Title: Linear Shift Author: Paul B Kohler Published: April 7th, 2015Publisher: Global Endeavor Publishing Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller
Synopsis: No one said time travel would be easy.
Peter Cooper, a widowed father of two whose life is crumbling around him—until a bizarre encounter with a desperate Army general launches him on a risky mission: to go back to 1942 and change a moment in time. The repercussions will almost certainly alter the conclusion of World War II. But will the ripple effects stop there? And what kind of life will Peter return to?
Unknown Consequences:
A successful mission may not have the success he had intended.
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Excerpt from Linear Shift by Paul B Kohler:
Peter took the back stairway, which dropped him in the alley behind their hotel. The guest parking lot was just across the street. Peter had purposefully parked the Packard in the back row to avoid waking anyone when the engine rumbled to life.
As he slalomed his way through the parking lot, he considered the leather jacket. The temperature was hovering around sixty degrees, but the humidity was high. He contemplated leaving it, but with only a white cotton T-shirt, it might be useful, if a bit uncomfortable. He slipped it on as he slid into the driver’s seat. He chuckled at the reflection in the rearview mirror. He looked like James Dean from Rebel Without a Cause. It was one of Minnie’s favorite movies. If she could only see me now, he mused. Of course, she wouldn’t be born for another thirty years.
Peter eased out of the lot and turned toward his midnight destination. In all practicality, he could have walked the mile and a half to the bay, but the thought of lugging his supply bag made him rethink his mode of travel.
At nearly two in the morning, the streets were deserted. Without traffic, he could make it the water’s edge and back with time to spare. The only unknown lay beneath the streets. His plan was simple. Tonight’s excursion was Peter's “dry run” into the U.S. Mint.
Back in 2013, Peter had meticulously analyzed all potential entry points into the mint. Armed with Chet's fortuitous information, Peter had discovered the only feasible, yet incredibly unsanitary, approach was through the city's sewer system. According to the historical maps, there were several storm drain overflows that dumped directly into the bay. Because the sewer had recently gone through a major renovation, the outlets still remained uncovered. It wasn't until 1953 that the vulnerability was discovered and barriers installed. Since that wouldn’t happen for another eleven years, Peter was free to enter the sewer at his leisure.
The ten-block drive was mundane, and within minutes Peter had parked along the pier. Considering whether or not to leave the car so close to his entry point, Peter opted for convenience. According to his schedule, he could make it to the mint and back within fifty minutes.
Peter opened the trunk and pulled out a large duffle bag. From its side pocket he slipped out a neatly folded packet. He slung the bag over his shoulder, stepped over the rope barrier, and climbed down the stone embankment. By the time he reached the water’s edge, he had unfolded his map and was studying it in the moonlight. Once he had his bearings, he walked another twenty paces until he came upon a large concrete tube. Stepping over two rows of heavy riprap, Peter stood up in the mouth of the opening. Flicking on his flashlight, he strode into the darkness.
MY REVIEW
5 STARS
I love a well-written time travel novel and this story did not disappoint. The writing pulled me into the story quickly and once there I just could not stop reading.
The primary protagonist, Peter, is sometimes a bit difficult to like – occasionally coming off overly sarcastic and brash. However, as an unemployed widowed father of two precocious teens, struggling financially, I tried my best to give him some slack. There were other times, especially when he was interacting patiently and lovingly with his kids, that I felt he always tried his best to guide them; subtlety shaping their young minds in positive ways.
There is suspense and mystery as Peter and his team train for their mission and learn more about the jobs they have been tasked with. The author kept the story flowing well and kept the tension tight to the end.
The characters provided interesting personality contrasts and all had hidden agendas. Sometimes the agendas clashed with the mission objectives, sometimes people made surprising decisions; helping or hindering at unexpected times. All in all, it is an entertaining, thought-provoking, and fun read. I was left content and smiling when I finished it.
I received this book through the Kindle Unlimited program on Amazon.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
About the Author:Paul began writing in 1998, shortly after the birth of his daughter. His first short story, Amy, was written in November of that year, but went unpublished until November of 2013. That was when Paul found the courage to publish.
Despite the 15 year lag, Paul has written many unpublished works throughout the years. Linear Shift, Part 1 (September/2013) was his first published story, and was the kick off to his four part serial novel. Part 2 followed up in December of 2013, and Part 3 is planned for a May/2014 release.Aside from his Linear Shift series, a number of Paul’s short stories have been included in anthologies. Amy, was included in “Something To Read On The Ride”. Lookout Mountain and Gold Rush were both included in “Something For The Journey”. His short story Alone has been submitted to another anthology, but has yet to be published.
When not writing, Paul is hard at work in the field of architecture. He has been in the field of design since 1992, and loves what he does. He lives with his wife and daughter in Littleton, Colorado, where he was born and raised.
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Giveaway Details: There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:
- A $20 Amazon gift card
Giveaway is International.
