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The Journeyer #1
Relive
What happens when you fall in love with the girl you murdered in your first life?
An electrifying debut novel from KJ Nelson. It will leave you breathless and reading way past your bedtime!
★★★★★
There is a secret order called The Journeyers. They are a group of people that live their lives over and over. For the most part, they keep to themselves and enjoy their special kind of immortality. They have a vested interest in making sure the timeline doesn’t change too much. The only issue is someone with knowledge from the future is making ripples and ripples are never good.
••••
Gerald Holstrom is an inmate at Folsom Prison. He’s served 47 years of his life sentence. He spends every day filled with regret, trying desperately to survive in a world of concrete and barbed wire.
His regrets flood his mind. He’s constantly plagued by visions of the crime he committed when he was only 19. The blood on his hands weighs him down.
When his young friend makes enemies out of the wrong people, he makes a snap decision that costs him his life.
His vision fades as the blood pools around his dying body. He wishes to see the sky without barbed wire blocking his vision. He sees her face.
Gerald dies, but his life isn’t over.
He’s a Journeyer.
His past isn’t written.
He has a chance to change things for the better.
It isn’t going to be that easy.
An electrifying debut novel from KJ Nelson. It will leave you breathless and reading way past your bedtime!
★★★★★
There is a secret order called The Journeyers. They are a group of people that live their lives over and over. For the most part, they keep to themselves and enjoy their special kind of immortality. They have a vested interest in making sure the timeline doesn’t change too much. The only issue is someone with knowledge from the future is making ripples and ripples are never good.
••••
Gerald Holstrom is an inmate at Folsom Prison. He’s served 47 years of his life sentence. He spends every day filled with regret, trying desperately to survive in a world of concrete and barbed wire.
His regrets flood his mind. He’s constantly plagued by visions of the crime he committed when he was only 19. The blood on his hands weighs him down.
When his young friend makes enemies out of the wrong people, he makes a snap decision that costs him his life.
His vision fades as the blood pools around his dying body. He wishes to see the sky without barbed wire blocking his vision. He sees her face.
Gerald dies, but his life isn’t over.
He’s a Journeyer.
His past isn’t written.
He has a chance to change things for the better.
It isn’t going to be that easy.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2020
161 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 25, 2021
Look, if you're going to steal the whole plotline of UnHappenings, you've got to do something interesting enough with it that I'm distracted from that plot copy. I read a lot of time travel books, and this particular sub-genre where time travel is actually just re-living your life over and over again goes back to at least Replay. There's been a lot of other books that have been written since Replay using this time travel gimmick, and for the most part, I enjoy seeing what each new author adds to the experience. I'm sad to report that I'll never know what Nelson is going to be able to add with this book, as I had to bail at the 57% mark. It shouldn't take this long to see something new, and when the author takes the lazy way out of coming up with new ideas by not just grabbing sequences from other works, but actually name-dropping the source (i.e. Darth Vader from the planet Vulcan as seen in Back to the Future)... well... it makes me realize that this guy isn't going to do anything worth spending my time struggling through the "please please please just hire a freaking editor and proofreader" vanity press novel that this came from.
There's a reason that Kindle Unlimited doesn't have a great reputation for quality, and this book is a shining example. It could be better if there were some professional hands laid upon it, but in it's current state it's just too rough, bland and derivative to enjoy.
There's a reason that Kindle Unlimited doesn't have a great reputation for quality, and this book is a shining example. It could be better if there were some professional hands laid upon it, but in it's current state it's just too rough, bland and derivative to enjoy.
January 17, 2021
A good story and interesting concept
I really liked this book. It's a great concept and I'm looking forward to the next book. My only complaint was the lack of editing. Almost every chapter had typos and\or grammatical errors. Fix those and you've got a 5 star book.
I really liked this book. It's a great concept and I'm looking forward to the next book. My only complaint was the lack of editing. Almost every chapter had typos and\or grammatical errors. Fix those and you've got a 5 star book.
January 29, 2021
I found the story entertaining and think this will be an interesting series. I like the world the author has created.
But oh my goodness, HIRE AN EDITOR! Or even just have a friend read over it first. One of the other reviews mentions that there are errors in almost every chapter. No, there are errors on almost every page! Misspellings (Los Vegas?), misplaced punctuation (especially quotes - sometimes it would have an opening quotation mark but not a closing, or vice versa, making it hard to follow what's actually being said), incorrect word choice (like referring to the car's "breaks"), and grammar errors. It's like listening to a lecturer say "um" a lot - you end up getting distracted, focusing on the "ums" and waiting for the next one instead of concentrating on the material. I read the Kindle edition, I do wonder if the print edition is the same.
