Twenty-first-century scientist Matt Miller has achieved success beyond his wildest dreams in the American colonies. He’s become a wealthy businessman and politician, with a beautiful wife and family, but the American Revolution looms on the horizon. When a prominent British leader mysteriously disappears, Ben Franklin summons Matt to London to help investigate the involvement of Patrick Ferguson, a man whose ambitions are to change the future. Unknown to them all, another time traveler, with separate motivations, will join them in a struggle across two continents to change the destiny of Western Civilization.
Mark J. Rose is a scientist, author, and screenwriter. He lives in La Jolla, California. He holds a doctorate in pharmaceutical chemistry and is the director of research and development at a major biotech company. He has been fascinated for many years with exploring the intersection of man’s basic humanity with the challenges of a rapidly changing technological world. Working primarily in the science fiction and thriller genres, all his writing deals with the interaction of technology, science, and society.
The first book was excellent in no small part due to a combination of elements; romance, a lone man utilizing chemistry to situate himself in the past, and the immediate threat of an implacable foe. None of these elements exist in the first third of this book.
Aside from a short naval battle, the reader must wade through political discussions, formal parties, and extended internal ruminations. I simply ran out of patience.
Book 3 goes off the rails, as Benjamin Franklin (who showed up in book 2) asks Matt to accompany him to England so Americans can receive full parliamentary rights as those in England.
Does Matt do any of that? Do they meet with influential people to make this happen?
No to all of the above. Instead we're left with a mess where more time travelers show up, and the reason why the new guy goes after Matt isn't especially compelling. Doesn't he have a new job in Taiwan? So what the heck.
Honestly, it's a mess. The romance is completely gone like book 1 never happened, and his business is only mentioned tangentially. For me it's enough to question whether I want to continue this series, as I expect Matt will get involved with more of the Founding Fathers. We've met Jefferson, but that leaves Washington, Hancock, Benedict Arnold and tons more.
What was a compelling first novel has been torn to pieces.
These are really good, anyone with even a passing interest in early American history should find them fascinating. This is the third in the series so you know what you're getting, interesting characters, intrigue, twists, turns, and mind full of what ifs. Looking forward to the next one.
I was under the impression this was the final in the series..evidently not..so I've got to track down the next volume so I can continue this cliff hanger! Excellent!
I found that the ending was rushed. The first half of the book was fine, but was confusing as to who was who . Also what were the motives that lead to the actions of the characters.
A surprising 5-stars from me. Ignore the other haters who are saying that book three departed from the storyline, where’s Grace, blah blah. Book three IS the storyline! Time travel, history, twists and turns, tragedies, it’s all there. Book three really pulled together this series for me in a way I wasn’t expecting.
The only thing that’s bothering me, and this did not contribute to my rating on the book itself, is I hate the “money grab” feeling that these books give off. Thus far, the first three books could have been one book. They’re not “complete” books in the traditional sense, so the obligation I feel at the end to buy the next book is super annoying. My god, Stephen King could have made a fortune on 11/22/63. Pfft.
Still not entirely sure why Matt had to go to England - Franklyn seemed to have things well in hand on his own. If it was explained, I missed it or glossed over it as something not compelling. Whatever the hook to get him there, Matt found himself neck deep in trouble and the villain's story wasn't compelling enough to hold my interest - especially as Matt was on his side/willing to work with him for the bulk of the story. There were a couple of twists and all that dancing/fight training pays off in this story. The stuff with Grace felt far too gratuitous and unnecessary as it was presented and then just dumped on us without a resolution or even hints of foreshadowing a result.
Excellent as were the first two books. Book 3 however was somewhat different in that a number of new characters were introduced in the latter part of the book. At first I was somewhat confused as to why this was done. Well, without reveling spoilers, I can say is that by the end of the book it all made sense. The end of the book, however and I do mean "the end" as in the last page, just about everything is thrown into chaos by a single event.
In this episode, Matt Miller goes to London at the behest of Ben Franklin. There they meet the ambition of Patrick Ferguson and a cast of characters.
Franklin’s goal is to keep Britain and its colonies together. Sinister forces oppose that plan, and Matt doesn’t know which path to take. Grace has a crisis back in Virginia.
Loved all three books! I read them in two days. I loved the historical fiction, time travel, with a little chemistry thrown in for "fizz." I can't wait to read more about Matt Miller!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction or time travel. Mark Rose manages to make the story "real" for the reader.
The author blends the elements of man vs man in a believable way even the the main character has traveled over 300 years into the past. It expands on the theory of altering events in history by traveling back in time and either changing events or that events occur despite the protagonists interventions.
Time travel with Colonial American history in the mix
Matt Miller is a man with a mission but other time travelers make things difficult. Throw statesmanship in with Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson other early patriots Mark J Rose has brought an exciting storyline worthy of your time. I look forward to the next chapters. 😀
As much as I enjoyed Books 1 and 2 of this trilogy I just couldn't keep interest in where the storyline shifted. The historical aspects are quite good as is the writing detail but the excitement of the adventure seemed to end when the story jumps forward several years into an altered plot. Sort of ruined my imaginary fun.
An enjoyable 3rd book in the series. The action is increasing the character development is excellent. I am really rooting for the characters in this book do you have A satisfactory ending. Some of what the author has a letter to makes one wonder. We will just have to keep reading the series to find out.
I've tried hard to read this story as there is much to enjoy. And yet things crop up that ruin it. So I'm to believe British soldiers would rape the wife of a prominent businessman while being quartered at the same residence? While the threat of rape is present, this particular one seems farfetched, at best.
I really enjoyed the first two books of this series. However, this one, the third, rather devolved into a story fit for maybe a Dr Who episode. Too many time travelers are now making appearances. I’m not giving up, I am looking forward to the fourth (and final?) book. Fingers crossed!
This was once again a weird story rate. For me personally the worst of the three books thus far, but that’s just because there were so many plots within plots and political machinations taking place all the time that I felt the story almost got lost.
I started this series with low expectations and am really enjoying it.There is action and adventure in every chapter. I have a two week wait till the release of the fourth book and I hope the author has started on his fifth novel of this series.
Third installment of a very well told story that captures us from the very beginning these characters grab us from the start simply cannot put this excellent story down very well done
This book is like the series very good using the facts loosly. But, now I think there is going to change. I can't wait to see what happens next. Got to wait for the next in in the series.
This intriguing storyline captured me from the first chapter, and continues to keep my interest. The next book brings the tale to conclusion, and there are a number of paths Matt's story could take.
Good time travel books are a pleasure. There's enough character and plot development here with a lot of profound points to ponder to keep a reader envrossed.
I can’t put these books down!! Have read through the first three nonstop!!! A nail biter all the way! Excited to read 4th book but will be sad for the story to end.
I enjoyed this series so much that when I finish the next book in the series I plan to purchase the 4-book set for my personal library so I can read them again.
After reading book one of the series, I couldn't wait to read book two. I was shocked at how bad the second book was compared to the first. Worst, I purchased books three and four after reading book one. I want my money back.
Amazon continues to mediocre service for its readers and authors. It has lost the rating that I gave this series before. I like this series enough to reread it again.