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Altered State #1
The Berlin Principle
A scientist in East Berlin. A young woman in dystopian Britain. A soldier in the Kaisers army.
One lives in regret, one lives in ignorance and one lives in fear that each day will be his last.
Each will be betrayed, their worlds torn down around them.
Each will change the course of history.
And each somehow knows that this is not the first time they have lived this life...
One lives in regret, one lives in ignorance and one lives in fear that each day will be his last.
Each will be betrayed, their worlds torn down around them.
Each will change the course of history.
And each somehow knows that this is not the first time they have lived this life...
356 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2022
4 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 19, 2022
Exalting and thrilling! 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review to come soon.
Review to come soon.
October 24, 2022
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advanced copy of this book and I have to say it surprised me.
I expected sci-fi, war and violence. What I got was a story of frightened lonely girl on her journey to womanhood as she comes to terms with the enormity of the task laid out before her.
Don’t worry, there is still plenty of the former. It’s a real pager turner with an exciting plot and rich, likeable characters.
I can’t wait for book 2!
I expected sci-fi, war and violence. What I got was a story of frightened lonely girl on her journey to womanhood as she comes to terms with the enormity of the task laid out before her.
Don’t worry, there is still plenty of the former. It’s a real pager turner with an exciting plot and rich, likeable characters.
I can’t wait for book 2!
November 2, 2022
The author is a friend of a colleague who knows I love history. What I’m not into at all is Sci-fi. That really doesn’t matter, don’t get me wrong, sci-fi folks will get their fix I’m sure, but what I’m saying is that it wasn’t a barrier to my enjoyment of the book. History is my thing and that’s what I got; rich characters and well researched history with an exciting plot!
May 12, 2023
The Berlin Principle - Altered State Book 1
DESCRIPTION
A scientist in East Berlin. A young woman in dystopian Britain. A soldier in the Kaisers army.
One lives in regret, one lives in ignorance and one lives in fear that each day will be his last.
And each somehow knows that this is not the first time they have lived this life.
Each will be betrayed, their worlds torn down around them.
Each will change the course of history.
I was very kindly sent this book by John in return for an honest review of his book and I am really glad that he did. I love books that have a historical theme running through them and this book had that in abundance! It also had a sci-fi theme running throughout too which before you get started you can’t help but wonder how the heck these two will mash together to create a great read. Well John managed to do both and do them very well.
All the historical events were well informed and very well written, it is clear to see that John did his research before writing this book, to create as clear a narrative for the reader as possible.
As this is the first book in the Altered State series there was a lot of backstory to the main characters Olga and Rudi and the development of these characters throughout the book is just wonderful. Seeing the progression of Olga especially for me was empowering to read.
The time travel aspect of the book is talked about and is a main part of the story but I wouldn’t say that it overtook the more in-depth war topic that was being covered throughout.
This was definitely a great first book in the series and it is definitely building the foundation for the rest of the books that are to follow.
For a debut novel, I found this well researched, extremely detailed and well written and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I have already placed the second book in my wish list and will be purchasing it in the near future as I need to know what happens in the rest of the series. If you love historical stories with a little bit of time travel mixed in, I would highly suggest that you pick up this book!
Thank you so much John for introducing me to The Altered State series! It’s brilliant!
DESCRIPTION
A scientist in East Berlin. A young woman in dystopian Britain. A soldier in the Kaisers army.
One lives in regret, one lives in ignorance and one lives in fear that each day will be his last.
And each somehow knows that this is not the first time they have lived this life.
Each will be betrayed, their worlds torn down around them.
Each will change the course of history.
I was very kindly sent this book by John in return for an honest review of his book and I am really glad that he did. I love books that have a historical theme running through them and this book had that in abundance! It also had a sci-fi theme running throughout too which before you get started you can’t help but wonder how the heck these two will mash together to create a great read. Well John managed to do both and do them very well.
All the historical events were well informed and very well written, it is clear to see that John did his research before writing this book, to create as clear a narrative for the reader as possible.
As this is the first book in the Altered State series there was a lot of backstory to the main characters Olga and Rudi and the development of these characters throughout the book is just wonderful. Seeing the progression of Olga especially for me was empowering to read.
The time travel aspect of the book is talked about and is a main part of the story but I wouldn’t say that it overtook the more in-depth war topic that was being covered throughout.
This was definitely a great first book in the series and it is definitely building the foundation for the rest of the books that are to follow.
For a debut novel, I found this well researched, extremely detailed and well written and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I have already placed the second book in my wish list and will be purchasing it in the near future as I need to know what happens in the rest of the series. If you love historical stories with a little bit of time travel mixed in, I would highly suggest that you pick up this book!
Thank you so much John for introducing me to The Altered State series! It’s brilliant!
November 14, 2022
Wow, this book blew me away!
SUMMARY:
In 1960, Dr. Rudi Kessler lives in regret in East Berlin, wishing he could do something to prevent the pain and destruction he witnessed as a child during WWII.
In 1912, German generals receive mysterious messages from the future that could be used to prevent the devastation soon to come.
In a dystopian 2034 living under German imperialism, Olga is rescued from a dangerous situation, only to learn that this is not the first time she's lived this life.
They each are desperate to have a role in changing history, as much as time allows.
REVIEW:
This book felt like it combined the best elements of 11/22/63 by Stephen King and the anime Steins;Gate into a well-crafted historical war novel.
The twists and turns of the plot, especially with the elements of time and multiple realities, were everything I want out of a sci-fi book!
Besides this being a story about war and history, it was also about a young girl, Olga, learning what she is capable of and finding a way to fight for herself, her friends, and her future.
The only thing that kept it from being five stars for me is I am not much of a history buff, so I got lost at times during some of the war and military adventures. For other readers this might be a strength of the book, as it was very well-researched and rich in history!
But if you're a fan of...
- Alternate history
- WWII stories
- Time shenanigans
- Strong female characters
...check out this book!
4.5/5 stars!
SUMMARY:
In 1960, Dr. Rudi Kessler lives in regret in East Berlin, wishing he could do something to prevent the pain and destruction he witnessed as a child during WWII.
In 1912, German generals receive mysterious messages from the future that could be used to prevent the devastation soon to come.
In a dystopian 2034 living under German imperialism, Olga is rescued from a dangerous situation, only to learn that this is not the first time she's lived this life.
They each are desperate to have a role in changing history, as much as time allows.
REVIEW:
This book felt like it combined the best elements of 11/22/63 by Stephen King and the anime Steins;Gate into a well-crafted historical war novel.
The twists and turns of the plot, especially with the elements of time and multiple realities, were everything I want out of a sci-fi book!
Besides this being a story about war and history, it was also about a young girl, Olga, learning what she is capable of and finding a way to fight for herself, her friends, and her future.
The only thing that kept it from being five stars for me is I am not much of a history buff, so I got lost at times during some of the war and military adventures. For other readers this might be a strength of the book, as it was very well-researched and rich in history!
But if you're a fan of...
- Alternate history
- WWII stories
- Time shenanigans
- Strong female characters
...check out this book!
4.5/5 stars!
March 27, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down. It was such a unique concept. I usually gravitate to thrillers or the crime genre but lately I’ve enjoyed taking a chance on some historical fiction books. This one has a bit of an interesting twist that involves some time travel. From the beginning of the book, you are instantly brought into this world and taken on a well-written journey. I think the author did a great job with character builds and gave just enough plot twists to keep you interests. I definitely recommend this book! I’m looking forward to the next one!
November 14, 2022
My colleague sent me this book while I was unwell. not my usual genre, but I have to say that I really enjoyed it. I really liked reading about the British spy Henry Clive, I hope we see more of him in book 2, which I hope I can get my hands on soon!
June 17, 2023
This book has something for everyone; history, time travel, dystopia and strong characters. I absolutely love historical fiction so I jumped at the chance to read this one. You can tell the author did his research while describing the war and flowing the German language into the book. The characters were well developed and though I was a bit skeptical of how everything would tie together originally, I found I couldn’t put it down. The author took a chance mixing sci fi and historical fiction and it worked! I was happy to know this is book 1 in a series and I’m looking forward to seeing how things progress for the characters!
May 29, 2023
*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*
"Who dares nothing, hopes for nothing."
Forgive my civilian mind if I don't do justice to the exemplary world building of book 1, The Berlin Principal, of the Altered State Trilogy by creative author J.G. Jenkinson.
It spans early 1900s to the future 2034. Dr. Rudi Kessler is despondent over the state of his beloved Germany after two devastating wars. A brilliant scientific mind he discovers time travel and saves Germany... by having them win the wars. Misguided doesn't begin to describe his destructive actions. Olga, living in 2034 imperialistic Germany goes back in time to stop him. Soldier Otto is about to witness half the world's annihilation by a futuristic arm of destruction. They converge to the mind blowing realization that they have lived these lives many times!
The premise, the execution of the story, and the tense action is mind bending to comprehend. The writer has done extensive research but I was often bogged down by all the history and science. The audiobook, distinctively narrated by Nick Cracknell helped me better understand this unique experience. This needs to be a series Netflix and Masterpiece PBS.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
**This Review Is For The Book & Audiobook
"Who dares nothing, hopes for nothing."
Forgive my civilian mind if I don't do justice to the exemplary world building of book 1, The Berlin Principal, of the Altered State Trilogy by creative author J.G. Jenkinson.
It spans early 1900s to the future 2034. Dr. Rudi Kessler is despondent over the state of his beloved Germany after two devastating wars. A brilliant scientific mind he discovers time travel and saves Germany... by having them win the wars. Misguided doesn't begin to describe his destructive actions. Olga, living in 2034 imperialistic Germany goes back in time to stop him. Soldier Otto is about to witness half the world's annihilation by a futuristic arm of destruction. They converge to the mind blowing realization that they have lived these lives many times!
The premise, the execution of the story, and the tense action is mind bending to comprehend. The writer has done extensive research but I was often bogged down by all the history and science. The audiobook, distinctively narrated by Nick Cracknell helped me better understand this unique experience. This needs to be a series Netflix and Masterpiece PBS.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
**This Review Is For The Book & Audiobook
October 24, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an advance readers copy of this book and could not put it down! Completely obsessed with Olga and cannot wait for the next in the series! Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 19, 2024
I was lucky enough to meet the author in Sicily on holidays. His love for history, his military experience, and passion for science-fiction blends together splendidly without getting bogged down in nuanced jargon.
It’s an exciting tale, and as your journey commences, it’s impossible to predict where the author is going to take you. Frankly speaking, an exciting novel.
It’s an exciting tale, and as your journey commences, it’s impossible to predict where the author is going to take you. Frankly speaking, an exciting novel.
April 7, 2023
Enjoyable and exciting read
Liked the characters and the details of their lives was considerable. I was waiting for the time travel elements to take centre stage but I have to wait for Book 2 ..... or maybe even later
Liked the characters and the details of their lives was considerable. I was waiting for the time travel elements to take centre stage but I have to wait for Book 2 ..... or maybe even later
December 28, 2023
4,5 of 5 stars, so 5 stars J.G. Jenkinson! ;-)
Absolutely marvelous first book by this author. Snappy chapters, with a number of characters you grow into while the story unfolds.
The story tackles one of my loves; dystopian settings basically answering the consequences of 'what if this happens?'. Interwoven through it is (alternate) history. Throw time travel in the mix and there you are. And the author manages the mixture of these genres very well; it all ties together.
The author is not afraid to share some details with each chapters clearly showing that he did investigate on the history and some of the science and that gives credit to the fiction that you read.
I have now finished part 1, with no idea how the entangled mess is to evolve and so eager to obtain part 2 and 3. If a writer manages to evoke this feeling in me as a reader, you did very well.
So, absolutely recommended. For sci-fy, dystopian and history nerds. ;-)
Absolutely marvelous first book by this author. Snappy chapters, with a number of characters you grow into while the story unfolds.
The story tackles one of my loves; dystopian settings basically answering the consequences of 'what if this happens?'. Interwoven through it is (alternate) history. Throw time travel in the mix and there you are. And the author manages the mixture of these genres very well; it all ties together.
The author is not afraid to share some details with each chapters clearly showing that he did investigate on the history and some of the science and that gives credit to the fiction that you read.
I have now finished part 1, with no idea how the entangled mess is to evolve and so eager to obtain part 2 and 3. If a writer manages to evoke this feeling in me as a reader, you did very well.
So, absolutely recommended. For sci-fy, dystopian and history nerds. ;-)
November 15, 2022
I love the concept of time travel and the carpet of 'what ifs' that can be unravelled by interfering in the past. The Berlin Principle is Pennyworth meets Back to the Future - a steampunk dystopia with a well-intentioned time traveller creating unintended consequences that risk becoming worse than the horror he intended to prevent. The web of timelines is complex but very cleverly brought together.
It also has a love story, a great female protagonist and her helper and some wonderfully imagined dystopian realities. My only disappointment was that it ends unfinished but luckily there is more to come!
Can't wait for the next installment.
It also has a love story, a great female protagonist and her helper and some wonderfully imagined dystopian realities. My only disappointment was that it ends unfinished but luckily there is more to come!
Can't wait for the next installment.
November 6, 2022
I happened to receive an advance readers copy of this book and it’s such a brilliant read. I’m not a huge science fiction fan, but to be honest, you don’t need to be to enjoy this book. It’s THAT good. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading, so it was done in only a few days which is a minor miracle for me. Anyway, if you’re interested in history, a dystopian future and a bit of sci-fi this will be right up your street. BUY IT NOW!
November 14, 2022
I loved this - I felt like this book combined some of my favorite themes (I enjoy sci-fi, historical fiction, women leading roles, alternative history, time travel) to make a really enjoyable read.
It was fun, engaging, and a bit of a surprise. No spoilers here, but I think most readers will be pleasantly surprised and ultimately satisfied with the book.
This author is a new one for me, I will be on the lookout for more of his work.
It was fun, engaging, and a bit of a surprise. No spoilers here, but I think most readers will be pleasantly surprised and ultimately satisfied with the book.
This author is a new one for me, I will be on the lookout for more of his work.
November 14, 2022
Alternate history at its best. Sometimes these kind of books can get too bogged down with the science fiction/fantasy side which detracts from the story. Not in this case, the author has clearly researched thoroughly and got the actual historical events right as well as making the alternate settings believable. Good, likeable characters that you want to learn more about and an exciting story. Looking forward to the next instalment!
December 4, 2022
It's very rare that when I say a book has everything, it literally means everything. Sci-fi and dystopian genres I tend to avoid but there was something about this read that I felt drawn in by, and I'm pleased I did.
Packed with historical detail, Germany scenes felt particularly immersive.
Intriguing plot and action packed. One that'll keep you on your toes.
Packed with historical detail, Germany scenes felt particularly immersive.
Intriguing plot and action packed. One that'll keep you on your toes.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews