 5*) is that as a standalone novel it doesn't do very well standing alone. It's very reliant on Book 3 in the series as it basically ends with a cliffhanger.
There is a nice preview of Book 3 (yet to be named in my pre-proofreading copy) to give you some insight into what happens, but still. It may be unfair, but I like to compare books in series to Harry Potter—there was definitely a 7-book arc that JK Rowling had in mind and told over the entire series, but each individual book had its own smaller arc with a nice beginning, middle, and end. Lost Time sort of lacks an Act Three, as it were; there's definitely a nice introduction with some set up and just enough exposition; there's some good obstacles and mini climaxes and even a twist or two; but the second to last chapter has a huge crisis/disaster/climax and there's no real resolution or denouement.
Now, maybe that's smart writing for an indie writer trying to break out. I know I'll be waiting for Book 3 to come out (even if she doesn't rehire me as a proofreader) to find out more about what happened! But it still feels like, by itself, I can't give this book 5*.
Also, for spending a good 3/4 of the book inside the Bub, I couldn't name you more than 2 or 3 other characters within the biodome. I like the world & history Orton is creating (I hope she has the entire series outlined out and this isn't like Lost where there's no known ending yet) but I feel there's definitely a lack of in-world building here. It may have been mentioned, but I couldn't tell you if the Bub held a few dozen or a few hundred people because we only interacted with 4 of them regularly (Diego, Lani, Shannon, and a pilot, Madders) with about 3 other side characters who occasionally popped up. For such a tiny place, I would have expected many more people trying to get to know this Mystery Man, but he never really met anyone else.
But still, I mostly enjoyed the story, the world, & the new characters we did meet; I didn't love the cliffhanger ending, and there is a twist hinted at (revealed?) in Chapter 16 (and discussed more in Chapter 19—no spoilers here) that felt a little too gimmicky—like a twist for twist's sake. Another big twist (one I called back around Chapter 7) that doesn't actually get revealed until the Book 3 preview chapter—that one felt more believable.
The book reminded me of The Walking Dead meets Under the Dome (without the deep cast of characters) meets The Andromeda Strain meets Lolita (due to flirtatious Shannon).
Was excited at the end of Crossing in Time to see how our heroes—Isabel, Diego, & Matt—would fare when the time machine malfunctioned and Diego was sent who knows when but Tego was in the past with young Iz (possibly being helped by an older Diego). Unfortunately, when you write a series of books about time travelers and the end of the world and parallel universes, you can't exactly follow every single thread—there are just too many balls in the air.
Lost Time follows Diego as he travels to another world/another time and Earth Prime (the one we spent most of CiT in) is all but forgotten. Diego is on another Earth some twenty years into the future—a world ravaged by the Doomsday Plague he was supposed to prevent (if the time machine hadn't sent him to the wrong place and time). Most of the world's population has perished, with only a small fraction living among dozens of biodomes built around the globe.
Orton keeps the same writing pattern she built in CiT—alternating narrators chapter by chapter. But since we don't have Isabel and Matt to guide us any more, we're introduced to Lani & Shannon who each take every third chapter or so. (Small world alarm—Lani is actually a character we met in the first few chapters of CiT & Shannon, her daughter)
Shannon & Lani live in the Bub—a biodome in Colorado that's kept a few dozen (or hundred?) people alive for the twenty years since Doomsday mutated and nearly destroyed humanity. Lani is the de facto doctor who patches up Diego (whom many call "Mystery Man" due to his sudden (naked!) appearance Outside where the virus exists and no one survives) & Shannon is attempting to solve their bulky biosuit dilemma by finding a more streamlined method to travel Outside (and not die).
There are a few chapters where Diego keeps the truth of his situation a secret, trying to figure out where/when he his. Eventually Lani & Diego open up to one another, sharing all (most?) of their dark secrets. Diego mourns for his Isabel, but without an Einstein Sphere or Magic Kingdom, his chances of ever seeing her again are practically zero—so a romance develops between the two. But not until after 17-year-old Shannon puts the moves on Diego (after all, somebody's got to try to repopulate the world, and since Shannon was the one who first found Mystery Man outside, she's basically got dibs).
Orton has scaled back a bit on the "adult" writing that seemed to come out of left field in the last quarter of CiT, but there is still some passion here and there. Whether it's young, immature Shannon talking about Diego's "boy parts" or some magazine's "hunks in the buff" or Diego worrying about his little "Gus" and the "tent" Gus sometimes makes when he gets excited, there's some writing that's a little NSFW. And yet—I don't know exactly how to put this—a lot of the innuendo seems almost PG-13. I don't know—I haven't read much erotica/Harlequin/risqué material but sometimes it just felt a little awkward—like maybe Orton wants to write more of those scenes, but is holding back?
The book is probably about half as long as CiT (25 chapters vs 50+) and I imagine it could work as a standalone novel. It's hard for me to say that with certainty having read both in the series, but I feel like this story works well on its own (although it is definitely enriched by knowing what's come before it). My main complaint (and reason for 4* instead of 5*) is that as a standalone novel it doesn't do very well standing alone. It's very reliant on Book 3 in the series as it basically ends with a cliffhanger.
There is a nice preview of Book 3 (yet to be named in my pre-proofreading copy) to give you some insight into what happens, but still. It may be unfair, but I like to compare books in series to Harry Potter—there was definitely a 7-book arc that JK Rowling had in mind and told over the entire series, but each individual book had its own smaller arc with a nice beginning, middle, and end. Lost Time sort of lacks an Act Three, as it were; there's definitely a nice introduction with some set up and just enough exposition; there's some good obstacles and mini climaxes and even a twist or two; but the second to last chapter has a huge crisis/disaster/climax and there's no real resolution or denouement.
Now, maybe that's smart writing for an indie writer trying to break out. I know I'll be waiting for Book 3 to come out (even if she doesn't rehire me as a proofreader) to find out more about what happened! But it still feels like, by itself, I can't give this book 5*.
Also, for spending a good 3/4 of the book inside the Bub, I couldn't name you more than 2 or 3 other characters within the biodome. I like the world & history Orton is creating (I hope she has the entire series outlined out and this isn't like Lost where there's no known ending yet) but I feel there's definitely a lack of in-world building here. It may have been mentioned, but I couldn't tell you if the Bub held a few dozen or a few hundred people because we only interacted with 4 of them regularly (Diego, Lani, Shannon, and a pilot, Madders) with about 3 other side characters who occasionally popped up. For such a tiny place, I would have expected many more people trying to get to know this Mystery Man, but he never really met anyone else.
But still, I mostly enjoyed the story, the world, & the new characters we did meet; I didn't love the cliffhanger ending, and there is a twist hinted at (revealed?) in Chapter 16 (and discussed more in Chapter 19—no spoilers here) that felt a little too gimmicky—like a twist for twist's sake. Another big twist (one I called back around Chapter 7) that doesn't actually get revealed until the Book 3 preview chapter—that one felt more believable.
The book reminded me of The Walking Dead meets Under the Dome (without the deep cast of characters) meets The Andromeda Strain meets Lolita (due to flirtatious Shannon).
July 3, 2016
I am wavering between 4 and 5 stars. It's a 5 star book that isn't finished yet. It feels to me like there are many scenes missing and the end felt very abrupt.
Overall, I liked this story SO MUCH BETTER than the first one. I don't know if I knew it before this book, but it has to be in part because, well, Isabel is a piece of work and it was nice being able to read the story without cursing her dumb decisions (ok she is generally smart, but there were definitely dumb-eyeroll-get-over-yourself moments for her in book 1).
Although I liked Lani more than Isabel, there were times that it felt like the author forgot she was writing about Lani and not Isabel. Also, most of the other characters' doppelgängers were intrinsically similar to the originals - but Lani really seemed different at times. The cool-in-charge girl we left 20 years ago barely breaks to the surface and the stuttering, wounded, low-confidence woman takes over. I can see how the circumstances in this universe could lead to that, but I wanted more hints to who she could also have been, if that makes sense.
Perhaps this was on purpose, but I had a difficult time judging the passing of time in this installment. There seems to be some pretty hefty time lapses between scenes, and I suppose a reader who is familiar with how long it might take for bones to heal might have had a pretty good idea about whether it had been 1 month or 3 months or 6 months.
One thing that had me puzzled was the teenagers use of near-correct-but-not words and their almost absurd naivety. I mean, it's only 20 years later and they watch old movies and stuff.. I had a really hard time believing there would have been that much evolution in language and culture. I thought for a moment that maybe this was supposed to be specific to the alternate universe... but then it wouldn't have been limited to just the kiddos...
And, as I mentioned in the beginning, the ending was abrupt. Like, uhh, where's the arc to this storyline, because this was a straight diagonal upwards abrupt. I almost feel like a better ending for this installment would have been before they left for the other bio-dome, perhaps revisiting Diego's thoughts about coming to terms with his new life before landing the note from the future on him.
So despite how critical this review has ended up, the book was actually very good. And, although I probably would not have read book 2 without the coincidental free ARC landing in my inbox at the perfect time, I'm actually interested in book 3 now.
Overall, I liked this story SO MUCH BETTER than the first one. I don't know if I knew it before this book, but it has to be in part because, well, Isabel is a piece of work and it was nice being able to read the story without cursing her dumb decisions (ok she is generally smart, but there were definitely dumb-eyeroll-get-over-yourself moments for her in book 1).
Although I liked Lani more than Isabel, there were times that it felt like the author forgot she was writing about Lani and not Isabel. Also, most of the other characters' doppelgängers were intrinsically similar to the originals - but Lani really seemed different at times. The cool-in-charge girl we left 20 years ago barely breaks to the surface and the stuttering, wounded, low-confidence woman takes over. I can see how the circumstances in this universe could lead to that, but I wanted more hints to who she could also have been, if that makes sense.
Perhaps this was on purpose, but I had a difficult time judging the passing of time in this installment. There seems to be some pretty hefty time lapses between scenes, and I suppose a reader who is familiar with how long it might take for bones to heal might have had a pretty good idea about whether it had been 1 month or 3 months or 6 months.
One thing that had me puzzled was the teenagers use of near-correct-but-not words and their almost absurd naivety. I mean, it's only 20 years later and they watch old movies and stuff.. I had a really hard time believing there would have been that much evolution in language and culture. I thought for a moment that maybe this was supposed to be specific to the alternate universe... but then it wouldn't have been limited to just the kiddos...
And, as I mentioned in the beginning, the ending was abrupt. Like, uhh, where's the arc to this storyline, because this was a straight diagonal upwards abrupt. I almost feel like a better ending for this installment would have been before they left for the other bio-dome, perhaps revisiting Diego's thoughts about coming to terms with his new life before landing the note from the future on him.
So despite how critical this review has ended up, the book was actually very good. And, although I probably would not have read book 2 without the coincidental free ARC landing in my inbox at the perfect time, I'm actually interested in book 3 now.
July 8, 2021
This was a bit different to the first book in the series, with a simpler story line but a reasonable amount of action. It doesn't follow on from the ending of the first book, but is the 'what happened to Diego' book, which I guess we need before we can continue with Iz's story. I am not sure whether someone would enjoy it fully if they hadn't read the first book. However, it would be perfectly readable as a standalone book.
There is less of the banter (and English idioms) that made me laugh when reading the first book, but I did thoroughly enjoy the story. This was despite it not being a 'Diego and Iz' book - I think the author has set herself up for a fall with that, as the first book had us all rooting for the pair so much, that anything other than more of the same is hard to take.
I found the flying part interesting as it was relevant to me - although I had to suspend my disbelief that the fuel and oil would still be good to use - but found myself yelling at my kindle "land elsewhere and leave her there for a while!".
The ending when it came, surprised me and it seemed somewhat abrupt. I don't like books left on cliffhangers, but I know that a lot of books are like that nowadays and many people don't seem to mind. The first book ended in a more satisfactory way.
However, one of the reasons the ending seemed so sudden was that I was thoroughly engrossed in the story and was oblivious to how near the end I was (I have it counting down on my kindle). It is rare that I am so distracted by the story. Because the next book is already available, I shall forgive the author and not deduct a star for this! If I was to give this four and a half stars, I would want to go back and give the first book five and a half.
It was probably just as well the book did end, as I did need to put the book down and get 'some' sleep last night, and that was certainly not going to happen until I had finished the book!
There is less of the banter (and English idioms) that made me laugh when reading the first book, but I did thoroughly enjoy the story. This was despite it not being a 'Diego and Iz' book - I think the author has set herself up for a fall with that, as the first book had us all rooting for the pair so much, that anything other than more of the same is hard to take.
I found the flying part interesting as it was relevant to me - although I had to suspend my disbelief that the fuel and oil would still be good to use - but found myself yelling at my kindle "land elsewhere and leave her there for a while!".
The ending when it came, surprised me and it seemed somewhat abrupt. I don't like books left on cliffhangers, but I know that a lot of books are like that nowadays and many people don't seem to mind. The first book ended in a more satisfactory way.
However, one of the reasons the ending seemed so sudden was that I was thoroughly engrossed in the story and was oblivious to how near the end I was (I have it counting down on my kindle). It is rare that I am so distracted by the story. Because the next book is already available, I shall forgive the author and not deduct a star for this! If I was to give this four and a half stars, I would want to go back and give the first book five and a half.
It was probably just as well the book did end, as I did need to put the book down and get 'some' sleep last night, and that was certainly not going to happen until I had finished the book!
November 1, 2020
I do not remember the first book and that is very rare for me when I start another book in the series. I can say this was a good book and did not feel like I missed anything from book one.
We are introduced to a variety of characters. Diego who seems to be a time traveler and has traveled in time only to not be in the right dimension of the place he was wanting to go. Lani our doctor who has a daughter to take care of along with her people in the bubble. Lastly, our teenage young adult Shannon who has never seen anyone else besides those that live within the bubble and is full of spunk.
Diego was sent back in time to change things like having the apocalypse happen, yet when he ends up in the wrong dimeson of things it seems to be too late. He is in an unknown world and hurt. Though he is kind of like a celebrity because he is the only person who can walk outside without anything on to save him. With the help of Lani and her daughter Shannon, they help Diego get back onto his feet and hopefully will get a lot of answers as to why he is here. It seems that Diego wants to hold his secret close to his heart. Mindy is one character who comes into play and I have to say I like her. She had me giggling a lot. Shannon is really smart and I wonder if she will be helping Diego out when the time comes to get answers as to what went wrong.
I did feel that the whole scene with Diego and Lani was going a bit too fast as it did not seem like he was there in the biodome for too long.
Overall this is a good time traveling book, one that I enjoyed. I do believe I need to read book one to see what all happened before to lead us here. The author did a great job of describing the world and how it was not getting better but worse. She did a great job describing Shannon and how she worked out what was wrong with items and how to fix them or at least make them last longer. We need more characters like that in books.
We are introduced to a variety of characters. Diego who seems to be a time traveler and has traveled in time only to not be in the right dimension of the place he was wanting to go. Lani our doctor who has a daughter to take care of along with her people in the bubble. Lastly, our teenage young adult Shannon who has never seen anyone else besides those that live within the bubble and is full of spunk.
Diego was sent back in time to change things like having the apocalypse happen, yet when he ends up in the wrong dimeson of things it seems to be too late. He is in an unknown world and hurt. Though he is kind of like a celebrity because he is the only person who can walk outside without anything on to save him. With the help of Lani and her daughter Shannon, they help Diego get back onto his feet and hopefully will get a lot of answers as to why he is here. It seems that Diego wants to hold his secret close to his heart. Mindy is one character who comes into play and I have to say I like her. She had me giggling a lot. Shannon is really smart and I wonder if she will be helping Diego out when the time comes to get answers as to what went wrong.
I did feel that the whole scene with Diego and Lani was going a bit too fast as it did not seem like he was there in the biodome for too long.
Overall this is a good time traveling book, one that I enjoyed. I do believe I need to read book one to see what all happened before to lead us here. The author did a great job of describing the world and how it was not getting better but worse. She did a great job describing Shannon and how she worked out what was wrong with items and how to fix them or at least make them last longer. We need more characters like that in books.
July 28, 2016
D.L. Orton's Lost Time (Between Two Evils #2) is the continuing saga of Diego Nadales, after he climbs in the time machine. Due to a malfunction in the time machine, he awakens atop a bunch of pine trees, in an unfamiliar place...and time. Instead of going into the past to change the future of all mankind, he has landed 20 years in the future, where he is discovered, naked, by a teenager named Shannon. Shannon's character brings laugh-out-loud humor to the story. Diego is injured during his fall from the pines and is taken to the biodome, the new living quarters, to be treated by Lani, Shannon's mother and the doctor. However, Diego's one mission remains the same, and that is to find his true love, Isabel, the love that crosses all time, space, and even alternate universe. While he discovers that Isabel is dead, although he never lets her go, he finds brief happiness with Lani, who saved his life. Diego is the stranger in a strange land, looking for his past in this alternate universe.
Lost Time is the second novel in the series, and does end in a cliffhanger, just like Orton's first novel, Crossing in Time (Between Two Evils). Her characters are believable, often humorous, and drive the action in the story. The plot is well written, concise, and even though there is a cliffhanger, you know more is coming just around the corner...just in time.
I received an advanced copy for free, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Lost Time is the second novel in the series, and does end in a cliffhanger, just like Orton's first novel, Crossing in Time (Between Two Evils). Her characters are believable, often humorous, and drive the action in the story. The plot is well written, concise, and even though there is a cliffhanger, you know more is coming just around the corner...just in time.
I received an advanced copy for free, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 27, 2016
Lost Time is volume 2 in the Between Two Evils series, and as brilliantly written and enjoyable as the first book. Lost Time gives us the back story of what happened to Diego after he climbed into the time machine with nothing but a towel and a seashell and hearing the words "Abort! Something is wrong!" Before blacking out. Diego wakes up only to find out the time machine not only deposited him butt naked on top of a tree, but many years into the future instead of the past like it was supposed to.
Severely injured from falling from that tree and disorientated, Diego struggles with wondering what became of his beloved Isabel and wondering if he should tell these people the truth, that he is a time traveler. We get to meet the alternates of people Diego knew in his Universe as well as new ones, and we get to find out that Diego and the inhabitants of this futuristic Bio dome think Isabel and everyone from Diego's past is dead from some virus that basically wiped out almost all of humanity.
D.L Orton is amazing at being able to write in alternating persons seamlessly and without any confusion what so ever.
Lost Time is a masterpiece of action, intrigue and even comedy that will have you unable to put it down.
I reached the end way to soon and I let out a "Whoa WHAT?? because wow! awesome cliffhanger!
I await the next volume on bated breath!
Severely injured from falling from that tree and disorientated, Diego struggles with wondering what became of his beloved Isabel and wondering if he should tell these people the truth, that he is a time traveler. We get to meet the alternates of people Diego knew in his Universe as well as new ones, and we get to find out that Diego and the inhabitants of this futuristic Bio dome think Isabel and everyone from Diego's past is dead from some virus that basically wiped out almost all of humanity.
D.L Orton is amazing at being able to write in alternating persons seamlessly and without any confusion what so ever.
Lost Time is a masterpiece of action, intrigue and even comedy that will have you unable to put it down.
I reached the end way to soon and I let out a "Whoa WHAT?? because wow! awesome cliffhanger!
I await the next volume on bated breath!
October 6, 2020
The first thing I need to say is, I HATE CLIFF HANGERS!
Like, I love them, coz it means the author has well and truly hooked me in their story. But I hate them because I need to get the next book to find out what happens. In this case I was lucky enough to have the next book ready to go. But we’re not always that lucky.
Moving onto the story and why you should read this series (because yes, I think you really should read this series). In a way I was expecting to start off with Isabel, or maybe go to Diego then back to Isabel like the first book.
Nope.
The whole book followed Diego. And what a story it was! I saw some glimpses of some things that explained a few things from the end of the first book. No solid answers, but little hints that suggest at something interesting. And I’m looking forward to reading all the in-between bits!
I’m not sure how I feel about one of the romances, but we can’t love everything every time. Even then, Orton did it so well that it was more of a suggested romance and more of a friendship than a true romance. That made it ok for me because it didn’t take away from the wider story, even when it felt like for a bit there it might.
And then all hell broke loose, drama began, everything that could go wrong was suddenly going wrong. Only for Orton to end on a line that normally doesn’t even end a chapter! Let alone a book!
Like, I love them, coz it means the author has well and truly hooked me in their story. But I hate them because I need to get the next book to find out what happens. In this case I was lucky enough to have the next book ready to go. But we’re not always that lucky.
Moving onto the story and why you should read this series (because yes, I think you really should read this series). In a way I was expecting to start off with Isabel, or maybe go to Diego then back to Isabel like the first book.
Nope.
The whole book followed Diego. And what a story it was! I saw some glimpses of some things that explained a few things from the end of the first book. No solid answers, but little hints that suggest at something interesting. And I’m looking forward to reading all the in-between bits!
I’m not sure how I feel about one of the romances, but we can’t love everything every time. Even then, Orton did it so well that it was more of a suggested romance and more of a friendship than a true romance. That made it ok for me because it didn’t take away from the wider story, even when it felt like for a bit there it might.
And then all hell broke loose, drama began, everything that could go wrong was suddenly going wrong. Only for Orton to end on a line that normally doesn’t even end a chapter! Let alone a book!
January 15, 2025
What would you do if you gave up everything to save the people you love, only to get lost in the Multiverse?
If you like:
Time Travel
Parallel Universes
Apocalyptic Themes
emotional healing romance
then you should read this book!
This book really explores the idea of what happens when you meddle in Time and dimension...but have no way of returning.
Book two follows Diego in an almost Subplot/side story as he lands at the top of a tree in the wrong place...and the wrong time. After nearly dying Diego has to get used to the idea that he has to adjust to his new reality and move on.
Just like the first book, the loss of the character's infant twins is a huge factor, so pregnancy loss/infant death needs to be a warning. Also there is a lot of Sexual content (not spicy per se, just integrated into the storyline) which I'm not a fan of but it was tasteful.
While this was a good stand-alone, it was frustrating for me to read it as the follow up book because it only had a small impact on the movement of the series plotline. One of the major characters doesn't appear at all. It is very focused on the Male Main Character from Book 1 and new Female characters who we grow to love.
I enjoyed the narrators and found their use of accents very helpful to the story. I usually listen on 1.5 and I listened to this book on 1.75 comfortably.
If you like:
Time Travel
Parallel Universes
Apocalyptic Themes
emotional healing romance
then you should read this book!
This book really explores the idea of what happens when you meddle in Time and dimension...but have no way of returning.
Book two follows Diego in an almost Subplot/side story as he lands at the top of a tree in the wrong place...and the wrong time. After nearly dying Diego has to get used to the idea that he has to adjust to his new reality and move on.
Just like the first book, the loss of the character's infant twins is a huge factor, so pregnancy loss/infant death needs to be a warning. Also there is a lot of Sexual content (not spicy per se, just integrated into the storyline) which I'm not a fan of but it was tasteful.
While this was a good stand-alone, it was frustrating for me to read it as the follow up book because it only had a small impact on the movement of the series plotline. One of the major characters doesn't appear at all. It is very focused on the Male Main Character from Book 1 and new Female characters who we grow to love.
I enjoyed the narrators and found their use of accents very helpful to the story. I usually listen on 1.5 and I listened to this book on 1.75 comfortably.
February 4, 2017
Diego, who was thought to be dead, has landed on a strange parallel universe. Twenty years into the future, not only is he unable to stop the deduction of mankind, but he learns that his beloved Isabel is dead as well. He thinks he has nothing to live for until Dr. Lani, the doctor responsible for saving his life begins showing him otherwise. Both begin healing from their broken hearts when Diego hears shocking news. Isabel is still alive, but can he get to her in time?
The second book in this series was once again a wonderful adventure. The world building was extremely vivid. The bio-domes and how they worked were inventive. Ms. Orton has a way with characterization. Making her characters likable, believable and enduring. Although I prefer the Isabel and Diego arc, I understand the parallel universe and the storyline between Dr. Lani and Diego. My heart ached for Dr. Lani and all that she has been through. The only thing I did not care for in this story was the abrupt ending. It wasn't even so much a cliffhanger. It. Just. Ended. With 15% of the book left supposedly. While I do plan on reading book 3, I really don't care for that kind of marketing ploy. Otherwise, I would have given it 5 stars.
The second book in this series was once again a wonderful adventure. The world building was extremely vivid. The bio-domes and how they worked were inventive. Ms. Orton has a way with characterization. Making her characters likable, believable and enduring. Although I prefer the Isabel and Diego arc, I understand the parallel universe and the storyline between Dr. Lani and Diego. My heart ached for Dr. Lani and all that she has been through. The only thing I did not care for in this story was the abrupt ending. It wasn't even so much a cliffhanger. It. Just. Ended. With 15% of the book left supposedly. While I do plan on reading book 3, I really don't care for that kind of marketing ploy. Otherwise, I would have given it 5 stars.
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