Book Review of The Third Rule of Time Travel by Philip Fracassi

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Type of book: time travel, memories, alternative worlds, 2044, secrets, higher force, widowhood, science fiction, technology 

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Summary:

Characters:

Main character is Beth Darlow, widow of Colson Darlow. Both she and her husband are scientists working together to create time travel. Beth is definitely described as ambitious, a fighter and gritty woman. It often feels as if she has little to no weaknesses within her. Secondary characters is her boss Jim who has his own agenda and often fights with Beth over what seems to be everything, Chiyo Nakada, a reporter who often reveals things she shouldn't and Tariq, Beths assistant as well as Colsons.  

Theme:

Is time travel worth it? 

Plot:

The story is in third person narrative from Beths point of view and is chronologically written. Story begins with a horrible memory from Beths childhood and from then on the reader is taken through a journey of what is going on. There are quite a lot of office politics going on between Beth, her boss and her coworkers. Beth is also dealing with a lot of grief and being a single parent to her only child. The time travel theory is explained a lot so the reader is able to understand, but I think I was pretty much lost when idea of alternative worlds is introduced, as well as forces that are beyond control. 

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Opinion:

Time travel stories always intrigue me, which is why I decided to read a bit outside the box so to speak. I think from the summary I expected this to be very similar to ATOMIC ANNA, but it was very different, although intriguing in its own way. From the summary I expected philosophy and questions behind the time travel, and whether or not time travel can change the future. While those questions were indeed answered, I have to say the framework and science felt confusing for me, in particular the deeper we get into time travel. I am also confused as to how time travel changed the future? When characters travel back, they go there as observers to experience every sensation of memories. They do not interact with the world. What I also found confusing is control of time travel: who is controlling it? 

This was given for review 

4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)