Also, whole I do like the storyline of living your life over and over again, I couldn't help but notice the very strong similarities to "The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August" by Claire North.
The "boyfriend/girlfriend" dialog was pretty sappy too. I think that the author was trying to show how naive and innocent the characters were, but it was truly groan-worthy.
Great storyline, and I look forward to more, but I'm really hoping these things (especially the typos and grammar) can be cleaned up for the next book.
But oh my goodness, HIRE AN EDITOR! Or even just have a friend read over it first. One of the other reviews mentions that there are errors in almost every chapter. No, there are errors on almost every page! Misspellings (Los Vegas?), misplaced punctuation (especially quotes - sometimes it would have an opening quotation mark but not a closing, or vice versa, making it hard to follow what's actually being said), incorrect word choice (like referring to the car's "breaks"), and grammar errors. It's like listening to a lecturer say "um" a lot - you end up getting distracted, focusing on the "ums" and waiting for the next one instead of concentrating on the material. I read the Kindle edition, I do wonder if the print edition is the same.
Also, whole I do like the storyline of living your life over and over again, I couldn't help but notice the very strong similarities to "The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August" by Claire North.
The "boyfriend/girlfriend" dialog was pretty sappy too. I think that the author was trying to show how naive and innocent the characters were, but it was truly groan-worthy.
Great storyline, and I look forward to more, but I'm really hoping these things (especially the typos and grammar) can be cleaned up for the next book.
May 25, 2021
Excellent read
I don’t know how he did it but he made every single one of the protagonist in the book likable believable the story flowed had a surprise at the end and is everything you want it in a book great read can’t wait to get the second one
I don’t know how he did it but he made every single one of the protagonist in the book likable believable the story flowed had a surprise at the end and is everything you want it in a book great read can’t wait to get the second one
April 2, 2021
Great story - until the ending ?
Thoroughly enjoyed 95% of this book , great premise , believable characters , really drew you in , until the ending ? Seemed like the author just got bored and decided to wrap it up early because there was something on tv he needed to watch
Made no sense , didn’t make me want to read a sequel , just left me dissatisfied, great start , great middle , bad ending
Can I also please apply for the proof readers job for this author ? One thing that became increasingly frustrating was the huge amount of spelling mistakes and the minor continuity issues. The book read as a really professional publication , but the spelling was terrible , which is a shame because they are all easily fixed
There were parts of the story where the same characters name was spelled differently / wrongly in the same paragraph ? Basics
Great read and I will look for the sequels , but room for improvement
Thoroughly enjoyed 95% of this book , great premise , believable characters , really drew you in , until the ending ? Seemed like the author just got bored and decided to wrap it up early because there was something on tv he needed to watch
Made no sense , didn’t make me want to read a sequel , just left me dissatisfied, great start , great middle , bad ending
Can I also please apply for the proof readers job for this author ? One thing that became increasingly frustrating was the huge amount of spelling mistakes and the minor continuity issues. The book read as a really professional publication , but the spelling was terrible , which is a shame because they are all easily fixed
There were parts of the story where the same characters name was spelled differently / wrongly in the same paragraph ? Basics
Great read and I will look for the sequels , but room for improvement
February 21, 2022
On the fence between four and five stars for this. It's good. The characters are developed sufficiently, and the plot is interesting. The narrator was the perfect choice for this book. I'll likely continue with the series.
The torture was a little on the gruesome side for me. I can handle it but I need to brace myself for that kind of thing. I don't want to listen to intense torture scenes while I'm trying to multitask. If this happens regularly, I might shelve the series until I have time to sit down and just listen to it without trying to take on other tasks.
The torture was a little on the gruesome side for me. I can handle it but I need to brace myself for that kind of thing. I don't want to listen to intense torture scenes while I'm trying to multitask. If this happens regularly, I might shelve the series until I have time to sit down and just listen to it without trying to take on other tasks.
July 1, 2021
Enjoyable
At first, all I could do while reading this book was compare it to “Replay” by Ken Grimwood. Then the book took a surprisingly interesting turn and made the story very different. I was unable to stop reading and finished it quickly. If you like the idea of a second chance at life, you will enjoy this book.
At first, all I could do while reading this book was compare it to “Replay” by Ken Grimwood. Then the book took a surprisingly interesting turn and made the story very different. I was unable to stop reading and finished it quickly. If you like the idea of a second chance at life, you will enjoy this book.
April 30, 2021
Enjoyable story well-written
Much better than I thought for a KU book. Good characters and fast-moving story. I’m ready for book 2.
Thank you K J !
Much better than I thought for a KU book. Good characters and fast-moving story. I’m ready for book 2.
Thank you K J !
November 29, 2021
Relive: an excellent read
Great book. Well developed characters, plot twists. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well told story.
Great book. Well developed characters, plot twists. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well told story.
May 15, 2021
Interesting time travel book
Interesting and different perspective of time traveling each time you die. Like you reset your life back to an important turning point.,interested to read book 2.
Interesting and different perspective of time traveling each time you die. Like you reset your life back to an important turning point.,interested to read book 2.
January 12, 2022
This book feels like a complete rip off of the First 15 Lives of Harry August. The "laws" of the universe are basically the same, the plot is almost the same but it feels like an amateur hack job.
In the Harry August book, you get what feels like a well researched book written by someone who studied the history a bit, knows a bit of science, and generally writes better.
In Relive, the story starts more in the middle but over time you get a few plot twists and realize it's practically the same story as Harry August. Again, the writing feels like the low budget version of Harry August. The characters are more outlandish and less believable too.
Plus, Relive is at least a 2 part series, the second part which hasn't come out yet so you'll have to wonder if it will ever be finished.
In the Harry August book, you get what feels like a well researched book written by someone who studied the history a bit, knows a bit of science, and generally writes better.
In Relive, the story starts more in the middle but over time you get a few plot twists and realize it's practically the same story as Harry August. Again, the writing feels like the low budget version of Harry August. The characters are more outlandish and less believable too.
Plus, Relive is at least a 2 part series, the second part which hasn't come out yet so you'll have to wonder if it will ever be finished.
November 19, 2021
Very good story, needed proofreading desperately.
The story was very good, the plotting above average. Characters were credible, in a sci-fi mode. There were so many typos, repeated words, and wrong words used that it became distracting. The author could use a healthy dose of Steven King's handbook "On Writing." His voice was that of a teenager, even though the main characters were decades or centuries old. I'd like to read the sequel in hopes his command of English and the tools of a writer have matured. I also want to see what happened to the characters. The plot was not resolved in this book, but a cliffhanger was used as a conclusion.
The story was very good, the plotting above average. Characters were credible, in a sci-fi mode. There were so many typos, repeated words, and wrong words used that it became distracting. The author could use a healthy dose of Steven King's handbook "On Writing." His voice was that of a teenager, even though the main characters were decades or centuries old. I'd like to read the sequel in hopes his command of English and the tools of a writer have matured. I also want to see what happened to the characters. The plot was not resolved in this book, but a cliffhanger was used as a conclusion.
April 4, 2023
"Relive" by K.J. Nelson is a gripping science fiction novel that explores the themes of time travel and the "understanding" the past. The author's attention to detail and well-crafted plot makes this a page-turner that's difficult to put down.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own motivations and struggles. The story is told from multiple perspectives, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of the book and understand the intricate connections between the characters.
One of the standout features of "Relive" is its unique take on time travel. The concept is presented in a fresh and original way, with thought-provoking ideas about the possible "butterfly effect" and the implications of changing the past.
Although the pacing can be slow at times, the intricate plot and well-crafted characters make up for it. The writing is clear and engaging, with vivid descriptions of the settings and action scenes that transport the reader to the heart of the story.
Overall, "Relive" is a must-read for fans of science fiction and time travel stories. The book's unique concepts and well-crafted plot make for an entertaining and thought-provoking read. I highly recommend it, and I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own motivations and struggles. The story is told from multiple perspectives, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of the book and understand the intricate connections between the characters.
One of the standout features of "Relive" is its unique take on time travel. The concept is presented in a fresh and original way, with thought-provoking ideas about the possible "butterfly effect" and the implications of changing the past.
Although the pacing can be slow at times, the intricate plot and well-crafted characters make up for it. The writing is clear and engaging, with vivid descriptions of the settings and action scenes that transport the reader to the heart of the story.
Overall, "Relive" is a must-read for fans of science fiction and time travel stories. The book's unique concepts and well-crafted plot make for an entertaining and thought-provoking read. I highly recommend it, and I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
April 4, 2023
This ended up being a very disappointing read. I really enjoy time travel and immortality stories. It is the one genre where the author can really use his/her imagination and write a fun story. This one did not come close. The book started pretty good and just kept getting worse. Early on when he found out he was on a second life and met Flint was just plain boring. Nothing much happened. Flint was a jerk and tough to relate to him. The speech and descriptions were elementary at best. Men rarely talk like these two characters although not hearing the "F" word every page was OK. Felt like I was reading an eighth grade writing assignment. Look up some of Shawn Inmon books. Much more fun to read. Glad I finished this. Will not read #2.
December 30, 2025
The most uninteresting time travel audiobook I have ever listened to. Oddly the narrator managed to give incidental characters different voices, but the two main characters, Gerald, and Flint, got the exact same voice. Switching between them was indicated by a short 5 note musical jingle, then continued as if nothing changed. Many times it almost seemed like we were going to get some interesting dialog but instead we read "so I told him all about it." instead of a scene doing the telling. Or for example when Gerald is able to ask Flint about time travel, it starts out with a few questions, then quickly changes to "I asked hundreds of questions for hours." Elsewhere, the details we do get, are so mundane and irrelevant they don't advance the plot at all. I DNF after 6 hours.
March 23, 2021
The idea and the storyline were there and the characters were intriguing enough, but this just felt much too unpolished. I found the characters beyond the protagonist much too unbelievable, making me feel like the time travel was the most believable aspect of the story. Also, one of the big problems that I had was that I listened to this on Audible and the narrator did not even attempt to alter his voice from one character to another. The narrator did not do much to reflect the emotions of the characters, making them even less believable.
January 2, 2022
Amazing storyline
I liked that the characters are complex and far from perfect. It makes them feel authentic. The concept leaves room for endless possibilities, although it is not apparent at first. I look forward to reading more about Gerald and Flint.
The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is the mistakes….. if the author reads this, I would be more than happy to proof read the next book before you publish. I am not a professional but it was a bit annoying! Despite that, I enjoyed this book immensely and would urge everyone to read it. Well done!
I liked that the characters are complex and far from perfect. It makes them feel authentic. The concept leaves room for endless possibilities, although it is not apparent at first. I look forward to reading more about Gerald and Flint.
The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is the mistakes….. if the author reads this, I would be more than happy to proof read the next book before you publish. I am not a professional but it was a bit annoying! Despite that, I enjoyed this book immensely and would urge everyone to read it. Well done!
January 24, 2021
Great story with a unique take on time travel.
I loved the characters and adventures the writer brought to life. This is a very creative and interesting premise. I would have given five stars if not for the many typos and grammatical errors. When you are immersed in the writer's world and hit an error you are suddenly pulled back to reality, most disconcerting. I felt, even with that, it was definitely worth the read and I can't wait for the next adventure.
I loved the characters and adventures the writer brought to life. This is a very creative and interesting premise. I would have given five stars if not for the many typos and grammatical errors. When you are immersed in the writer's world and hit an error you are suddenly pulled back to reality, most disconcerting. I felt, even with that, it was definitely worth the read and I can't wait for the next adventure.
May 14, 2021
1958 WAS AN INTERESTING YEAR INDEED
This isn’t your typical reincarnation book. It reminds me of Replay but it isn’t. If you understand “same but different” you’ll get it. Time travel twists aside the story itself is compelling and I will be getting the next in series. Every journey begins with the first step. I think this is a walk I will like.
Note to Author. Well Done. But Seoul is in Korea not Vietnam.
This isn’t your typical reincarnation book. It reminds me of Replay but it isn’t. If you understand “same but different” you’ll get it. Time travel twists aside the story itself is compelling and I will be getting the next in series. Every journey begins with the first step. I think this is a walk I will like.
Note to Author. Well Done. But Seoul is in Korea not Vietnam.
September 26, 2021
Okay I purchased this book based on the summary, but didn't read it till sometime later. The start was a bit confusing as I didn't realize it was two different characters.
Soon enough I had a better understanding I started to really enjoy Flint and Gerald's story, both the current and past.
This book is enjoyable to read, but has plenty of twists that kept me guessing till the abrupt cliffhanger ending.
Soon enough I had a better understanding I started to really enjoy Flint and Gerald's story, both the current and past.
This book is enjoyable to read, but has plenty of twists that kept me guessing till the abrupt cliffhanger ending.
February 2, 2022
Wow, what an adventure!
What a story! Had me from the get go! I love time travel, but this is a truly new approach that is & isn't time travel at the same time!! Great characters that you can really get into, sides to pick & heros to worship!! Great curve ball close to the end!!
I can highly recommend this book, very little slight bad language for those of you like me that hate that in a book!!
Can' wait for the next installment!!
What a story! Had me from the get go! I love time travel, but this is a truly new approach that is & isn't time travel at the same time!! Great characters that you can really get into, sides to pick & heros to worship!! Great curve ball close to the end!!
I can highly recommend this book, very little slight bad language for those of you like me that hate that in a book!!
Can' wait for the next installment!!
Read
April 23, 2022Think Highlander 😎
This time travel adventure is much like the "Highlander" series. Reincarnated over and over, living millennia. (Possible spoiler)
The twist is a nefarious group over travelers that want to have God like capabilities to run the world as they believe it should work.
The story begins with a first timer and his life. It is well written with twists and turns that kept me guessing.
Definitely will read the next one!
This time travel adventure is much like the "Highlander" series. Reincarnated over and over, living millennia. (Possible spoiler)
The twist is a nefarious group over travelers that want to have God like capabilities to run the world as they believe it should work.
The story begins with a first timer and his life. It is well written with twists and turns that kept me guessing.
Definitely will read the next one!
November 28, 2020
I had so much fun reading this!
I keep searching for a time travel book I can stomach. I love a great time travel story, but almost everything I come across is so cheesy or mushy..heck, usually both
This was fun ride from a fresh perspective. I can't wait for this story to continue..thanks KJ for bring me such enjoyable entertainment!
I keep searching for a time travel book I can stomach. I love a great time travel story, but almost everything I come across is so cheesy or mushy..heck, usually both
This was fun ride from a fresh perspective. I can't wait for this story to continue..thanks KJ for bring me such enjoyable entertainment!
December 22, 2020
I enjoyed the book and especially liked the major plot twist.
Potential spoilers....
My issues with the book are the apparent lack of attention to detail in terms of the timing of some major world events (e.g., Korean Conflict happening AFTER 1958?) and the lack of an explanation of the cycles (i.e., how do the various immortals overlap?).
Potential spoilers....
My issues with the book are the apparent lack of attention to detail in terms of the timing of some major world events (e.g., Korean Conflict happening AFTER 1958?) and the lack of an explanation of the cycles (i.e., how do the various immortals overlap?).
March 20, 2021
Worthy time travel novel
Author's style is just the right pace to tell a story like this. I read time travel books all the time and many lose their way. In this case, the author stuck to a unique plot and did not wander too far off center. One criticism, is that I found more than a few typos. The author may want to enlist a couple of proof readers.
Author's style is just the right pace to tell a story like this. I read time travel books all the time and many lose their way. In this case, the author stuck to a unique plot and did not wander too far off center. One criticism, is that I found more than a few typos. The author may want to enlist a couple of proof readers.
May 26, 2021
Fantastic read
A great read. Original plot and original characters bringing a whole new dimension to the time travel genre . The booked is well paced and is hard to put down once started. An intelligent novel that can stand proudly shoulder to shoulder with other novels of the time travelling canon. I'm down loading the next book in the series immediately.
A great read. Original plot and original characters bringing a whole new dimension to the time travel genre . The booked is well paced and is hard to put down once started. An intelligent novel that can stand proudly shoulder to shoulder with other novels of the time travelling canon. I'm down loading the next book in the series immediately.
November 1, 2021
A tedious beginning to a story that draws you in
It took awhile to get drawn in. But after that you start to care about the protagonists. It is sometimes difficult to follow the jumps back and forth between their current and previous lives. By in the end I care enough to go to the next book.
It took awhile to get drawn in. But after that you start to care about the protagonists. It is sometimes difficult to follow the jumps back and forth between their current and previous lives. By in the end I care enough to go to the next book.
November 11, 2021
Time Travel with a twist
You wake up in the body of your younger self, but with the memories of your former life intact up to the time you died. No danger of meeting yourself in this story!.
Who wouldn't want a chance to relive your life and put right all the bad choices you made before. There's only one thing stopping you - The Order.
You wake up in the body of your younger self, but with the memories of your former life intact up to the time you died. No danger of meeting yourself in this story!.
Who wouldn't want a chance to relive your life and put right all the bad choices you made before. There's only one thing stopping you - The Order.
February 12, 2022
Excellent book! I cannot wait to read the 2nd installment. However (it pains me to say this and not leave 5 stars as it was such a good book) but omg the spelling, grammar & punctuation....what happened!?! Please please please get the 2nd book professionally edited before releasing, it was such a bug throughout the whole book and would be a firm 5 stars if this was fixed
March 14, 2022
4 Stars
I was excited to find a new time loop series and feared the anticipation may ruin it for me. However, this first entry into The Journeyer Series did not disappoint. The characters and the plot interested me quite a bit -- so, rather than reading it, I sort of inhaled it! Looking forward to #2.
I was excited to find a new time loop series and feared the anticipation may ruin it for me. However, this first entry into The Journeyer Series did not disappoint. The characters and the plot interested me quite a bit -- so, rather than reading it, I sort of inhaled it! Looking forward to #2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews