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Chrysalis
“It’s called an M-16 automatic rifle, your Grace. Let us take steps to sanctify its sorcery in the eyes of God…”In this exciting, action-packed novel that seamlessly blends Sci-Fi, History, Romance, and War, writer Jacques Voorhees beautifully weaves together the worlds of a modern physicist, a retired seaman, and a coming-of-age Irish girl to bring you a story you won't want to put down.
The
With the help of a cynical ex-marine with a propensity for history, physicist Michael Kittery leverages a discovery with sub-atomic particles into an ability to move objects in time—but only if they are surrounded by metal and immersed in water. Meanwhile in Dark Ages, Ireland, beautiful young Avelyn—a ward of the monastery—keeps her Druidic faith hidden as much to make peace with the abbot as to temper the hostility of the village townsfolk. When Vikings attack, she has no means to oppose them—until time-travelers from the future arrive in a nuclear submarine.
If you enjoy techno-thrillers, richly-crafted historical tableaus, and the quirky plot twists of a fast-moving adventure novel, then you’ll fall into the world of Chrysalis and never want to return—in either time or space. Leave your present universe behind—and embark on a journey that tests the limits of greed, lust, fear, true love, naked ambition, and the question of whether the time/space continuum will ever be the same.
"I was immediately absorbed by the story, characters, and vivid writing. I absolutely love it!"Diane Hartman—A former editor for "The Denver Post" and book reviewer for 25 years.
“Jacques Voorhees’ time-travel novel is a richly woven adventure that will entertain readers. Unique and fun!”David M. Salkin—Author of "The Team" series and other great thrillers.
"I look forward to reading Jacques Voorhees' new novel. He is devoted to good writing."Nancy Price—Author of "Sleeping With The Enemy" (Now a major motion picture.)
The
With the help of a cynical ex-marine with a propensity for history, physicist Michael Kittery leverages a discovery with sub-atomic particles into an ability to move objects in time—but only if they are surrounded by metal and immersed in water. Meanwhile in Dark Ages, Ireland, beautiful young Avelyn—a ward of the monastery—keeps her Druidic faith hidden as much to make peace with the abbot as to temper the hostility of the village townsfolk. When Vikings attack, she has no means to oppose them—until time-travelers from the future arrive in a nuclear submarine.
If you enjoy techno-thrillers, richly-crafted historical tableaus, and the quirky plot twists of a fast-moving adventure novel, then you’ll fall into the world of Chrysalis and never want to return—in either time or space. Leave your present universe behind—and embark on a journey that tests the limits of greed, lust, fear, true love, naked ambition, and the question of whether the time/space continuum will ever be the same.
"I was immediately absorbed by the story, characters, and vivid writing. I absolutely love it!"Diane Hartman—A former editor for "The Denver Post" and book reviewer for 25 years.
“Jacques Voorhees’ time-travel novel is a richly woven adventure that will entertain readers. Unique and fun!”David M. Salkin—Author of "The Team" series and other great thrillers.
"I look forward to reading Jacques Voorhees' new novel. He is devoted to good writing."Nancy Price—Author of "Sleeping With The Enemy" (Now a major motion picture.)
592 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 7, 2020
2.5 stars. Not sure why I finished this book. While the story was mildly entertaining, the events and the character interactions throughout the book were completely unrealistic.
March 19, 2026
A nice read.
March 24, 2020
A fun, exciting, action-adventure book with an interesting concept of time travel that at least sounds scientifically plausible, even though it's not. I particularly enjoyed the part where the travel back in time occurred, and wish there had been more detail on the time travel forward. Also loved the fact that everyone on the submarine didn't even know they had gone back in time; that definitely made for some humorous moments! Definitely could see this book as a movie, with sequels as "Chrysalis" travels to other times.
April 11, 2020
It's the kind of book that grabs you by the hair and pulls you closer. Once its got you nose to nose, it shows you things you can never un-see. It digs around in your bones, exploring your depths, looking for knowledge, understanding, and courage. It's the type of book and follows you around when you put it down. It takes up its own chair at the dining room table and asks you to tell the others where you've been, even if they won't believe you. It dares you to leap a little further than you'd normally jump. It makes you talk with your mouth full and not care.
This book is masterfully written. It is sensational, filled with pious wisdom and deeply heroic characters who carry a little bit of every one of us in them. From the demure and saintly to the rancid beasts who have no moral compass, this story steers you through the tides of hope, delight, horror, and the shadows of your own spirit.
Jacques Voorhees A powerful display of dexterity. This story is imaginative and compelling. Your science behind time travel is believable and interesting. Perhaps, even the backbone of the story. Avelyn will haunt me for always. I will see her in every cave and on every hilltop. When I stand in the river or at any waters edge I will be tempted to raise my arms up and call out to her just to see what happens.
This book was a tonic of action, love, manipulation, conflict, and magic. Rich and beautifully threaded like an ancient tapestry. It's highly recommended to intelligent dare-devils who like adventurous and thought-provoking work. SALUTE!
This book is masterfully written. It is sensational, filled with pious wisdom and deeply heroic characters who carry a little bit of every one of us in them. From the demure and saintly to the rancid beasts who have no moral compass, this story steers you through the tides of hope, delight, horror, and the shadows of your own spirit.
Jacques Voorhees A powerful display of dexterity. This story is imaginative and compelling. Your science behind time travel is believable and interesting. Perhaps, even the backbone of the story. Avelyn will haunt me for always. I will see her in every cave and on every hilltop. When I stand in the river or at any waters edge I will be tempted to raise my arms up and call out to her just to see what happens.
This book was a tonic of action, love, manipulation, conflict, and magic. Rich and beautifully threaded like an ancient tapestry. It's highly recommended to intelligent dare-devils who like adventurous and thought-provoking work. SALUTE!
May 25, 2026
Notes at 35% finished: the author desperately needs to hire someone to edit his Navy terminology. I am certainly willing to help. Examples:
- A submarine cannot tell when another ship has turned its rudder. Just no.
- There is no such thing as a Seaman First Class. It is simply Seaman.
- The Navy would not use the term 0430 hours. The time is simply 0430.
- When an aircraft carrier is in its home port, the squadrons in its air wing returns to their naval air stations. The F/A-18s would be nearby in Virginia Beach at NAS Oceana.
- The EA-6B (not just EA-6) was retired over a decade ago and replaced by the EA-18G. For all US-based carriers, their EA-18Gs are in Washington State at NAS Whidbey Island.
- Unlike a surface ship, a submarine would not carry cans of soda, because they don't have a way to dispose of the cans. They would use the same syrup and seltzer mix that a restaurant uses.
- A submarine cannot tell when another ship has turned its rudder. Just no.
- There is no such thing as a Seaman First Class. It is simply Seaman.
- The Navy would not use the term 0430 hours. The time is simply 0430.
- When an aircraft carrier is in its home port, the squadrons in its air wing returns to their naval air stations. The F/A-18s would be nearby in Virginia Beach at NAS Oceana.
- The EA-6B (not just EA-6) was retired over a decade ago and replaced by the EA-18G. For all US-based carriers, their EA-18Gs are in Washington State at NAS Whidbey Island.
- Unlike a surface ship, a submarine would not carry cans of soda, because they don't have a way to dispose of the cans. They would use the same syrup and seltzer mix that a restaurant uses.
June 27, 2020
A book at first I thought I would hate. This is not my genre but took a chance and it was well worth it. The 3 main characters are well developed and the villianess is one who is easily disliked. It was a great diversions and one which I was sad to have finished. I would absolutely read another book by this author.
Give the combination of sci fi.. combined with chapters which reflect the year 792 and present and a great work. Not quite historical fiction but enough tidbits to keep one entertained at least.
Give the combination of sci fi.. combined with chapters which reflect the year 792 and present and a great work. Not quite historical fiction but enough tidbits to keep one entertained at least.
February 10, 2026
review of Chrsalis, a Time Travel Novel by Jacques Voorhees
This is a very interesting time travel novel a scientist discovers the art of time travel and somehow hijacks a nuclear submarine in the process What follows next is amazing Interacting with characters in a world from the 8th century Vikings, real Vikings Hard to process It's more then a little far fetched but a great story and cast of characters a good read
This is a very interesting time travel novel a scientist discovers the art of time travel and somehow hijacks a nuclear submarine in the process What follows next is amazing Interacting with characters in a world from the 8th century Vikings, real Vikings Hard to process It's more then a little far fetched but a great story and cast of characters a good read
March 8, 2020
Phenomenally thrilling read! Entertainment to the max!!
I had the pleasure of reading some early chapters of this wonderful novel back in 2006. It has grown into a truly entertaining and thrilling adventure. Wow, JV! You’ve outdone yourself and I’m with Lynn. You have a long career as a novelist. Can’t wait to read more!
I had the pleasure of reading some early chapters of this wonderful novel back in 2006. It has grown into a truly entertaining and thrilling adventure. Wow, JV! You’ve outdone yourself and I’m with Lynn. You have a long career as a novelist. Can’t wait to read more!
February 7, 2026
Too silly for me
Too many close your brain, roll your eyes and scream Come on man. Once they stole the latest Navy nuclear submarine, I was done. Revert to super speed reading only. The plot just gets to silly and then some, not science fiction but science silly. Maybe good for tweens but not a very serious book.
Too many close your brain, roll your eyes and scream Come on man. Once they stole the latest Navy nuclear submarine, I was done. Revert to super speed reading only. The plot just gets to silly and then some, not science fiction but science silly. Maybe good for tweens but not a very serious book.
February 19, 2026
interesting plot
Interesting plot. Poor execution. This would have been much improved if the ending was better developed. If not an error in final editing, it is as if the author failed to piece together an interesting close. Rather it has an abrupt ending like turning off a light.
Interesting plot. Poor execution. This would have been much improved if the ending was better developed. If not an error in final editing, it is as if the author failed to piece together an interesting close. Rather it has an abrupt ending like turning off a light.
March 2, 2026
I loved this story
I hate writing reviews so I will keep it short. This story is exceptionally interesting and satisfying at its conclusion. I want to read more stories about the Further Adventures of Kitt and Milo as they travel the epochs and making reality better through stolen moments in time.
I hate writing reviews so I will keep it short. This story is exceptionally interesting and satisfying at its conclusion. I want to read more stories about the Further Adventures of Kitt and Milo as they travel the epochs and making reality better through stolen moments in time.
March 18, 2026
Interesting
Okay I really liked the story and the history involved. Obviously it’s make believe but there were a few things that just would not have happened. That’s why I gave it 4 stars. I will read the next one regardless. Overall it’s worth taking a chance if you like time travel and history.
Okay I really liked the story and the history involved. Obviously it’s make believe but there were a few things that just would not have happened. That’s why I gave it 4 stars. I will read the next one regardless. Overall it’s worth taking a chance if you like time travel and history.
April 7, 2026
I somehow came across this book during a search on Goodreads. Im glad I did! This story has a believeable plot, combined with some "technology", and some interesting characters! I am impressed with Mr Voorhees' ability to tell a story in such a way that makes the pages fly by, and keeps the reader interested. I am just beginning the next in the series. I am anxious to see where it goes!!!
April 2, 2022
Probably a 3 star but the story hooked me in and kept me entertained. The characters are all exaggerated and essential turns of plot require some suspension of disbelief, in a sort-of Doctor Who science & action episode. Even so, it's a "what-if" campfire story that I couldn't put down.
February 23, 2026
One of the most original books I have read in a long time!
Such a great book. Old theme but with enough twists to make it fresh and entertaining. (Spoiler alert-I am from a small town near Borger, TX and we are not all that stupid!)
Well done Mr. Voorhees!
Such a great book. Old theme but with enough twists to make it fresh and entertaining. (Spoiler alert-I am from a small town near Borger, TX and we are not all that stupid!)
Well done Mr. Voorhees!
March 14, 2026
very interesting result
I really like this book and look forward to reading the trilogy. For a longer book the reading was quick and the science easily understood. ready for the next one.
I really like this book and look forward to reading the trilogy. For a longer book the reading was quick and the science easily understood. ready for the next one.
July 12, 2020
Refreshingly Different
Nicely written story with likable characters. The ripple effect of time travel was handled well. I would like to see the next volume in the series.
Nicely written story with likable characters. The ripple effect of time travel was handled well. I would like to see the next volume in the series.
July 15, 2020
Excellent Science Fiction
This is A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court cast in a modern setting and with a naval flair. Mark Twain would have been proud.
This is A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court cast in a modern setting and with a naval flair. Mark Twain would have been proud.
August 11, 2020
Forced myself to finish but, it's just a story, right? Three stars because of the story. One star for the complete lack of research on the US Navy and time travel effects.
July 16, 2025
great read!
Loved this story, and the characters! I would love to read more of their adventures! I highly recommend this book!
Loved this story, and the characters! I would love to read more of their adventures! I highly recommend this book!
April 28, 2026
A great book
It was an amazing story.the characters were interesting and they were very alive to me. I know will always enjoy the audacity of the characters. A great book.
It was an amazing story.the characters were interesting and they were very alive to me. I know will always enjoy the audacity of the characters. A great book.
May 1, 2026
The least believable thing in a story about turning a submarine into a time machine is a seaman first class having unrestricted access to the engineering section holding the reactor
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2026
A new twist on a time travel story .. I can't decide if I liked it or really liked it. Even with the parts that made me shake my head I have to say it is a good book and one most will enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews