Transitory

by Ian Williams

Nate Maddox thought his vacation to a distant moon would be a chance to relax. He was wrong.There, visitors venture into their own memories for entertainment. With the help of an ancient race of space-dwelling aliens, they can revisit their fondest moments, see lost loved ones again, repeat their greatest achievements, or even return to their childhood.But what starts as fun for Nate soon turns into a deadly nightmare. He enters the rift and witnesses his past, only to find it replaying in a different way. Has he remembered it wrong, or is something far more disturbing happening?

Genres: Science Fiction

284 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2014

About the author

Ian Williams is a Science Fiction writer from the UK. He lives in a small town not far from London. Ian had a short career in the UK Court Service but was forced to quit that job when his medical condition worsened. Now, from the comfort of his wheelchair, he writes the stories he has always wanted to read. His writing spans lightyears of space, to near-future Earths; from small changes to society, to entirely new civilisations.

Reviews

[Veronica Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll state right now that while I love sci-fi tv shows and movies, I'm not one for reading them. Maybe it's because I prefer the visualization on the screen instead of relying on descriptions. However, this book made it quite easy for me to picture the new world in my mind. There wasn't an overabundance either which usually makes my eyes glaze over.
Nate, I have to admit, I didn't like much at the beginning of the story. He was a clueless CEO of a mining company who didn't pay attention to others. Slowly he becomes more aware as he explores his memories, seeking a killer.
I wouldn't mind seeing more of Nate and what happens afterwards. There are some unanswered questions, but more so about the big picture. It does end satisfactory with no cliffhangers. I hate cliffhangers! :)

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

CEO Nate Maddox is finally taking a vacation, only this time, it’s not relaxation he’s getting but to witness his very own murder. Only it hasn’t happened yet. Is it a warning from a friend or a portent of the future? Nate enlists his alien guide, who’s also a former bodyguard, and his executive assistant to find the killer before it’s too late. But there’s more at stake than just Nate’s life. An alien race in jeopardy, mind-control and power over other races all play a part and if Nate can unravel the truth, he might just escape death.



I’m a big fan of science fiction and throw in a good old-fashioned detective mystery, I’m in reader heaven. Williams blends the two genres perfectly and creates a rich world, full of different races and ideals. His world-building wrapped me in a cocoon of escapism which allowed to immerse myself in Nate’s world. Each of the characters were well-developed with plenty of back-story. I do wish there was more back-story on Nate but that’s just because I loved him as a main character. Full of sarcastic wit, Nate kept me turning the pages frantically, trying to figure out the mystery before the big reveal. The ending was satisfactory but left me wanting more.



If you’re a science fiction fan and/or looking for an immersive adventure, pick up this book. I look forward to reading more from Ian Williams.



Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I’d review it.



Favorite Character/Quote: Nate. He’s a wise-crackin’ guy who most everyone can relate to. I loved his one-liners and he’s as authentic as you can get. No pretense to him, he reminds he of Han Solo from Star Wars.



My Rating: 4.5 stars



This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com

[Miranda Shanklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unlike anything I have read before. I found it refreshing and new. I read it pretty quickly because I had a really hard time putting it down. There were no slow dragging spots and it kept a nice steady pace.

The story of Nate and his interactions with those around him was very intriguing and kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next.

The idea of the different species and the lives from other planets worked extremely well in this story.

I would definitely recommend this book as a must read!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Transitory is a great scifi/suspense.

Because scifi isn't my preferred genre I had a difficult time getting through it, however I do believe that it will be a great read for those who like descriptive sci-fi. The MC begins as an uninviting character, but he grows on the reader and Williams develops his character with skill.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Larry Niven.

[Paul Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly entertaining read, well paced and exciting.

[James Grieme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complex, Fast-paced & Science Fiction Non-Geeks Will Love!

Ian Williams has crafted an incredibly engrossing story that is fast-pace and unpredictable--which is a plus for me since this is my first experience with this author!

"Transitory" initially catches the reader by surprise. At first glance, the reader experiences a momentary confusion due to the way the events of this book are presented. Being new to this author, I was willing to grant a large amount of grace thinking this may be nothing more than the inexperienced thinking of a new writer. I was very wrong!

Ian Williams has created a superb story which has so many twists and turns the reader has no idea what is coming next; and this is a good thing!

His characters are exceptionally three-dimensional; at the beginning of the story the reader is unsure if they even like the main character. The character who eventually becomes the full-fledged antagonist is initially pleasant yet transforms into a highly unlikeable person.

Williams does not limit his character development to just the main two characters. He has provided the reader with a panoply of reoccurring people who all change and are affected by the events he portrays.

While the setting of this story is future and on another world (with many others referenced), it is a science fiction story that even those who may not think they like science fiction would enjoy!

I was very impressed with "Transitory!" It is a quickly moving, complex story Williams has infused with dynamic, growing characters which actually "grow" on the reader. As one progresses through the book, it become more and more difficult to stop; I would recommend pacing oneself unless you have a job where the reader is the boss! I am very much looking forward to Book #2 and #3 in this Trilogy!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a galaxy where all races are known to each other.....
Imagine a chance to leave your frantic CEO job and vacation on a beautiful moon with an exciting festival held once every two years.....
Now, imagine the gift of traveling through your own mind, your own past, to witness your most cherished memories once again...

For Nate Maddox, the festival was a little confusing, yet peaceful. Until he witnessed a horrible event in his memories....that hadn't HAPPENED in his memories!

A very well written and wonderfully detailed story that takes place through many years, er, memories. As the tale unravels the mystery, discoveries continue to trick the reader. Beautifully written and highly recommended to any sci-fi fan! Well done!

[Charles Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nate Maddox, taking a well-earned holiday on a distant moon, is reliving events from his past, when a stranger with murderous intent interrupts his vacation. With the help of mysterious strangers, he tries to determine the identity and motives of the killer, while evading him, only to learn that his true enemy is closer than he’d ever thought.

Transitory by Ian Williams is fun-to-read, escapist entertainment. Great dialogue and interesting action, and the aliens are intriguing—though their motives are a bit difficult to define. A good way to spend a lazy afternoon.

I give this book four stars.

[Peter Roseman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thriller thoroughly engrossed me. Ian has a flair for the descriptive so his worlds and characters were completely believable to me, as did the reasonably plausible story. His ability to be descriptive tho' can tend toward the tedious, but rarely. The story is compelling enough, as are the turns to get you through the minimal tedium. I am a Hard Sci-Fi fan and while I would not call this "hard" it was still a good ride with really creative "spin" on how dreams can be "relived".... Really fine read: intelligent, prosaic in parts, eloquent, solid story teller and totally look forward to more of Ian's work.

[Robert Madsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting twist and fun read

Transitory provides an fun read with an innovative take on time and the mind. The writing is above average. The writing style uses a lot of cliches, which usually detract from the quality of the story. The story also becomes a bit predictable. Nevertheless great effort on a first novel.

[Edward Zulko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Read

I liked this book. Keeps your attention and also a little confused which is a good thing with a good SyFy. For a new author it is promising and looking forward to the next one.

[Phillip Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ian Williams managed to pound out a quick fun read in Transitory, transporting the classic D.O.A. crime plot into a sci fi envelope. Fortunately for the hero, this time his doppleganger is dead and the countdown still gives him time to save his life.

Nate Maddox, CEO of an astroid mining corporation, witnesses his own murder during a ritualized memory festival that occurs in conjunction with an intergalactic event called the Orbital Resonance. Together with his alien guide, a washed-up bodyguard and an executive assistant who may or may not intend to betray him, Maddox tracks down the assassin and the rival who hired him.

During the course of the chase, Maddox learns from his alien guide L’Armin that the festival hosts are, in fact, powerful beings who can reconstruct time through memory. They long ago disguised their powers because they was used to enslave them. L’Armin’s willingness to invoke those powers once again brings him into conflict with others of his species, jeopardizing Nate’s pursuit and possibly exposing the aliens to human conquest.

The story itself is diverting, and reasonably well plotted, although I found it slow to engage with until Nick found himself face-to-face with his own body. When I perused the early chapters again, trying to pin down details for the review, I realized it the difficulty have been the paucity of concrete detail—the name of the planet, the name of the hotel.

I realized Williams may have skimped on detail because Nick’s character is hazy. He doesn’t care for details, but William was perfectly capable of feeding them to the reader through the dialogue of Nick’s assistant Helen.

What disappointed me more, however, was the opportunity wasted. Williams stumbled upon a dynamic conflict point—a race with powers that could serve other species. The conflict builds between their elder—the only living member who actually remembers when they were enslaved but who wants to use their powers openly in service, and a younger challenger who wants to remain in hiding so they never become enslaved again. The climactic scene, when Nick takes them all to the time of enslavement is the most vivid and striking in the book.

To execute this marvelous premise on the slender thread of a murder mystery leaves me restless. It’s as though Williams whipped up the recipe for a béarnaise sauce only to drizzle it over hot dogs.

Don’t get me wrong. I love hot dogs, especially Chicago fire dogs and Transitory is as good as any Chicago fire dog. I just fill that Williams could have aspired to more.

[Ian Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Nate’s sassy mouth and cunning humor. His reactions to unusual and bizarre situations were often what mine would be, along with his coping mechanism of snarky remarks. It was nearly as much of a treat to be inside his head as inside this alien sci-fi environment.

I liked how the author spoon-fed us information, so the world slowly comes into focus, with the salient points popping and holding focus and easy to assimilate (the approach taken with Dune, and with well-written sci-fi in general). Too often the inclination is to overwhelm the reader with too much world-building too soon, adding to the confusion of getting one’s bearings in a totally alien environment. The less is more descriptive style he adopted throughout keeps the story moving at a breezy pace and allows your imagination to fill in the gaps as needed, without making you do too much of the work.

This is really a sci-fi detective story with our hero investigating the attempt on his own life with the aid of an alien lifeform. So if you enjoy a good mystery every bit as much as a good piece of sci-fi, the mashup will double your pleasure and double your fun.

Because the author’s writing style is so fluid, it was rare that I was jarred out of the story. There was a small plot hole early on that probably could have done with some filling. Namely, why is a CEO rich enough to take a trip across the chasms of space assigned a second rate bodyguard who’s one job away from never being able to be hired out again? That said, I enjoyed the character and the casting idea of going against type; it would have been far less interesting if he was the stereotypical all too competent bodyguard, and it would have reduced the sense of danger the hero faced once landing at his destination.

[Mistral Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Transitory by Ian Williams was an interesting concept and certainly one of the more unique books that I have read in quite some time. The author blends science fiction and an element of the fantastic into a successful book that keeps you interested and curious about the characters and what they will learn next. The book was edited well and there were only a few very minor grammatical or spelling errors which did not detract in the least from the story.
Throughout the book there were some areas were it seemed as though what was happening was insufficiently explained or was in contradiction to what was said earlier in the book but again, these did not detract from the over all story arc and I am sure that it is something that could be corrected easily enough in future books. Definitely worth a read and hope to see more books from this writer in the future.

[Gina Burgess]

I just couldn't quite get into this novel. It moved a bit slow, and the characters were not well developed. After about half-way through, I realized that I just didn't care about the characters, so I quit reading.