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"David Alyn Gordon's Jigsaw: Beginnings is a multifaceted tale that intertwines historical intrigue with modern-day adventure...The book blends a tense scientific conspiracy with a coming-of-age travel story, creating a gripping exploration of history's long shadow on the present. The writing switches between sharp historical drama and lighthearted modern banter, giving the book an eclectic rhythm...Gordon's characters are distinct and memorable...The book excels in its portrayal of the setting...Jigsaw: Beginnings is a bold and ambitious story that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and young adult adventure alike. Its vivid settings and compelling stakes make it a rewarding read. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a mix of historical depth and modern relatability, especially readers curious about how past actions ripple into the present."
This book took a lot of unexpected twists and turns. I very much enjoyed it and have plans to read the rest of the series very soon. I am interested to see what comes of Noah and how his situation is explained to him family. Unless they already know? I was happy that Noah and Mariah didn't end up together, but I was pleased with the growth both displayed. Overall, I was very pleased with the storyline.
Love the book! A witty, suspenseful page-turner.
If you love sci-fi, history, or both, you'll love this book. The historical fiction mixes well with the science fiction, and the author brings the characters to life page after page. This is one that had me bargaining, just one more chapter then I'll go to bed, only to read many more. You'll become invested in the character's lives, and introspective about the history of the period. This piece does a great job of integrating historical thought with futuristic feeling outcomes. A captivating must-read.
This is a fast-paced story that I’ve read in one sitting. Although it targets young adult readers, I found the plot highly entertaining.
The story took place in 2017 and 1943/1944.
In 2017, a group of graduates, 3 boys, 3 girls, and their teachers, traveled to Italy. What looked like a fun trip at first turned out to be a real adventure, especially for some of them. Mariah and Noah stood out among the characters. And not because there were emotionally involved. Well, a love story is not excluded, but their role went beyond that.
In 1943, under Mussolini’s military surveillance, scientists invented and put the time machine in function. In WWII, the time machine had a central place in the story, which was meant to be used for military purposes. Here we met Mariah and Noah again under the code names of Mona and Bernini. How was that possible? Oh, no? Did they travel back in time? Apparently, they did. But how? It came as a surprise to both of them as well as the reader. To survive under war conditions, they decided to play along as USA agents. The entire time they spent in the past, they tried not to reveal information about WWII that could alter the future of the events as they were. “History can’t be rewritten,” they said. And they were right.
Full of twists and turns, the story makes you wonder what will follow next. As this was the first installment in a trilogy, I look forward to reading the other two.
I enjoyed reading the first book in the Jigsaw series by David Alyn Gordon. Jigsaw Beginnings is a time-travel story for YA audiences with a historical fiction theme: WWII. And it is a puzzle indeed. A mind-twisting, paradoxical puzzle that will leave you breathless. During a class trip to Italy, 2 of the students, Noah and Mariah, get an up-close and personal experience of the country during World War II. In 1943 Italy, Mussolini is desperate to turn the tides of the war. He puts the scientists to work on a secret weapon: teleportation. In one failed experiment, Noah and Mariah are transported from 2017 to 1944, and one heck of a history lesson! The paradoxes are just beginning when we they meet themselves as characters in 1944: Bernini and Mona. Whoa! What’s happening? Read to find out if they can change the course of history and would they want to? As an aside, this book could have used some better editing; small errors here and there add up.
"I really enjoyed this book. It is well written with a clever plot and great characters. The descriptions of Italy were spot on, and the WWII period felt very authentic.
When Noah and Mariah set off from America for a college break in Italy they had no idea what was to come. Teleported by a seemingly accident, they are whisked from 2017 to 1943. What happens next is gripping and page-turning!
Such a fab read, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Gordon brings a mix of drama mystery and love in his story. If you love a little bit of sci-fi and action this is the story for you.
The next chapter for our time guardians is fast paced and covers some very difficult topics. And poses more pieces to the puzzle. The pages seem to turn themselves as you get deeper and deeper into the story. Mariah and Noah are still saving history as each adventure unfolds. How far would you go to preserve history? These are the questions they have to answer every day. Can you live a full life having been born in one time and transferred to the past? Or jumping from time to time to lend a hand where you are needed? Will Mariah and Noah be successful is preserving the time line as we know it? Hopefully this question will be answered in the next book. Mr. Gordon descriptions of the past and the quandaries the two face are very well written and make the reader feel the confusion and strife the characters are feeling. The stories spark interest into a very dark and secret history that must not be forgotten.
Wow, It is obvious why the series is called Jigsaw especially after reading this book in the series, so many little pieces that make up the whole picture. Love the history that it is providing! In addition to the possibilities of what might of happened if one little thing is changed. These books show exactly what a small world it really is. I cannot wait to read book 3 in the series to see where it takes us.
There is lots of action in this cleverly plotted and well thought out time travel Sci-fi.
There were a few too many characters for me. That said I appreciated the very clever plot and really enjoyed walking through history through the character’s eyes.
The organization called Novus Ordo must be stopped from altering the timeline in favor of Fascism. Like every good time travel story, Jigsaw Warheads raises all the questions of but what if...
I found this a good, imaginative read.
Jigsaw Full Circle by David Alyn Gordon is the conclusion of a trilogy of a science fiction/history story, which included the Fascists of Europe during World War II including Germany and Italy. It all got very complicated with a group of high school students who got caught up in a time travel narrative and some of whom later became agents for the Foundation, a group of persons holding themselves responsible for interfering in sensitive matters in history, while at the same time maintaining the time line. There was a lot of violence: people getting shot and blown up, not that that wouldn't have happened. It is really not my genre, so forgive me for seeing it as I do.
It is a complicated story with far too many characters, many of whom have multiple identities. It can be difficult to follow, and would be better as a movie or TV show where there were faces and uniforms to help. Time travel is complicated and difficult to write. I am not sure a person can have dated his own ggg grandmother. It takes far too much thought to be certain.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Jigsaw Full Circle by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
How can so much happen in such a small book? Just when you think everything is over and Mariah and Noah will get to lead something closer to a normal life, things change. Full of adventure and blossoming love Jigsaw Full explains some mysteries and gives some new ones to wonder about. Mr. Gordon's world of time guardians is one that is a pleasure to visit and makes you question how things might have been had one decision or action been different. I can only wonder what happens next.
I could not put this book down! So many twists and turns and out comes that I didn't see coming! I am happy that the time travel devices that are used in the stories are fictional (at least I hope that they are). I hope that there will be more stories to this series!
Perfect ending to a fabulous trilogy!
I have very much enjoyed this entire trilogy, and this final book did not disappoint! It provides satisfaction to the reader in completing the story of Noah and his friends as they travel through time in an effort to save/preserve history as they know it.
This book is every bit as exciting as the first two! There is a lot going on during the Mussolini regime, and it was interesting to see the main characters trying to play their roles without letting anyone know they were from the future, and thereby changing it.
Second, the characters were written well, with their own unique personalities. Even some of the more minor characters (and historical figures!) were interesting in their own right. I enjoyed seeing how they have developed over the course of the series, and seeing how everything ended up for them.
Another fun aspect of this book was trying to wrap my mind around time travel. Can the past be changed? If so, should it be? There's a lot to think about in addition to enjoying a good story.
While you could probably enjoy this book as a stand-alone, I highly recommend starting with the first book, Jigsaw Beginnings. There is a lot of plot and character development happening, and I think you'll enjoy it more if you experience it from the start.
"Jigsaw: The Face of the Joker is a fast-paced, time-hopping sci-fi thriller that blends historical fiction, pop culture, and dystopian fantasy...There's a lot I admired about this book. The writing is sharp, cinematic, and often infused with humor that made me laugh. Dialogue feels natural, often snappy, and the character dynamics, especially between Noah and Francesca, give the story warmth amid the chaos. The blend of real-life movie history with sci-fi time travel makes for a truly fun ride, and I loved the creative stakes: that a single movie's failure could unravel a century of cultural and political evolution. The use of historical film references like The Man Who Laughs, Dracula, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame felt lovingly researched and gave the story a unique, nerdy charm.
I would compare this story to the work of Neal Stephenson for its mix of historical fiction and sci-fi, especially in how it plays with time and culture. It also brings to mind James Rollins or Steve Berry, who write fast-paced thrillers with secret organizations and historical stakes. For the playful tone and pop culture references, there's a bit of Ernest Cline's Ready Player One in there, too. And the time-travel team dynamic has shades of Doctor Who and Douglas Adams, quirky, chaotic, and a little bit sentimental.
Jigsaw: The Face of the Joker is a quirky, ambitious, and imaginative adventure that would appeal to fans of sci-fi, alternate history, comic book lore, and classic film. If you're the kind of person who gets excited about old Universal horror movies, butterfly-effect paradoxes, and snarky banter between badass time-travelers, then this book is definitely for you."
History's Forgotten: Part One is a treat for anyone who loves time-travel action-adventure stories. Using a fast-paced plot with twists and turns galore, David Alyn Gordon takes readers on a time-travel odyssey you don't want to end. A flawless blend of action, comedy, romance, and mystery makes the narrative a joy to read. Gordon's characters are easy to like and get attached to. The combination of their lively personalities and the witty dialogue makes sure you're entertained from start to finish
This exciting science fiction story includes an array of mythical creatures, action, and suspense to keep you enthralled. History's Forgotten Part One by David Alyn Gordon is an imaginative and entertaining adventure. The author's appealing characters helped me connect with them and enticed me to read to the end...The story is well-written, well-rounded, and has the right mix of adventure, drama, and horror to keep readers entertained. Even though the book is light-hearted, Gordon also shares a profound message about the influence of media on society and current events, which I found to be thought-provoking and fascinating.
My first book about teleportation, Guardians of the Timeline, and vampires! The constant action and fighting to keep the timeline intact will keep you reading this book! I think the author did a good job of keeping up with all the different timelines and resolutions. Loved the fact that even though this book was a quick read, there was great character development throughout! Also, this story leaves a nice segue to the next book.
History's Forgotten Part One has a unique plot and interesting characters, such as Lilith, that captured my imagination and triggered my curiosity. I was hooked from the first chapter to the last. The fast-paced narration kept me on my toes and, at the same time, ensured I was intrigued throughout and eager to discover the next twist in the plot. I loved the many themes explored in the book, including time travel. The mention of issues such as homelessness and the sexual exploitation of women got me thinking of prevailing circumstances. The characters are well-developed, and the vivid descriptions of events and places add to the overall appeal. The author made sure the intended messages were passed on effectively without alienating any readers. I am looking forward to reading something else by David Alyn Gordon
"Case Files From the Nightfall Detective Agency: The Mummy's Vengeance by David Alyn Gordon delivers a fast-paced and exhilarating supernatural mystery. Though novella in length, the story packs a formidable punch, weaving together supernatural lore, ancient curses, family tensions, and the timeless downfall that comes with an insatiable thirst for power. Gordon masterfully balances the fantastical elements without veering into absurdity, maintaining a lighthearted tone while constructing a compelling and immersive narrative...Finding a novel that seamlessly blends multiple genres without losing coherence is rare, but The Mummy's Vengeance achieves this feat effortlessly. Gordon crafts a story that is equal parts mystery, adventure, and supernatural intrigue, never allowing any element to overshadow the rest. The journey to the book's conclusion is as enjoyable as it is unpredictable, culminating in a final twist so unexpected it cements the story's strength as a truly effective mystery. Readers looking for a thrilling, genre-bending read will find The Mummy's Vengeance an absolute delight."
The Mummy's Vengeance by David Alyn Gordon is a gripping mystery horror novella that weaves together multiple storylines set in different time periods and locations. In ancient Egypt, High Priest Sennefer and his followers are pursued by General Nakhtmin, who aims to eradicate the remnants of the Aten religion and possesses the powerful Eye of Aten artifact. Fast-forward to 1920s Los Angeles, where vampire Victoria Tori Jacobsen and werewolf mentor Abraham Muller attend a mummy exhibit's opening at the Natural History Museum, only for a murder to set off a chain of events linking to the past. In Michigan, industrialist Malcolm Thorne finances an archaeological expedition led by Trevor Grantham to prove the Pharaoh's Curse is a myth, escalating his rivalry with Julian Spade. The novella unfolds with intrigue and betrayal, with Thorne's murder sparking an investigation by Detective Carl Bell. The missing Eye of Aten leads to suspicions falling on various characters, including Thorne's attorney Blake Cartwright.
David Alyn Gordon's novella is a captivating blend of historical fiction, supernatural lore, and suspense, interweaving diverse storylines and well-developed characters. The inclusion of historical elements adds depth to the plot, and the resolution provides a satisfying conclusion while leaving room for future adventures. The narrative is complex, filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing. The Mummy's Vengeance is a well-crafted and engaging read for fans of mystery, horror, and supernatural fiction, showcasing Gordon's storytelling expertise. The story keeps the reader enthralled from beginning to end with many surprises throughout. Family secrets, blackmail, and hidden motives surface as the plot thickens, exploring the characters' relationships, connections to artifacts, and dark histories. The Mummy's Vengeance is deserving of a place in all libraries.
This is a story—a series, it seems—where the Universal monster-types run a time-traveling detective agency and solve Agatha Christie-type mysteries in black-and-white movie style.
There are monsters and killings, but most of the violence happens off screen. Most of the good guys in this story are actual monsters—werewolves, vampires, and golems (Frankenstein). This isn’t written for kids, but if you have young Universal Monster fans in your family, they would probably have fun with this. It isn’t a horror book. It’s never scary, but it does have lots of fun with its premise. The story takes place in the 1920s, but the team is from all sorts of timeframes—including ours. It’s fun to hear monsters make x-files references, and it's fun to read characters discuss the differences between the Mary Shelly Frankenstein and the Universal Frankenstein right in front of a golem named Frank, who is filling the commonly familiar Frankenstein role.
The vampire Tori is used a few times in the book for visual humor, which works very nicely. Laced throughout the entire book are easter eggs from history—sometimes facts and sometimes attitudes—there are also historic pop-culture easter eggs—one of the films the characters mention is Conrad’s Veidt’s The Man Who Laughs—I won’t spoil why that is a pop-culture easter egg.
Overall, this is a pleasant read that works hard to please its audience. If it sounds intriguing, don’t wait. Go ahead and jump in!
Pharaoh Akhenaten had started a religion based on monotheism, but now that he was gone, the new pharaoh was determined to return things to the old order. General Nakhtim is in charge of the forces and ends up killing Sennefer, who places a curse on him. Thorne is a cold and calculating man; with his money, he funds expeditions to Egypt. The expeditions are headed by Grantham, who, unlike his sponsor, has a good heart. With the expedition being successful, Thorne is ready to display his souvenirs to the world, but things take a dramatic turn during the event. With numerous enemies and being disliked by his children, many could have wanted to harm him. To find out how things unfold and the supernatural beings involved, get a copy of The Mummy's Vengeance by David Alyn Gordon.
The Mummy's Vengeance by David Alyn Gordon is a wonderfully written book with enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved the different ideas in the plotline that blend history with mythical creatures. David has captured the emotions of the characters expertly, and the vivid descriptions of events and places helped to create a mental picture of what was happening. The characters are also well-developed, and the plot line flows flawlessly, leaving no room for confusion for the reader. Readers will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes the book accessible to all kinds of readers. I cannot wait to read something else by this author.
"If you love classic films like "The Mummy" you'll have fun delving into this story set in vibrant 1928 Los Angeles.
The plot centers on Professor Mueller, an occult scholar and werewolf, who solves supernatural crimes. When a series of supernatural murders occur, Mueller and his aide, young vampire Tori, spring into action.
Can Mueller find the root of the dangerous mystery before evil is unleashed in the world?
Author David Alyn Gordon writes enticing historical mysteries with lots of colorful backgrounds and witty banter between his characters. A fun read.
Gordon has done it again. His mix of paranormal and mystery in this book was great. There was also some sci-fi and it just all flowed so well together. The characters all had great chemistry and it really felt like you were there uncovering the mystery with them. I cannot wait to see what the future of the Nightfall Detective Agency will be.
"Trail of the Zombies is a supernatural detective story set against the haunting backdrop of 1920s America...At its core, the book is a thriller with a conscience, blending paranormal intrigue with real-world atrocities.The writing in Trail of the Zombies is striking in its directness and conviction. Gordon confronts the grim realities of the era head-on, refusing to soften or obscure their brutality...What I also loved was the supernatural detective team at the heart of the story. Tori is a vampire with attitude and compassion. Frank is a golem with a heart. Mueller brings a touch of old-world wisdom. Their banter adds humor, but more importantly, their compassion balances the grim subject matter...The way Gordon blends mythology with gritty noir detective work just works."
Trail of the Zombies is an unexpected yet impactful work, gritty genre fiction used as a vehicle for urgent historical and moral inquiry. Beneath its pulp-inspired exterior lies a pointed critique of systemic injustice, particularly in relation to eugenics, racism, and the abuse inflicted on marginalized communities. Readers with an interest in social history, speculative fiction, or political horror will find its themes both provocative and emotionally resonant. Some passages, particularly those involving the mistreatment of children, are difficult to endure, but they serve a necessary purpose. This is a forceful and unflinching novel one that challenges as much as it entertains."
"Jigsaw: Powder Keg is a historical sci-fi thriller that blasts across centuries with the force of a grenade and the precision of a surgeon...Jigsaw: Powder Keg is a chaotic, ambitious ride. It's packed with history, mysticism, alternate futures, and moral gray zones. I wouldn't hand this to someone looking for a light beach read. But if you like your fiction dense, imaginative, and bursting with heart, it's worth your time. Fans of historical fantasy, time travel sagas, and books with a conscience will find a lot to dig into here."
David Alyn Gordon transports us to different times in history with such ease that it feels more real than expected! His style of writing and the story itself invite the reader to be present in the moment as they're surrounded by some of the crucial events in history in front of their very eyes.
Jigsaw: Powder Keg by David Alyn Gordon is an intricately woven story that delves into various moments in human history...I think any lovers of adventure novels, especially those who enjoy time travel stories, would definitely enjoy this book.
Jigsaw: Powder Keg" by David Alyn Gordon is a thrilling addition to the Jigsaw Series, taking readers on a remarkable journey across time and history. The novel opens in 190 B.C.E. in the Kingdom of Atropatene, immediately immersing readers in a vividly depicted ancient world. Gordon's attention to historical detail is commendable, creating an authentic backdrop for the unfolding drama.
A standout element of Gordon's writing is his ability to weave a complex narrative that balances historical authenticity with fantastical elements. The excerpt introduces us to characters Armin, Arash, and Zubin, whose quest for riches leads them to unearth a mysterious and powerful artifact. This blend of historical adventure with a touch of the supernatural is both intriguing and engaging.
Gordon's skill in character development is evident. Through their dialogue and actions, each character's personality and motivations are clearly portrayed, making them relatable and interesting. The twist where Arash's true intentions are revealed adds a layer of suspense and unpredictability to the plot.
The descriptive language used to paint the scene — from the rugged landscapes to the tense atmosphere within the cave — is another high point of Gordon's writing. It allows the reader to visualize the setting and feel the tension of the character's journey.
The novel's pacing is well-handled, with a balance of action, dialogue, and descriptive passages. This ensures that the reader remains engaged and invested in the story. The blend of historical setting with mystical elements makes for a captivating read, appealing to fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike.
In summary, "Jigsaw: Powder Keg: An Adventure in Time and History" is a well-crafted novel that offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and fantasy. David Alyn Gordon's ability to bring together these elements into a cohesive and entertaining story is impressive, making it a recommended read for those who enjoy genre-blending narratives.
"Jigsaw: Sonora is a time-hopping, genre-blending adventure that weaves historical fiction with science fiction, political thriller, and a touch of emotional family drama...This story was thrilling, jarring, and slightly disorienting at times. David Alyn Gordon's writing is fearless. He throws you headfirst into rapid scene changes and complicated timelines without much handholding. The dialogue snaps and pops with sarcasm and humor, even when characters are in mortal danger. Some chapters feel cinematic and full of suspense, while others read like exposition dumps wrapped in tech-speak and geopolitical history...That said, the emotional moments work beautifully...hey ground the story in human stakes, which is needed when the plot starts spinning into viral warfare and shadowy authoritarian takeovers. I found myself rooting for the characters, even when I wasn't always sure where (or when) they were. And the villains are chilling in their calm, calculated evil. I especially liked how the historical injustices, like the Bisbee Deportation or school segregation, were blended into the sci-fi narrative. It made the stakes feel real...Jigsaw: Sonora is an inventive, passionate, and unorthodox book. It's not always easy to follow, but it's never boring. I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy time travel with a conscience, ensemble casts, and layered conspiracies. If you like shows like 12 Monkeys or Fringe, or books like Cloud Atlas, you'll probably find something to love here."
"Jigsaw: Shadow Ball is a thrilling time-traveling adventure that mixes sci-fi action with powerful lessons from America's racial past...The book deftly interweaves speculative fiction with real history, taking readers on a rollercoaster from 1897 Texas to a dystopian 1980 Phoenix ruled by fascism and eugenics.
Reading this felt like binge-watching a high-stakes Netflix series. Gordon's writing is snappy, visual, and deeply emotional when it needs to be. The characters are flawed but brave, and the dialogue flows like people talking in real life, not stiff, not overly clever. I loved how the story used baseball as a lens to view much bigger things: racism, resistance, and the price of progress. Rube Foster's quote, "We are the ship. All else the sea," really stuck with me. It gave the book a kind of heartbeat. But what hit me even harder was Cheryl's descent. Her idealism turns to horror, and watching her realize how she accidentally created a nightmare world was genuinely heartbreaking.
Gordon clearly cares deeply about this history, and it shows in every scene.
I really dug this book. It's smart, bold, and weird in the best ways. If you're into baseball, time travel, civil rights, or just want a wild story that respects its characters and its readers, this one's for you. Shadow Ball would be perfect for high schoolers, history buffs, teachers, or anyone who believes that stories still have the power to change the future."
"The Adventures of Moly, The Time Traveling Dog: Visiting Teotihuacan is a creative and engaging read. It offers young audiences both an entertaining story and an insightful glimpse into history. With its vibrant illustrations and unique premise, this book will surely capture the hearts of children who love animals, adventure, and discovering the past.
The vivid illustrations by Valeria Leonova, which appear on every page, add to the book's charm. The colorful, dynamic artwork enhances the story, capturing the reader's imagination while providing visual context to Moly's journey. The illustrations perfectly complement Gordon's storytelling, making the book even more immersive for young audiences.
David Alyn Gordon's background as a social studies teacher, principal, and founder of the Grand Canyon College Preparatory Academy in Tempe, Arizona, is evident in his approach to blending entertainment with education. Through Moly's adventures, children are introduced to historic landmarks and cultures in a way that feels organic and exciting."
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