No Enemy But Time: A Novel of the South

by William C. Harris Jr.

After the success of his bestselling novel Delirium of the Brave , William C. Harris, Jr., continues to fascinate readers with Southern intrigue in his second historical thriller. Set against the darkness of Jesus Island, Georgia and the glitter of Savannah society, No Enemy But Time brings back beloved characters and weaves a tale of espionage, murder, loyalty, and ultimately the high cost of betrayal.

Spanning from World War II to the present, the story tells of Francis Collins, an IRA soldier turned Nazi spy placed on Savannah's coast during the war. Years later, he becomes a powerful force in local society and a father figure to a young politician, Will McQueen. While out diving with friends one day, Will discovers a downed submarine. Locked deep inside its hull is the key to generations of deceit-and a secret that could destroy both men's lives.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jim Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and it's even better when there's a Southern twist. Throw in World War II, Nazi spies and Savannah, then add good writing and a riveting story and you have "No Enemy But Time." One of the best I've read in a long time. It would have come close to five stars, except the ending fell apart -- strong storytelling all the way got a little far-fetched for my tastes. But hats off to Mr. Harris for this great story!

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could have been oh so much more and better. As written, it reads more like Michener-lite. A sweeping saga across a few generations but without the nuisance of using a lot of words to develop events or maintain continuity between events. An interesting premise that lands with a thud.

[Karen Chamberz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good I loved the history part you could tell it was written by a man because he got straight to the point no frills and he wrote about the men I loved it looking for his other books

[Graceann · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I reviewed DELIRIUM OF THE BRAVE, I mentioned that even though there were significant problems with that title, I was looking forward to reading NO ENEMY BUT TIME and had hopes that Mr. Harris' writing style would improve with his second effort. I am sad to say that the same problems present themselves here.

Harris can't decide what he wants the book to be - is it an espionage thriller, historical fiction, or a generational saga? The narrative and point of view skip all over the place, hooking the reader on one line of thought and then changing it, leaving dissatisfaction in their wake. A few characters from DELIRIUM OF THE BRAVE make token appearances in NO ENEMY BUT TIME, but their participation in the story is not interesting or believeable. The dialogue continues to be trite, as well; at times I was unsure if I was reading a novel from a large press or something straight out of a Harlequin Romance.

I love Savannah, and I enjoy reading novels using this stunning City as a backdrop. Having now read two of Mr. Harris' novels set there, I don't feel a need to check into any others from this particular author.

[Gretchen Harriman · Rating 3 out of 5]

My interest was grabbed immediately . . . IRA member traded to Nazi's for weapons, and and deployed as a spy on Savannah's coast only to become closely alingned to a prominent family. What a beginning! I enjoyed the story but can't say how disappointed I am that the book flap (and all "teasers" I've seen for this book) reaveal WAY to much of the storyline. To truly savor this book, do not read anything about it. Just dive in!

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The cover calls this a "relentlessly paced thriller" I guess that's a kind way to put it. The book covers a period of more than 200 years in less than 200 pages. In other words, it flies right past most of its own plot. Tries to work in some themes about redemption in that insanely small space, too.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Enemy But Time is a interesting read with a good overarching story just as "Delirium of the Brave" was. However, it contains many of the same issues with the writing. I felt that the development of the story climaxed very late and was hastily tied together at the end. Still, a good story line, just needed a good editor.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling Historical adventure thru OLD Savannah...Betrayal, Love, Intrigue, and Redemption...beginning in WWII thru Present times...Heroes and Villians...The IRA, War Heroes, High Society, and Southern Politics race towards an unforgettable climax...

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unhappy reading this book for the first "book" but then I got to the second "book", WILL, and so enjoyed the rest of the books. Seems this can be true about people: " You went wrong when you quit believing you'd be held accountable for the evil you've done in your life. "