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Rating: 
Summary: Great Book
Review: Gordon Dickson's "Time Storm", first published in 1977, is an excellent post-apocalyptic novel concerning the catastrophic after effects caused by on-going time storms (or time lines that appear as, and are called in the book, `mistwalls') that continually sweep across sections of the Earth, as well as throughout the universe. As a time storm passes, a large swath of land becomes forever changed in time. A side effect is that for most of the population these time sweeps are deadly.Luckily (or you would have no story), a small percentage of the population (including a few animals) seem immuned to the deadly effects of the time storms. The three main characters; the protagonist (Marc Despard), a young teenage girl (known as `Girl'), and a leopard (called Sunday), are all richly defined. Those who have read "Wolf and Iron", another good post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel by Dickson (published thirteen years after "Time Storm"), may see a pattern here (a leopard instead of a wolf, the protagonist searching for his ex-wife instead of his brother, and a young teenage girl whose personality is remarkably similar to the teenager in "Wolf and Iron"). However, that's where the similarities end. This story begins with the three unlikely partners traveling across country where they cross area after area that has been changed in time. The people (and/or creatures) that have been `deposited' into the effected areas (if there are anyone at all), are either from some point in the future or from the past, but like any post-apocalyptic story, few are friendly. Even the survivors of his own time can be, and usually are, extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, a couple of the time-changed situations the group run into aren't treated very deeply by Dickson, thus leaving this reader a little confused and wondering why he mentioned them at all. However, the heart of the story is the Despard's single-minded goal of understanding the time storms, and maybe even doing something about them. He is sort of a freak of nature, being almost a human calculator whose mind will not stop until a problem is solved. And because of this, he is also a man that has extreme difficulty with his emotions toward others, especially those he loves. And whether he likes it or not, his small, motly band soon grows to a community, and the cast of characters are handled quite well. These are not stilted, cardboard characters by any means. Dickson did a wonderful job creating believable characters. Dickson also does a masterful job involving the reader in Despard's attempts to expand his mind and search out the patterns of the time storms so he may understand them. This becomes almost mystical in nature and leads him to reach out to the stars and beyond. I found this particularly fascinating and was quickly drawn into this strange world of the mind, space, and time. There is also the standard (but interesting) sub-plot concerning the "Empress" who wants to control what little is left of the world. And ever present is Depard's inner conflict with people, any people, especially the `Girl', creating and heightening the tension for the reader. "Time Storm" is one of my favorite reads in this sub-genre (actually two sub-genres; time and post-apocalyptic). If you like either of these sub-genres, I think you will really enjoy "Time Storm". I consider it a "page-turner". Between 1 and 10, I give it a solid 8.
Rating: 
Summary: At long Last!!
Review: I have been searching and searching for this book, and after all this time I got it! Let me tell you, it was well worth the wait. This book has so much to offer a reader. A truly delightful read. The storyline and the characters were great. At first I thought it was going to be sad because a previous novel by Alsobrook concerning the Johnstown Flood, but it was mild compared to that particular story/novel. Even though it was a little sad it was a well written novel that many Alsobrook fan will love. Another lovely read!
Rating:
Summary: Time Storm is on my "Top 10" list of best books.
Review: I love time travel and history at the same time. This is such a good example of both. I was drawn into the history of her story. I even did more research on the flood after reading her book. In time travel, it always adds more interest when they go back and forth from the future. The items that become important to them (that they take back with them to the past) is always interesting.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: I read this book over a year ago and the story is still with me. I learned a lot about the Johnstown flood through this book and the related book "Emerald Storm". This story was told with a lot of imagination. Time travel, to be exact. The only reason this book did not earn five stars from me is because like all of Alsobrook's books, the love scenes, while nice, were somewhat flowery. But the book remains on my keeper shelf. I would recommend this book, if you can find it as it is out of print. The review below was misplaced and belongs with another book with the same name. I checked the reviews of that book and found a review that belongs to Alsobrook there.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing...
Review: I spent a lot of time searching for this book, after reading Emerald Storm, also from Rosalyn Alsobrook. I was a little uneasy about reading, due to the conclusion of the previous book, but the author is an excellent writer that draws you into the storyline with ease. Both books are excellent, and highly recommended. The author used many of the real characters from the actual Johnstown flood event in both stories, so you learn a little about the history of the flood as well. The details of what others may have felt, heard, or saw during this event in different scenarios are quite fascinating to read about, but tragic in itself. Adding the time travel and romance to an already intriguing topic, just adds to the magical element in this story. The characters are wonderfully portrayed in the author's words... and easily draws you into her fascinating imagination. As Joann struggles to find herself in the 1990's or 1889 times, you'll feel the pull to both times, and experience her uneasiness regarding either decision she must ultimately make. I'm a huge fan of writers who study and create stories within true historical events, and provide historical facts as well. Rosalyn Alsobrook did a wonderful job with this book, and has increased my desire to learn more about the Johnstown flood event in 1889. If you enjoy a writer that creates stories of this historical nature, I'd also recommend anything from Dorothy Garlock. Both these authors create stories that the historical romance reader shouldn't miss.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing...
Review: I spent a lot of time searching for this book, after reading Emerald Storm, also from Rosalyn Alsobrook. I was a little uneasy about reading, due to the conclusion of the previous book, but the author is an excellent writer that draws you into the storyline with ease. Both books are excellent, and highly recommended. The author used many of the real characters from the actual Johnstown flood event in both stories, so you learn a little about the history of the flood as well. The details of what others may have felt, heard, or saw during this event in different scenarios are quite fascinating to read about, but tragic in itself. Adding the time travel and romance to an already intriguing topic, just adds to the magical element in this story. The characters are wonderfully portrayed in the author's words... and easily draws you into her fascinating imagination. As Joann struggles to find herself in the 1990's or 1889 times, you'll feel the pull to both times, and experience her uneasiness regarding either decision she must ultimately make. I'm a huge fan of writers who study and create stories within true historical events, and provide historical facts as well. Rosalyn Alsobrook did a wonderful job with this book, and has increased my desire to learn more about the Johnstown flood event in 1889. If you enjoy a writer that creates stories of this historical nature, I'd also recommend anything from Dorothy Garlock. Both these authors create stories that the historical romance reader shouldn't miss.
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