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Chaos Chronicles #6
Crucible of Time
The story begun in The Reefs of Time continues. The time-tides caused by Karellia's defenses have brought the malicious Mindaru AI out of the deep past into the present, threatening Bandicut and Li-Jared, who have arrived at the backwater planet--Li-Jared's homeworld--to find it on the brink of interplanetary war. Somehow they must forge a peace between Karellia and its neighboring world if the Mindaru threat is to be broken.
Back on Shipworld, Ik and Julie Stone risk their lives a second time to stop the Mindaru at their source: a planet near the galactic core, a billion years in the past. Can Antares, the beautiful humanoid who also loves Bandicut, help them? What of Bria the gokat? And Amaduse, the most influential librarian in Shipworld?
And in the deep time of the galaxy's early history, by the light of a million suns, the Mindaru do hideous things to an innocent species. The Mindaru plan for the altered creatures bears momentous possibilities even the deadly AI cannot predict.
Time is critical. Time is elastic. And time is running out.
Conclusion of the unmissable two-part "Out of Time" sequence begun in The Reefs of Time, from Jeffrey A. Carver, Nebula-nominated author of Eternity's End.
Back on Shipworld, Ik and Julie Stone risk their lives a second time to stop the Mindaru at their source: a planet near the galactic core, a billion years in the past. Can Antares, the beautiful humanoid who also loves Bandicut, help them? What of Bria the gokat? And Amaduse, the most influential librarian in Shipworld?
And in the deep time of the galaxy's early history, by the light of a million suns, the Mindaru do hideous things to an innocent species. The Mindaru plan for the altered creatures bears momentous possibilities even the deadly AI cannot predict.
Time is critical. Time is elastic. And time is running out.
Conclusion of the unmissable two-part "Out of Time" sequence begun in The Reefs of Time, from Jeffrey A. Carver, Nebula-nominated author of Eternity's End.
- GenresScience Fiction
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2019
27 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 29, 2019
This is the second half of the Out of Time story begun in Reefs of Time, and the tension continues to ratchet up. John Bandicut and Li-Jared, together with the robot Copernicus, Tintangle Ruall, gokat Bria, and the cloud Dark, are making progress, slow and frustrating, but progress, in persuading the Karellians and Uduon to stop fighting and focus on the real enemy, the Mindaru.
What helps persuade the deeply suspicious and mutually hostile Karellians and Uduon, unfortunately, is the arrival of Mindaru ships. It's a hard sell for the Karellians to accept that their time distortion field that defends against asteroids from Uduon is what's drawing the Mindaru. And also for the Uduon to accept that their asteroid defense against Karellian missiles needs to be shut down for the Karellians to shut down their time distortion defense.
Meanwhile, Ik and Julie have been sent on a second mission down the timestream, which may be more dangerous than the first. And Antares and Napoleon, having realized that the two missions aren't coordinated because of political conflicts among Shipworld's rulers, are seeking help from the Translator and Amaduse the Librarian to get a message to Li-Jared and Bandicut about Ik and Julie's mission and the importance of not doing anything that migh disrupt the timestream. That's an extremely quick, superficial description of what's going on...
There is lots of action, lots of intrigue, lots of character development as old friends and new struggle with problems that seriously challenge their abilities, their understanding, their worldviews, and their relationships with each other. Even Shipworld itself takes on more character and complexity. There are people running it, and they are a mix of good and bad, wise and foolish, like people anywhere, even as the fundamental purpose of Shipworld remains good and valuable to the whole galaxy.
The story is exciting, it's fun, it's intelligent and challenging. It comes to a vary satisfying conclusion, even while leaving me demanding more Chaos Chronicles.
Highly recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book, and I am reviewing it voluntarily.
What helps persuade the deeply suspicious and mutually hostile Karellians and Uduon, unfortunately, is the arrival of Mindaru ships. It's a hard sell for the Karellians to accept that their time distortion field that defends against asteroids from Uduon is what's drawing the Mindaru. And also for the Uduon to accept that their asteroid defense against Karellian missiles needs to be shut down for the Karellians to shut down their time distortion defense.
