Time Intertwined [Paperback]

Mark Fitzgerald (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2006

A rare collection of premier writers with a challenge in common - to write the best story they can with time as the central theme. They take us on a literary exploration of one very simple fact; time, that basic, measurable unit of existence, is always with us. Occasionally, time is a friend, just as often, it's not. It can feel like everything you do is defined by it, controlled by it, and measured by it, yet we only think about it when it runs out. Our writers intertwine the past, present, and future into a masterful anthology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Kerlak Enterprises, Inc. (October 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978877721
• ISBN-13: 978-0978877729
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,795,786 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More than your average anthology, November 6, 2006

By 

Kafu Rahmansha (India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Time Intertwined (Paperback)

With most anthologies, the reader can expect a mixed bag. The poor story (or two) will always find its way into any collection. However, it's the really good stories that make an anthology stand-out from the others. This is where Time Intertwined really shines. The theme (a story that involves some function of time) is so vague that the reader truly has no idea what to expect from one tale to the next. Any genre or premise can be covered, and to me, that's what made this book so interesting in the first place. After reading it, I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed in the least. While there's a story or two that didn't work for me, several genuinely entertained (most in the 2nd half of the book), and four of them are good enough to buy the book just to read them alone. Here are a few comments (and personal rating) on each story (I tried to avoid spoilers when possible):

1. Burying The Past: by Stacy J. Sluys -- A decent opener. This is the shortest story in the book (only 3 pages), and it's nothing more than mental ruminations during a very dark deed. Kind of interesting, but nothing truly substantial. It does manage to wet your appetite, though. (3/5)

2. Intermission: by Sal Amico M. Buttaci -- I didn't really like the writing style of this one, and had it been better, I probably would have enjoyed the story more. The premise is thought-provoking, but they way it was written didn't really pull me in as I hoped. There was a bland feel to it. (2/5)

3. A Life To Remember: by Everette Bell -- The first of two stories written by Bell. This is the weaker of the two, though still entertaining. Very, VERY BIZARRE! There is very little character development, but the underlying principle really makes you ponder the importance of your own life. Have you collected and stored your own memories? How precious can a memory be? (4/5)

4. Pictures From the Elsewhen: by Kathleen Clauson -- A sad little story. It was torn on the rating of this one. Some of the dialogue (especially between the sisters) didn't feel natural to me, and there's no real interesting twists or turns (that's not always a bad thing, but I felt this story could have used something extra). Overall, it was still a neat tale, but very sad. (3/5)

5. By The Numbers: by Allan Gilbreath -- Gilbreath also has two stories included, and like Bell, I found his first to be slightly weaker than the second. At times, the narrative buckles with an overabundance of useless descriptions (action that is taking place) which aren't completely necessary to the overall tale. Gilbreath, however, is clearly a talented author, made evident by his descriptions and style, and he includes two really good twists and turns that makes this story stand out. The ending, in particular, is outstanding. This story is one of those ALMOST 5 stars. (4/5)

6. A Dove Before Dawn: by William A. Kooiker -- This is where the anthology really picks up. A Dove Before Dawn is the longest and most developed story in the book. Although the story seems only vaguely related to the main theme, it's a superb tale nonetheless. Kooiker displays excellent prose and shows a talent for setting a scene. Overall, it's somewhat standard fantasy, but the author truly makes it work. A great story! (5/5)

7. Perdita: by Rekha Ambardar -- Without a doubt, my least liked story. I just couldn't get into it. The writing seemed sub par and the story cliché. The dialogue was so rushed that it was almost hard to follow what was happening. (1/5)

8. Darkess: by James Ferris -- In one word . . . Awesome! I loved it. Suspense and mystery right to the very end. The conclusion leaves so many questions, and yet the reader should still have the feeling of closure. (5/5)

9. The Forgetful One: by Everette Bell -- Yet another top-notch piece of writing! Really interesting, and there is no way the reader is going to predict the ending to this one. It completely took me by surprise. Using an elderly man as a main character added so much to this. Older people can suffer from so many different ailments that it's hard to predict what is truly happening. The ending makes you want to linger with the characters afterwards . . . which is always a sign that the story affected you. (5/5)

10. Eight Friday: by Patricia Wellingham-Jones -- I don't know about this one. I was intrigued throughout, but the ending left me going, "Huh?" A total letdown after I felt there was so much potential to make something interesting happen with the characters. I finished this one a little unfulfilled. (3/5)

11. Time For Sale: by Dean Christianson -- It was nice to read a story that wasn't quite so serious as the others. There's some comedy in this one, which is a breath of fresh air after a few really "heavy" storylines. The ending makes you laugh and shake your head at the same time. (4/5)

12. Splendor In The Dust: by Rekha Ambardar -- This one is better than Ambardar's first entry, but still not all that great. Another tale of unfulfilled potential. I really liked the beginning and the buildup, but as it neared the finish there just seemed to be something missing. The climax doesn't go anywhere, and I was left feeling that the author didn't have a clear understanding of how she wanted to end it. (3/5)

13. Patience Is Waiting: by David-Matthew Barnes -- A five page story that shows the pattern and effects that obsessive-compulsive behavior can have on oneself and those around you. It's actually well written, but I found it depressing . . . especially the end. I gave it four because of the literary quality, even though the tale itself left me somewhat bothered. (4/5)

14. Time To Come Out And Play: by Allan Gilbreath -- The closure of this anthology is another fantastic piece of work. Like many of the latter stories, the ending was simply perfect! This one had it all (mystery, suspense, the supernatural, etc.) and I left smiling to myself. Well done, Mr. Gilbreath! (5/5)