Time Travel discussion

Paradox Bound


Eli’s willing to admit it: he’s a little obsessed with the mysterious woman he met years ago. Okay, maybe a lot obsessed. But come on, how often do you meet someone who’s driving a hundred-year-old car, clad in Revolutionary-War era clothes, wielding an oddly modified flintlock rifle—someone who pauses just long enough to reveal strange things about you and your world before disappearing in a cloud of gunfire and a squeal of tires?

So when the traveler finally reappears in his life, Eli is determined that this time he’s not going to let her go without getting some answers. But his determination soon leads him into a strange, dangerous world and a chase not just across the country but through a hundred years of history—with nothing less than America’s past, present, and future at stake.

373 pages
$12.99 Kindle version
Libraries

Oh, well I just finished The Fold, I just might jump in for this read. Have to see if I can get a copy. Is anyone else joining in?

Jennifer, I am a goober. I put the wrong start and end date.

It was supposed to March 1 - April 30.

I can keep it, extend to end of April, or correct it.

Is there a preference?

I plan on reading it but was planning on March! My library has a copy.

I can wait until later. I would have to get a copy from my library.

I fixed it. Good thing you posted. I didn’t notice my boo boo.

I've got it reserved from the library.

Oh, I just ordered the hardcopy because Peter Cline will be at our ComiCon in May. Yay!! I'm in!

Karen wrote: "Oh, I just ordered the hardcopy because Peter Cline will be at our ComiCon in May. Yay!! I'm in!"

Lucky!

Are you going to read with us? It has an X in the title...

Ten pages? You gotta give it more than that before making a decision. Unless it is a 12 page story!

Library still has this as “new” so only 14 day loan. I won’t start until sometime in March. I don’t want to check it out until I am ready to start since I can’t hold on to it for very long.

Just hit the delete buton under your post where the option to reply is. Or you can also edit it.

Ned wrote: "Nancy: This is the first time I've posted before I read the entire book, and boy am I paying for it. Is there any chance you can delete my post? I'm afraid it's just going to distract everyone from..."

Ned, I think it was really ok. And you have changed your position. Isn't it funny, we read things and are like ..."I am not sure, this kinda stinks, let me give it one more chapter" ...and then suddenly the book is done . But you have to give things more than 10 pages, I go to about 100 pages or so to give something a chance. :) Dude you are hard core!

I finished Paradox Bound last night & I loved it, but it took a few chapters to get into. At first, I didn't like the author playing coy with the time travel element and with the main character's problems - but as I got into the book, and closer to the characters, it started to make sense. I thought the end of the book was much stronger than the beginning, which is a big plus. (Usually I'm let down by endings - not this one!) All in all, a very satisfying read and I'm looking forward to discussions about it!

Nancy wrote: "Karen wrote: "Oh, I just ordered the hardcopy because Peter Cline will be at our ComiCon in May. Yay!! I'm in!"

Lucky!

Are you going to read with us? It has an X in the title..."

Yup, I'll start this in March. And yes!! An X!!! Woot!

I'm a sucker for Peter Clines books. Just downloaded it from the library.

Karen wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Karen wrote: "Oh, I just ordered the hardcopy because Peter Cline will be at our ComiCon in May. Yay!! I'm in!"

Lucky!

Are you going to read with us? It has an X in the title..."

..."

Yay, Karen!!!!

Amy wrote: "I'm a sucker for Peter Clines books. Just downloaded it from the library."

I should check if they have an ebook. They have a paper copy.

I’m debating if I want to listen to this on audible or read my print copy. Ray Porter narrates and he’s one of my favorite narrators. I listened to The Fold on audio and really enjoyed it.

Nancy, we’ll need to tell him in Tucson next weekend that your group is reading his book right now! 😉

Is he going to be there? I didn’t see him name.

Need to know so I can bring the book with me!!!!!

Don’t make me text you!

Nancy wrote: "Need to know so I can bring the book with me!!!!!

Don’t make me text you!"

Ha, sorry! I just checked. He's at our ComiCon in May. Not Tucson. MY BAD!! 😝😬

Ohhhh, Paradox Bound is audible’s daily deal today!! 😳 $3.95! I grabbed it and will be listening to this one for sure now! 🎧😬

Has anyone started this yet? I'm nearly halfway through. It's definitely different than other Cline books, but it still has the element of having a big idea that has become a tangible part of a world.

When you hit 30% and learn exactly what it is that Harry is looking for, I'm really curious how much you think the current political and mental state of the USA influenced the idea behind this book. (Quotes from book and question behind spoiler tag).

(view spoiler)[

She sighed. “At a distance, with a large number of people, the dream can alter the flow of time and reshape the nation. If one person actually possessed it, held it, the entire United States—and all its people—would all be whatever that one person dreamed. They could impose their will on the whole country.” Eli blinked. “How?” “I don’t know the details,” Harry admitted. “I just know the person who finds the dream can do whatever they want with the country.”

"When the dream is found, the country’s underlying bedrock will be restored.”

Has the will of the USA changed in the past year or so with Trump? Was Trump's goal to make "America great again" the imposition of a new will upon the country? Is the author trying to show that the dream in the wrong person's hands changes the country? There seems to be more confusion and uncertainty, lack of being able to find the edges of solid facts, and it's hard to relax wondering what piece of news stranger than fiction will greet us in tomorrow's news. Has the American dream changed? Is it no longer something that inspires? Whether or not you agree with this sentiment ... Is the author trying to flesh out this idea with this book without being overtly political? Thoughts? (hide spoiler)]

I finished it - liked it very much. The ending was better than the beginning, for me. I really liked how it was wrapped up.
To answer your question, I think he must have been very influenced by what is going on now - very interesting.

I am listening to this on audio, because I love Ray Porter. His narration is great, but I admit I am not loving the story yet. I've really loved other of Cline's books, but it feels like his reach to make this somewhat contemporary by building the whole thrust of the book around the faceless men and the dream is weak. But, that's just my opinion, and I've still got half the book to change my mind.

Shawn wrote: "I am listening to this on audio, because I love Ray Porter. His narration is great, but I admit I am not loving the story yet. I've really loved other of Cline's books, but it feels like his reach ..."

I'm betting Clines will pull off the idea of the dream in a big way like he did with the concepts in 14. I guess we'll see.

I haven’t had a chance to start yet. Soon.

At 61% ... (view spoiler)[Is Truss the Trump figure in this book? After all, you only need to take away the "ump" and add "uss". (hide spoiler)]

I am not going to click, I am not going to click....

😬

I'm at about the same spot, and the exact same thought occurred to me.

Finished the book today. Overall, I guess it was entertaining, but I wasn't impressed. (view spoiler)[ I did like the way we could revisit the same scene more than once from a different person's perspective. However, that messed me up trying to visualize the chronology of Harry's timeline.
I thought the ending was very tidy, and a good way to "find" the dream. I am a fan of the predestination paradox particularly in the way Eli stopped Zeke/Zero with the car. I like to think that regarding time travel, whatever happens has always happened.
An important ingredient in any time travel story (for me) is the mechanism for travel, and this silly concept of 'slick spots' didn't work for me.
I don't mean to sound too critical because I did enjoy the story. I just found enough holes to leave me wanting more.(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

I started this last night and I am at 1/3 in and I am enjoying it so far.

Amy wrote: "Has anyone started this yet? I'm nearly halfway through. It's definitely different than other Cline books, but it still has the element of having a big idea that has become a tangible part of a wor..."

I don’t try to read into someone’s writing and statements on current events. Who knows when he got the idea and how long it took him to write it? I do like this concept of an actual thing not an idea. I am curious where he goes and the ride to get there. His books are usually on the fun side.

I started listening to Ray Porter on audio. Love Ray Porter!! I'm only about 15% in, but it's grabbed my attention.

I’m just over 50% and I like it. It’s a fun read so far.

I finished this last night and I enjoyed it a lot. I like books that are light and fun since I read a lot of books that aren’t and it helps to balance things.

I like that we have paradoxes and how they were used. Especially the predestination paradox.

Darin, I also tend to think that whatever has happened, has always happened. (view spoiler)[I did like that people’s timelines were not necessarily in chronological order. I think from Eli’s perspective (since he was narrating) his timeline was the only one we saw in chronological order. WHich is how it should be since he’s telling the story. (hide spoiler)]

Years ago, I was approached by a Man From the U.S. Bureau of Suspension of Disbelief on a matter of national security.

MFTUSBOSOD: We have an idea we would like to run past you.
ME (guardedly): This isn’t something preposterous and untenable, is it?
MFTUSBOSOD: No, nothing like that. Just far fetched and impossible.
ME (frowning): That sounds just as bad, but go ahead.
MFTUSBOSOD: Scottish highlanders from the 18th century jump across time in long coats and have sword fights.
ME: How far across time?
MFTUSBOSOD: To the present.
ME: That’s ridiculous. You can’t seriously expect me to suspend my disbelief for something so silly.
MFTUSBOSOD: But it’ll have great characters and costumes and moody settings and drama and romance. We’ll dress it up real nice. People will love it.
ME: I don’t know. Have you got anything else?
MFTUSBOSOD: Yes, as a matter of fact, we do.
ME: This isn’t something preposterous again, is it?
MFTUSBOSOD: Of course not. Just whimsical and imaginative.
ME: This doesn’t involve a Scotsman from the 18th century in a long coat, does it? You haven’t just replaced the sword with, say, a scarf, have you?
MFTUSBOSOD: No, not at all. Not specifically a Scotsman. He’s a doctor.
ME: A doctor of what?
MFTUSBOSOD: You ask hard questions.
ME: He’s not someone who gads about time in an impossible way, is he?
MFTUSBOSOD: Stop it with the hard questions. He uses a tardis to travel through time.
ME: A tardis! I’m supposed to suspend disbelief over a time traveling tardis? This sounds like something for children.
MFTUSBOSOD: Oh, it is. Just don’t tell anyone. We’re giving him a companion so younger viewers will have someone to identify with.
ME: Okay, but stop bringing me your loony ideas. How does this have anything to do with national security?
MFTUSBOSOD: It doesn’t. That was just an exaggeration to get your attention.
ME: I’m having some credibility issues here.

Recently, the Man From The U.S. Bureau of Suspension of Disbelief has returned.
MFTUSBOSOD: I have another idea to run past you, and I bet you’re going to love it.
ME (guardedly): This doesn’t involve a Scotsman in a long coat from the 18th century gadding about time, does it?
MFTUSBOSOD: No, not at all. This is completely different. Not a Scotsman, an American.
ME: That wasn’t quite the denial I was looking for. But go ahead.
MFTUSBOSOD: (view spoiler)[ The Founding Fathers, as freemasons, engage the Egyptian god Ptah to craft a magical object that will fulfill the wishes of not just one persona but an entire nation of people.
ME: So where does the guy with the long coat from the eighteenth century come in?
MFTUSBOSOD: I’m getting to that. The Founding Fathers also have P’tah create a cadre of faceless men with super powers to guard the magical object, but it gets stolen. The man from the eighteenth century with the long coat is trying to get it back, but it’s not a man. It’s a woman who looks like a man.
ME: You expect me to suspend my disbelief over this gibberish? Who wrote this?
MFTUSBOSOD: Peter Clines, and It’s not as bad as you think. He has come up with all sort of techniques to make the story work.
ME: You mean like smoke and mirrors?
MFTUSBOSOD: More like distraction and misdirection. You know, like a magician or sleight-of-hand artist. It’s like he slips you drugs, trips you up, puts a bag over your head, and saps you from behind.
ME: Sounds impressive. I don’t know whether to throw him in jail or give him a medal.
MFTUSBOSOD: The popular consensus is the medal.
ME: This idea you’ve presented is so absurd, it makes time-hopping Scotch swordsmen seem like scientific fact in comparison. I’ve never encountered something so ludicrous outside of heathen religions. How could I possibly suspend disbelief?
MFTUSBOSOD: It’s not that hard, believe me. This author has a whole bag of tricks to put this story across.
ME: What kind of tricks?
MFTUSBOSOD: Genre confusion, dream state, character sympathy, simplistic style, and obfuscation. Do you want me to explain them to you?
ME: No, but my reading group might. Do you think I could enjoy this story if I knew all the tricks being played on me?
MFTUSBOSOD: The tricks are entertaining all by themselves. For instance, take time paradox.
ME: That’s a subgenre of science fiction. You can’t have a time paradox in a fantasy story. Anything is possible in fantasy. Paradox doesn’t matter.
MFTUSBOSOD: Peter Clines makes it matter.
ME: There’s a time paradox in his fantasy novel?
MFTUSBOSOD: Not a single one.
ME: What? This novel is titled PARADOX BOUND and it doesn’t contain any paradoxes?
MFTUSBOSOD: It can’t. As you said, it’s a fantasy novel.
ME: But—but—
MFTUSBOSOD: See? He’s done it to you, too.
ME: Done what?
MFTUSBOSOD: Tricked you.
ME (pulling my hair): Ah! There should be a warning label placed on this novel: THE BUREAS OF SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF HAS DETERMINED THIS NOVEL IS TRYING TO TRICK YOU.
MFTUSBOSOD: But doesn’t all fiction involve tricks? Doesn’t your own?
ME: Yes, but I have standards.
MFTUSBOSOD: But isn’t this novel entertaining?
ME (guardedly): Yeah, so?
MFTUSBOSOD: That’s all that most readers care about.
ME: Damn them.
MFTUSBOSOD: It sounds like you’re just jealous.
ME: You only come around to bedevil me, don’t you? You don’t have any serious purpose at all.
MFTUSBOSOD: You really think there’s a Bureau on the Suspension of Disbelief?
ME: Ah! You tricked me. There should be a law against trickery like this. Against fake fiction.
MFTUSBOSOD: Isn’t that an oxymoron?
ME: No. My tricky fiction is the real thing.
MFTUSBOSOD: You wish.
ME: Give me long enough and I’ll convince you of it.
MFTUSBOSOD: Sorry, I’ve got to go.
ME (shouting at his back as he leaves): Stop bringing me your loony ideas! I have enough of my own. (hide spoiler)]

That was funny. Did you write that?

I finished this last night and thought it was really quirky and fun! The faceless men scared the bejeebies out of me at the beginning! My favorite part was the little town with the 3 bars where the week long wedding reception was held. Such a cool concept.

That town and the three bars kind of reminded me of Man in the Empty Suit. Even though they are completely different. If that can even make sense!

LOL! Very good indeed!

Did anyone notice there was a little nod to 14 and The Fold?

If you haven’t read them, they are pretty good books.

You convinced me, Nancy! I just got 14 on Kindle and audio. 😬

Karen wrote: "You convinced me, Nancy! I just got 14 on Kindle and audio. 😬"

Tee here hee

I have heard his Ex- series is pretty good. I haven’t read any of them.

Nancy wrote: "That was funny. Did you write that?"
If you mean me, Nancy, yes. (view spoiler)[ I agree with you that the part with the three bars reminds me of THE MAN IN THE EMPTY SUIT. The really funny thing, I think, is that the whole time Eli is going over to The First Time Around, I'm all nervous and quaking in my boots hoping he won't cause a Time Paradox when, given the theory of time in the book, Time cannot be changed and causing a paradox is impossible. In the end it is clear that the past, the future and by extension the present cannot be changed. Eli prevails in the end because he comes to realize this. That's why he isn't worried that the Hornet will catch them, and that's how he figures out the American Dream is still where it's always been. Nothing can change. But Clines doesn't want the reader to figure this out because that would put an end to the tension in the book. He knows Eli is in no danger whatsoever of causing a paradox, yet he has set it up so that the Faceless Men are afraid there's going to be a paradox and the Searcher are afraid there's going to be a paradox and as a result the reader is afraid there's going to be a paradox. But there can't be a paradox because Time can't be changed. Clines has tricked us. He's known all along Eli won't cause a paradox by going over to The First Time Around. And the really funny thing is this scene where Eli goes over there and I'm all worried about what will happen is my favorite scene in the book, even now, even though it's all a big trick. If the characters really wanted to change anything, they ought to become freemasons and start worshipping P'tah. Of course, that would ruin the book. Because I think a lot of the appeal of this book is in the innocence and small town goodness of the characters of Eli and Harry. They're just so genuine and well intentioned, and they have a simplicity that is rare today. You're more likely to run into a smart aleck like me. (hide spoiler)]

I'm about 60% done, and enjoying it so far. Every time I start to think I might be getting a little bored with it, Clines throws a new twist in to keep me reading.

Was there anything anyone thought was different or intersting in Paradox Bound compared to other time travel books?

So his Ex-series isn’t really worth reading?

It was quite different - I liked the steampunk feel of the story - it was a giant chase across the country and across centuries. The characters were interesting. The idea of monsters was kind of spooky, until we actually faced them (like most horror film monsters, they lose their scariness once you get to know them, lol) I haven't read anything else by this author, but I liked his style and will look forward to reading more by him.