This was a fun time travel book. Shel's father, a physicist, mysteriously disappears and a strange "qpod" device falls into his hands. But instead of destroying the device as instructed by his father's letter, Shel and his friend Dave set out to look for the missing scientist, by traveling in time. They go back and visit historical events during the civil rights movement, days of Galileo, days of the roman and greek empires, shakespeare, spanish inquisition, they meet socrates, benjamin franklin, and other historical figures. The book touches on history events but it doesn't slow down, the places they choose to visit are sometimes dangerous for those living in that time and certainly much more dangerous for persons who appear as strangers to the culture. Something almost always happens and keeps you wondering if Shel and Dave will get back safely. Some readers didn't care for the historical aspect, but I found it interesting and didn't think the author slowed down too much, he kept the action moving. You don't have to be a history fan or student to get it. I read the entire book in about 4-5 sittings. It really is a fast novel.As with all good time travel books, there's the paradox rule or question of what would happen if you traveled to x and did y? What would happen if you went back or forward to your own future and could affect the outcome>? Shel and Dave of course dabble in this in dangerous ways. This is my first McDevitt story, I'll be sure to look up more of his books. HIghly recommend if you are looking for a great time travel story. A time travel storyteller has to bring something interesting to the premise if he wants to entertain; McDevitt doesn't. If you want a time travel story that focuses on historical fiction, a little romance, and good humor, then read Connie Willis' "To Say Nothing of the Dog". Give this one a miss.The primary conceit here is that the time travel seems to cost nothing and has few limitations. The time machine brings a person--clothes and possessions as well--anywhere and anytime with excelled precision. Two persons are not allowed. The thing you are standing on doesn't go but your shoes do. It is small and battery-powered and remembers where/when you came from so you can return quickly. There is no conservation of energy: no need to adjust for rotation of the planet when jumping to different latitudes or for changes in ground elevation from one century to another. It is quickly obvious that the author has foregone the scientific minutia of the technology to focus on the characters and story instead.But the characters are dull and the story is fragmented and aimless. There are 4 or 5 main characters and they are all educated, rational, curious, and calm. Despite some extraordinary circumstances, they all come to grips with the situation rather quickly and without incident. Despite the possibly lethal (this is never really resolved) consequences of creating a paradox, the time travelers have no fear of telling historical figures about their ability to time travel. So there's very little narrative tension and no compelling interpersonal conflicts. Instead, our characters become time tourists and go witness whatever historical events they want to. Sometimes there is fear that they won't get home but the stakes aren't ever very high. One fairly interesting plot development (What to do if you fall in love with someone in the past: Do you go back often to visit? Do you just move there and live in the past? Do you bring her to the present or the future? Do you figure out her fate and help her live a better life?) is simply dropped and forgotten rather quickly.It's sad, really. I finished the thing but in the end there was no reason to. It was a waste of time.
What do You think about Zeitreisende Sterben Nie (2011)?
Fun read, author does well to avoid several paradox situations.
—nikki
Typical McDevitt. Not as good as some of his other books.
—lei
A very pleasant time travel story. Not too deep.
—BabyK1
