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Blowback Trilogy #3
Blowback '94
Iris Jongler-Jinks is about to make her greatest discovery yet. If you want to rescue someone who’s lost in the past - DIY - do it yourself.
In BLOWBACK ’07, Iris discovered her family’s ancient cor anglais - the Horn of Angels - that sends time voyagers to the past to heal their destinies. She’s certain it’s where her mother is - marooned in the past.
In BLOWBACK ’63, Iris discovered that her twin brother Arky is the worst time traveler to ever century hop, much less return with good intel on where their mother might be. Now it’s Iris’s turn.
She is hurled to a time that dreams are made of. A place where her quest to find their mom throws Iris into the company of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Edgar Degas, and the most scandalous performer the Moulin Rouge has ever known.
But Iris’s mission isn’t all legends and the City of Light. Her time-travel trashing brother crashes the party. And the siren calls of the past that seem to have bewitched their mother begin to work their spellbinding magic on Iris…and even Arky.
Who will make it home? Who will find home in the past?
In BLOWBACK ’07, Iris discovered her family’s ancient cor anglais - the Horn of Angels - that sends time voyagers to the past to heal their destinies. She’s certain it’s where her mother is - marooned in the past.
In BLOWBACK ’63, Iris discovered that her twin brother Arky is the worst time traveler to ever century hop, much less return with good intel on where their mother might be. Now it’s Iris’s turn.
She is hurled to a time that dreams are made of. A place where her quest to find their mom throws Iris into the company of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Edgar Degas, and the most scandalous performer the Moulin Rouge has ever known.
But Iris’s mission isn’t all legends and the City of Light. Her time-travel trashing brother crashes the party. And the siren calls of the past that seem to have bewitched their mother begin to work their spellbinding magic on Iris…and even Arky.
Who will make it home? Who will find home in the past?
400 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2020
1988 people want to read
About the author
Brian Meehl
15 books126 followersSign up for Brian Meehl’s ANNOUNCEMENTS at https://www.blowbacktrilogy.com , or CONTACT him at brian@brianmeehl.com .
Brian’s most recent novel is BLOWBACK '94, the “hugely enjoyable and fast-paced” finale in his critically acclaimed BLOWBACK TRILOGY. The kickoff book in the trilogy, BLOWBACK ’07, received a coveted red-star review from Publishers Weekly.
His award-winning books include a bestselling comedic riff on vampires, SUCK IT UP, OUT OF PATIENCE (Junior Library Guild Selection), and YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME (Blue Ribbon from the Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books).
Once upon a time, Brian worked for Jim Henson’s Muppets and puppeteered the gamut from a young pup, Barkley on SESAME STREET, to the Dying Master in Henson’s cult classic, THE DARK CRYSTAL. After taking up the pen, Brian wrote for kids’ shows like THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS and BETWEEN THE LIONS, winning three Emmys along the way.
For more on Brian, his books and the BLOWBACK TRILOGY, visit www.blowbacktrilogy.com and www.brianmeehl.com. Or watch his interview presenting BLOWBACK '07 and talking about his career with the Muppets at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZM26....
You can also check out my latest interview and get a hint of what I hope to work on next at: https://www.californiaherald.com/goin...
Brian’s most recent novel is BLOWBACK '94, the “hugely enjoyable and fast-paced” finale in his critically acclaimed BLOWBACK TRILOGY. The kickoff book in the trilogy, BLOWBACK ’07, received a coveted red-star review from Publishers Weekly.
His award-winning books include a bestselling comedic riff on vampires, SUCK IT UP, OUT OF PATIENCE (Junior Library Guild Selection), and YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME (Blue Ribbon from the Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books).
Once upon a time, Brian worked for Jim Henson’s Muppets and puppeteered the gamut from a young pup, Barkley on SESAME STREET, to the Dying Master in Henson’s cult classic, THE DARK CRYSTAL. After taking up the pen, Brian wrote for kids’ shows like THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS and BETWEEN THE LIONS, winning three Emmys along the way.
For more on Brian, his books and the BLOWBACK TRILOGY, visit www.blowbacktrilogy.com and www.brianmeehl.com. Or watch his interview presenting BLOWBACK '07 and talking about his career with the Muppets at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZM26....
You can also check out my latest interview and get a hint of what I hope to work on next at: https://www.californiaherald.com/goin...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 16, 2020
This is a book you won't want to put down. Time travel adventure made more alluring because of the friendships, love, and loss that occurs. A family spread across time. A follow-up to the first book of this series. Looking and hoping for a third. Keep them coming. A great read. Highly recommended.
February 27, 2020
Fresh off of his trip to 1863, Arky has no time to rest before he is thrown into another adventure, this time with his sister, Iris. When the fog clears, they find themselves in 1894 Paris. More important, they find what they have been looking for: their mother. However, while finding their mother in 1894 is a simple task, returning home to Bellepain proves more difficult. While searching for a way to return to the modern world, the family quickly becomes entangled in the daily struggles of 19th-century France, the cultural and artistic joys of the Moulin Rouge, and the romance of Belle Epoque Paris.
Meanwhile, Howard, their father, is left behind. Left without any family in the present, he must turn to the only people who might believe him: Matt and Danny. Unfortunately, while their own time-travel adventures make them potential allies, the cor anglais have erased their memories, making the world of time travel seem more fiction than science. As Howard desperately seeks a way to recover his family before hopelessness consumes him, Octavia, Iris, and Arky must return to the present before the pathway home is closed forever.
With this stunning conclusion to the Blowback trilogy, author Brian Meehl weaves together the extravagance of 1894 Parisian society with clever time travel and compelling, stunningly human characters to create his best work yet. As with the previous two books of this trilogy, the historical setting is impeccably researched and totally believable. Meehl paints a picture of Parisian excess and, all too often, cruel injustice that makes the reader, though 125 years removed and perhaps an ocean away, feel like a part of that world.
Though less action-heavy than the previous two installments, Blowback ‘94 benefits from a slower pace as it allows the characters to shine. In them, I found the most compelling reason to pick up Blowback ‘94. While not many people can relate to being sent back more than 100 years in the past to rescue a time-traveling mother, every reader will feel a kinship with the characters the author has so lovingly crafted. Anyone with a sibling will be left smiling as Iris and Arky badger each other, and undoubtedly Octavia’s simultaneous love for and frustration with her children will resonate with every mother. Even more potent are Howard’s grief and despair at losing his family with no guarantee of reunion. His agony bleeds through the pages and into the reader’s heart.
However, while the characters and setting are tastefully executed, the time travel does not shine quite so brightly. The mode of travel—via a magical cor anglais—never totally feels normal, even three books in, and the author's attempt to explain the mechanics in this final installment just add to the strangeness. While any time travel story might be unbelievable to an extent, this one feels a bit more unrealistic than necessary. While I appreciate the attempt to explain the mechanics of time travel with quasi-scientific theories (which is executed much better than most explanations of time travel), I wonder if, in the presence of such a wonderful historical setting and beautifully crafted characters, the specifics of time travel could have taken more of a back seat.
However, I sincerely hope this critique does not shy readers away from reading the Blowback trilogy, as it is well worth the time. Though it fits snugly into the young adult category with typical high-school problems, fast pacing, and perhaps a cliché or two, it can certainly be read by a wider audience. The story contains something for nearly everyone: history, science, magic, sports, music, romance...the list goes on. While the three books each contain more of some elements than others, they are all wonderfully executed. Even with the inclusion of so many different factors, the books do not feel overdone. The different aspects are well balanced and integrated into an elegant and blissful story—one I wholeheartedly recommend.
Meanwhile, Howard, their father, is left behind. Left without any family in the present, he must turn to the only people who might believe him: Matt and Danny. Unfortunately, while their own time-travel adventures make them potential allies, the cor anglais have erased their memories, making the world of time travel seem more fiction than science. As Howard desperately seeks a way to recover his family before hopelessness consumes him, Octavia, Iris, and Arky must return to the present before the pathway home is closed forever.
With this stunning conclusion to the Blowback trilogy, author Brian Meehl weaves together the extravagance of 1894 Parisian society with clever time travel and compelling, stunningly human characters to create his best work yet. As with the previous two books of this trilogy, the historical setting is impeccably researched and totally believable. Meehl paints a picture of Parisian excess and, all too often, cruel injustice that makes the reader, though 125 years removed and perhaps an ocean away, feel like a part of that world.
Though less action-heavy than the previous two installments, Blowback ‘94 benefits from a slower pace as it allows the characters to shine. In them, I found the most compelling reason to pick up Blowback ‘94. While not many people can relate to being sent back more than 100 years in the past to rescue a time-traveling mother, every reader will feel a kinship with the characters the author has so lovingly crafted. Anyone with a sibling will be left smiling as Iris and Arky badger each other, and undoubtedly Octavia’s simultaneous love for and frustration with her children will resonate with every mother. Even more potent are Howard’s grief and despair at losing his family with no guarantee of reunion. His agony bleeds through the pages and into the reader’s heart.
However, while the characters and setting are tastefully executed, the time travel does not shine quite so brightly. The mode of travel—via a magical cor anglais—never totally feels normal, even three books in, and the author's attempt to explain the mechanics in this final installment just add to the strangeness. While any time travel story might be unbelievable to an extent, this one feels a bit more unrealistic than necessary. While I appreciate the attempt to explain the mechanics of time travel with quasi-scientific theories (which is executed much better than most explanations of time travel), I wonder if, in the presence of such a wonderful historical setting and beautifully crafted characters, the specifics of time travel could have taken more of a back seat.
However, I sincerely hope this critique does not shy readers away from reading the Blowback trilogy, as it is well worth the time. Though it fits snugly into the young adult category with typical high-school problems, fast pacing, and perhaps a cliché or two, it can certainly be read by a wider audience. The story contains something for nearly everyone: history, science, magic, sports, music, romance...the list goes on. While the three books each contain more of some elements than others, they are all wonderfully executed. Even with the inclusion of so many different factors, the books do not feel overdone. The different aspects are well balanced and integrated into an elegant and blissful story—one I wholeheartedly recommend.
February 27, 2020
In the third and final installment of the Blowback trilogy, we join Arky and Iris Jongler-Jinks as they continue their search for their mother, who is trapped in the past. Mere hours after Arky and his friend Danny returned from their time voyage to 1863 and the American Civil War, Arky is off on his second time voyage, this time taking his sister along for the ride. Now, the cor anglais has transported the Jongler twins to a brand-new continent, in addition to a new time. Specifically, the cor anglais has blown them back to Paris in 1894. Startled by the alarming circumstances under which the cor anglais transported them there this time, the twins are concerned about the magical instrument’s intentions. Even so, armed with multiple clues that point to the fact that they’re closer to finding their mom than they’ve ever been, they set out on a journey through 19th-century Paris.
Soon, though, the twins find themselves deeply embroiled in many of the events of Paris’s interesting past. Amid the turmoil of the 19th century, the twins are left wondering how they can possibly find their mother and take her back home before their friends discover they are missing and the police are alerted to their disappearance. Meanwhile, after watching his kids disappear into thin air before his eyes, the twins’ dad, Howard, is distraught. Having already lost his wife over a year earlier, he resolves to find a way to help his family, both his children and his wife, return from the past. Join the Jongler twins on the adventure of a lifetime as they work to finally be reunited with their mother!
Opinion:
I tremendously enjoyed reading Blowback ’94. It has been a while since I've liked the finale of a book series as much as I do this one. The book’s plot is great, and it managed to reel me in and keep me on the edge of my seat. I especially love the use of intrigue and suspense that serves to keep the reader guessing at what is going to happen next. Another thing that really impresses me is the amount of research that clearly went into the creation of this book. Due to the remarkable use of historical figures and events, I feel the author succeeds in making an amazing historical fiction novel that stays true to many of the events of the past.
In addition to the skillful placement of historical events, the author does a great job with character development throughout this tale. I especially love seeing Arky transform from a cynical teen to a kind, generous adult as he experiences the cor anglais and the mysterious trip it sends him on. Finally, although I enjoyed the series' focus on sports in the previous books, I appreciate seeing a new aspect of the story in the music and performances of 19th-century Paris. I recommend this book to anyone, age 12 and up, who enjoys a great story that combines suspense and intrigue with time travel. Although this book can still be appreciated by those who haven’t read the previous two installments in the series, satisfaction would be much improved from having read those books first.
Soon, though, the twins find themselves deeply embroiled in many of the events of Paris’s interesting past. Amid the turmoil of the 19th century, the twins are left wondering how they can possibly find their mother and take her back home before their friends discover they are missing and the police are alerted to their disappearance. Meanwhile, after watching his kids disappear into thin air before his eyes, the twins’ dad, Howard, is distraught. Having already lost his wife over a year earlier, he resolves to find a way to help his family, both his children and his wife, return from the past. Join the Jongler twins on the adventure of a lifetime as they work to finally be reunited with their mother!
Opinion:
I tremendously enjoyed reading Blowback ’94. It has been a while since I've liked the finale of a book series as much as I do this one. The book’s plot is great, and it managed to reel me in and keep me on the edge of my seat. I especially love the use of intrigue and suspense that serves to keep the reader guessing at what is going to happen next. Another thing that really impresses me is the amount of research that clearly went into the creation of this book. Due to the remarkable use of historical figures and events, I feel the author succeeds in making an amazing historical fiction novel that stays true to many of the events of the past.
In addition to the skillful placement of historical events, the author does a great job with character development throughout this tale. I especially love seeing Arky transform from a cynical teen to a kind, generous adult as he experiences the cor anglais and the mysterious trip it sends him on. Finally, although I enjoyed the series' focus on sports in the previous books, I appreciate seeing a new aspect of the story in the music and performances of 19th-century Paris. I recommend this book to anyone, age 12 and up, who enjoys a great story that combines suspense and intrigue with time travel. Although this book can still be appreciated by those who haven’t read the previous two installments in the series, satisfaction would be much improved from having read those books first.
June 15, 2020
I was very fortunate enough to receive a signed copy of this book along with a letter from the author. I am a Science fiction/fantasy fan going on 5 decades now. This book was great fun, and I couldn't help feeling that the author is hoping this gets picked up as a Harry Potter type movie series...and it could be a very good one.
There are a couple trivial things I found bothersome in reading. One, an "anti viral cure" from our time is relied on heavily in the story line when no such cure exists and it's being blatantly shown to all through the incurable, viral pandemic we are now all in the grips of.
Also, again trivial, The author seems to be conflating time and distance as if they weren't two completely different, albeit related dimensions. Our time travelers not only travel through time, they travel through space/distance. Teleporting through time or distance would be a tremendous feat. To do both at the same time is indeed mind boggling.
Don't let these bloopers dissuade you from the book. it is a fun, fast read, complete with real characters from one of my personal favorite bygone eras, that of the French Impressionists and entrancing depictions of Degas, Lautrec, and lesser known but even more interesting historic figures. It was a very enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it if you enjoy the genre.
Good luck Brian! This could make a great teen movie series. You've got my vote, and my thanks.
There are a couple trivial things I found bothersome in reading. One, an "anti viral cure" from our time is relied on heavily in the story line when no such cure exists and it's being blatantly shown to all through the incurable, viral pandemic we are now all in the grips of.
Also, again trivial, The author seems to be conflating time and distance as if they weren't two completely different, albeit related dimensions. Our time travelers not only travel through time, they travel through space/distance. Teleporting through time or distance would be a tremendous feat. To do both at the same time is indeed mind boggling.
Don't let these bloopers dissuade you from the book. it is a fun, fast read, complete with real characters from one of my personal favorite bygone eras, that of the French Impressionists and entrancing depictions of Degas, Lautrec, and lesser known but even more interesting historic figures. It was a very enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it if you enjoy the genre.
Good luck Brian! This could make a great teen movie series. You've got my vote, and my thanks.
June 24, 2021
Another Exciting Adventure Combined With Time Travel
When it comes to writing amazing and compelling children’s books, Idaho Author Brian Meehl is one author that has very interesting stories to tell. He is also a writer of television shows like The Magic School Bus and Between The Lions and Magic School Bus. You may not know this quite popular author but if you are a fan of Sesame Street, it might interest you to know that he is the Muppeteer in that show. He also made appearances in Jim Henson’s films. Some of his books include Suck it Up, Suck it Up and Die, Out of Patience, You Don’t Know About Me, and Blowback Trilogy (Blowback 94 is the third installment).
Blowback 94 is a Sci-Fi fantasy that deals with the topic of time travel and targets younger readers. From the opening lines of this work, Meehl sets the tone of the story by introducing us to one of the twins Iris. She stumbles upon an interesting discovery, something called the Horn of Angels that can send time voyagers back to the past.
Iris was on a mission to find their mother but as usual, her time travel trashing twin brother Arky was handy to ensure the mission never goes as smooth as planned. To enjoy this book better, I suggest you read the previous two installments, Blowback ‘07 and Blowback ’63.
When it comes to writing amazing and compelling children’s books, Idaho Author Brian Meehl is one author that has very interesting stories to tell. He is also a writer of television shows like The Magic School Bus and Between The Lions and Magic School Bus. You may not know this quite popular author but if you are a fan of Sesame Street, it might interest you to know that he is the Muppeteer in that show. He also made appearances in Jim Henson’s films. Some of his books include Suck it Up, Suck it Up and Die, Out of Patience, You Don’t Know About Me, and Blowback Trilogy (Blowback 94 is the third installment).
Blowback 94 is a Sci-Fi fantasy that deals with the topic of time travel and targets younger readers. From the opening lines of this work, Meehl sets the tone of the story by introducing us to one of the twins Iris. She stumbles upon an interesting discovery, something called the Horn of Angels that can send time voyagers back to the past.
Iris was on a mission to find their mother but as usual, her time travel trashing twin brother Arky was handy to ensure the mission never goes as smooth as planned. To enjoy this book better, I suggest you read the previous two installments, Blowback ‘07 and Blowback ’63.
May 8, 2021
I can definitely say one of the most interesting and exciting books I have read so far. Blowback '94: When the Only Way Forward Is Back by Brian Meehl is a story full of adventure about a character named Iris Jongler-Jinks. She was bound for an adventure of a lifetime when she started to time travel and hop into a different century from the past to find her mother who she believed was lost in this period.
The writing style of this book was fluid. It invites every reader to continue to read the story page by page because it has this exhilarating narration. There were lots of exciting things that happened in this story and those scenes are hard to forget. The theme of this story is quite different from most of the books and that makes it a unique novel. Consider it your next read!
The writing style of this book was fluid. It invites every reader to continue to read the story page by page because it has this exhilarating narration. There were lots of exciting things that happened in this story and those scenes are hard to forget. The theme of this story is quite different from most of the books and that makes it a unique novel. Consider it your next read!
June 15, 2020
I won a copy of this book and have not read either of the other books in the trilogy. Although it didn’t seem like the genre that I enjoy most, I was attracted to the art history aspect in the description. I actually enjoyed it much more than I expected! It is engaging and moves at a fast pace, taking you back in time to well researched pieces of history with a nod to artists of the time. There’s adventure, romance, action and lots of imagination making this a fun book to read.
March 20, 2020
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May 29, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this. I always like a good time travel book.
February 26, 2021
Sigh... the trilogy ends. What a great ride. Wish the adventure would continue.
March 29, 2024
Very Good. Now to rea the next one to see what Scott gets into. Maybe the next adventure he can have a girl friend.
January 21, 2021
RED STARRED REVIEW in blueink reviews
"The second in the entertaining Blowback trilogy about a magical woodwind instrument that blasts people to the past to solve current problems, Blowback ’63 is twice the fun when two boys get sent back in time. Their adventure involves baseball, romantic love, and the Civil War.
"This YA time-travel series focuses on twin teenagers, Arky and Iris Jongler-Jinks, and Arky’s friends Danny and Matt. In book one, Matt is blown back to 1907 by the musical instrument passed down through the Jongler family. This time, the music sends Arky and Danny to Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1863 shortly before the Civil War. As the twins have learned, the magical music chooses one person to learn a specific lesson from the past. But is that person Arky or Danny? The two get tricked into active military duty, and may not live long enough to find out.
"Meanwhile, back home, Iris attempts to return the boys to the present, find their mother who is also lost in time, and flirt with Matt, who may be falling in love with her—if he can forget the girl he met in 1907.
"Comical and interconnected, this book successfully juggles several stories in different places and times. Just when things heat up between Iris and Matt, the story returns to Arky and Danny…and vice versa. This delicate balancing act keeps the story interesting.
"Young adult readers will appreciate the story’s highly readable style, which includes plenty of trash-talking and humor. (As Arky walks alone through enemy territory, “he sang what he could remember of ‘Yankee Doodle Mind Your Step.’ Fortunately, no Union picket shot him for being a rebel, or for singing out of tune.”)
This is a delightful fantasy series—one that sneaks in enough historical facts to please parents and teachers, as well as its intended audience. As Blowback ‘63 ends, with hints about what’s coming in the next book, readers will find themselves eagerly awaiting the third installment.” — blueink reviews
"The second in the entertaining Blowback trilogy about a magical woodwind instrument that blasts people to the past to solve current problems, Blowback ’63 is twice the fun when two boys get sent back in time. Their adventure involves baseball, romantic love, and the Civil War.
"This YA time-travel series focuses on twin teenagers, Arky and Iris Jongler-Jinks, and Arky’s friends Danny and Matt. In book one, Matt is blown back to 1907 by the musical instrument passed down through the Jongler family. This time, the music sends Arky and Danny to Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1863 shortly before the Civil War. As the twins have learned, the magical music chooses one person to learn a specific lesson from the past. But is that person Arky or Danny? The two get tricked into active military duty, and may not live long enough to find out.
"Meanwhile, back home, Iris attempts to return the boys to the present, find their mother who is also lost in time, and flirt with Matt, who may be falling in love with her—if he can forget the girl he met in 1907.
"Comical and interconnected, this book successfully juggles several stories in different places and times. Just when things heat up between Iris and Matt, the story returns to Arky and Danny…and vice versa. This delicate balancing act keeps the story interesting.
"Young adult readers will appreciate the story’s highly readable style, which includes plenty of trash-talking and humor. (As Arky walks alone through enemy territory, “he sang what he could remember of ‘Yankee Doodle Mind Your Step.’ Fortunately, no Union picket shot him for being a rebel, or for singing out of tune.”)
This is a delightful fantasy series—one that sneaks in enough historical facts to please parents and teachers, as well as its intended audience. As Blowback ‘63 ends, with hints about what’s coming in the next book, readers will find themselves eagerly awaiting the third installment.” — blueink reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews