Time to be Gonagain

by AJ Farrelly

On the run-down trading airship, The Reliant, rule number one is that no one gets left behind. So why is it that Captain Oisín Gonagain seems to spend more time chasing down errant crew members than actually trading? It doesn’t help that Gonagain and his more-or-less trusty, mismatched crew have accidentally got themselves caught in the middle of a vicious time war between the Traditionalist and Geokinetic factions – and in possession of some highly controversial contraband too! Now the Captain and co. have to rescue their crewmates and evade capture from both sides, helped and hindered – in equal measures – by the efforts of a Trustworthy spy, a pedantic automaton, a fugitive pirate and a dog… with a gun. Set in an alternative 1910, this steampunk fantasy adventure is fast-paced and full of fun; ideal for fans of The Hitchhikers Guide series or Firefly.

446 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2020

Reviews

[Tristan Wynter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a clever play on words, "Time to be Gonagain" is a fantastical Steampunk adventure novel about the space between time, "Geokinetic" and "Imperial (Traditional)." Captain Oisín Gonagain and his crew, a band of misfits, hurdle through various challenges on a bucket of bolts Airship, "The Reliant." Though traders in the traditional sense, they find themselves amid the ferocious war between Traditionalist and Geokinetic factions. Gonagain and company hold the key to fix time, or do they? The Captain must find someone "Trustworthy" of the device for which they transport, while missing crew members weigh heavily on him, and rescuing them is his top priority. Where will their adventures take them, in this "Time lost" treasure of a tale.

Time to be Gonagain, is a wonderful story, with an amazing cast of characters, and well-designed world, in the era of steam-powered vehicles and geared gadgets. I highly recommend this book to Steampunk enthusiasts' and those looking for something unique, and different.

AJ Farrelly, is a true Fantasist, and I look forward to delving into his future works with great enthusiasm. Thank you for sharing, "Time to be Gonagain" has further diversified my library.

[Nathan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join Captain Oisin Gonagain and his trading airship crew on a fun steampunk romp through a world of exhaustive inventiveness.

Captain Gonagain, Lieutenant Bernard Strongman (Oisin’s half-brother), Engineer Rajaobelina, Navigator Bunty Goodtime, and Aircraftman Beagan Haybailer, are just about the most colourful, diverse, entertaining crew you could imagine. And these guys are just the beginning of the cast of this creative, ingenious novel.

The politically neutral crew find themselves thrust into the ongoing time-war between the Traditionalists and the Geokinetics. The “Trads” restrict themselves to steam and gunpowder technology, and despite the fact the planet they all live on is slowing in its celestial rotations, stick rigidly to the traditional clock and calendar movements. In opposition, the “Geos” take advantage of the newly discovered fuel source; pulsarnate crystals, and have invented a new, decimal system of measuring time.

The protagonist, Oisin Gonagain, is undoubtedly the steampunk equivalent of Han Solo, being handsome, smart, quick-witted, athletic, and handy with his fists as well as with a gun. He’s also quite successful with the ladies! Under his command, the largely female crew run fearlessly into danger, tackling the resulting chaos on the hoof.

In my measured opinion, this book contains an essential element that many steampunk stories are sorely missing these days. Punk. The protagonists have that essential DIY ethos, and a complete lack of respect for authority and conformity. On top of that, AJ Farrelly describes the steampunk (and beyond) technology of his world with the authority of a professional engineer.

The language in this story is captivating and imaginative and the humour fresh and well-measured, but the highlight for me was the dialogue, which was utterly convincing and natural. The omniscient narration allowed Farrelly to paint three-dimensional characters by crafting a background story for all the main players.

This book advertises itself as being set in an alternate history, but as far as I can tell AJ Farrelly has invested a large amount of time into crafting his own world full of steampunk and classic and regional British aesthetics.

The only niggling thought I had after practically whizzing through this smooth, well-paced read, was that a relatively early hint at magic in AJ’s world didn’t actually evolve into anything. Perhaps that’s for the sequel

[John St. Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ Farrelly's novel “Time to be Gonagain” was kindly gifted to me by a fellow author in the Twitter #writingcommunity. I was already excited about this book from its description alone—albeit this was my first foray into the science fiction sub-genre of Steampunk (SF with a distinctive late 19th century or early 20th century aesthetic and flair.)

What a delightful, wild, and unforgettable ride you're in for! The author has done a lot of heavy-lifting in world building—even going as far a creating a divergent dimension where time itself is measured differently than in so-called “traditionalist” areas. I absolutely loved all the main characters, each with their own unique look on life. I won't spoil it here, however the author really hit a home-run with the last names of every character. Trust me, they are a hoot and fit perfectly!

This novel is fun to read, and there's plenty of everything for everyone: action, adventure, comedy, drama, romance, etc. I am impressed with this author's vivid imagination and the ability to put it on paper. I cannot wait for the sequel to this novel. Go read this book!

I have already recommended TTBG to a couple of close friends, and they both indicated they'd be seeking the book out!

[Travis Tolar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Steampunk Recommendation!

I've always heard about steampunk, and up until I read this novel I guess I hadn't found any steampunk that really hooked me, but this hooked me.

It may not even be the steampunk elements that made me love this book, but the ensemble that operates "The Reliant". They are a light, and funny airship crew captained by a swashbuckling good hearted man whose flexible rule number one is "never to leave a man behind".

"The Reliant" is as much a part of the crew as any of the human, canine, or "other" members, and had me researching "three prop dirigible" long into the night. The technology used in the world is imaginative, believable and varies depending on the geopolitical laws of the port in which they dock.

The World is an absolutely wonderful depiction of an alternate 1910 where the society is separated by two warring time factions, but the airships are what really make the story, and they are almost romantic with the lifestyle they enable.

I can't wait for the next edition to this series, and will be recommending this book to anyone who wants a light hearted story with a loveable crew, and is wanting an easy entry to steampunk.

[Whitney Reinhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect from a steampunk novel. Of course, I am familiar with the aesthetic from movies, television shows, and cosplay enthusiasts, but a novel? Time to be Gonagain dropped me into an entire world where turn of the century gadgets and gizmos work seamlessly with futuristic capabilities. Capt. Oisin Gonagain and his loyal crew navigate the airways in their dirigible, The Reliant, and adhere strictly to Rule #1, "No one is ever left behind." Their meticulously detailed environs and costuming provide a rich landscape for friendship, family, and derring-do. If you're in the mood for something wholly different, give this one a shot.

[Jonica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshingly fun

This fun, refreshing, and, I hope first of many, steampunk story had me enchanted from the start. Definitely recommended reading. 5 stars

[Steph Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just brilliant. No notes.