I struggled to decide: Two or three stars? In the end, I gave it only two, though I recognize the efforts of the author in writing this lengthy book to try to entertain readers like me.



I agree with the previous reviewer who noted the very clever idea behind the book: time travel from the 21st century to Britain of the year 892, when King Alfred ruled. Our soldier protagonists travel to 892 intentionally to alter human advancement so that by the time we hit the 21st century, we are ready for an alien attack which, in our time, wiped out humanity. Great concept. I'm just a sucker for any time of time-travel ideas. This was truly a fun and clever concept.



The concept itself, however, was just about the only thing that kept me reading until the end of this book (well, yes, and the fact that I paid money to read it as well).



Also, I truly do appreciate the hard work that writers have and their generosity in sharing their imaginative work with their readers.



That said, I really, really cannot recommend this book.



First, as noted by prior reviewers, the lack of proper editing and punctuation completely distract from the story. You know the joke: "Let's eat, Grandma!" versus, "Let's eat Grandma"? The missing comma changes the meaning entirely. Well, our author just hasn't realized that concept yet. This was the worst edited and punctuated book I have read in a very long time. The author absolutely hates commas and other necessary forms of punctuation. I've seen fifth graders who used commas better. My gosh, man, just hire a editor and these basic, but oh-so -distracting, punctuation mistakes could be eliminated.



The author also required an editor to cut at least 1/4 of the book away that was completely redundant to the story. No, we do not have to hear for the umpteenth time how a local from the year 892 reacted to riding in a Hummer or flying in an airplane. Once or twice - fine. More than that is simply repetitive.



Moreover, the stuff we really wanted to hear about - how the locals reacted to learning basic 21st century concepts and assimilated these ideas into their world view is completely skipped over by the author. He tells us merely that the locals attend classes arranged by our 21st century soldiers, but nothing further.



Nor do we get to hear the explanations they provide to the locals about why they even traveled to the year 892. The author failed to provide any detail about these discussions. Instead, he tells us in a paragraph or two that they share with one local or another why they traveled back in time. Wow, what a lost opportunity for the author to share what could have been great dialogue.



THIS was what readers really wanted to read about.



Also, there is no real main character that we follow throughout the story. For me, that really weakened the story line. There was just no one to anchor the story and that I became attached to.



Finally, the story devolved into a many-faceted romance novel that was tedious to get through. I really didn't care to learn in detail who paired with who after they traveled back in time. The author, in my opinion, focused far too much energy on these romance stories and far too little on the aspects of the story that we really wanted to hear about.



And the ending was truly awful. I'll say no more.



Immediately after this book, I began reading Tim Curran's book, "Blackout." The contrast in writing style between Parker and Curran is immense. Curran grabs you right away and doesn't let go. He is a phenomenal writer. And no poor editing or punctuation mistakes either. Want to read a good book about an alien invasion? I highly recommend "Blackout." I wish I could recommend this book, but I can't. I just can't.