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A Time To Every Purpose
ASIN B00IOSISHM moved to the most recent edition
Leigh Wilson, the preeminent scientist of her generation, has invented a way to look back into time. Banned from using it for anything more than investigative purposes by a brutal regime that fears its power, she complies in the face of insurmountable odds. But the world is changing and in the aftermath of a vicious murder Leigh now faces her ultimate dilemma. Can she muster the courage to act and reset her reality? A Time to Every Purpose is a fast moving thriller with amazing twists and turns that grips you through to its final, unexpected climax. A groundbreaking, cross-genre thriller from an exciting new author.
Leigh Wilson, the preeminent scientist of her generation, has invented a way to look back into time. Banned from using it for anything more than investigative purposes by a brutal regime that fears its power, she complies in the face of insurmountable odds. But the world is changing and in the aftermath of a vicious murder Leigh now faces her ultimate dilemma. Can she muster the courage to act and reset her reality? A Time to Every Purpose is a fast moving thriller with amazing twists and turns that grips you through to its final, unexpected climax. A groundbreaking, cross-genre thriller from an exciting new author.
366 pages, ebook
First published February 26, 2014
100 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Ian Andrew
7 books27 followersWriting under the penname of Ian Andrew, his first crime novel, Face Value, won the Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize for Fiction in 2017. Since then he has continued to add to that series, is also a successful ghost writer and has founded both Leschenault Press and the Book Reality Experience, a publishing assistance service that helps writers become independent authors.
Originally from Northern Ireland, he now lives in Western Australia, where he relocated to after serving in the UK’s Royal Air Force as an Intelligence Officer.
Originally from Northern Ireland, he now lives in Western Australia, where he relocated to after serving in the UK’s Royal Air Force as an Intelligence Officer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 15, 2017
I cannot believe all the five star reviews! I really think I must have read a different book. The premise sounded fascinating but the execution is awful. A time shift story where despite a divergence in the timeline 2000 years ago, and which supposedly led to a different history - so much is absolutely the same - right down to London having the same topography and even the names being the same. I mean, there is a Mall and a Horseguards and Balliol at Oxford!! What a missed opportunity to create the London which might have emerged from a vastly different 2000 years of history!! There is no attempt to reflect how that different history would have affected so many different developments. The characters are poorly developed and one dimensional and often - frankly unbelievable. I could not get interested in a single character, still less care about them.
The writing was clunky, verbose, cumbersome and slow - not to mention ungrammatical. The following sentence just says it all:- "Boredom of sitting on a roadside kerb caused her to light the 3rd cigarette of the previous 40 minutes."
As for the religious slant - it just did not work for me. Sorry, it's not an awful book: it's just not very good.
The writing was clunky, verbose, cumbersome and slow - not to mention ungrammatical. The following sentence just says it all:- "Boredom of sitting on a roadside kerb caused her to light the 3rd cigarette of the previous 40 minutes."
As for the religious slant - it just did not work for me. Sorry, it's not an awful book: it's just not very good.
November 18, 2014
Wild time travel story involving Christianity (specifically the Easter story) and Nazism.
I thought it was fun and quite fascinating at times.
The ideas behind it are very clever. The book had an alternate history. I was intrigued by the differences between our world and theirs.
I thought it was fun and quite fascinating at times.
The ideas behind it are very clever. The book had an alternate history. I was intrigued by the differences between our world and theirs.
January 2, 2016
This was a fascinating read and I never imagined that I would enjoy something in this genre. I was immersed in the philosophy and gripped by the plot. Glad I pushed myself to discover something completely new!
November 19, 2021
This book has a serious problem, suspension of disbelief.
The basic premise behind the novel is that Christ was able to create a unified and peaceful religion that took over the world and created a society that, when the forces of evil arose, did not know how to defend itself and was easily subdued. The fact that the book totally ignores evolution and the history of human behaviour is, apparently, unimportant.
An accompanying premise is that somehow, without wars and strife, technology has been able to advance at the same pace as our own world, including weapons technology. Now it's getting a bit silly. The greatest advances in technology take place in times of war and conflict. Without them we would still be living in the Middle Ages and Latin would be the lingua franca.
But the really ridiculous premise is that the evil force that conquers the world is Fascism, and especially, Nazism (with all its trappings of swastika, SS symbols and uniforms and the like); that this evil creed arose in (surprise, surprise) Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan; and that its evil leader was non other than Adolf Hitler. From the ridiculous to the plain stupid is but a silly walk and a slap in the face with a fish.
The rise of fascism was a Nationalistic response, certainly in Germany and Italy, due to their experiences during World War One and not due to the impact of nature or any innate tendency by, for example, the Germans, to be that way inclined. The rise of militarism and fascism in Germany has its roots in Prussia, and her roots lie in the militaristic crusading order of the Teutonic Knights.
As for Adolf Hitler...
Words really do fail me.
Mr Andrew, do you know anything about history? Can you really be so racist (for your assumptions about the Germans, the Italians, the Spanish and the Japanese are certainly racist!).
So, there is problem number one.
If we put that to one side, no matter how grudgingly, what we then have is a potentially interesting blend of alternative history and science fiction which moves along reasonably well. It is sometimes written in a very simplistic manner but at other times can be quite gripping (if not a little cliche).
The meat of the matter is interesting.
But then we come to the final part of the sandwich.
Oh dear!
I'm not going to spoil it for anyone who has a masochistic desire to read this book but the final part... oh God!
Oh how I despair.
Do I recommend that you should read it?
No. Don't waste your time. You have better stuff to read, and don't you need to drill that hole in your head?
How I regret that I put that off in order to read this ... drivel!
The basic premise behind the novel is that Christ was able to create a unified and peaceful religion that took over the world and created a society that, when the forces of evil arose, did not know how to defend itself and was easily subdued. The fact that the book totally ignores evolution and the history of human behaviour is, apparently, unimportant.
An accompanying premise is that somehow, without wars and strife, technology has been able to advance at the same pace as our own world, including weapons technology. Now it's getting a bit silly. The greatest advances in technology take place in times of war and conflict. Without them we would still be living in the Middle Ages and Latin would be the lingua franca.
But the really ridiculous premise is that the evil force that conquers the world is Fascism, and especially, Nazism (with all its trappings of swastika, SS symbols and uniforms and the like); that this evil creed arose in (surprise, surprise) Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan; and that its evil leader was non other than Adolf Hitler. From the ridiculous to the plain stupid is but a silly walk and a slap in the face with a fish.
The rise of fascism was a Nationalistic response, certainly in Germany and Italy, due to their experiences during World War One and not due to the impact of nature or any innate tendency by, for example, the Germans, to be that way inclined. The rise of militarism and fascism in Germany has its roots in Prussia, and her roots lie in the militaristic crusading order of the Teutonic Knights.
As for Adolf Hitler...
Words really do fail me.
Mr Andrew, do you know anything about history? Can you really be so racist (for your assumptions about the Germans, the Italians, the Spanish and the Japanese are certainly racist!).
So, there is problem number one.
If we put that to one side, no matter how grudgingly, what we then have is a potentially interesting blend of alternative history and science fiction which moves along reasonably well. It is sometimes written in a very simplistic manner but at other times can be quite gripping (if not a little cliche).
The meat of the matter is interesting.
But then we come to the final part of the sandwich.
Oh dear!
I'm not going to spoil it for anyone who has a masochistic desire to read this book but the final part... oh God!
Oh how I despair.
Do I recommend that you should read it?
No. Don't waste your time. You have better stuff to read, and don't you need to drill that hole in your head?
How I regret that I put that off in order to read this ... drivel!
August 1, 2015
This book was recently entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Award. This is what our readers thought:
Title: A Time To Every Purpose
Author: Ian Andrew
Star Rating: 4 stars
Number of Readers: 15
Readers’ Comments
‘I liked this book very much. An unusual mix of scifi and politics. Good pacing too. The title is terrible though; it’s so ‘un-catchy’. Good read.’ Male reader, aged 43
‘A technically interesting world created by the author and a number of interesting, well-formed characters. I thought the Nazi-feel to the political climate in the novel was very well done. I’d recommend it to anybody who enjoys scifi.’ Male reader, aged 48
‘Lots of suspense, interesting twist at the end. Often, I felt the characters were not as developed as the setting and, despite the twist, I did see the end coming. Awful title though and a bit slow in the beginning.’ Female reader, aged 55
‘Loved the cover, hated the title. Excellently plotted and, often, very gripping. I expect this author will go far.’ Male reader. Aged 34
Stats
Editing 7/10
Plot 9/10
Writing Style 8/10
Cover (title, design) 4/10
Of the 15 readers:
8 suggested changing the title.
13 would read another book by this author.
3 suggested working on the pacing in the first few chapters.
10 thought the setting was the best part of the book.
‘A gripping sci-fi thriller.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
Title: A Time To Every Purpose
Author: Ian Andrew
Star Rating: 4 stars
Number of Readers: 15
Readers’ Comments
‘I liked this book very much. An unusual mix of scifi and politics. Good pacing too. The title is terrible though; it’s so ‘un-catchy’. Good read.’ Male reader, aged 43
‘A technically interesting world created by the author and a number of interesting, well-formed characters. I thought the Nazi-feel to the political climate in the novel was very well done. I’d recommend it to anybody who enjoys scifi.’ Male reader, aged 48
‘Lots of suspense, interesting twist at the end. Often, I felt the characters were not as developed as the setting and, despite the twist, I did see the end coming. Awful title though and a bit slow in the beginning.’ Female reader, aged 55
‘Loved the cover, hated the title. Excellently plotted and, often, very gripping. I expect this author will go far.’ Male reader. Aged 34
Stats
Editing 7/10
Plot 9/10
Writing Style 8/10
Cover (title, design) 4/10
Of the 15 readers:
8 suggested changing the title.
13 would read another book by this author.
3 suggested working on the pacing in the first few chapters.
10 thought the setting was the best part of the book.
‘A gripping sci-fi thriller.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
November 30, 2021
I loved this story - it was well written and intriguing (although such a big change may have resulted in more world development however that is rather nit-picky). It was well paced and fun throughout - although I was on the edge of my seat a couple of times. The ending also made me a tad teary eyed. Brilliant and would recommend
July 29, 2014
First off, the author sent me a free e-version of this book in exchange for an honest review, so sincere thanks go out to him.
The premise of this book is amazing. The story begins in a twenty-first century world in which the Nazis won the war, and now rule it with an evil fist. Mass murder of anyone found to be "different" or out of lock step with the ruling party is commonplace, and among those commonly executed are the Turners, the pacifist cheek-turning Christians of the day. Two of those Turners, Leigh, a brilliant scientist, and Heinrich, a high-ranking Security officer, have successfully infiltrated the Nazi ranks, and are awaiting the opportunity to undermine the cruel party from the inside. Is the Nazis' "window on the past" investigative tool, which Leigh invented, presenting them with the opportunity they need? Is it possible for them to change the course of history? Are they willing to take the deadly risks involved, and if they are, will their best efforts at communicating with someone from the past make a difference? And WHO might that someone be...?
See? Isn't that a terrific premise?
Some parts of the book are very well executed, too, and there are brief flashes of brilliant writing and humor. However, extraneous exposition, frequent reliance on telling rather than showing, and dry lengthy dialogue all combine to create a drag on the story's pace and potential. This book is like an eagle trying to take flight with a thirty-pound weight on its back. If the author were to edit and tighten up the writing, shorten it by about a hundred pages, and lose some of that excess weight, I believe this book would soar. Yep, it could definitely be amazing.
The premise of this book is amazing. The story begins in a twenty-first century world in which the Nazis won the war, and now rule it with an evil fist. Mass murder of anyone found to be "different" or out of lock step with the ruling party is commonplace, and among those commonly executed are the Turners, the pacifist cheek-turning Christians of the day. Two of those Turners, Leigh, a brilliant scientist, and Heinrich, a high-ranking Security officer, have successfully infiltrated the Nazi ranks, and are awaiting the opportunity to undermine the cruel party from the inside. Is the Nazis' "window on the past" investigative tool, which Leigh invented, presenting them with the opportunity they need? Is it possible for them to change the course of history? Are they willing to take the deadly risks involved, and if they are, will their best efforts at communicating with someone from the past make a difference? And WHO might that someone be...?
See? Isn't that a terrific premise?
Some parts of the book are very well executed, too, and there are brief flashes of brilliant writing and humor. However, extraneous exposition, frequent reliance on telling rather than showing, and dry lengthy dialogue all combine to create a drag on the story's pace and potential. This book is like an eagle trying to take flight with a thirty-pound weight on its back. If the author were to edit and tighten up the writing, shorten it by about a hundred pages, and lose some of that excess weight, I believe this book would soar. Yep, it could definitely be amazing.
November 5, 2020
Well, I'm one third of the way into it and while it's a reasonably well written drama, the premise of a pacifist religion sweeping the globe and enabling the rise of Hitler without WW 1 etc. is just complete bollocks to use the British vernacular. If there is ONE thing our race is prolific at it's war. 4400 years of recorded history show consistent conflicts throughout. It's a shame really. Resistance by Owens Sheers established a good basis for a Nazi win in a few pages. Fatherland by Robert Harris did it in 1 page (4 paraghraphs). SS-GB by Len Deighton relied on his thorough study of the Battle of Britain and the associated historical studies. This book unfortunately is wroitten by someone who is effectively illiterate when it comes to history. Knowledge of the Nazi rank structure does not compensate for lack of understanding of the incompetence the germans showed economically and bureaucratically during the war. I'll probably finish it because the author writes good characters, but is TOTAL crap at believeable premises.
October 4, 2015
Religion and time travel are two subjects that would ordinarily give me cause to pass a book by, however on a friends recommendation I put aside my reservations and I am definitely glad I did. Once I started reading I was drawn into the story and couldn't put it down. A complex storyline is made enjoyable and easy to follow by excellent writing.
The author, Ian Andrew, has guaranteed that I will be on the lookout for his subsequent offerings. (And most likely trying to read them on holidays as being up until 2am because you just HAVE to finish the book is not ideal when you have to work the next day!)
The author, Ian Andrew, has guaranteed that I will be on the lookout for his subsequent offerings. (And most likely trying to read them on holidays as being up until 2am because you just HAVE to finish the book is not ideal when you have to work the next day!)
May 2, 2017
I picked this book up from Amazon.com after reading about it in the newspaper. Loved the story and the characters. Hope there is a way to do a followup on them as it is a pity to leave it as just a single story.
Well thought out and I liked the story arc. I would like to read more.
the story was engaging, the action realistic and the characters likeable and logical in their approach.
Well thought out and I liked the story arc. I would like to read more.
the story was engaging, the action realistic and the characters likeable and logical in their approach.
March 12, 2015
I received this book as a Goodreads winner. This wouldn't have been a book I picked up on my own accord but I found it very interesting and it kept me wanting to see what happened next. Give it a chance if you like suspense, thriller, crime, war, history with a touch of romance.
February 16, 2017
Starts a little slowly but as the pace picks up becomes an interesting SF page turner.
The religious theories of the book becomes clear as it approaches the end. An interesting concept on the effects of time travel.
The religious theories of the book becomes clear as it approaches the end. An interesting concept on the effects of time travel.
March 23, 2017
A very good interesting story line. Dealing with a science fiction aspect but in a low tech way which was good. Written at a good pace. Always a love story but that's fine. Fascinating revelation at the conclusion.
November 1, 2017
Very interesting and clever story. I would recommend this book, as it is thought-provoking and entertaining
I don't really want to say any more, but if you like time travel themes and alternate histories, you may enjoy this.
I don't really want to say any more, but if you like time travel themes and alternate histories, you may enjoy this.
December 15, 2020
Impressive writing and excellent plot
I have read other books from Ian Andrews but they differ completely from this one , however I have to say I like both genres and this guy can write, so yourselves a favour and enjoy his excellent stories
I have read other books from Ian Andrews but they differ completely from this one , however I have to say I like both genres and this guy can write, so yourselves a favour and enjoy his excellent stories
June 17, 2022
A story that asks a question ?
A very interesting & thoughtful story that asks a number of questions.
Yes if you do think too deeply you do find a lot of holes, even before you include the main driver of the premise. But put that to one side, go with it and enjoy.
A very interesting & thoughtful story that asks a number of questions.
Yes if you do think too deeply you do find a lot of holes, even before you include the main driver of the premise. But put that to one side, go with it and enjoy.
August 6, 2017
Nicely tied together
I really feel like I have just finished two books that completely intertwine. A great read I'll be sure to read again.
I really feel like I have just finished two books that completely intertwine. A great read I'll be sure to read again.
March 18, 2018
Good read
Had fun reading, I am a fan of alternate history and this was very different. Thanks for the
E good work.
Had fun reading, I am a fan of alternate history and this was very different. Thanks for the
E good work.
February 3, 2021
Fantastic book
This unlike any other book I have read ,full of twists and really makes you wonder what if..loved it right from the first page and am sad that it is finished
This unlike any other book I have read ,full of twists and really makes you wonder what if..loved it right from the first page and am sad that it is finished
November 23, 2021
A fascinating idea explored really well in a fictional setting. Highly recommended.
October 29, 2022
A good interesting read
This is a well written tale that sweep you along and kept you guessing as to how it would all end
This is a well written tale that sweep you along and kept you guessing as to how it would all end
December 29, 2022
Makes you think
A different view of history and what an alternative reality might bring. Well written and absorbing. I would recommend it.
A different view of history and what an alternative reality might bring. Well written and absorbing. I would recommend it.
April 12, 2022
There are reviews of this book that say you need to suspend belief. Yeah, it's sci-fi/alternate history. You need to suspend belief. No sci-fi/alternative history will be enjoyed if you don't suspend belief. There are also some who are critical of it because of the reviewers' religious beliefs. I can see the book offending some Christians. It's odd since the Christianity displayed in the book is the dominant world religion and is based closely on Jesus' teachings, but people can be sensitive when it comes to their beliefs. Other reviewers quibble with the accuracy of the history. Again, this is sci-fi/alternate history. It isn't history. Could Hitler have risen without World War I? Maybe, maybe not. As a historian, I could make arguments either way. Many other historians have made arguments on both sides of the question. Let me reiterate: this is Sci-fi/alternate history, not historical non-fiction or even historical fiction.
