The concluding installment of the acclaimed time-travel novel. To read the first installment, search for 'The '86 Fix' on Amazon.
After his miraculous weekend in 1986, Craig Pelling returned to a future he could never have envisaged. Even by his own hapless standards, his plans have spectacularly backfired. Everything he tried to fix is now broken, and a bleak, lonely existence is all Craig has to look forward to. Does he face that future, or does he try to seek answers? Either way, an emotional rollercoaster ride beckons. Can Craig can find closure before it ends? Or does fate have a few more twists in store for him, beyond Broadhall?
Although it lacks the innocent magic of the first book, it's still a great read. Hapless Craig now finds himself back in 2016 after his weekend in 1986, but it's a very different 2016; his meddling hasn't gone exactly to plan and there are some truly heart-breaking moments when he discovers just how much some things have changed. There are are also plenty of heart-warming moments though, with the book being a gorgeous mix of sorrow and hope without ever becoming either cheesy or vomit-inducingly sweet.
An original and very well written series; I read both books back to back and loved them.
I really loved The 86 Fix and this, the sequel, is even better. Very funny, nostalgic and kind of sad in places, I was completely gripped by Craigs adventures and didn't want them to end. Can't wait for more from this promising skilled author. Highly recommend!
This is the continuing story of Craig Pelling which begins in The '86 Fix. It is not a sequel but a continuation of the same story, so it will not make any sense unless you read The '86 Fix first. It is a pleasant enough time travel novel, entirely predictable but somewhat endearing. However, three stars is the best I can give it. I can accept and get used to the British slang, after all the author is British, however sometimes very clever writing is interspersed with malapropisms. I also cannot get past his bizarre use of tense, for example, "I am sat", "We are stood." Very annoying and distracting.
This is the sequel to The '86 Fix but before reading this book you must read The 86 Fix. It will only make sense and the impact of the story strong if you read in order. I would also recommend that you read both books together as they are one story spread out over two books.
The story immediately follows on from The 86 Fix as a middle aged man named Craig Pelling begins to experience the consequences of his time travelling actions in 1986. He changed his pathway not to mention the pathway of quite a few people. Not all changes were good.
As Nik Kershaw sung “grass is always greener over there”
Craig learns that the grass is not always greener and instead of wondering what his life could be like if he went back in time and changed his decisions he needs to enjoy what he has and if he does want to change then do it now. He can change his future in the present. Live in the present, not the past. Don’t constantly think “what if”.
The story has less of a 80’s feel to it as it is set in the present. However, as part two of a story the 80’s is still important.
It can be heart warming, with hope and sorrow. It is these emotions that are at the heart of the story. One side of the story I did question is the more materialistic, consumerist part. For Craig, although he did seem to question this, having the right house and car was part of enjoying life. Why? Living in a terraced house driving an old car can be just as great a life. It is the emotional connections with people and enjoying time with them that is life.
That is my mindset now thanks to the 80’s where a close family member fought and beat cancer so they are alive today. It is also the last decade where I remember another close family member being themselves before severe dementia destroyed them and turned them into a shell. Nostalgia for the 80’s means a lot to me.
If I could time travel I would probably want to make some money so I did not have to go to work. I can say I would buy a new car. Well…..an old car actually. A DeLorean! So I am just being a hypocrite really.
Have to give credit to this story for raising all these thoughts in my mind. The 86 Fix is a fantastic sci-fi 80’s nostalgia time travel story.
Beyond Broadhall is the sequel to The ‘86 Fix, and unusually for me, I read them back to back, because they’re actually more like two parts of the same story, and you absolutely need to read the first one for this to make any sense. I’ll confess I was disappointed by Book 1, which was slow paced with too much tedious detail in the narrative, but I enjoyed this second instalment a lot more. It would actually have been better if the author had edited the two into one complete long novel, but they’re relatively cheap so it wasn’t a problem to get both - the wonders of 1-click.
I don’t want to reveal any spoilers for those who haven’t read the first book, but this is about unhappy middle-aged computer geek Craig Pellam’s attempts to fix the problems he created by going back in time to his sixteen year old body. While some aspects of his life are vastly improved, the revelations of the knock-on effects on the lives of his family and friends leave him guilty and desperate for another chance to remake the future, but will he get it right this time round?
One of the enjoyable things about these books was being the same age as the protagonist, so all the English references in both the past and present resonated, from songs to sweets and shops, as well as some of the humour which might go past International readers. Even some of the personalities came across as typically English.
Compared to book 1, this worked much better for me, as there wasn’t too much recapping, and Craig’s discoveries, while often unexpectedly moving, made for a more entertaining story than the rather depressing self-pity of the first book. The lessons learned from the consequences of his well-intentioned meddling made for a more thought-provoking read, and while the resolution was a bit too convenient, bordering on sappy, I did like the ending. I can recommend the books if you go in knowing you need to read both together.
Is it really so hard to proofread a book? If you don't understand the use of a word, then don't use it. You're selling something immutable, that will have your name attached to it for years to come.
"unchartered teritory", not to be confused with "uncharted", "It would be amiss of me" - "remiss", "but that only exasperates the problem" exacerbates.
and those are just the 3 that I remember, having finished the book 5 days ago. These things really detract from a story, because it's almost like someone speaking to the audience in a movie, or just chatting to you in the middle of a song. The flow is broken, and for the sake of a read through by someone with a smattering of common sense you could sell a much better product.
The story itself was quite predictable, especially the ending, which of course is typical in this sort of genre. I wasn't particularly overwhelmed by any of the plot twists or devices, so unfortunately I think this is one that I'll have enjoyed but forgotten about, rather than something to stir the blood and come back to time and again.
You have to read this with book #1 ending on a cliffhanger.
Unless you don't mind unresolved cliffhangers, of course.
I like this author, I like some of the other stuff he's written. I just didn't like this. Craig is a d*ck. This doesn't noticeably change over the 2 book series.
Don't get me wrong, I don't want my heroes to be perfect; helping old ladies over the road, being nice to kittens and saving the day every time it goes wrong. But I'd like it if there was something to make me warm to them a little.
There's something deeply uncomfortable about the way Craig treats every woman in his life. I can't really say much more without hitting spoiler territory, but if there is one single woman he treats with a degree of respect, let me know because I can't think of one.
Now I'm going to have to go and write something nice about one of the author's other books to make up for being mean here.
I've read both the books in the series in very quick succession, they are beautifully written the characters are so real and the situation is too. The lasting impression make me wonder if I could go back in my life what would I change ? I feel very grateful for those around me and I think I'll appreciate those things a lot more now having read these stories. Thank you for writing two wonderful books.
While the previous novel was a coming-of-age story, as seen through through the eyes of a grown man, this novel is a story of midlife crisis. It’s a continuation of the MC’s life. The basic message is “you don’t need a magical fix in order to improve your life; it’s never too late to change—just suck it up and do it.”
Completes the duology, satisfying message, but the protagonist is still pretty unlikeable. The last few chapters are a little *too* convenient.
Did not know when I read the first that these were self-published. I applaud the author for that. I do think these two stories would have been better as one book, but perhaps there were reasons. The overall message is solid. I wonder if Dave's comments about the C64 not having any software in memory were from reviews or complaints about the first book :)
As another reviewer said very well, the first book was coming of age and this is mid-life crisis. I'm not sure he (or we) needed as many dead (and disabled) people to prove that - but it's funny, that's what Stephen King did with 11/22/63. Of course, he had the Yellow Card Man and some sort of external agency, while Craig just has the results of a mystical computer program.
I did not enjoy the second book as much. Lucy's attitude towards the overweight guy was great, and Craig appeared to learn from it - but spends the rest of his time doubting anyone could date overweight Craig, most of all enlightened Lucy. The guy is a good vehicle for showing the changes, but he just isn't that likeable - it's like reset affected not just time but also his brain. The final straw as making bets on things that he knew from the previous 11 months, which felt very much a cop-out. Interestingly it didn't really factor into the ending - I wonder if it was added at the last minute.
The first book was 3 stars, the series is 3 stars (and perhaps as one book could have been 4 stars for me), but this conclusion comes in at more like 2½ stars. Again, props to the author for self-publishing, and I'll look for another of his books to read in the future.
Setting: England; 2016-17. This is the sequel to The '86 Fix and continues the story of Craig Pelling although, due to circumstances arising from the ending of the first book, he is now going under the name of Craig Wilson and has been incarcerated in a psychiatric unit for 11 months. Finally released as being fit to rejoin society, Craig is living in a flat provided by Social Services and has a part-time job in a charity shop, managed by Brenda. Brenda helps him to adjust but he is still haunted by the past and what repercussions his actions on his journey back in time may have had back in the present day. So he sets out to find out, causing him all sorts of anguish in the process... This was another excellent tale, but you definitely have to read The '86 Fix first or this will make no sense at all! I found it an entertaining read, amusing at times, but always found myself rooting for Craig and hoping all would turn out well for him. Good conclusion and a worthwhile read - 8.5/10.
I get it, you don't have to fix the past to improve your future, you start where you are, in the here and now and take action to change, if you do nothing, nothing happens. Loved this sequel, it kept me guessing. It had exciting action along with twists I couldn't have seen coming. Loved it and look forward to reading more from this author
Fantastic book. I immediately downloaded this after finishing the first book and tore right into reading it. Loved it. It ties up all the stories from the first book and was a fantastic read. I'm bereft I'm finished!
I read the two books of this story avidly. My interest peaked in the first couple of pages,and was maintained . I enjoyed the narrative, was intrigued throughout, a good satisfying story. I look forward to more of the authors output
Part 2 of the 86 books. Which I thoroughly enjoyed! I got engrossed in the characters and the plot line. Very well written and very enjoyable. Funny witty an interesting premise for anyone who wondered what if...?. (Which I think most of us have..!) . The ending I hoped for.
The author can write though he is extremely preoccupied with erotic trists. The ending is very unsatisfying the author tries to make a happily ever after by giving the protagonist money for the first time ever in his life. The money answers all his other problems and this may be hard for some to stomach but you choose who you fall in love with so make your choices work
As with his first book The ’86 Fix, Kieth’s second book about time travel was also fantastic, entertaining, nostalgic, laugh out loud & happy moments, tearful & sad moments, what a joy to read & again finished it in a day.