Synopsis:
Three intertwined time travel rescue missions reveal how ordinary people rise to extraordinary acts of valor, driven by selflessness and a willingness to sacrifice for others.
The thriving university town of New Jerusalem nestles in the secluded hill country north of the Ozark National Forest in rural Arkansas. New Jerusalem is a wonderful place to put down roots as long as you don’t go into the experimental forest and find Black Cliff, a place of dark power.
Was it a simple misstep in 1989 when high school seniors Mary Sanders and Charlie Barrows became lost during a fall hike and stood facing Black Cliff? Or were other forces at play?
Before they can flee, Black Cliff entangles Mary in a web of time travel, strands that transport her back 300 years in history to a horrific civil war and a daring solo rescue mission.
Months later, Mary returns to New Jerusalem and to 1989, battered by her war experiences and heartsick over those she left behind. Once home, her struggles continue. Time travelers and friends gather to help Mary and Charlie. They have less than three days to rescue America from a plot to seize the presidency.
Favorite Lines:
“Loving Minnie, is like standing on a cliff in Cornwall as an Atlantic storm slams into the shore. The waves crashing below and the wind so powerful you must brace yourself to not be blown off your feet. I am sorry for all the Victorian allusions. It fits so perfectly. Loving Minnie is tempestuous and overwhelming. One can’t breathe.”
My Opinion:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Black Cliff Chronicles by Steve Sterling is an engrossing blend of time travel, historical intrigue, and character-driven storytelling that pulls you in from the very first page.
At its core, this novel explores how the past and present intertwine in unexpected ways. The characters—ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances—discover that their journeys through time hold significant consequences for their own lives and the world around them. Mary and Charlie, in particular, anchor the story with their evolving friendship and creative partnership. Their interactions felt authentic, with moments of humor and heartfelt exchanges that made them instantly relatable.
The time travel element—especially the “spirit walks” that transport characters into historical moments—was both innovative and chilling. Sterling does an excellent job of immersing the reader in different eras, capturing not just the sights and sounds but the emotional weight of being there. One particular journey into fascist Italy left a lasting impression with its vivid and unsettling details.
What I appreciated most was how the book balanced thrilling action with deeper reflections on free will and the cost of knowledge. Just when I thought I had the plot figured out, Sterling threw in twists that kept me guessing until the very end. While some historical details occasionally slowed the pace, they also enriched the narrative, offering a fuller picture of the times explored.
Summary:
Overall, Black Cliff Chronicles is more than just a time travel adventure—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to confront the past and shape the future. Whether you’re a fan of speculative fiction, historical thrillers, or character-driven dramas, this book has something to offer. Happy reading!
Check out Black Cliff Chronicles here!