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Time Rovers #2
Virtual Evil
Jacynda Lassiter s latest assignment is a double-edged sword: find the greatest of all Time Rovers and send him to 2057 without his consent. If she returns Harter Defoe to the future, she ll be branded a traitor to her kind. If she fails, the punishment is a decade in prison. As Jacynda searches her conscience and the back alleys of Whitechapel, Sgt. Jonathon Keats presses his hunt for an Irish anarchist and the missing explosives. Unable to use his shape-shifting abilities, Keats troubles are just beginning. Unless his good friend Alastair Montrose can uncover who framed him for murder, Keats might be next for the hangman's rope.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2007
About the author
Jana Oliver
43 books2,019 followersJana Oliver is an international and Amazon bestselling author who lives in Portugal.
Her novels have won numerous awards, including the Prism Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Supense as well as the National Readers' Choice Award.
Her books include The Demon Trappers Series and Briar Rose (Young Adult), time travel/historical mystery (The Time Rovers Series) and paranormal romance (Tangled Souls).
She is co-author of Socially Engaged: The Author's Guide to Social media, written with Tyra Burton.
She is happiest when she's researching urban legends, peering at old maps and adding to her growing collection of port and Portuguese wines.
Her novels have won numerous awards, including the Prism Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Supense as well as the National Readers' Choice Award.
Her books include The Demon Trappers Series and Briar Rose (Young Adult), time travel/historical mystery (The Time Rovers Series) and paranormal romance (Tangled Souls).
She is co-author of Socially Engaged: The Author's Guide to Social media, written with Tyra Burton.
She is happiest when she's researching urban legends, peering at old maps and adding to her growing collection of port and Portuguese wines.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 10, 2017
In Virtual Evil, the story picks up a few weeks after the end of the first book. Jack the Ripper is still at large, but has stopped killing for now. The anarchists' plot was interrupted, but their threat is more real than ever, and not as simple as it seems. John Keats is badly injured and now an anarchist target. Alastair is grumpy, over-protective and having career troubles, and Cynda is still at the heart of dangerous events, unable to return to her time before the mess of 1888 is fixed. In this state of affairs, it takes a while for the new plot to get moving, but once it does it's hard to stop reading.
The mess in 1888 only gets worse. Cynda thinks she has solved part of the mystery surrounding another Rover's death, but now the mystery only gets deeper and deeper, and those who have helped her find themselves in serious trouble. Everything that happens adds to the chaos, and the question hovers over it all - why is this time period being tampered with and by whom?
This is quite a long novel with lots of new questions and new dangers, but very few answers. It's almost boring at first, but all the questions just keep building until you realize there's no way that you're going to get answers at the end of the book and it's hard to hold them all in your head.
This time by the end, Cynda's blind bumbling around turns to disaster since she simply doesn't have the pieces necessary to make headway against enemy unknown, and we are left with cliffhangers - plural. There are no resolutions, no discoveries that solve this cross-time puzzle. The tension that builds in the last 100 pages or so begs for relief that can only be found in the third book that it was all leading up to. This is more than just someone being left hanging in a bad situation that you have to read on to see what happens. This is a huge, unresolved tangle that will take another 450 pages to solve. I have to say I'm eager to discover what comes of it all and I can't seem to stop trying to sort it out in my head.
The mess in 1888 only gets worse. Cynda thinks she has solved part of the mystery surrounding another Rover's death, but now the mystery only gets deeper and deeper, and those who have helped her find themselves in serious trouble. Everything that happens adds to the chaos, and the question hovers over it all - why is this time period being tampered with and by whom?
This is quite a long novel with lots of new questions and new dangers, but very few answers. It's almost boring at first, but all the questions just keep building until you realize there's no way that you're going to get answers at the end of the book and it's hard to hold them all in your head.
