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Middle Falls Time Travel #14

The Alternative Lives of Aiden Anderson

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Aiden Anderson got off to a tough start in life. He had a small family to begin with and they were all gone by the time he turned sixteen.
He did his best to shake off his grief and go on to a successful life as a musician. He was talented, but just missed the big time. When he dies in a car crash, he couldn't be more surprised to open his eyes in his grandmother's kitchen in 1961.
He has a second chance at everything - family, friends, and fame. Even in Middle Falls, second chances don't always turn out right.
The Alternative Lives of Aiden Anderson is the fourteenth book in the Middle Falls Time Travel series. Like all Middle Falls books, it can be read as a standalone or as part of the series.

278 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2021

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152 people want to read

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Shawn Inmon

100 books597 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Tiff.
571 reviews46 followers
July 3, 2023
I really loved following a musician around his lives but someone not full of himself.
I really love how Inmon rounds out all of his stories and how the main character can make it beyond the earthly plane to the universal life center.
Profile Image for Shaun.
427 reviews
July 13, 2024
Another great installment in the Middle Falls Time Travel series.
Profile Image for TL *Humaning the Best She Can*.
2,341 reviews166 followers
July 19, 2022
*read for free with Kindle Unlimited *

Not my favorite of the series but interesting enough to keep going (liked it better than Nathaniel Moon's story.

Aiden's lives were quieter in a sense.. his soul felt older to me even before his next life started.


He's surrounded and trailed by grief and he just.. doing the best he can to get through life one step at a time and keep the world at a distance.

That's the sense I got from him with most of the book, keeping even at arms length even when he made connections with people. For me .

I like how Mr. Inmon keeps things interesting and not stale with each new person.. it never feels stale, each cycle feels different and complete .

the growth of each one is wonderful to see.

There was as much a connection with this one but still a good story overall.

Side note: I kept picturing Michael Fassbender as our leading man.
Profile Image for Ray Smillie.
741 reviews
February 4, 2022
I don't know how Shawn Inmon does it but he always adds a new twist and draws you in leaving you wondering what will happen to the main character next. Love the Middle Falls series so much but, come on, no punk or new wave music? Does the author live in a bubble?
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,648 reviews64 followers
June 29, 2021
Shawn Inmon – Middle Falls Time Travel Bk 14 – The Alternative Lives of Aiden Anderson – Reviewed 6/28/21 – Read 6/26/21

When music doesn’t work, Aiden tries to figure it out as he opens his eyes in Gran’s kitchen.

Aiden Anderson has been bumming around in the music business for years, ending up on stage playing a keyboard for a band that will never make him rich and famous. They were at the end of the tour, and all he wanted to do was get some sleep and get back home. He calls for a cab to take him back to the hotel where the band is staying, falling asleep in the back seat he never sees the man that suddenly appears directly in front of the cab, or the driver swerving to miss him.
When he opens his eyes again, he is in his grandmother’s kitchen, and he is eight years old. How could this happen? He looked at his face on the side of the toaster, and yup! It was a child’s face that he was looking at! As he fell, he hit his head pretty hard and knocked himself out. Seeing this his grandmother called the family doctor and the next thing Aiden sees is a light in his eyes. Ok, this makes sense, I am dead and there are bright lights, gran is here, and I know she is dead, so that must mean I am too. When he opens his mouth to speak and ask who that is, the family doctor told him the story about his falling, hitting his head, knocked out, and Gran calling the doctor. He told Aiden that he did not think there was anything wrong, but he should rest for a while.

Join Aiden as he begins his second life again, and how he plans to make millions with his music…

What did I like? This series has been so interesting. When I reached the end of this book, Shawn told us that he has the beginning of book 15, so I am a happy camper! Every book, of course, features a different person, we get to watch how they handle the reset the first time and what happens when they reset again, and sometimes many times. Every one of them has been so fascinating with so much fun, heartbreak, and replays. I have often wondered what I would do if I were given the chance to reset my life. Would I change all of it, or would I only change parts? Guess it is a good thing that it will never happen, so I don’t have to worry about it. Or could it? I wonder?????

What will you like? How can I tell you what fascinating characters are in this book, without going into the obvious mode of a ton of adjectives to describe them? If you have read any of the previous thirteen books, then you know that Shawn has done an amazing job of giving us some of the most interesting and complicated storylines, all filled with intriguing and unusual characters. The fact that he is on book fourteen and we are all looking forward with bated breath to the next, has to tell you what an incredible series this is. I hope you will join with the rest of us in the total enjoyment of “The Alternative Lives of Aiden Anderson”. This intriguing book is available now.

• ASIN: B094PPVCSD
• Publisher: Pertime Publishing
• Publication Date: 6/25/2021
• File Size: 1613 KB
• Print Length: 241 pages
• Genre: Time Travel Science Fiction, Time Travel Fiction, Metaphysical Science Fiction eBooks
Profile Image for John.
541 reviews18 followers
July 14, 2021
Great Book as Usual.

If you have read this book, you are probably familiar with what is going on with a lot of the backgrounds characters, having already read their individual stories. This is a great follow-along story to the series. You can read this, as with all of the books, as a stand-alone book, but it is much more fun if you have read the rest of the series. Maybe someday, we’ll see Chief Deakin’s live a good life. Love this series.
Profile Image for Nirkatze.
1,370 reviews28 followers
May 24, 2022
Another great narrator, and another fun entry. Aiden really does try vastly different paths, and it is cool to see a Middle Falls MC branch out a bit more. It was fun to see the music scene and house remodel scene, and the ultimate conclusion was decently satisfying. Also loved seeing Charles again, and it is interesting seeing him breaking the rules.
Profile Image for Jkane.
719 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2021
This one started off great, but it ultimately just fizzled out. There was the potential for some real tension and a great climax with a 'fire' but it wound up being an easy fix. Given how good the first half of the book was, I just had much higher expectations for the conclusion of the novel.
Profile Image for Bess Korey.
176 reviews6 followers
April 2, 2023
I am a fan of this series and author. I’ve read about half of them, and have really enjoyed most of those books. I think the author has a talent for writing believable characters with lives and experiences that feel authentic. My problem with this book more so has to do with my preferences and how it wasn’t what I expected, than it did the writing itself.

I thought this would be an exciting Rock N Roll adventure and that wasn’t the case. There were aspects of the story that touch on music, but for the most part, the main character’s revisited lives were boring for me because they were too mundane. He gets defeated too easily and gives up on his musical dreams. I wanted to see more of him trying to find success. Especially since having musical knowledge from the future should have given him a huge advantage. It was disappointing that the author chose not to go down that route more.

Other characters in this series need to show a lot of growth in order to move on to the next level of existence. For example, they will be too selfish, and have to learn how to care more about others. But that wasn’t the case with Aidan. I didn’t really see much of a point in this experience for him since he didn’t really learn or change that much. He did get a happier ending than his first life, but he was already a good person that had battled and won against some demons, before this book even started.

I am a music obsessive, who especially loves the ‘60s and ‘70s, which is when most of this story takes place. Because this book is supposed to be in my wheelhouse, my expectations might have been too high. Especially since an earlier book that is probably my favorite in the series, The Reset Life of Cassandra Collins, did a really good job of focusing on the counterculture of the ‘60s, including music. Which is why I wrongfully assumed this book would have a similar vibe.

Everything here is just my opinion though. Plenty of other people seemed to enjoy it so I am an outlier. But even though this book wasn’t a winner for me, I am still a fan of this author, and will probably revisit this series again in the future..


This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nina.
43 reviews
October 24, 2022
I have to admit, I didn't enjoy Aidan's story as much as I did some of the other Middle Falls novels. I got kind of bored with Aidan's "projects" -- he would get into a new life and immediately start working on projects as a distraction from his loneliness. This worked at first, but I felt like it went on for a little too long. I also wasn't sure how I felt about Inmon's new twist on the resetting/recycling gimmick--where a Watcher purposely kills someone so that they can start over, and the person doesn't start over in the same place. (Though I was happy to see Charles again!)

There were several places where Inmon seemed to start threads, and I kept waiting for them to be resolved, but they never were. So they were more of a "red herring" kind of thing, which didn't really work for me. For instance:

- I was disappointed that Aidan never got to wake up as a kid with his grandmother again. This was a change from how things were done in past Middle Falls books. I'm all for doing things differently, but I felt like some closure was needed. Maybe let him go back to the grandma scene one more time.

- When Aidan started playing the drums, piano, etc., at the music store, I looked forward to his making money for his mom via his "child prodigy" celebrity, but that was not to be. Fair enough. But I kept waiting for the guy's Brownie camera photo to reappear in the book, but it didn't. Again, I felt a sense of incompleteness where there should have been closure.

- I was kind of hoping Thomas Weaver (or another past Middle Falls character) would show up in Julie's third-grade classroom.

I did love a lot of things about this book. It's a Shawn Inmon book, after all, so of course it's a good story.
I listened to the audio book, so it's possible that I missed some details.

Four stars for this one, as compared to my usual five stars. I'm about halfway through "Rock and Roll Heaven" and look forward to enjoying many more Shawn Inmon novels to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Steven.
Author 1 book7 followers
June 29, 2021
Disclosure: I downloaded this book for free, have purchased four previous books by the author, and am posting an honest review of this work.

I have enjoyed all the other novels in this time-travel series, and think that The Alternative Lives of Aiden Anderson is right up there with the best ones (with my favorite being The Redemption of Michael Hollister).

As with the other books in the series, the main character "replays" his life several times, learning more about himself, his loved ones, and what makes him happy. Unlike Inmon's other Middle Falls books, however, Aiden resets his life (after he dies) at different ages (which I found a great twist).

Much of the book takes place in the 1960s and 1970s, with lots of music mentioned. Since I grew up then, that was of particular interest to me.

And, of course, since Aiden knew about the future, he used that information to invest in real-estate properties, which he knew would later be developed.

The story tugs at one's heartstrings, as Aiden faces great loss, but also love and success, as he adjusts his life goals. I found him easy to like and root for!

The book is a quick read, which I finished in a couple of days.

I'm happy that the author has continued this series, with his latest work a fine addition to it!
Profile Image for JenBsBooks.
2,623 reviews71 followers
October 3, 2022
Like the book before, I bought this on an Audible Sale (after listening to the first dozen books and being hooked on the series). There is just something so intriguing about this premise ... being able to relive a life, with all your memories and lessons learned from previous experiences. These books are "easy" listening ... they don't require a ton of intense concentration. Very conversational tone in the writing.

Here - like book 13, Aiden originally is set back pretty far in his life (age 9), then Charles and the machine switch-up his reset point (as reliving years of childhood would not only hard for our MC to handle, but a bit boring for the reader) to a later date in his life. The original reliving of his childhood years was fun though. Also, the revelation of someone else who has been having reset lives (just how many people in Middle Falls are doing this, so how many iterations/timelines are there?)

This was almost too sweet and simple, with everything working out (even with his original trials). I'm not sure I loved the very end though ... I do like the author's notes at the end. They are always interesting, and I really appreciate that the author actually voices his thoughts, instead of having then narrator do it. There was a short story included at the end after the notes, and I listened a bit, but it didn't grab me.
Profile Image for John Loyd.
1,384 reviews30 followers
March 16, 2024
Hired to play keyboards for this tour aging Aiden doesn’t hang out with the young rock stars, rather he gets in a cab to go back to his hotel. He’s killed and comes back to life as a kid. It’s gran’s house and she believes him when he says he’s a middle aged man in a squirt’s body. She’s been through the process herself, she advises him to keep it to himself. Anyway in this life Aiden tries to get in on the ground floor of an innovative recording studio. We'll see what he does if this one doesn't work out.

If there was a formula to being a Middle Falls time traveler Aiden breaks away from the ones we’ve followed. His starting point moves around making. It’s a whole different rhythm to the feel of the story. It may be difficult for Aiden, but he gives life his best shot every time. Even when dying unexpectedly.

Fast fun read, I liked Aiden, I liked his work ethic, and his principles to not try to benefit from the creative work of the future. 4.7 stars.
Profile Image for Joel Duncan.
Author 1 book8 followers
September 22, 2025
I DNF'd this book at first. But I kept on thinking about Aiden in the studio and I was wondering whether he became a hit and if he saved Julie etc. Though predictable, it did satisfyingly answer those questions. But this is starting to feel like a series for an older demographic who want to live life through Shawn's characters. It has changed genres from inspirational sci-fi to pretty much general fiction. Honestly he does a beautiful job of storytelling for that purpose. This series just doesn't have many storylines that would interest a younger (30 year old) audience.

I hope one day there is a story that explains all and the many many different characters stories feel worth it before the author, you know moves on himself. And when I'm older I'll revisit this series and really enjoy every book to its core. Until then I'll keep my eye out for the more exciting developments in the story arc or side stories that explain a bit more juiciness and drama.
Profile Image for Glenn Younger.
Author 4 books5 followers
October 1, 2025
Winning combo

Aiden Anderson, an aging and still wannabe rock star, combined with numbers guy Charles as his Watcher is a winning combo for a Middle Falls soul traveling storyline.

Rather than always rebooting to the same time point like other soul travelers—even his grandmother of all people—Aiden’s journey is different. Time is more fluid for him as he chases his dreams of music stardom and lives with the aftermath of the deaths of family members and even his beloved Julie.

With this new chance, Aiden will do whatever it takes to make it big.

So will Watcher Charles do whatever it takes—no matter how unusual—to help Aiden grow out of his rebooting loop.

That’s what gives the extra twists to the story as Aiden discovers a different kind of music than what he originally set out to create. Highly recommended, especially to those who love time travel and/or multi-verse scientific theory put into story form. Good stuff!
Profile Image for Kathleen Craig.
194 reviews
November 1, 2021
3.5 Stars
I'm torn when I rate these books. I love the series, obviously. So do I rate them as a whole or rate them individually? I have often wondered that on sites like Goodreads and IMDb. Sometimes sequels are rated highly and I think well, the only people who will read/watch the sequels are the ones who loved the originals. I feel I have to rate them individually and hope that if the series interests you that you hop in at the beginning and end up loving each time you enter that universe, even when if standing alone an installment is not the strongest one. Bottom line , I'm still devouring the Middle Falls series.
Profile Image for Macjest.
1,337 reviews10 followers
November 20, 2023
Another interesting outing in Middle Falls. This time we follow a musician who never strikes the big time. All the important people in his life die before he turns 18 but the parents of a high school friend take him in. What's different from all of the other books in the series is that every time Aiden dies, he wakes up in a different point in his life. I was really surprised at one point because I thought he finally had it all together. Apparently not. In fact, I was getting irritated at how many time he was killed. His final life was definitely worth the wait, though. The ending was also a bit cheesy.
65 reviews
Read
April 23, 2024
I've yet to read a book from this series that I have not enjoyed. It did take a little bit to get started on this one, but once I got going I couldn't stop. The fact that his grandmother knew what he was going through...I loved that Aiden was sent back to different times of his life as opposed to the same time all the other's have been returned to. I feel like Shawn and I could be great friends, given the music, movies and historical moments he writes about! The only complaint I have was the Angeline surpassed Hysteria?? I don't think so buddy! lol Anyway, again, I recommend each and every book in this series.
725 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2021
Wonderful!

