Book Review – Eternal Road: The Final Stop

I’d been following John W. Howell‘s blog for a while and been interested in reading his books, but I wasn’t sure where to start as he’s written so many! I took part in John’s recent blog tour for the third book in his ‘Eternal Road’ series: Detour on the Eternal Road. I loved the premise and knew I needed to start with this series and the first book: Eternal Road: The Final Stop. Here is the blurb:

James Wainwright picks up a hitchhiker and discovers two things 1. The woman he picks up is his childhood sweetheart, only Seventeen years older. 2. He is no longer of this world.

James began a road trip alone in his 1956 Oldsmobile. He stops for a hitchhiker only to discover she is his childhood sweetheart, Sam, who disappeared seventeen years before. James learns from Sam falling asleep miles back caused him to perish in a one-car accident. He also comes to understand that Sam was taken and murdered all those years ago, and now she has come back to help him find his eternal home.


The pair visit a number of times and places and are witness to a number of historical events. The rules dictate that they do no harm to the time continuum. Trying to be careful, they inadvertently come to the attention of Lucifer who would love to have their souls as his subjects. They also find a threat to human survival and desperately need to put in place the fix necessary to save mankind.

My Review:

I’ve never read a book quite like this. Yes, I’ve read time travel novels, but not along these lines. I couldn’t help but connect with his two main characters, James and Sam. Dying is a scary thing, but not when you’ve got a Sam by your side.

John clearly has a vivid imagination and takes the pair to all sorts of places. He clearly does his research. I was fascinated when the pair soon met up with Wyatt Earp. Where on earth were we going next and who were we going to meet? I was hooked.

I wasn’t so keen when Lucifer became involved, but only because I wanted good to win through, and John creates a truly evil character who will stop at nothing.

James and Sam don’t have an easy time and encounter all sorts of other characters and situations, but I was with them every step of the way.

It’s a fascinating read and I’ll definitely be reading the next in the series.

49 responses to “Book Review – Eternal Road: The Final Stop”

  1. nikidaly70 Avatar
    nikidaly70

    That looks a truly fascinating read, even though it isn’t what I’d normally go for. What an imagination! I think I’m going to have to give this a go!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hopefully you will like it Niki. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. nikidaly70 Avatar
        nikidaly70

        I very much look forward to reading it – just downloaded my copy 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

      2. Would love to know what you think since it is an unusual mixture of genres.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. nikidaly70 Avatar
        nikidaly70

        I’ll let you know – might be a week or so before I get a chance to settle down with it.

        Liked by 3 people

      4. No hurry for sure. 😊

        Liked by 3 people

  2. Hi Esther, I enjoyed your review and I look forward to reading John’s novel.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you for the lovely comment, Robbie. I love Esther’s review.

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Thanks, Robbie. It was a really enjoyable read.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Such a lovely review, Esther. I was so pleased that even though the book wouldn’t be your normal fare, you enjoyed the story. Also I am very grateful for you not only reading the story but taking the time to tell your readers about it.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It’s a pleasure. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

      Liked by 2 people

  4. A fabulous review for a well deserved book and author. Kudos to John.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Tahk you for those kind words, Monika.

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Thank you for your comment. It’s a great book.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. This is a terrific review! Congratulations, John!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you, Kymber. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You’re welcome. 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Thanks for your comment, Kymber 😊

      Liked by 2 people

  6. I enjoyed this review. And John’s book is a winner!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you for your comment. It certainly is!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Thank you. Noelle

      Liked by 2 people

  7. This is a great review, Esther. The book certainly deserves it.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you for your comment and for stopping by.

      Liked by 2 people

  8. A great review Esther!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. It certainly is, Pilgrim

      Liked by 3 people

  9. Thank you for giving John such a wonderful review, Esther!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you, GP. 😀

      Liked by 3 people

  10. Congratulations to John for that wonderful review.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Thank you, Craig

      Liked by 2 people

  11. Congratulations to John on the excellent review! Sharing to help spread the word.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you, Liz. Spreading the word is a wonderful gesture.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Thank you for your comment, Liz 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You’re welcome, Esther.

        Liked by 2 people

  12. A great review! I too loved this book and was so pleased that John has written a couple more. All of them great.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series. Thanks, Darlene.

      Liked by 2 people

  13. Thanks for the review Esther!

    I am a John Howell fan, and have read all 3 in the series. The newest one is in many ways the best. Maybe that’s because it’s a wrap?

    Hope you are having a fab week!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks, Resa. You too 🥰

      Liked by 2 people

      1. 🌟🥰

        Liked by 2 people

  14. And now you know why we rave about this series, Esther, lol. I love John’s characters (not Lucifer) and the way he managed to blend the genres. Congrats to him on the review!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks, Teri. Yes, I can definitely see why you love the series!

      Liked by 2 people

  15. Great review of John’s book, Esther. He’s a master writer. ✍️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. He really is. Such good story crafting.

      Liked by 2 people

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