MrsK Books: The Line by William L.J. Galaini

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

The Line by William L.J. Galaini

ISBN: 9781481049450

Publisher's Synopsis:

Suspended in the nothing between timelines, the station Janus is an unseen marvel; the greatest technological achievement in human innovation. From Janus, Gustavo and his hand-selected team of historians and engineers incur into the past and observe history unseen and unnoticed.

But they are not alone. Another traveler is shattering history, unhindered by desires to remain scientific and uninvolved. The intruder's technology is greater with methods more brutal, and a physique more terrifying than anything Gustavo and his team were prepared for. As they apply their intellects and skills toward solving the mystery of the ferocious interloper, they quickly realize that they have attracted its attention ...

MrsK's Review:

Set in the futuristic station of Janus, a recent discovery had put everyone on edge. It's one thing to be discovering history through "unseen" incursions and quite another "expedition" when faced with an evil that is wielding chaos throughout time. The assignment is a five year mission surveying the differences between time lines (Earth's and Beta's). The expectation would be maybe of few "irregularities" because of "inaccurate historical data." What was found will prove even more frightening than war itself. There are more than "big discrepancies," there are "entire generations" missing, instead of a continuum that mirrors each other... certain events have "drastic" differences.

Meet the Janus crew:
Mary is an Humanities major. She is the archival historian for Janus. Back home she studied Ballet and is very graceful in her movements. She contemplates the reasons for all human inter actions and she cares deeply about justice.

Ingrid is no nonsense about her discernment's, her "controller" duties, and the complexity of "leaping between time lines." She is passionate about following protocol and making sure all are safe without altering the Alpha or the Beta timelines. She is the driving force for everything running smoothly, every detail of life aboard Janus is under her supervision, including the pantry. Calculated chess moves are entertaining, so winning has little to do with the games.

Wyatt is a trained vet, he is unassuming, quietly an alert observer, and the one "jumper" who is overly concerned about the inhumane "vigilante" which is wreaking havoc within the timelines. His one solace from home is a rocking chair, his guitar, and peaceful melodies.

Rupert is a trained "jumper" who can disarm or defuse any situation with a smile.

Jack is a mathematical genius, as well as the Janus pool-hall champion.

"Gus" Gustavo is Janus' commander, medic, PR man, and their link to home. He plots out the "fractures," locations, and dates. Data driven, he will be the mediator for their concerns, their fears, and their ideas.

Evil/Xeno a tall, lean, and muscled faceless time-tormentor. With golden eyes it scans for any survivors. It appears to have a strong "social justice" motive for time traveling and "snuffing out certain events in history." Technologically advanced and equipped with a WWII German flame-thrower ... it is steals into history and attacks.

There are many "unforeseen" twists and turns as the story progresses. Not every mission began once the crew was chosen. What is behind the one locked door? Were there any incursions into the future, and if so why? Will an execution shut down Janus' mission? Who or what is Magus Kami? Why does Wyatt solo an incursion once Rupert is in need of medical attention?

With a shout out to the author, The Line is a wonderful read partly due to the crafting of a well woven story line and partially due to the authentic word choice (it can be disastrous using unknown "technical terms for a reader when terms are used and there is no detailed connectors to our everyday life). These characters have comfortable personalities. Janus and all historical time frames are realistic, specific, and honed to perfection (every sense is activated). Discussions are perfected with wit and seasoned with friendly sarcasm (there are a few sexual innuendos and content, as well as cursing). As for the finally... spoiler alert... I'm still in shock!

This was a fantastic journey, an unexpected discovery, and a definite "must share."
Journeying beyond the known into the unknown... be willing to "suit up" for this incursion...
MrsK

An incredible journey!
Added to my shelf of Sci-Fi "must reads" and a great gift for every Sci-Fi fan.

A definite addition to any YA classroom/Library shelf.

Meet the Author:

William LJ Galaini is an English Teacher in Northern Virginia. He is a military veteran and an avid reader. He lives with his brilliant wife, his mischievous son, and his three needy cats.

Workaday Reads Interview

"I received this book for free for this review."

Self Published

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MrsK's Reading Bio

Reading is important! No questions asked, not even a blink of the eye from any student I grew up with. On the first day of the First grade, we were given our first books. Day two we all read aloud, round robin of course. Day three we were place in our first basal, now known as a lit circle group. Books were so important, publishers designed new curriculum so that every student was reading by the end of the first week. These early readers had images that looked like what we could see in the classroom, beyond the classroom, even on the big screen. Reading is important, throughout history every generation has believed that “Reading” opens up the world for endless possibilities.

I adore the 1950’s Dick and Jane books. Actually, most reading specialists and experienced (45+) educators believe that every student learned to read with Dick and Jane. Since these books are being re-issued, I have heard many parents, grandparents, and students claim that Dick and Jane stories of repetition does teach students to read.

Early influences from my mother influenced my desire to read. I would watch her read and we would go on “secret” excursions to the library. The library became my playground. I owned every book I could carry home, of course they needed to be taken back to their home after visiting with me for a week or two. My first book that I could pull off of the library shelf and read was, Father Bear Comes Home. I only saw my dad on Sundays for a few hours. I would pull this beginning reader off of the library shelf every week. Every week I would try to read the first chapter. Every week I got further in the story. My mom would let me check it out, only if I could read it myself (She didn’t like the illustrations therefore she didn’t want to take time to read it to me). One day, I pulled the book from the shelf and when mom came to get me from the children’s corner, I realized that I had read the whole story. I ran to the check out desk and the Librarian KERCHUNKED the checkout card. My mother, brother and neighbors read. My teachers read. We all read aloud all day long in school. The Priest read aloud every day at mass, even in Latin. Everybody in the Doctor’s office read. People on the bus read. Dad’s waiting in their cars as the Mom’s and children grocery shopped, read. In fact, once you could read and write, Sunset Magazine considered you a reader and sent you mail every day.

Reading is important; I’ve spent my life reading. I’ve traveled around the world and into space through books. My favorite genre is whichever book I have open at the time. Children’s Literature is my passion. Book clubbing is one of the best past times, especially if food is involved. In fact my friends of old are in a book club and we are about to embark on a beach trip to “read” and discuss our newest selection.

My “home-run” book story has helped every student find his or her own “home-run” reads. Every year, I have shared my, Father Bear Comes Home, and every year my students have brought in their “home-run” books. That’s the “diving board” into our Lit. Studies.

In “Growing Up Digital,” Tapscott’s insights into the new generations enthusiasm for the Net reminded me of my generation’s enthusiasm for reading, movies, TV, parties and our driving permits. The Net-Generation, as Tapscott describes, “are learning, playing, communicating, working, creating communities, and enforcing a social transformation.”
N-Geners are interactive “techies” who are always looking for a way to “work it” verses the TV Generation of “Baby Boomers” who started out looking for “how it works.” Reading development is tougher today, society moves too fast to invest their “non-working” free time into a book or even “home work.” Since I stepped into my own classroom, I have seen students being told to read, being forced to read, and threatened into reading. Homework is not any longer the vehicle for students to gain their future lifestyles or careers with. Yet, the Internet does create an enthusiasm for learning. Since I have been enrolled in these courses, I have used the computers in every subject. My students are using the newest technology in the classroom because I am giving them investigative sites to use as they learn from each other and books. I agree with Tapscott, in order to bridge the gap with this up and coming generation we must “live and learn with them.”

FTC Required Disclaimer: I receive these books from the publishers. I did not receive monetary compensation for these reviews. These reviews have been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)