At the cliff-hanger conclusion to Gideon the Cutpurse (2006), the first book in the Gideon Trilogy, Peter Schock, a twenty-first-century 12-year-old, wound up stranded in 1763. Now, his fellow time traveler, Kate, joins Peter’s father in salvaging a flubbed rescue attempt, one that delivered them to the wrong year (1792) and left their time machine broken. This is a rare middle book in a trilogy that actually outshines its predecessor, and here’s why: Kate and Mr. Schock meet up with Peter, now a middle-aged gentleman, and his agonized decision making (should he reveal his identity or help the visitors continue their mission, possibly erasing his own lifetime from history?) lends the adventure thought-provoking substance. Shifting among numerous perspectives, the tale also benefits from an ingenious crime-caper subplot involving the Tar Man, an eighteenth-century thief who learns to toggle between eras. This isn’t without flaws; the heavy-handed historical scene setting and old-fashioned dialogue may overwhelm some readers. Still, Buckley-Archer has delivered an effective, satisfying sequel that will ensure an audience for the trilogy’s conclusion, in which Gideon will apparently return from offstage. Grades 6-9. --Jennifer Mattson
--This text refers to an alternate
Hardcover
edition.
Review
"If you have kids who love
Harry Potter and are constantly casting about for similar books to read,
[The Time Travelers] might be just the ticket."
-- Entertainment Weekly.com
"Buckley-Archer may very well give J. K. Rowling a run for her money. This wonderfully rich and complex novel, written in lyrical and vivid language, is destined to be a classic....History interweaves with science, social issues in both centuries are thrown in; yet what readers will remember most is a fast-paced plot with a cliff-hanger ending....A rare gem."
-- School Library Journal, starred review
"Buckley-Archer spins a rip-roaring tale replete with the raw details of life in the 18th century...nonstop action, appealing secondary characters, and healthy dollops of humor, all of which will have readers panting for the sequel."
-- Kirkus Reviews
"May very well give J. K. Rowling a run for her money."
-- School Library Journal