Another wonderful story from an author who really writes so well that I can just fly through the pages. I truly loved reading this one and really couldn't figure out how it might end for Aiden. He went through a great deal of loss but still came out doing so well and had some great ideas on how to share his life with the people he loved. Plus when it was time to return to his first love, music, he did even better. I'm so glad he learned how to share his knowledge and realized the importance of the people in his life.
90 reviews
July 2, 2021
Another wonderful book by Shawn Inmon

Shawn Inmon's books all have heart in them. But some of them, like The Alternate Lives of Aiden Anderson, have even more than Shawn's books normally have. I picked this book up to read over a long weekend but ended up not being able to put it down and finished the whole thing before the weekend had even started! I highly recommend this Middle Falls Time Travel Story. You won't be disappointed.
30 reviews
August 1, 2021
Please continue………

This is not my normal book type but after reading the 1st one I couldn’t stop! 5 weeks later I have read all 14 books. Now I’m lost looking for more and while I’m looking I’m wondering what I would do with 1,2,3 or 1400 lives! I can’t explain this series all I can do is recommend it highly! Also don’t skip one. They can be read as a stand alone but some do have connecting characters!
Profile Image for Daniel Lewis.
480 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2021
Another very satisfying book in the Middle Falls Time Travel series. If you are a fan of the series this one takes a little different track and I wont spoil it for you. This series continues to get better and better. Its clear that Shawn Inmons crazy prolific ability is just getting better as time has gone on.

I have read all of the Middle Falls and Alex Hawk series books (that are out as of this moment anyway) and I am looking forward to the next books in both of those series.
Profile Image for Jeff.
17 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2021
This review concerns the audiobook edition. Another great book in the Middle Falls series, with fantastic narration. Shawn Inmon manages to keep every book enjoyable and surprising, and the journeys undertaken his protagonists vary, but never focused on just fame and fortunes. In this book, Aiden's journey is about is about finding fulfilment, love and belongining - something most of us strive to achieve in our lifetimes.
Profile Image for Suz.
2,293 reviews74 followers
December 19, 2022
I've read through to book 15 of this series to date. Although I found some stronger than others, and I do think listening to them back to back they become a bit formulaic, but in spite of all that these stories are like crack. You can't eat just one. Once you fall into this world you will feel like one of these characters living groundhog-day lives, over and over trying to get it right.

But it will be inescapable.

Bulk Input Day
Profile Image for Karen.
142 reviews
December 27, 2025
Another great tale of a Middle Falls native who, at the end of their life, finds an opportunity to start over. Inmon does a fantastic job of creating these new characters and building unique narratives that leave me looking forward to the next book. His ability to create a character arc that feels organic and not duplicative of his other books is impressive. Here, Aiden Anderson didn’t need redemption as much as a chance at the sense of belonging that he didn’t know he missed.
4 reviews
June 29, 2021
Another excellent Mid Falls book.

I always thoroughly enjoy the Mid Falls books. Not only are the plots clever but the continuity between the books makes you feel as though you know the town. Shawn Inmon is an excellent writer whose style is perfectly matched to the storylines. I am now looking forward to the next one!
4 reviews
July 2, 2021
Middle Falls 14

That's another night's sleep that Shawn Inmon owes me! I couldn't stop until I'd reached the end. I'm looking forward in delicious anticipation to Middle Falls 15.
I love this series and this latest addition delivers like all it's predecessors have done. Good job Shawn, keep those ideas flowing. Highly recommended.
24 reviews
September 29, 2021
Another great read by Shawn Inmon.

I have read every book in this series. I have enjoyed each one for different reasons. Each one will give you something to think about. Don’t miss the Kragoon-ah series. Another great character, Alex Hawk. Shawn Inmon has the best imagination and never disappoints. I’m waiting for his next book!
2 reviews
September 18, 2022
Another great Middle Falls Time Travel Story

Another unique story line. I graduated in 1970 as the character finally does so liked the music references. There are a few characters we hear from again which is always fun. Love all the books as who wouldn’t like a do over or multiple do overs.
14 reviews
June 28, 2021
Charles and Aiden

Another great book in the Middle Falls series. Aiden is a multi instrument musician that has worked in the business for a long time and never reached his goal
So when we ‘wakes up’ as a child in his Grandmother’s kitchen the chase is on. What will he learn? this story unlike others in the past Aiden does not continue to go back to the same place thanks to his watcher, Charles. It’s a nice twist from the previous books. It’s a book you will enjoy reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

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