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Ring Fold: A Time Travel Adventure
"High-octane, engrossing, and action-packed. A truly unmissable sci-fi read." — Readers' Favorite
"An exciting, heartfelt time travel novel. Scott Swisher mixes up scene-setting and action-based adventure exceptionally well. His imaginative descriptions of different historical periods transport readers with ease, and strong character development make this enjoyable sci-fi tale a standout." — SPR
Jordan Zesker is one of only five descendants linked to “The Ring.” She thinks the 1920s are tough, but family debt and speakeasy blues will soon seem insignificant. Her blood type, a bona fide blessing and a curse, has placed her in the sights of TEMPUS. Shadowy forces have long worked to weaponize the chosen few endowed with the gift to transcend time and space … and absolutely nowhere is safe.
When Jacob appears out of the blue, bearing news too strange to believe, a staggering decision must be made: will Jordan cling to her desolate life or trust this stranger and help assemble an intergenerational team to somehow save humanity?
Accessing the Fold, an extradimensional passageway through time, Jordan must race to find her fated kin across the ages. Rocco in 1956. Paul in 1973. Steffi in 1984. Carissa in 2015. Each will prove essential in the battle for humankind’s future—and past.
Should diabolic entities succeed in overtaking the Fold, it won’t just mean the end of Jordan’s kind but all things good.
"An exciting, heartfelt time travel novel. Scott Swisher mixes up scene-setting and action-based adventure exceptionally well. His imaginative descriptions of different historical periods transport readers with ease, and strong character development make this enjoyable sci-fi tale a standout." — SPR
Jordan Zesker is one of only five descendants linked to “The Ring.” She thinks the 1920s are tough, but family debt and speakeasy blues will soon seem insignificant. Her blood type, a bona fide blessing and a curse, has placed her in the sights of TEMPUS. Shadowy forces have long worked to weaponize the chosen few endowed with the gift to transcend time and space … and absolutely nowhere is safe.
When Jacob appears out of the blue, bearing news too strange to believe, a staggering decision must be made: will Jordan cling to her desolate life or trust this stranger and help assemble an intergenerational team to somehow save humanity?
Accessing the Fold, an extradimensional passageway through time, Jordan must race to find her fated kin across the ages. Rocco in 1956. Paul in 1973. Steffi in 1984. Carissa in 2015. Each will prove essential in the battle for humankind’s future—and past.
Should diabolic entities succeed in overtaking the Fold, it won’t just mean the end of Jordan’s kind but all things good.
- GenresFictionScience Fiction
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2021
18 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
About the author
Scott Swisher
4 books11 followersScott Swisher is a creative writer disguised as a Senior Software Developer “slash” Systems Architect. He lives in Northern California with his wife and two children. Balancing a full-time tech career with family life leaves little time for writing, but his passion for storytelling keeps him going. The Ring Fold Chronicles is his debut series, with the third installment currently in progress.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 26, 2022
*Goodreads First Reads copy*
This book has really strong points. However, it also has some very weak parts to it. The author did a really good job describing the various time periods. From my knowledge base, the clothing, scenery, and music were true to the time. I could definitely feel the author's interest in music showing through. He touched on so many various songs. I just don't know how much was added to the story by including so many lyrics. At times it almost felt formulaic. The author was depending on the lyrics to help set the scenery too much.
Throughout the story, I saw numerous occasions where the author appeared to use one word when they really meant another. One example would be the constant use of 'transcend' instead of 'transport'. To me, this causes the reader to lose immersion in the story.
Another style of writing the author uses had a similar effect. In dialogue, the author would write a term like 'I am digg 'in this' instead of 'I am diggin' this. No letter or syllable was being removed from the spot where the author used the apostrophe. I understood what he was going for, in terms of dialect. I just don't believe most readers would achieve that understanding.
A major mistake, in my opinion, was when the author had the three female members of the Ring Fold eating together in a diner in the 1950s. From character descriptions, it can be inferred that one of the girls was African-American while the other two were caucasian. I may be wrong, but that does not seem likely in that time period. It would have created too much of a response from the other patrons of the diner.
I also found it difficult to envision the five young characters being so trusting and instantly willing to join together in this group. It seemed too easy. There didn't seem to be much conflict.
Even after all of this, I was going to give the story a solid 3-star rating. However, the ending ruined this. First, to kill off the only discernable person of color was completely wrong. I suppose a couple of the others could conceivably be non-caucasian, but it's not a guarantee. Then, to have a series of disjointed events that lead to a 'do-over' occurring so that this character did not die, made it worse. At this point, the only death was a villain. It becomes a fairy tale, where everything ends happily ever after.
Then, having the people who saw the Ring Fold slow-motion walking away feel pride or happiness for the group, not even knowing what they had accomplished, left me shaking my head in total disappointment.
The author does have talent. He shows promise. He just needs to hone his craft. He needs to improve so that readers of his future stories are sucked into the story and made emotionally invested in it as well.
This book has really strong points. However, it also has some very weak parts to it. The author did a really good job describing the various time periods. From my knowledge base, the clothing, scenery, and music were true to the time. I could definitely feel the author's interest in music showing through. He touched on so many various songs. I just don't know how much was added to the story by including so many lyrics. At times it almost felt formulaic. The author was depending on the lyrics to help set the scenery too much.
Throughout the story, I saw numerous occasions where the author appeared to use one word when they really meant another. One example would be the constant use of 'transcend' instead of 'transport'. To me, this causes the reader to lose immersion in the story.
Another style of writing the author uses had a similar effect. In dialogue, the author would write a term like 'I am digg 'in this' instead of 'I am diggin' this. No letter or syllable was being removed from the spot where the author used the apostrophe. I understood what he was going for, in terms of dialect. I just don't believe most readers would achieve that understanding.
A major mistake, in my opinion, was when the author had the three female members of the Ring Fold eating together in a diner in the 1950s. From character descriptions, it can be inferred that one of the girls was African-American while the other two were caucasian. I may be wrong, but that does not seem likely in that time period. It would have created too much of a response from the other patrons of the diner.
I also found it difficult to envision the five young characters being so trusting and instantly willing to join together in this group. It seemed too easy. There didn't seem to be much conflict.
Even after all of this, I was going to give the story a solid 3-star rating. However, the ending ruined this. First, to kill off the only discernable person of color was completely wrong. I suppose a couple of the others could conceivably be non-caucasian, but it's not a guarantee. Then, to have a series of disjointed events that lead to a 'do-over' occurring so that this character did not die, made it worse. At this point, the only death was a villain. It becomes a fairy tale, where everything ends happily ever after.
Then, having the people who saw the Ring Fold slow-motion walking away feel pride or happiness for the group, not even knowing what they had accomplished, left me shaking my head in total disappointment.
The author does have talent. He shows promise. He just needs to hone his craft. He needs to improve so that readers of his future stories are sucked into the story and made emotionally invested in it as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2022
Scott Swisher has created a world in which access to personal power, immense power, is held in the hands of a few select individuals, those with access to the Fold. The world is our own Earth, but not necessarily present day Earth. The reader is in for a wild ride through past, present, and future. A burst of significant seismic activity has induced a shift in the Earth’s rotational axis. These same events have induced a dimensional fold in time. Only a few humans are aware of its existence. Fewer still have a blood-borne ability to slip, slide, or even jump into this resulting river of time to anywhere, past, present, or future; and then return with precision.
Time does shift with each new chapter and the author does a credible job of keeping the reader informed of the dramatic changes in scene that occur throughout the book. We meet young Jordan Zesker, the protagonist in a seedy San Francisco speakeasy during 1920’s prohibition. She doesn’t realize it, but the illegal bar is about to get raided by police. An articulate and unusually protective older man knows about the raid. Jacob Lawson intervenes, saving her from eminent arrest. Fast forward to October, 2010. We’re introduced to a sub-sub-subdivision of the US Intelligence apparatus and learn that the same individuals, Jordan and Jacob, are the subjects of an ongoing investigation. Subsequent shifts in time take the reader to 1950’s Los Angeles where we meet Rocco Valorez, an outspoken young greaser and fast car aficionado, who is totally unaware of his blood-borne ability to access the Fold. Young feisty blonde, Stephanie Labric, appears in 1984 Hollywood. Brainy Carissa appears in 2015 San Francisco, “where nearly every individual you encounter will be staring at an electronic device.” Paul. the sensitive young dancer, makes his appearance in 1970’s San Francisco. None of them are aware of their innate abilities to access the Fold; not until Jacob gathers them into a single group and instructs them in its use.
