Time Fixers - YA travel sci-fi, mystery, & emotional coming-of-age

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

After thoroughly enjoying Miles in Time, I had high hopes for its sequel and Time Fixers absolutely delivers. This second installment not only lives up to the original but deepens the story with a richer plot, higher emotional stakes, and continued character growth that makes it a standout in YA fiction.

 

Set once again in the small town of Frontier, Iowa, the book quickly raises the stakes when brothers Miles and Simon Hardy face their most personal mission yet: traveling back to 1999 to save their mother from a traumatic past that set her life on a tragic course. The emotional core of this story, the brothers’ fierce determination to protect their mom, gives Time Fixers its powerful heart. Their sibling bond is both believable and moving, adding real depth to the fast-paced, twisty plot.

 

Lee Mathew Goldberg expertly balances genres, blending time-travel sci-fi, mystery, and emotional coming-of-age moments into a story that feels fresh and surprisingly profound. There’s humor, danger, nostalgia, and a compelling mystery that draws you in deeper with every chapter. And while the stakes are high, the plot remains easy to follow, never bogged down by its complexity.

One of the things I appreciated most is how the characters have matured since book one. Miles, in particular, faces difficult moral choices, including where his loyalties lie and who he can trust. His developing feelings, complicated friendships, and the looming threat of their grandfather’s connection to a powerful corporation make for a layered and engaging narrative.

 Time Fixers also continues a thread introduced in the first book, with Miles exploring his romantic identity. While in Miles in Time this aspect felt briefly included, it becomes more integrated into the plot here. 

⚠️ Content note: For readers who prefer to avoid romantic subplots involving bisexual themes in YA fiction, it plays a meaningful role in character development.

That said, the romantic angle doesn’t overshadow the emotional depth or the core themes of family, sacrifice, and self-discovery. It’s handled thoughtfully and remains in balance with the rest of the story.

If you liked Miles in Time, you won’t be disappointed with Time Fixers. And if you’re new to the series, start with book one, but know that the sequel is where the story truly hits its stride.

As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from Blackberry Book Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. 

 

About the Author: Lee Matthew Goldberg 

Lee Matthew Goldberg is the Anthony, Lefty, and Prix du Polar nominated author of fourteen novels including THE ANCESTOR and THE MENTOR, and THE GREAT GIMMELMANS along with his five-book DESIRE CARD series. After graduating with an MFA from the New School, he’s been published in multiple languages and his writing has also appeared as a contributor in CrimeReads, Pipeline Artists, LitHub, Chicago Quarterly Review, Electric Literature, The Los Angeles Review of Books, The Jewish Book Council, The Millions, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, LitReactor, Mystery Tribune, The Nerd Daily, Monkeybicycle, Fiction Writers Review, Cagibi, Necessary Fiction, the anthology Dirty Boulevard, The Montreal Review, The Adirondack Review, The New Plains Review, Maudlin House and others. He is the publisher of Fringe Press, the co-curator of The Guerrilla Lit Reading Series, and lives in New York City. Follow him at LeeMatthewGoldberg.com

https://www.leematthewgoldberg.com/
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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8001634.Lee_Matthew_Goldberg

 

Uniquely original immersive experience

From the very first page, Earthcore Book 1: Rotovegas by Grace Bridges thrusts readers into the vibrant world of Rotorua, New Zealand, a setting as crucial to the story as the characters themselves. The geothermal springs of Mokoia Island are not merely a backdrop but a character in their own right, brimming with ancient power and mystery. The author’s depiction of the cultural and natural beauty of the region breathes authenticity into the narrative, making Rotorua a living, breathing entity.

 

About the book: Earthcore - Rotovegas

Anira, the protagonist, is a marvel of character development. Her transformation from a reluctant teen vacationer with a fear of volcanoes into a formidable hero is both believable and inspiring. The cognitive powers she acquires from the hot springs not only add an intriguing layer to her character but also set the stage for a gripping story filled with energy, suspense, and emotion. Anira’s struggle to control her newfound abilities and understand their origin is portrayed with depth and sensitivity, making her journey relatable and compelling.

The supporting characters also have unique abilities that add a delightful layer of complexity and camaraderie that generates tension and growth, from the heart of the story. This ragtag team’s evolution from distrustful individuals to a united force is a testament to the author’s skill in creating believable teenage characters as they face challenges with bravery and resilience.

As the climax builds to a thrilling crescendo, the stakes are high, and the resolution is both satisfying and hopeful. The book concludes with a sense of accomplishment and unity, leaving readers eager for more.

5 out of 5 stars

BookHooup Review of Earthcore: Rotovegas

The intricately woven plot is peppered with clever clues and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The blend of action and adventure, combined with fantastical Maori beings and cultural lore, elevates the story to a truly immersive experience.

Earthcore is a uniquely original and imaginative tale that skillfully combines action, fantasy, and cultural richness. It celebrates diversity, teamwork, and the magic hidden in the natural world. With its rich cultural tapestry and inventive storytelling this book is a must-read for fans of dynamic characters and reluctant heroes.

I'm looking forward to reading the series.

About the author: Grace Bridges

Grace Bridges has been in love with language and art, and the art of language, for her entire life. She’s a semi-professional cat herder and also translates German and French. Indie publishing and freelance editing have been her focus for the past ten years, including 40+ titles in her Splashdown Books brand. She has written several novels in space opera, Irish cyberpunk, and in 2017 the EARTHCORE science mythology YA series set in New Zealand. Her short stories and non-fiction appear in many anthologies and online magazines. Grace loves to show people that it’s easy to make books—but also insists on top quality writing and design. She has served five years on the committee of New Zealand writers' group SpecFicNZ and is its current president. See www.gracebridges.kiwi for information on her art, fiction and non-fiction, editing work, and more.

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As BookHookup I received a free review copy of this book from the author but was not compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.