Review: Time Slice by Kerry Downing

Newly retired workaholic Roy Washburn is not ready for a life of leisure. On a trip to the mall with his wife, he finds a small metal cylinder with odd markings. One nudge of the cylinder's triangle-shaped pointer and Roy finds himself embarking on an exciting new adventure in the Time Stream. There he meets The Traveler, a tall, gangly being who shows Roy how to use the cylinder to visit other civilizations that co-exist on "his" Earth, each occupying a different, thin Time Slice. The Traveler solicits Roy's help in recovering an object invented by his murdered father and beyond his own reach. Roy is his last hope. At first it seems that the Traveler's wish might be easily granted. But after Roy's wife Emily becomes ill and his daughter's long-held resentments rise to the surface, he can no longer "travel" at a moment's notice. He also discovers the very real physical and mental risks involved in roaming the Time Stream. Despite the dangers, Roy is determined to help the Traveler. But he can't do it alone. Fortunately he has a loving wife and a core group of loyal friends. But first he must convince them--and his daughter--that he isn't crazy ...

I love the idea behind this book. Time travel stories are so fun to read, and the neat part about Time Slice is that the main character travels between alternate worlds. Each world is a different time slice, but they are connected through a time stream.

Roy, the main character is very likable and east to identify with. Trying to find meaning in his life after retirement, he finds a cylindrical object instead, and this object takes him on a great adventure.

This book deals with so many real issues besides the science fiction. I like the relationships between Roy and his wife, their daughter, and the Traveler. Science fiction always works better if you have heart behind it, and Kerry Downing gives the reader an intense emotional experience along with the fantastical one.

About the author:

Kerry Downing set out to become a meteorologist, but was hooked by the world of computers instead, becoming a systems analyst and programmer. Astronomy and science fiction are his passions. He's been gazing at the stars at all hours of the night since the age of 10, when he received his first telescope. As for science fiction, Arthur C. Clarke and his brand of "it really seems as if it could happen" has always been his favorite. In the 90s, Kerry found the third love of his life: his wife, Lucy. They live in St. Louis, Missouri, with their five children. This is Kerry's second science-fiction novel. You can find him on the Web at KerryDowning.com.

Here's where you can buy it!