303 reviews for:

Paradox Bound

Peter Clines

3.84 AVERAGE


This book grew on me, I particularly enjoyed the second half where it went from a 3 to a 4 star for me. The character development isn't top, the history travel mechanic isn't super sharp but there's an excellent story and a brilliant narrator of the audiobook version.

The writing is crisp and the images are vivid. I looked up quite a few historical figures, places and cars while listening to this book.

I didn't mind the overly American theme, it's build around American history with a fantasy twist that's faintly reminiscent of the way Neil Gaiman approaches fantasy.

This is a quirky time travel story where the American dream is a literal object that must be found in order to shape (or re-create) reality. This is for fans that want to explore something different. Not as strong a story as The Fold, but amusing.
-- Wendy M.
leeleeinok's profile picture

leeleeinok's review

3.0
adventurous mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
ilwitchgrrl's profile picture

ilwitchgrrl's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

The story just wasn't grabbing me at all. I didn't have any real connection with any of the characters or what was going on.

There were pieces of this book that were super cool, but overall I think it falls a bit short. Reminded me of a quirkier Dark Matter.

Listened to the audio (narrated by the amazing Ray Porter). I am really torn on this one. One on hand, the concept was really neat, the premise of the book really drawing me in. On the other hand, I just feel like it fell kinda flat, which is not typical of Clines' work. There were times were I was just straight confused, not sure what was going on. In fact, I still don't totally understand the ending. If you're into sci-fi and time travel, check it out! Go into knowing as little as possible about it though, more fun that way :)
adventurous mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Enjoyable read! It was fast-paced and had an interesting new take on "time" travel.

Whenever I pick up a story by Peter Clines (especially as an audiobook, narrated by Ray Porter), I'm sure I'll have a good time. The Paradox Bound delivers a memorable romp full of suspense, twists, and surprises. And time travel shenanigans. In short, two likable protagonists travel through history in a Model A Ford. You can't get much cooler than that.

Longer version: Eli has stayed in his hometown all his life. Ever since he was a little kid, he kept running into a woman who doesn't seem to age and drives an old Model A Ford. As an adult, he meets her again and is drawn into her adventures as she travels through American history in search of the American dream. With the Faceless Men at their heels, they ride through America past and present. And I've probably told you more than I should have. It's best to discover the story and experience it along the way.

Everything here works just fine. The threat is convincing, and both Eli and Harry are sympathetic. The pace never falters as the compelling duo races from place to place. Clines weaves the various details together with panache and imagination. Without going into detail, Eli and Harriet meet James Dean, who fakes his death to pursue a treasure hunt of sorts. Or John Henry and other figures from American history. But make no mistake. The Paradox Bound doesn't try to be profound, and that's exactly why it succeeds in delivering excellent popcorn fun.

TL; DR - a blast of pure popcorn fun and something of a palate cleanser between weightier (or denser) stories. The narration by Ray Porter is brilliant. As expected.

A fun romping time (er, excuse me--history) travel book. This is my first introduction to Peter Clines (hubby recommended it for our family road trip) and it was awesome. I loved the fast pace and the paradoxes galore. It was so the perfect read for this time travel loving gal.