Here and Now and Then

Praise for HERE AND NOW AND THEN One of BookBub's Best Science Fiction Books of 2019 One of Book Riot's Best Books of 2019 So Far A subtly woven meditation about the fragility of time raises the bar in this smart, fun, and affectionate story. --Kirkus Reviews Clever, thrilling and full of heart, it is an instant sci-fi classic. -Hypable.com In this heartfelt and thrilling debut, Chen revitalizes the trope of the absent and unavailable father... Chen's concept is unique, and [his characters'] agony is deeply moving. Quick pacing, complex characters, and a fascinating premise make this an unforgettable debut. -Publishers Weekly, starred review Chen's debut novel is a welcome addition to this well-traveled genre, with the theories and mechanics of time travel not getting in the way of the character- and plot-driven story. Highly recommended for readers both new and familiar with the genre, and for fans of Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife or books by Connie Willis. -Library Journal, starred review At its core, Chen's book is really about the prides and perils of parenthood, and I'm certain that's what I'll always remember about it.... The plot twists and turns...in speedy, page-flipping style, defying me each time I thought I knew what was coming. But even more than these delightfully surprising turns, the novel's strength lies in Kin's actions as he tries to save [his daughter, ] Miranda. -NPR Chen carefully balances heart, humor, and precise world building to bring alive an emotional and genre-bending story. --Booklist [An] enjoyable venture into time travel. ... Although Chen's novel is set in a futuristic world, it is ultimately about the bond between a father and his daughter. While Kin's dilemma is one that readers will never face, they will be drawn in by the human questions at its heart. --BookPage Intelligent, caring characters in an amusingly crafted debut novel that packs an emotional wallop... Convincing and truly wonderful. -Christian Science Monitor A charming and satisfying tale of a father's devotion and the hard choices required by love....The people in the story are all well-drawn and believable, with no real villains....The ending is clever and surprising, a twist that neatly ties up all loose ends and provides a happy ending for all involved. -New York Journal of Books Both a tale of a family pulled apart and a brilliant take on time travel. Full of clever worldbuilding, a determined main character, and a heart of gold, Here and Now and Then will not only make you wish Mike Chen had a million books out that you can immediately dive into, but will also probably make you sob. --Rachel Strolle, Glenside Public Library District Mike Chen's Here and Now and Then takes time travel past the 'what if?' and into the 'what after?' all while dealing elegantly 'with what could possibly go wrong!?' A strong and very real father-daughter relationship is tested across the centuries, as Chen's characters navigate adventure and consequences together. A tight net of excitement and wonder. -Fran Wilde, award-winning author of Updraft, and Hugo and Nebula finalist A rare, fresh gem of a story that blends high tech time travel thrills with the all-in stakes of a parent's love for their child. The world needs more butt-kicking middle-aged chef heroes. - Delilah Dawson, New York Times Bestselling Author of Star Wars: Phasma Gripping and gorgeously crafted. Chen takes the fabric of space-time and gives it real humanity in this compelling tale of love, family, and the choices made to protect them. -Cass Morris, author of From Unseen Fire Mike Chen's debut novel is a generous, warm-hearted adventure. It's the story of a father, a daughter, and a love stronger than time itself. I absolutely loved it. -Kat Howard, Alex Award-winning author of An Unkindness of Magicians Chen does what the very best sci-fi writers do--he takes a fascinating concept and elevates it with brilliant execution and deeply heartfelt plot twists that make this story less about the (fun) conventions of the genre and more about the profound experience of being human. Here and Now and Then is a page-turner, an examination of love and loss, and, most of all, a dazzling debut from a wonderfully unique new voice. -Michael Moreci (Black Star Renegades, Star Wars)