This time by the end, Cynda's blind bumbling around turns to disaster since she simply doesn't have the pieces necessary to make headway against enemy unknown, and we are left with cliffhangers - plural. There are no resolutions, no discoveries that solve this cross-time puzzle. The tension that builds in the last 100 pages or so begs for relief that can only be found in the third book that it was all leading up to. This is more than just someone being left hanging in a bad situation that you have to read on to see what happens. This is a huge, unresolved tangle that will take another 450 pages to solve. I have to say I'm eager to discover what comes of it all and I can't seem to stop trying to sort it out in my head.
February 26, 2022
When troubled, TEM, as he was known, would meditate on a painting of black holes and red dwarf stars, a rare Perkins original. This time it was the M.C. Escher, the one with reptiles trudging into a puzzle and out again in an endless circle. Ralph turned back to his chronsole. If Morrisey was boring holes into the Escher, things were going south in a hurry.
Going south indeed, as the plot becomes more and more convoluted. “Middle book syndrome” comes to mind, but I’m not sure I’d go as far as to claim that. I just hope the author is able to bring all the plot points to a satisfactory conclusion in Book 3 (I have faith!).
Going south indeed, as the plot becomes more and more convoluted. “Middle book syndrome” comes to mind, but I’m not sure I’d go as far as to claim that. I just hope the author is able to bring all the plot points to a satisfactory conclusion in Book 3 (I have faith!).
March 2, 2022
Possibly either long winded or just taking her time, I liked this book a lot. Yes, excellent world building, a fresh turn on old tropes and a clear writing style and I enjoyed this book and the series in general. Read!!!🌹
November 15, 2022
Series Info/Source: This is the second book in the Time Rovers series. I bought a copy of this as an ebook for my Kindle.
Thoughts: This book picks up where the second one left off. Jacynda is in a trouble for some of her actions in book 1 and ends up being pulled in as major player in some politics going on in 2057. She gets sent back to London 1888 on a mission to find the famous Harter Defoe. She needs to return him to the future or be sent to prison, however, things are very complicated. Back in 1888, Keats continues to hunt for the Irish anarchist and missing explosives. Keats ends up in trouble when he is blamed for a murder he didn't commit. All of it may tie back to events in 2057 and the time line for 1888 is seriously going off the rails.
I really enjoyed this a lot. The world-building here is fantastic. I enjoy both the futuristic world of 2057 and spending time in Victorian London. All of the characters are a lot of fun to read about and easy to engage with. The plot has a lot of twists and turns and really keeps you guessing. There are mysteries layered on top of mysteries here and I am super curious as to how everything will play out.
This was an engrossing read that was easy and fun to read; it kept me very interested and engaging. I enjoyed it a lot.
My Summary (5/5): Overall I really enjoyed this second installment in the Time Rovers series. The world-building is fascinating, the story is intriguing and keeps you guessing, and the characters are easy to engage with. I read this fairly quickly and enjoyed every second of it. I look forward to reading the third, and final, book in this series "Madman's Dance". In fact I wanted to start reading "Madman's Dance" right away but I have some other library books I need to finish first!
Thoughts: This book picks up where the second one left off. Jacynda is in a trouble for some of her actions in book 1 and ends up being pulled in as major player in some politics going on in 2057. She gets sent back to London 1888 on a mission to find the famous Harter Defoe. She needs to return him to the future or be sent to prison, however, things are very complicated. Back in 1888, Keats continues to hunt for the Irish anarchist and missing explosives. Keats ends up in trouble when he is blamed for a murder he didn't commit. All of it may tie back to events in 2057 and the time line for 1888 is seriously going off the rails.
I really enjoyed this a lot. The world-building here is fantastic. I enjoy both the futuristic world of 2057 and spending time in Victorian London. All of the characters are a lot of fun to read about and easy to engage with. The plot has a lot of twists and turns and really keeps you guessing. There are mysteries layered on top of mysteries here and I am super curious as to how everything will play out.
This was an engrossing read that was easy and fun to read; it kept me very interested and engaging. I enjoyed it a lot.
My Summary (5/5): Overall I really enjoyed this second installment in the Time Rovers series. The world-building is fascinating, the story is intriguing and keeps you guessing, and the characters are easy to engage with. I read this fairly quickly and enjoyed every second of it. I look forward to reading the third, and final, book in this series "Madman's Dance". In fact I wanted to start reading "Madman's Dance" right away but I have some other library books I need to finish first!
September 19, 2019
Second in Series
This second book in series is keeping the momentum going in the storyline with lots of action, twists and turns. A really great read looking forward to the next.
This second book in series is keeping the momentum going in the storyline with lots of action, twists and turns. A really great read looking forward to the next.
March 5, 2023
The plot thickens ...
September 22, 2022
✰ 3.5
This book had me all over the place, all the obstacles that occurred started to overwhelm my brain. Cynda being manipulative to get what she wanted from everyone else (people who care for her) proved to be a huge issue in my opinion. Kinda made me dislike her a little bit. Also, gray area characters. Do I feel for them? Or do I hate them?
I enjoyed the book, don’t get me wrong. But damn, it had me face palming a lot.
This book had me all over the place, all the obstacles that occurred started to overwhelm my brain. Cynda being manipulative to get what she wanted from everyone else (people who care for her) proved to be a huge issue in my opinion. Kinda made me dislike her a little bit. Also, gray area characters. Do I feel for them? Or do I hate them?
I enjoyed the book, don’t get me wrong. But damn, it had me face palming a lot.
February 15, 2012
Book Review of Virtual Evil by Jana Oliver
Jacynda Lassiter's latest assignment is a double-edged sword: find the greatest of all Time Rovers and send him to 2057 without his consent. If she returns Harter Defoe to the future, she'll be branded a traitor to her kind. If she fails, the punishment is a decade in prison.
As Jacynda searches her conscience and the back alleys of Whitechapel, Sgt. J...onathon Keats presses his hunt for an Irish anarchist and the missing explosives. Unable to use his shape-shifting abilities, Keats troubles are just beginning. Unless his good friend Alastair Montrose can uncover who framed him for murder, Keats might be next for the hangman's rope.
Review 6 out of 5
Jacynda Lassiter is continuing her time travelling adventure in 1888, but she has orders to locate the greatest of all Time Rovers and send him back to 2057 without his consent. It's a catch-22 situation. If she does as she is ordered, she will be labelled a traitor by her contemporaries; if she doesn't, she'll be sent to prison for a decade.
Meanwhile, Jonathon Keats is still looking for an Irish anarchist and the missing explosives. With his inability to use his shape-shifting, Keats's troubles have just begun. Can his friend Alistair Montrose uncover who has framed him for murder? If not, Jonathon might be next for the hangman's rope.
This is the second book of the Time Rovers series. Jana did it again: I LOVED IT! It continues the story from Sojourn and keeps up a relentless pace throughout. Jacynda has been given the task of locating the greatest of all Time Rovers. It's not an easy task, but failure is not an option either. I love Jacynda's character. She is feisty and sharp as a tack! And I absolutely love her personal hallucination! I love both Jon and Alistair's characters too. They are both good looking, but they have the most amazing personalities. I wish I could actually meet them in the flesh! This book is an emotional roller-coaster. It takes you on a ride, and when it is over, you want to go on it again! I'm glad the story continues in Madman's Dance, which I will be reviewing soon! - Lynn Worton
Jacynda Lassiter's latest assignment is a double-edged sword: find the greatest of all Time Rovers and send him to 2057 without his consent. If she returns Harter Defoe to the future, she'll be branded a traitor to her kind. If she fails, the punishment is a decade in prison.
As Jacynda searches her conscience and the back alleys of Whitechapel, Sgt. J...onathon Keats presses his hunt for an Irish anarchist and the missing explosives. Unable to use his shape-shifting abilities, Keats troubles are just beginning. Unless his good friend Alastair Montrose can uncover who framed him for murder, Keats might be next for the hangman's rope.
Review 6 out of 5
Jacynda Lassiter is continuing her time travelling adventure in 1888, but she has orders to locate the greatest of all Time Rovers and send him back to 2057 without his consent. It's a catch-22 situation. If she does as she is ordered, she will be labelled a traitor by her contemporaries; if she doesn't, she'll be sent to prison for a decade.
Meanwhile, Jonathon Keats is still looking for an Irish anarchist and the missing explosives. With his inability to use his shape-shifting, Keats's troubles have just begun. Can his friend Alistair Montrose uncover who has framed him for murder? If not, Jonathon might be next for the hangman's rope.
This is the second book of the Time Rovers series. Jana did it again: I LOVED IT! It continues the story from Sojourn and keeps up a relentless pace throughout. Jacynda has been given the task of locating the greatest of all Time Rovers. It's not an easy task, but failure is not an option either. I love Jacynda's character. She is feisty and sharp as a tack! And I absolutely love her personal hallucination! I love both Jon and Alistair's characters too. They are both good looking, but they have the most amazing personalities. I wish I could actually meet them in the flesh! This book is an emotional roller-coaster. It takes you on a ride, and when it is over, you want to go on it again! I'm glad the story continues in Madman's Dance, which I will be reviewing soon! - Lynn Worton
January 30, 2010
While I thought Virtual Evil didn't quite live up to Sojourn, and while I found that it began rather slowly - it felt like a mid-book lull, paving the way before things explode - it slowly got its hooks into me and then got thoroughly under my skin. A tense, entertaining, enjoyable read.
In a lot of ways, I felt Virtual Evil was too obviously a Book #2. It picked up from the events of Sojourn with the sense that the reader should remember everything that happened in the first book. While I don't think everything needs to be recapped, I would preferred a few more refreshers. As aforementioned, it "hung" off the previous plot-points for a while without much forward motion.
Not related to sequel-ness, I also found some irritating technical issues: blatant info-dumpery and mid-scene head-hopping ... which is really a shame, because it undermined one of the best things about the book a little (see below). Until about two-thirds of the way through the book, the time travel element seemed largely incidental, though there were a few little references to it that were fantastic.
That is to say: one of Oliver's special virtues as a writer seems to be the ability to provide the reader with more information than any single character has, while effortlessly allowing you to keep track of who knows - or doesn't know - what, when ... and creating multiple layers of tension from wondering what's going to happen when X, Y or Z finds out about A, B, or C.
The Victorian period here is well-detailed and vivid, with an enjoyable interpolation of early forensics; the characters are intriguing ... the plot a labyrinth with cascading consequences that still continuously lead towards some logical (albiet, at the end of Virtual Evil, still somewhat veiled) conclusion.
As to those that mentioned the cliff-hanger: Y-E-S. I usually don't read a sequel right away, but I may actually break my habit here ... augh!
In a lot of ways, I felt Virtual Evil was too obviously a Book #2. It picked up from the events of Sojourn with the sense that the reader should remember everything that happened in the first book. While I don't think everything needs to be recapped, I would preferred a few more refreshers. As aforementioned, it "hung" off the previous plot-points for a while without much forward motion.
Not related to sequel-ness, I also found some irritating technical issues: blatant info-dumpery and mid-scene head-hopping ... which is really a shame, because it undermined one of the best things about the book a little (see below). Until about two-thirds of the way through the book, the time travel element seemed largely incidental, though there were a few little references to it that were fantastic.
That is to say: one of Oliver's special virtues as a writer seems to be the ability to provide the reader with more information than any single character has, while effortlessly allowing you to keep track of who knows - or doesn't know - what, when ... and creating multiple layers of tension from wondering what's going to happen when X, Y or Z finds out about A, B, or C.
The Victorian period here is well-detailed and vivid, with an enjoyable interpolation of early forensics; the characters are intriguing ... the plot a labyrinth with cascading consequences that still continuously lead towards some logical (albiet, at the end of Virtual Evil, still somewhat veiled) conclusion.
As to those that mentioned the cliff-hanger: Y-E-S. I usually don't read a sequel right away, but I may actually break my habit here ... augh!
October 5, 2013
Jacynda Lassiter is continuing her time travelling adventure in 1888, but she has orders to locate the greatest of all Time Rovers and send him back to 2057 without his consent. It's a catch-22 situation. If she does as she is ordered, she will be labelled a traitor by her contemporaries; if she doesn't, she'll be sent to prison for a decade.
Meanwhile, Jonathon Keats is still looking for an Irish anarchist and the missing explosives. With his inability to use his shape-shifting, Keats's troubles have just begun. Can his friend Alistair Montrose uncover who has framed him for murder? If not, Jonathon might be next for the hangman's rope.
This is the second book of the Time Rovers series. Jana did it again: I LOVED IT! It continues the story from Sojourn and keeps up a relentless pace throughout. Jacynda has been given the task of locating the greatest of all Time Rovers. It's not an easy task, but failure is not an option either. I love Jacynda's character. She is feisty and sharp as a tack! And I absolutely love her personal hallucination! I love both Jon and Alistair's characters too. They are both good looking, but they have the most amazing personalities. I wish I could actually meet them in the flesh! This book is an emotional roller-coaster. It takes you on a ride, and when it is over, you want to go on it again! I'm glad the story continues in Madman's Dance.
Meanwhile, Jonathon Keats is still looking for an Irish anarchist and the missing explosives. With his inability to use his shape-shifting, Keats's troubles have just begun. Can his friend Alistair Montrose uncover who has framed him for murder? If not, Jonathon might be next for the hangman's rope.
This is the second book of the Time Rovers series. Jana did it again: I LOVED IT! It continues the story from Sojourn and keeps up a relentless pace throughout. Jacynda has been given the task of locating the greatest of all Time Rovers. It's not an easy task, but failure is not an option either. I love Jacynda's character. She is feisty and sharp as a tack! And I absolutely love her personal hallucination! I love both Jon and Alistair's characters too. They are both good looking, but they have the most amazing personalities. I wish I could actually meet them in the flesh! This book is an emotional roller-coaster. It takes you on a ride, and when it is over, you want to go on it again! I'm glad the story continues in Madman's Dance.
July 10, 2014
I enjoyed this one and loved who Defoe turned out to be! The plot is thickening with 1888 not proceeding as it should be and TPB and Guv at war with the Rovers caught in the middle.
I still love Alistair and Keats! We find out that Keats timeline isn't progressing the way it should, or that of the murdered women in the book. It wasn't mentioned if Alastair's lifeline is off as well but it appears that Jacynda is to blame for Keats timeline being messed up, though I wonder if it's really her fault or part of a bigger conspiracy?
I love Dr. Rueben as well and it was interesting what we learned about the transitive's, Flaherty and about what happened in Alastair's past as well. I wonder what is to happen with Cydna, will she end up remaining in Victorian London and maybe choose between Alastair and Keats or will she have to disappear, I get the feeling that whether or not their are other books in the series after the next one, the next one may prove Cydna's last as her time lag is worsening and she may not be able to time travel any more unless something happens in the next novel to help her.
I look forward to the next book to learn what will happen with the characters and with Jacynda's mission to fix the timeline.
I still love Alistair and Keats! We find out that Keats timeline isn't progressing the way it should, or that of the murdered women in the book. It wasn't mentioned if Alastair's lifeline is off as well but it appears that Jacynda is to blame for Keats timeline being messed up, though I wonder if it's really her fault or part of a bigger conspiracy?
I love Dr. Rueben as well and it was interesting what we learned about the transitive's, Flaherty and about what happened in Alastair's past as well. I wonder what is to happen with Cydna, will she end up remaining in Victorian London and maybe choose between Alastair and Keats or will she have to disappear, I get the feeling that whether or not their are other books in the series after the next one, the next one may prove Cydna's last as her time lag is worsening and she may not be able to time travel any more unless something happens in the next novel to help her.
I look forward to the next book to learn what will happen with the characters and with Jacynda's mission to fix the timeline.
April 27, 2013
Finished the entire trilogy on this date. Do not have or will buy the hard back or paperback, but this trilogy will be reread when I am a bit down and need some escape. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and bits of interesting facts. I always enjoy a book that makes me wonder if a fact is true. the wonderment causes me to look things up on the net. then I silently curse the author when I travel down the rabbit hole and find related history or facts that spark my interest. loved the fact that there was humor, adventure, romance, time travel, no cursing with the name of Jesus, and no graphic sex. I highly recommended the entire series, especially for people who enjoy strong female characters. Miss Jacynda is truly inspiring.
June 17, 2008
This book's ending is definitely exciting. was hard to put it down. The beginning was kind of slow, like all mystery type/find out what happens books.
I think this book is a bit better than the first. It describes more of what is happening (in terms of time travel)... makes the premise more acceptable. The previous book had it hard for me to suspend disbelief on the whole time traveling thing. (I guess it is more of a plot device here, getting from one point to another and giving the whole "everything" is at stakes a bit oomph.)
I think this book is a bit better than the first. It describes more of what is happening (in terms of time travel)... makes the premise more acceptable. The previous book had it hard for me to suspend disbelief on the whole time traveling thing. (I guess it is more of a plot device here, getting from one point to another and giving the whole "everything" is at stakes a bit oomph.)
April 3, 2013
Fun continuation, but I felt it was too long. A lot of it felt like a rehashing of the first novel. The plot becomes more complex and new players enter the field.
I pretty much read the third novel right after I finished this one, so I'm having a hard time separating what happened in the second. :)
I'll leave it simple: It's a good story.
I pretty much read the third novel right after I finished this one, so I'm having a hard time separating what happened in the second. :)
I'll leave it simple: It's a good story.
July 16, 2014
I was looking for something quite light and easy to read after tackling some epic Ken Follett and Jana Oliver did not let me down. Time travel that puts the heroine right in the middle of Jack the Ripper's Victorian London and into her own mystery. Really enjoyable. I think I'd love to be doing a bit of time tourism myself. Hmmm, where to go?
September 1, 2017
I did not finish this. Somehow, the fact that book one dealt with Jack the Ripper, the murders and violence seemed part and parcel of the whole story. However, when book two seemed to go on in that vein and even upped the ante (Nicci and her "meetings" and the pathology of violent crimes....'scuse me while I barf). I don't want to go on reading.
February 29, 2016
And the adventures through time continue. Cynda is trying to put everything right in 1888 but someone keeps sabotaging everything. The timeline is stretching further away from where it should be and the consequences could be catastrophic. Can she help Alastair and John or will she run out of time?
August 24, 2015
I'd say this is somewhere between a 3 and a 4, but settling on a three seemed too mean. There were a few points where I was confused about the details and what was going on (there is a lot to keep up with in this trilogy!) but mostly I really enjoyed it.
Full review coming soon.
Full review coming soon.
March 27, 2008
I loved this book. The ending killed me. I'm waiting on pins and needles for the 3 book to come out this fall. Fall seems so far away.
August 22, 2011
Cliff Hanger Alert! You'll love this one, but warning: buy the third before you get to the ending, or you'll be hating yourself.
July 6, 2017
I believe I read this book pretty much straight away after the other one was finished.
However I haven't bought or read the 3rd..
However I haven't bought or read the 3rd..
March 3, 2015
1888 plot lines work well, and seem far more coherent then the 2057 plot.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews