Books Like...

The 13th Hour by Richard Doetsch is a unique time travel story that follows the protagonist, Nick Quinn, as he goes back an hour at a time to prevent his wife's murder. The book is structured in reverse, starting at the end and working its way back, revealing how Nick's choices and actions influence the course of his life and those around him. Despite some editing and continuity issues, readers found the concept intriguing and the plot fast-paced and engaging, with a blend of mystery and thriller elements.

Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl follows a group of friends who are stuck in a Groundhog Day-style loop in a purgatory known as the Neverworld Wake. The story delves into themes of friendship, loss, memory, and the complexities of human emotions as the characters navigate through a fantasy world with unexpected twists and turns. The protagonist, Beatrice Hartley, leads the group in unraveling the mystery behind the death of her boyfriend, Jim, as they are faced with making a life-altering decision to break free from the time loop.

The narrative of Neverworld Wake is described as atmospheric, haunting, and intense, with a blend of supernatural elements and grounded reality. The author skillfully weaves together complex timelines, clues, and character dynamics, leading readers through a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected revelations and explosive twists that challenge perceptions and keep readers engaged until the final page.

'Butterman (Time) Travel, Inc.' in the series 'Butterman Travel series' by author P.K. Hrezo follows the adventures of the strong and goth protagonist, Bianca Butterman, who is set to take over her family's time travel company in the year 2069. The story is a mix of time travel adventure, character development, and mystery, with a unique twist involving a young rockstar named Tristan Helms who seeks Bianca's help to save his career by retrieving a lost song from his past. As the duo embarks on a time-travel journey filled with twists and turns, they develop a chemistry that leads to entertaining consequences, all set in a futuristic world where time travel is a regulated vacation activity.

'Permafrost' by Alastair Reynolds is a sci-fi novella set in a near future where Earth is facing an apocalyptic environmental disaster. A group of scientists in 2080 embarks on a risky time travel experiment to alter the past and prevent the catastrophe that threatens the future of humanity. The story revolves around the character Valentina Lidova, a 71-year-old Russian math teacher who becomes one of the time travelers tasked with saving the world by changing the course of history. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, exploring themes of time travel paradoxes, environmental collapse, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Reynolds' writing style in 'Permafrost' is praised for its gripping storytelling, thought-provoking concepts, and well-developed characters. The novella delves into complex ideas of time travel, quantum effects, and the consequences of altering the past, creating a compelling and multi-layered narrative. The blend of dystopian elements, scientific theories, and emotional depth makes 'Permafrost' a captivating read that keeps readers engaged till the last page.

Peri Reed is a drafter with the ability to change history by editing the draft version of events from the last few minutes, but at the cost of losing memories of the original timeline. As she navigates a world of deception, betrayal, and alliances, Peri struggles to piece together her life after a major betrayal, all the while trying to determine who is truly good or evil. Set in a futuristic world where technology and time manipulation play key roles, the story follows Peri's journey as she uncovers hidden truths and faces challenges that test her abilities and trust in others.

The plot of "The Drafter" revolves around Peri's work for an agency called Opti, her partnership with an anchor named Jack, and the unraveling of a conspiracy that leads her to question her own memories and loyalties. The narrative is filled with action, suspense, and mystery, as Peri grapples with the consequences of her time-altering abilities, all while trying to navigate a world where nothing is as it seems and trust is a rare commodity.

'UnHappenings' by Edward Aubry is a unique take on time travel that explores the consequences of altering one's past. The story follows Nigel, who experiences 'unhappenings' where his memories and relationships are erased from existence. As Nigel unravels the mystery behind these occurrences, he discovers a romantic connection that makes him the target of time travelers, including himself. The book delves into the complexities of time travel, relationships, and the impact of altering the past on one's present and future, all while maintaining a fast-paced and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked until the end.

The writing style in 'UnHappenings' is praised for its ability to blend science fiction elements with engaging storytelling. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters, the intricate plot twists, and the balance between being enjoyable for both scientific and non-scientific audiences. The author, Edward Aubry, skillfully weaves together a narrative that challenges traditional time travel tropes and explores themes of love, consequences, and the butterfly effect in a thought-provoking and entertaining manner.

'Man in the Empty Suit' by Sean Ferrell is a sci-fi noir time travel mystery where the protagonist hosts a birthday party for himself every year, attended only by himself at different ages. The plot revolves around the protagonist being the victim, investigator, and suspect in a murder mystery that unfolds across different timelines. The writing style is described as creative, with a concept that explores paradoxes, practical and psychological nuances of time travel.

In "The Time Travel Journals Shipbuilder" by Marlene Dotterer, the plot centers around a physicist and a young college student who accidentally travel back in time to 1906, just before the Titanic is built. The story delves into the dilemmas of time travel, the impact of altering history, and the challenges of adapting to life in a different era. The author skillfully blends real historical events with fictitious elements, creating a narrative that explores themes of love, society, religion, and the consequences of our choices.

Dotterer's writing style captivates readers with engaging storytelling, well-researched historical details, and a perfect balance between science fiction and romance elements. The book offers a unique perspective on time travel, intertwining the complexities of altering the past with the characters' personal journeys and moral dilemmas.

The Wizard of Time series by G.L. Breedon follows the story of Gabriel, a young teen boy who is transported to an enclave of fellow wizards located in the age of dinosaurs. Together, they are mages from various times in history fighting time wars with dark mages, a premise that sets a unique tone for the series. The book is praised for its captivating storytelling, adventurous plot, and creative world-building that seamlessly combines genres and age groups. Readers are drawn into a fantasy world that is both emotive and unpredictable, exploring ethical and philosophical struggles alongside action-packed time travel adventures.

The book also delves into the protagonist's coming-of-age journey, where Gabriel navigates through dark and mature themes while finding his place in a surrogate family of fellow wizards. The writing style is commended for its ability to engage readers with philosophical aspects, historical backdrops, and technical explanations that add depth to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking and enthralling read.

'The Girl from Everywhere' follows the journey of Nix and her father, Slate, who possess the ability to travel through time using maps. Slate is on a quest to find a map that will take them back to a time in Hawaii before Nix's mother died, while Nix grapples with the fear of potentially ceasing to exist if they succeed. The story delves into themes of family loyalty, friendship, and history, all set against a backdrop of time travel, fantasy, adventure, and romance. The narrative unfolds with a mix of real and fantasy locations, engaging young adult audiences with its intricate plot and well-developed characters.

The book intricately weaves together elements of time travel, family dynamics, and intriguing plot twists, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience for fans of YA fantasy. Heidi Heilig's writing style brings the characters and settings to life, drawing readers into a world where sailing through time on a pirate ship leads to unexpected discoveries and challenges.