Meanwhile, Ik and Julie have been sent on a second mission down the timestream, which may be more dangerous than the first. And Antares and Napoleon, having realized that the two missions aren't coordinated because of political conflicts among Shipworld's rulers, are seeking help from the Translator and Amaduse the Librarian to get a message to Li-Jared and Bandicut about Ik and Julie's mission and the importance of not doing anything that migh disrupt the timestream. That's an extremely quick, superficial description of what's going on...
There is lots of action, lots of intrigue, lots of character development as old friends and new struggle with problems that seriously challenge their abilities, their understanding, their worldviews, and their relationships with each other. Even Shipworld itself takes on more character and complexity. There are people running it, and they are a mix of good and bad, wise and foolish, like people anywhere, even as the fundamental purpose of Shipworld remains good and valuable to the whole galaxy.
The story is exciting, it's fun, it's intelligent and challenging. It comes to a vary satisfying conclusion, even while leaving me demanding more Chaos Chronicles.
Highly recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book, and I am reviewing it voluntarily.
January 17, 2024
Crucible of Time is the second and final part of a two-part series called "Out Of Time Sequence" and is the sixth book in the Chaos Chronicles by Jeffrey A. Carver. I haven't read the first book, The Reefs of Time, so my review might not cover everything. Even without reading the first book, this one still makes sense on its own.
Now, I have mixed feelings about this sci-fi book. I usually don't pick sci-fi, especially when it has complicated words. I did like some parts of the book, but many times I was waiting for something really interesting to happen in the story. Although there are interesting moments, I wished for more excitement.
What kept me interested in the book were the characters and the author paying close attention to details. Even though I didn't love the main story, I appreciate the effort the author put into making sure readers feel part of the journey with the characters.
In short, this book may not be my favorite, but it's not a bad one. The characters and the author's effort to make the story immersive are what make it okay.
Now, I have mixed feelings about this sci-fi book. I usually don't pick sci-fi, especially when it has complicated words. I did like some parts of the book, but many times I was waiting for something really interesting to happen in the story. Although there are interesting moments, I wished for more excitement.
What kept me interested in the book were the characters and the author paying close attention to details. Even though I didn't love the main story, I appreciate the effort the author put into making sure readers feel part of the journey with the characters.
In short, this book may not be my favorite, but it's not a bad one. The characters and the author's effort to make the story immersive are what make it okay.
September 18, 2019
A fantastic trip into space and time from a master!
Massachusetts author Jeffrey Carver is a highly respected master of the science fiction genre. His impressive output to date includes THE STAR RIGGER UNIVERSE series of six novels, the two NOVELS OF THE STARSTREAM series, four standalone novels, and this excellent series – THE CHAOS CHRONICLES, of which CRUCIBLE OF TIME is Book 6 (in tandem with Book 5 THE REEFS OF TIME). In addition to writing successful sci-fi novels, Jeffrey hosted the television series Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing for middle school classrooms to teach youngsters how to turn ideas into stories, and now that program is computer based and available gratis to those who wish to become writers. Jeffrey and his family live outside Boston.
One of the traits that sets Jeffry’s work apart from most sci-fi authors is his attention to detail, a factor that makes even his most incredulous ideas accessible and even visual. The tenor of this novel is set in the Prologue; ‘The region of the greater galactic core had been a fertile bed of civilization during the epoch of the Great Awakening, a time when the inner galaxy sparkled with life and growth and technological development. For millions of years, a thousand sapient species and cultures thrived. Great works were created. Works of art and architecture, of sculpture, music, writing. Religions were born, and grew, and were transformed. Most faded, but some remained and thrived. Science blossomed with keen insights about the workings, large and small, of the universe; and from it, technologies verging on magic. The conquest of interstellar distances was the catalyst to the most extravagant growth in history. Even in the inner galaxy, where stars were crowded together, the distances were daunting until the discovery of faster-than-light travel. After that, commerce surged and flowed among the worlds. Cultures mingled, and the only constant was change. Unfortunately, with the mingling of cultures came competition and war…’
This degree of insight and philosophical overtones married with a superb story with fine characters is a signature trait for Jeffrey. The plot of this conclusion of his OUT OF TIME duology follows: ‘A galaxy in peril...The time-tides caused by Karellia’s defenses have brought the malicious Mindaru AI out of the deep past into the present, threatening Bandicut and Li-Jared, who have arrived at the backwater planet—Li-Jared’s homeworld—to find it on the brink of interplanetary war. Somehow they must forge a peace between Karellia and its neighboring world if the Mindaru threat is to be broken. Back on Shipworld, Ik and Julie Stone risk their lives a second time to stop the Mindaru at their source: a planet near the galactic core, a billion years in the past. Can Antares, the beautiful humanoid who also loves Bandicut, help them? What of Bria the gokat? And Amaduse, the most influential librarian in Shipworld? And in the deep time of the galaxy’s early history, by the light of a million suns, the Mindaru do hideous things to an innocent species. The Mindaru plan for the altered creatures bears momentous possibilities even the deadly AI cannot predict. Time is critical. Time is elastic. And time is running out.’
