Einstein's Compass

by Grace Allison Blair, Laren Bright (Contributor)

2019 Finalist National Indie Excellence Award Young Adult Fiction
2019 eLit Award-Winner in the Juvenile/YA Fiction Category

How did Albert Einstein come up with his wondrous theories of light and time? In Einstein's Compass: A YA Time Traveler Adventure, a young Albert is given a supernatural compass that allows him to travel through time and space, and find wisdom in other dimensions, including the lost city of Atlantis. But evil forces seek the power of the compass, including a monstrous, shape-shifting dragon from a different age. Can the compass protect Albert from such villainy?

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure, Time Travel

398 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2019

About the author

Grace Allison Blair is an award-winning self-help and motivational author who has assisted thousands to find their spiritual wisdom to solve everyday challenges.

Throughout her adult life, Grace became a serious student of the spiritual. She found that, often, psychological principles and practices were incomplete, but could be filled out by adding the missing spiritual component. Her approach was always to see practical applications for what she uncovered in the mystical. It was through immersing herself in this field of study and experience that she produced her idea for her book, Einstein’s Compass.

Einstein's Compass Book Awards:

2020 Best Sci-Fi Audiobook Reviewer

2020 Certificate of Excellence in Literature Spirituality/Religion Story Monster Approved

2020 Texas Indie Best Book Award Winner – YA Fiction

2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Award 1st Place – Historical Fiction

2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Award 2nd Place – YA Fiction

2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention – Sci-Fi/Fantasy

2020 RONE Cover Award 1sr Runner-Up – Fantasy/Sci-Fi

2019 Readers’ Favorite Book Award Winner

2019 eLit Award Winner – Juvenile/YA Fiction

2019 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist – YA Fiction

2019 International Book Awards Finalist – YA Fiction

Reviews

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Allison and Laren Bright's Einstein's Compass (2019) is a glorious romp through a fantastical world of dragons and god-like light healers who are entrusted with protecting mankind from the realms of evil--wrapped around the historically-accurate adventures of the incomparable Albert Einstein. It starts with young Albert being gifted a compass. Being who he is, he is exhilarated and entranced, wanting to understand everything there is to know about magnetism and the forces that make that little needle point North. What he doesn't realize is that this is a magical compass, containing valuable pieces of a mystical tool that will, in the right hands, keep the world safe, but in the wrong hands, give ultimate power to a devious creature with no respect for the boundaries between good and evil. To make that point, the authors provide us with a peek into the violent world that this special compass holds at bay. What we find is a power-crazed shape-shifter, a corrupted light healer with an insatiable lust for power. 

"Between his brow and the top of his skull were two chitinous horns. His burning, red eyes were riveted on the Ark, and an ichorous liquid escaped his lips as he salivated in anticipation. In one swift movement, the dark angel grasped and effortlessly lifted the Ark."

He seems unstoppable until he meets young Albert Einstein, his magical compass, and the forces of good arrayed to help the boy defeat evil.

I follow Grace Allison on social media and have been excited to read this book since I first saw it listed. What could be better than a YA book about one of the incomparable minds in history? Although it is intended for a Young Adult audience, it is well suited to adults who enjoy fictionalized history with a wide-ranging epic theme and a Harry Potter-esque plot.

"Somehow, triangles seem to blend nature and science. I even see geometric designs in the flowers in the garden."

"Life was a series of “Xs” he decided, a series of unknowns."

"It’s complicated, Albert,” Akra interjected. “The laws of space and time, as you are learning, are filled with paradoxes and contradictions.”

As the revelation dawned, he suddenly understood that as you approach the speed of light, space distorts. Things would appear shortened. Everything was relative! Albert gasped as he became aware that he had the fundamentals of his new theory of light. 

In fact, I would even call this historical fanfiction, the magic and fantasy built on top of the factual world of Albert Einstein. I was delighted when the story delved into Einstein’s famous mind experiments. That is perfect for YAs struggling with how to solve problems.

This is highly recommended for those who enjoy a saga of good vs. evil that spans tens of thousands of years, for readers who devour novels that blend history and fantasy, and for anyone who is simply looking for a unique story that they will not want to put down. 

[Misty Mount · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This YA time travel adventure has a lot of good things going for it. The story itself is very imaginative as it explores a young Einstein who receives a special gift from his father: a magical compass.

Also integral to the tale were violent chapters focused on religion and mythology—even using some familiar characters from the Bible. These scenes were immense portrayals of the struggle between good and evil.

It was those interludes that lost me a bit. As I read them I would find myself wanting to fast-forward and get back to Einstein. I had a hard time connecting with the story and suspending my belief when well known Bible characters were acting in ways—and with people—that I knew they hadn’t.

Even though not every aspect of this book was for me personally, it is very imaginative and well-written. I think a lot of people will appreciate and enjoy the intelligently developed plot and the combination of grand themes.” 3.5 Stars

[Rox Burkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The extended combination of history and magic was an unexpected mix, which pulled me in from the beginning, captivating me all the way to the surprising ending. This novel takes you from the early childhood of Einstein, which includes an illness that may have contributed to his perspective on the world around him as he grew older. It is refreshing to find a combination of history, religion, and folklore told in such a compelling manner with just the right amounts of magic and suspense.

Raka, the dark enemy of Einstein, pits himself against cosmic law as he hunts for power in all the wrong places. The transformational abilities he gains in his quest for domination contributes to the destruction of Atlantis. Atlantis has always been more of a folklore discussion, but perhaps that is too simplified a view. Raku is depicted as jealous from the beginning and his thoughts after being denied entrance into secrets of the light, ‘My grandfather was the mighty go Atlas! Admittedly, I am meant for greatness, like him’, sets the tone for his path toward evil.

The story is original and entertaining, not only as the Young Adult genre it is geared toward, but also for those adults who wonder about answers to so many questions on the spiritual and mystical plains. The case for Atlantis and Einstein’s fragment of the Shamir Stone connecting actually force me to reflect on the possibilities. I have always considered Einstein’s mental faculties to be at the outer edge without considering the why him. Research these authors did to bring all these details into such a compelling story is uniquely told.

I found this story to be entertaining, enlightening, and a must read for those who believe that time travel has possibilities. It is a well-crafted novel with complexities and depth that many will find a fascinating read. I highly recommend this to any adult young or older. A fascinating perspective you won’t want to put down. I hope there is another book along the same lines in my future.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time Travel - check
Historical - check
YA - check
Fantasy - check
Fascinating read - check

As you can see, this book checked off a lot of boxes for me and what I like to read.  (Ok, the fantasy genre depends on the book).  But this melds the past and present, time travel, and even some religious aspects with great ease.  I noticed that the book was well researched because many facts of Albert Einstein's life matched up to another book I read last year, so that made me happy that I didn't have to run off and figure out which book was right and which one was wrong!

This is a classic good vs. evil plot line - but with some unique twists.  There are light workers which could translate to Guardian Angel in a way since that is how one appears to young Albert when he needs some help.  They are on the religious side because there are references to Jesus, Moses and other biblical figures you might recognize.  Then there is Raka who has managed to survive many centuries only to awake to create havoc in his quest for the Compass which he feels will grant him anything he desires.

There are many characters that are woven into this story that add dimension and kept me engaged in the story from start to finish.  The story was a fairly steady pace until the end as the conflict between Einstein and Raka escalated and the story really took off and moved at a fast pace.

There are times that I gasped at certain events that crushed my heart and other times that I was amazed at the depths of evil from various characters.  I wondered about their sanity but they were the right balance to offset the good characters so that the story wasn't overly sweet and innocent.

We enjoyed this book and give it 5 paws up!

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Einstein’s Compass is a book that combines a range of genres, offering plenty throughout to keep the reader hooked. I was a wee bit sceptical at first, as I was unsure how such a story would play out, but once I started reading I found I could not put it down. In fact, it was a book I found myself happy to complete in a single sitting.

Einstein’s Compass wasn’t what I was expecting, not in the least. Although it gives the reader exactly what the blurb offered, I’d imagined a very different kind of story. It made for an interesting surprise and added to the reason why I was happy to devour this so quickly. Instead of a story made entirely of a young Einstein travelling through time and space, this story focused more on how the elements tangled together to influence Einstein’s life. It was a different take on the usual time travel adventures, and it made it all the more interesting.

I will admit, however, that I had been hoping for a wee bit more time travel than we were given. It’s the reason why my rating is a three-point-five-star rating. I wanted to see more of Einstein in different times and places, as it was my most anticipated part of the story. That is not to say I was disappointed by what we were given, simply that I wanted more scenes in which we got to see Einstein outside of his own time.

Overall, Einstein’s Compass is a great read for fans of unique young adult stories. It offers something different, combining many great elements, and makes for an additive read.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if Einstein's remarkable theories came from his personal journeys through space and time? Einstein's Compass: a YA Time Traveler Adventure blends this premise into a broader examination of mythology as it opens with a brief glimpse of life in Atlantis and moves to the dilemmas surrounding Raka, a fallen Angel of Light. The spiritual shudder he experienced an eon ago leads to his theft of a vial of DNA and exposes the resentment he holds for his uncle, who won't share secrets with him.

He seeks rewards and recognition from the Council of the Sons of Belial in exchange for betraying his fellow Atlanteans, but the secret of the Firestone crystal continues to elude him.

This is a YA read; but it should be mentioned that graphic violence is part of the story line. Such descriptions may give pause to adults seeking 'clean' reading for teens; but these moments are in keeping with plot development and are not excessive in appearance, nor over-emphasized.

Young Albert Einstein is in possession of a compass that allows him to travel in time and space. Unfortunately, he holds a coveted key to not just enlightenment, but power, and he soon discovers that dangerous supernatural forces from different eras are also searching for his prize.

Readers anticipating the usual timeslip saga may at first be surprised by the inclusion of and focus on these supernatural entities. As Raka stalks his unsuspecting prey, willing to pay the karmic price for assaulting the holder of the prized Shamir, Albert faces the death of a beloved friend, an increasing awareness of his power and its danger, and a journey that embraces not just mythological forces, but Biblical times, Jesus, and Albert's own roots in Atlantis.

These subplots lend a complexity to Einstein's Compass that will be intriguing and absorbing to mature YA readers; especially prior fans of timeslip sagas more used to such stories holding historical rather than fantasy backgrounds.

Under Grace Blair and Laren Bright's hands, Einstein's Compass is more than just another time travel story, but one of soul searching, enlightenment, and classic struggles between good and evil. During this journey, young Albert embraces the threat of death and world-changing perspectives.

Indeed, Albert will change the world, one day. But the roots of his knowledge and endeavors take a different turn in a riveting fantasy about soul-searching and growth which will keep young adult readers engrossed to the end.

[Lisa Reinicke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not stop reading this book. I read at stop lights and in line at the grocery store. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

The story is a struggle between good and evil that is straight forward and easy to follow. It points to how easily we can fall into an evil trap. You put a face and name on the spiritual world surrounding our earth and history.

Grace developed the characters to the extreme that they are alive in my mind as I read and I feel the power of each of them.

There is an element of truth because of the references to actual historical places and people, however the fiction has you believing, "This could actually explain why the events happened."

The book did not break down in the middle. It held my interest from start to finish. I have ADHD and tend to get side tracked if I get bored in a project or book. That didn't happen in Einstein's Compass- I was engaged with the events the entire time.

[Chosptickz11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who reads my reviews will recall that I am not a fan of high fantasy. I read the summary of this book and loved the concept from the start; however, I was almost thrown by the prologue. I’m very glad I kept going! In addition to the unique concept from the author, it was fascinating to think of Einstein as a child. When most think of him it is with his wild hair, similar to the cover photo used on the book. To imagine him growing up with such a mind was a great treat as well.

I really hope that Ms. Blair and Ms. Bright continue this concept and create more books with this theory. It was wonderful to see everything play out in the realm and the concept of those folks (not named for spoiler sake) sitting together was quite amusing.

I was provided with a free copy of the audio book for my honest review. The views expressed here are entirely my own.

[Doug Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story. Everyone should thoroughly enjoy reading it.
I was impressed with how the authors managed to incorporate the known information on the lost continent of Atlantis, Light Workers, souls, reincarnation, time travel and the early years of Albert Einstein before he became famous, into a mesmerizing work of fiction readers will have difficulty putting down.
Doug Simpson
Author of We Lived in Atlantis

[Kristine Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS. AUDIO BOOK REVIEW. Einstein’s Compass is a HIGHLY imaginative mix of historical fact, biblical and mythological references, and spiritual mysticism that will keep readers’ brains whirling and fully engaged.

“He held his breath as the stink of foul, stale blood and dark purpose filled the air.”

Figurative language coupled with rich, detailed descriptions make it easy to imagine the fantastic, but it also makes it easy to get bogged down in it. Though the narrator is spectacular, I think it would have been easier for me to absorb the more technical or spiritual elements of the book by reading with my eyes or better -- enjoying the book through a combination of print and audio so I could re-read passages and see spellings of words and names.

I very much enjoy how Einstein’s Compass offers readers a full fantasy experience but also ties it into characters based in history – namely Albert Einstein, but also in religious history, like Moses and Ezekiel, for example, and how there is a whole team of otherworldly beings at work behind the scenes influencing the direction of the world. These actors exist in history, in parallel worlds, and even in limbo as they transition from death to after-life. The bottom line of the book implies that there is much divine and/or otherworldly guidance and intervention in the lives of some – like Albert Einstein – whose paths are meant for greatness.

“My only god is mathematics.”

The story provides a good window into the likely frustration that a young, brilliant Einstein had with classmates and adults who didn’t understand and/or felt intimidated by his intelligence. Also, it is interesting to view young Einstein in context of his being a Jew when already the anti-Semitism is building up and he and others are being singled-out and persecuted.

At special times in human evolution, a traveler is given the keys to soul transcendence: The practices that awaken the awareness of oneself as a soul and as more than that, knowing their oneness with God. This is not a theoretical understanding, but the actual experience of that living reality.
The story gets a little deep at times and includes challenging vocabulary, which could lose some readers. There are astral planes and light travelers (Jesus being the first of the latter), plus there is seduction and references to arousal in the story, so it’s probably more geared for mature, advanced young adult readers. I recommend the book for readers who can go in with open minds and seek new experiences and viewpoints likely different from anything they’ve read before. Einstein’s Compass would be an excellent book for reading clubs because it begs to be discussed.

ABOUT THE NARRATION: Narrator Curt Bonnem does an outstanding job performing the voices of a huge cast of characters, both male and female (and genderless), in a variety of accents, of those both good and evil. I especially liked his voicing of Jehovah -- the ultimate good guy, and Raka – the ultimate bad guy. There were no technical issues with the recording, and I listened at regular speed and was never impatient with the pace.

Thank you to the author for providing me an audio book download in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give. This full review and other special features on Hall Ways Blog.

[Lorilei Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who struggled to understood math and science while in school, I have a deep appreciation for science fiction books that discuss complicated ideas in a way that not only do I understand but also stokes my interest. I also have particular affection for books that marry science fiction with fantasy, and, even more so, I adore historical re-imaginings. Needless to say, I was very excited to get my hands on this book.

Now, as someone who nerded out on mythology for fun in the fifth grade, I was a little thrown by the Raka story in the beginning. It seemed to stretch onward and I wasn't sure where Einstein would fit into all of it. Fast forward a bit and we're heading toward Biblical times, where my Christian upbringing couldn't help but sit up and lean in. It was like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade grafted itself to Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. I knew I was in for a wild ride.

And finally we meet Albert at the wee little age of 6. I knew nothing about Einstein's upbringing prior to this, and I really enjoy learning about historical figures in this manner. It makes them all the more human rather than reading their stats in an encyclopedia. But from the moment Einstein is given the compass, I am reminded that I'm reading fiction, so I shouldn't get too attached to what I was reading and embrace it as fact.

I don't know what I enjoyed more: the chapters about Einstein growing up and his descent into genius or the historical figure cameos. About a third of the way through the book, the story truly brings it focus on Einstein to the point that it's a little jarring when we leave his timeline for an interlude. Kudos to the authors' ability to change tone and style so quickly and completely. (Or did one author write the Einstein chapters while the other tackled the rest?) Nonetheless, the Einstein chapters are written in a way that feels very historical fiction, whereas the Raka-Ezekiel storyline has a very distinct fantasy vibe to it. 

I feel as though I could go on and on, but you really just need to read the book. It's a YA, but I feel like it reads pretty adult. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good historical fiction, fantasy, or science fiction book because, honestly, it satisfies all those literary cravings.

[S.W. Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best prologue/1st chapter of the year award goes to (drumroll)... Reminds me of the power grid theory mentioned on the "Ancient Aliens" tv series meeting the Biblical Ark drama featured in the "Indiana Jones" films. (But not that latest "Crystal Skull" Indie, what with the zombies doing a jazz dance in the graveyard--yikes!)

The English teacher in me, though, aches for a literary inspiration, besides philosophical texts and biographies. As fascinating as the ones woven herein are, though. For instance, is it an attempt to update "Usher" as Stephen King did with "The Shining"? etc. If that were clearer, the solid prose and story would rise, for me, above the level of escapism to earn that elusive, 5th star.

[Ruthie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Einstein's Compass is a swirling, complex, and intriguing world of mystery, greed, and love. As we all know, love comes in many forms, and young Albert Einstein is blessed with the true and lasting love of friendship that transcends both time and space.

The overall story is filled with many interesting events and characters that populate this elaborate, fictional life of Albert Einstein as a child and young man. Are we simply souls gathering experiences as we occupy earthly bodies throughout time? Are some souls destined for greatness, knowledge, and altruistic ingenuity? Are others so greedy that they manifest their evil over thousands of years, waiting for the perfect moment to strike down their perceived enemy and steal their power?

All these questions and more are waiting for you in this composite world of science, religion, mystical ideas, time travel, soul transcendence, and above all else, love. On the surface, Einstein's Compass is an entertaining what-if journey of how Albert Einstein thwarted his evil and greedy enemies and fulfilled his destiny of unlocking the theory of relativity. But go a bit deeper, and you will find yourself mired in a complicated web of lives crisscrossing time, space, and beliefs. But don't be alarmed by the scientific and religious jargon/discussions because the story is quite fascinating in its delivery of that simple yet powerful age-old lesson of good versus evil.

A main takeaway is the idea of going beyond mere vision to see the true selves of others, both good and bad. That idea plays out beautifully in this book through Raka, the ultimate antagonist and dragon in sheep's clothing. A shapeshifter is the ultimate deceiver because the chosen form can be someone who is friendly or familiar. Why is Raka so interested in Albert Einstein? How can Albert protect himself from such evil? What does a compass have to do with anything? Read Einstein's Compass to find out. You won't be disappointed, especially with that ultimate showdown and that final touching scene that is really only the beginning.

A word of caution as this is labeled as a young adult fiction: the overall topic of mystical travelers and such can be quite complex and requires full concentration and attention, but the reward is great because the story is packed with gripping tension and danger as well. Additionally, some scenes are quite gruesome and violent, but these aspects show the true nature and extent of evil. While difficult to read, they add a level of realism and definitely round out the story.

On a separate note, a bit more editing would not be amiss, but the plot is captivating and thought provoking enough to keep the story moving along at a brisk pace, without those grammatical bumps getting too much in the way. 

Sit back and have fun discovering and contemplating this unique, alternate view of such a well-known person in our history who was nothing short of brilliant.

[Edward Markovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pasternak said that he was a Christian, because without the incarnation of Jesus, he could not have any sense of human history. I think he might also agree that without Albert Einstein, we would have no sense of modern life. This book is a remarkable collaboration of talent, which opens the mind of a young reader to the wonder of the universe, and the challenge of being a human person. Because young Albert emerges, not as full-blown from the mind of Zeus, but a human person struggling in his own time and place, as we all do . I would recommend to every young reader of our language.

[Jacqueline Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s not something I would normally go for but enjoyed it very much. The characters were developed very well which made them relatable.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Einstein's Compass: A YA Time Traveler Adventure was like getting multiple stories in one. I like stories where you get points of view from different characters. I like knowing how each character sees their own story and not getting their take from someone else. And when you have a story within a story I like trying to figure out how all their lives and stories are going to intertwine.

One story is biblical related with Jesus, Moses, Ezekiel and Akhenaten has gathered in the halls of the Crystal Temple for a sacred purpose when they see that the Shamir Stone has been activated. They must protect the Shamir Stone from getting into the wrong hands if that happens it could be catastrophic for everyone.

A young boy, Albert Einstein, around the age of six receives a gift from his father, a compass. Now you would think that a boy that young would not care about a compass but this boy was different he loved the compass. This compass soon reveals its supernatural self to Einstein when it lights up.

A dark evil creature, a dragon is awoken when the compass is awoken. This dragon Raka knows right away how powerful this compass is and wants it so bad that he is willing to do anything or whatever it takes to obtain the compass.

Einstein’s Compass is about more than a boy with a compass or a dragon or time travel is about the light and dark in everyone and how much of each is released in each individual and of how much each individual allows to come forth in themselves.

Einstein’s Compass is a fast paced read that drew me in with the summary which left me wanting more with each turn of the page. The stories contained between its pages kept me hooked wanting to know how each would intertwine. I really enjoyed reading about a prominent figure in our lives and wondering how much was fiction and how much was fact.

Einstein’s Compass is one book that I highly recommend to all fans of science fiction, time travel and the supernatural or anyone who loves to see how stories intertwine.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

A complex YA time-traveling adventure, “Einstein’s Compass” combines various mythologies, religions, and science in a good vs. evil battle that takes the famous scientist and gives him a greater calling.

Read full review in the 2019 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Einstein’s Compass is a highly imaginative, yet compelling, time travel adventure. It begins in 10,400 BCE on the mystical island of Atlantis, within the Islands of Poseidon, so it grabbed my attention right away. This Atlantis is populated by a subset of mankind totally in tune to the energies of light and love.

From Atlantis we jump forward to nineteenth century Europe, and we meet young Albert Einstein. The authors quickly connect Albert to the storyline that started in Atlantis, and the adventure begins.

As expected, there is an abundance of fantasy, but it is spotted with just enough reference to historical facts so as not to spin out of control. I remained highly entertained from beginning to end!

The Stars of Einstein’s Compass

The main stars of this story are young Einstein and his somewhat magical compass. The compass may not be an actual “character” - but it certainly ties the entire story together. Thus, I consider it a star.

Since Albert Einstein was, in fact, a scientific celebrity, I found it very interesting how the authors spun the storyline to get Albert on the path to achieve everything he would later achieve. Although the story ends in the early twentieth century, shortly after Einstein gets his first job, we can see that he is firmly on his destined road.

No fantasy would be complete without evil. The evil lust for power was present in Atlantis, personified in a man so evil that he barely flinched when he was accidentally turned into a twelve foot dragon! Further, this dragon probably invented the phrase you are what you eat! He had the ability to change into the form of anyone, provided he ate them first.

Lusting for the power in Albert’s compass, the dragon will stop at nothing to get it back. You may think it easy for a dragon to overtake young Einstein, but it’s complicated. (I think identifying those complications in this review may take away some of the enjoyment, should you choose to read this story. If your interest is piqued, however - GOOD!)

Technically Speaking

There were a number of SPAG issues in the book. However, in fairness to the authors, I will say that I read a PDF copy of the text. The conversion to PDF seemed to negatively impact the overall formatting of the book. For example, words with double consonants would sometimes drop the second consonant. Well would be displayed as wel. I imagine that could also be the reason some commas were missing. Nevertheless, the impact of these problems on my overall enjoyment of the story was minimal.

The pacing was nice. There was a very gradual lead into the climax. I was also satisfied with how the authors ended the story.

There were a few colloquialisms that did not seem appropriate for the time, but I imagine they enhance the enjoyment of young adult readers.

The story touched on the anti-semitism present in Germany at that time. However, the story also contained some biblical characters and many references to God’s love.

This is a story of ethereal time travel. This is a story of good vs. evil. Further, this is a story of light and love.

I enjoyed this story very much, and I highly recommend it.

**(I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.)**

[Jenn Z at That's What She's Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.

This book combines an impressive array of genres such as history, science, fantasy, religion, and folklore to create a unique story that explores how Einstein was able to approach answering his scientific theories. Written in multiple parts, readers spend time with Einstein as a boy through his growth into a young man while also traveling tens of thousands of years throughout history to learn more about the antagonist, Raka, and his quest to obtain the compass as a means to solidify his desire for ultimate power. Featuring a veritable who's who cast of historical figures that function as "Light Workers" and other intermediaries throughout Einstein's life, these individuals gradually inform him about the nature of his gifts to not only himself, but to mankind as well. The story also showcases Einstein's own process of thought experiments as he is thrust into the ultimate battle between good and evil.

The story opens with quite a powerful bang, introducing us to Raka and his descent into madness. I'll admit that initially I wasn't quite sure how such a fantastical opening was going to connect with Einstein, but as the various parts and interludes unfolded, I was able to settle into this quite intricate story. Having not read much about the life of Einstein, I appreciated the historical fiction side of the story. His character came alive on the page and I enjoyed discovering the truth about the compass and its destiny right along with Einstein. As a lover of fantasy, I also really enjoyed when the story focused on Raka and his predicament; however, I felt that some of the tension and suspense were lost in the beginning because of the sudden shifts in perspective. There were times when this jumping back and forth was not so seamless so as to maintain momentum, but once Raka and Einstein were set to converge, the pacing picked up again and never let go until the very end. Ultimately, I can now appreciate this unique and attention-grabbing style of storytelling that really pulled science and fantasy into a tangled weave!

There is certainly a lot to unpack with this story between the time traveling, mystical aspects, and jumps in narrative structure; however, there was never a singular inundation of any of those elements to cause a distraction to the overall reading experience. There is a moment in the story when Einstein travels back in time to the city of Atlantis and begins a discussion on reincarnation with Arka, Raka's twin and an Atlantean leader. Einstein is unsure about his overall comprehension of the topic and remarks, "I feel like the whole foundation of what I believe is being shaken, so, for the moment, let's say that I will entertain this idea." In many ways, I felt this spoke to the essence of reading and understanding the entirety of this story. Go into it with an open mind and you may be as surprised as I was at how enjoyable the process and end result became!

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to start by saying that the idea of using Einstein as the main hero in this book is pure genius! That is the main reason I was really attracted to this book as I wanted to see how he was going to be portrayed.

The other smart thing here is actually meet him as a child all the way to him being a young adult. So it does give a lot more to play since you can fictionalize everything before he entered History for good.

I actually liked the plot, all the secondary characters but I will have to say that a few things here and there did bug me a little. Now, when I say this, it does not mean that I did not like the book or I though it was bad; because that would be wrong and you need to go back and read what I said above. However, let’s just say that there are a few things I would improve on.

When I say this, I will let you know that I may not have received the final fully edited ARC, sometimes we get earlier versions that are not fully finalized and edited, which is why quite often I will give certain bits in books a little leeway. So please take into account that some of my remarks here will be based on the version I got.

Aside from Einstein, there are a lot of Historical and Scientific figures that are characters in the book; some really important ones to the plot. However, my one concern is that some people may not be aware of who they are. It is not because I know that other readers will. I think it would have been great, to include a more detailed intro to who they were in our history or have a “Glossary” to use as a reference for those who might not be aware of who a character is. Akenathen is the one I am thinking of here, I mean I knew who he is cause well Ancient Egypt is a passion of mine, but I can imagine a lot of people would not be aware. There was a little mention of his impact on the history of his country, but still…

Another thing that I found interesting is that young Einstein has an encounter with an Isaac. Based on what I read before, my mind immediately went to of course Isaac Newton, but would other readers go there too? I hope you see where I am coming from because though I am very familiar with all the characters, some readers may not and they might get confused or lost. As I said, maybe this has been addresses and fixed in the final published version, but I am not sure.

Aside from that, I have to really commend the intergration of the plot to history and how creative it was. I mean, anything tied to Atlantis, and I am pretty much a goner!

Though I gave a little more details than usual here, I kept the whole plot far far away from dicussion because by now you know the drill, you have to read the book.

I actually quite enjoyed the book and I hope to see more from Grace and Laren. I can predict with some more experience and finessing we can expect great things ahead.

If you are like me, then you are going to enjoy Einstein’s Compass, and I am going to recommend it to you all! I hope you have fun reading it as much as I did.

[J. Else · Rating 4 out of 5]

When young Albert Einstein’s father gives him a jeweled compass, he has no idea the adventure that awaits. Spanning from 10,400 BCE on the Islands of Poseidon to Switzerland in 1903, Einstein’s Compass sweeps across dimensions all while Albert Einstein is growing into his destiny. But a dangerous creature hunts Albert and the compass. In this fantasy adventure, cosmic forces of good and evil clash around a budding scientist on the cusp of his greatest discovery.

Einstein’s early life and influences are touched upon. I enjoyed the maturing relationship of Einstein and friend, Johann, along with the strength obtained from that bond. Exploring the young genius’s early antics was enjoyable. However, Einstein’s relationship and research collaboration with Mileva Maric are glossed over. On January 6, 1903, he married Mileva, but she’s referred to as his fiancée in a chapter dated Spring 1903. Editing-wise, there are some errors particularly in the book’s second half, like missing quotation marks at the start of dialogue, spaces between words and punctuation, and erroneous hyphens in words like “poten-tial” and “re-venge.”

The authors throw in elements of time travel, alien DNA, anti-Semitism, the fall of Atlantis, spiritual enlightenment, and reincarnation which work surprisingly well together. Notable characters Einstein meets, known as “Light Travelers,” include Moses, Akhenaten, and Jesus. Overall, this was a curiosity-arousing story with a well-crafted spiritual core carefully woven in with the threads of science, space, and time. There’s plenty of world building and enough character intrigue to keep readers turning the pages. A fun fantasy adventure.

Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...

[Alyssa Janine Busia · Rating 3 out of 5]

BLOG POST LINK: https://wp.me/p7AwHZ-5R7

Einstein's Compass tells the story of young Albert Einstein, wherein he got hold of a magical compass that allows him to travel through time and space. While the blurb tells me already about it, I'm expecting to see more of time travelling here which the author didn't fail to let me read and experience. The young Einstein was able to move from one place to another and in a different time and era to seek the wisdom that he can only find there.

The narration is fast for me, and I enjoyed reading this book. For me, this is a well-written novel, but it didn't just stay with me like the other books that I've read and liked. Also, different themes and characters were fused together in this book. There are references to science stuff, bible characters, religion, belief, myths, legend, and history that will keep you engaged in reading.

The story also has some gruesome scenes which might disturb you, but for me, it is great to represent as to what extent evilness can go. Moreover, you'll see some things about good vs. evil while staying with young Einstein all throughout his journey. Then, there are times when I feel like seeing some philosophic thoughts while reading this book, and that's kind of fun. Though, what I only didn't enjoy was the way that I lack knowledge on some characters and information on what is their role. Some of them are even unfamiliar to me.

Overall, this imaginative and alluring time-travel novel will make you think beyond what you only read. I am letting the honor of figuring out what I mean here by recommending this book to you.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy via Lola's Blog Tours.

[John Purvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authors Grace Blair and Laren Bright published the novel “Einstein's Compass” in 2019. This is Ms. Blair's first novel. Mr. Bright has two other novels to his credit besides this one.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as “PG” because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Situations. The story is set in German and Switzerland. It begins in the late 19th century. The primary character is young Albert Einstein. 

The young Einstein is given a compass that does more than point to magnetic North. He becomes involved in a struggle between light and dark. Between angels and fallen angels. He finds himself often in danger. He learns to use his compass to travel through time and learn physics from the great physicists of history.

I thought that this was an interesting 6.5+ hour read. This 400-page young adult science fiction novel was a little disappointing. I came close to calling a 'Rule of 50' on it and setting it aside. I think that the selected cover art is interesting. I give this novel a 3.7 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...).

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Albert is given a wonderful gift when he's young. This gift can help him travel through time and space. It helps him collect very important data he needs for his scientific research. What he doesn't know is that evil is lurking about. They want the compass in which he has possession of. They will stop it at nothing to get this compass from him. They will take down whoever they need to get the compass. Including Albert.
This book really drug my emotions through the rocks. I can't even. There were so many sad parts. Then there were parts that made me angry. Then there were parts where I was at the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going on! It was all over the place. It was intense. It was thrilling. I loved every minute of it. I find that the very idea behind the story was brilliant. I get that it's actually based on Albert Einstein. I think that's what adds to the allure of the story for me in my opinion.
This book was narrated by Curt Bonnem. As if my emotions weren't already in the raw as it was. He had to go intensify them by intensifying his voice in all the right moments! I don't think it's fair! He has a pretty impressive library that he's narrated. This is the first book that I've listened to by him. It's not going to be my last. Not by any means. He has some amazing talent.
I gave this some time to let my emotions settle. It was for the best. It's a great book. I'm not going to lie, the book could have been expanded a bit. It could have had a lot more scenes added to it in all truth. Most of the story could have been told more about Einstein's point of view so that we could see the beauty of his genius. Or his points of view could have been added to more and the other points of view stayed the same. Either way, I enjoyed it very much.

[Jessica Belmont · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to reading Einstein’s Compass for awhile. The blub just seemed so unique, I knew I had to give it a shot. Young Einstein traveling through time and space? Cool, count me in.

I honestly had trouble setting this one down. It’s very fast paced, and I just wanted to keep reading. I really appreciate the intelligently put together plot. There was clearly an immense amount of research done for this book and it shows. A lot of times, I found myself thinking, “this could have really happened.” That’s a testament to fantastic writing.

This is a story that plays on good vs. evil. Admittedly, there were some gruesome scenes I was surprised by, solely because this is marketed as YA, but I don’t think anything went too far and it did very well showcasing just how evil people can be.

I’m a fan of Einstein’s Compass. I think it was written really well, with clear research and love for the story. I recommend checking this out if you want to read something unique.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with YA Bound Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*

Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com

[Melanie Melugin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being 44, and a mom of 2, young adult books are my favorite genre. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it!

There were elements of good versus evil and spiritual warfare. I did not expect this from the synopsis or title, but was a pleasant surprise. I would be careful, as there are scenes that could be a bit scary for the younger readers. I loved that several biblical characters were introduced in this book, including Jesus, Ezekiel, and Moses.

I would also, not consider this a true time travel story. It parallels more of a multi dimensional story. I expected a more standard time travel story, but this only has one scene where they traveled back in time, and it felt more ethereal than anything else.

Also, there were SEVERAL editing errors that drove me crazy. Extra punctuation, some misspelled words, extra words.


In the end, however, I enjoyed the story and read this book fairly quickly! I know that young adults, and adults alike, would really enjoy the story.

[Cherei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Einstein's Compass by Grace Blair is extremely unique and just downright entertaining! I have no idea how much of the story is based on Einstein's real life.. but, I truly would love to believe that the story is closer to the truth than any other novel written about Einstein! The characters are all richly fleshed out.. and the reader feels like they are right there helping or wanting to help Einstein beat out the evil Raka.

Only the truly lucky folks in life will have a childhood best friend who would be there for you no matter whether they are living or moved into the light themselves. I loved how the story tells in fascinating detail the early years of Einstein's youth. Weaving in his childhood, friends, peers and even childhood bully. Such a fantastic tale! I highly recommend, EINSTEIN'S COMPASS to anyone who loves time travel, Atlantis, and science!

[Jim Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

This book is historical fiction where a young Albert Einstein is entrusted with an item that unknown to him is of great cosmic significance. The novel skips around the various stages of his life and he has paranormal experiences with religious, mythological, mystic and alien beings.

There are important characters in Judeo-Christianity and Atlantis that feature heavily into the plot.
If you have a young reader who wants a story with scope and discussions of the philosophical nuances of the different forces at play then this will give them a lot to chew on while they learn about the life of one of the most brilliant men in history.

The narrator balances a number of different european accents very well.

[Courtney Odor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time travel at its best!
Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed: 05-21-19

First, I have to start off by stating that I got this book free of charge in exchange for a review, but as I always state, this does not in any way impact my review. My reviews are always honest and my own.

I found this story to be entertaining, enlightening, and a must read for those who believe that time travel has possibilities. It is a well-crafted novel with complexities and depth that many will find a fascinating read. I highly recommend this to any adult young or older. A fascinating perspective you won’t want to put down. I hope there is another book along the same lines in my future.

[Susana Duarte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixing a lot of historical facts and religious references (from many creeds) this story follows young Albert Einstein in his task to protect one mysterious compass he received as a gift.
The anti-hero is a power collector dragon shifter so the story is original in the way it mixes in a interesting way a lot of themes.
I loved the character of young Albert, specially brought to life by the narrator Curt Bonnem, but sometimes I wished a bit of more depth from the other characters, as the story is not that short.
The russian accent for some of the characters works great, but it may be a bit difficult sometimes for not experienced listeners. I do recommend the audiobook, still.
Full book with no cliffhanger.