This book offers science fiction, history, intrigue and
espionage all wrapped up nicely with a human interest side tossed into the mix
to make it believable. While she delves into
some more than others, each character is quite human. Maxwell is a loner. She
has had a rough childhood but found solace in books and history. She is fiercely independent, does not
tolerate alcohol well, is slow to trust others and extremely stubborn. Each of
these traits has her both competent and inept at the same time. I was very happy when she began her
relationship with Leon Farrell. His is
the only other character’s story that gets much detail. Other seems more surface that deep. I assume
each character is essentially a loner who is very intelligent and willing to
give up interaction with the outside world to achieve and experience time
travel.
St. Mary’s is like I imagine many secret institutions. It is
filled with intelligent people who think what they have to offer is better than
anything anyone else has to offer. The
experiments are secret. Interaction with the outside world is discouraged but
participants are expected to build teams.
Funding is both plentiful and tight.
The work done there is important and most likely never to be told to the
world!
What I liked: the
concept to time travel. I often wonder what it would be like to see the world
in a different time. I do not think I would be the least bit interested in
going by 68 million years though! I
liked the technical aspects of the pods.
Not only could they blend in but the modules could tape what was happening
for later investigation. I liked Maxwell’s sense of loyalty and determination
to always complete the job. I liked that even though members of the group
disliked one another they still worked to get the job done.
What I didn’t like: the pregnancy. Was that supposed to
depict the depth of despair, that she could fall no lower? I disliked that so
many were lost on the trips but recognize that if one drops into an historical
event, one must expect that it might get dicey!
I dislike, but totally believe it possible, that some are willing to
break the law to make a fortune, even to the point of going into history and
changing it.
I really wish the book ended its story. I understand the
idea of a series but would prefer something more definitive. Now I have to read the others!
