I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Missions into the past to recover lost artifacts and study ancient and lost civilizations grow as nations vie to use and control the Traveller technology developed to travel into the past in author Rob Shackleford’s exhilarating sequel, “Traveller Probo”, the second book in the historical fiction/sci-fi thriller Traveller series. 

The Synopsis

Traveller Probo is the second book in the Traveller Series.

Would you survive if sent one-thousand years into the past?

Development of the Transporter saw highly trained researchers, called Travellers, successfully sent one-thousand years back in time to early medieval Saxon England.

Traveller Missions now mean enormous national prestige and the recovery of priceless lost artifacts and knowledge, so nations vie for the use of the Transporter and more daring Traveller missions are planned. Politics and power soon come into play.

To study lost peoples and civilizations, Special Forces researchers have to be even better trained, equipped and prepared to put their lives on the line.

While Michael Hunter continues to build a life in Saxon England, the tragically injured Tony Osborne finds his resurgence in a mission to ancient Byzantine Turkey, a mission Professor Adrian Taylor joins to better outmaneuver his calculating academic colleagues.

From the misty shores of New Zealand to the shining splendor of the ancient Byzantine Empire, it is proved how sending modern researchers into the past carries enormous rewards and tragedies.

The Review

This was such an adventurous and thought-provoking follow-up to the author’s equally exciting first book in the sci-fi series, Travellers. The world-building and character development the author employs here is masterful, as the time-travel element allows readers to experience both the present-day individuals going back to study these ancient civilizations and the historical figures who encounter these strange individuals. The action kicks off from the get-go, with a mission to New Zealand’s past taking a bloody turn, and the balance the author finds with the political and social intrigue of the present with the action and history of the past was so amazing to read. 

The attention to detail and imagery the author uses throughout this narrative was so vibrant and engaging that it felt almost cinematic in quality. I could easily picture this as either an ensemble cast film or streaming series, exploring these vast sets and time periods while employing a unique sci-fi twist that will keep readers engaged throughout the narrative. The themes of morality and western civilization’s mindset that superior technology, intellect, and resources give them the right to change or dictate how others operate and live their lives was felt in every chapter of this narrative and kept readers’ minds active as well entertained. 

The Verdict

A brilliant, gripping, and heart-pounding historical fiction and sci-fi read, author Rob Shackleford’s “Traveller Probo” is a must-read novel. The intrigue and mystery of the growing missions and the back-room dealings surrounding the Traveller tech will keep readers on the edge of their seat, and the shocking cliff-hanger endings for both established and new characters alike and their missions will have readers eager to devour the next chapter in this epic series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

This is just a quick bio about me, Rob Shackleford.

• Born in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.
• Emigrated to Australia with parents and brother, Neil, as 10 pound poms in the early 1960’s.
• Childhood in working class suburb of Acacia Ridge, Brisbane. Brothers Aaron, Paul, and Philip and sister Kathy were born.
• Attended Watson Road State School and Acacia Ridge State High School. I don’t think the high school exists any more.
• Attended University of Qld and studied Journalism and Ancient History.
• My work experience is varied and has included Customs Officer, SCUBA Instructor, in the media, college teacher and as operated own businesses.
• I have two wonderful kids: Son – Kyle, and Daughter – Bree.
• Finally completed 2 degrees – in Arts and in Business at Central Qld University. Each completed With Distinction.
• Completed first novel “Traveller – Inceptio”, Traveller book 1 – published in 2019 by Austin Macauley.
• The rest of the Traveller Books are ready to go, as are 3 other completed manuscripts, so I have completed 6 novels in all.
• I am also currently finalizing the illustrations on 3 children’s books with my daughter Bree.

https://robshackleford.com/

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