Time Scope

by Francis Mont

The “Time Scope”, is a Sci-Fi TV Set that can be tuned to any space and time coordinate and observe events, without sound, as they took place in the past. It has control buttons and dials for ‘Power’, ‘Time’, ‘Space’, ‘Zoom’, ‘Speed’, ‘Scan’ and ‘Track’. It is used, among other things, by an American Senator to find out if his party’s presidential nominee, a retired general is, in fact, a power-mad maniac with dictatorial ambitions. He wants to save his country from a rogue president who could cause immense harm to both the USA and to the rest of the world.

Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2017

About the author

Francis Mont has been living in Canada for the past 50 years, after he emigrated from his native Hungary where he studied science and received a degree in Theoretical Physics. Over the years he did research, application and teaching in Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science. He is interested in profound questions, both in science and in social philosophy. He is a 'big picture' person, focusing on fundamental principles and the defining essence of the topic at hand. He also pursues independence and self-reliance to the best of his abilities, as his solar power system and year-around greenhouse demonstrate. He writes poetry, plays classical violin, dabbles at wood carving and has not yet stopped building the house where he and his wife and (currently) five cats live.

Reviews

[Arthur Doweyko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every good science fiction yarn should have at least one morsel of tech that the reader is willing to swallow. Time Scope offers up a delectable serving-—a device which "sees" into the past, capable of locking in on any person at any time. The possibilities then become limitless, and the author offers up several such uses through the eyes of three central characters with widely differing motivations. The plot follows these three, with a special emphasis on a presidential candidate whose dictatorial ambitions are a mildly disguised analogy to what some see as present day politics. This may be a turnoff to readers with a strong political bias.
The plot unwinds in a rather predictable way, leaving all the protagonists afloat in a saccharine-sweet unrealistic cocktail of happy endings. The author had the opportunity to increase tension and build conflict as the protagonists vied for the use of the Time Scope, but opted instead on a different outcome. I enjoyed parts of the story, but felt that the personal conflicts were light on substance and the description of personal relationships resulted in distraction instead of moving the story along.
Although the writing is solid, there are many instances of head-hopping POV issues within the same scene, and an overuse of two-sentence paragraphs. I'd also suggest the author consider a novel-length version of the story, since the concepts within it have great potential. I'd give it 3.5 stars, but ratings are unfortunately limited to integers.

[Johnny Moscato · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great novella about a man who finds a TV-type of device that can watch any events of the past anywhere in the world (video only, no sound). The premise itself hooked me in immediately and my brain instantly went to work imagining ways the Time Scope could be used. This is a fast paced story that jumps right into the main plot quickly. Of course, having a device like this has some dangers and drawbacks and Mont quickly gets to those points. The protagonist gets tangled up with a politician and mobster and the story evolves into a political saga with “side projects” that keep the story (and the reader’s heart) hopping and moving.

The writing is excellent throughout and the pace of the story makes it difficult to stop reading. I loved this book but I do have one complaint that I expect to see from other reviewers. WE WANT MORE! As the saying goes, all great stories are too short and this one definitely fits that description. I’d love to see this turned into not only a full length novel, but a full series. It's rare to come across a book as entertaining and intriguing as this.

[Cathleen Townsend · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time Scope, by Francis Mont, does an excellent job of setting up a simple sci-fi premise: the eponymous time scope is a television-like monitor which can tune into any past moment and show what truly occurred. The author also did an excellent job of limiting the story tech—there’s no sound, and it’s impossible to see into the future or present.

Zack, the main character, discovers this device and proceeds to get involved with both a mob boss and an honest politician trying to save his country. The story’s plot line is coherent and consistent, as are the characters, although I do have my quibbles. I’d like to see more tension—there were several missed opportunities to heighten the conflict, but they were passed by. And the writing was too distant for my taste at times, although it’s worth mentioning that I found SF icon Isaac Asimov’s writing too distant as well.

If you’re looking for a concept driven plot, Time Scope is worthy of your consideration.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intriguing concept! A time scope capable of looking into the past is a new twist on the time travel idea, and one that has plenty of possibilities.

Once I started reading this, only duty could stop me. Like everyone, I have a few of those to slow me down, but the story stayed with me even when I wasn't reading.

The only thing that held me back from a 5 star rating was that I feel like there's more story to tell, more stories within the story, and I'd love to read an extended version. Every character in the story had elements that could be further explored.

Or maybe...a sequel?

An enjoyable read!

[Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story very much for two reasons: the sci-fi idea was fascinating and the social commentary was spot on. The writing style was excellent and I particularly enjoyed the characters: they were not static props but actually evolving human beings with their own different motivations, desires, hopes and worries. One of the best examples of character development I have read for some time. Not only their own characters, but also their relationships are evolving through the story and I enjoyed the happy and positive ending. I'm sure I'll reread this story in years to come when the world out there looks too gloomy.

[L.N. Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the concept of this story, I mean, who wouldn't want to travel back to the past to prevent something with the use of a TV, and a dial back device? It was a fun read, and not too hard to follow. It was Sci-fi the way I like it...nice and simple.

The characters were nicely developed and the storyline was pretty strong. Could've been stronger in places, hence the 4 stars - but all in all, I liked the way it panned out.

I recommend this to those who like a nice, simple, easy flowing Sci-fi story - you'll enjoy it.

[Eunice Nascimento · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Sci-Fi short story, which was packed with relatable and likeable characters. After the first couple of pages, the plot was fast paced and full of action. Time Scope was definitely an interesting read.