5-Stars – Profound and Visionary!
Profound and visionary, “Portals in Time: The Quest for Un-Old-Age” by John Joseph Teressi really struck me as unique due to the depth and complexity of the characters and the fact that even for a science-fiction/fantasy/metaphysical adventure the rules seemed to go out the window and really threw me for a loop several times.
The writing is very strong (so surprised to read this is the author’s first novel!) and the plot is compelling and intelligent enough to really keep our attention despite the hefty length (414 pages) – which is honestly saying a lot considering I get bored reading most books these days. This one just flows so much smoother and faster and keeps picking up steam as it goes along. Kept me turning the pages late into the night!
One thing I’ll say is that I was impressed with how John told this story using a variety of different character perspectives, which really allows us to get in the different characters’ ‘heads’ in a way and see the bigger picture. Some parts we feel like a bystander, other times like a willing participant. There are a LOT of characters (handy guide at the end for the main important ones) with some of the coolest names (Stare, Delphos, Twist, Scheme, Babble, etc. etc.…) and he creates his own new world/cultural system that is fantastical, yet we can still relate to it.
Execution and presentation-wise, the editing and the formatting were nearly flawless. Very rare, especially in e-books. I am usually not a fan of the time travel motif but it works well here, and in a way that makes sense for the story. I really wondered how all the different plot points would wrap up and come together in the end, but it was so perfect! Loved it! And after the book is over keep reading on for the “Harmonies” which are wonderful! Probably too complex for younger readers but highly recommend for fans of SciFi and fantasy with a philosophical/spiritual element. 5-Stars, —Sam Ryan, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, Indie Book Reviewers