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Time Thriller Trilogy #1
Ripple Effect
The Time Thriller Trilogy delivers gripping, fast-paced mystery that intrigues and captivates through hours, seconds, and centuries. A long history of strange disappearances and unexplainable occurrences leave clues that the town of Fawlt Line may actually sit on a time fault― a portal to alternate times and unexpected time travels― a twist of fate that puts all of Fawlt Line’s citizens in serious danger. Will they find the faith to hold on to the town and time where they belong?After Elizabeth falls through a mysterious time warp, will she ever make it back home?Elizabeth stayed home to take a bath and plan on how she could escape her parents by running away. But after she almost drowns when the bathtub fills with muddy water, she emerges to find that her world, and everyone in it, has changed. Elizabeth has dropped into another girl’s existence―a questionable life full of untrustworthy relationships and secrets that threaten her life. Is she dreaming or is she an amnesiac as everyone suspects? Will she find the faith to uncover the truth and make her way back to her own reality? Previously published as Sudden Switch.
212 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
3 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Paul McCusker
179 books224 followersPaul McCusker is a writer of many different kinds of things. You may know him from Adventures In Odyssey and Focus On The Family Radio Theatre. Or the Father Gilbert Mysteries. Or the Augustine Institute audio dramas Brother Francis: The Barefoot Saint of Assisi and The Trials of Saint Patrick. Or plays like The First Church of Pete's Garage and Catacombs. Or C.S. Lewis projects like The Chronicles of Narnia audio dramas or The Annotated Screwtape Letters. Or the film Beyond The Mask. Or lots of other dramas, novels, scripts and lyrics. He simply can't make up his mind what he likes to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 25, 2023
Knowing how much I love strange sci-fi and time travel, my husband suggested I read this book, and wow, did it have me intrigued! I thought about it constantly while I had to do other things, and the storyline had me on the edge of my seat. The themes were fabulous as well.
I know this is in a trilogy, but the ending was satisfying enough for now, which I was very glad of. ;)
CW: verbal and physical abuse, near-death, hospitals, stalking, mental institutions.
I know this is in a trilogy, but the ending was satisfying enough for now, which I was very glad of. ;)
CW: verbal and physical abuse, near-death, hospitals, stalking, mental institutions.
September 29, 2020
This is such a fun premise. The story focuses a bit more on action than exploring the time/dimension elements but is intriguing enough for me to want to continue with the trilogy.
August 4, 2011
Elizabeth is fed up with being embarrassed by her parents, and decides to run away. She convinces her best friend Jeff to leave with her. When she doesn't show at their meeting spot, and can't be found anywhere, Jeff is under suspicion for her disappearance. But she didn't run away. She had a bath, and when she got out, everything seemed slightly off. She had traded places with her "time twin" in a parallel universe. Can she stay strong when everyone is insisting her name is Sarah? Can Jeff figure out what happened and get Elizabeth back?
This was a very exciting, energetic story. There were plenty of twists and turns as Elizabeth and Jeff tried to figure out what happened and how to fix it.
Jeff was a great hero. He was likeable, and very determined to get his best friend back. I felt bad for him that he was under suspicion from the police. You could see them trying to railroad him, simply because there was no other explanation that made sense. It was very frustrating, but Jeff stayed strong. His cousin Malcolm was an interesting guardian, leaving Jeff by himself quite often, trusting him to do what was right and needed. Malcolm did assist whenever he could, and made for a complex yet understandable secondary character.
I really felt sorry for Elizabeth. She was thrust into another world where everything felt kind of familiar, yet very wrong. Everywhere she turned, people were insisting she was Sarah. Her inner turmoil and struggle to figure out who she was felt very real. I couldn't imagine being in that situation. Especially when the people around her were slowly revealing that they were hiding big secrets from her.
Overall, this was an exciting story. I didn't realize it was the first in a trilogy until after I was done. The story was complete, without any threads left open. I can't imagine what the second book is about, but I will definitely be looking for it.
This was a very exciting, energetic story. There were plenty of twists and turns as Elizabeth and Jeff tried to figure out what happened and how to fix it.
Jeff was a great hero. He was likeable, and very determined to get his best friend back. I felt bad for him that he was under suspicion from the police. You could see them trying to railroad him, simply because there was no other explanation that made sense. It was very frustrating, but Jeff stayed strong. His cousin Malcolm was an interesting guardian, leaving Jeff by himself quite often, trusting him to do what was right and needed. Malcolm did assist whenever he could, and made for a complex yet understandable secondary character.
I really felt sorry for Elizabeth. She was thrust into another world where everything felt kind of familiar, yet very wrong. Everywhere she turned, people were insisting she was Sarah. Her inner turmoil and struggle to figure out who she was felt very real. I couldn't imagine being in that situation. Especially when the people around her were slowly revealing that they were hiding big secrets from her.
Overall, this was an exciting story. I didn't realize it was the first in a trilogy until after I was done. The story was complete, without any threads left open. I can't imagine what the second book is about, but I will definitely be looking for it.
December 16, 2013
The main character in the beginning was WAY to snotty for my taste and I didn't understand how her bff (a boy) had a crush on her even though she brought him down a number a times and was making him feel bad for not being as dramatic as she was. She decided that she was going run away because her parents were embarrassing. Really? I would understand her wanting to run away if her parents abused her, but embarrassing? Poor little baby, get over it! Other than that I really like it. I had a lot of "Oh! I get it!" moments. I will be reading the next one.
August 14, 2021
Interesting enough plot but some minor mistakes made. A character sometimes refers to a relative as his cousin (it's his second cousin on his father's side) but a few times referred to him as his uncle. Also a few small typos but that can be overlooked. Overall a good book, but a semi-predictable ending. Before I was even halfway done the book I predicted the ending and just watched it unfold. I wish there were more twists at the end. Still, the plot was interesting and good enough for me to finish it in one night.
May 6, 2025
Wow, I loved this book and could not put it down! It's wonderful to see sci-fi done well and engagingly. The author makes it easy for the reader to care about all the characters, which have some dimensionality. Other authors, particularly sci-fi authors, get this wrong more often than not.
Although this book is Young Adult, it will appeal to many adults too. The plot and characters are complex enough that it's good for all ages. If you're looking for a fun, exciting read then I highly recommend Ripple Effect. I also love that you don't have to be a hard-core sci-fi fan to enjoy this book. There's always something happening so you'll never be bored, and interpersonal relationships are drawn well and sensitively.
Although this book is Young Adult, it will appeal to many adults too. The plot and characters are complex enough that it's good for all ages. If you're looking for a fun, exciting read then I highly recommend Ripple Effect. I also love that you don't have to be a hard-core sci-fi fan to enjoy this book. There's always something happening so you'll never be bored, and interpersonal relationships are drawn well and sensitively.
June 4, 2018
A quick and exciting read (or listen if you did what I did and listened to the audiobook!).
Was rather interesting however I feel the plot was quite predictable (as soon as Calvin mentioned Sarah had gone away that night I guessed).
Fairly easy to get through and intriguing plot!
Was rather interesting however I feel the plot was quite predictable (as soon as Calvin mentioned Sarah had gone away that night I guessed).
Fairly easy to get through and intriguing plot!
December 7, 2019
Cool Science fiction premise (alternate universe travel via dreams/hypnosis), but it was just executed poorly. Might return to finish off the series though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2021
I remember reading this book years ago and LOVING IT, and then trying to read the second book and hating it... but I definitely need to find this book and reread it bc I never forgot about it!
April 28, 2010
Elizabeth tires of being embarrassed by her parents and plans to run away with her best friend Jeff. Jeff however doesn’t think running away is a good idea and plans on talking Elizabeth out of it. As Jeff is contemplating how to talk Elizabeth out of running away, Elizabeth goes home and takes a bath to relax and think through her plans. She is startled by a feeling of being grabbed and pulled under the water, and the bath water turns a murky brown. Next thing she knows, the bath tub is bone dry and her surroundings look different. Elizabeth eventually discovers she was somehow transferred to an alternative time in which she is known as Sarah. She also comes to realize her idea of running away was a terrible one, and all she wants is to get back to the family she loves and her best friend Jeff.
This science fiction suspense story is a great one that will have an “effect” on all who read it. It was written for a teen audience, and I would caution that the reader should be old enough to understand the concept of a storyline that switches back and forth between the current time period and an alternative time. It was a fast-paced read that had me wanting to not stop reading because of how each chapter left me hanging. I originally was not a big fan of science fiction, but this story had a positive “effect” on me and changed the way I now view science fiction. I look forward to the next book in this series, Out of Time.
This science fiction suspense story is a great one that will have an “effect” on all who read it. It was written for a teen audience, and I would caution that the reader should be old enough to understand the concept of a storyline that switches back and forth between the current time period and an alternative time. It was a fast-paced read that had me wanting to not stop reading because of how each chapter left me hanging. I originally was not a big fan of science fiction, but this story had a positive “effect” on me and changed the way I now view science fiction. I look forward to the next book in this series, Out of Time.
May 26, 2013
This book was okay. I checked out all three from the library at the same time, in case I liked the first and wanted to read the rest. Well, I did like the first. The concepts were interesting and the twists in the story were enough to pull me in. I liked the "time double" idea.
The trouble with this first book was the lack of intensity. I felt they were sort of plodding along without real motivation. There wasn't clear build up to show why Elizabeth wants to run away (there's motivation, but it's weak). Why does Jeff love her? What is the basis for thier relationship?
That said, it wasn't terrible. I was more concerned when the main characters and basis for the time travel in Fawlt Line changed completely in the next two books. I saw this book as appropriate for all audiences, whereas the next ones shifted to become more overtly Christian oriented. Not that that's a problem--I just wished the transition were more subtle. Still, on their own, each book is okay if you're looking for something light and not too involved.
The trouble with this first book was the lack of intensity. I felt they were sort of plodding along without real motivation. There wasn't clear build up to show why Elizabeth wants to run away (there's motivation, but it's weak). Why does Jeff love her? What is the basis for thier relationship?
That said, it wasn't terrible. I was more concerned when the main characters and basis for the time travel in Fawlt Line changed completely in the next two books. I saw this book as appropriate for all audiences, whereas the next ones shifted to become more overtly Christian oriented. Not that that's a problem--I just wished the transition were more subtle. Still, on their own, each book is okay if you're looking for something light and not too involved.
January 12, 2023
I liked this book for the most part, it was very enjoyable, but doesn't stand out much.
I enjoyed all the basic elements of the book--the plot, the setting, the pacing, and the characters. It was good, but not extraordinary.
I had a couple of things I didn't like. First, there were some moments that just seemed a little too convenient for the plot. I wouldn't label them plot devices, but they had that effect. Second, the main character has some very dangerous and negative opinions on mental health, and uses offensive terms toward mentally ill people. I don't know the author's true tone toward the subject, but I believe that these hurtful attitudes should've been addressed at some point in the story if the main character was going to have them.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly, so if you like mystery, this is the book for you.
I enjoyed all the basic elements of the book--the plot, the setting, the pacing, and the characters. It was good, but not extraordinary.
I had a couple of things I didn't like. First, there were some moments that just seemed a little too convenient for the plot. I wouldn't label them plot devices, but they had that effect. Second, the main character has some very dangerous and negative opinions on mental health, and uses offensive terms toward mentally ill people. I don't know the author's true tone toward the subject, but I believe that these hurtful attitudes should've been addressed at some point in the story if the main character was going to have them.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly, so if you like mystery, this is the book for you.
November 12, 2015
This is the second time I've read this book. I re-read it because I wanted a refresher before I finished the series (I never got around to reading books two or three). I'm still giving it four stars because it was my initial rating (which I think first impressions should be what is recorded) even though I didn't like it as much. I loved it when I read it the first time, but I only liked it this time around. I think I didn't like it as much because I already knew what was going to happen, and there was no mystery, so it wasn't as exciting. (It also might be because I was twelve the first time, and now I almost fifteen, but I think it's my first reason.) I still like it though. :)
Clean rating: 100% clean.
Clean rating: 100% clean.
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March 1, 2012This book was one of those books that can really change a person. I read these a few years back and fell in love with it. I didn't want to put it down because I loved the characters so much that I didn't want to lose them. When misfortune hit the characters, I felt my own heart ache for their misery. Not only were the characters fantastic but the ideas that set up the setting were even more astonding. Previously, I never read Science Fiction, in fact I passionately hated that genre until I read this book. Paul McCusker truely made time travel seem possible by twisting it to explain changes in people after near death experiences.
August 20, 2015
This book was a quick read but entirely enjoyable. The plot was clever and the theory about parallel worlds was brilliant. Believable, almost. Made me wish I had a time twin. I'd rather not be treated like a lunatic though.
Elizabeth was a fun character, and it was interesting seeing how she handled the switch. Being an 'amnesiac' when she wasn't was clearly frustrating. Jeff amused me but was also a fun character. And Malcolm was awesome. And British... Which is one of the main reasons he's awesome.
This book is about parallel worlds with a wonderful touch of mystery. Again, a quick read but a worthy one. There was nothing bad in it, so to speak. I highly recommend it.
Elizabeth was a fun character, and it was interesting seeing how she handled the switch. Being an 'amnesiac' when she wasn't was clearly frustrating. Jeff amused me but was also a fun character. And Malcolm was awesome. And British... Which is one of the main reasons he's awesome.
This book is about parallel worlds with a wonderful touch of mystery. Again, a quick read but a worthy one. There was nothing bad in it, so to speak. I highly recommend it.
January 28, 2016
This title was originally published as "Sudden Switch" in the "Time Twists" series. I think this deserves another half star. Despite this being in a "Time" series, it is really a multiverse series. It is a very quick read. Toward the end is some graphic violence. I was really surprised to see that this was listed under christian Science Fiction as the book doesn't feel christian at all. All in all this is a pretty generic read.
June 15, 2009
it was a little predictable, not one of my favorites. it needs 2b more... idk more elabrate, they dont tell u very much about the charactors... wel except 4 da main 1 (i cant remember her name, it was that boaring) ya... all in all i wouldnt recomend it unless ur really board. no, i wouldnt even then, go read something more interesting.
September 12, 2014
This was my favorite book as a pre-teen (but it's great for any age). The plot is wonderful and unpredictable, the characters are great. My older sister read the series, then I did, followed by my younger sister. I read the ripple effect and then Memories gate. I was advised to skip the middle book in the series. This book is great though!
January 25, 2016
Elizabeth es una adolescente de 15 años que quiere huir de su pequeño pueblo hacia una gran ciudad. Sin embargo, un evento inesperado la transporta a una realidad alternativa donde nadie es lo que parece. Lamentablemente, la trama es muy predecible, las explicaciones, vagas y la protagonista es insufriblemente egoísta, dramática y no toma buenas decisiones.
September 1, 2010
This book is absolutely amazing. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy reading it, but when i got started, It was hard to put the book down. Constantly building suspense, surprises around every corner. Amazing.
May 28, 2009
Really enjoyed this book. It was very well written. It keep my interested through-out.
June 6, 2009
Really cool idea for a story. Well-written with lots of plot twists. Makes you think. First book of trilogy. Definitely give it a try.
July 26, 2009
This was pretty dang good... and it kept me up reading late into the night.
December 4, 2009
Fun read great for teens. Gave to both of my boys to read.
January 30, 2010
Interesting way of dealing with time travel...I liked it and thought it was worth the read and am willing to give the second book a try.
February 11, 2010
Really good and confusing........
October 11, 2011
Maybe it was because I was listening to it while doing work but I got really confused by all the different/double names.
November 15, 2012
This book was surprisingly good and completely unexpected. Definitely going to read the next book and see where it goes from here.
May 1, 2013
one of the best books I have ever read and I am now going to finish the trilogy with out of time and another book!
June 3, 2015
This book takes too long to set things up and leaves many questions unanswered.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews