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A Time Traveler's Journal #1
Pushed Back
Book 1 of 2There are unexplained disappearances everyday, with no clues left behind. Ivy Flores comes across a fracture in time. Past... Present ... and Future. She and a stranger, Harper Brison, are caught in a temporal distortion. They are pushed back in time, 17,000 years to the Paleolithic Era. Humans exist in a fragile balance between life and extinction. They are at the bottom of the food chain. Ivy and Harper must find a way to survive the coming winter, giant bears, saber-tooth cats and other predators, with no weapons and only their modern day brains. Could you survive without civilization to save you, and where you're on the menu? This is Ivy's story, this is her journey, this is her journal.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2018
291 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 8, 2025
IF YOU'RE INTO BOOKS REGARDING TIME TRAVEL, THIS BOOK IS A GREAT ONE FOR YOU.
☆☆☆☆☆
In the spring of 2017, Ivy, a mother of two, was transported in time to the Paleolithic era over sixteen thousand years ago. She finds herself in a terrifying world where everything is not only harder but scarier than what she's used to. Luckily, when she wakes up in this strange new world, she finds herself in the company of Harper, who was trust through time with her from the same spot on the highway.
Between the two of them, they are able to not only survive in this world but thrive. Together, they bond into friendship that grows beyond just working together to survive the day. They discover their new life might not be all that bad, and after a while, they come to not only enjoy their new world they find themselves in, but they love where and what they have become.
With no pollution, no contamination, no nuclear weapons, but most importantly and the greatest benefit was no politicians. There's no noise from cars, planes, trains, and people. There's no light other than what is provided by the moon at night or a fire. The stars are brighter than bright, and without the pollution, there seems to be many more in their new time in the Paleolithic era back sixteen thousand years ago. No trips to the store or to a restaurant for food. You had to hunt, kill, clean, and cook it over an open fire or go without. Sounds hard? It is. But our characters find it not only doable working together but enjoyable.
The wildlife in this new time period for Ivy and Harper was so much larger and fiercer than what they were used to in 2017 and the native wildlife isn't the only thing that they have to watch out for.
That being said, they have more than a few happy times and have come to the point that their new life, even with the hardships, is one of happiness, beautiful landscapes, and great friendship that makes life all that much better.
Quotes:
"Being constantly afraid makes you feel weak and tired. It drains all your energy."
☆☆☆☆☆
In the spring of 2017, Ivy, a mother of two, was transported in time to the Paleolithic era over sixteen thousand years ago. She finds herself in a terrifying world where everything is not only harder but scarier than what she's used to. Luckily, when she wakes up in this strange new world, she finds herself in the company of Harper, who was trust through time with her from the same spot on the highway.
Between the two of them, they are able to not only survive in this world but thrive. Together, they bond into friendship that grows beyond just working together to survive the day. They discover their new life might not be all that bad, and after a while, they come to not only enjoy their new world they find themselves in, but they love where and what they have become.
With no pollution, no contamination, no nuclear weapons, but most importantly and the greatest benefit was no politicians. There's no noise from cars, planes, trains, and people. There's no light other than what is provided by the moon at night or a fire. The stars are brighter than bright, and without the pollution, there seems to be many more in their new time in the Paleolithic era back sixteen thousand years ago. No trips to the store or to a restaurant for food. You had to hunt, kill, clean, and cook it over an open fire or go without. Sounds hard? It is. But our characters find it not only doable working together but enjoyable.
The wildlife in this new time period for Ivy and Harper was so much larger and fiercer than what they were used to in 2017 and the native wildlife isn't the only thing that they have to watch out for.
That being said, they have more than a few happy times and have come to the point that their new life, even with the hardships, is one of happiness, beautiful landscapes, and great friendship that makes life all that much better.
Quotes:
"Being constantly afraid makes you feel weak and tired. It drains all your energy."
May 6, 2020
Very Entertaining bit of Fantasy
This book was absolutely a pleasure to read. Time travel back 17,000 years by two adults in their mid-30’s into an era where nothing had yet been started or developed could be told in a tragic sense, instead the author tells of a relatively realistic approach to survival that is both believable and fun. I recommend this book for anyone who just likes to read for fun and enjoyment.
This book was absolutely a pleasure to read. Time travel back 17,000 years by two adults in their mid-30’s into an era where nothing had yet been started or developed could be told in a tragic sense, instead the author tells of a relatively realistic approach to survival that is both believable and fun. I recommend this book for anyone who just likes to read for fun and enjoyment.
