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This Alien Earth #1
The Paths Between Worlds
Welcome Children of Earth. Do not be afraid. After a devastating car crash leaves her addicted to pills and her best friend dead, Meredith Gale has finally been pushed to her breaking point. Ending her life seems like the only way out, and that choice has left her dangling by her fingertips from a bridge above the freezing water of the San Francisco Bay. But someone, or some thing, has other plans for Meredith. As her fingers slip from the cold steel of the bridge, a disembodied voice ask her a simple “Candidate 13: Do you wish to be saved?” Realizing her mistake too late, Meredith screams “Yes!” and instantly finds herself transported to a mysterious island, alongside hundreds of other Candidates like her, each pulled from human history with seemingly little in common. But when Meredith stumbles across a cryptic message meant only for her, she uncovers an even bigger mystery — a mystery that places the fate of humanity’s future firmly in her hands. With the help of her new companions, Meredith sets out on an impossible journey to find the one person who can solve the riddle of why they were brought to this strange, alien Earth… assuming they can survive the dangers that lurk within this new world and the dark forces massing against them. Don't miss the first book in the This Alien Earth Series, a futuristic adventure featuring a strong female lead, perfect for fans of Jeremy Robinson, Stephen King, and Lost. Also available on Audible and Whispersync, narrated by the award-winning Kate Reading.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2019
977 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Paul Antony Jones
19 books423 followersA native of Cardiff, Wales, Paul Antony Jones now resides near Las Vegas, Nevada, with his wife. He has worked as a newspaper reporter and commercial copywriter, but his passion is penning fiction. A self-described science geek, he’s a voracious reader of scientific periodicals, as well as a fan of things mysterious, unknown, and on the fringe. Paul is the author of six books, including the bestselling Extinction Point series and Toward Yesterday.
You can learn more about Paul and his upcoming releases via his blog at www.DisturbedUniverse.com or his Facebook page www.facebook.com/AuthorPaulAntonyJones/
You can learn more about Paul and his upcoming releases via his blog at www.DisturbedUniverse.com or his Facebook page www.facebook.com/AuthorPaulAntonyJones/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
April 22, 2019
Compelling. Utterly compelling. This audiobook managed to suck me in and keep my attention throughout. In fact, the story had me so engrossed that I was completely willing to overlook some quibbles that would usually knock a couple of stars off my rating!
In The Paths Between Worlds we follow Meredith, whose attempt at suicide is circumvented by an unknown entity who asks her at the last moment if she wishes to be saved. Realizing her nearly fatal error, Meredith accepts the offer and finds herself instantly transported to a very strange world.
Before long, it becomes clear that Meredith is not the only person who was transported, and hundreds of people now find themselves struggling to survive on a mysterious island. Meredith finds herself a solid group of people she trusts, and together they work to find answers about where they are, who brought them there, and why on earth they were all saved.
So, the story is really intriguing, and I was completely invested in finding out what the heck was going on. I also really liked a lot of the characters that were introduced in this volume. But there were a few small things that nagged at me throughout.
**The narrator, Kate Reading took a long time to grow on me. Once I was used to her inflections, I enjoyed the story a lot more.
**Although the premise of this book is super-interesting, there's not really a lot new going on in the story itself. If you've read any books with "special chosen ones" who end up in a strange environment and have to wage battle now and then while figuring out what the heck is going on, then you already kind of know this story.
**The biggest problem I had, though, was that there was a fair bit of telling instead of showing going on. This was somewhat disguised as one character explaining things to another, but at times it got to be a bit much.
I think this would be a great story for someone wanting to dip their toes into sci-fi land without being overwhelmed. The explaining that was, at times, tedious for me would likely be helpful to those readers. In fact, I think this book would have struck a better note for me if it had properly been written to be YA. It would only have taken a few minor changes to the main character for the story to be fully in YA-land, and I almost wonder if it was originally designed to be a YA story.
My final verdict is that even though there were some aspects that could have been improved, this was a lot of fun! I'm absolutely looking forward to the next instalment in this story.
Thanks so much to Aethon Books for providing me with a copy of this audiobook.
In The Paths Between Worlds we follow Meredith, whose attempt at suicide is circumvented by an unknown entity who asks her at the last moment if she wishes to be saved. Realizing her nearly fatal error, Meredith accepts the offer and finds herself instantly transported to a very strange world.
Before long, it becomes clear that Meredith is not the only person who was transported, and hundreds of people now find themselves struggling to survive on a mysterious island. Meredith finds herself a solid group of people she trusts, and together they work to find answers about where they are, who brought them there, and why on earth they were all saved.
So, the story is really intriguing, and I was completely invested in finding out what the heck was going on. I also really liked a lot of the characters that were introduced in this volume. But there were a few small things that nagged at me throughout.
**The narrator, Kate Reading took a long time to grow on me. Once I was used to her inflections, I enjoyed the story a lot more.
**Although the premise of this book is super-interesting, there's not really a lot new going on in the story itself. If you've read any books with "special chosen ones" who end up in a strange environment and have to wage battle now and then while figuring out what the heck is going on, then you already kind of know this story.
**The biggest problem I had, though, was that there was a fair bit of telling instead of showing going on. This was somewhat disguised as one character explaining things to another, but at times it got to be a bit much.
I think this would be a great story for someone wanting to dip their toes into sci-fi land without being overwhelmed. The explaining that was, at times, tedious for me would likely be helpful to those readers. In fact, I think this book would have struck a better note for me if it had properly been written to be YA. It would only have taken a few minor changes to the main character for the story to be fully in YA-land, and I almost wonder if it was originally designed to be a YA story.
My final verdict is that even though there were some aspects that could have been improved, this was a lot of fun! I'm absolutely looking forward to the next instalment in this story.
Thanks so much to Aethon Books for providing me with a copy of this audiobook.
June 25, 2021
THE MOST. PREDICTABLE. BOOK. You'll EVER EXPERIENCE
I'm sorry to say that but wow... this is truly the most predictable book I've ever listen to. In every way. You do not need to be a genius, nor do you have to have read much Science Fiction. It's soul crushingly obvious every step of the way. And you're made to sit through minutes and sometimes hours of the few characters trying to puzzle out what might be happening... it's excruciating. I was legitimately surprised by the story, once. In all those hours, only the one time. And I'm not going to get into spoiler territory but I have to say that the diverse, extended cast of characters are very poorly written - they seem to contradict themselves at every turn. Even the most basic of characters will suddenly become flip like a switch but not due to the story, or dynamic storytelling, but because it's convenient for the plot. The tropes present in this book are heavy ones, the author directs you who to dislike and care about, with zero dimensional villains complete with the built in (and very easily applied) disgust factor - here are your bad guys, hate them don't ya! Again I don't want to get into spoilers so I have to be vague. The plucky heroine should be the star of the show and I suppose she is in her way, but I've read SO many books with a strong and clever lead - be it, man, woman of robot, that I feel the character is just too aww shucks and silly sarcastic to be interesting. If you're up for a drag through the mud and like to know what's going on in the room while no one else does, then this is the book for you. I wanted to like it I really did! PS - I made myself finish it because this is a new author to me but it's just like people standing around talking about what might make for a decent sci fi book, that's how most of it reads, there's no thrill or moments of discovery... it's just paint-by-numbers...
I'm sorry to say that but wow... this is truly the most predictable book I've ever listen to. In every way. You do not need to be a genius, nor do you have to have read much Science Fiction. It's soul crushingly obvious every step of the way. And you're made to sit through minutes and sometimes hours of the few characters trying to puzzle out what might be happening... it's excruciating. I was legitimately surprised by the story, once. In all those hours, only the one time. And I'm not going to get into spoiler territory but I have to say that the diverse, extended cast of characters are very poorly written - they seem to contradict themselves at every turn. Even the most basic of characters will suddenly become flip like a switch but not due to the story, or dynamic storytelling, but because it's convenient for the plot. The tropes present in this book are heavy ones, the author directs you who to dislike and care about, with zero dimensional villains complete with the built in (and very easily applied) disgust factor - here are your bad guys, hate them don't ya! Again I don't want to get into spoilers so I have to be vague. The plucky heroine should be the star of the show and I suppose she is in her way, but I've read SO many books with a strong and clever lead - be it, man, woman of robot, that I feel the character is just too aww shucks and silly sarcastic to be interesting. If you're up for a drag through the mud and like to know what's going on in the room while no one else does, then this is the book for you. I wanted to like it I really did! PS - I made myself finish it because this is a new author to me but it's just like people standing around talking about what might make for a decent sci fi book, that's how most of it reads, there's no thrill or moments of discovery... it's just paint-by-numbers...
March 17, 2019
The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts. ―Marcus Aurelius
Wow! This has been an unexpected turner. I am completely wowed with this story! It’s the least I could have guessed, and I’m totally impressed with how the plot has developed. Whenever a mystery is unraveled another springs up. What kind of an intelligence could be capable of such god-like feats? It’s a super fast-paced read filled with suspense. The writing in this book is excellent, with fantastic setting descriptions, clever dialog, and some unexpectedly profound observations about humanity. The moral and ethical issues are highly defined. The characters are intriguing. The plot was well laid out. It’s fast paced and a fun adventure. It’s a I want to go on reading but don’t want it to end kind of book. Wish book 2-3 were already out! Magnificent!
I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
Wow! This has been an unexpected turner. I am completely wowed with this story! It’s the least I could have guessed, and I’m totally impressed with how the plot has developed. Whenever a mystery is unraveled another springs up. What kind of an intelligence could be capable of such god-like feats? It’s a super fast-paced read filled with suspense. The writing in this book is excellent, with fantastic setting descriptions, clever dialog, and some unexpectedly profound observations about humanity. The moral and ethical issues are highly defined. The characters are intriguing. The plot was well laid out. It’s fast paced and a fun adventure. It’s a I want to go on reading but don’t want it to end kind of book. Wish book 2-3 were already out! Magnificent!
I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
January 24, 2023
The Paths Between Worlds is basically just another action novel. The primary objective of the plot is to move the reader between points of life-threatening action while providing brief respites in between. Included are some eye-rolling elements. The introduction of Wild Bill Hickok as someone with the potential to repopulate the world was an "oh brother" moment. Also, if there must be a battle between the forces of good and evil, having nazis as the bad guys just makes killing them that much more satisfying.
Form a science fiction perspective, there’s not much to like. The science employed is of the mysterious kind that demands blind acceptance by the reader. With this approach the reader is deprived of an opportunity to hear the scientific ideas that bridge the gap between our present-day primitive world and the scientifically advanced world of the writer’s creation. In other words, presumption and blind acceptance of science is required of this book, even though these requirements are in sharp contrast with the minds of those that love of science.
The Paths Between Worlds is a novel of thrills that could easily fit into any genre. One could simply change the window dressing and it easily becomes a saga from Middle Earth, or a western novel, complete with Wild Bill Hickok intact.
Form a science fiction perspective, there’s not much to like. The science employed is of the mysterious kind that demands blind acceptance by the reader. With this approach the reader is deprived of an opportunity to hear the scientific ideas that bridge the gap between our present-day primitive world and the scientifically advanced world of the writer’s creation. In other words, presumption and blind acceptance of science is required of this book, even though these requirements are in sharp contrast with the minds of those that love of science.
The Paths Between Worlds is a novel of thrills that could easily fit into any genre. One could simply change the window dressing and it easily becomes a saga from Middle Earth, or a western novel, complete with Wild Bill Hickok intact.
August 18, 2021
*UPDATED* 2.8 ⭐ rounded up.
A fair to middling escapist tale, in the tradition of The Wizard of Oz and John Carter of Mars, where the protagonist is suddenly transported to a marvelous new world, where a quest and adventures await.
Our heroine finds herself in dire straights, when she has second thoughts about jumping off a bridge, slips and is about to die, when the "Voice" asks her if she wants to be saved. She is then whisked off to a fantastical otherwhere. So, OK, it's a bit silly, but no more so than say, "Lost," to which it has more than a passing resemblance.
I understand that the author was terminally ill when he wrote this and the next book in the series, "A Memory of Mankind." Which might explain the theme of second chances, as well as some of the inconsistencies in the series. It's still a decent enough tale for those who enjoy the genre, not outstanding but not pukingly awful, either.
I've read the next book, which was more or less more of the same. I rated it a bit lower. Since I originally wrote this another author has finished the trilogy, based on what Jones had left before his death. That book has mixed reviews and truth to tell, I'm not enamored of the series sufficiently to read it.
A fair to middling escapist tale, in the tradition of The Wizard of Oz and John Carter of Mars, where the protagonist is suddenly transported to a marvelous new world, where a quest and adventures await.
Our heroine finds herself in dire straights, when she has second thoughts about jumping off a bridge, slips and is about to die, when the "Voice" asks her if she wants to be saved. She is then whisked off to a fantastical otherwhere. So, OK, it's a bit silly, but no more so than say, "Lost," to which it has more than a passing resemblance.
I understand that the author was terminally ill when he wrote this and the next book in the series, "A Memory of Mankind." Which might explain the theme of second chances, as well as some of the inconsistencies in the series. It's still a decent enough tale for those who enjoy the genre, not outstanding but not pukingly awful, either.
I've read the next book, which was more or less more of the same. I rated it a bit lower. Since I originally wrote this another author has finished the trilogy, based on what Jones had left before his death. That book has mixed reviews and truth to tell, I'm not enamored of the series sufficiently to read it.
November 25, 2019
This is an interesting concept. Meredith, a twenty something year old law student from California in 2017 is about to commit Suicide, but then decides not to. This change of heart occurs too late to save her life. This is when a voice asks if she wants to be saved. She says yes and is immediately transported to a tropical island along with many others from different times and places. They must now survive and figure out why each of then we're saved from certain death to be brought to this place.
The trouble with this book is that the whole book is exposition. This is obviously the first book in what will be a series, but it failed to engage me enough to want to continue to the next book, let alone leave me with a satisfying conclusion to this one where I'd want to recommend it to others.
The concept has potential, but as is, I'm afraid the book falls flat.
The trouble with this book is that the whole book is exposition. This is obviously the first book in what will be a series, but it failed to engage me enough to want to continue to the next book, let alone leave me with a satisfying conclusion to this one where I'd want to recommend it to others.
The concept has potential, but as is, I'm afraid the book falls flat.
March 20, 2020
This has been one of my favorite small press sci-fi authors for years. I'd grab up anything he'd written and devour it. I'm not sure why I didn't read this series until I'd heard that he'd passed from cancer since I've read everything else of his. I wanted to keep it back and savor it, but I also found that his widow has a go-fund-me for medical expenses, so buying these surely help somewhat. Even though I know there's never going to be a book #3 because he powered through and finished book #2 while sick, I had to read at least the existing books. Did I mention he's one of my favorite authors? I think I did. His ideas always loom large and keep me turning pages. This one feels a little like the Philip José Farmer Riverworld series which begins with To Your Scattered Bodies Go. Hundreds of people in their final moments alive are asked by a booming voice if they'd like a 2nd chance. An answer of "yes" deposits these people, from multiple points in history, onto an island on what appears to be another planet. Who did this and why are they here? The story is as entertaining as anything by Jones, and kept me turning pages and determined to immediately buy the next book in the series. I'm a little sad that the 2nd book in the series will be my last Jones book. But I'm tempted to go back and reread his earlier works.
April 15, 2019
Another reviewer called this "Riverworld for the new generation". Well, it certainly reads like Riverworld, by Jose farmer. It struck me in the first hour. It kept retelling Riverworld until I couldn't stand it any loner and looked at online reviews and saw others found the same thing.
I am sorry, but a change of the names of the characters, does not make a new book.
In essence, recently deceased are resurrected by aliens on an earth-like world. They come from different times and countries. Mixed in are Historical characters for flavor and leadership. The inevitable clash between good and evil is coming (since I could read no further I didn't get that far).
When the nazis showed up, I returned the book.
Just read the original.
I am sorry, but a change of the names of the characters, does not make a new book.
In essence, recently deceased are resurrected by aliens on an earth-like world. They come from different times and countries. Mixed in are Historical characters for flavor and leadership. The inevitable clash between good and evil is coming (since I could read no further I didn't get that far).
When the nazis showed up, I returned the book.
Just read the original.
April 27, 2019
Note: This is the first book in a trilogy and is written as a series rather than three stand-alone stories.
No deep thinking required here. Simply an entertaining story of survival. It's fun to theorise what future Earth will be like. Most people venture forward a hundred years or so, Star Trek ventured a few thousand, but not Paul Jones; his flight of fantasy takes us to an alien Earth half a billion years from now! Our Sun has become old and arthritic and even our Moon is looking a bit worse for wear. (My own feeling is that Earth will be an empty-nester by then, with the Moon, like that restless child, having long departed.) Strange creatures and people from earth's future and past abound, and not all of them want to take us to the pub, buy us a beer and share their chips.
Our main character is young Meredith Gale, who having taken a few wrong turns in life, decides to end it all by jumping off The Bay Bridge in SF. Only she doesn't make much vertical progress before a voice in her ear offers her a choice to save her life. YES PLEASE! Hmm. I wonder if that would work for me? I don't think I'll test that out. After her rescue things get really weird.
I love the characters, the writing style, the almost non-stop action and the vivid descriptions. An eminently readable offering here folks. Normally, a story that is published in three bits would have me foaming at the mouth about the added expense of paying three times for one story. I'll forgive Paul Jones because I like his writings.
No deep thinking required here. Simply an entertaining story of survival. It's fun to theorise what future Earth will be like. Most people venture forward a hundred years or so, Star Trek ventured a few thousand, but not Paul Jones; his flight of fantasy takes us to an alien Earth half a billion years from now! Our Sun has become old and arthritic and even our Moon is looking a bit worse for wear. (My own feeling is that Earth will be an empty-nester by then, with the Moon, like that restless child, having long departed.) Strange creatures and people from earth's future and past abound, and not all of them want to take us to the pub, buy us a beer and share their chips.
Our main character is young Meredith Gale, who having taken a few wrong turns in life, decides to end it all by jumping off The Bay Bridge in SF. Only she doesn't make much vertical progress before a voice in her ear offers her a choice to save her life. YES PLEASE! Hmm. I wonder if that would work for me? I don't think I'll test that out. After her rescue things get really weird.
I love the characters, the writing style, the almost non-stop action and the vivid descriptions. An eminently readable offering here folks. Normally, a story that is published in three bits would have me foaming at the mouth about the added expense of paying three times for one story. I'll forgive Paul Jones because I like his writings.
May 3, 2019
2.5 - 3.0 ⭐
I read / listened to this book. The characters were bland and boring. The plot fell short of expectations. Kate Reading is an excellent narrator and she kept me hanging in there but I couldn't listen to the end. I found it boring and had to force myself to finish by skimming the book. By the time the next book comes out I'll have completely forgotten the plot and characters.
I read / listened to this book. The characters were bland and boring. The plot fell short of expectations. Kate Reading is an excellent narrator and she kept me hanging in there but I couldn't listen to the end. I found it boring and had to force myself to finish by skimming the book. By the time the next book comes out I'll have completely forgotten the plot and characters.
June 20, 2019
This is the first book in a series and even more so than most it doesn't really go anywhere or accomplish much of anything beyond introducing the characters, the world setting, and the barest hint of plot. I really wanted to like this book, I felt the opening was strong and I really liked the world-building elements but as the book progressed it felt more and more like "Lost" meets "Lord of the Rings" right down to the scene where they create the fellowship in front of Elrond.
Similarly I liked our protagonist at the beginning but as the story went on it seemed like she developed into this intensely self-involved caricature with poor impulse control. I can't see why the older more experienced characters follow her lead other than because she's the designated "hero with a mission".
Spoilery bits:
Similarly I liked our protagonist at the beginning but as the story went on it seemed like she developed into this intensely self-involved caricature with poor impulse control. I can't see why the older more experienced characters follow her lead other than because she's the designated "hero with a mission".
Spoilery bits:
March 28, 2019
In the book's description it says that this book is perfect for big fans of Stephen King and LOST. Im a big LOST fan, and this book gave me some hardcore nostalgia for Season 1. Introducing the cast of characters and trying to figure out what all is going on with this new place theyve found themselves in.
Characters could have used a bit more development, as there doesnt seem to be much inner reflection going on yet since everyone is just advancing the story. There's also a couple moments that are downright painful to read cause things are needing to be spelled out ELI5 style, when it should have been apparent from the get-go.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Cant wait for the next one.
Characters could have used a bit more development, as there doesnt seem to be much inner reflection going on yet since everyone is just advancing the story. There's also a couple moments that are downright painful to read cause things are needing to be spelled out ELI5 style, when it should have been apparent from the get-go.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Cant wait for the next one.
June 28, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. Can’t wait for the next episode.
October 7, 2019
An excellent plot and interesting characters, but the abrupt ending just left me hanging. I'd like to read the next one, but I'm a little ticked off at the author for selling me one half of a book.
October 21, 2020
Main character, Meredith, loses a promising future in law after the death of her closest friend in a car accident that also left her addicted to painkillers. At the moment that she chooses to end it all, a disembodied voice asks her if she wants to be saved. Choosing yes leaves her in an unknown land trying to figure out how she got there and what she's supposed to do next.
This was an enjoyable time travel/alternate universe story. The story moves at a nice steady clip and didn't really suffer from any dead spots. My interest was held throughout. This book ends in a clear cliffhanger so don't expect to read this book without the rest of the series. There's no resolution here.
When Wild Bill Hickok made an appearance early on in the story, I rolled my eyes, thinking that there was going to be a string of corny occursnces in this book, but that was not the case at all. Also, at one point in the audiobook, a character whose name is Edward, was referred to as William. I don't know if this occurred in print or not. These were my only real issues with this book. I really enjoyed and will be moving on to the next book in the series.
This was an enjoyable time travel/alternate universe story. The story moves at a nice steady clip and didn't really suffer from any dead spots. My interest was held throughout. This book ends in a clear cliffhanger so don't expect to read this book without the rest of the series. There's no resolution here.
When Wild Bill Hickok made an appearance early on in the story, I rolled my eyes, thinking that there was going to be a string of corny occursnces in this book, but that was not the case at all. Also, at one point in the audiobook, a character whose name is Edward, was referred to as William. I don't know if this occurred in print or not. These were my only real issues with this book. I really enjoyed and will be moving on to the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2020
A really interesting story that is starts off with our main character, Meredith. She has everything going for her but when she gets in a car accident with her best friend, her life starts to fall apart. It slowly spirals so far out of control that she decides she doesn't want to live anymore. She decides to plunge herself into the icy bay from a bridge. When she starts to fall from the bridge, she is asked if she wants to live. Realizing that she does want to she says "yes". She is then plunged into a different world with other people that arrived the same way with different circumstances. How they got there and what is the purpose is a true mystery. Throughout the book we get to see them traveling around this new world and learning new things including new threats to their lives.
Very entertaining read. The book does end without a full explanation and you'll be wanting book 2 at your side.
Very entertaining read. The book does end without a full explanation and you'll be wanting book 2 at your side.
November 20, 2019
A story of a deeply flawed character that’s given a second chance, but still faces incredible danger and a mystery to solve.
I love female lead protagonists.
This is a unique, original and imaginative take on survival, the will to change and become stronger still
Science fiction and fantasy fans wouldn’t want to miss this one.
April 3, 2019
Mini-Review:
4.5 Stars for Narration by Kate Reading
3.5 Stars for Characters
3 Stars for Story
I would have liked the book more It's a good layout for a series and the characters are great. I'll keep an eye out for the next book because I want to see what direction the plot will take. While the opening is rather bleak, the rest of the story has a very positive vibe for a tale shrouded in greys.
4.5 Stars for Narration by Kate Reading
3.5 Stars for Characters
3 Stars for Story
I would have liked the book more It's a good layout for a series and the characters are great. I'll keep an eye out for the next book because I want to see what direction the plot will take. While the opening is rather bleak, the rest of the story has a very positive vibe for a tale shrouded in greys.
January 25, 2020
I can't give this book more than three stars as I thing it was very well written however the plot was interesting enough that I do plan to continue the series.
September 3, 2019
Excellent and made even better by Kate Reading's audiobook performance.
This story seems to combine a fairly good combination of science fiction and adventure - more a survival story than not, and lots of loose strings at the end. Fortunately it's at least a 3-book series. I think the plot has a lot of places it can go, because the ending raised as many questions as it answered. The characters are likable and well-rounded. It would be reasonable to think that throwing not just time travel but multi-dimensional travel into the mix would make it far too complicated - but it's really not. The whole thing works nicely.
All in all, I can't wait for the sequels.
This story seems to combine a fairly good combination of science fiction and adventure - more a survival story than not, and lots of loose strings at the end. Fortunately it's at least a 3-book series. I think the plot has a lot of places it can go, because the ending raised as many questions as it answered. The characters are likable and well-rounded. It would be reasonable to think that throwing not just time travel but multi-dimensional travel into the mix would make it far too complicated - but it's really not. The whole thing works nicely.
All in all, I can't wait for the sequels.
March 27, 2019
This book really drew me in initially. I wanted to like the main character. I don't know if the author was aiming for an over the top helpless, cream-puff millennial vibe for her, but that's the impression I got. There were magical solutions to several of the plot points I found interesting. Also, the idea of parallel dimensions will be explained over and over.
September 24, 2019
The book was interesting, somewhat of a page turner. The characters were well developed and very interesting. My only complaint is that the author has chosen to end the book right as it was getting interesting. I realize a lot of authors are doing this in order to increase sales as they publish a sequel but this is not appealing to me.
May 28, 2020
The premise is interesting but there are a few things I didn't like and that impacted my overall enjoyment of the book. In no particular order:
- The characterizations.
I felt like, except for Meredith, every other character was 2 dimensional at best. As for Meredith, she seemed interesting at first. But her addiction never felt believable to me.
And by the end, she was becoming irritating.
- The general response of people to being dropped on the island.
Everyone seems to be dealing extremely well to And that lack of emotional response is the reason the characters seem so flat to me.
- Meredith's dilemma about Silas.
Highlights
- The characterizations.
I felt like, except for Meredith, every other character was 2 dimensional at best. As for Meredith, she seemed interesting at first. But her addiction never felt believable to me.
And by the end, she was becoming irritating.
- The general response of people to being dropped on the island.
Everyone seems to be dealing extremely well to And that lack of emotional response is the reason the characters seem so flat to me.
- Meredith's dilemma about Silas.
Highlights
October 23, 2019
The story opens with a deeply flawed character faced with a life altering event and choice, and I was hooked. Science fiction, end of the world as we know it and zombie novels are my favorite reads. And usually, they start by introducing the lead character in everyday normal life, and then the bad thing happens to them. In this book, the story opens with a fully developed character, complete with back story, deep flaws. She is so well written that the reader doesn't need a lot of detail about her past, in order to get on with the story. I always like and appreciate strong, well written female characters (there are two in this story), and especially love it when they are the main character. These two are very well written and convincing. A lot of male authors, and even many female authors mess it up. But these two characters are likable and believable.
The story drops its characters into a mysterious place and situation, for reasons we don't know, to face unusual dangers. The burning mysteries...why, where are they, what's going on...little bits of information is revealed along the way, and new mysteries crop up. The balance between mysteries, reveals and action were exciting and entertaining.
My one suggestion to the author would be to have the cover, description and release date of the next book in the series up on amazon, and ready for pre-sale, or so that readers can put it on their amazon list. That way, the reader can be locked in to the next book, either by having pre-purchased or on their list, without having to remember. I read a lot. And I mean A LOT. I will have read dozens of books from dozens of authors before the next in this series is published. I am likely to forget about this series.
All in all, this is a very well written book. The characters are well defined, very different from one another, easy to care about. The plot progresses in good dramatic fashion, with a balance of mystery, action and science fiction. If you like this genre, you will like this book.
The story drops its characters into a mysterious place and situation, for reasons we don't know, to face unusual dangers. The burning mysteries...why, where are they, what's going on...little bits of information is revealed along the way, and new mysteries crop up. The balance between mysteries, reveals and action were exciting and entertaining.
My one suggestion to the author would be to have the cover, description and release date of the next book in the series up on amazon, and ready for pre-sale, or so that readers can put it on their amazon list. That way, the reader can be locked in to the next book, either by having pre-purchased or on their list, without having to remember. I read a lot. And I mean A LOT. I will have read dozens of books from dozens of authors before the next in this series is published. I am likely to forget about this series.
All in all, this is a very well written book. The characters are well defined, very different from one another, easy to care about. The plot progresses in good dramatic fashion, with a balance of mystery, action and science fiction. If you like this genre, you will like this book.
March 24, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"I am just an ordinary woman."
On the day that the life support of drug addicted Meredith's best friend is turned off, she prepares to die. But, beyond the point of no return, she realizes she has made a mistake, she wants to live. The a voice seems to offer salvation - All she has to do is say yes.
She does, and wakes up somewhere strange and frightening, other people there, as well, all of them struggling not to drown. And the story begins ...
And what a story it is, a thriller, and adventure, unknown fears to be faced, New friends to learn to trust, a facing of good and evil, a confrontation of ethical behaviours, technologies beyond any known possibilities from her world, a magical aurora which comes at the end of day, and the questions always of how, why, where, who and why me?
The book is simply but brilliantly written by P.A.Jones who mixes adventure and confrontation with new world creation and mysteries, together with on going character development. Good in the first person from Meredith's perspective, her emotional fears and speculations are there for the reader to feel for themselves as everything unfolds. Narrator Kate Reading also makes an admirable performance, conveying her subject's internal confusions as well as giving individual voice to all of the other protagonists stranded with her in their nightmare circumstance.
An interesting and unusual plot line, this is the first of a new series which promises such for the future. My thanks to the rights holder of The Paths Between Worlds, who, at my request, generously and freely gifted me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. It was an unexpected delight.
Highly recommended especially for anyone looking for something a little but different.
"I am just an ordinary woman."
On the day that the life support of drug addicted Meredith's best friend is turned off, she prepares to die. But, beyond the point of no return, she realizes she has made a mistake, she wants to live. The a voice seems to offer salvation - All she has to do is say yes.
She does, and wakes up somewhere strange and frightening, other people there, as well, all of them struggling not to drown. And the story begins ...
And what a story it is, a thriller, and adventure, unknown fears to be faced, New friends to learn to trust, a facing of good and evil, a confrontation of ethical behaviours, technologies beyond any known possibilities from her world, a magical aurora which comes at the end of day, and the questions always of how, why, where, who and why me?
The book is simply but brilliantly written by P.A.Jones who mixes adventure and confrontation with new world creation and mysteries, together with on going character development. Good in the first person from Meredith's perspective, her emotional fears and speculations are there for the reader to feel for themselves as everything unfolds. Narrator Kate Reading also makes an admirable performance, conveying her subject's internal confusions as well as giving individual voice to all of the other protagonists stranded with her in their nightmare circumstance.
An interesting and unusual plot line, this is the first of a new series which promises such for the future. My thanks to the rights holder of The Paths Between Worlds, who, at my request, generously and freely gifted me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. It was an unexpected delight.
Highly recommended especially for anyone looking for something a little but different.
April 18, 2019
Meredith, at her whit's end because of a series of bad life events find herself on a bridge contemplating suicide. She slips off and as she plunges to her death she hears a voice in her head asking if you wants to live - if so just say "yes". She says "yes". Instead of dying, she awakens on an earth-like planet with other survivors. While Meredith and a few other survivors try to figure out what is happening, they are also trying to survive people and creatures trying to kill them.
This is a good book, but really just sets us up for the next book. After surviving their initial challenges, Meredith and the three people she arrived with and an AI robot, go on to find out who is responsible for them being transported to this world and why it appears it is not what it was supposed to be.
Book 1 was all about trying to understand the situation the characters found themselves and from a plot perspective, I didn't feel like it moved very far before it was over. Still debating if I liked it enough to go through this two more times.
This is a good book, but really just sets us up for the next book. After surviving their initial challenges, Meredith and the three people she arrived with and an AI robot, go on to find out who is responsible for them being transported to this world and why it appears it is not what it was supposed to be.
Book 1 was all about trying to understand the situation the characters found themselves and from a plot perspective, I didn't feel like it moved very far before it was over. Still debating if I liked it enough to go through this two more times.
April 18, 2019
Is Meridith the new Emily?
I couldn't help but be excited as I started The Paths Between Worlds. I really missed Emily Baxter from the Extinction Series and now I find someone, Meredith, who I'm sure I am going to fall in love with also. This band of (time) travellers--Meredith, Albert, Chou, Freuchen, and Silas--are certain to have many adventures as they set out to figure out what their mission is. I am amazed at the intelligence of this group. When I finished, and sat back to ponder what I'd read, I found that it played back in my mind like a movie. I "saw" the characters, especially Meredith; she and I both being redheads, I fit right into being the heroine character in this book...LOL. Can't wait for the next in the series. I read that it took Paul Anthony Jones 7 years to get this book from start to finish. I hope that means the series, and not just the book. In the real world, you never know if you're going to be around in 7 more years...and I definitely am anxious to read the second and third books of the trilogy.
I couldn't help but be excited as I started The Paths Between Worlds. I really missed Emily Baxter from the Extinction Series and now I find someone, Meredith, who I'm sure I am going to fall in love with also. This band of (time) travellers--Meredith, Albert, Chou, Freuchen, and Silas--are certain to have many adventures as they set out to figure out what their mission is. I am amazed at the intelligence of this group. When I finished, and sat back to ponder what I'd read, I found that it played back in my mind like a movie. I "saw" the characters, especially Meredith; she and I both being redheads, I fit right into being the heroine character in this book...LOL. Can't wait for the next in the series. I read that it took Paul Anthony Jones 7 years to get this book from start to finish. I hope that means the series, and not just the book. In the real world, you never know if you're going to be around in 7 more years...and I definitely am anxious to read the second and third books of the trilogy.
December 27, 2023
Blasted Hopes
The first half of this novel was very promising. The events were well described and the mind-bending Sci-fi was believably presented. As the story progressed, nascent suspicions were confirmed by events but not articulated; I was being treated as a smart reader who could make inferences. Then, almost suddenly, when I had fallen under the spell of the narrative, newly encountered characters had to be brought up to speed, and explanations, needless for a reader, slowed the pace. Shortly thereafter, in spite of some interesting new wrinkles in the Sci-fi, the passages of recapitulation were joined by ponderous bemusement on the part of characters who ought to have had sharper wits. Twice or more on every page my own memory and intelligence were insulted by laborious explanations, stupid questions, and myopic epiphanies. When I began reading, I had wondered why I could not remember the novel’s ending since I had read it before, but I eventually found out why: I had slammed it shut and abandoned it the first time, and I did so again this time.
The first half of this novel was very promising. The events were well described and the mind-bending Sci-fi was believably presented. As the story progressed, nascent suspicions were confirmed by events but not articulated; I was being treated as a smart reader who could make inferences. Then, almost suddenly, when I had fallen under the spell of the narrative, newly encountered characters had to be brought up to speed, and explanations, needless for a reader, slowed the pace. Shortly thereafter, in spite of some interesting new wrinkles in the Sci-fi, the passages of recapitulation were joined by ponderous bemusement on the part of characters who ought to have had sharper wits. Twice or more on every page my own memory and intelligence were insulted by laborious explanations, stupid questions, and myopic epiphanies. When I began reading, I had wondered why I could not remember the novel’s ending since I had read it before, but I eventually found out why: I had slammed it shut and abandoned it the first time, and I did so again this time.
April 12, 2019
I really enjoyed the story premise and the characters created. It is definitely a unique story. The book is well edited. I noticed no typos or grammatical errors. There were a couple of PHD words when Masters words would have worked, but only a couple. A minor plot error with Silas that 98% of folks will never notice, one that doesn’t detract from the story at all even if you notice it. Consider it an Easter egg to find. The story was interesting enough that even though I was given the book as an ARC, I ordered my own copy in order to support an author that I would like to see succeed.
I read 50+ books a year and sometimes they all run together. Similar story lines, predictable plots … Well this isn’t one of those books. The plot is unique, the story is unpredictable, the characters are likable and interesting. The only complain I have is that I have to wait for the next book in the series to come out. I am going to buy some of the author’s other books to see if they are as good.
I read 50+ books a year and sometimes they all run together. Similar story lines, predictable plots … Well this isn’t one of those books. The plot is unique, the story is unpredictable, the characters are likable and interesting. The only complain I have is that I have to wait for the next book in the series to come out. I am going to buy some of the author’s other books to see if they are as good.
April 4, 2020
Having read the Extinction Point series, I thought I'd dip my toe in the waters of Paul Antony Jones' other creations. The Paths Between Worlds is steered by its narrator, the rather colourless Meredith Gale. There are plenty of original ideas to keep this first instalment of the series going although I found some of the characters a little irritating; in particular the Dutchman, Freuchen whose dialogue is over-peppered with words beginning with 'w'(which he pronounces 'v' just to prove his 'Dutchness').
The island upon which they are marooned has an interesting assortment of fauna, some friendly, some deadly and the temporal references are well thought out - although I wondered why so many characters were extracted from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries when the Architect had practically all of time to choose from. It's an easy read and the end of Book 1 sets up the beginning of Book 2 hand in glove.
The island upon which they are marooned has an interesting assortment of fauna, some friendly, some deadly and the temporal references are well thought out - although I wondered why so many characters were extracted from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries when the Architect had practically all of time to choose from. It's an easy read and the end of Book 1 sets up the beginning of Book 2 hand in glove.
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