61 of 66 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Action, romance, humor, and time travel that actually makes sense, Dec 8 2009
By Antonia C. Tunis - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Faces in Time (Paperback)
I must admit that time travel stories usually make my brain hurt: I get caught up in the whole paradox issue and can't focus on the story. Faces in Time doesn't do that at all - Aleman's concept of time travel is logical, clearly explained, and unique. No paradoxes here: if you go back in time, there are now two of you, and your future self may just run into your past self. That's what happens to Chester Fuze, and his past self is not at all happy about the appearance of another version of him.
A character-driven action book is such a rare thing; most of the action stories I've read lately barely delve into any sort of characterization. Not so with Faces in Time. These guys are complex and interesting - yet they never bog the story down.
The romance between Chester and Rhonda seems unlikely on the surface (a beautiful movie star interested in a somewhat dorky TV writer?), but Aleman's characters are so believable that you won't doubt for more than a split second. I was pleased at how realistic Rhonda was; Aleman gave her just the right amount of vulnerability without making her passive or boring.
The secondary plot line kept me guessing until the very end. Usually I can see how things will tie together (probably a result of reading too many detective stories), but this time I was taken completely by surprise. I love it when a book can do that!
Faces in Time shows off Aleman's talent with metaphors and descriptions, but the pace is faster and the tone is lighter than Cold Streak. The ending hints at the possibility of a sequel, while still tying together all of the loose pieces. It's satisfying but leaves you wanting a bit more - exactly how an ending should be.
Fans of Aleman's will be thrilled with his latest release, and those new to his writing will definitely want to check out Cold Streak for a darker, more metaphysical journey.
19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A second gem from Lewis Aleman, Feb 2 2010
By McG "McG" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Faces in Time (Paperback)
This second book from Lewis Aleman -- following up on his very original revenge and redemption tale "Cold Streak" -- shares little in common with Mr. Aleman's first book, except for the quality of the writing, the author's ability to write fully imagined characters that you will care deeply about, and Aleman's deft ability to move the plot in directions you could never anticipate. Rather than summarize the plot for you, this review simply notes that this story moves briskly; features numerous well-crafted characters; has equal helpings of humor, suspense and romance; and ties its story lines together brilliantly. If you enjoy a well-told story in which you cannot effortlessly predict the contents of the upcoming chapter, "Faces in Time" will be a treat for you.
20 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Couldn't Put It Down for a Second, Jan 8 2010
By Laura Mayer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Faces in Time (Paperback)
I was barely able to put this book down for a second. It was very unpredictable. Aleman is a master at weaving different threads into one story line. You get to know all the characters and settings so closely that you feel like you're really there. It was a thrilling book with action and some interesting science. I couldnt put it down, and when I read the last page I wished it wasn't over. I was deeply satisfied with the ending of this book.