Time Travelers Never Die

By: Jack McDevitt

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

When physicist Michael Shelborne mysteriously vanishes, his son, Shel, discovers that he had constructed a time-travel device. Fearing his father may be stranded in time - or worse - Shel enlists Dave Dryden, a linguist, to accompany him on the rescue mission.

Their journey through history takes them from the Enlightenment of Renaissance Italy through the American Wild West to the civil rights upheavals of the 20th century. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of historical greats, sometimes in unexpected situations. Yet the elder Shelborne remains elusive. And then Shel violates his agreement with Dave not to visit the future. There he makes a devastating discovery that sends him fleeing back through the ages and changes his life forever.

©2009 Jack McDevitt (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"As the paradoxes begin to pile up and their luck in dodging some of history's villains runs out, McDevitt ingeniously handles a tricky denouement that will leave readers satisfied." ( Publishers Weekly)

Nothing to exciting

Paul Boehmer is an excellent narrator, but can't not save this book. There are interesting ideas but they're never any fun or give you a reason to really care. Recommend only if your really, really into time travel fiction. H.G. Wells time travel book is leap and bound beyond this. Recommend you spend your credit on something else. If you want some exciting sci fi try Daemon by Daniel Suarez or Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry

I love Time Travel fiction in any genre but...

Any additional comments?

I love time travel fiction in any genre and have heard many good things about McDevitt, so this book has been on my radar for some time.

First of all, TTND was a compelling story that held my interest throughout. It had all the really cool, mind numbing time travel paradoxes, and the protags got into some tough spots because of it.

It just seemed like the characters lacked depth and as a result I didn't feel a connection to Shel, Dave or even Shel's dad Michael.

Still, it was a great romp through the annals of time and I really enjoyed the historical background. I learned a lot of great stuff – with a ton of info going straight over my head as well – I'm sure. I just wish it had that little bit extra I needed to really care about the characters.

The narration didn't help either, I had a tough time with Mr. Boehmer. His monotonous, plain vanilla delivery was making me cringe. I ended up listening to the book at 1-1/2 times the normal speed and it worked out fine.

This was my first McDevitt book and I will definitely read him again. Really good and enjoyable time travel adventure.

Tingles the mind!

If you could sum up Time Travelers Never Die in three words, what would they be?

Fantastic, Tingling, Adventure!

What did you like best about this story?

Loved everything. The very intriguing story line, the characters

Have you listened to any of Paul Boehmer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It delighted me. So creative!

Any additional comments?

Excellent book, story line, characters and narration. Loved every moment of this book and it fascinates the mind. Highly recommend.

Past, present, and future

Time travel is one of my favorite sci fi topics and historical fiction is one of my favorite fiction topics. This book is a 2fer. This story is rooted in the present but the forays of the main characters to the past are connected to real events, while the foray to the future offer great food for thought.

Horrible production

The audio for this book is absolutely horrible. It keeps dropping off. I can't review the story because I had to quit listening it was so bad.

The story wasn't bad, the narrator almost tanked

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

The idea is interesting-a son looking foe his fatherm who is travelling in tie

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was pleasantly surprised

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The cadence and rhythm of the narration were so irritating that my hackles rose every time I heard"Dave".
Which unfortunately, and not a credit to the author,was far too often.

Despite all the critics

Who was your favorite character and why?

Shel of course

Any additional comments?

I liked the story and despite what others are saying I enjoyed it and it was worth the money I paid for it. Worth at least a second listen!

Give it a try

I got this book when I first started with Audible, one of their $4.95 books. I figured what the heck if I don't like it its only five bucks. I was pleasantly surprised, it was an interesting story with a twist. It's one I can listen to more than once.

Get Rich & Escape Scrapes with a Time Device

Let's start off with the first annoying thing about this book - the narrator. He's slow and his attempts at drama are about as palatable as 7th century communion hosts.

The plot devices at the climax are so.....adolescent. Hey. let's put the hero in this spot. How does he get out of it - the time device! Let's do it again! They have time wrapping around on itself so much, they just need some ripple ribbon to tie up the package.

The author presents some interesting issues regarding history and time travel. Sadly, he never mentions the most intriguing mysteries and controversies of history. It's not surprising that he wouldn't want the characters to investigate issues of divinity and historical accuracy. But he doesn't even bring them up in the course of the protagonists' conversations, like they didn't exist! The protagonists are supposed to be highly educated men. What are they thinking? This was very disappointing.

The author does some nice work introducing less well known points of history. I've considered getting the book for my teenage daughter, hoping it might spark interest in some ancient history or the life of Churchill. Or maybe not.

I guess the book was worth $5 (bought it through a audible sale). I wouldn't pay a full credit for it.

A fun book with twist & turns, uncertainty & hope

Simply put this is just a fun book. I have no complaints the book was enjoyable throughout. Actually it was more than enjoyable, parts of this book are quite fun. If you like time travel books you can't go wrong choosing this title.