Customer Reviews

The Gate of Days (The Book of Time 2)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Sam Faulkner's life is unusual and complicated. His mother died in a car crash, and his father Allan has disappeared from their antique bookstore. While searching the store, Sam discovers a secret room with clues and messages that Allan is trapped in time --- in the year 1462 in Bran, the castle of Vlad Tepes, popularly known as Dracula.

Through trial and error, Sam has figured out how to travel through time, but he cannot predict when, or where, he lands. These trips are taking their toll on him, and returning to the present is almost impossible to control. Even worse, explaining his long absences and devising excuses for the condition of his appearance after he comes back are proving to be more difficult and less believable.

Sam lives with his grandparents, Aunt Evelyn and Cousin Lily. Because of Sam's behavior and his lengthy unexplained disappearances, Evelyn is convinced that Sam is on drugs and corrupting Lily. Evelyn warns Lily to stay away from Sam and, with the support of her boyfriend Rudolf, threatens to send him to a military school if he doesn't change his ways. But Lily stands by her cousin and even joins Sam on his quest to rescue his father.

In THE GATE OF DAYS, Sam and Lily travel to a cave in prehistoric times, to the days of Roman slavery and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and to Depression-era Chicago, where they meet a special relative and get help from some kind-hearted neighbors. They also encounter a travel guide along the way. But can he be trusted? And who is trying to prevent Sam from returning after his trips through time?

In this sequel to THE BOOK OF TIME, the suspense and danger at home in the present and at the unpredictable destinations in the past build as Sam and Lily seek out their ultimate destination to rescue Sam's father. Because of the building tension and the character development of both young protagonists, I enjoyed Book II more than the original. Also appealing are the gentle history lessons Sam and Lily experience as they travel through time and meet famous and not-so-famous individuals. The ending has a twist that I didn't anticipate, and I look forward to following them on their adventures through time in Book III: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE.

--- Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt (dvolkenannt@charter.net)

I Really enjoyed this book, and the one that came before it. I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy! There is a lot to be learned from this series about other times and places even though it is fantasy.

I became hooked on this trilogy series instantly and now will await the third book in September....This writer takes the reader back in time again and again and leaves you wanting more. Working in a K8 library I am constantly reading Juv. Fiction as to be able to give the kids some great reading ideas! This is for lovers of adventure and mystery. Adults and kids alike!

My 10 year old son really enjoyed this book and the whole series. Keep reading, as he says Book III is even better. He likes the story line, it is exciting!

In the first book of this series, Sam Faulkner went looking for his missing father and discovered a magic statue that transported him through time. During his time travels, Sam discovers his father is being held captive in Dracula's castle in 1462 and is determined to rescue him.

In order for Sam to save his father, he has to obtain seven coins from the past. With the help of his cousin, Lily, Sam hurtles through time searching for the coins.

Unfortunately, someone else is time traveling, as well, and trying to close the Gate of Days before Sam and Lily can make it home.

This second book in THE BOOK OF TIME trilogy is fast-paced and exciting. Sam travels to prehistoric times, meets his six-year-old grandfather, escapes from gangsters, and learns about a bracelet that plays an important role in the ability to time travel.

I've enjoyed traveling with Sam and am very much looking forward to finding out more about the bracelet and Sam's further adventures in THE CIRCLE OF GOLD, book three of the trilogy.

Reviewed by: Joan Stradling

I bought this book for my daughter (11). She loved the first one and was very excited to receive this one for birthday. She is really enjoying this series.

There were about 20+ pages missing on the book. After returning it and got the 2nd book, it had the same problem. My son was very dissapointed because this book is one of the sequel and those missing pages are near the end.