Yes, it would be helpful to read THE REEFS OF TIME first, but this book is so strong that it stands alone quite solidly. Fine sci-fi, this!
Massachusetts author Jeffrey Carver is a highly respected master of the science fiction genre. His impressive output to date includes THE STAR RIGGER UNIVERSE series of six novels, the two NOVELS OF THE STARSTREAM series, four standalone novels, and this excellent series – THE CHAOS CHRONICLES, of which CRUCIBLE OF TIME is Book 6 (in tandem with Book 5 THE REEFS OF TIME). In addition to writing successful sci-fi novels, Jeffrey hosted the television series Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing for middle school classrooms to teach youngsters how to turn ideas into stories, and now that program is computer based and available gratis to those who wish to become writers. Jeffrey and his family live outside Boston.
One of the traits that sets Jeffry’s work apart from most sci-fi authors is his attention to detail, a factor that makes even his most incredulous ideas accessible and even visual. The tenor of this novel is set in the Prologue; ‘The region of the greater galactic core had been a fertile bed of civilization during the epoch of the Great Awakening, a time when the inner galaxy sparkled with life and growth and technological development. For millions of years, a thousand sapient species and cultures thrived. Great works were created. Works of art and architecture, of sculpture, music, writing. Religions were born, and grew, and were transformed. Most faded, but some remained and thrived. Science blossomed with keen insights about the workings, large and small, of the universe; and from it, technologies verging on magic. The conquest of interstellar distances was the catalyst to the most extravagant growth in history. Even in the inner galaxy, where stars were crowded together, the distances were daunting until the discovery of faster-than-light travel. After that, commerce surged and flowed among the worlds. Cultures mingled, and the only constant was change. Unfortunately, with the mingling of cultures came competition and war…’
This degree of insight and philosophical overtones married with a superb story with fine characters is a signature trait for Jeffrey. The plot of this conclusion of his OUT OF TIME duology follows: ‘A galaxy in peril...The time-tides caused by Karellia’s defenses have brought the malicious Mindaru AI out of the deep past into the present, threatening Bandicut and Li-Jared, who have arrived at the backwater planet—Li-Jared’s homeworld—to find it on the brink of interplanetary war. Somehow they must forge a peace between Karellia and its neighboring world if the Mindaru threat is to be broken. Back on Shipworld, Ik and Julie Stone risk their lives a second time to stop the Mindaru at their source: a planet near the galactic core, a billion years in the past. Can Antares, the beautiful humanoid who also loves Bandicut, help them? What of Bria the gokat? And Amaduse, the most influential librarian in Shipworld? And in the deep time of the galaxy’s early history, by the light of a million suns, the Mindaru do hideous things to an innocent species. The Mindaru plan for the altered creatures bears momentous possibilities even the deadly AI cannot predict. Time is critical. Time is elastic. And time is running out.’
Yes, it would be helpful to read THE REEFS OF TIME first, but this book is so strong that it stands alone quite solidly. Fine sci-fi, this!
March 2, 2024
Crucible of Time: Part Two of the "Out of Time" Sequence (The Chaos Chronicles Book 6) is a book by Jeffrey A. Carver. This book is a captivating sci-fi novel that takes readers on an unforgettable journey across time and space. The story follows a group of explorers who find themselves in different parts of the galaxy. Unlike one of the books in the series titled The Reefs of Time, they have a common goal. The goal was to take down the powerful and dangerous AI, the Mindaru. This Mindaru poses a threat to the sky and the whole of humanity at large. Did they succeed? Were the group of friends who got separated in the fifth book in the series, Reefs of Time, able to meet again? You have to pick up this book to know how this "out of sequence" series ended.
Each team member presented in this book possesses a unique personality and has a touching personal story that several readers will relate to. I give the author kudos for the way he was able to balance the personal story of each character with the storyline of the book. This is the first thing that stood out for me.
Another exhilarating feature of the book is the different themes the author introduces. One would expect that because it's a sci-fi novel, everything would be science-related; however, that isn't so with this book. The author introduced important themes such as love and longings, loss, disappointments, and hope. This makes the book presentable to people who are not fans of sci-fi novels. Aside from the science-related stuff present, I was able to relate well to the book because of the other themes the author incorporated.
There's nothing to hate about this book. The author did an excellent job producing a flawless book with zero errors. Also, the book isn't too lengthy. Every detail provided in the book was essential and made the book interesting to read. Therefore, I'm rating it 5 out of 5 stars.
Crucible of Time: Part Two of the Out of Time Sequence (The Chaos Chronicles Book 6) is a wonderful novel that will appeal to fans of sci-fi books. They have a lot to learn about things happening in galaxies and beyond the sky.
Each team member presented in this book possesses a unique personality and has a touching personal story that several readers will relate to. I give the author kudos for the way he was able to balance the personal story of each character with the storyline of the book. This is the first thing that stood out for me.
Another exhilarating feature of the book is the different themes the author introduces. One would expect that because it's a sci-fi novel, everything would be science-related; however, that isn't so with this book. The author introduced important themes such as love and longings, loss, disappointments, and hope. This makes the book presentable to people who are not fans of sci-fi novels. Aside from the science-related stuff present, I was able to relate well to the book because of the other themes the author incorporated.
There's nothing to hate about this book. The author did an excellent job producing a flawless book with zero errors. Also, the book isn't too lengthy. Every detail provided in the book was essential and made the book interesting to read. Therefore, I'm rating it 5 out of 5 stars.
Crucible of Time: Part Two of the Out of Time Sequence (The Chaos Chronicles Book 6) is a wonderful novel that will appeal to fans of sci-fi books. They have a lot to learn about things happening in galaxies and beyond the sky.
February 7, 2024
Crucible of Time" by Jeffrey A. Carver is a thrilling conclusion to the captivating "Out of Time" sequence, begun in "The Reefs of Time." Carver masterfully weaves together a tale of interstellar peril, time-travel, and the enduring struggle for peace in a galaxy on the brink of war.
The story picks up where "The Reefs of Time" left off, plunging readers into a universe threatened by the malevolent Mindaru AI, which has emerged from the depths of the past to wreak havoc on the present. As protagonist Bandicut and his allies race against time to prevent catastrophe, they must navigate treacherous political waters and confront the dark secrets lurking at the heart of the galaxy.
Carver's world-building is breathtaking in its scope and ambition, taking readers on a journey across time and space to explore the farthest reaches of the universe. From the backwater planet of Li-Jared's homeworld to the depths of Shipworld and beyond, the author paints a vivid and immersive picture of a richly imagined future.
The characters are another highlight of the novel, with Bandicut and his companions facing impossible odds with courage and determination. As they grapple with their own inner demons and confront the horrors unleashed by the Mindaru, they are forced to confront the true meaning of sacrifice and heroism.
At its heart, "Crucible of Time" is a story about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. It is a testament to the power of hope, love, and friendship to overcome even the greatest of challenges.
In conclusion, "Crucible of Time" is a gripping and thought-provoking science fiction epic that will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its captivating storytelling, richly drawn characters, and imaginative world-building, it is a must-read for fans of the genre.
The story picks up where "The Reefs of Time" left off, plunging readers into a universe threatened by the malevolent Mindaru AI, which has emerged from the depths of the past to wreak havoc on the present. As protagonist Bandicut and his allies race against time to prevent catastrophe, they must navigate treacherous political waters and confront the dark secrets lurking at the heart of the galaxy.
Carver's world-building is breathtaking in its scope and ambition, taking readers on a journey across time and space to explore the farthest reaches of the universe. From the backwater planet of Li-Jared's homeworld to the depths of Shipworld and beyond, the author paints a vivid and immersive picture of a richly imagined future.
The characters are another highlight of the novel, with Bandicut and his companions facing impossible odds with courage and determination. As they grapple with their own inner demons and confront the horrors unleashed by the Mindaru, they are forced to confront the true meaning of sacrifice and heroism.
At its heart, "Crucible of Time" is a story about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. It is a testament to the power of hope, love, and friendship to overcome even the greatest of challenges.
In conclusion, "Crucible of Time" is a gripping and thought-provoking science fiction epic that will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its captivating storytelling, richly drawn characters, and imaginative world-building, it is a must-read for fans of the genre.
February 3, 2020
What A Thrill Ride!
I am mentally and emotionally exhausted.
This is not just a good story, it is an epic tale. Love, friendship, grand quests of immense proportion given to people no more different than you or I.
People who are thrust into situations bigger than they are, yet through their own desire to help, to try and make the best of a bad situation, they continue to succeed, though not without great personal cost to themselves.
Isn't that what most of us want? To make the best of our own situations? And just like The Company in this series, most of the time we feel powerless to effect the change we want - or need - yet somehow we manage.
And that is exactly what happens in this series. Compelling characters, whom after you meet them, drag you along for the journey. From the beginning it has been a torrent of activity, a thrill ride from one end of the galaxy to the other.
This novel moved me - in parts - to tears over what our intrepid company of heroes went through and as I await the stunning conclusion in Masters of Shipworld - I find myself poised on the edge of my seat. I. Must. Know. What. Happens!
I am mentally and emotionally exhausted.
This is not just a good story, it is an epic tale. Love, friendship, grand quests of immense proportion given to people no more different than you or I.
People who are thrust into situations bigger than they are, yet through their own desire to help, to try and make the best of a bad situation, they continue to succeed, though not without great personal cost to themselves.
Isn't that what most of us want? To make the best of our own situations? And just like The Company in this series, most of the time we feel powerless to effect the change we want - or need - yet somehow we manage.
And that is exactly what happens in this series. Compelling characters, whom after you meet them, drag you along for the journey. From the beginning it has been a torrent of activity, a thrill ride from one end of the galaxy to the other.
This novel moved me - in parts - to tears over what our intrepid company of heroes went through and as I await the stunning conclusion in Masters of Shipworld - I find myself poised on the edge of my seat. I. Must. Know. What. Happens!
July 5, 2022
I am just loving this series and, whilst I was reading, I was dreading finishing this volume believing it be the last in the series. But it turns out there is another book planned, hooray! On the other hand, Carver is now seventy-three, so here’s hoping he’s still got another book in him! I understand he had a lot of trials and tribulations during the writing of this one. This book neatly concludes the story begun in the previous volume and gets there with a cracking, page-turning pace. I had a couple of late nights reluctant to put the book down and probably could have read the 400 plus pages in a single sitting if work hadn’t had to be done! An excellent book that once again pushes the current limits of known science to the very limits of speculative science. An Excellent read and possibly the best of the series so far.
March 9, 2024
Ruall, Corpenicus, Bandicut, Watcher Akura, Sheeawn, and Li Jared go on an adventure in space during asteroid assaults. In an attempt to persuade the ruler of both planets to end a conflict that endangered their discretion, Bandicut had convinced the Uduons to go to Karellia, a neighboring planet.
I like Jeffery's bold and imaginative storytelling style; he created new people and things and gave them life, much like "the Mindaru." There were alien notions such as the Thespi-third woman and personal contact with the forearm.
This book explores a number of topics, including trust, sacrifice, destiny, hope, and loss. In a scene where people, aliens, and objects put aside their differences and cooperated to put an end to a conflict, the concept of peace is shown. By stepping in to stop the Mindaru, Julie and her team demonstrated the idea of sacrifice. They knew that once John Bandicut and his crew closed the portal, there would be no way out, yet they accepted their destiny to prevent the time and space from colliding.
The concept of destiny was shown in a scene with the centenarian Karelian Li-Jared, the human John Bandicut, and the two Uduons, Sheeawn and Alura. They were in imminent danger, as the Mindaru was moving straight at them. As a result, they were left dangling in midair and had to accept their fate. They have no other support system but hope as any attempt to keep their planets safe from this overwhelming menace may come to nothing.
When the two Uduons accompany Li Jared to Karellia, their enemy planet, even though they know they might be tricked into falling into a trap, the topic of trust is emphasized. Ultimately, these extraterrestrials attacked their planet with asteroids. Finally, the topic of friendship will be revealed since these animals have a same objective and purpose, and as they work together to battle, an unspoken relationship is formed and their love is deepened.
Even though I like space and galactic hijinks, my actual interest is in robotics, which is akin to a mutant lab experiment. As such, this book soon lost my attention in the beginning since it wasn't written in my typical way. In the next chapters, intriguing events unfolded slowly, which I find very dull since it's assumed that the reader would be captivated by each line and want to flip the page again. Instead, it seemed more like circling back around. Because of the Jeffery's rather complicated terminology, it may be necessary to consult a dictionary a few times before reading the rest of the novel. It reduced the smoothness and friction of reading.
I like Jeffery's bold and imaginative storytelling style; he created new people and things and gave them life, much like "the Mindaru." There were alien notions such as the Thespi-third woman and personal contact with the forearm.
This book explores a number of topics, including trust, sacrifice, destiny, hope, and loss. In a scene where people, aliens, and objects put aside their differences and cooperated to put an end to a conflict, the concept of peace is shown. By stepping in to stop the Mindaru, Julie and her team demonstrated the idea of sacrifice. They knew that once John Bandicut and his crew closed the portal, there would be no way out, yet they accepted their destiny to prevent the time and space from colliding.
The concept of destiny was shown in a scene with the centenarian Karelian Li-Jared, the human John Bandicut, and the two Uduons, Sheeawn and Alura. They were in imminent danger, as the Mindaru was moving straight at them. As a result, they were left dangling in midair and had to accept their fate. They have no other support system but hope as any attempt to keep their planets safe from this overwhelming menace may come to nothing.
When the two Uduons accompany Li Jared to Karellia, their enemy planet, even though they know they might be tricked into falling into a trap, the topic of trust is emphasized. Ultimately, these extraterrestrials attacked their planet with asteroids. Finally, the topic of friendship will be revealed since these animals have a same objective and purpose, and as they work together to battle, an unspoken relationship is formed and their love is deepened.
Even though I like space and galactic hijinks, my actual interest is in robotics, which is akin to a mutant lab experiment. As such, this book soon lost my attention in the beginning since it wasn't written in my typical way. In the next chapters, intriguing events unfolded slowly, which I find very dull since it's assumed that the reader would be captivated by each line and want to flip the page again. Instead, it seemed more like circling back around. Because of the Jeffery's rather complicated terminology, it may be necessary to consult a dictionary a few times before reading the rest of the novel. It reduced the smoothness and friction of reading.
January 7, 2024
I did not read book one of the series, but I was able to follow the story and enjoy the adventure. And what a big adventure it is!
Back in space and time, the crew helps two worlds make peace. I enjoyed learning how the warring worlds started to be at odds with each other and found it to be the main reason many arguments are created (sorry, you will need to read the book to find out what I am referencing). Without giving away anything, I will say that the way they solved the problem was spectacular, and the outcome was perfect.
Beyond these worlds, a more significant threat looms – the Mindaru. They have an interesting backstory, but that doesn’t make them any more likable. They are the real threat to the galaxy and to time itself. As far as bad guys go, the Mindaru are the boogeymen of space.
Wrapping the book up came with new issues for the characters. They saved their world, the galaxy, and the timeline but now face the reality that something else is happening on Shipworld. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
If you enjoy sci-fi, this is a great book – and if you get a chance to read the book one, I would highly recommend reading that first.
Back in space and time, the crew helps two worlds make peace. I enjoyed learning how the warring worlds started to be at odds with each other and found it to be the main reason many arguments are created (sorry, you will need to read the book to find out what I am referencing). Without giving away anything, I will say that the way they solved the problem was spectacular, and the outcome was perfect.
Beyond these worlds, a more significant threat looms – the Mindaru. They have an interesting backstory, but that doesn’t make them any more likable. They are the real threat to the galaxy and to time itself. As far as bad guys go, the Mindaru are the boogeymen of space.
Wrapping the book up came with new issues for the characters. They saved their world, the galaxy, and the timeline but now face the reality that something else is happening on Shipworld. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
If you enjoy sci-fi, this is a great book – and if you get a chance to read the book one, I would highly recommend reading that first.
November 17, 2023
Crucible of Time by Jeffrey A. Craver is an interesting space opera journey. I am not a fan of science fiction but a few reads including this book have made the genre entertaining to me. The book reminds me so much of Star Trek and Star Wars. I loved Star Wars. This is so much like Star Wars, but the pacing is very similar to that of Star Trek. There is action, suspense, and a dire need to solve the big problem. The heroes slowly get it done. But just like my favorite, Star Wars, there is always something else that pops up that needs time and attention. Danger is everywhere. The characters gamble everything to do what is good. Good versus evil is a huge theme inside this epic read. It is enjoyable to follow but lags in pacing at times.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
September 1, 2021
Best two books of the entire series so far
The “Reefs of Time” and this book were the best yet. The existing characters were filled out better (especially Li-Jared) and the new characters were created well and with depth. I reread the earlier books before reading these and that was well worth it!
The “Reefs of Time” and this book were the best yet. The existing characters were filled out better (especially Li-Jared) and the new characters were created well and with depth. I reread the earlier books before reading these and that was well worth it!
February 9, 2021
Time travel and aliens
With echoes of Alice in Wonderland, Philip Jose Farmer's Riverworld, and Star Trek it's an amazing tale of intelligent AIs, fascinating aliens. I see Spock raising an eyebrow as characters act and react in logical and illogical ways. Fun to read!
With echoes of Alice in Wonderland, Philip Jose Farmer's Riverworld, and Star Trek it's an amazing tale of intelligent AIs, fascinating aliens. I see Spock raising an eyebrow as characters act and react in logical and illogical ways. Fun to read!
April 12, 2021
The books of the Chaos Chronicles series gets better with each successive release. The writing is great. Characters are fleshed out and the story is a page-turner. Can't wait for the last book to come out.
May 3, 2021
Another cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next novel
Good read. Story line, although complex, not terrible to follow. Compelling and nicely detailed so that all or most of the characters are full and believable.
Good read. Story line, although complex, not terrible to follow. Compelling and nicely detailed so that all or most of the characters are full and believable.
December 4, 2019
Definitely worth the wait
A book of great imagination and scope
It is rare for me to give 5* but this was worth at least 6
A book of great imagination and scope
It is rare for me to give 5* but this was worth at least 6
September 18, 2019
A fantastic trip into space and time from a master!
Massachusetts author Jeffrey Carver is a highly respected master of the science fiction genre. His impressive output to date includes THE STAR RIGGER UNIVERSE series of six novels, the two NOVELS OF THE STARSTREAM series, four standalone novels, and this excellent series – THE CHAOS CHRONICLES, of which CRUCIBLE OF TIME is Book 6 (in tandem with Book 5 THE REEFS OF TIME). In addition to writing successful sci-fi novels, Jeffrey hosted the television series Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing for middle school classrooms to teach youngsters how to turn ideas into stories, and now that program is computer based and available gratis to those who wish to become writers. Jeffrey and his family live outside Boston.
One of the traits that sets Jeffry’s work apart from most sci-fi authors is his attention to detail, a factor that makes even his most incredulous ideas accessible and even visual. The tenor of this novel is set in the Prologue; ‘The region of the greater galactic core had been a fertile bed of civilization during the epoch of the Great Awakening, a time when the inner galaxy sparkled with life and growth and technological development. For millions of years, a thousand sapient species and cultures thrived. Great works were created. Works of art and architecture, of sculpture, music, writing. Religions were born, and grew, and were transformed. Most faded, but some remained and thrived. Science blossomed with keen insights about the workings, large and small, of the universe; and from it, technologies verging on magic. The conquest of interstellar distances was the catalyst to the most extravagant growth in history. Even in the inner galaxy, where stars were crowded together, the distances were daunting until the discovery of faster-than-light travel. After that, commerce surged and flowed among the worlds. Cultures mingled, and the only constant was change. Unfortunately, with the mingling of cultures came competition and war…’
This degree of insight and philosophical overtones married with a superb story with fine characters is a signature trait for Jeffrey. The plot of this conclusion of his OUT OF TIME duology follows: ‘A galaxy in peril...The time-tides caused by Karellia’s defenses have brought the malicious Mindaru AI out of the deep past into the present, threatening Bandicut and Li-Jared, who have arrived at the backwater planet—Li-Jared’s homeworld—to find it on the brink of interplanetary war. Somehow they must forge a peace between Karellia and its neighboring world if the Mindaru threat is to be broken. Back on Shipworld, Ik and Julie Stone risk their lives a second time to stop the Mindaru at their source: a planet near the galactic core, a billion years in the past. Can Antares, the beautiful humanoid who also loves Bandicut, help them? What of Bria the gokat? And Amaduse, the most influential librarian in Shipworld? And in the deep time of the galaxy’s early history, by the light of a million suns, the Mindaru do hideous things to an innocent species. The Mindaru plan for the altered creatures bears momentous possibilities even the deadly AI cannot predict. Time is critical. Time is elastic. And time is running out.’
