Next Time

By: Ron Ward Jr

Narrated by: Jonathan Medina

Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

"There are consequences for changing the past".

Jim Radcliffe thought he had a comfortable, easy life until a drug-addled stranger stumbles into his backyard during a family cookout and predicts a devastating tragedy that will befall Jim's loved ones. When a house fire confirms the madman's predictions, Jim's life is sent into a tailspin as he struggles to come to grips with the sudden loss of his closest family members.

As Jim searches for answers behind the tragedy and his wife spirals into depression, he finds himself at his wits' end—until a strange tow truck driver named Mr. Brimstone appears with an unusual offer. In exchange for Jim's soul, Mr. Brimstone will give him the chance to go back in time to prevent the tragedy from occurring. But as Jim journeys through time, he faces increasingly difficult choices that challenge his beliefs, forcing him to question what he truly values.

Torn between his own desires and the safety of those he loves, Jim must dig deep and find the strength to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to save his family and restore a sense of normalcy to his life. Along the way, he learns that the tricky path of redemption isn't always as clear-cut as it first appears, and that true happiness may come from unexpected places.

©2023 Ron Ward Jr (P)2023 Ron Ward Jr

I was on the edge of my seat!

From the beginning of the audiobook I was taken away to a different world. It immediately started off with heart-racing suspense and it captivated me into wanting more. The plot and story were intriguing. As more of the story unveiled itself I kept questioning what would happen next. The flow was easy to follow and the narrator had clear enunciation. The intonation of the narrators voice, while impersonating each individual character allowed my imagination to run wild. I was able to create my own idea of each character’s appearance and looks. I was able to feel the character’s emotions. Even with a distinct male tone he captured the female characters very uniquely. I look forward to my next experience.

There are consequences to changing the past.

Jim Radcliffe succumbs to a parents worst nightmare and struggles with grief and supporting the ones around him. A mysterious figure shows up named Mr. Brimstone and makes the Faustian deal. Mr. Brimstone will give him the power to change the past in exchange for his soul. Jim signs the contract and the past is changed.
Selling your soul to the devil in exchange to change history is not a new story, but what Ron Ward Jr does that sets his story apart is he focuses on the micro changes and sits with these people and the new struggles that resulted because not everyone can be saved. It’s a wonderfully told, tragic story that when the butterfly effect reaches it’s forgone conclusion, I was left surprised. Yet the inevitable outcome was laid out perfectly before me and I didn’t see it coming.

The narrator, Johnathan Medina did an amazing job with this story, and he is now one of my favorite Audible narrators. 5 out of 5 stars.