In this way five talented individuals bond into a dynamic team called the Ring. They will need all of their collective abilities and more to compete with the dark forces on the other side the ledger, a well-armed and established band of rogue agents within an unscrutinized cell of the US Intelligence service. This reader loved the scene in a 1960’s San Francisco jail, with a transistor radio playing a commercial station in the background. Rocco is the prisoner, alone in his cell. The radio is tuned to a local jazz station. (It has to be local because there’s no internet.) His jailers can agree that musician Charlie Parker is playing the sax. They disagree on the trumpet player. Rocco is sure of the musician’s identity; but even that won’t help. He still has to fight his way out of jail.
And the question becomes: For what purpose? Shall this power be used to guide humanity onto higher planes of existence like seeding advances in artistic and cultural achievements into our shared past? Each chapter provides a fascinating sampling of the possibilities from the art and architectural achievements, music and fashion of the West Coast. Or instead, will the power to access the Fold be utilized to accumulate extreme individual power or wealth into the hands of a few through activities like slave trading and empire building. The story unfolds not on some distant star, but right here on Earth, complete with a dystopian look into our future.
Ring Fold is an action-packed thriller with a sci-fi twist and an outstanding read. I highly recommend it to all fans of the genre.
Time does shift with each new chapter and the author does a credible job of keeping the reader informed of the dramatic changes in scene that occur throughout the book. We meet young Jordan Zesker, the protagonist in a seedy San Francisco speakeasy during 1920’s prohibition. She doesn’t realize it, but the illegal bar is about to get raided by police. An articulate and unusually protective older man knows about the raid. Jacob Lawson intervenes, saving her from eminent arrest. Fast forward to October, 2010. We’re introduced to a sub-sub-subdivision of the US Intelligence apparatus and learn that the same individuals, Jordan and Jacob, are the subjects of an ongoing investigation. Subsequent shifts in time take the reader to 1950’s Los Angeles where we meet Rocco Valorez, an outspoken young greaser and fast car aficionado, who is totally unaware of his blood-borne ability to access the Fold. Young feisty blonde, Stephanie Labric, appears in 1984 Hollywood. Brainy Carissa appears in 2015 San Francisco, “where nearly every individual you encounter will be staring at an electronic device.” Paul. the sensitive young dancer, makes his appearance in 1970’s San Francisco. None of them are aware of their innate abilities to access the Fold; not until Jacob gathers them into a single group and instructs them in its use.
In this way five talented individuals bond into a dynamic team called the Ring. They will need all of their collective abilities and more to compete with the dark forces on the other side the ledger, a well-armed and established band of rogue agents within an unscrutinized cell of the US Intelligence service. This reader loved the scene in a 1960’s San Francisco jail, with a transistor radio playing a commercial station in the background. Rocco is the prisoner, alone in his cell. The radio is tuned to a local jazz station. (It has to be local because there’s no internet.) His jailers can agree that musician Charlie Parker is playing the sax. They disagree on the trumpet player. Rocco is sure of the musician’s identity; but even that won’t help. He still has to fight his way out of jail.
And the question becomes: For what purpose? Shall this power be used to guide humanity onto higher planes of existence like seeding advances in artistic and cultural achievements into our shared past? Each chapter provides a fascinating sampling of the possibilities from the art and architectural achievements, music and fashion of the West Coast. Or instead, will the power to access the Fold be utilized to accumulate extreme individual power or wealth into the hands of a few through activities like slave trading and empire building. The story unfolds not on some distant star, but right here on Earth, complete with a dystopian look into our future.
Ring Fold is an action-packed thriller with a sci-fi twist and an outstanding read. I highly recommend it to all fans of the genre.
October 1, 2022
Ring Fold by Scott Swisher was a fun, easy, and thrilling read. I look forward to Swisher’s next novel.
Just the right amount of detail was given to describe the clothing, music, transportation, and cityscapes for each time period. The reader is unexpectantly taken down memory lane.
I’m most thankful that the author didn’t add fluff to the novel. He didn’t go overboard with descriptions, drawn-out action scenes, emotional dialogue/monologue, or a forced romance side story.
I could have done without all the crying. Good grief, it seemed like the ladies were constantly wiping tears, sobbing, and weeping. Granted, I’m easily annoyed.
I loved the last three words in the book! No peeking! It fantastically ended the book and left me feeling warm and fuzzy. Perfect ending.
My appreciation to Scott Swisher for the Goodreads Giveaway and free Kindle edition.
