Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Review: The Lights of Time by Paul Ian Cross with Giveaway



THE LIGHTS OF TIME
The Chronicles of Engella Rhys, Book 1
by Paul Ian Cross
Farrow Children's Books
November 27th, 2018
YA Science Fiction





Would you sacrifice your future to save your past? 

Engella Rhys is alone, adrift and on the run. Pursued by a secret agency, known only as the Hunters, she must stay ahead to stay alive. 

As she travels through space-time using dangerously experimental technology, she only has one wish: to be reunited with her lost parents. After a close shave with a Hunter on the streets of New Shanghai, Engella escapes to find herself on a deserted beach. When she meets a kind stranger, who offers her food and shelter, Engella feels safe and protected for the first time in years. 

But who is this woman? And why did their paths cross at the most convenient of times? 

Engella soon discovers their lives are intertwined in more ways than she could ever imagine.



 MY TIDBITS

This is a thrilling mixture of searching for the truth, keeping out of evil's grasp and darting through time.

Engella is on the run and has been for a long time. Unfortunately, the Hunters are getting closer. She springs through time in an attempt to stay one step ahead, but almost lands in their clutches. When a woman unexpectedly comes to her rescue, Engella isn't sure what to think. Not only that, but the woman knows things...things she's not allowed to tell. Engella doesn't know if she can trust her, but with the Hunters so close and questions about her parents still open, she doesn't have a choice.

The tension starts high and stays pretty much that way through the entire tale. There are a few more descriptive moments but these developed a fairly intricate world. The story flashes through different moments in time and various places, but the author keeps this from becoming confusing with an entry at the beginning of each chapter. The story doesn't stay in one character's point of view but switches at the right times...usually with an entire chapter. In the first chapters, it took a bit sometimes to sink into the new perspectives simply because the characters and their purpose were unclear, but this slides into place quickly. There were moments during the chapters themselves that the point of view would switch suddenly between the characters, and this caused hiccups. But the story flows nicely otherwise.

Engella is a character on a mission. She does fear certain things but is ready to sacrifice everything when it comes to finding her parents. She's pretty level-headed and her decisions, for the most part, understandable.  The other characters add the right amount of depth and are as fun to cheer along as Engella. This isn't all action but ta

As to the time travel, it's an interesting mix. The jumps are well done and hold enough logic to allow the reader to sink into the world. There's a nice dash of intrigue and many surprises along the way. In other words, Engella is kept on her toes at all times. It's a lovely read science fiction fans are sure to enjoy.


And here he is...

Paul Ian Cross is a multi-award-winning children’s author and scientist from London, UK.

Paul works in clinical research (developing new medicines) and he’s also involved in science communication; presenting science to non-scientists. He enjoys his science career but he also has a real passion for writing stories! He likes introducing children to the wonders of science, especially reluctant readers. By introducing science creatively, he aims to spark their interest; allowing them to gain confidence with their reading. As a previous reluctant reader himself, he understands how hard it can be. But it’s all about making reading fun and interesting!

Paul’s nephew Hayden influenced his decision to become a writer. He loved seeing Hayden’s reaction when his sister Michelle first read one of Paul’s stories to him!

In his spare time, Paul likes to visit new and exciting places. One of his favourite places is Scotland, especially the Isle of Skye.

Paul’s debut picture book, Praxx and the Ringing Robot, won second prize in the ‘Picture Books 5 and Younger’ category at the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards 2017. The book trailer also won first place in the ‘book trailer’ category at the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards later that year.

Paul’s second book, Planet Scrabbage and the Vegerons, won an honourable mention in both the ‘Picture Books 6 and Over’ and ‘Health’ categories at the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards 2018.

And that brings us to now... Paul is currently working on several new books. Paul’s debut upper middle grade novel will be published in 2018. The Lights of Time is the first novel in a brand-new series: The Chronicles of Engella Rhys.

Paul hopes you enjoy reading his stories as much as he enjoyed writing them!

Social Media Links –



GIVEAWAY!!!



Win  a Kindle HD Fire 7” and a signed copy of The Lights of Time (UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.


Paul Ian Cross is a multi-award-winning children’s author and scientist from London, UK. Paul works in clinical research (developing new medicines) and he’s also involved in science communication; presenting science to non-scientists. He enjoys his science career but he also has a real passion for writing stories! He likes introducing children to the wonders of science, especially reluctant readers. By introducing science creatively, he aims to spark their interest; allowing them to gain confidence with their reading. As a previous reluctant reader himself, he understands how hard it can be. But it’s all about making reading fun and interesting! Paul’s nephew Hayden influenced his decision to become a writer. He loved seeing Hayden’s reaction when his sister Michelle first read one of Paul’s stories to him! In his spare time, Paul likes to visit new and exciting places. One of his favourite places is Scotland, especially the Isle of Skye. Paul’s debut picture book, Praxx and the Ringing Robot, won second prize in the ‘Picture Books 5 and Younger’ category at the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards 2017. The book trailer also won first place in the ‘book trailer’ category at the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards later that year. Paul’s second book, Planet Scrabbage and the Vegerons, won an honourable mention in both the ‘Picture Books 6 and Over’ and ‘Health’ categories at the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards 2018. And that brings us to now... Paul is currently working on several new books. Paul’s debut upper middle grade novel will be published in 2018. The Lights of Time is the first novel in a brand-new series: The Chronicles of Engella Rhys. Paul hopes you enjoy reading his stories as much as he enjoyed writing them! Social Media Links – http://www.pauliancross.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pauliancrossauthor https://www.instagram.com/pauliancross.author/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pauliancross/ https://www.youtube.com/pauliancrossauthor https://twitter.com/tyrannopaulus Giveaway – Win a Kindle HD Fire 7” and a signed copy of The Lights of Time (UK Only) *Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.


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