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The Bridge was opened.
The promised land is real.
A seventh Token is needed.

The Bridge has been triggered, but the surprises don’t end there. What Rex found on the other side was unsettling, and with fresh information, he must race against time with his new allies as they search for their salvation.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2021

433 people are currently reading
158 people want to read

About the author

Nathan Hystad

131 books448 followers

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5 stars
583 (47%)
4 stars
460 (37%)
3 stars
165 (13%)
2 stars
22 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Jen.
2,174 reviews154 followers
June 28, 2021
I'm still not sure how I feel about this series; it's gotten to the point where I think I know what's going to happen and then something else happens. This is a good thing in terms of plot flow and reader suspense. It's just not always that I think it goes the right direction. Author prerogative, I guess. It's just more of a treasure hunter story and I expected military fiction. So shame on me for not understanding the original idea.

Still, Ray Porter's narration levels this up so it's an entertaining listen. The romance comes out of nowhere, the aliens are sketchy no matter which ones you meet, and the adventure is descending more into an all-out war at this point. That was expected, but whose side are we on? Again with the expectation from the setup and then the surprise reality. Good and not good. I'll see this series through, but it's not a standout for me. Despite Ray Porter (who is amazing).
Profile Image for Michael  Keller.
936 reviews10 followers
June 17, 2021
The lost adventurers were found and returned to Earth. Nearly the same physical age as their children.

Dirk and Clay had experienced 8 years on Rimia, the world on the other end of the portal. On Earth, decades had passed, four objects were incoming from the Pluto area aimed straight for Earth. The Believers were prepared for their arrival, giving up their bodies to alien control. Attuning they called it. I'm not sure what I'd call it, besides 'Hell No!'

The characters seem confused, but with what they'd been through I think the truth would be a bit too hard to grasp. Too many voices shouting different truths, expecting acceptance, experiencing confusion. I'm expecting a strong voice will clear the static and stand up as a leader. Maybe Rex. Maybe Tripp? Maybe little Ronnie Belvedere, er uhh - Veronica - will be the key. Don't know. The storyline says . . .
Maybe in the next book in the series! I'm going to find out soon!
Profile Image for Jim.
1,230 reviews50 followers
July 4, 2021
So in this book we get to find out what happened to Rex Walker and Veronica Jones' Fathers. They had teamed up to follow some kind of ancient artifacts that would supposedly lead them to another world. There were a set of "Token" that had to be placed in slots on this pedestal in a hidden building in Portugal. Dirk Waller and Clayton Belvedere had successfully gotten the Tokens to work and had left instructions with a third friend to hide the Tokens once they left while leaving clues that hopefully someone someday would find and come after them. They also thought this way led to getting some help for Earth as the "Unknowns" were now steadily coming towards Earth.

While these "Unknowns" were months away from arriving, they had developed quite a following known as the "Believers". The Believers thought their job was to prepare Earth and humanity for the arrival of the Unknowns. How they were to "prepare" humanity wasn't all that clear except it has something to do with mind control. These Believers think that the Unknowns will choose them to become the leaders of a new world as they are mentally controlled and told what to do. The Believers are a vast cult that has been growing for years. They are in every major government and organization throughout the world and they are ruthless. They fear no police or military since a lot of their members belong to those organizations and when a Believer does something against the law, it gets overlooked or conveniently goes away. Now that the arrival of the Unknowns is imminent, the Believers are becoming even more fanatical.

The Believers believe that the journey taken by Dirk Walker and Clayton Belvedere is not the right action. They know that these two are trying to get help for Earth against the Unknowns so the Believers are out to stop anyone involved with that effort. Of course, that's exactly where you find Rex Walker and his growing group. They managed to find all six of the Tokens and have re-opened the gate to Rimia where Rex and Veronica's Fathers went. It's been eight year since Dirk and Clayton went through the "gate" and now that they are back, they can't hardly believe it. Only, they now know there is a Seventh Token that, again, will take them someplace where they can get help for Earth. Where they wound up initially was Rimia, a pretty dead world that had been destroyed ages ago. Still, they did find one small village of people, near-humans that were supposed to be guarding the way to the next gate. Only these people had lost their way and didn't know anything. In fact, finding the next gate was taboo to them.

Now that Dirk and Clayton are back, they have gotten Rex's group searching for the Seventh Token. Unfortunately, it is in the possession of the Believers and that's going to be a problem. But, on the flip-side, the Believers that have it, apparently don't know what they have. So, Rex and his group start plotting a way to get the Seventh Token and it involves some pretty hair-brained actions. It's also kind of surprising that Rex Walker, a university professor, in his forties, has no compunction about killing people. Oh, he did get shot himself, and seems to had a miracle recovery, but he's going to be shooting other people and even stabbing a few and doesn't seem to be bothered by it at all. I find that kind of strange. There are two other members of his group, Tripp and Saul, who have been trained to do that sort of thing, but Rex hasn't yet he takes it in stride! It also is very convenient that they had a very rich benefactor in Hunter Madison and, even though he has died, know one seems to know it and they are traipsing around the world using his money!

Rex's group grows with the addition of an FBI Agent. His help isn't much, but at least he has contacts in a few places that will help them out. Yet, even he is getting calls from his Boss to break off any investigation he might have on the Believers and get back to normal FBI work. Special Agent Evan Young isn't going to do that since his wife got taken in by this cult and he wants to find out where she is and get her out. While he can't join the cult himself, one of Rex's young friends does just that. The Believers are planning something big throughout the world and it's starting in Colorado. So Marcus Wells manages to become and an Initiate and gets taken to the big rally in the Colorado mountains. What happens there is kind of strange and for a cult that believes in an advance race of beings, their actions are pretty stupid. I'm not sure why this scene had to take place the way it does and I don't know why this was part of the story. I don't thing the Unknowns are vampires!

Ok, so the story doesn't end here. Help is kind of on the way, although the people Rex and Veronica find to help aren't all that ready to help and don't bring a lot of help with them. It will be interesting to see how this all turns out. Book 3, "Lost Hope" is up for pre-order, but will be availabe on 6 July which is the day after tomorrow as I'm writing this. I think I'll be adding it to my reading list.
Profile Image for Jas.
1,032 reviews
July 3, 2021
Lost Time is an intense action packed thriller that sees the core set of characters racing against time, and battling against this mysterious ‘Believers’ cult. The group is still reeling from the death of their benefactor, Hunter Madison, but with the loss of Hunter, Rexford ‘Rex’ Walker has stepped up as the leader of the group, and together, with the enigmatic Tripp, the mercenary that Hunter hired to both look after him, and the assist the group, they have decided to continue on.
There has been some startling discoveries along the way, having found the original 6 tokens, and opening the Bridge, and finding Dirk, Rex’s Dad, and Clayton, who turns out to be Veronica’s Father.
One of the other terrifying discoveries has been that Jessica, Rex’s Boss at his University job, is actually the head of the Believer movement.
Currently, there are several alien objects headed for Earth, having been found near Pluto in book 1, and revealed to have trajectories that mean that they are clearly alien in origin. The Believers have a dangerous connection to these aliens.
In book 2, there are 2 main stories, there is the thrilling chase that is like a cross between every movie and book you have ever read, Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, Matthew Reilly, Gregg Beck, all of them, as the Gang, now including Dirk and Clayton recently rescued from ‘The Bridge’, try desperately to find the last token that will allow them to not only get back to the Bridge and Rimia, but also to the second Bridge and the mysterious planet that may hold salvation for humanity.
In the second stream, we get to learn the back story of Dirk and Clayton, what happened to them in the 30years that they were trapped on the other side of the Bridge on the planet Rimia, and how they met an alien race there, including the leader of this race, Opor, a beautiful and powerful female leader who captures the heart and mind of Dirk.
We also learn of something far more sinister, and the reason why humanity is in so much danger.
Lost Time is an incredible story, in that it lays out several cleverly crafted pieces of the puzzle, so that you are drawn into this extraordinary adventure that does not stop from the very first page, to the very last, and you just can’t stop reading (I finished this in a single sitting, I couldn’t put it down).
Hystad creates these exceptional Characters that you get so enthralled in, you just have to know what is going to happen to them, and you get so wrapped up in their lives, wanting to learn more about them, they become so real to you. The relationships between each of the characters is so incredibly realistic and genuine, between Rex and Veronica, they have feelings for each other, but they are both so terrified about losing one another given the circumstances they are in, so are also worried about committing too much of themselves. But at the same time, they need that relationship, emotional, physical, and mental, just to survive what they are going through. Hystad portrays these characters with such gritty realism, you can feel the angst and emotional turmoil that each of the characters are feeling.
There are other really powerful relationships in the story, but I won’t give too much away, but they include Dirk and Rex, Dirk and Opor, and the relationship between Dirk and Clayton, when you read what they go through, it is riveting each section of their adventure, and just masterful writing of the description of their friendship, and how they survive.
The other really powerful aspect of this story is the world building, in every sense of the word. Without giving anything away (No Spoilers), the descriptions of Rimia are just so beautiful, with such depth and incredible detail, you really feel like you are standing on this alien world.
But Hystad also does this outstanding job of describing each of the locations here on Earth to. His descriptive work in Book 1 was just stunning, and he continues this in Book 2, giving rich, detailed, and in-depth depictions of every place that the group visits, again, so that you really get a feeling that you are there, seeing what the characters see.
This level of world building really brings the story to life, but it also allows the reader to immerse themselves in the story, and that, combined with such amazing character work, means the reader can fully engage themselves in the story, and be lost in this adventure.
Hystad has created a gripping, action-packed adventure, that moves at an intense pace, with stunning world building, and exceptional characters, immersing the reader in several locations and a story they will not soon forget.
This is a story that crosses multiple genres – both within the Sci-Fi realm, but also the Mystery-Thriller and Action-Adventure as well, and Readers of all genres with love. It is an absolute must read!!
535 reviews9 followers
June 5, 2021
Search for historical artifacts turns into aprophycal adventure -- 3.5 stars

