Time travel, science, history, and romance come together in the bestselling first novel in the Defenders of Time Series.
When two scientists at a symposium on time travel are killed, followed immediately by the shocking detection of a time displacement wave, or TDW—the science world is shaken by the signs of someone traveling back in time to change the past. While their identity and goals are unknown, it’s clear that they’ll have to be stopped before they change the pattern of history.
Special Agent Lou Hessman and his team are tasked with going back to the New York City of the year 1919 to find and stop this TDW. Not an easy task under any circumstance, but the question Are these changes something they want to fix?
Gene P. Abel, COL USA (RET) is the bestselling author of the novels GOING BACK, THE INN OF DESTINY, and the forthcoming KIDNAPPERS FROM THE FUTURE (Oct 2021). In June 2021, he will publish his second work of nonfiction, WHAT, IF ANYTHING, IS OUT THERE, an honest examination of Extraterrestrials and their visitation. He has a Bachelors of Science in Finance from Penn State University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Lehigh University. A Distinguished Military Graduate from Penn State, he spent 5 years on active duty as a Regular Army Officer and 25 years as an Army Reserve Officer. He completed the Army War College in 1985 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal on two occasions. He was nominated for General Officer and retired in 1993 as a Colonel.
Guys I wanted to like this one, I really did. A time travel murder mystery? I'm game.
However this just ultimately disappointed me.
🥰: -Overall the general synopsis could have been very good. I really enjoyed the mystery behind it all and trying to figure out who was behind it all. -I enjoyed the semi twist at the end where the Germans wanted to actually not start WW2. -Claire was the only character I genuinely enjoyed. She was confident and witty and so fun.
😤: So much running. About 70% of this book is chase scene after chase scene. 20% is interrogation and maybe the last 10% is split between actual plot points and mild character development. This wasn't inherently racist but it felt like it somehow. The character of Sue was supposed to be the combat/weapon specialist and is a confident black woman. Excellent, right? However the author spends every other page making it apparent that she's black in 1919 and that wasn't accepted. It almost felt like he wanted excuses to write black slurs. One or two instances would be acceptable to establish the social structure of the time, but it was legitimately once a chapter. The people on the Japanese time travel team had so many cliches to the point that it felt racist also. They all of course knew karate and that's the only combat they used. They were supposed to be trained in modern day times and you're telling me they don't know any other forms of hand to hand combat? I don't know, maybe I'm not the best to judge that aspect but it felt.. iffy to me. Like 3 main characters "died" (it'll make sense if you read it) and I felt nothing. I simply didn't care because there was absolutely no development aside from Claire and Ben, who, admittedly turned out to be a cute couple. There was also no explanation as to how these people could go back 100 years and still have full functionality of internet usage on their handheld pcs. I would accept it if it were just preloaded systems but a few times they performed searches and did a facial recognition scan in a time with no wifi or 5g or anything remotely similar and it's not explained at any point.
Overall, interesting concept, poor execution. Maybe someday I'll read the sequels just not anytime soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Fun concept of a time travel book. They send basically an avatar of the people back in time where their real bodies are kept in suspended animation, however they recreate them exactly including anything they are carrying. So they can take tools from today but for whatever reason the originals and their bodies stay behind. There is some question in the book about will a person who is killed wake up back in their original bodies and that question is answered at the end of the book. I try not to do spoilers so I wont say what the answer was.
I do have a couple of notes for the author. The influenza that existed in 1919 would have been very deadly to us in the present, you would be causing a outbreak if you did not contain someone and anyone they came in contact with them until it had run its course. Viruses mutate over time and become less deadly and the version of influenza that we face today is not the same one from 1919, its not that we are immune to the original deadly version. So bringing someone forward who had the influenza of 1919 would be astonishingly dangerous. It still might kill her as well. The bacterial infection that came with it could be cured but the virus part would need to run its course and be contained.
A less vital but still kind of annoyed me issue was that Hiram Maxim invented the suppressor or as you call it (and frankly so did he) the silencer. You act as though its anachronistic for someone to have a suppressor in 1919 when in reality they were available in hardware stores at the time next to full auto Thompsons and would have been far more familiar to people then than they are now. They were not part of the NFA until that act was passed in 1934.