Yes, it would be helpful to read THE REEFS OF TIME first, but this book is so strong that it stands alone quite solidly. Fine sci-fi, this!
Massachusetts author Jeffrey Carver is a highly respected master of the science fiction genre. His impressive output to date includes THE STAR RIGGER UNIVERSE series of six novels, the two NOVELS OF THE STARSTREAM series, four standalone novels, and this excellent series – THE CHAOS CHRONICLES, of which CRUCIBLE OF TIME is Book 6 (in tandem with Book 5 THE REEFS OF TIME). In addition to writing successful sci-fi novels, Jeffrey hosted the television series Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing for middle school classrooms to teach youngsters how to turn ideas into stories, and now that program is computer based and available gratis to those who wish to become writers. Jeffrey and his family live outside Boston.
One of the traits that sets Jeffry’s work apart from most sci-fi authors is his attention to detail, a factor that makes even his most incredulous ideas accessible and even visual. The tenor of this novel is set in the Prologue; ‘The region of the greater galactic core had been a fertile bed of civilization during the epoch of the Great Awakening, a time when the inner galaxy sparkled with life and growth and technological development. For millions of years, a thousand sapient species and cultures thrived. Great works were created. Works of art and architecture, of sculpture, music, writing. Religions were born, and grew, and were transformed. Most faded, but some remained and thrived. Science blossomed with keen insights about the workings, large and small, of the universe; and from it, technologies verging on magic. The conquest of interstellar distances was the catalyst to the most extravagant growth in history. Even in the inner galaxy, where stars were crowded together, the distances were daunting until the discovery of faster-than-light travel. After that, commerce surged and flowed among the worlds. Cultures mingled, and the only constant was change. Unfortunately, with the mingling of cultures came competition and war…’
This degree of insight and philosophical overtones married with a superb story with fine characters is a signature trait for Jeffrey. The plot of this conclusion of his OUT OF TIME duology follows: ‘A galaxy in peril...The time-tides caused by Karellia’s defenses have brought the malicious Mindaru AI out of the deep past into the present, threatening Bandicut and Li-Jared, who have arrived at the backwater planet—Li-Jared’s homeworld—to find it on the brink of interplanetary war. Somehow they must forge a peace between Karellia and its neighboring world if the Mindaru threat is to be broken. Back on Shipworld, Ik and Julie Stone risk their lives a second time to stop the Mindaru at their source: a planet near the galactic core, a billion years in the past. Can Antares, the beautiful humanoid who also loves Bandicut, help them? What of Bria the gokat? And Amaduse, the most influential librarian in Shipworld? And in the deep time of the galaxy’s early history, by the light of a million suns, the Mindaru do hideous things to an innocent species. The Mindaru plan for the altered creatures bears momentous possibilities even the deadly AI cannot predict. Time is critical. Time is elastic. And time is running out.’
Yes, it would be helpful to read THE REEFS OF TIME first, but this book is so strong that it stands alone quite solidly. Fine sci-fi, this!
November 6, 2019
Interesting, imaginative, suspenseful. Jeffrey Carver has become my favorite Sci-Fi author.
October 15, 2019
Very entertaining and exciting conclusion to the Out of Time Sequence (part of The Chaos Chronicles). Finishing the story started in The Reefs of Time, this book was a real page-turner, and contained shiploads of cosmic danger, mind-bending multi-dimensional action, missions in both deep space and deep time, well-developed characters, hard-won victories, heart-rending losses, and hope for the future all rolled into one.
December 24, 2019
Technically it #5, Part II as he split the novel into two parts. Carver's skill in combining epic space battles with personal drama (and comic touches) continues to impress. He brings it all together here and one can only hope that we'll see the final novel in the series before too long.
October 19, 2019
Bandicut and company get hell kicked out of them, but that's the cost of saving civilization. Looking forward to the final chapter of this series.
June 6, 2020
Worth the EXCRUCIATING wait,
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