I have read a lot of alternative history and this book is unique and incredibly well executed. It does what really great alternative history books do, it takes an event and asks the question "what if." In the case of this book, the author took a huge chance by playing with a "what if" that evolves over 2000 years. It is based on a thought provoking premise and the plot is created in a logical manner based on the change in that one event.
If you like alternate history, are capable of suspending belief, and are willing to think of history and religion in a less conventional way, you will likely enjoy this book. It is among the best alternate history book I have read.
I have read a lot of alternative history and this book is unique and incredibly well executed. It does what really great alternative history books do, it takes an event and asks the question "what if." In the case of this book, the author took a huge chance by playing with a "what if" that evolves over 2000 years. It is based on a thought provoking premise and the plot is created in a logical manner based on the change in that one event.
If you like alternate history, are capable of suspending belief, and are willing to think of history and religion in a less conventional way, you will likely enjoy this book. It is among the best alternate history book I have read.
July 25, 2017
The premise of the story is what kept me going, but I very nearly quit reading several times toward the beginning. As a Christian, I wanted to see how the author pulled this off. I was afraid he was going to do a John Lennon; you know: "imagine a world with no religion-it would be so wonderful." So, I was glad to see that is not what he did.
However, why do authors think that in order to create a realistic world they must throw in profuse swearing? That and explicit sex scenes? I have read many older books that create those kinds of worlds very effectively without resorting to crudeness.
Anyway, I successfully made it through the book by skimming and skipping a lot. There was also a lot of long-winded descriptions and religious explanations (because of his hoping this will be read by non-religious people, which I'm assuming is another reason for all the language and sex).
In the end, I gave it two stars instead of one or a DNF because I did make it through, and because I ended up reading far too late last night trying to finish it. I was sucked in just enough for that!
However, why do authors think that in order to create a realistic world they must throw in profuse swearing? That and explicit sex scenes? I have read many older books that create those kinds of worlds very effectively without resorting to crudeness.
Anyway, I successfully made it through the book by skimming and skipping a lot. There was also a lot of long-winded descriptions and religious explanations (because of his hoping this will be read by non-religious people, which I'm assuming is another reason for all the language and sex).
In the end, I gave it two stars instead of one or a DNF because I did make it through, and because I ended up reading far too late last night trying to finish it. I was sucked in just enough for that!
July 26, 2017
A fascinating read written on the premise of the World War II axis nations having won the war, and dominating the entire world. The plot focuses on life in Europe under the German Empire. The "Turners" (members of a sect based love, peace and compassion and uniting aspects of Christianity, Islam and Judaism) are being sought out for extermination as a result of threatening the powers that be. A highly placed SS officer and a scientist, who are Turners and want to find ways to change the world almost have a love affair. A method of limited time travel has been developed and was intended by the Reich as a way of reaching into the past to further disclose plots against Fuehrerdom. But a more positive uses arises. In the meantime a stunningly beautiful (and brutal) woman officer of the SS in charge of executing enemies of the state (mostly Turners) is confronted with a life-changing event. All comes together at the end.
March 13, 2024
Mostly a great novel - some bits dragged, but on the whole these bits were necessary to the plot. Found myself glued from around 40% through. Knew where it was going from around 70%, and although the pacing was a little on the generous side (what, they have to do it aGAIN???), it carried through to the end in a fine manner.
August 7, 2017
I liked the premise of this novel. Also, the ideas presented during the cheese sandwich experiment were intriguing. I expected them to come into play later in the novel, but they never did. After a promising start, the book became predictable and I knew exactly where we were going
November 5, 2020
Wow
I really enjoyed reading this story and would highly recommend anyone who read The Man In The High Castle to read this. My favourite character was Mary because she figured it out.
I really enjoyed reading this story and would highly recommend anyone who read The Man In The High Castle to read this. My favourite character was Mary because she figured it out.
July 2, 2017
Good story with an interesting twist
Likable characters with a new approach on alternate history. Good action, story and science. Well worth the time to read.
Likable characters with a new approach on alternate history. Good action, story and science. Well worth the time to read.
June 28, 2018
Fascinating
Kept me interested start to finish. What a concept! If events in time could be changed, what would the results be?
Kept me interested start to finish. What a concept! If events in time could be changed, what would the results be?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews