Contemporary
Caught in a deadly game of power and revenge, Rico, Mary, and a gangster named Fats find themselves on the run. As the game unfolds, long-buried questions surface and with demons both personal and literal to face, only the Fates know who will survive.
Rico, Mary, and a gangster named Fats find themselves on the run beyond the veil of death, caught in a deadly game of power and revenge.
Their fates lie in the hands of Octavius and his embittered daughter, Livia, who can never forgive her father for gambling away her mother to the devil, Wrath.
As the game unfolds, long-buried questions surface — about destiny, fulfilment, and the true nature of the soul.
With demons both personal and literal to face, only the Fates know who will survive.
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
A gripping heartfelt read Borrowed Time turned out to be a compelling book that drew me in from the very beginning. The short, alternating chapters work brilliantly—just as one thread grips you around a particular character, you’re propelled forward, eager to reach the next part of their story a few chapters later. It creates a natural momentum that makes the book difficult to put down. The story itself is often heart-wrenching, exploring survival, love, honesty, and the emotional cost of choices made under pressure. Some characters fight with everything they have, while others seem to be playing dangerously high-stake games, and that contrast adds real depth and tension. Stephen Brotherton has crafted a powerful, engaging narrative with characters you care about and themes that linger long after the final page. A thoroughly absorbing and memorable read. Highly recommended.
A truly marvellous modern myth. This is story telling at its best. The characters are so real 3 become fully invested in their fates. The demons are demonic, the gods are brought up to date from mythology and the humans have all the strengths and weaknesses that well make us human. I hope this is the first in a series
I really enjoyed reading Borrowed Time. The story had me hooked from the start as the lives, souls, and fate of Rico, Mary and a gangster names Fats lie in the hands of Octavius and his daughter Livia. They are trapped in a deadly game where power, revenge and betrayal feed wounded egos and pride. My favourite character, definitely has to be Fats: streetwise, unpredictable, yet despite his tough exterior there is a clear sense of vulnerability, driven by pride yet haunted by his past. For me, this is the authors best book. Highly recommend!
Fast-paced fantasy that pulls you in from page one Borrowed Time – Book Review This book is unique in its delivery. It’s not mystical or magical in the usual sense, it’s deeper than that. It consciously traverses worlds and time, with a story that needs little explanation because it evolves naturally as you read. Stephen’s writing always feels written with the reader in mind. There’s a lot to take in, yet the short chapters and brief paragraphs make every sentence land with impact. The rhythm and pace keep you engaged, and you can feel the story gathering speed as it moves along. I love the use of Roman numerals at the start of each chapter — a simple but classy touch. This isn’t the kind of fiction I’d normally choose, in fact I’d usually avoid it, yet I never felt out of my comfort zone. It has real potential to become a series, and I can easily see it adapted into a film or game within the fantasy genre. There’s room here for a sequel, or several, or even other stories set in the same world. I’d especially recommend it for younger readers who enjoy fantasy and adventure. It reminded me at times of the film John Carter. So, what I’d normally avoid, I’m now looking forward to reading more of. A clever, well-paced, and imaginative read.