“They needed something to inspire people,” Harry explained, “for the citizens to really behind and believe in. Something which could be the base for their whole idea of a fledgling nation. And Benjamin Franklin came up with the idea of forging a dream.”
Shout out to PageHabit’s new subscription box, specializing in new Science Fiction stories! Paradox Bound was featured in their first month’s box, and it was a great inclusion. Check out what they have to offer: www.pagehabit.com (They have not endorsed me in any way and this link is just a link.)
I recently finished reading a new novel from Peter Clines – Paradox Bound. If you’re a fan of classic cars, old diners, and traditional Americana, this book is for you! It has all these things and more, and will leave you thinking about the American Dream in ways I bet you’ve never thought before.
As I often do with books that are otherwise unfamiliar to me, before I started reading Paradox Bound I took a moment to check it out on Goodreads. It had only just been released so there weren’t many reviews. One, however, stood out to me. In fact, it stuck with me and I returned to it every time I stopped to reflect on what I was reading. From Gary on Goodreads:
“Peter Clines’ Paradox Bound reads like an extended pitch for a TV series.”
And, boy, is Gary on Goodreads spot-on. Paradox Bound involves such a cute premise, such a charming pair of protagonists, such a rich cast of supporting characters, such a complete universe, and such engaging action; it feels perfectly suited to television. If this were a pitch for a tv series, I can safely say I’d pick it up. But it’s not.
Paradox Bound is a novel. And as a novel book was a riot to read. The action is fast-paced, the settings (the numerous settings) feel rich and complete without Clines bogging down his action with thick descriptions. His visions of Americana and references to the American Dream feel like they’re served straight from your favorite diner with a side of fresh apple pie. And his bad guys! His baddies are so deliciously bad.
However, the “tv show” impression also served to make the story ring a little hollow for me. Clines has created for this book a rich tapestry of a universe, whose rules are complex and crafty, and whose history is labyrinthine and fascinating. On top of this he’s created a time-travel mechanic unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, and it blows my mind! And somehow, these wonderful cultivations feel a little lost to me – a little overlooked or underplayed.
Paradox Bound is an excellent read. This book is overflowing with intrigue and mystery and time travel all colored a beautifully American red, white, and blue. Under all the mystery and the action and the drama, though, it’s just a story about the American Dream and how it can inspire good folks to great heights.
