The Journey

Author John Heldt gave me an e-copy of The Journey for review.

The Journey is actually the second book in John Heldt's The Northwest Passage series. As this is the sixth book authored by Mr. Heldt that I have reviewed, it is obvious that I did not read the series in order. In the case of The Journey, it is not a problem.

What surprises me about Mr. Heldt's work is how he has avoided the trap of his series becoming predictable or formulaic. While all of his books are "time-travel" stories, he brings fresh new plots and situations to each. The Journey represents the shortest time traveled (so far anyway) and has been one of the most compelling of Heldt's books for me. There was little if anything in this book that I was able to predict. The climax was nothing short of stunning.

Set in a more contemporary time frame, The Journey will take many readers back to their own youth, making the book more relate-able from the perspective of understanding the time into which our main character is thrust.

The story is tight and allows us the chance to consider what we might do in the same situation. (Minor spoiler alert) What would we tell our younger selves given the opportunity.

This offering of Mr. Heldt's craft has more sexual activity than most of his others (probably a consequence of the time frame), and definitely focuses on the changing mores of the culture at the time. There is also romance, teenage drama, and as always a little history in the mix.

I have enjoyed all of John Heldt's writing so far, but The Journey is a standout from even his usual high quality. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip through time courtesy of Mr. Heldt and recommend The Journey to any reader of time-travel, sci-fi, fantasy, or anyone who just wants an entertaining, fun, blast to the past. Enjoy!


Mike