In Scott B. Williams's In Times to Come - Déjà Vu, the sixth installment of the thrilling series, Alan Carson finds himself trapped in a warped version of his reality. Haunted by anomalies and desperate to reclaim his life, he returns to the time portal hidden within a familiar cave. This perilous journey plunges him into a primeval world, where he encounters others similarly displaced. Facing a choice between returning home and embracing this new reality, Alan must navigate a world on the cusp of change. This gripping tale explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the power of destiny as Alan confronts the complexities of time travel and his own role within it. Will he master his fate, or remain a pawn in a larger, timeless game?
Review In Times to Come - Déjà Vu
Oh, "Déjà Vu," the sixth book in the "In Times to Come" series – what a ride! I've been hooked on Alan Carson's adventures since the beginning, and while this installment felt a little shorter than some of its predecessors, it certainly didn't lack punch. The familiar yet altered reality was brilliantly executed, leaving me constantly guessing and wondering what bizarre twist was around the corner. That's the magic of Scott B. Williams' writing, isn't it? Those unexpected turns and thrilling cliffhangers that leave you breathlessly anticipating the next book.
This time around, the primeval setting felt fresh and exciting. Seeing Alan interact with this new world and the other time travelers was a compelling change of pace. I particularly enjoyed the added layer of mystery surrounding the portal itself, and the implications of multiple people from different eras all being flung into this one point in time. It raised so many intriguing questions about fate and free will – the kind of philosophical musings that I really appreciate in a good sci-fi story.
However, I do echo some of the other reader sentiments. The brevity felt a bit like a tease. It felt like the story was building toward a massive confrontation or revelation, only to stop abruptly, leaving us dangling precariously on the edge. Perhaps this is a deliberate storytelling technique; a way to keep us engrossed and desperate for the next chapter. It worked on me, for sure, but I can understand the frustration some readers felt. The pacing definitely felt different compared to previous entries, maybe even a bit slower at times, which might explain why some felt it lacked momentum.
And speaking of momentum… where is Sierra?! The longing for a reunion between Alan and Sierra is a constant underlying current in my anticipation for the next book. Their relationship is a significant part of what makes this series so compelling, and their separation has been a source of tension for several books now. I sincerely hope that the next installment will finally give us some much-needed resolution on that front. A girl can dream, right?
Despite the slightly shorter length and the cliffhanger ending, "Déjà Vu" successfully maintained the high standard of storytelling that the "In Times to Come" series has become known for. It’s creative, suspenseful, and genuinely thought-provoking. It’s a testament to the author's skill that even with a shorter narrative, the feeling of being fully immersed in Alan's world never wavered. So, yes, wholeheartedly recommended – just be prepared to wait impatiently for the next book! And Mr. Williams, please don’t make us wait too long!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.25 x 0.63 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 250
- Publication date: 2024
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