• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 7 to 12

As a child, Billy believed in black holes and time travel. Now, in his thirties, Billy is the reclusive creator of a popular comic book. On the eve of its final edition, Billy’s behavior grows erratic as he mysteriously requests assistance from the retired psychologist who evaluated him ten years earlier, Dr. Carrie Woodson.

Time’s Musicians is the story of two eccentric outsiders, Billy and John, who meet at summer camp. Both brilliant, they reunite as college roommates seeking answers to life’s great questions. A “prank”by Billy changes their relationship and future forever. Carrie’s quest for the truth leads her to realize the boys’ friendship was more complicated than anyone imagined. What would cause Billy to turn on John, pure jealousy or worse, insanity? Will Carrie finally solve the puzzle before it’s too late?

Time’s Musicians is a suspenseful, coming-of-age story exploring the eternal search for light within the darkness of the human condition. In between moments of silence, there is a song awaiting musicians to play it.

Mark Paul Oleksiw's profile page

Mark Paul Oleksiw is a proud Montrealer and Canadian. Born in the late 60s, he was influenced by guitar bands, all things satirical and books, lots of books. A graduate of McGill University, Mark lives in his hometown with his wife, three teenage boys, and cat. Mark still plays his music too loud and daydreams a little longer. A student of pop culture, Mark is inspired by those who create for others to enjoy.

Time’s Musicians is his third novel. His two other novels, Munching on the Sun and The Boys Who Danced with the Moon, are beautifully written coming-of-age tales exploring themes of love, hope, redemption, and friendship.

You can learn more about Mark and his creative endeavors at www. markoleksiw.com or by following him on twitter@markpauloleksiw.

Booklife Prize Semi-Finalist (Teen and Young Adult Fiction) "Oleksiw’s searching literary novel focuses on an inexplicable childhood incident that forever connects two friends and bridges the past and future. Sci-fi, fantasy, and coming-of-age elements richly intermingle within a framework of literary fiction."- Booklife Prize Critics' Report (October 2020)

"A bizarre, mind-bending story. The descriptions are unique and the imagery is vivid, while the plot twist near the end of the book makes for a stunning turn. Readers are often encouraged to release their inhibitions and suspend their disbelief, but Oleksiw's writing makes it easy to give in. Time's Musicians is a suspenseful musing on existence, relationships, truth and purpose, offering a satisfying conclusion, along with plenty of profound questions that will persist long after reading the last page." Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★½ "This is a complex psychological novel from the pen of Mark Paul Oleksiw. It all begins when Billy- the hero; sort of - meets the new boy in school; a boy with a very wild imagination. This boy insists he can travel through time but, to do it, he needs a black hole. From this rather surreal first chapter there grows a veryinteresting and well-written story of growing up and facing personal demons. It is a story of insanity, of coming of age and, surprisingly, a puzzle of sorts.
This is a very atmospheric story. The author knows his setting and wants the reader, like the characters, to be immersed in it. It's also very much a character-led story.The author's very good at exploring the minds of his protagonists, particularly the darkness in us all. In fact, it's the author's ability to offer such interesting characters to the reader that bring this novel alive. It is, admittedly, a little slow paced here and there but that's in keeping with the story. And the little twists in the plot worked well, keeping me turning the page. I must also comment on the ending; it was very enjoyable, bringing the story - and a character from the beginning of the book - to a satisfying end. - A Wishing Shelf BookReview (thewsa.co.uk), ★★★★★