True Path is
either a techno-thriller or a science-fiction thriller, depending on the
reader. Whatever label chosen, technology, in the form of time-travel, is a big
part of the story. True Path is a sequel to the very good Timesplash, which showed
the awesome destructive powers of time-travel.
In Timesplash, author Graham Storrs,
came up with a truly original take on the effects of going back in time and
changing events. Time would rebound from any changes, correcting them. Depending
on the magnitude of the changes, a backwash would hit the present time epicentre
where the changes occurred.
In Timesplash the people using the
time-machines were thrill-seekers. Their search for bigger and greater thrills created
increasingly devastating backwashes. In True Path the thrillseekers are replaced
by terrorists. But this is no cliché as the terrorists aren’t Arab Muslims,
instead they are American Christians.
The main characters from Timesplash,
time agent Jay and the rebellious thrill-seeker Sandra, reappear in True Path. The
story begins with a terrorist kidnapping Sandra. He wants her to help them run
a timesplash that will destroy Washington. Sandra’s daughter Cara seeks out Jay
to help track down her mother. This leads them both to travel to the United
States.
of True Path is its portrayal of a radically changed United States. In 2066,
the United States is ruled by extreme religion ideology, sort of like the Tea
Party on crack. The theocracy shuns science, in favour of religious doctrine,
which has lead to a total collapse of the economy. Women are treated worse than
those of the Taliban, and blasphemers face the death penalty. Many readers will alternatively barrack for
and against the freedom-fighters/terrorists. The novel’s resolution will surprise
many.
man at its centre, with Jay’s agent training making him more inclined to think
through consequences before acting. While the characters are sometimes a bit gung-
ho, their motivations and actions are for the most part believable.
thriller with an imaginative and original take on time-travel. It is a very enjoyable
read.
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I can imagine the religious right taking control. They run the NSA and hold the US to ransom already. Very plausible. Sounds like a good read.
Apparently I don't read sci-fi anymore, but you've already persuaded me (subtly) to buy a couple this year… you're dangerous Graham!
Good review.
Hi Anthony, as more and more mainstream authors write science fiction books – Cormac McCarthy, Margaret Atwood even Ian McEwan (Solar), science fiction might be the only genre in the future. So you will just have to read it.