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Time's Edge #1
Time's Edge
Commander Michael Blayne of the Galactic Armed Forces is highly suspicious of his orders to retrieve a malfunctioning probe from an Old Earth sidetime. After all, the job is a basic training mission, not a usual assignment for an officer of his rank and caliber. However, his Chief-Commander, Alrick Zartollis, has assured him that he is perfect for the mission so he prepares to depart accompanied by a smart-mouthed, know-it-all computer named Max.
The "simple assignment" rapidly becomes complicated when he meets Kate, a young woman who prevents him from retrieving the lost probe. When he and Kate are literally blasted from Old Earth to another place and time, Michael realizes he has been set up by his esteemed Chief-Commander. "Probe retrieval, indeed," he mutters as he surveys his new surroundings and the odd individuals who live there: Edgar, a mechanical servant, who disdains the implication that he is a robot. "The robot was my ancestor," he sniffs to Michael, "just as the amoeba was yours."; Jafrey, an irreverent old man with a long gray ponytail, sharp tongue, and a dangerously powerful talent; Nick, the giant Sarzonian monster who can quote Shakespeare; Ivar, the master of a mysterious place called Belencourt, who got so tired of powerful visitors blowing up his electromagnetic door that he had it replaced with an old-fashioned hinged door which was less susceptible to strong auras.
Michael soon discovers he is on a mission so secret he is not even allowed to know what it's all about. To make matters worse, Alrick Zartollis, the one man who knows the truth, is nowhere to be found while the events he carefully put in place one hundred years earlier unfold in ways he never intended.
Time's Edge is the first place winner of the Tassy Walden Award, a literary prize given by the Shoreline Arts Alliance of Connecticut. A fast-paced, lighter tale, the story blends adventure, humor, and romance in a fun-to-read mix of sci-fi and fantasy.
The "simple assignment" rapidly becomes complicated when he meets Kate, a young woman who prevents him from retrieving the lost probe. When he and Kate are literally blasted from Old Earth to another place and time, Michael realizes he has been set up by his esteemed Chief-Commander. "Probe retrieval, indeed," he mutters as he surveys his new surroundings and the odd individuals who live there: Edgar, a mechanical servant, who disdains the implication that he is a robot. "The robot was my ancestor," he sniffs to Michael, "just as the amoeba was yours."; Jafrey, an irreverent old man with a long gray ponytail, sharp tongue, and a dangerously powerful talent; Nick, the giant Sarzonian monster who can quote Shakespeare; Ivar, the master of a mysterious place called Belencourt, who got so tired of powerful visitors blowing up his electromagnetic door that he had it replaced with an old-fashioned hinged door which was less susceptible to strong auras.
Michael soon discovers he is on a mission so secret he is not even allowed to know what it's all about. To make matters worse, Alrick Zartollis, the one man who knows the truth, is nowhere to be found while the events he carefully put in place one hundred years earlier unfold in ways he never intended.
Time's Edge is the first place winner of the Tassy Walden Award, a literary prize given by the Shoreline Arts Alliance of Connecticut. A fast-paced, lighter tale, the story blends adventure, humor, and romance in a fun-to-read mix of sci-fi and fantasy.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2010
10 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Dattilo
7 books22 followersJ.M. Dattilo is the pen name for Joseph and Mary Dattilo, a husband and wife writing team. Time's Edge, the first book in the Time's Edge sci-fi/fantasy series, won a Tassy Walden Award, a literary prize given by the Shoreline Arts Alliance of Connecticut. Mary is also the author of the comedy "Francine's Will", a play that won first place in the Nutmeg Players New Works Festival. The couple lives in Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 28, 2011
Ever feel that you don't fit in? What do you think about time travel? Energy channeling? Seeing the future? Well, curl up in that favorite overstuffed chair (or under that beach umbrella) and take a break from this world.
Kate & Michael, strangers who find themselves literally thrown together, tumble into another place and time. But, where are they? And why? The one person who can explain their situation is nowhere to be found, others who may have vital information won't share. And who's trying to kill, well, who?
As they explore their new reality and find some 'quirks' are better described as powers, they challenge plans made a century ago.
I enjoyed this book. The author blends ideas already out there - jumping around through space & time, intelligent robots, schools to teach & advance special abilities - with sometimes subtle humor, creating a world that may be advanced but is nonetheless stuck in a battle between good & evil. It is a world worth exploring.
I'm thinking this is the first in a series 2-4(?). I look forward to the next installment to supply answers to questions raised and left open. If you only read 'great literature' you may not find this story to your taste. If you read to relax, explore, enjoy and just go with it, this could be a dessert buffet.
I received this book through a goodreads giveaway. I feel so lucky - I get a chance to read so many authors & novels I might not have found wandering through the bookstore.
