Title: Tavern on the Edge of Time
Author: Peter Darrach
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 978-1478359807
Pages: 366, pages
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewed by: Lisa Brown-Gilbert, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
A captivating read set in a visionary future circa 2125, Tavern on the Edge of Time entices science fiction readers over the edges of reality and into a space/time continuum abundant with exotic beings, adventure and a bit of romance. Written by author Peter Darrach, this is the third book of his Second Skin Sequence, a series of well-received science fiction novels of which this one should be no exception.Continuing the story from where book 2 –Second Skin Too, leaves off; book 3 brings readers to a time after war between earth and mars was barely averted. Archenemy Xanthus-Rex, an irrepressibly evil character remains a prisoner on an asteroid with his wealth and power stripped from him. However, Xanthus gets a reprieve of sorts because earth needs his knowledge of Martian teleportation. Meanwhile, with plans for revenge on his mind, he fosters a scheme for vengeance.
In the interim, former asteroid miners Max Cody and Elaine Zhou, soon to become betrothed have taken on the task of setting up a space station colony in the orbit of Jupiter’s satellite Callisto but not before, they go to the tavern in order to repay a debt to the alien who saved Max, T’chell. The tavern is a seemingly unending locale, built by T’chell that exists within eight dimensions outside of the time continuum. The tavern draws visits from a diverse array of life forms, and eventually attracts some undesirables, as well as events that could end the tavern’s existence.
Author Peter Darrach is an effervescent writer who knows how to wield his writing skills; he skillfully weaves a web of multiple sub-plots, avoids scientific overkill, and balances out the fantasy, adventure, and romance. This is appreciably good science fiction, it is as engaging, as it is, smartly crafted with a host of eclectic but relatable characters each one just as amazing as the next, with each bringing a bit of their own alien culture and entertaining presence to the story. Also particularly interesting are the super human characters of Max and Elaine they make a charming couple whose love for each other brings about a surprising changes in their lives.
I enjoyed this book, it was a great read. Although, Tavern on the Edge of Time is part of a series this could work as a stand -alone novel because it is so well written you do not feel like something is missing from the story. My only contention with this book is a need for more action throughout the story, while there is some action depicted it would make this an outstanding read, if there were more action scenes. Contentions aside, I do urge other Sci – Fi fans to check out the whole Second Skin series, the books are definitely worth the read.
