Primarily known for his exceptional horror fiction, Philip Fracassi journeys into the realm of science fiction with The Third Rule of Time Travel. But don’t let the sci-fi label give you pause. Fracassi’s latest novel delivers the same outstanding storytelling that fans of his horror works have come to love.
Scientist Beth Darlow has discovered the unimaginable. She’s built a machine that allows human consciousness to travel through time—to any point in the traveler’s lifetime—and relive moments of their life. An impossible breakthrough, but it’s not perfect: the traveler has no way to interact with the past. They can only observe.
After Beth’s husband, Colson, the co-creator of the machine, dies in a tragic car accident, Beth is left to raise Isabella—their only daughter—and continue the work they started. Mired in grief and threatened by her ruthless CEO, Beth pushes herself to the limit to prove the value of her technology.
Then the impossible happens. Simply viewing personal history should not alter the present, but with each new observation she makes, her own timeline begins to warp. As her reality constantly shifts, Beth must solve the puzzles of her past, even if it means forsaking her future.
As a fan of Fracassi’s writing, The Third Rule of Time Travel delivered exactly what I anticipated from a sci-fi novel—with so much more. The thrilling tale within the pages of this book intertwines thought-provoking reflections on humanity and important things in our lives. It also includes pretty fascinating discussions exploring both physics and the nature of existence.
While in past reads of sci-fi novels I have felt a bit overwhelmed, Fracassi strikes the perfect balance. He introduces just enough technical jargon to add authenticity without overcomplicating the tale or leaving me behind. This approach to crafting this novel makes the book both engaging and accessible, offering a realistic feeling, while also not overdoing it and confusing me along the way.
Fracassi introduces some unique elements to the concept of time travel in this book, setting itself apart from a typical time travel novel. While time travel remains impossible in reality, Philip crafts it in such a way that it feels almost believable. The limitations and the specific type of travel the team undertakes add authenticity, pulling me deeper into the story and making the experience more believable.
The Third Rule of Time Travel features a mixture of characters, some you love and some you hate with a few you really can’t get a read on. Beth Darlow, the protagonist, is a deeply relatable character navigating love, loss, and the demands of her groundbreaking work. Passionate about her career, Beth struggles with the toll it takes on her personal life, particularly as it pulls her away from raising her daughter. Fracassi makes us feel the struggle while weaving it into the narrative of the time travel story, giving me even more investment into the book.
Not to mention Beth’s grief over losing her husband, who co-created the project with her. These challenges make her an undeniably compelling character, and it’s impossible not to feel for her as she fights for her family and her work.
Opening The Third Rule of Time Travel was easy for me as it was written by the incredibly talented Philip Fracassi. That said, I would be lying if I didn’t say I was wanting another of his signature horror novels. However, what I discovered within The Third Rule of Time Travel completely exceeded my expectations. Fracassi delivers a unique spin on time travel that is filled with thrilling sequences, thought-provoking twists, and deeply heartfelt moments. This book is for fans of Philip Fracassi, but also those looking for a fantastic new science-fiction read.
The Third Rule of Time Travel is available at bookstores everywhere from Orbit Books. The audiobook, narrated by Abigail Reno, is available at Libro.fm!
