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A review by ryanpfw
In Times Like These by Nathan Van Coops
4.0
I'm a sucker for time travel stories, especially those in a series. I found the rules of this universe incredibly complex and cumbersome for the characters, and narratively that complexity keeps the characters and storyline restrained in a good way. The characters can't do anything and everything at the touch of the button. (And as for plot complexity, I found myself tied into a few more knots by Rysa Walker's Chronos series, so this one was very manageable.)
I did have one plot issue. At one point, Ben and Quickly are chatting and when Quickly mentions 1996, Ben asks if this is when Quickly went missing. There was no reference to Quickly disappearing prior to this point. Was something cut or did I miss something?
Writing style wise, we're first introduced to a group of five characters, four of them male jocks, and it took a while for personalities to emerge. It was a bit overwhelming. While this is first-person from Ben's perspective, we don't know a lot about him until the 80% mark or so and don't get much in the way of monologue from him.
Character-wise, it's a bit hit or miss, but we're still on the first installment so I'm looking forward to seeing how that progresses. Mr. Cameron and Robbie's story is touching and that setting was wonderful. When it's noted the lack of life in the house, it's a palpable description of how the scene feels.
Francesca had moments to shine.
Mallory was a saint. They left the wrong Blake at the yogurt shop for twelve, thirteen chapters.
Stenger came directly from central casting. I'm sensing he's the series-wise villain and I hope his dialogue improves next time.
I think everyone in their life knows a Mym. She was a Mary Sue here, but looking forward to her progression in Book 2.
Cowboy Bob and Connie were great! They stole from the former and left the latter making them lunch. I hope they eventually make it back!
Recommended!
I did have one plot issue. At one point, Ben and Quickly are chatting and when Quickly mentions 1996, Ben asks if this is when Quickly went missing. There was no reference to Quickly disappearing prior to this point. Was something cut or did I miss something?
Writing style wise, we're first introduced to a group of five characters, four of them male jocks, and it took a while for personalities to emerge. It was a bit overwhelming. While this is first-person from Ben's perspective, we don't know a lot about him until the 80% mark or so and don't get much in the way of monologue from him.
Character-wise, it's a bit hit or miss, but we're still on the first installment so I'm looking forward to seeing how that progresses. Mr. Cameron and Robbie's story is touching and that setting was wonderful. When it's noted the lack of life in the house, it's a palpable description of how the scene feels.
Francesca had moments to shine.
Mallory was a saint. They left the wrong Blake at the yogurt shop for twelve, thirteen chapters.
Stenger came directly from central casting. I'm sensing he's the series-wise villain and I hope his dialogue improves next time.
I think everyone in their life knows a Mym. She was a Mary Sue here, but looking forward to her progression in Book 2.
Cowboy Bob and Connie were great! They stole from the former and left the latter making them lunch. I hope they eventually make it back!
Recommended!