I've made it about 25 percent through the book and I don't think I can force myself to keep going. There are too many characters to keep track off, and it's confusing with all the names thrown at you. On top of that, there is very much a focus on hard science and less on the plot--I like sci-fi, but more soft sci-fi and this felt like it was geared towards someone with a higher intellectual caliber.
From the get-go I knew I wouldn't enjoy this book, and when I hit the 25% mark and still felt annoyed by every single sentence, I decided to DNF this. The "bad guys" are as unoriginal as they get when is comes to old, white, American male authors: the Germans and the Japanese. Apparently in the future there are new fascist movements taking over those countries and the oh-so-heroic Americans must stop them. With how this book is progressing, my guess is that in the end the Americans are just going to nuked hundreds of thousands of innocents and then call themselves heroes for doing so. Author is casually sexist and racist (5% in he says a character has a "big Jewish nose" and I'm pretty sure he set the book in the 1920s so his characters could get away with those bigoted sentiments. It was also written in a very pretentious voice making me think author is trying to make himself seem smarter than he actually is. This is further backed up by the onslaught of science talk in the first few chapters (that were really just simple concepts hammed up with big words and lots of repetition). Needless to say, I don't have the patience to follow through with this book. As shame... the concept had so much potential. TLDR; rah rah white American male says US good Germany and Japan bad *insert casual sexism and/or racism here*
This was a fun book to read with fine travel at its core. I liked the space time dimension being explored by author Gene Abel.
Something had changed in the past as shown by the disruption of the temporal wave seen in one of the new gadgets invented. If the past changed what would happen to the future? To protect life as we knew it, a team was sent into the past to prevent that event.
My first book by this author, there was quite a bit of scientific explanation which soon embellished into an adventurous travel, bringing out the thrill at strategic points.
The team had great camaraderie and worked cohesively. Having an enterprising journalist from the past, acting as a guide to this eclectic team of agents and professors, the book soon became a race against time to save the world.
The action scenes were well described. The book had a tinge of movie Avatar which made me happy. I loved that movie. Suspense about the perp had me tapping on my kindle fast and furious. At 200 odd pages it packed a punch with a good twist in the end.
Book 1 in a trilogy, this was an entertaining breakfast read.
*I received an eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
A review I saw for this said it felt like a combination of the show Timeless and a 60s action movie, which I think is very accurate. Unfortunately, it did not work for me.
I thought the writing was easy to read, but pretty much from the start of the team's time in New York it felt like chase scene after chase scene and I quickly grew bored of that. Also, before the team went back in time it was drilled into them "do not change anything" but then they proceeded to make a ruckus chasing "bad guys" all over New York City and I don't see how that was following the rules?
The only character I really cared about was Claire, the female reporter who idolized Nellie Bly, that they picked up for "local knowledge" in 1919. Everyone else felt really same-y, except for Sue who felt like the token POC. Except the only thing that told me she was Black was the constant harassment she got when she was in 1919.
I liked the technology and the discussion about changing history and what if, and I liked that they go into some of the details about 1919 and how it impacted future events (namely WWII) but the motivations of the other teams going back felt rather stale and unrealistic to me.
“Leave everything as you found it” - proceeds to make the biggest mess with shootouts, chases through Central Park Zoo, and dumping half a kitchen out a window. 😂
Going Back was a bit of a different read for me. The third person narration which didn’t focus on any particular character threw me a little at the beginning, but as I grew to learn the characters I got used to it. The second Claire was introduced I knew she was going to be my favourite character, and I liked her the whole way through. The rest of the team grew on my as the story progressed.
This was very science and history heavy. The focus was mostly on explaining the science of how they were time travelling and the history surrounding their mission. I don’t overly know a lot about this period of history, especially pertaining to the Americans, Germans, and Japanese, so that was interesting to see. And we got to essentially go on a trip around New York and hit all the big attractions.
Thank You Bookstagrammers . com and Indigo River Publishing for the review copy and including me in your campaign!
Gene P. Abel's mesmerizing writing style captivates readers, keeping their eyes glued to the pages and forging a connection with the characters. One of the book's standout features is its exploration of weighty societal issues, adding depth and significance. The heart-stopping and thrilling scenes are balanced with a touch of romance at the end, albeit not overly explicit.
Defenders Of Time, Going Back is a story about a skilled group of individuals working on a project which is a machine that has the potential to make someone go back in time. Nevertheless, following the untimely deaths of two prominent individuals and the discovery of an imminent alteration to history, they find themselves compelled to embark on a time-travel journey. Their objective: to thwart the TDW. However, their understanding of time travel is limited, adding an additional layer of challenge to their mission.
With an intriguing plot twist and well-developed characters, this book is incredibly engaging and difficult to set aside. The storyline is easy to follow, and the fast pace keeps readers fully immersed. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an engulfing and captivating read.
Despite not being the genre I typically gravitate towards, I'm absolutely enamored with this book. The characters within its pages evoked a strong emotional response in me, as I found myself cheering for their success or failure. This is a testament to Gene P. Abel's skill in creating well-rounded and relatable characters. Defenders Of Time, Going Back is a thrilling and captivating page-turner that keeps readers engaged and eager for more.
The plot of the book had me completely engrossed, particularly when the main characters interacted with the lady reporter. One scene in particular that had me rooting for them was when they had to reveal their true identities and mission to Claire. Defenders Of Time, Going Back defies initial expectations set by its title, as the author weaves an incredibly intricate web that ensnares readers in a world fueled by their own imagination, set against the backdrop of significant historical events in America and the world. For this reason and more, I have given this book a flawless five-star rating.
Defenders of Time: Going Back by Gene P. Abel exceeded my expectations and kept me thoroughly engaged until the very end. It surprised me in the best possible way, leaving me excited and captivated throughout the book.
In a symposium on time travel, the sudden deaths of two scientists and the discovery of a time displacement wave (TDW) rock the scientific community. It becomes evident that someone has traveled back in time to alter history. Special Agent Lou Hessman and his team are assigned the challenging mission of traveling to New York City in 1919 to locate and halt the TDW. As the team confronts their mission, they are confronted with a tough choice. Life often doesn't unfold as anticipated, leading to unexpected challenges and decisions. The stakes are high as they strive to prevent a significant alteration in the course of history. If you love science fiction, especially time travel and action, look no further.
While reading this intriguing time-travel novel, I was blown away by the book’s characters and their challenges as they embark on a mission. The characters come to life and beautifully engage readers in the conflicts. This is a novel that gives all aspects of thrill and excitement.
Set against the backdrop of significant historical events such as World War I, World War II, and the Holocaust, the novel explores thought-provoking "what if" scenarios and elicits moments of revelation. The character of Claire adds depth and humor to the story, which I particularly enjoyed. As unexpected events unfold, Claire is faced with a crucial decision that will determine the success of the mission. The book demonstrates skill and passion through its masterful writing style and meticulous attention to detail. It is evident that the author's dedication will undoubtedly yield a rewarding reading experience.
Defenders Of Time, Going Back as the title suggests, is a book that’ll take you back in time as far as the year 1919. The American Research Team has made a startling revelation: a genuine TDW has been uncovered, potentially originating from either the Germans or the Japanese. This unexpected twist sets the stage for a group of individuals with extraordinary abilities to thwart the sinister plots at play.
From the very beginning, I was captivated by the book's fresh and unique concept and its compelling theme. I thoroughly appreciated the detailed and immersive descriptions of the setting, as well as the portrayal of each character's distinct set of skills. For any reader, this novel is both captivating and emotionally satisfying. I have no regrets about reading this book as it took me on an immensely enjoyable journey. I wholeheartedly loved every aspect of this book, and I enthusiastically recommend it to others.
The assassination of two key figures involved in the "Wormhole" project puts the future of the world in jeopardy.
The American research team becomes unsettled upon discovering the occurrence of a real TDE (Temporal Displacement Event). Recognizing the potential to alter world history, they choose to travel back in time, braving unknown risks, in an effort to prevent the TDE from taking place if it hasn’t happened it.
Gene is an exceptional writer who skillfully incorporates historical references and thought-provoking insights into his work, creating a seamless integration with the captivating plot. It's evident that Gene thoroughly enjoyed incorporating real historical events, locations, individuals, and controversies, consistently providing readers with an unforgettable and enjoyable reading experience. I relished every moment of this book. Well done, Gene!
Defenders of Time: Going Back by Gene Abel is an exciting time-travel story with interesting characters, thrilling action, and thought-provoking ideas. Abel's attention to detail brings historical settings to life, while the tough decisions the Defenders face make the story deeper. The well-developed characters and fast-paced writing keep readers hooked. This mix of science fiction, history, and action makes it a captivating read for fans of the genre.
I was truly fascinated by how Gene skillfully crafted a deep and thought-provoking story around a sensitive subject, delivering a crucial message. The way the plot unfolded was captivating, and it left a significant impact on me. Highly recommended!
The element of fiction of Defenders Of Time, Going Back by Gene P. Abel that I found captivating are the unpredictable twists and turns. When you think you have reached the end, Gene introduces unexpected and surprising plot twists that excited me page after page.
This science fiction book focuses on history, particularly the World Wars and the Holocaust. The story revolves around seven defenders and a newly recruited reporter who unite for a crucial mission. Their teamwork and determination make the mission more promising than ever. The accidents, the deaths, and the confrontations all contributed to the plot’s twists and turns which made this book a remarkable one to read. I highly recommend it!
From the very beginning of Defenders of Time: Going Back by Gene P. Abel, I found myself captivated and on the edge of my seat. This electrifying and distinctive book sets itself apart from others, delivering a thrilling and powerful experience.
A diverse group of skilled individuals embarks on a crucial mission to prevent a time displacement wave (TDW) that originated in 1919. The challenge lies in the fact that they have no information about the perpetrator or their motive.
Among the numerous books that have piqued my curiosity and captured my interest, Defenders of Time: Going Back stands out as the best in delivering its intended message. This remarkable book by Gene has provided me with a fresh perspective, leaving me euphoric for having experienced such an incredible read.
Defenders Of Time, Going Back is the manifestation of the author’s brilliance and talent in writing and storytelling. At first, I thought this book was another good-for-nothing read, but the way everything was written from the very beginning already made me think otherwise. The way everything was woven and put into words magnified the whole experience that the story itself could take the readers.
The book tells the story of seven highly skilled and talented individuals who strive to prevent unknown enemies from changing history. Gene truly delivers, surpassing my expectations with his powerful novel that filled me with excitement, suspense, and a constant sense of fear for the lives of the main characters. It's definitely an excellent read!
A highly readable sci-fi novel for those people who are into an exciting and engaging reading experience. While I strongly condemn the brutal atrocities of heartless individuals during the First and Second World Wars, I must admit that the gripping progression of the conflict in the book was incredibly engrossing, making it hard to stop reading. The emotional challenges and feelings experienced by the characters were vividly portrayed, making them relatable and deeply felt.
The story revolves around a team of people who travel back in time to prevent a real TDW (time-displacement wave) and apprehend those responsible. However, their predicament is that they only know the year, 1919, while everything else remains unknown, putting their lives at risk.
This captivating and fast-paced time-travel novel presents an action-packed journey from the hands of a skilled author. The question remains: can Agent Hessman and the team successfully halt the TDW and preserve the integrity of history before it will happen? Defenders Of Time, Going Back epitomized the complexity of history and politics if time travel becomes possible and can be a medium of weapon that has the ability to change History.
Overall, Defenders Of Time, Going Back is a book that offers an entertaining and exciting read for fans of time travel and historical fiction. It has a lot of potential and creativity, but it also has some flaws that may affect its quality and appeal. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
The plot and characters in Defenders Of Time, Going Back are truly remarkable. They were carefully planned and skillfully developed. The story combines drama, action, and a touch of grandeur. After discovering an actual TDW, which has the ability to alter the course of History, Professor Stein and the rest of the team now are up on a tough mission.
The book is filled with non-stop action, sprinkled with elements of drama and romance. There's nothing I found displeasing about the novel, and it's evident that the author poured their passion and skill into its creation. Gene's storytelling keeps you engaged throughout, with vivid descriptions that bring each scene to life. I am thrilled to give this book a five-star rating!
In a modern and forward-thinking backdrop, the American Research Team stumbles upon a genuine TDW, posing a grave threat to the history of the world. As I immersed myself in the pages of this book, I was captivated by its enthralling plot twists and the vibrant personalities of its characters, making it an unforgettable reading experience. The sheer excitement I felt while navigating through the exquisitely written and expertly crafted story was indescribable. The magnetic bond between Ben and Claire, the dynamic duo, is certain to enchant readers, while the camaraderie displayed by the other main characters adds depth to the narrative. The book brims with pulse-pounding action and adrenaline-fueled chases that take readers on an exhilarating adventure they won't soon forget.
While a work of fiction, Defenders Of Time, Going Back presents a plot that feels strikingly genuine and undeniable. Regardless of one's direct connection to the issues explored, Gene's writing possesses a remarkable realism that invites deep introspection. The book shines a spotlight on the profound tragedies of history, namely the Holocaust, and World Wars 1 and 2. If contemplating the possibility of rewriting history intrigues you, this is undoubtedly the perfect book to delve into.
This book is outright awesome and is inarguably perfect for everyone. I've noticed that a second installment in the series has been released titled Kidnappers from the Future. Considering the events that unfolded in this book, the description of the next one has piqued my curiosity.
Defenders of Time: Going Back by Gene Abel is an exciting time-travel adventure that immerses readers in history. The dynamic characters, fast-paced plot, and vivid descriptions make it a thrilling read. The moral dilemma faced by the Defenders adds depth, raising thought-provoking questions about altering the past. Abel's storytelling shines, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover what happens next.
He intriguingly brought the Japanese, and Germans involvement in the world’s most devastating war and annihilation. I appreciate the author's courage in addressing controversial themes and delivering a powerful and a lot of fun and action novel.
Exciting, funny, and thrilling: with beautiful writing that makes the characters feel alive and keeps you hooked.
The year is 2019, Time Travel Machine has become a thing, and three great political powers namely the United States, Germany, and Japan came into action Two important killings have occurred, and a TDW (time-displacement wave) has been detected, putting history in danger. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The precise dates and important historical events portrayed in the story made it seem authentic and plausible. Undoubtedly, the author thoroughly researched the background of his subject matter.
I've always thought that a book reflects the writer's deepest thoughts and feelings, and Gene P. Abel's Defenders Of Time, Going Back truly embodies this idea. The author puts their heart and soul into crafting this amazing story that transports readers to the past and makes every scene feel real. It's hard not to admire such dedication.
The characters and the unknown dangers they face as they infiltrate the unknown time and place provided a fulfilling reading journey. The unexpected plot twist in the middle added excitement, and the presence of Miss Claire Hill, the clever and inquisitive journalist, made the book even more captivating. The ending was unexpected.
This book was a whirlwind of thrills, excitement, and fear that made my heart race at an incredible pace!
Gene wrote a brilliant story that really got me holding my breath. Defenders Of Time, Going Back evoked a range of emotions in my heart that I haven't felt while reading a novel in a long time. Right from the first chapters, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat, eager and curious to uncover what happens next. It's truly a masterpiece that has the potential to become a bestseller. Get ready to settle in and fasten your seatbelt because you're in for an exciting and thrilling journey as the chapters go back in time. This book gets easily five out of five stars!
A TDW that has the ability to alter History, a group of seven individuals, and a reporter make for a compelling read. After the discovery of the ‘wormhole’, two murders have been committed. The research has been compromised. Yet, the end is not yet. In their quest to apprehend the culprits behind the TDW, the team must journey back in time. However, what if the TDW is intended to protect humanity, preventing a catastrophic event and saving countless lives? Will they still pursue their mission?
One of the aspects I appreciate about this book is its ability to provoke deep contemplation among readers, forcing them to consider diverging fates and make weighty decisions.
I was amazed by how Gene was able to connect New York 1919 to the present and from it, gives readers an intense reading experience. When Time Travel has become more real than ever, two forces took advantage of it to change history. Thanks to this group of individuals who volunteered to try to stop the enemies from changing what has already been written.
I must confess that I thoroughly enjoyed Gene's captivating writing style, which kept me engrossed from start to finish. It's an incredible book!
Is it possible to rewrite history? In this gripping tale of international intrigue, a group of seven individuals with exceptional abilities will confront unfamiliar adversaries and perils while delving into the mysteries surrounding the TDW, a pivotal event capable of reshaping the course of world history.
Defenders Of Time, Going Back is an outstanding book that I believe many people would not want to overlook. The touching romance at the end along with the cliffhanger, and the well-crafted plot and characters, are expertly written. For these reasons, I highly recommend it.
I skimmed through this quickly, which is a credit to the writer and the ease of prose. The banter and characterisation between the agents was fun and the plot intricate enough that I didn't lose my place or interest. I feel this could have had another edit (repetition of abrupt/abruptly in the first paragraph) to remove some of the padding but the formatting and overall feel was great. A nice production