Books Like...

'Invictus' by Ryan Graudin is a thrilling and emotional young adult novel that follows a group of time-traveling thieves led by Far. The crew, including characters like Imogen, Priya, and Eliot, embarks on daring adventures to steal artifacts from various historical periods like Ancient Rome, the Titanic, and Las Vegas. The book features a unique premise of time-travel heists, complex world-building, and a captivating plot that keeps the readers engaged throughout. The writing style is described as engrossing, exhilarating, and epic, with intricate details about the different time periods and immersive settings.

The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell is a fantasy novel set in New York City in the early 1900s, featuring time travel, magic, heists, and complex characters. The story revolves around Esta, a talented thief with the ability to manipulate time, who is sent back in time to steal a powerful book that holds the key to freeing magical beings trapped in New York. As Esta navigates through challenges of betrayal, love, and danger, the plot unfolds with surprising twists and turns, keeping readers engaged till the end. Maxwell's writing style is described as detailed, immersive, and vivacious, creating a world that blends fantasy with historical elements seamlessly.

'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.

'Rewinder' by Brett Battles is a time travel novel set in an alternate history where the British Empire dominates the world, including the absence of the United States. The story follows Denny Younger, a young man from a lower caste, who is selected to be a time-traveling researcher. As Denny navigates this new role, he inadvertently alters the timeline, leading to a series of challenging decisions that could change the course of history. The book combines elements of action, adventure, and suspense, with a focus on exploring themes of social hierarchy, personal growth, and the consequences of time manipulation. Readers are taken on a journey through parallel civilizations, filled with unexpected twists and mind-bending concepts, all presented in a narrative style that keeps the audience engaged and intrigued.

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.

The Secret Runners of New York by Matthew Reilly is a suspenseful thriller with elements of horror that is set in current time and near future. The story follows a group of ultra-rich teenage girls in NYC who discover a secret magic tunnel under Central Park that allows them to travel into the future. As they explore the future, they witness the end of the world brought on by an astronomical anomaly. The book builds gradually with twists and turns, offering a page-turning experience that is difficult to put down once the action kicks in. Matthew Reilly introduces time travel in an innovative way without delving too heavily into the time-space continuum, creating an exciting and unique storyline.

The character development in the book is well done, with a mix of good and bad characters that readers can cheer for or against. The relationships between individuals are explored in depth, providing excellent details and interesting descriptions. While the first two-thirds of the book focus on the lives of the teenage girls and their interactions, the story eventually evolves into a thrilling adventure involving time travel and the fate of the world, showcasing Reilly's ability to blend different elements into a captivating narrative.

'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.

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.

'15 Minutes' by Jill Cooper follows the story of Lara Crane, a teenage girl who discovers she has the unique ability to physically interact with the past during time travel. The plot revolves around Lara's determination to change the past to save her mother, leading to unforeseen consequences and a complex time-travel mess that only she can unravel. As Lara navigates multiple timelines and realities, she must also evade the pursuit of the bad guys while trying to restore order and reunite her family. The writing style is fast-paced, focusing on the plot without overwhelming the reader with excessive backstory, creating a thrilling and engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.