The author is very creative at using locations and places on earth that are being studied through a galactic portal. You’ll enjoy the interactions of humans, androids, and spiritual beings throughout the book. Oh, one more item of interest this book will keep your imagination alive.
Book Reviewed: Timelines
By Michael F. Hill, Nampa, ID
I finished your book and found it quite compelling, considering that I don’t normally read science fiction. I had a hard time putting it down, which caused me to take longer breaks than I was supposed to. I Can’t wait for part 2.
Book Reviewed: Timelines
By JoAnn Gilles, Tacoma, WA
Good job Darrel, good reading. Buy it, you’ll like it.
Book Reviewed: Timelines
By Weston Gregory, Nampa, ID
I’ve been looking forward to reading this book for some time. The story is really good, clearly, there’s more to come in the future (looking forward to the next book). It’s clear the author put a lot of time and thought into developing the storyline, the characters, and the setting. I really enjoy books that are written based largely on reality. There’s a lot of real-world stuff here that leads up to the events that are set only slightly into the future but are believable. Too many stories, shows, and movies are set only slightly into the future but have technology and other elements that are completely unbelievable. Good book! Everyone should read it.
I bought a second copy so my 15-year-old son could read it too while I was reading my copy. He will post his own review when he’s done with it.
Book Reviewed: Timelines
By Andrew Christensen, Kuna, ID
The DTRIS File is a look at the world in all its dimensions (past, present, and future — thus the subtitle of “Timelines”) through a science fiction lens. The author did a good job of introducing a new idea, that of the DTRIS implant, which is basically an embedded GoPro that records everything the wearer is seeing and hearing. With this device, and the portals introduced in the book, we are able to traverse the timelines of this world that we know, and worlds that are unseen. It is a deeper look into the world that we thought we knew, by introducing us to a world which we know nothing about. The premise of this book is immense. On the level of Star Wars as far as creating another world. And, although a lot of thought and care must have gone into crafting each of the characters, there were almost too many to keep track of. The glossary in the beginning of the book is not detailed enough to help the reader to understand who is who, where they are from, and what they are doing. I also was disappointed that among the numerous characters in the book, there wasn’t a clear protagonist that emerged in the story. I was hoping for a Luke Skywalker figure to come on the stage that I could follow and cheer for; someone who would pull me through the tangled storyline a little more. There ARE interesting characters, though; just maybe a few too many with not enough depth to them.
As a new author, the writer also needs to work on making some of his dialog a little more believable, and a little less stilted and scripted. Some of it was great, some of it was so on the nose that it made me chuckle, but perhaps that’s some of its charm too.
I was provided a print copy of the book for review purposes. One thing I did notice in the print version is the formatting is non-standard for this genre. It is in manuscript format, which leaves a distracting amount of white space for a fiction book. This book would have been considerably shorter if it had been properly formatted.
In my opinion, this book contained more world-building and backstory than it did the actual story. This is not unusual for new authors starting what they believe will be a series of books. In this case, it is the hope that all of this backstory building will lead to something by the end of the book that will come to fruition in Book 2 (yet to be released).
I debated about giving three stars or four for this book. I decided on four because, although there are things that could be improved, the story itself is more than okay. I like it. I was curious to see how it would end and I’m looking forward to reading about how the adventure continues. That’s more than just okay. Writing a book of this length and of this depth is a tremendous effort and accomplishment, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that and encourage this new author to keep going and keep stretching into the art of crafting a story. There are many that I think will enjoy following how this story develops.
Also, keep in mind that you, as a reader, can start a discussion about this book, either on the product page or the author’s page. If you get lost in the story, instead of throwing the book down, why not ask a question of the author, or maybe even another reader could answer you. For instance, “Why are inhabitants of the planet Gragon called Nobel? Why not Gragonions?” or “Why is it such a big deal made about the height of the Sangarians?” or “The Book of the Source, and The Advocate sound a lot like religious figures. Is this meant to be a religious book? If so, what are we as readers supposed to make of that.” From what I could tell, this book had some analogies in the book that refer to religion, just like “the Force” is presented as a religion in Star Wars, with the Jedi Knights as the monk/servants of the force.
This book also brings up a lot of questions about why we do things the way we do and why we think the way we do. It’s my opinion that it’s meant to make you ask questions. So, take the opportunity to ask a new author what they were thinking, I did. I also asked for a more in-depth glossary so I could better understand the characters and places in the book … and I received one! The author may consider providing this in future printings and in the Kindle version of the book.
One of the best features of this book is the universal appeal it has for multiple age groups. The author wasted no time on foul language or age-inappropriate scenes. This book was just as interesting and appealing to my 12-year-old daughter (and her friend who also read it) as it was to me. That’s a book that is way more than just okay; that’s a book that has the promise of a great book, a great story, and a great series by a promising new author.
Book Reviewed: Timelines
By Warrior Writer
A wonderful book to read. I liked the characters and different worlds Dillon has created. Some may not like the multitude of chapters, but when I read for pleasure I often have to stop and start and this makes it convenient. I had no problem picking up where I left off since the storyline and characters were consistent. I look forward to future books (trilogy, series?) that will develop the characters and enhance the worlds.
Book Reviewed: Timelines
By Ryan Bradt
Dillon’s first book is terrific. The detail in the storytelling is incredible and the characters are engaging and well developed. I can’t wait for his next book.
Book Reviewed: Timelines
Pamela Christensen, Seattle, WA