Randall Ingermanson

Randy Ingermanson’s Transgression succeeds in asking all the awkward questions about time travel, without insisting on answering them. Characters and plot give “time” and “travel” voice, rooted in a pleasing pseudo-science that convincingly borders on real, and seasoned with evocative, well-researched detail. An intrinsically different and thought-provoking approach to “free will” grows out of the story’s progression without ever distracting from the tale.

Transgression is an show more enjoyable blend of science fiction with Biblical historical fiction. Customs and culture of New Testament times feel thoroughly convincing and well-researched, and the varying faiths and beliefs of characters are suitably intrinsic to the plot. Jerusalem in the time of Saint Paul comes to life with all the senses employed, and a world of political and religious upheaval, oppression, and hope, proves not so different from today.

Author Randy Ingermanson balances faith, science, history, suspense and even a touch of romance in a cool exciting tale of today and yesterday, set in the boiling pot of Jerusalem’s conflicting faiths and ideals, both now and then. I enjoyed the way all points of view were offered with just enough respect and honesty to make the characters real, and I loved the way the author leaves some questions open-ended, almost unasked, as freewill and unchangeable histories collide.

Disclosure: I found it on a deal and couldn’t resist. I offer my honest review. show less

What happens when a agnostic physicist and an Messianic Jew archaeologist enter a "wormhole" and end up in 1st century Jerusalem? And what if they discover that someone else also entered this "timeloop" and is trying to kill the apostle Paul before he can start his missionary journeys? Can history truly be changed? Or are their actions already part of history? Suspense, faith-searching, some physics (that is way over my head), comedy, a little romance, mystery...and guess what? The end show more leaves you hanging. So, yes, I got the book for free on Kindle -- but now I have to pay for the next one if I want to find out what happens. So, another mystery -- will I buy the next one? The real question is -- how long will I stay up tonight to read the sequel? :) show less

I purchased the book Oxygen for two reasons one of those being to read the bit at the end for other Authors.

I wanted to thank the authors for a good read. I read the story first knowing it probably would have spoilers at the end.

I normally don't write much about what I read and it tends more towards the saccharin than anything else. Probably because mom said if you don't have anything nice to say...

In this case though I have so much nice to say I have to say a bit more.
I've read science show more fiction for quite some time well over 50 years. And if I were one prone to try to distill what would be pure science fiction I think that the authors nailed it here. Its fiction based on science as close to what we see today with little if any deviation. This could be happening now.

It's peopled with believable characters and situations and quirks. I think I've met some of these people. And the story contained 'for me' a predictable element at the beginning which might have blindsided me into not being ready for the twisting turning plot up ahead. I'm not revealing any of this trust me it starts out like a predictable episode of Murders She wrote and veers off into a roller-coaster ride of who dunnits.

The Authors John B. Olsen and Randy Ingermanson have done a thorough job of putting together an enjoyable and informative read. I did stop a couple times to double check their facts. But that's just me being me. If they slipped a few by me, well good for them. Their overall writing is solid.

That part said;I did see one issue or maybe a feature depending on what the authors might know or have intended. There is a great portion of the plot device that smacks of something I read long ago in Robert Heinleins The Man Who Sold the Moon. If the authors have read this I'm sure they should know what I'm referring to. If not they should perhaps check it out.

I'm assuming the best in that they pay homage to one of my favorite authors.
That said I envisioned this as an Apollo 13 meets The Man Who Sold the Moon.

For anyone who has read neither of these I suggest you read Oxygen first. Because its really good and it won't disappoint. Then read the Man Who Sold the Moon because it's pretty darn good too.

And anyone who has read The Man Who Sold the Moon I hope that doesn't end up as a spoiler. It shouldn't because its more of a cosmetic type lift and tuck and perhaps not even intended. Only the authors know for sure. show less

Interesting premise, but plagued with poorly developed characters and several plot holes resolved with overly clever "coincidences" as well as a few outright appeals to divine intervention, which made it seem like the book equivalent of Christian Rock music.