Just the right amount of detail was given to describe the clothing, music, transportation, and cityscapes for each time period. The reader is unexpectantly taken down memory lane.
I’m most thankful that the author didn’t add fluff to the novel. He didn’t go overboard with descriptions, drawn-out action scenes, emotional dialogue/monologue, or a forced romance side story.
I could have done without all the crying. Good grief, it seemed like the ladies were constantly wiping tears, sobbing, and weeping. Granted, I’m easily annoyed.
I loved the last three words in the book! No peeking! It fantastically ended the book and left me feeling warm and fuzzy. Perfect ending.
My appreciation to Scott Swisher for the Goodreads Giveaway and free Kindle edition.
December 31, 2022
I loved everything about this book! It was fast paced, which is perfect as I tend to lose my focus in books sometimes, but this kept me captivated and I read it in 2 days.
I enjoyed all of the vivid character descriptions, and could picture them easily in my mind. There were many musical and movie references that I loved, as most of them were familiar to me and some of my favorites growing up.
There was a fun surprise coincidence with my birthday being an important date in the book, which made me feel more connected to the author and what I was reading.
There is a key phrase in Ring Fold that was repeated 3 times, and it was a message that touched me, possibly inspiring my next tattoo.
Thank you for sharing your brilliant mind and immense talent with us, Scott! I can’t wait for the next book in the series to be released.
I enjoyed all of the vivid character descriptions, and could picture them easily in my mind. There were many musical and movie references that I loved, as most of them were familiar to me and some of my favorites growing up.
There was a fun surprise coincidence with my birthday being an important date in the book, which made me feel more connected to the author and what I was reading.
There is a key phrase in Ring Fold that was repeated 3 times, and it was a message that touched me, possibly inspiring my next tattoo.
Thank you for sharing your brilliant mind and immense talent with us, Scott! I can’t wait for the next book in the series to be released.
October 3, 2025
Scott Swisher delivers an entertaining time-travel romp in "Ring Fold" that successfully blends action, mystery, and humor. Jordan makes a great protagonist—a broke 1927 San Francisco woman who suddenly discovers she's part of a bloodline of time travelers being hunted by shadowy forces.
The concept of pulling together heroes from different decades (1956, 1973, 1984, and 2015) to save the timeline is creative and well-executed. The team dynamics are engaging, and Swisher does a nice job capturing the distinct feel of each era. The pacing keeps you moving, and there are some genuinely clever twists along the way. If you're a fan of Stranger Things or The Umbrella Academy, you'll find a lot to enjoy here—it has that same blend of adventure and character-driven storytelling. A solid start to the series.
The concept of pulling together heroes from different decades (1956, 1973, 1984, and 2015) to save the timeline is creative and well-executed. The team dynamics are engaging, and Swisher does a nice job capturing the distinct feel of each era. The pacing keeps you moving, and there are some genuinely clever twists along the way. If you're a fan of Stranger Things or The Umbrella Academy, you'll find a lot to enjoy here—it has that same blend of adventure and character-driven storytelling. A solid start to the series.
August 8, 2025
This thrilling story pulls you in from the first page and never lets go. Jordan, a young woman in the 1920s burdened by debt and personal struggles, discovers she is one of people with the rare gift to travel through time. Hunted by the mysterious organization, she must decide whether to risk everything and trust a stranger, who reveals her role in assembling a team to save humanity. From smoky speakeasies to the far reaches of the Fold Jordan’s journey spans decades as she seeks her destined allies. Each character adds depth and urgency to a fast-paced narrative filled with danger, secrets, and intergenerational bonds. The blend of historical settings, sci-fi intrigue, and emotional stakes makes this a must-read for fans of time travel adventures.
January 14, 2022
Ring Fold is Book 1 in a new series by Scott Swisher. I really enjoyed this book. It checks lots of good storyline; time travel, science fiction, good guys and evil, plus the writing is outstanding. I liked the characters and although the story ends, and I was happy with the ending, I was left wanting book 2 to be published soon. I thought that Jordan was a strong heroin and I liked how she grew stronger in the book. With Jordan's new companions, book 2 should be amazing! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 20, 2022
This was a GoodReads giveaway book. What can I say about this book? It was action packed, very well written, and great characters. The story itself was very fast paced and kept my interest. I found myself feeling as if I were running and fighting alongside the Ring members. There was elements of time travel, science fiction, teamwork, and strong female lead. What I really appreciated was that the things Mr. Swisher described in each different time period were spot on. Correct clothing styles, cars, and music. Well done, sir. I definitely recommend this one!
September 11, 2022
I like time travel stories quite a bit. This one has several characters capable of the feat. The main one is the protagonist for the story, and she has to take several leaps of faith to connect the dot enabling her to solve the mystery that had developed. Her risks have consequences of course, but she manages to fix what has gone wrong. The story also has family issues and those are numerous and are able to pull you into the adventure. As to the management of time travel, it is a different approach than most stories.
December 30, 2022
complex story with intriguing plot
The plot is complex with time hoping through chapters. This makes sense because it is a time travel novel. In many stories, the frequent changes in time and place can be distracting, but the author of Ring Fold did a good job with them. I didn't find the hopping around confusing, and it worked well through the book. I also like that that it seemed more unique than other time travel novels I’ve read, and I enjoyed the dynamic of the character. It's a well done book.
The plot is complex with time hoping through chapters. This makes sense because it is a time travel novel. In many stories, the frequent changes in time and place can be distracting, but the author of Ring Fold did a good job with them. I didn't find the hopping around confusing, and it worked well through the book. I also like that that it seemed more unique than other time travel novels I’ve read, and I enjoyed the dynamic of the character. It's a well done book.
December 16, 2022
The author grabs you from the very beginning. His ability to encompass a time with such descriptions of the era from style of wardrobe to places and music. He will bring you back times once lived and describe times not lived with such detail that the reader feels they are actually there. The last few chapters were so riveting it was hard to put the book down. I was sad when I finished and can’t wait for book two
June 1, 2022
Clever
A story of time travel to save the last of a special group of humans. Each person has undergone training to become even more elite to help protect the other members of the group. However, they always seem to be a few steps behind and have to keep trying. Unsure of how much more they can take, some members try to step up and save the team.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
A story of time travel to save the last of a special group of humans. Each person has undergone training to become even more elite to help protect the other members of the group. However, they always seem to be a few steps behind and have to keep trying. Unsure of how much more they can take, some members try to step up and save the team.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
November 25, 2022
A FUN AND ACTION-PACKED SCI-FI STORY. This book offers an interesting spin on the time travel genre. Starting in the near future, we are taken back about 100 years before moving into the future. The characters are well drawn and there is enough witty banter to keep the reader amused. I look forward to seeing what this author writes next.
August 21, 2025
Enjoyed this book! It doesn’t just jump from one time period to another for the sake of spectacle, which makes the story feel more grounded. It balances adventure with deeper questions about fate, responsibility, and what it means to change history. It’s a pretty engaging start to a series that will hopefully have even bigger twists in the future.
September 15, 2025
This book had me hooked from the very first page. Jordan is a fascinating heroine: tough, flawed, and suddenly swept into a battle that spans generations. The mix of 1920s grit with futuristic, time-bending suspense kept me turning pages late into the night. If you enjoy time travel, shadowy conspiracies, and a story with both action and heart, this is a must-read. I didn’t want it to end!
May 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this novel. Not your usual time travel saga. It has a few distinctive twists which take it away from the often-mundane styles of travel. Even the plot is somewhat twisted. I'm definitely happy with the characters and settings and will be moving on to the follow up novel.
April 10, 2022
Not much of a fan of time travel stories but this one was enjoyable.
December 10, 2022
It was good enough to finish, but it took me a while. Too many other books I liked better. Thus it took me 5 months to finish.
I found the ending unsatisfactory.
I found the ending unsatisfactory.
December 3, 2025
Nice book
December 5, 2025
Wasn’t expecting the humor — it made the darker moments hit even harder.
December 5, 2025
Jordan is the kind of protagonist you root for immediately.
December 5, 2025
The way the author ties real historical moments into the plot is impressive.
December 5, 2025
The multiple time periods never felt confusing. Each one was distinct and vivid.
December 8, 2025
This is the kind of story that stays with you after the last page.
December 8, 2025
If you enjoy ensemble casts, you’re going to LOVE this team dynamic.
December 8, 2025
The pacing is so good. Not a single dull chapter.
December 8, 2025
I liked how each character deals with time travel differently. Very believable reactions.
December 8, 2025
Truly felt like stepping into another universe. So immersive.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews