Category: C.R.Berry

Million Eyes II -The Unraveller by C.R. Berry – time travel in history with consequences for so many

November 11, 2021

Million Eyes II – The Unraveller by C.R. Berry

Science fiction, historical fiction and time travel – this unusual book has so much going for it, I am struggling to fit it into one review. After Million Eyes (I) established that time travel is not only possible but entirely reasonable, this book looks at some of the effects of that project. The first book in this trilogy introduced the concept of a way of time travel which depended on small red pills; it also tackled some of the great historical mysteries in the British monarchy, including the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower and even the death of Princess Diana. This second novel features more of the ordinary people who have found themselves embroiled in the whole situation rather than the big names of history, though the ultimate name in Western belief and theology does feature. Again this is an audacious novel in terms of tackling the big questions of historical developments, as well as the basic problem of time travel: what happens when the actions of a time traveller upsets what was going to happen. The ambition of this book, the rich research which depicts how life was for individuals in various historical eras and settings, and the sheer humanity of the characters, make this a fascinating and exciting read, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review it. 

The characters in this book tend to behave as very real people who are trying to deal with incredible circumstances. One of the core themes is the nature of the surveillance society, or at least Million Eyes, “a multi-billion-pound global company with hundreds of thousands of employees” with its many ways of tracking people. One of the time periods featured is the near contemporary 2027, when driverless cars are a daily reality, and much is recognisable. I enjoyed the dialogue between some of the characters, especially Adam, who has many challenges to face, yet retains a sense of humour. As other time periods are featured, the immense research into the daily life of a medieval woman living in a village, for example, makes that section a vivid portrait of the times. The complexities of timelines, in which characters may have acted either deliberately or accidentally and upset subsequent events, is carefully managed, with important life events being handled in sometimes painful detail. Some characters are determined and purposeful, others are more reactive, striving to do what they believe is the right thing.

There is suspense and excitement in this book, and I spent some time rushing through to find out what would happen in particular circumstances. There is some violence, but it is always part of the stories and is never just present for effect. There is some sadness, but also some hope, some contentment, and some actions which are surprising. There is bravery, enterprise and some desperation for the common good when no one really knows what will happen next. This is an incredible and sometimes astonishing book which reminded me of some of the more advanced themes and stories of Doctor Who, but it creates a world of its own. Fantasy, adventure, evasion and tension are a heady mix within this fast paced novel which combines all these things with a reality of characters and settings, and it is recommended as an all action read.   

Million Eyes by C.R. Berry – an historical time slip thriller with a contemporary background

January 11, 2020

 

 

This is a novel which packs more than a punch. An historical novel which sweeps through various points of British history, quite literally jumping backwards and forwards. Featuring many historical mysteries which have engaged academics, conspiracy theorists and many others for years, this book neatly handles subjects of debates  with a bold theory of fictional narrative. This audacious book combines brief pictures of historical events with a contemporary thriller which has the reader wondering what will happen next. Turning pages fast is the sign of a genuinely exciting novel, as Berry boldly assembles a cast of characters in a variety of settings. The theme of the mysterious deaths of members of the royal family in Britain does not mean grand settings of palaces and legions of servants, but it shows these famous figures from history as real people. 

 

The contemporary setting for a chase of certain characters has all the elements of a thriller, especially as the surveillance society which can trace an individual through their use of technology. Apart from the time travel aspect, this is the frightening tale of just how difficult it is to hide in Britain today, where the possession of a mobile phone allows continuing tracking. There are some moving moments as at least one of the characters realises that escape is only possible at the cost of sacrificing contact with family and friends. This book shows great inventiveness and some brutality in the pursuit of a character unwillingly drawn into a fantastic and dangerous situation.

 

The novel includes descriptions of the controversial and mysterious deaths or disappearances of some historical characters. William II, known as William Rufus to distinguish him from his far more famous father, William the Conqueror, is known to have died in a forest while hunting deer. Over the years his “accidental” death has mystified historians, and this book opens with an explanation in keeping with the overall narrative of the book. As a selection of historical mysteries, including the fate of the Princes in the Tower, is featured, it is vital to keep an eye on the date of each section. The research into setting and theories of the events is undoubtedly impressive, and goes a long way to establish the fantasy explanation.   

 

This is a fast moving and powerful novel which I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review. It is completely involving and fast moving, moving through some quite significant traumas at speed. It can be quite brutal, and this is a complex thriller with some violence. It is exciting and engaging, which quickly moves the characters on and creates sympathies and understanding of their actions.

 

This is a skilful and carefully constructed novel with much to offer for historical fiction fans. Berry has a lot of ideas crammed in a book which tackles many issues. There are nods to other well known science fiction ideas, including Doctor Who. This book looks at the significance of the monarchy in Britain and its meaning in history. It comments knowledgeably about modern surveillance, and the vulnerability of individuals. I recommend this book to those who enjoy historically based thrillers and contemporary fantasy.