Official Review: Chicago 1871 by James E. Merl

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any fantasy or science fiction books or series.
Forum rules
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11683
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Official Review: Chicago 1871 by James E. Merl

Post by kandscreeley »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Chicago 1871" by James E. Merl.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


John Kirk just landed a job as a career firefighter in California after fighting wildfires. At his first real fire, he's assigned to take water to the heart of it. He crawls inside the house in the year 2018; when he crawls out, it's 1871.

John winds up in Chicago in 1871 before the Great Chicago Fire. The boys of Engine Company 8 adopt him thinking he has amnesia from a bump on the head as he's claiming some wild things. He knows so much about the fires to come that he wants to help prevent them from happening. But how did he get to 1871? Will anyone believe that he is from the future? Can he risk changing the timeline?

I hope that I didn't lose you at time travel. I know that it's an automatic turnoff to some, but this is so much more than science fiction. It's also a drama; it's a book about people and their lives. This is a book about the life of John Kirk and how he learns to fit in in 1871. This is a book about the people he meets - his fellow firefighters who use astonishingly modern methods to go about putting out these fires without the protection that technology affords us today. There's even just a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. The characters are so well drawn that you will swear you know them. You'll be sad that you are no longer part of their lives when the book ends.

The time travel aspect was not overly scientific which I appreciated. So many times with time travel stories, my head spins from trying to figure out paradoxes, ripples and alternates. Towards the end, the author goes into more detail but only what is necessary to the plot and to satisfy curiosity. Speaking of the ending, all I can say is that it's satisfying. I was wondering how Mr. Merl was going to incorporate the past and present, but he does a beautiful job. I was impressed.

In addition, this is a historical fiction. I learned about firefighting methods in the 1800s. I learned that the Great Chicago Fire started in the O'Leary's barn. I learned that Chicago was going through a dry spell at the time, but, as the fire started to die out, it began to rain. I don't want to spoil it all for you, but I learned a great many things from reading this story. And, I was not a reluctant learner. Mr. Merl interspersed the historical facts in with great characters and a compelling plot that just makes you want to keep coming back for more.

If there is anything to criticize, it would be that the beginning is a bit slower than I would like. There are a few terms and a bit more detail about firefighting than I was comfortable with. But, just as my eyes were beginning to glaze over, the author threw me for a loop; from that point on, I was hooked.

I don't know if you can tell, but I absolutely loved Chicago 1871 by James E. Merl. There was action with Engine Company 8 fighting fires. There was some romance. There was mystery and science fiction. Is Mr. Kirk going to change the future? Will John ever get back home? Will his timeline be altered? There was a fabulous plot. And there were great characters with which I fell in love. I emphatically give this story 4 out of 4 stars. Perhaps those that don't enjoy novels placed in the past would not appreciate this book. However, for everyone else, I highly recommend you pick this story up. I can't wait to see what else the author comes up with.

******
Chicago 1871
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like kandscreeley's review? Post a comment saying so!
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
Rosemary Khathibe
Posts: 493
Joined: 05 Jul 2017, 16:48
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 66
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rosemary-khathibe.html
Latest Review: Robotic Warriors by Caglar Juan Singletary

Post by Rosemary Khathibe »

Through your intriguing review, the book must be interesting. I even like the fact that it holds the glimpse of romance and action; my favourite genres. I will add on my to read list.
User avatar
Sahani Nimandra
Posts: 2045
Joined: 27 Nov 2017, 22:49
Favorite Book: Harry Potter and The Sorceress Stone
Currently Reading: Man of the World
Bookshelf Size: 698
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sahani-nimandra.html
Latest Review: I once had a Farm in Ireland by Siggy Buckley
Reading Device: Huawei

Post by Sahani Nimandra »

I do appreciate that there is less science or tech involved in this read. The use of romance thrown in is good in a way to create excitement on the reader's journey through this read. Thank you for your review!
The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid! - Jane Austen :techie-studyingbrown:
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11683
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

Rosemary Khathibe wrote: 09 Aug 2018, 02:04 Through your intriguing review, the book must be interesting. I even like the fact that it holds the glimpse of romance and action; my favourite genres. I will add on my to read list.
I started off thinking that this might not be the best book for me, but I quickly fell in love! Thanks for the comment.
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11683
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

Sahani Nimandra wrote: 09 Aug 2018, 02:39 I do appreciate that there is less science or tech involved in this read. The use of romance thrown in is good in a way to create excitement on the reader's journey through this read. Thank you for your review!
I appreciated that too. Time travel can make my head spin, but this was done in a very nice way!
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
Sahani Nimandra
Posts: 2045
Joined: 27 Nov 2017, 22:49
Favorite Book: Harry Potter and The Sorceress Stone
Currently Reading: Man of the World
Bookshelf Size: 698
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sahani-nimandra.html
Latest Review: I once had a Farm in Ireland by Siggy Buckley
Reading Device: Huawei

Post by Sahani Nimandra »

kandscreeley wrote: 09 Aug 2018, 07:58
Sahani Nimandra wrote: 09 Aug 2018, 02:39 I do appreciate that there is less science or tech involved in this read. The use of romance thrown in is good in a way to create excitement on the reader's journey through this read. Thank you for your review!
I appreciated that too. Time travel can make my head spin, but this was done in a very nice way!
I too don't appreciate much time travel reads either, but I can see that this read was executed well through your review!
The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid! - Jane Austen :techie-studyingbrown:
User avatar
Cecilia_L
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 4952
Joined: 08 Jun 2018, 22:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 436
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cecilia-l.html
Latest Review: No Rushing when Brushing by Humairah Shah

Post by Cecilia_L »

What a great review! I don't usually prefer sci-fi but this plot really appeals to me. Less science and tech is also a plus. Thanks for the recommendation!
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11683
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

Cecilia_L wrote: 09 Aug 2018, 15:20 What a great review! I don't usually prefer sci-fi but this plot really appeals to me. Less science and tech is also a plus. Thanks for the recommendation!
It was just a really good all around book! Thanks for commenting.
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
Jackie Holycross
Posts: 1622
Joined: 15 Apr 2018, 23:16
Currently Reading: The 7 Experiment
Bookshelf Size: 306
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-teacherjh.html
Latest Review: 20 World Religions and Faith Practices by Robyn Lebron

Post by Jackie Holycross »

I considered reviewing this one. It sounds like a great book. I love well-developed characters and time travel.
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11683
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

teacherjh wrote: 09 Aug 2018, 20:55 I considered reviewing this one. It sounds like a great book. I love well-developed characters and time travel.
Now you're probably disappointed you didn't! It really was wonderful, and I loved being able to learn about a bit of history in a fun way. Thanks!
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
LV2R
Posts: 1083
Joined: 25 Apr 2018, 22:28
Favorite Book: Crown of Crimson (The Afterlight Chronicles Book 1)
Currently Reading: Roan
Bookshelf Size: 345
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lv2r.html
Latest Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker

Post by LV2R »

Thanks for your review. I was wondering about this book. Now I know. It sounds interesting to travel back in time and to learn about firefighting techniques. It is refreshing to hear about a good book. Your review makes me want to read this one.
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11683
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

LV2R wrote: 10 Aug 2018, 08:58 Thanks for your review. I was wondering about this book. Now I know. It sounds interesting to travel back in time and to learn about firefighting techniques. It is refreshing to hear about a good book. Your review makes me want to read this one.
Thanks! It really was enjoyable. I highly recommend it!
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
Amy+++
Posts: 1138
Joined: 12 Apr 2018, 17:49
Favorite Book: The Mister
Currently Reading: Last Chance Cafe
Bookshelf Size: 219
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amy.html
Latest Review: The Chauvinist's Guide to Modern Romance by Morris Rollins
Reading Device: B01CRGNO4S

Post by Amy+++ »

Sounds like you really enjoyed the book. I read a book a while back that was somewhat similar to what happens in this one. It wasn't about time travel per say, but it was good and this book sounds good too. Being able to differentiate between two different periods is a must. It is so easy to lose a reader when the difference between two time periods is not spelled out properly. This book seems to fit that bill and I can't wait to read it. Thank you for the great, and honest review.
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11683
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

Amy+++ wrote: 12 Aug 2018, 11:28 Sounds like you really enjoyed the book. I read a book a while back that was somewhat similar to what happens in this one. It wasn't about time travel per say, but it was good and this book sounds good too. Being able to differentiate between two different periods is a must. It is so easy to lose a reader when the difference between two time periods is not spelled out properly. This book seems to fit that bill and I can't wait to read it. Thank you for the great, and honest review.
Thank you! I really did enjoy it more than I thought to begin with. It was nice, too, to learn about the 1870s.
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
Manang Muyang
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 11161
Joined: 02 May 2017, 20:17
Favorite Book:
Currently Reading: Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
Bookshelf Size: 685
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-manang-muyang.html
Latest Review: Your Great Name by Shawn Funk
Reading Device: B00KC6I06S

Post by Manang Muyang »

I read "Yesterday" that also featured the Great Chicago Fire; I liked learning about that historical event. Now this book is from the point of view of the firefighters. It must be "one hell of a read" to get you to gush like that. So many good books, so little time!
Post Reply

Return to “Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books”