Virtual Evil by Jana G. Oliver is the most complex novel to date in her Time Rover series. This book is a whirlwind ride of surprises. Just when I felt I had a grasp on things, Virtual Evil took new twists and turns. Having read the first novel, Sojourn, I was prepared for a fast pace, an intricacy of plot, and great depth of characters, but Virtual Evil exceeded even my expectations in this regard. Like a roller coaster, it tossed me up and down emotionally. Jana G. Oliver's Virtual Evil made for a heck of a ride and a heck of a read! I enjoyed the novel thoroughly.

Jacynda Lassiter, a Senior Time Rover from 2057 C.E., is in Victorian London. It is the time of Jack the Ripper. Attending a private event, a party at the home of the detestable Hugo Effington, Jacynda sees a man draw a pistol. Unladylike by Victorian standards, Jacynda jumps to the rescue. She dives at the man, knocking him down. His shot goes awry, hits a painting of Queen Victoria, but all members of the party are safe. The guests help subdue the man. The police take him away, but not before Jacynda has a chance to recognize him. The would-be assassin is none other than the so-called "Father of Time" himself, that greatest of time travelers, Harter Defoe.
 
Jacynda wonders why this man, of all men, should attempt to assassinate anyone. What could possibly be his motive? And although the partygoers think the target is the Crown Prince of England, Jacynda is not so sure.Why would the "Father of Time" want to assassinate the prince? What's more, history does not record such an event as this ever having taken place. Then there is one more question -- is this truly Harter Defoe? Jacynda is aware that there are such humans as shape shifters, those with the ability to camouflage their true selves and adopt false personas. Is this man one of them and not truly Harter Defoe at all? Harter disappears from jail, and for Jacynda Lassiter, matters now are much more complex. She has even more questions.

Instead of finding answers, Jacynda finds herself struggling in an ever-darker world of multifarious intrigue, Byzantine plots, and sinister motivations. Despite her best wishes, her Victorian friends also find themselves in the middle of all this. And Jacynda, Senior Time Rover, finds that not only does she have problems here in Victorian London, but in her home time as well. Things are coming to a head, the pace of events quickening. Only time will tell if Jacynda makes it through it all.

Virtual Evil by Jana G. Oliver is a fascinating read. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, from beginning to end. So engrossed was I by Virtual Evil that I didn't even want to stop to eat. Ms. Oliver has outdone herself with this second book in the Time Rover series. If novels set in Victorian England are your thing, you'll love this one! Ms. Oliver flawlessly paints a realistic, gritty London of the times.

However, I do have a couple of caveats. Unlike Jana G. Oliver's first book, Sojourn, which was complete unto itself in most respects, even though part of a series, Virtual Evil is not. And, it is a novel with many characters, a lot of events, and frequent scene changes. So a word of advice to potential readers: if one wishes to follow and understand what happens in Virtual Evil, then they really should read Sojourn first. For me, that caveat is almost mandatory.

Furthermore, Virtual Evil is not a stand-alone when it comes to an ending. The novel is not a conclusion. It is a cliffhanger with almost every event in it unresolved. The reader will have to read the next book in the series to find the answers. So, it might be best for potential readers to think of Virtual Evil as a wonderful bridge between her first book, Sojourn, and the great novel yet to come. Having said this, I heartily recommend Virtual Evil by Jana G. Oliver. This book does not disappoint! Virtual Evil makes for a terrific piece of reading. Trust me!

Reviewed By Rob Shelsky
© April 2008