Kate & Michael, strangers who find themselves literally thrown together, tumble into another place and time. But, where are they? And why? The one person who can explain their situation is nowhere to be found, others who may have vital information won't share. And who's trying to kill, well, who?
As they explore their new reality and find some 'quirks' are better described as powers, they challenge plans made a century ago.
I enjoyed this book. The author blends ideas already out there - jumping around through space & time, intelligent robots, schools to teach & advance special abilities - with sometimes subtle humor, creating a world that may be advanced but is nonetheless stuck in a battle between good & evil. It is a world worth exploring.
I'm thinking this is the first in a series 2-4(?). I look forward to the next installment to supply answers to questions raised and left open. If you only read 'great literature' you may not find this story to your taste. If you read to relax, explore, enjoy and just go with it, this could be a dessert buffet.
I received this book through a goodreads giveaway. I feel so lucky - I get a chance to read so many authors & novels I might not have found wandering through the bookstore.
February 1, 2011
OMG! I loved this book. It is the story of Commander Michael Blayne of the Galactic Armed Forces, but before anyone thinks that means this is a hard core science fiction tale, think again! Michael is sent on a secret mission to an Old Earth sidetime (fascinating concept, that!) where he meets Kate. They fall through a portal in time and then their adventures begin. Fantasy, sci-fi, love, and humor are all wrapped together creating a very pleasurable story that was as smooth going down as a chocolate milkshake. The descriptions are vivid and transported me mind and body into Cilcourt, Belencourt and all the other wonderful places that Michael and Kate traverse. As soon as I was done, I re-read the book again to make sure I didn't miss anything. And let me tell you, I picked even more the second time around. You'll want to read this one fast because it will hook you right in and draw you forward, but try to read slowly. Trust me, you won't want to miss a thing!
July 30, 2011
I really couldn't put this book down. The adventures of Michael and Kate had me reading into the night. This book lets the readers know right away that there is so much more to the main characters, but the pacing doesn't drag out the mystery or ruin it in a far-too-early exposition. The suspense, well-rounded characters, and the humor definitely kept me turning the pages. Even if you're not a huge fan of science fiction, you will love this book for its elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to get invested in a great new series because believe me, you'll be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
July 24, 2011
I enjoy reading mystery books, science fiction books, fantasy books, and good ol' fasioned shoot 'em ups. This book literally had all of these in there somewhere, plus a healthy dose of romance and, dare I say, lust thrown in for good measure. The story moves along at a great pace. I find that most books have at least one portion of it where I sort of have to 'plow' my way through to get back to the good stuff. This book didn't have that. I would recommend it to anyone who likes any or all of the kinds of books I mentioned above....and I would think that would include just about everyone! Can't wait for the next in the series!
December 18, 2010
A very good book with a real hero (yes, I'm one of those people sick of the moody, dark anti-heroes so popular in today's fiction!), great action scenes, a romance, and subtle humor had me laughing at unexpected moments. This book has very detailed descriptions, likable characters, and it left me feeling good when I had finished and wanting to read more. Time's Edge will appeal to a wide-range of readers (science fiction, fantasy, adventure, romance). I highly recommend it.
July 4, 2011
This was an unexpected gem. Loved it, couldn't put it down.
August 2, 2011
This book had a somewhat interesting premise but I didn't think much of the writing. If I was the book-abandoning type, I would have quit reading a few chapters in. It felt very hokey, and I was rolling my eyes. I kept reading and the story did get more interesting. However, the entire time I was reading it, I kept moving back and forth between "this is okay", to "this is just wasting my time". The relationship between the main characters kept slipping into cheesy romance novel territory, which felt totally out of place in the rest of the story. I couldn't recommend this to anyone.
December 22, 2010
Time's Edge was a fun book to read. A sci-fi/fantasy adventure set in in several lavishly detailed worlds, the story takes the reader for a fun-filled, well-paced ride. Wonderful characters and a plot that kept me guessing. I read this book in one day because it kept me hooked. What would happen next? Was it going where I thought it was? I will be reading this again and am looking forward to the sequel.
December 15, 2010
I really enjoyed this one. An interesting blend of science fiction, fantasy and romance. This is much more than a typical sci-fi adventure novel. It reads like a movie and has the most vivid descriptions. I could really picture all the scenes. It is Harry Potter crossed with Star Wars. I can't wait for another installment.
December 11, 2010
TIME'S EDGE is one of the best books I have ever read. It well written, fast moving and exciting. One cannot put this book down. It has many twists, mystery, love, evil and hope. This novel would make a very exciting film. This is one of those books you cannot figure out the ending until the last page.
February 27, 2011
Amazing, fast paced, entertaining characters with a lot of passion between the two lead characters Michael and Kate. I am a HUGE sci-fi lover and the theory of Time's Edge and sidetime amazes me. If you love romance, comedy, fighting, strong heroic lead characters, make believe and reading to finish a book until 5am. This is a book for you :]
August 29, 2019
Overall I enjoyed this book. Like the story line. Will keep reading the series
April 19, 2013
I feel betrayed.
The premise sounded pretty alright. Badass space dude finds earth chick and sets out to save the universe. Sign me up!
BUT THEN SUDDENLY!
All hell broke loose. It was obvious from the start that the relationship between the protagonists was going to be painfully cliche and uninteresting. And it was! They didn't much act like adults but instead love struck tweenagers!
I don't want to give anything away (even though you should maybe consider a different novel... just saying....) so I won't get too deep into all this; there is "magic" it feels like a lame ripoff of The Force. There are bad guys, none of whom are really very interesting. There is romance, but, well, see above. The "action" is... kinda boring really and I picture Cdr. Blayne wearing a yellow shirt and black pants shouting things like, "Khan!"
All in all it felt like a fantasy shared between a husband and wife (the "author" is a husband and wife team) and it should have been left there. We really didn't need to read about it.
If I was to choose one word to sum up this novel it would be "Ugh." The only thing that kept me reading was the four dollars I wasted, that and I'm kinda anal and rarely quit something once I start it. BUT! I will NOT be picking up the two sequels!
All said, take this review with a grain of salt, as it seems most people actually liked it. So I wish you luck out there fellow reader!
The premise sounded pretty alright. Badass space dude finds earth chick and sets out to save the universe. Sign me up!
BUT THEN SUDDENLY!
All hell broke loose. It was obvious from the start that the relationship between the protagonists was going to be painfully cliche and uninteresting. And it was! They didn't much act like adults but instead love struck tweenagers!
I don't want to give anything away (even though you should maybe consider a different novel... just saying....) so I won't get too deep into all this; there is "magic" it feels like a lame ripoff of The Force. There are bad guys, none of whom are really very interesting. There is romance, but, well, see above. The "action" is... kinda boring really and I picture Cdr. Blayne wearing a yellow shirt and black pants shouting things like, "Khan!"
All in all it felt like a fantasy shared between a husband and wife (the "author" is a husband and wife team) and it should have been left there. We really didn't need to read about it.
If I was to choose one word to sum up this novel it would be "Ugh." The only thing that kept me reading was the four dollars I wasted, that and I'm kinda anal and rarely quit something once I start it. BUT! I will NOT be picking up the two sequels!
All said, take this review with a grain of salt, as it seems most people actually liked it. So I wish you luck out there fellow reader!
February 4, 2011
I have not read a sci-fi book since a few years after they were popular in the 1960's (Andre Norton etc). In fact, as I have gone to the library looking for something to read, I have avoided considering sci-fi. I read this becasue I have known the authors for a long time and wanted the chance to see the product of several year's work. My reading was disjointed with starts & stops interrupting the reading.
WOW! The pace was fast as a film with film type heros, romance and adventure. I felt returned to the days of Superman but one who had suddenly ventured out into space. My interpretation was stretched by the magic of doors that vanished and time that went back and forth; it was baffled by the vulnerability of the people who could use their "aura" but then used guns too.
I loved the concept of an aura and the bubble like protection one could put over one's castle to keep it from harm. I'd like to have those capabilities myself.
WOW! The pace was fast as a film with film type heros, romance and adventure. I felt returned to the days of Superman but one who had suddenly ventured out into space. My interpretation was stretched by the magic of doors that vanished and time that went back and forth; it was baffled by the vulnerability of the people who could use their "aura" but then used guns too.
I loved the concept of an aura and the bubble like protection one could put over one's castle to keep it from harm. I'd like to have those capabilities myself.
September 30, 2011
I loved this book! It takes you into a world of romance and adventure that you will never want to leave. I recommend this book for any one who loves the idea of time travel and all the possibilities it holds! Science fiction and fantasy fans will be captured by the way the authors entwine both genres into a world of their own.
June 12, 2016
I am not a huge Sci-fi reader but I had a good time reading this book. While it didn't have as much quirky humor as I thought it would based on the blurb on the back of the book, it had enough to keep me entertained. The story was pretty good but I had wished for a bit more at the end, I felt left a little hanging. Not sure if there is a sequel or not?
August 8, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, I'm partial to Sci-fi anyways, but this book was very interesting and a page turner for me. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I spent a lot of time trying to envision the places the author was describing.
March 17, 2012
Time's edge is an imaginative science fiction/romance. I thought the writing could be a little better, but it's still a good read.
May 6, 2012
Odd book - OK rad - some interesting ideas - could have been better written
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews