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The Collapse #1

The Collapse: Time Bomb

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Rosie's time travel missions keep her people alive. So why do so many of them want her dead?
A botched murder attempt leaves her drenched in seawater, stranded and alone on the streets of 2018, with no idea who she is or how she came to be there. Rosie knows something terrible looms, but she doesn't know what. When street-smart Carlos takes her under his wing, she begins to unravel the mystery that is her mind. But time travelers don't mix with zeds from the past, because doing so might set off a disastrous butterfly effect, and the closer Rosie gets to unlocking her secrets, the nearer the world draws to utter catastrophe.

An eroding future. A disintegrating past. Rosie's timeline burns at both ends. Can she can outrun The Collapse and make it back to her own time? Or will she unwittingly doom the world?

The Collapse is coming.
TIME BOMB is the captivating first installment in a six-book series. Each book is a mix of dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and time travel adventure. A slow burn romance builds throughout, with sensational plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, speculative fiction, and character driven romances.

***This book is part of a series and ends in a cliffhanger. Four books are available now. All six books in the series will be published by March 2020***

210 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2019

354 people are currently reading
368 people want to read

About the author

Penelope Wright

74 books72 followers
Penelope Wright spent a quarter of her life on the east coast and the rest in Washington state. She worked her way through college in restaurants, hospitals, factories, and everything in between, finally graduating summa cum laude from the University of Washington after an absurdly long time. She loves both traditions and new experiences, and will try anything once, except skydiving, which is a hard no. She lives north of Seattle with her husband and two amazing teenagers.

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5 stars
123 (40%)
4 stars
132 (43%)
3 stars
40 (13%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,856 reviews500 followers
January 18, 2020

I usually avoid time travel books. I’ve just never read one I liked. But the blurb and the reviews for this pulled me in.

It turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I just hope the remaining 4 books are as good.

Rosie Columbia lives in 2074. She’s one of the few people who travel back in time. Collecting essential things. Life in the future is hard. Food is strictly rationed and only the top floors of skyscrapers are habitable. Everything else is flooded.

This is the first of five books. It raises loads of questions which I’m hoping will be answered.

The main one of which is why on earth did David marry Sarah?

It’s straight onto the second book for me now.
Profile Image for SheLove2Read.
3,114 reviews205 followers
May 19, 2020
After quite a few duds this year, I'm happy to have lucked up on a really interesting new series!
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,785 reviews85 followers
October 1, 2020
Trippy

In 2074, the casual and rather safe world that we know is gone, replaced by treacherous floods, hunger, rising waves and a handful of brave survivors riding out the literal storm that is Earth. Into that world, there are still pockets of science and advancement, brilliant minds that concoct and develop amazing things.... like time travel. Paradoxes and relativity laws may prevent them from outright changing the future, but they can help it - by bringing back the most needed supplies from a time before the waves rose and the world fell.

Such is the life young Rosie leads. A Chrononaut by secret trade, she is the President's daughter, and one of the few living souls who knows the truth of their miraculous vitamins and tetanus shots. Unfortunately, life for a time traveler is rarely easy, and when things go sideways, quite literally, Rosie finds herself in the past, far from her goal and far too close to the edge of destruction. It's a Paradox in the making, and it makes for great reading.

Pros:
~Interesting plot.
~The characters are well developed, for the most part.
~Breadcrumbs start dropping from the first paragraph.

Cons:
~Some things are a bit too obvious.
~Too short.

Perspective:
First & third person, with alternate POV in Third.

Ending Type:
Cliffhanger

Rating:
YA (entire series is YA, sexual content in later volumes is fade to black only)

Romantic Dynamic:
M/F (main characters. There is a F/F connection later in the series, for side characters again, fade to black only)

Character Age Range:
16+

My Final Verdict on Time Bomb

This is a well done novel, and a well plotted series. The characters are honest and robust, with a few exceptions, displaying human emotion and gravitas suited to the extreme situations they find themselves in. It's a bit twisty and fully stimulating.
Profile Image for Karsyn .
2,367 reviews44 followers
August 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was quick with good characters and a good story. It kept my attention and kept me reading until the rather abrupt end. It was a little predictable but that didn't take away from the story.

I'd say my only issue with it is I prefer my time travel to be back and forth. So far, there was only one back and forth - to establish it, then she gets stuck in the past. We'll see what happens next, I'm hoping for more back & forth - cuz time travel is that, about the travel through time, otherwise it's really just a funky historical. I wish there were a way to differentiate between the two.

But it was quite enjoyable none the less.
Profile Image for Jule Hayes.
51 reviews
February 2, 2024
Captivating!
This was a great introduction to what I am sure will be a fantastic series. The story draws you in and the FMC is relatable. Already started book 2!
Profile Image for Bill.
426 reviews7 followers
August 17, 2025
Designed as a first episode

>> This time travel story has its good features, but I didn’t appreciate the way it ended so abruptly. It’s clearly just a lead-in to the 2nd book, so Time Bomb isn’t complete on its own.
Profile Image for Nora.
2 reviews
February 1, 2021
One of my first Kindle Unlimited books. I always enjoy a time travel book, and this one did not disappoint. Fair warning, this is the first in a six-book series. I hope the rest will be as good as this one. So, if you enjoy time travel novels, give this one a chance.
Profile Image for Ariel.
85 reviews3 followers
August 24, 2020
Awesome!

What a task to be able to write a time traveling story and not get confused over the rules! I like that the author has a set of rules that are in play and reveals them slowly as the plot thickens. Some parts make you wonder how events will play out. It’s confusing to explain but this is such a unique and well told story, I like it! Different from what I usually read.

Rosalita lives in 2074 in a post apocalyptic world. She is one of few time travelers who travel back in time to retrieve items from the past that can help them in the future but when some unexpected events take place, Rosie gets stuck in the past and has to find her way back while avoiding people who are out to get her!

On to the next book!
576 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2023
I read this book because the author is in my class--- It is an online class, so I will not meet her face to face, but it's nice to know authors and support them by reading their work.
I was actually quite taken by this book--- In fact, once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. It is a piece of dystopian fiction (although given all the climate books I've been reading--- maybe not so fictional)- where it seems much of the world is underwater. This world takes place in Seattle---which is so submerged only the tops of buildings are habitable. A small group of survivors live in various towers and buildings (Colombia, Smith--the top of Safeco Field). The water around them is a polluted mess--- and they can't really produce everything they need, so they have time travelers go into the past to retrieve things like medications and vitamins and things they need to stay healthy. Unfortunately, one of these trips goes horribly wrong, leaving our hero Rosie, stranded in the past, right before the collapse. The world building and character development and locations were very believable--And the suspense---I couldn't put the book down! I read it in one sitting! I only have two complaints--As a part time Pullman resident, I am feeling that Pullman, with its much higher elevation---would have been fine---and I kept thinking that future Pullman would have found a way to be helpful to the Seattle survivors--My only other complaint was that it was short--- just over 200 pages. There are six books in the series--- I wish the books had been doubled up to make 3 books! I definitely want to read more--- I guess for the rest of the series, I'll have to imagine that somehow, the rest of the US is too isolated and sick to help--- and put myself back into a state of willing suspension of disbelief. It shouldn't be so hard-- it was a fine beginning to a new series!
Profile Image for Heather Taylor.
7 reviews
August 2, 2020
Great start to series!

Warning: do not start this book unless you plan to read book two. This book was a great set up for book 2. Rosita lives in a post apocalyptic future in need of medical supplies, foods, and basic necessities. Her father and herself are able to travel back in time to gather items they need but no one can know about this. No one seems to miss Rosita when she is gone but events sometimes don't make sense to her when she returns. On her latest mission something goes wrong and she may not be able to make it home. At least she isn't alone. She has met the handsome Diego who may be a transient but he is a handsome transient who wants to help her, yet has no idea who she really is. I finished this book in two sittings and immediately grabbed the second book because I could not wait to find out what comes next.
Profile Image for James Bauguss.
52 reviews
June 18, 2020
Very fun, hard to put down

I love time travel and this book did the trick. Main character is very likable. Good tension, high stakes. Scary, interesting future. Time travel mechanism is one I hadn’t seen before and I liked it. Ending was not really satisfying but the next book was right there waiting for me on KU, where it just picks up where it left off.
Profile Image for Doug Seaberg.
162 reviews27 followers
April 4, 2021
A somewhat typical, action sci-fi. Maybe not great literature, but it draws you in. Read it as an e-book o my Kindle app and that’s probably the only way you can read it, because the book leaves to hanging, and if want to find out what happens, you have to download the next e-book. I’ve been sucked in enough, I’ll probably keep going. Stay tuned.
Profile Image for Loretta Cable.
61 reviews
February 1, 2021
Great book

I really liked this book, different from other similar ones. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that I only do that for two other authors... Diana Gabaldon and J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). Looking forward to book #2 of this series.
Profile Image for Shashi.
50 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2021
Quick, enjoyable read with a post-apocalyptic theme crossed with time travel.

+ The rules of time travel are unique and opens the possibility for some wild twists.
- Too much time spent on setup, only to end in a cliffhanger.

I'm looking forward to reading more.
113 reviews
Read
December 5, 2023
I kept waiting for the love interest to be introduced. Finished the book and read the summaries of sequels to realize Carlos is the LI. To me, he sounded more like a brother figure. A warm, platonic friend connection but nothing more.
5 reviews
May 20, 2025
Ending on a cliffhanger! I’ll be certainly reading the next one to see what happens to our characters. What a fun book. Quick read but time travel books are ones I can finish quickly because of how fast paced they have to be.
Profile Image for Racheal Wilson.
34 reviews
May 3, 2020
This is amazing! My son and I read it together and both loved it. We finished it last night, having stayed up late to read the last few chapters. We're starting on book 2 tonight!
Profile Image for Michelle Jenkins.
905 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2024
great creative book

This author writes the most interesting and crazy creative books. My new fav author. Read her other series too! Can’t wait for next book!
Profile Image for Shawn Deal.
Author 19 books19 followers
August 13, 2024
A wonderful first novel to what is going to be a fascinating series. Loved the dystopian world that got created, and all the characters. Can;t wait to get to the next one.
Profile Image for Astrid Novak.
45 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2025
Got me going to book 2!

I was apprehensive at the start and it took me a bit to get in to until the twistvhappened and then I was hooked. Off to download book 2!
Profile Image for George.
383 reviews8 followers
March 13, 2025
guilty pleasure -- YA stuff - nice creative time travel stuff. I will continue!
Profile Image for Matthew.
11 reviews
May 18, 2025
Ahhh why did the author end the book on a cliffhanger. Now I have to read the next one. 😃 😊
Profile Image for Pattie.
8 reviews6 followers
June 27, 2025
I think I found this through an Amazon monthly choices email or something. It's not bad and made for a fast read. Give it a shot
Profile Image for Sarah.
323 reviews
July 18, 2020
Very cool concept. It sucked me in right away. I think it ended a bit abrupt and probably could've wrapped up the first book a little more neatly and less sudden but overall it's good!
1,420 reviews1 follower
Read
July 20, 2022
Very nice time travel story

Rating: 0

I liked Karsyn's review which is better than what I would generate. Give it a read.

I have little interest in writing long or good reviews. They were originally just my notes and then I got the comments from my poorly read, badly educated and barely socialized "fellow readers" (a phrase that I use very loosely). My opinions of the american science fiction reader on this site are not good. See my review of "Dark Horse", a good story by Diener or Powers of the Earth (a pathetic book) and the comments from a Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 (a self-identified NeoNazi). I think that you will agree that there is much wrong with Goodreads, employee and reader both.

GLORY TO UKRAINE !!!

All I can say about the book is that it is a nice premise, well developed. There is a post-apocalyptic present which interacts with the pre-apocalyptic past through time travelers. There are some serious timey-wimey details and intrigue.

The main character is a teenage girl, who can't get a break but keeps on moving. The book moves along at just the right pace and the characters are interesting. It's worth a look if you are in the mood for a different kind of post-apocalyptic novel.

The bulk of Amazon's collection of science fiction is just bad by any measure. I was flexible with regards to writing skill, storytelling ability, understanding of basic science or even understanding of society and how it works but US writers have not been encouraged to even make the attempt. Poor or non-existent editing, jingoism, ethnosupremacist rants, fascistic fantasies posing as the triumph of the "white" working class (for fluid and ever changing definitions of whiteness) under the label of libertarian storytelling, are the new essence of the US version of the genre.

The streaming services do a better job of delivering solid stories with better writing, more cosmopolitan character casting and addressing the big ideas or examination of the big questions that need be answered if society is to survive and thrive. I do not have much interest in low effort US print science fiction and it has put me off the genre.

As for Goodreads, the science fiction corner is dominated by a core that thrives on the worst of what I have described. It may or may not be the majority but the timidity that seems to govern other readers' criticism of titles in the genre is pervasive and palpable. I recommend YouTube as a better reader's community for all fiction. You find the enthusiasm, the fun of discovering new writers and titles, discussion of the popularity and quality of books and a thoughtful civility that I do not think that Goodreads ever possessed. If a reader seeks insights into all things bookish, there are a large number of channels to follow. Some of my favorite channels are.

EarleWrites, Ship Happens, Munecat, Novara Media, Eleanor Morton, Tara Mooknee, Some More News, France 24, DW News, Tulia, Alize, Alice Cappelle, Celtica, Books and Lala, Austin McConnell, Timeline, Tom Nicholas, The Mindful Narrowboat, Lady Knight the Brave, Ben and Emily, Vlad Vexler, Sabine Hossenfelder, Jessica Gagnon, Chloe Stafler, Serena Skybourne, Maggie May Fish, Kelly loves Physics and History, Kings and Generals, Flashpoint History, Lady of the Library, Perun, Books with Chloe, Autumn's Boutique, Karolina Zebrowska, Real Engineering, The Armchair Historian, BrandonF, Tiny Wee Boat, Chugging Along, Cruising Alba, Jill Bearup, What Vivi did next, The Piano Guys, Malinda, Between the Wars, Tank Archives, Danni and Joe, Narrowboat Adventures, Northern Narrowboaters, Boat Time, Adult Wednesday Addams, Tibees, RobWords, Jessie Gender, Tech Space, Casual Navigation, May Moon Narrowboat, Lilly's expat life, Bookleo, Anton Petrov, Hailey in Bookland, The Welsh Viking, Jacobin, Prime of Midlife, A Cup of Nicole, Brittany the Bibliophile, Joe Scott, Smarter Everyday, Make Better Media, PolyMatter, History Marche, Dan Davis History, Overly Sarcastic Productions, Book Odyssey, Rebecca Watson, Well deck Diaries, 2Cellos, Then & Now, Neringa Rekaslute, Kalaripayattu, Mrs Betty Bower, Traveling K, World War Two, Double Down News, Useful Idiots.

I wish you to have a great morning, a glorious afternoon, a pleasant evening and a splendid night.

Hope is the greatest source of strength, not a measure of weakness.
Lore of the Dark Sisters
Profile Image for Bridget.
6 reviews
June 4, 2025
I loved this book and frankly the whole series. I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a good fiction book with time travelling elements. I also honestly liked the length. I finished it in one day, and I feel like it's just right. I am going on to read all of Penelope's books as they are a good contrast to the long complicated fiction stories (still amazing tho)
So yes 4/5 stars, read it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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