What do you think?
Rate this book
Linear Shift #1
Linear Shift, Part 1
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.
Linear Shift is a serialized novel, with four total parts planned. This is part one.
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.
Linear Shift is a serialized novel, with four total parts planned. This is part one.
84 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2013
20 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Paul B. Kohler
39 books203 followersPaul B Kohler is the International Bestselling author of the highly acclaimed novel Linear Shift. His recent work includes Turn, Detour, and Reversion, from The Humanity's Edge Trilogy, along with several short stories. His short story, Rememorations, was included in The Immortality Chronicles - The Best Anthology of the Year as voted in the 2016 Preditors and Editors Readers Poll. Rememorations was also nominated for Best American Science Fiction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 22, 2014
A great story but it ended before it started but did like it just the same and can't wait to read the other books in the series. Well thought out characters and story line was enjoyable to read. I would be happy to recommend this wonderful book to my friends and my heart felt thanks to the author Paul B.Kohler & my thanks to him for the privilege of reading him amazing book and look forward to reading the other books as I said before. So with that all said keep smiling and happy reading to all with love from wee me. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
July 24, 2016
Time to Pick Up Linear Shift
Decades ago, Dr. Bernard Epson worked on his theory of time travel. He didn't know his wily Dr. Epson's assistant was a member of a secret group known as the Society. His goal was to stop Dr. Epson from completing his work and solving the problem of time travel.
Fast forward to today. Peter has it rougher than most single fathers. He lost his wife. He faces continual challenges in rearing his teenage son and daughter. After the loss of his job, Peter is on the brink of losing his home. When a face from his military past surfaces with the answer to all of his problems, Peter embarks on an exciting secret mission.
Linear Shift, Part One, by Paul Kohler, is an interesting short work. An excerpt of Part Two is included at the end of the book as a special treat.
Decades ago, Dr. Bernard Epson worked on his theory of time travel. He didn't know his wily Dr. Epson's assistant was a member of a secret group known as the Society. His goal was to stop Dr. Epson from completing his work and solving the problem of time travel.
Fast forward to today. Peter has it rougher than most single fathers. He lost his wife. He faces continual challenges in rearing his teenage son and daughter. After the loss of his job, Peter is on the brink of losing his home. When a face from his military past surfaces with the answer to all of his problems, Peter embarks on an exciting secret mission.
Linear Shift, Part One, by Paul Kohler, is an interesting short work. An excerpt of Part Two is included at the end of the book as a special treat.
January 23, 2014
This is a fantastic book! It is a very quick read that leaves you wanting more.
I'm not usually into time travel stories. It can get a little confusing when the author starts dealing with time travel. With this first book in the series, the actual time travel had not occurred yet, but the project is explained to the participants in the experiment. The author, Paul Kohler, handles the time travel issues and explanations deftly. I can't wait to start the second book in the series. Now I am off to read the second book!
I'm not usually into time travel stories. It can get a little confusing when the author starts dealing with time travel. With this first book in the series, the actual time travel had not occurred yet, but the project is explained to the participants in the experiment. The author, Paul Kohler, handles the time travel issues and explanations deftly. I can't wait to start the second book in the series. Now I am off to read the second book!
November 18, 2013
Part one of four, I believe. A quick sci-fi time traveling read that made me hungry for part two.
December 31, 2013
An imaginative, inspired novella that takes you on a voyage of extraordinary discovery
This pocket-sized tempting titbit introduces you to an incredibly interesting story that’s refreshingly imaginative and highly original. Filled with intriguing concepts and characters, I was magnetically drawn into a tale that had me sat in suspense throughout. Just as the author introduces you to the main characters, concepts and great ‘mission’ of travelling through time, are you then swept away and left hanging on the edge of the page wondering what will transpire…Desperate to discover what unfolds and having already read so much, I am keen to continue the journey and read on with the next instalment. Peter is a fantastic protagonist whose story has only just begun, leaving me with a tiny glimpse into a world full of wonder.
“Once you change something in the past, the future might not be the same as you remember. Your memories will remain in place, as they will be linear to you and only you…our memories will shift”.
- Quote, p. 67
Meddling with time has always been something enticing authors for centuries, with many varying representations standing out as some of the most iconic and recognized literary works of fiction of all time. For instance Doctor Who or the time machine and which works perfectly within this story. ‘Linear Shift’ is about 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 include: A successful mission may not have the success he had intended. {Linear Shift is a serialized novel, with four total parts planned. This is part one.}
This quick, sci-fi adventure through time is an exciting read that kept me glued to the pages and is the perfect first part of a planned 4-part series. The time shift between past and present was cleverly interwoven so as to form clarity and uniformity between parallel sub-plots; hence I was able to read on without loosing my way or becoming confused. Deftly woven and exquisitely multi-layered, the author captures the danger of meddling with time jumping and also the dark appeal that it has. At only 13 thousand words this short story is a light read that took me hardly any time at all to read, and yet it is wonderfully compelling and an enthralling read. Entirely realistic and understated, I would recommend Linear Shift to science-fiction fans and those readers seeking an entertaining novella that’s punchy and entertaining!
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”
- Andy Warhol
“Mysterious thing, time. Powerful, and when meddled with, dangerous….” – Albus Dumbledore {Harry Potter & the prisoner of Azkaban}
3.5 Stars!
*I won a copy of Linear Shift, part 1 by Paul B. Kholher through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway*
This pocket-sized tempting titbit introduces you to an incredibly interesting story that’s refreshingly imaginative and highly original. Filled with intriguing concepts and characters, I was magnetically drawn into a tale that had me sat in suspense throughout. Just as the author introduces you to the main characters, concepts and great ‘mission’ of travelling through time, are you then swept away and left hanging on the edge of the page wondering what will transpire…Desperate to discover what unfolds and having already read so much, I am keen to continue the journey and read on with the next instalment. Peter is a fantastic protagonist whose story has only just begun, leaving me with a tiny glimpse into a world full of wonder.
“Once you change something in the past, the future might not be the same as you remember. Your memories will remain in place, as they will be linear to you and only you…our memories will shift”.
- Quote, p. 67
Meddling with time has always been something enticing authors for centuries, with many varying representations standing out as some of the most iconic and recognized literary works of fiction of all time. For instance Doctor Who or the time machine and which works perfectly within this story. ‘Linear Shift’ is about 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 include: A successful mission may not have the success he had intended. {Linear Shift is a serialized novel, with four total parts planned. This is part one.}
This quick, sci-fi adventure through time is an exciting read that kept me glued to the pages and is the perfect first part of a planned 4-part series. The time shift between past and present was cleverly interwoven so as to form clarity and uniformity between parallel sub-plots; hence I was able to read on without loosing my way or becoming confused. Deftly woven and exquisitely multi-layered, the author captures the danger of meddling with time jumping and also the dark appeal that it has. At only 13 thousand words this short story is a light read that took me hardly any time at all to read, and yet it is wonderfully compelling and an enthralling read. Entirely realistic and understated, I would recommend Linear Shift to science-fiction fans and those readers seeking an entertaining novella that’s punchy and entertaining!
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”
- Andy Warhol
“Mysterious thing, time. Powerful, and when meddled with, dangerous….” – Albus Dumbledore {Harry Potter & the prisoner of Azkaban}
3.5 Stars!
*I won a copy of Linear Shift, part 1 by Paul B. Kholher through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway*
November 23, 2013
I'll be the first to admit it: I have trouble with time-shift stories. I have a hard time keeping it all straight in my head. The first time I watched Back to the Future I had to make a map to follow the story. So when I powered up my trusty Kindle to read Linear Shift, I approached it with trepidation (and a pencil and paper).
This is a novelette-sized story, approximately 13,000 words, and it involves time travel. Since this is the first installment and relatively short, there was no time travelling, so there was no need for my pencil and paper, yet.
Like any good story, Part One of Linear Shift establishes characters and provides glimpses of the world they live in. For this story it is Peter, a down-and-out man with two kids to support.
We learn about the miserable circumstances that he has dealt with for the past two years. Then we also see the unexpected chance offered to him, a chance to monetarily erase some of those previous bad circumstances. The reward is high, but the cost is higher. So he is faced with the dilemma of accepting the task, while knowing little of what is being asked of him.
Paul B. Kohler does a good job of telling a story as he has done in Linear Shift. His characters are intriguing. In fact, I found myself at odds with his protagonist. Because of some of Peter's decisions, I found myself not liking him very much. I'm not sure why, maybe because he is too believable.
Kohler provides plenty of hints of what's coming up. Seeing how he will unfold the story will be interesting.
Linear Shift contains cursing and a couple of sexual references. Luckily, the sexual references are fleeting, and the author doesn't dwell on them too much.
If you enjoy time travel, looking for a new author, and searching for a quick sci-fi read, then consider checking out Linear Shift by Paul B. Kohler. You won't be disappointed.
This review is also posted on my blog: akmeek.com/linear-shift
This is a novelette-sized story, approximately 13,000 words, and it involves time travel. Since this is the first installment and relatively short, there was no time travelling, so there was no need for my pencil and paper, yet.
Like any good story, Part One of Linear Shift establishes characters and provides glimpses of the world they live in. For this story it is Peter, a down-and-out man with two kids to support.
We learn about the miserable circumstances that he has dealt with for the past two years. Then we also see the unexpected chance offered to him, a chance to monetarily erase some of those previous bad circumstances. The reward is high, but the cost is higher. So he is faced with the dilemma of accepting the task, while knowing little of what is being asked of him.
Paul B. Kohler does a good job of telling a story as he has done in Linear Shift. His characters are intriguing. In fact, I found myself at odds with his protagonist. Because of some of Peter's decisions, I found myself not liking him very much. I'm not sure why, maybe because he is too believable.
Kohler provides plenty of hints of what's coming up. Seeing how he will unfold the story will be interesting.
Linear Shift contains cursing and a couple of sexual references. Luckily, the sexual references are fleeting, and the author doesn't dwell on them too much.
If you enjoy time travel, looking for a new author, and searching for a quick sci-fi read, then consider checking out Linear Shift by Paul B. Kohler. You won't be disappointed.
This review is also posted on my blog: akmeek.com/linear-shift
December 2, 2015
I gave this book three stars, What that means is I liked it. I debated on giving it four. This is the first part in the serialization of the entire novel and for that reason I should probably hold off on reviewing because I may flip to four stars should I decide to continue. I base this on the little snippet fron the next installment included at the end of this installment. That snippet ends on a real cliffhanger. I wanted to review the book now though because otherwise it will slip my mind and believe it or not I have other things to do.
This is a well written book. The narrative flows uncluttered and the main character, Pete is fully developed. He is a down on his luck widower with two teenaged children and a mortgage he can no longer carry. The bank has foreclosed. There is an unexpectently poignant scene. he picks up his children at school in the Chevy Astro for which he's traded his Mecedes. He explains to the kids that they have to move because he's lost the house. They all wind up crying even the rebellios daughter.
He has a chance at redemption if he agrees to become part of a mission to go back in time he can right what is wrong with the world and maybe his own life...Oh my what will happen next? I have a feeling thinks won't go as expected!
This is a well written book. The narrative flows uncluttered and the main character, Pete is fully developed. He is a down on his luck widower with two teenaged children and a mortgage he can no longer carry. The bank has foreclosed. There is an unexpectently poignant scene. he picks up his children at school in the Chevy Astro for which he's traded his Mecedes. He explains to the kids that they have to move because he's lost the house. They all wind up crying even the rebellios daughter.
He has a chance at redemption if he agrees to become part of a mission to go back in time he can right what is wrong with the world and maybe his own life...Oh my what will happen next? I have a feeling thinks won't go as expected!
March 30, 2015
I wanted to try something a little different and I haven’t read a serial book in a while. I should have known better, now I’m hooked and have to read them all.
The first part starts with a scientist from decades earlier trying to time travel but was unsuccessful. The story flashes forward to modern day where Peter is in dire financial circumstances and is in danger be losing his home that he and teenage kids are living in. He is approached by a military man for a secret mission. It is the answer to Peter’s problems. He can stay in his home and support his family but at what price?
Peter knows that he will be time traveling but not much else. The first part is more about development of the characters and building the suspense. It ends in a cliffhanger and makes you immediately want to continue on to find out what’s going to happen next.
The first part starts with a scientist from decades earlier trying to time travel but was unsuccessful. The story flashes forward to modern day where Peter is in dire financial circumstances and is in danger be losing his home that he and teenage kids are living in. He is approached by a military man for a secret mission. It is the answer to Peter’s problems. He can stay in his home and support his family but at what price?
Peter knows that he will be time traveling but not much else. The first part is more about development of the characters and building the suspense. It ends in a cliffhanger and makes you immediately want to continue on to find out what’s going to happen next.
April 21, 2015
I was given a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and rating. Linear Shift, Part I is, as the title suggests, the first in a series. This first part is a teaser for the rest of the story. The series is a "time-travel" book with serious character development. What I like about this part of the story is that it is a "time-travel" book without any "time-travel". The author sets up the situation and the characters, but does not actually have anyone zipping through time causing butterfly effects. "Time-travel", then, is just "a thing" in the story not "the thing." It's a very promising way to start the series and I'm looking forward to the continuation of the story very much.
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
October 17, 2013
Linear Shift is a time-travel novelette that hooked me from "Chapter 0" (the author's cleverly-done prologue). Peter, the main character, is recruited by an army general for a mission to go back in time to 1942 and, naturally, he can't say no. Although Linear Shift is a relatively short work, the author deftly developed the characters through sharp, often humorous dialogue and actions. The end of each chapter left me wanting more, and I actually read the entire book in one sitting!
I would recommend Linear Shift to sci-fi enthusiasts and dabblers alike, and I'm excited for the next installment to come out soon!
I would recommend Linear Shift to sci-fi enthusiasts and dabblers alike, and I'm excited for the next installment to come out soon!
May 12, 2014
Reading part 1 of Linear Shift was a tease. I can hardly wait to read the rest of the book. The story line is intriguing. It makes a person wonder if any of this stuff could happen as strange things do go on in the world that we don't know about. I feel that this is starting out to be a very good bit of imagination on the part of the author and leaving me wanting to find out what happens. I really do hate just having a tidbit. So hopefully it won't take long to get the rest of the book.
All I can say to you Mr. Kohler you are a tease.
Cheers
All I can say to you Mr. Kohler you are a tease.
Cheers
August 17, 2017
Awesome book! It's about time travel and the main character Peter doesn't do time travel in Part I but it gives you all of his background information and let's you know he is a character that could be like most of us in today's struggling economy. Peter is as desperate as he can get and at this point would do anything to have security for his children.
This was an interesting read and makes you ask yourself the question, "How far am I willing to go in desperate times for family?"
Can't wait to read Part II!!!
This was an interesting read and makes you ask yourself the question, "How far am I willing to go in desperate times for family?"
Can't wait to read Part II!!!
January 5, 2015
Peter Cooper has lost his job and his wife, he's losing his house and his teenage son has developed migraines and his daughter is acting out and want to get her nose pierced. now he's been given a chance to have his house and his children's college education paid for and all he has to do is go back in time to 1942 but will changing one thing in the past create too much of a change in his present? I can't wait to read the next book in the Linear Shift series to find out. with well developed characters and lots of subtle intrigues that build to a most satisfying cliffhanger ending.
October 25, 2014
Interesting story that I hope will lead seamlessly into the second part of the story. I found that Peter was a likeable man and he is doing his best to take care of his family, even take on some super-secret assignment that has to do with time travel. It's a story that I am determined to finish by reading the next part. Not a fan of cliffhangers, but the author did add an excerpt of the next volume.
September 9, 2016
This book is about someone who has to make a decision that could in fact change the lives of everyone. It could actually change the past, the present and the future. How do you make a decision based on information that truly tells you nothing? Peter does and now that he is committed to doing this what will happen in the next book? Recommended for ages 14 and up!
February 14, 2014
Linear shift by Paul B. Kohler was well received and enjoyed. Time traveling broken down to its finest words had me in a loop, wanting to read more and more until there was no more to read. Now im going to start Linear Shift part two with great expectations
October 18, 2013
I love the concept and charaters.... great set up for part 2, and am hoping it is longer.
March 17, 2014
Just read Linear Shift, Part 1.
WOW this was great, I need to go pick up Part 2 ASAP, I need to know what happens next.
I truly enjoyed this book so far and want more, more,more
WOW this was great, I need to go pick up Part 2 ASAP, I need to know what happens next.
I truly enjoyed this book so far and want more, more,more
January 15, 2014
This short story has definitely left me wanting to read the next part to discover what happens.
February 16, 2019
Interesting
It made me want to read more to find out the conclusion of the story. Will it appear on Amazon?
It made me want to read more to find out the conclusion of the story. Will it appear on Amazon?
August 30, 2016
I came across Paul Kohler in the anthology Shiny New Worlds with his story 'Borrowed Souls'. It was well written and kept my interest. So when I found that I could download the first book in a new series 'Linear Shift', I decided to give it a try. Now, I was not disappointed and read through the story in two short sessions. I was slightly cynical when I started, after all, with so many books and stories over time travel, how can a writer possibly be original? He manages this by making the characters in the story real and believable. He has now set things up very well, I can't wait to read part 2 and see how things develop
August 11, 2016
I started reading this book and thought I would like it, but I was a little disappointed. It's not the worst book I have ever read, but I found it to be a little scattered. The story is good but the characters seem a little stilted. I'm hoping as the story developed, that the story and characters loosen up and it flows better.
June 28, 2015
A short first episode with an interesting premise - though with a rather abrupt ending, as others have pointed out. I am sure that some of the intriguing elements will become clearer in part 2.
Disclosure - I won a copy of this book in an author giveaway.
Disclosure - I won a copy of this book in an author giveaway.
August 24, 2015
So far so good
This happens to be just enough to get you interested in Peter's future... or past. While I'm not opposed to cliffhangers, I'd have preferred for it to get me a little further along. It cuts off a little too soon for my preferences
This happens to be just enough to get you interested in Peter's future... or past. While I'm not opposed to cliffhangers, I'd have preferred for it to get me a little further along. It cuts off a little too soon for my preferences
Read
October 2, 2015Kept meaning to finish, but I only have an ebook and I'm not really that into ebooks, so I never went back to it.
Read
May 3, 2014Quick read.
August 22, 2015
Short intro to series. Not fleshed out enough to really get into it, but shows promise.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews