Official Review: 30th Century: Escape

[Rae_taylor13]

Fantastic review: it really is hard to take definitively hard science based fiction and make it work well with a romance/erotic subcurrent. In my opinion, the result can either be a bit overwhelming or immensely lackluster.

[BookInspector300]

Sounds like one of the few sci-fi' s with a clear and concise storyline. It's usually almost always complicated so I applaud the author for that. It sounds like a good book worth reading.

[Sue Mulligan]

Although it's disappointing to read that the initial goal is not pursued, the beginning of the novel was well written and captured my interest enough to read it through. It's on my "want-to-read" shelf.

[kemp1kor]

While I enjoy science fiction and even erotica, I'm not sure I would enjoy this one. I prefer when stories have clear direction, and that doesn't seem to be the case here. I may decide to read this just so I can find out what happens with humankind and the Syndos, though.

[Mercelle]

Science fiction with a ton of erotic content is quite an unusual combination. I would prefer it more if the story focused solely on Jennifer's adventures in her new home.

[Jude Austin]

I'm not keen on erotic fiction but I love sci-fi and from what you say the premise sounds interesting. Thank you for the review.

[R-g-R]

The book clearly starts in the science fiction genre, but by the time the protagonist is revealed to be topless on the beach (complete with image), the reader is wondering where the urgency of saving the Thirtieth Century world and Naturals has gone. Reading the review clarifies that this book is more erotic fiction than science fiction. Because it is stated to be part of a trilogy, perhaps we will be reunited with Commander Brown and fellow time travellers in future novels, however, this carries the risk that some readers interested in the initial plot, may be lost before the return.

[sierra112]

Not being a fan of erotic novels or science fiction made it difficult for me to even begin to read the sample. However, I did and found the beginning interesting. One thing did bother me. When Jennifer first arrives on the island, it seems as though she had or found everything she needed. That did not set well with me. Who arrives somewhere in another century with everything they need.

[holsam_87]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "30th Century: Escape" by Mark Kingston Levin, PhD.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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30th Century: Escape by Mark Kingston Levin, PhD is a story of love, loyalty, and human social exploration. Published in June 2015, this Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Erotic Novel is the first book in the 30th Century Trilogy.

Captain Jennifer Hero is on a mission to save humankind from the Syndos, a race of genetically modified beings who lack a sense of morals. Their goal is to wipe out the inferior humans (the Naturals) and take over planet Earth. Zexton Ho, who is Jennifer's partner, creates a trans-time machine in order to go back in time and re-write the development of the Syndos and make them more peaceful, but he is assassinated before he can see the plan come to fruition. Captain Jennifer Hero carries on and leads a team back in time to the 27th Century.

But Jennifer has secret plans of her own. Weary from the loss of her true love, Zexton Ho, she decides to abandon her team and go back in time to the 21st Century and start a new life. She ends up on an abandoned island in Polynesia. After several months of living alone on the island, Jennifer is rescued by Dr. Marty Zitonick and his research team.

Jennifer struggles over hiding her identity and leaving her team behind as she navigates through this new life. She makes several missteps in her social interactions and in pursuing her educational goals in archeology and dark matter. She is puzzled after a series of coincidences leave her wondering why everything keeps falling into place so smoothly. Will Jennifer Hero adjust to her new life and can she find love again after the heartbreaking loss of her brilliant partner, Zexton Ho? Can she come to terms of her inner struggle with leaving her team behind?

I enjoyed the beginning of the book and the development of Jennifer's character. Her time alone on the island was especially interesting, as her interactions with the animals on the island gave her some emotional depth. I also loved the author's descriptions of Polynesia and the culture of the people that have lived there for thousands of years.

I also enjoyed Jennifer Hero's pursuit of her PhD work in dark matter. The theories were interesting and well-researched while not being too science heavy. It was apparent that the author is very knowledgeable in science and archaeology and it translated well to the reader in a way that was thought provoking.

I would have enjoyed reading much more about Jennifer's experiences with her trans-time team. These scenes at the beginning of the book propelled the storyline forward with excitement and action, and it felt like the book was moving toward the goal of defeating the Syndos. At times, the book lost its overlying story structure and floundered, leaving little action or flow forward, and left me wondering where the story was really going. However, the story wrapped up neatly in the end and left a satisfying conclusion without the dreaded cliffhanger.

In addition, although the erotic scenes were well-written, I found the sexual content to be a bit over the top and gratuitous. For me, it would have been more intriguing to have had Jennifer Hero explore some of her relationships on a less intimate level.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The premise of the story was very interesting and there were several plot twists that kept it flowing forward. However, the book loses it sense of self in the middle and seemed to struggle with where the conclusion would go. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy science fiction with a lot of scientific content and those who enjoy erotic fiction.

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30th Century: Escape
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Like Lennycat's review? Post a comment saying so!

This looks like an interesting book because of the connection between time travel and the great explanations for scientific theories. I want to see how things progress since I finished the sample. Great job on the review!

[Zain A Blade]

Great review @Lennycat, I think I might enjoy the exploration of nature on the Island described.

[Lg_99]

I enjoy the concept of time traveling. However, this book, from what I've read, has a ton of erotic scenes that do not give anything to the plot. If this book were mainly romance/erotica, then this would not be a problem; but it isn't. I don't think I'll be reading this one. Regardless, thank you for the review.

[Quinto]

Syndos and the Naturals? Very interesting. I root for the race with the morals, and support Jennifer Hero all the way as she struggles against this genetically modified race. Good review.

[Happy Bunny]

This book seems to cross a few different genres, and sadly none of them are ones I enjoy reading. There seems to be good character development, and accurate details that make it interesting to read, but its just not for me. Thanks for the review

[CaitlinGonya]

I really couldn't get into this book. Jennifer was too much something and everyone wanted to have sex with it. Felt very unrelatable.

[N_R]

Thanks for the frank review. This sounds like a great book on the surface and seems to have lots of components. However I do not read scifi and therefore I don't think this book is for me.