A Mind-Bending Journey Through Time and Emotion

4 out of 5 stars

Listening to Borrowed Time by John Nolte, narrated by Jim Seybert, was a truly bizarre experience, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. From the very beginning, I was drawn into the peculiar yet fascinating world of Joshua Mason, a man burdened with the curse of eternal life. Nolte’s unique narrative style, combined with Seybert’s engaging narration, creates a captivating and confounding audiobook.

Joshua Mason’s tale is unlike any other I’ve encountered. The concept of an immortal being who can die but always returns is intriguing enough, but it’s Nolte’s exploration of the emotional toll of eternal life that truly sets this story apart. Mason’s refusal to form attachments after losing countless loved ones only to find a profound connection with Doreen, and then committing to care for her brain-injured grandson Charlie, adds a deeply human layer to this fantastical premise. Seybert’s voice brings these characters to life in a way that feels both intimate and epic, enhancing the emotional depth of the story.

What truly stands out about Borrowed Time is its unpredictable and mind-bending nature. Every plot twist felt like opening the door to 15 more mysteries. Nolte’s writing can be both a strength and a weakness; at times, his descriptions are perfect, painting vivid scenes and emotions, while at other times, the narrative becomes convoluted, leaving me feeling a bit lost. It reminded me of my mixed feelings about everyone’s favorite horror author, who also has a penchant for either over-explaining or leaving too much unsaid. Despite these occasional frustrations, the story’s originality kept me hooked. It’s a book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished, making it difficult to start anything new right away.

Overall, Borrowed Time is a unique and thought-provoking listen. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea due to its complex narrative style, it’s definitely worth experiencing for its fresh take on immortality and the human condition. Just be prepared for a wild ride that will challenge your perceptions and leave you pondering long after the final chapter.

Book Description:

Borrowed Time
John Nolte
Narrated byJim SeybertLengthJoshua Mason is an everyday man cursed with immortality. Joshua Mason has been alive for thousands of years. He doesn't know how or why it happened, only that he can die like any man, but will always return. When you live forever, everything you love will die, so he decided long ago to not become attached. That all changed when he met Doreen. With her, he found something more than the woman he loves, after thousands of years of wandering, he found his place in the world. Now she's dying of old age. Distraught, Joshua promises to look after Charlie, Doreen's grandson, who is thirty-six, but forever a child due to a terrible brain injury. Keeping Charlie safe means making money to keep Charlie's world—a crumbling motel in the middle of a barren desert—afloat. Mason makes this money by selling his life on the dark web to wealthy people who enjoy the ritual of murdering him. And now, when Mason only wants to mourn the loss of his wife, he discovers he sold his life to some very dangerous people and that Charlie is not as innocent as he seems.Published byTantor Audio · September 26th 2023
Science Fiction
Brian's rating★★★★☆
Publisher description

Joshua Mason is an everyday man cursed with immortality.

Joshua Mason has been alive for thousands of years. He doesn't know how or why it happened, only that he can die like any man, but will always return.

When you live forever, everything you love will die, so he decided long ago to not become attached. That all changed when he met Doreen. With her, he found something more than the woman he loves, after thousands of years of wandering, he found his place in the world. Now she's dying of old age. Distraught, Joshua promises to look after Charlie, Doreen's grandson, who is thirty-six, but forever a child due to a terrible brain injury.

Keeping Charlie safe means making money to keep Charlie's world—a crumbling motel in the middle of a barren desert—afloat. Mason makes this money by selling his life on the dark web to wealthy people who enjoy the ritual of murdering him.

And now, when Mason only wants to mourn the loss of his wife, he discovers he sold his life to some very dangerous people and that Charlie is not as innocent as he seems.