Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The crew of the Janus has a unique and interesting mission. The technology on this space station allows them to travel through time. Well, sort of. What it actually allows them to do is travel to any point on the timeline that runs parallel to their own--the Beta Line. They can explore the past and the future, assured that if their non-interference protocols don't always protect them from having some sort of impact on the time period where they stop, it won't create any sort of time conundrum for their own universe.

As they traverse and study the Beta Line, however, the notice some anomalies or fissures in the line that warrant further investigation. But what is causing these disturbances and can they stop them if they find out? Should they stop them? Are they perhaps a necessary part of the timeline? And is it possible something similar could happen to their own timeline if they don't figure out the cause in time? The answers to the questions will only lead to more questions in time... and the largest one of all--can knowing your future allow you to take steps to avoid it, or is it inevitable, no matter how hard you try?

This is an honestly rather unique and somewhat refreshing story. I'm not always a fan of hard sci-fi (it's a bit of a hit or miss for me), but I did enjoy reading this one quite a bit. The ways in which the characters discuss the technology and the mechanics of their time travel seems natural--there's nothing contrived here. The action, adventure, and twists in the story aren't entirely predictable but they also aren't too farfetched, either. And although I did wish I could have felt a stronger connection to the characters, I still felt emotionally invested enough to be truly impacted by the final chapter and the way this all wraps up in the end.

Highly recommended for hard sci-fi fans; definite recommendation for anyone who enjoys sci-fi, has a thirst for adventure, or is interested in the politics of time travel. ( )

I’m not much on science fiction, but the premise of this book had me interested, and I am definitely glad I gave this book a chance.

It’s crazy wonderful in the ideas it presents because I found a lot of the time I was listening, I was pondering things about the ideas of the multiverse and parallel universe. In this audiobook, we are introduced to a group of scientists who have perfected traveling to other universes, ones that they call “beta lines” to see if and how it affects their own line, known as the “alpha” line, or so Mary believes. When she finds out the truth about the mission, that it’s all a design to steal weapons from the future, she is upset.

From there, things start to go downhill until she is the only one left alive on her mission. Alone in space, she comes to a startling realization and embraces it with open arms.

In a lot of ways, I love that the plot followed the scheme of the hero’s journey, but my favorite part about it was when it strayed. For instance, it is typical for the hero of the story to deny any darkness within them, but after her experience, Mary embraced it with open arms, becoming the future that she was shocked to find out was hers.

Very cool listen.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
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Absolutely love this book. I don't normally write reviews but I felt I needed to for this. This is really the first time travel book I've ever picked up. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, technology and plot twists! I admit having to look up a couple words but I did not have trouble following the story. Everything in this book is well written and thought out. Nothing seems to be added just for word count. Fantastic book and I look forward to others. ( )

Absolutely love this book. I don't normally write reviews but I felt I needed to for this. This is really the first time travel book I've ever picked up. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, technology and plot twists! I admit having to look up a couple words but I did not have trouble following the story. Everything in this book is well written and thought out. Nothing seems to be added just for word count. Fantastic book and I look forward to others. ( )