November 26, 2023
Ivy and Harper were in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up pulled back in time 17,000 years. To a time when every waking moment is spent just surviving. Finding food, shelter, water.
Was this a great read? No, but the premise was interesting enough to keep me reading. Two complete strangers forced to work together for survival. Some parts of the story were fairly interesting and some other parts downright boring and repetitive. A couple of times I had to suspend belief and just roll with it. The language is pretty simplistic and could have used an editor, but if you just want to read something a little different this might fit the bill.
Was this a great read? No, but the premise was interesting enough to keep me reading. Two complete strangers forced to work together for survival. Some parts of the story were fairly interesting and some other parts downright boring and repetitive. A couple of times I had to suspend belief and just roll with it. The language is pretty simplistic and could have used an editor, but if you just want to read something a little different this might fit the bill.
February 12, 2020
Great book!
I really enjoyed this book. The story was interesting and very different from other time travel stories I've read. I highly recommend it
I really enjoyed this book. The story was interesting and very different from other time travel stories I've read. I highly recommend it
June 19, 2022
Can't wait for book two
Other than a few minor editing mistakes, ( sored instead of soared) this book was great. Well written, great detailing of how they survived. Ivy and Harper were both fun characters to read about. I'm really, really looking forward to the next installment of this series!
Other than a few minor editing mistakes, ( sored instead of soared) this book was great. Well written, great detailing of how they survived. Ivy and Harper were both fun characters to read about. I'm really, really looking forward to the next installment of this series!
May 24, 2020
It started off bland and I wondered if I should continue, but I read on and I was glad that I did. Other than school, or work related reading, you read to be entertained and this story delivered a plausible story of being thrust back in time and learning to cope with only the few things that they had on them at the time. I enjoyed it and I believe you would too.
September 1, 2024
well this was different!
Different in a good way. Stories of survival under challenging circumstances have always been favorites of mine. There is much to think about, much to learn, and much to appreciate in this tale. I’m on to book 2, now, and am certain it will prove just as entertaining.
Different in a good way. Stories of survival under challenging circumstances have always been favorites of mine. There is much to think about, much to learn, and much to appreciate in this tale. I’m on to book 2, now, and am certain it will prove just as entertaining.
February 8, 2019
Good relaxing and entertaining read
Good easy read that is entertaining and gives you some things to think about. Would recommend to others looking for an entertaining read.
Good easy read that is entertaining and gives you some things to think about. Would recommend to others looking for an entertaining read.
May 19, 2025
Loved it, finished the second in this short series. Really enjoy the variety of time travel authors and scenarios available now!
I've read several by this author, all great!
I've read several by this author, all great!
September 10, 2022
A great story
A welcome change to use time travel rather than an EMP to place people into a survival situation. Very handy to have the man an experienced hunter and the woman able to think outside the square and experiment with plants and pottery. Well done S.A. Ison
A welcome change to use time travel rather than an EMP to place people into a survival situation. Very handy to have the man an experienced hunter and the woman able to think outside the square and experiment with plants and pottery. Well done S.A. Ison
September 10, 2022
Time travel accidentally
I really liked this tale. I don't usually go for time travel stories. But this one is warm and interesting. Superb.
I really liked this tale. I don't usually go for time travel stories. But this one is warm and interesting. Superb.
February 19, 2020
A great read!
I enjoyed reading this book and felt myself cheering them on to survive. Please tell me that book two will be out soon!
I enjoyed reading this book and felt myself cheering them on to survive. Please tell me that book two will be out soon!
May 23, 2022
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
Now I have to find the next book in this series. Two young people disappeared in a serious event while traveling during a snow storm.
They never were found . This story tells a strange tale about what happened to them.
Now I have to find the next book in this series. Two young people disappeared in a serious event while traveling during a snow storm.
They never were found . This story tells a strange tale about what happened to them.
November 11, 2022
Quite good!
April 4, 2021
I couldn't put this down it was very very addictive
May 22, 2025
Interesting story. So many of these fantasy sci-fi time traveler books are so unnecessarily violent. Pushed Back #1 wasn't that way. I've already ordered the second book. And I will investigate other stories written by S. A. Ison.
April 3, 2021
Fun to Read. Interesting twist on the past.
Such a fun read. The characters are believable in an unusual situation. It was difficult to put down. I will be reading more.
Such a fun read. The characters are believable in an unusual situation. It was difficult to put down. I will be reading more.
October 19, 2024
I was glued to this book.
Outstanding read. I'm so glad I am retired so I could read this book and not have to take too many breaks. It was new and fresh and positive in a way that sometimes books will lead you to pressed. I do wish life could be this easy when people are subjected to such huge changes in life. I highly recommend this book. It's a great read.
Outstanding read. I'm so glad I am retired so I could read this book and not have to take too many breaks. It was new and fresh and positive in a way that sometimes books will lead you to pressed. I do wish life could be this easy when people are subjected to such huge changes in life. I highly recommend this book. It's a great read.
December 13, 2024
Great Story
It may be corny, but I think its satisfying that the bad guys often get their comeuppance. Its a recurring theme in Ison's books.. I've read several of them and I enjoy the triumph of the main characters over their own foibles while they learn to cope with the different environment
It may be corny, but I think its satisfying that the bad guys often get their comeuppance. Its a recurring theme in Ison's books.. I've read several of them and I enjoy the triumph of the main characters over their own foibles while they learn to cope with the different environment
December 5, 2024
A New Twist
This story was interesting in its descriptions of introductions of new techniques. I enjoyed the characters and think I will enjoy Book 2. Will anyone move forward in time? Will the twins find a new sibling?
This story was interesting in its descriptions of introductions of new techniques. I enjoyed the characters and think I will enjoy Book 2. Will anyone move forward in time? Will the twins find a new sibling?
January 7, 2025
Wow,I am still crying!
S.A. Ison as written another book for a series that has me already hooked up for a new reading adventure! Thanks again for writing and publishing it. A still new fan!
S.A. Ison as written another book for a series that has me already hooked up for a new reading adventure! Thanks again for writing and publishing it. A still new fan!
April 23, 2022
I enjoyed this book and typically enjoy stories on time travel.
The author put a lot of thought of the requirements to survive
It was a fun read
The author put a lot of thought of the requirements to survive
It was a fun read
May 3, 2020
Edits — looking for the sequel! Lots of edits. But, 4 stars for originality.
I said, breaking off a small twig, that was a part of the green wood, Harper used to cook the snake steak.
“I’m going to make a gig, with two prongs. He said, showing me a long stick with two natural four-inch stubs.
Why don’t we cross the river go along that bluff and see what we can find?”
I’d not washed it two days before I had left to go pick up my girls.
I was thrilled by the find; I’d not expected it.
I’d seen their sharp teeth; I’d not want to tangle with one of those.
It took him two days, because he wanted the treads wide enough and for my height and stride up the stairs/ladder.
We did, however, keep drinking water on hand when the mastodons visited the river upstream.
We let hide sit, but we did bring it into the cave.
I’d really like to make some kind of cooking pot we can set the pot on the fire.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d not think we were in the past.” Harper said in a hushed voice.
“It would be nice to pick some for later, to eat.” I said as we walked to where Harper had spotted the grapes on his earlier excursions.
“Hmm, you could make one of your fluff pads and put on the bottom inside, so we don’t actually step on the bone.
My muscles are very hard now, strong upper body strength from all this work.
I’m here to tell you, the flour looked nothing like the flour you get at the store. We had to pick the hulls and chaff out. I’m here to tell you, there are no free meals.
We knew our days outside in the sun were numbered and we’d not be able to stand the cold.
Though I did find several small articles on the internet about the two, missing people, there wasn’t a whole lot about it. Since no bodies were found.
I said, breaking off a small twig, that was a part of the green wood, Harper used to cook the snake steak.
“I’m going to make a gig, with two prongs. He said, showing me a long stick with two natural four-inch stubs.
Why don’t we cross the river go along that bluff and see what we can find?”
I’d not washed it two days before I had left to go pick up my girls.
I was thrilled by the find; I’d not expected it.
I’d seen their sharp teeth; I’d not want to tangle with one of those.
It took him two days, because he wanted the treads wide enough and for my height and stride up the stairs/ladder.
We did, however, keep drinking water on hand when the mastodons visited the river upstream.
We let hide sit, but we did bring it into the cave.
I’d really like to make some kind of cooking pot we can set the pot on the fire.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d not think we were in the past.” Harper said in a hushed voice.
“It would be nice to pick some for later, to eat.” I said as we walked to where Harper had spotted the grapes on his earlier excursions.
“Hmm, you could make one of your fluff pads and put on the bottom inside, so we don’t actually step on the bone.
My muscles are very hard now, strong upper body strength from all this work.
I’m here to tell you, the flour looked nothing like the flour you get at the store. We had to pick the hulls and chaff out. I’m here to tell you, there are no free meals.
We knew our days outside in the sun were numbered and we’d not be able to stand the cold.
Though I did find several small articles on the internet about the two, missing people, there wasn’t a whole lot about it. Since no bodies were found.
November 12, 2021
Just okay
I've really enjoyed most of I son's books but this one didn't really work for me.
It reads more like a cookbook for how to make pretty much any item you might be forced to abandon the moment you get sucked into a time warp situation.
While some of the concepts are interesting most are weary renditions of our modern knowledge and technology taken from the dusty annals of prehistory and brought forward to show all the things we might never consider happening in even the broadest terms.
Assuming modern humans could actually find anything with which to survive even a few weeks much less almost an entire year, the text becomes less interesting and more likely fantastical and thus, less believable.
Frankly it tends to put an unrealistic and sort of ridiculous edge to the whole time travel genre. In our busy modern world who on earth would have such adaptable and omniciscient talents that every single thing they decide they need they automatically not only can find in their immediate area, but knowing without question how to create and succeed each and every time and in all types of situations?
Who can do all this without breaking a sweat, contracting some bacteria, not falling to madness, muder, or mayhem?
I realize it's fiction but for the first time ever a book by this author was just not very convincing, or interesting. I found myself paging ahead through chunks of text that never seemed to say very much. .
I also understand there will be further following tales based on these characters but I am not interested in reading more.
I've really enjoyed most of I son's books but this one didn't really work for me.
It reads more like a cookbook for how to make pretty much any item you might be forced to abandon the moment you get sucked into a time warp situation.
While some of the concepts are interesting most are weary renditions of our modern knowledge and technology taken from the dusty annals of prehistory and brought forward to show all the things we might never consider happening in even the broadest terms.
Assuming modern humans could actually find anything with which to survive even a few weeks much less almost an entire year, the text becomes less interesting and more likely fantastical and thus, less believable.
Frankly it tends to put an unrealistic and sort of ridiculous edge to the whole time travel genre. In our busy modern world who on earth would have such adaptable and omniciscient talents that every single thing they decide they need they automatically not only can find in their immediate area, but knowing without question how to create and succeed each and every time and in all types of situations?
Who can do all this without breaking a sweat, contracting some bacteria, not falling to madness, muder, or mayhem?
I realize it's fiction but for the first time ever a book by this author was just not very convincing, or interesting. I found myself paging ahead through chunks of text that never seemed to say very much. .
I also understand there will be further following tales based on these characters but I am not interested in reading more.
April 27, 2023
Hooray for S.A. Ison!!!! I'm a huge lover of survival stories and this one really hit the spot. First, let me say I loved the idea of the story and how it moved along. This was right up my alley, and I wish I could find more like it. I'd have liked it even better if the characters didn't "smile" all the time, and "laugh" after they say things, particularly during and immediately following stressful and/or traumatic situations. The characters needed to have more depth of emotion than they showed in this book, and as a suggestion, I'd turn this author's attention to "The Emotional Thesaurus" for additional ideas. Also, the "bad guys" could have been bad just by demonstrating the behavior they did (no spoilers here) without including smelling terrible or suspected cannibalism (of which the main characters had no proof). But I didn't care about any of this all that much, clearly, because I even went so far as to buy not only the e-book, but also physical copies of both this book and its sequel. And that is something I rarely do. I really, really, really hope this author writes more in this genre (time travel/finding ways to survive). Hooray S.A. Ison!!!! MORE!
July 20, 2020
I was surprised by this book. Some of the dialogue seemed forced and the author seems to have an aversion to his characters using contractions. Also, I'm not a botanist but the abundance of edible fruits and vegetables seemed a bit odd and I don't believe that figs are native to North America.
But, if you ignore the mistakes the actual story is pleasantly interesting. It primarily focuses on the day to day survival of the two primary characters. I did like that the natives they encountered weren't stereotypical aggressive savages ready to kill anyone they encountered. The ending was actually unexpected and did a good job of bringing the story to a close though it seems the author is planning to write a sequel.
If you like survival stories and can overlook some of the dialogue and what I think are inaccuracies, then you might actually like this book.
But, if you ignore the mistakes the actual story is pleasantly interesting. It primarily focuses on the day to day survival of the two primary characters. I did like that the natives they encountered weren't stereotypical aggressive savages ready to kill anyone they encountered. The ending was actually unexpected and did a good job of bringing the story to a close though it seems the author is planning to write a sequel.
If you like survival stories and can overlook some of the dialogue and what I think are inaccuracies, then you might actually like this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
Sometimes, life IS like a box of chocolates. Sometimes you get the fudge-covered caramel one, other times you get the coffee one (yuk). Sometimes you just get a box full of wrappers.
This starts out as one of those "wrappers" times. Ivy is just minding her own business and then suddenly gets shoved back in time 16,000 years, to a land full of 11' tall bears, giant wolves and mastodons. Lucky for her, a nice bloke gets stuck with her. How will they survive?
Rather than a time travel book, this is more of a "lessons in survival" type story. The author uses a simple plot with an easy-to-read writing style, and she writes about what she knows. Sometimes, that's all I want in a book. I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Now, I wonder if the Fridge Fairies have deposited a box of chocolates in our refrigerator?
This starts out as one of those "wrappers" times. Ivy is just minding her own business and then suddenly gets shoved back in time 16,000 years, to a land full of 11' tall bears, giant wolves and mastodons. Lucky for her, a nice bloke gets stuck with her. How will they survive?
Rather than a time travel book, this is more of a "lessons in survival" type story. The author uses a simple plot with an easy-to-read writing style, and she writes about what she knows. Sometimes, that's all I want in a book. I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Now, I wonder if the Fridge Fairies have deposited a box of chocolates in our refrigerator?
July 7, 2020
I’ve been enjoying some of S. A. Scion’s books this summer. They are easy reading and have a little bit of all types of Sci-fi; post-apocalyptic, time travel, etc.
I tried to find the author online or on Facebook to provide private feedback, but couldn’t find a contact email. I guess I will just say it here, and I would say this to all self-publishers, “Get a really good proofreader!” Most mistakes are small, but they can distract the reader from the story.” We all misuse idioms, so getting a few readers to catch those is helpful.” Example: it’s “gird your loins, not gird your loin.” But please carry on writing your adventures. After all, I have never written a book and reading is my greatest joy.
I tried to find the author online or on Facebook to provide private feedback, but couldn’t find a contact email. I guess I will just say it here, and I would say this to all self-publishers, “Get a really good proofreader!” Most mistakes are small, but they can distract the reader from the story.” We all misuse idioms, so getting a few readers to catch those is helpful.” Example: it’s “gird your loins, not gird your loin.” But please carry on writing your adventures. After all, I have never written a book and reading is my greatest joy.
February 7, 2023
Entertaining book but not too realistic
I think you have to be in the right state of mind to enjoy this book. It’s an interesting concept to to understand life 17,000 years ago. The story is positive and more than a little Disney ish as survival stories go. Living symbiotically in a prehistoric world supports a belief of “the noble savage”. Living in a paradise full of resources and before the pollution of man sounds appealing.
I had to leave my concepts of the savagery of natural world at the door. Mother Nature will eat you alive in agonizing fear or slowly kill you mercilessly with infection or injury. If you want to enjoy this book, try not to dwell on it being realistic or not.
I enjoyed reading it.
I think you have to be in the right state of mind to enjoy this book. It’s an interesting concept to to understand life 17,000 years ago. The story is positive and more than a little Disney ish as survival stories go. Living symbiotically in a prehistoric world supports a belief of “the noble savage”. Living in a paradise full of resources and before the pollution of man sounds appealing.
I had to leave my concepts of the savagery of natural world at the door. Mother Nature will eat you alive in agonizing fear or slowly kill you mercilessly with infection or injury. If you want to enjoy this book, try not to dwell on it being realistic or not.
I enjoyed reading it.
July 13, 2020
Loved it
I found this book really interesting. There were typos but not bad enough to take away from the story. There is probably books out there like this one but I’ve never read them. I like it when people rise up and overcome. There were a few parts that didn’t mesh. ***spoiler*** I.e. she happens to have a backpack on her back when she goes through the portal and that backpack happens to have a lighter, a knife, food and clothes. In one part she said her legs were like noodles and that she didn’t have upper body strength but in another part she says she works out 4 times a week. It still is a good book overall and I would read it again.
I found this book really interesting. There were typos but not bad enough to take away from the story. There is probably books out there like this one but I’ve never read them. I like it when people rise up and overcome. There were a few parts that didn’t mesh. ***spoiler*** I.e. she happens to have a backpack on her back when she goes through the portal and that backpack happens to have a lighter, a knife, food and clothes. In one part she said her legs were like noodles and that she didn’t have upper body strength but in another part she says she works out 4 times a week. It still is a good book overall and I would read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews