4.0 out of 5 stars
The Time Quake, Oct 13 2009
The concept of time travel, with its unlimited possibilities and mind-blowing paradoxes, has always held great appeal for those who love to speculate on the "what ifs" of history. Legions of writers from H.G. Wells to Audrey Niffenegger have successfully explored this popular theme but it seems that the public's appetite for time travel is far from sated. The challenge for new authors tackling this genre is to somehow put a fresh spin on the subject while delivering an entertaining and intellectually stimulating tale. Linda Buckley-Archer manages to do all of this exceptionally well in her brilliantly imaginative Gideon Trilogy. While the series is primarily aimed at the young adult market, there is plenty here to hold the interest of older readers. For example, the author's decision to use an anti-gravity machine as the accidental catalyst for time travel is an ingenious plot device that catches everyone off guard. Thus, when two 21st century children are mysteriously transported to the 18th century, no one has a clue what has happened nor are they in any way prepared to deal with the consequences. In that way, Buckley-Archer sets the tone of mystery and suspense early in Book One (The Time Travelers), cranks it up a notch with further complications in Book Two (The Time Thief) and dazzles readers with a brilliant and unexpected plot twist in Book Three (The Time Quake). While all three stories are fast paced, entertaining reads, The Time Quake is certainly the stand-out of the series. Here, for the first time, the plot focuses on a pivotal historical event, namely George Washington's crossing of the Delaware in 1776. Buckley-Archer cleverly devises a scenario wherby a single action can radically change the course of history. Then, of course, it's up to our young time travelers to find a way to reverse the damage and put things right. But when all is said and done and the author informs us that "at least for now, things are as they should be," she seems to be leaving the door open for more adventures to come. Let us hope so.
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