Lives In Time Part 1 By J.D. Ray - Want An Amazing Story? Here's One You'll Love!

Lives in Time (Part 1) By J.D. Ray

I learned about Lives in Time in a Zoom meeting, including the author and several other people. I enjoy reading work by new authors and when J.D. mentioned his work, I went to Amazon, purchased a copy, and downloaded it to my Kindle. Little did I know what I was in for when I dove in to this tale of time travel and low-tech adventure. I was hooked from the very opening of this and stayed that way all the way to the end. This book was fascinating and just plain fun to read. I cannot give Lives in Time a better endorsement than to say, I WANT MORE!

We start the tale in the year 2285. The place is on the coast of Croatia. It is a peaceful time where everyone seems to enjoy the advancement of technology and medicine. Lives are vastly extended, and people are happy. The story focuses on a young couple, both are twenty years of age, and they are developing a closer relationship as they spend time together. Celeste and Marko decide they want to spend some time together away from their parents and other people. They are both from wealthy families and want for very little.

During their walk, they come upon a cave and decide to explore. When Celeste tries to take a photo of a carving on the cave wall, there is a bright flash of light and the couple feel a little dizzy. When they recover, they find they have been transported back in time to the 14th century!

Now, imagine two young adults in t-shirts and shorts wandering the countryside trying to figure out how they are going to fit in to an alien society starting out with nothing! They have to start by depending on the charity of others and eventually understand how to make it work on their own until they can learn how to go home. What an adventure!

Celeste and Marko are a pair that complement each other amazingly. Celeste is a brash young woman who exudes self-confidence. She can think on her feet and readily adapt to situations. Her major strength is in how she can relate to people. She is likeable and friendly when the situation calls for it. At the same time, she is secretly a little unsure of the world around her. But even at that, she is quite capable of defending herself.

Marko is strong, yet agreeable. He is a fast learner and follows Celeste's lead whenever necessary. He quickly learns skills to help the couple survive in the unfamiliar landscape of 14th Century Croatia.

Together, they make friends and live in the past, but always think about getting back to their home in the 23rd century. Both are very strong characters and are good people. But great characters is only one aspect of this story.

Another strong point is the world-building J.D. treats the reader to. The writing of the times and events in the 14th century feel utterly authentic. I'm sure there was no small amount of research into what the lives, times, and events of establishing this story. Nevertheless, I felt as though I had been transported into the past myself, experiencing the tastes, smells, and feelings of the people in this tale.

There is also a full spectrum of emotional content woven into the tapestry of Lives in Time that adds even more to the enjoyment of the book.

My takeaway from Lives in Time is, when in Croatia in the 14th century, do as the Croatians do. When one finds themselves in unfamiliar surroundings, it is better to be quiet and observe. Pay attention to all happenings around you and follow the examples you see.

Lives in Time is a stunning story that is more about people than it is science fiction. Sci-Fi is the vehicle that transports the principal characters into the past, but it just takes common sense and a keen wit to get along and even prosper.

This is a well-written, well researched, and masterfully crafted story feels so plausible. It seems real to me. All the characters, whether major or supportive, are real. The situations and settings feel authentic and make me want to explore the beautiful landscapes used as the backdrop.

The ending is a cliffhanger wide open to a sequel.

Eminently entertaining and well worth the time to read, I give my highest recommendations to Lives in time.

Don't miss this one, it's a gem!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Pacific Northwest native, J.D. lives in Portland with his wonderful wife Jennifer and usually some cats. Aside from various adventures and escapades, he's made a career of technological sorcery while writing short fiction as a hobby. His mentionable other hobbies include cooking, cheese making, travel, and spending time with his wife, who - as mentioned - is wonderful. His debut novel, Lives in Time Part One, is the first in a series of three set in a universe that leaves room for more.