Time After Time

Alex Balfour #1

by Allen Appel

Alex Balfour, a young history professor, experiences strange dreams which seem to take him back in time to the Russian Revolution

Genres: Time Travel, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Romanovs

372 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1985

Reviews

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time Travel back to the Russian Revolution to save the Tsar and his family. Interesting premise, great evoking of the Revolutionary period, and then it fizzled out. Sigh. It was fabulous until about 80 pages from the end.
Oh well.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I'm not one who typically reads time-travel related books, but the back description intrigued me, so I thought I'd give it a try. It was about this man who was a history professor focused on Russian History. He kept experiencing these very detailed dreams immediately following severe headaches. In fact, these dreams were so detailed, he'd sometimes wake up with grass on his sock from what he had dreamed. He later realizes that he's actually traveling back in time. What he still needs to know is... was he naturally inclined to learn about Russian History for this coming time-travel experience, or is he having this time-travel experience because of his knowledge of Russian history? How long will he travel? When will he come back? Will he ever be able to control this ability? and, Who will he run in to in the past that he already knows from his time? A Great Adventure! You must read!

[Daniel Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a pretty interesting concept and had the characters visit a very interesting period in history. The writer could use some time in the Elmore Leonard school of how to say something in as few of words as possible. The prose is a little clunky in a number of places but the story was good enough to make up for that issue. If you are interested in possible alternate happenings in the Russian revolution there is a lot of fun things in here.

#timetravel

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't remember this book at all.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time travel. The Russian Revolution. Romance, both in the past and present. Good stuff.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably more like a 3.5 star, just not quite a 4 star. I really like reading about time travel and stories set in soviet Russia. So, I am probably able to enjoy this book more, just because the setting is so interesting to me. I preferred the parts that was about Russia, the present day America stuff was less entertaining for me to read. I will probably get around to reading the rest of the series one day.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite enjoyable. I admit that for the first few pages I was unsure, because I did not know if I wanted to read about the Russian revolution; for that reason (i.e., the time period involved), some people might not find the book to be of interest.
Pro: 1) I think the characterization was very good. 2) The story was compelling (I am definitely going to read the next book in the series).
Con: 1) The mechanism of time travel is not my favorite; I prefer a machine where there is the theoretical possibility that anyone could use it. This is not a serious spoiler, but just being cautious. The protagonist has the special ability to travel in time as a genetic trait, but there is no hint of how this could actually be achieved.
Overall, I rate this a solid 8 out of 10.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series of four (so far) novels by Maryland based author Allen Appel. The story centers around a history professor with a genetic predisposition to travel backwards in time. Appel's blending of historical fact with his brand of suspenseful fiction works well, and the result is a very entertaining story. Additionally, since reading his work, I've begun a correspondence with the author that has been ongoing for the past several years, and he turns out to be a very decent fellow. So, buy one of his books! I'll put the rest of his books that I've read up on the site at a later date, but suffice it to say that he's never disappointed.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book about 11 year ago and I really liked it back then. It has stuck with me over the years and I wanted to read it again for a long time but couldn't remember the name of the book or author. Now that I finally found it I am sooo excited to read it again and find out what what interested me so much back then.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another time travel book, which I love. This one takes you into the violent world of early 1900's Russia and the Romanov family. Fascinating perspective into a turbulent time in Russian history touching upon what "really" happened between the whites, the reds, the Bolsheviks and the Tsar's family while exploring the complicated relationship between a father and son. Entertaining read.

[Nick Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixes two of my favorite genres -- Historical fiction and time travel (which is a common mix, I suppose). Intriguing with some good plot twists. You learn quite a bit about the Russian Revolution along the way. Recommended.

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned more about the Russian Revolution 1917 than I knew before. It was a slightly different take on time travel, which brought to mind some of Octavia Butler's Kindred (which I liked better).

Borrowed from a Kansas Library Catalog library.

[Anne]

Recommended by Sarah Flowers. Alex Balfour, historian, finds he has the capacity to be transported back in time. He finds himself in the middle of the Russian Revolution, involved in a scheme to try and save the Tsar and his family. This was a very inventive, well-written story...gritty at times. Appel knows how to turn a phrase. Great descriptions of food preparation.