Red, White, and the Blues (Chronos Origins 2)
Tyson Reyes and Madi Grace have been challenged to a real-life game of Temporal Dilemma, also known as “The Game” and “Time Chess,” as a team from another timeline is attempting to change history. When the book begins, history has already been changed. Hitler was not defeated and has taken Europe, and Chronos has been erased from existence. Tyson, Madi, and others must make their moves in 1930s New York. They have only three days to change the world, and a survivor from Chronos may be the key. But can he be trusted?
This is the second book in the Chronos Origins series by Rysa Walker. It is not a standalone. You must read the first book of the series and would be advised to read Walker’s prior series, The Chronos Files, to understand what’s going on in this book.
Although I had read and enjoyed The Chronos Files series, I had trouble connecting with this novel and the whole Chronos Origins series. This book is all about the game, with moves and strategies being constantly discussed, and it becomes quite confusing. There is also more than one version of some of the characters existing in the other timeline. The point of view changes back and forth between characters, and there is epistolary work as well, creating too many voices. In addition, although the characters visit different historical dates, actual history is discussed mostly in the context of the changes caused by the game. There is, however, an interesting exchange with Albert Einstein that I found enjoyable.
Science fiction fans may be enthralled by the intricate time travel game and the many changes and reverses in history.
