“…an intelligent and fast-paced science fiction novel that keeps the reader’s attention right to its excellent conclusion.”

This is an intelligent and fast-paced science fiction novel that keeps the reader’s attention right to its excellent conclusion. It reads like an action-filled detective story, but the narrative is full of interesting and well-formed ideas about life in the distant future. The interest circles around different time frames (hence the book’s title): 1963, 1996, 2007 and 2053 – periods of history which conflict and collide, following a family curse of centuries before. The characters are extremely well-formed. I particularly liked the diversity: Christopher Pennfield, the university professor; Jimmy Mashimoto-Pennfield, the technology genius of the future; Ed Swann, the investigator of paranormal events, for example. The social diversity is well constructed too: the difference between the sub-100s and the rest, for instance – giving a solid socio-political background and structure to the story.
This is a book about family loyalty and pride, paranormal apparitions, time travel, alternative existence, curses, the conflict between good and evil and bursts with good and memorable scenes. It’s perhaps a little long, but the narrative easily carries the reader, maintaining interest throughout. A really good book; well worth the read for those interested in science fiction – and perhaps for those who aren’t! Reader Review-Goodreads: 4 Stars