The Time Thief (The Gideon Trilogy) (Hardcover)

by Linda Buckley-Archer (Author)
Key Phrases: tar man, antigravity machine, ghost from the future, Lord Luxon, Inspector Wheeler, Sir Joseph (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
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

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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (December 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416915273
• ISBN-13: 978-1416915270
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #378,519 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful sequel!, January 27, 2008

By	libraryjunkie (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Time Thief: #2 in the Gideon Trilogy (Audio CD)

This is the sequel to Gideon the Cutpurse, and it's full of twists, turns, and surprises! The first book ended with Peter accidentally left behind in 1763 while Kate and the Tar Man return to the 21st century. Kate is frantic to go back and rescue Peter, while the Tar Man experiences the ultimate culture shock when he is hurled into 21st century London. The reader (same one as in the first book) is absolutely brilliant and adds a great deal to the enjoyment of the story. Highly recommended for age 10 and up. This trilogy would be a good one to read aloud as well, in my opinion. I can hardly wait for the third and final book/audiobook!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IMPORTANT WARNING for EXCELLENT series!, July 6, 2008

By	Kye Reen Paradise "(Bibliomaniac)" (Windham, CT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This series is INCREDIBLE! The author, characters, the plots, resolutions are intricate, detailed and fully developed. HOWEVER, BE AWARE that each book in the series has 2 published versions/titles. The first book is "Gideon the Cutpurse" (British version) and "The Time Travelers" (American version). The second book in the trilogy is "The Tar Man" (British version) and "The Time Thief" (American version). So far, the 3rd book is entitled "Lord Luxon" but I do not know if this is the British or American version, or what the other title will be. I prefer the British titles and British versions (the hardcover British "Gideon the Cutpurse" version is AWESOME and creative).

Once I stopped buying the same books but different versions, I absolutely loved this trilogy. It is well worth the money and the wait. This is SO MUCH MORE than just another time-travel story. I would even suggest it for people who don't usually go for time travel themes -- the history, power struggles and choices between good vs. bad and right vs. wrong are truly deep and relevant yet not overdone; Just for the simple plot alone, this one's a keeper -- and yes, I've read the Harry Potter series, and Linda Buckley-Archer's Gideon series is well worth the comparison. You won't regret it. For both children and adults alike.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A page-turning adventure, August 11, 2008

By	Kidsreads.com (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

When Kate Dyer and Peter Schock accidentally traveled back in time to the year 1763 --- after an antigravity machine malfunctioned --- they were befriended by Gideon Seymour, a gentleman who is a former cutpurse. Gideon became their guide as they adjusted to living in the 18th century, as well as rescuer when they met the feared Tar Man and the notorious Carrick Gang. While the overall experience shocked and awed the two young time travelers, they still had hope that they would return together to their lives in the 21st century.

However, when a rescue attempt from Dr. Dyer was interrupted, Kate returned to the 21st century, leaving Peter behind. Kate feels guilty for what happened and wants to go back to save her friend immediately. For Kate's family and Dr. Andrea Pirretti, Dr. Dyer's lab partner, there are other matters to contend with. There are the growing questions of Inspector Wheeler, who is strongly suspicious of the children's disappearance, and the NASA scientists' activities. Then there's the antigravity machine-turned-time-travel device and its potential consequences. Dr. Dyer is concerned about getting Peter safely back to the 21st century, whereas Dr. Pirretti is more worried about the negative effects of time travel, particularly if it was used for sinister intentions.

Kate is determined to bring Peter back, so she seeks out the most unlikely yet important person for help --- Peter's father. When they get back to the 18th century, though, they quickly realize that they are not in 1763, but in 1792! Luckily for them, a man comes forward, introducing himself as Joshua Seymour (Gideon's half-brother who sailed to America), and offers to help. Kate is relieved to meet Joshua, but as time goes by, she begins to question who he truly is. The adventure intensifies as the trio visits old friends, makes new acquaintances, and travels to France in the midst of the French Revolution. Unfortunately for Kate, new problems arise when she begins to experience strange symptoms.

Meanwhile, the Tar Man is intent on making a name for himself in 21st-century London. He employs a teenaged girl named Anjail as his guide and is determined to get his way no matter what, sometimes with hilarious results. However, it's not all relatively harmless mischief, especially when the Tar Man hatches a scheme in order to strike it rich and perhaps change history.

Strange alliances and secrets act as catalysts, driving the characters and readers to a stunning conclusion that will leave them with more questions than answers. THE TIME THIEF is a page-turning adventure that features intrigue and action, along with moments of humor and emotional turmoil, bringing the diverse characters and the situations in which they find themselves (no matter the time period) to life.

--- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle