Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dispel Illusion by Mark Lawrence Narrator: Matthew Frow
Series: Impossible Times #3
Published by Brilliance Audio on December 31, 2019
Genres: Science Fiction
Length: 7 hours, 37 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
Nick Hayes’s genius is in wringing out the universe’s secrets. It’s a talent that’s allowed him to carve paths through time. But the worst part is that he knows how his story will end. He’s seen it with his own eyes. And every year that passes, every breakthrough he makes, brings him a step closer. Mia’s accident is waiting for them both in 2011. If it happens then he’s out of choices.
Then a chance 1992 discovery reveals that this seeker of truth has been lying to himself. But why? It’s a question that haunts him for years. A straw he clings to as his long-awaited fate draws near.
Time travel turns out not to be the biggest problem Nick has to work on. He needs to find out how he can stay on his path but change the destination. Failure has never been an option, and neither has survival. But Nick’s hoping to roll the dice one more time. And this new truth begins with a lie.
Mark Lawrence does a short recap of the first books in the trilogy at the beginning which I always appreciate. The brief highlighting of the key points is enjoyable. Not only does it take me right into Dispel Illusion but it also gives me a perspective of what the author thinks are the key points. This listen came months after the first two were released only a short time apart.
I don’t like time travel stories but this one is wrapped up in math/physics (of course) and Dungeons & Dragons. I wondered what was left now other than Nick fulfilling the destiny he already knew. He is now 40, as he was when he traveled back in the first book. Discussing the various moral decisions and ways they try to keep the timelines, while protecting those they love, here, would be a total spoiler.
There is plenty of action and evil villains here as well as loved ones and allies. But I think the thoughtful intelligence is equally important as thrilling battles and escapes. I appreciate how Nick and Mia loved and worked to protect each other.
Narration:
Matthew Frow is Nick for me. I enjoy the inflections of the characters even though I don’t know if they are regionally accurate since I’m no expert. I felt male and female voices were comfortable, though almost everything is Nick, with only some Mia and a few brief characters this time. I was able to listen at 1.5x speed instead of 1.25x now I am familiar with the voice.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Mark Lawrence
Mark Lawrence was born in Champagne-Urbana, Illinois, to British parents but moved to the UK at the age of one. He went back to the US after taking a PhD in mathematics at Imperial College to work on a variety of research projects including the ‘Star Wars’ missile defence programme. Returning to the UK, he has worked mainly on image processing and decision/reasoning theory. He says he never had any ambition to be a writer so was very surprised when a half-hearted attempt to find an agent turned into a global publishing deal overnight.
Mark Lawrence is married with four children, one of whom is severely disabled. His day job is as a research scientist focused on various rather intractable problems in the field of artificial intelligence. He has held secret level clearance with both US and UK governments. At one point he was qualified to say ‘this isn’t rocket science … oh wait, it actually is’.
Between work and caring for his disabled child, Mark spends his time writing, playing computer games, tending an allotment, brewing beer, and avoiding DIY.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Audiobooks
- 2019 Releases
- COYER Friends
i love recaps for series. that way, if i jump into the middle, it usually doesn’t affect the story. glad this was a good one and great review. hope you are enjoying the holidays
This trilogy is cleverly complex enough I would read all 3 in order. But if you don’t read them all in a row, the recaps help. It’s a great story.
Sounds like a thrilling series with some characters I want to meet. Great review, Anne.
It kept my brain busy and I was worried about characters all the time with the life and death nature of their actions. It is very cleverly intermixed with the D&D games.