Jack Jacobs and the Doomsday Time Machine (expanded edition)

Albert S. Abraham
Blue Comet Books (2007)
ISBN 9780976974413
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (7/07)


Albert S. Abraham, the author of “Jack Jacobs and the Doomsday Time Machine,” works in aerospace engineering and it reflects in this very detailed science-fiction story.  I was concerned when I started reading the book that it might be over my head, but the author does an excellent job of making this reader-friendly for all audiences. 
 
What I found so interesting about this book is that it basically takes place on a spaceship and involves two characters, Jack Jacobs, and his supercomputer, Jennifer.  Jack Jacobs and Jennifer took a secret test flight to test the ship’s quantum gravity propulsion system sixteen years ago.  They have been lost in space ever since.  Finally, they have found their way back to earth, but much to Jack’s surprise they are 100 years in the past.  Something has gone very wrong and every time they try to correct the problem the ship goes 100 years deeper into the past.  The author adds interesting sidelines, such as when they get to our time, they are identified as an UFO and Jack has to cloak the ship to avoid problems.  In the time of our founding fathers, Jack listens in on secret conversations that never made the history books.  
 
To break away from their time dilemma, they have to go to a distant galaxy where they try to find answers.  Jack is shocked to find out that he is the one who discovered this galaxy as he has no recollection of this.  As Jack tries to correct what is happening so that they can return to earth in their time, he discovers that history is changing by itself and begins to question what is real.   

I think that the author did an excellent job with this sci-fi thriller.  His descriptions and detail make the story come alive.   He included details about even the smallest items and closed all gaps that would make the story implausible.  My first thought, when picking up the story, was questioning how Jack could survive that long on an unplanned flight, which was answered when it was explained that the ship was actually stocked for a four-month trip with 200 people.  I would highly recommend “Jack Jacobs and the Doomsday Time Machine” for people who love science fiction and space travel stories.

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