In the second of three stories, a few humans try to travel to a different world using a token to activate a bridge. There are "Believers" who want to welcome the end of the world with other people's blood; they are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice after everyone else.

The Believers include many of the world's financial and political leaders. As the arrival of four celestial objects nears, the pace picks up and explanations surface and the Believers organization falters somewhat.

The Believers are bloodthirsty. The historic investigators led by Rex Walker are desperate. It is hard to tell who has been compromised by the Believers. The safest thing is to assume that the Believers are everywhere and no one can be trusted. For the most part, the Believers do not employ sophisticated tracking and investigation while the investigators of antiquities have a very smart person who can find things quickly and uses tracking and surveillance devices intelligently.

A couple of romantic relationships are developed which probably help to make the story credible. You will need to stretch your acceptance of some of the unlikely events and people you meet along the way. The story promises to wrap up in the third adventure, finally, with two groups of aliens duking it out.
Profile Image for Barbara Chandler.
124 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2021
A good read, but

I’m enjoying the story, I like the characters we are to like. The story is good, I like the back and forth. I couldn’t wait to finish this one. My 4 star rating is for the way these books are written, probably thousands of them. They are short, too many details to make them longer, I don’t really care about what a character is wearing, Rex picked out dark pants, blue shirt and brown shoes. This is not exactly how it was written but I think of it adding words to lengthen to book, in my opinion. You then sometime in the near future find that all books are available in an Omnibus for 99 cents!
I’m not begrudging the author money for these books, I don’t really know what could be done differently. I’ll continue to read such books, I like this whole story. I thank the author for not stooping to swearing and F-bombs and sexual references.
Do I recommend it? Yes I do.
Profile Image for Thomas.
74 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2024
Plot
Lost Time excels at embracing its adventure plot lines, this is series which is exciting and fun. It makes me feel like I am going to the movie to see a fun sci fi film. Whilst it is fun and exciting, there is an overall lack of depth in plot and characters, which stop it from being the next Red Rising or The Expanse. It does succeed in being fun quick ride which I did enjoy

This isn't different from the first book so you should pretty much except similar things in terms of tone and plot. I preferred Lost Time compared to Lost Contact as he threw in additional plot twists into the mix.

Characters
Most the characters here are interesting and it was fun coming back to see how they dealt with the believers

Narrator
Does a great job of bringing characters to life
Lost Ranking
1. Lost Time
2. Lost Contact

Concluding thoughts.
If you read the first one, its more of the same. You will probably enjoy it.
174 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2021
This is book two in The Bridge Sequence Book series. I had been anxiously awaiting this book having enjoyed the first book in the series. Character development continues to be extremely well done and gives more insight into the story. While this mostly occurs in present day Earth, there are alien landscapes that are described in detail that invokes the senses. The plot moves in unexpected ways that defied my ability to guess the direction it will go. I found this book to be a very enjoyable read and like the first book in the series I recommend it wholeheartedly. This author will continue to be on my favorites list,


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lori Peterson.
1,212 reviews37 followers
May 29, 2021
Received as an ARC copy, this is an honest review. The bridge is open yet the mysterious power and abilities of the tokens is only just unfolding as mysterious objects and beings make their way to Earth. Will these creatures bring hope or a deadly end to humanity? Its brilliantly interwoven narrative, bouncing between the continuous action taking place in the current present day on Earth along with exploration of the alien world of Rimia by Dirk and Clay. An absolute worthy sequel to Lost Contact, delivers one heck of a labyrinthine thriller of a mystery. Highly recommended.
442 reviews8 followers
June 8, 2021
An Excellent Book

Rex is reunited with his father Dirk and the search is in to find the 7th token and the second bridge. The storyline is so well written. I could not put this book down. So many plot twists but the author has woven them into a fantastic story with characters that feel so real. The only disappointment was coming to the end and knowing it is month before the next book comes out. This is not my usual genre but this series has enthralled me and I could not stop reading. Hats off to a talented author.
130 reviews
May 19, 2023
Not quite as exciting as the first book. Even though progress is made with the adventure, with new stuff revealed, the "newness" is over and in many ways it's feeling stretched out, perhaps filled up with action scenes added as filler?

And it's beginning to feel like we're being told the "intensity" or "closeness" of some of the relationships is there, but without much to back it up.

Still, the main characters are all likeable, and overall it's fun.
298 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2023
Rex and company end volume 1 having recovered their missing people, but are still under threat from the Believers. The objects in space are moving closer, and betrayal lurks around seemingly every corner. This was less enjoyable for me than Lost Contact. While things still move along, the extended pursuit of clues and artifacts started to feel like it was a little more Where’s Waldo and a little less Indiana Jones. Still, reasonably entertaining and not a hard lift.

173 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2021
This second book in the trilogy is wonderful. I totally enjoyed it.

It's very fast paced with a lot going on and quite a few characters to keep track of. There are some truly tense situations.

What more could I want than present day sci-fi, aliens, archaeology relics, cults and time dilation. It has it all. Loved it.

I can't wait for the final instalment to find out what happens.
4,476 reviews21 followers
June 2, 2021
I loved this story and Rex as he has to deal with problems and his team. Surprises and a bit of suspense abound, along with some mystery thrown in for fun. Just a great story that kept me reading to the end to see what happened next. Tokens and bridges abound it seems this time again. The story just drew me in.
Profile Image for Nanette Mitchell.
377 reviews
June 13, 2021
Choices and Adventure

Enjoy these characters. Finding out who the head of the believers is not totally surprised but glad Dirk is able to think on his feet. What a great team trying to figure out how to infiltrate this group and yet stay alive. Glad to see Bev get more involved and I am looking forward to the conclusion
Profile Image for Geraldine M.
254 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2021
Amazing

What a superb vision of new world building. The characters are realistic and fresh. The story Moved very fast. From the initial burdens of.finding the 7th token, to attempting to infiltrate the Believers, you are wrapped into the storyline not.wanting to.out this book down. Totally.awesome!
Profile Image for Donna.
27 reviews2 followers
Read
October 19, 2021
The Action and Mystery of Book One Continues

Book Two is a good sequel to Book One. It held my interest throughout. Maybe a little more action and a little less Mystery this time. The language remained clean but there was some sex in this book. Because it was very limited I will try and read Book Three. Could have been a deal breaker for me.
668 reviews6 followers
January 13, 2022
Stunning revelations

There are some almost believable answers in this edition. A lot of the detail seemed
plausible. Beautifully paced to hold the readers interest throughout. No typos to throw you off rhythm. Smashing eager to carry on the tale. Next edition hopefully
concludes completely, with no annoying loose ends.
233 reviews
June 4, 2021
Entertaining story

Rex and his team continue on their quest to dove the purpose of the bridge. In this action packed book the leading to the next book. mystery is resolved, enemies on earth as well as in space are identified and a possible resolution is found.
193 reviews3 followers
Read
June 7, 2021
Raiders of the Lost Ark adventure...

From archeology to finding aliens to help keep the human race in one piece. What's not to like for sci-fi lovers? Non-stop reading, as the action never seems to take a break.
Profile Image for Daniel Lewis.
480 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2021
I liked this book, but it just did not fulfill a lot of things it should have, I get that they wanted a three book series but you need to have three books of content to do that, I like this author but this book was somewhat disappointing. I plan on reading the final book but I am not in a hurry.
44 reviews
November 2, 2021
An enjoyable storyline

I liked the characters and the story's pacing. It left me hanging in just right way. The plot twists were intriguing and well thought out. I enjoyed reading this book.
6 reviews
February 13, 2022
What a great story, my favorite author

Great characters as they interact with each other and outside this world. Strong story with lots of twists and turns albeit reasonable and justifiable. You must read all three volumes.
Profile Image for Carmel McKenzie.
533 reviews5 followers
June 11, 2021
Fascinating

A little slow going but a good imaginative story, had me sucked in and waiting the next book. I hope they can stop the zalts from destroying earth
Profile Image for Daniela.
568 reviews32 followers
June 16, 2021
Fun, fast-paced, and entertaining!
9 reviews
June 17, 2021
Can’t wait for the final book

This is an excellent series. Couldn’t put the second book down. Great characters and fast paced adventure. Highly recommended if you love Alien sci-fi!
49 reviews
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June 27, 2021
Finished Book Two

Nathan Hystad has held me with another adventure. He is an excellent storyteller and I can't wait to begin my next book. Come join me.
119 reviews
June 27, 2021
Intriguing

Story reflects what might have happened if humankind was seeded by alien ancestors. The world in turmoil, alien enemies, and hope for the future.
41 reviews
July 9, 2021
As good as the first

A good act 2 that bridges the storyline to conclusion in book three. ( pun intended)
Glad this is not a series and look forward to the conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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