Rating: 
Summary: Time Grind
Review: I've been an avid Crichton fan since picking up The Andromeda Strain as a young teen. I still love Congo--probably my favorite overall. I approached this book with high expectations. The premise intrigued me, and I enjoy medieval settings. Unfortunately, after a great build-up, I found myself in a two-dimensional 14th century, with cardboard villians and annoying scene-breaks (used to move along the story, I suppose). Time seemed to grind by as I read to the end. It came as no surprise that some early subplots never matured. For example, what happened to Sophie? Why was she even introduced in her scenes with Chris early on? I'd pass this book on, but with only a half-hearted recommendation. In the old days, Crichton would've taken the time to make this book gallop. Instead, it came trotting to the finish line, taking first-place by using the shortcuts allowed only by previous success.
Rating: 
Summary: Book on CD only OK
Review: Intriguing story idea, but... This was my first audio book, so it took some getting used to the idea of listening to someone else's interpretation of the writing. Mr. Lang does well with straight narrative, and some characters, but doesn't do women characters very well. I got over that, however... The story has subplots and characters that don't assist the overall story, as well as explanations of events/technologies that are just plain unsatisfactory. I don't know if the lack of detail is a result of the abridged CD version, or if the full text is equally weak in these areas. This version was, however, "approved by the author". Timeline starts out interesting enough, but with each CD it grows more absurd. The explanation for time travel and resolving paradoxes is simply a horrible cop out--perhaps forgivable given the topic--but the manner in which 20th-Century students fight battle-hardened knights was too much. I had only read one Crichton book before (Sphere), and Crichton fans tell me I picked the worst one... I appear to be 2-for-2. The subject of this was more intriguing than Sphere, but Sphere didn't become ridiculous until the final 50 (or so) pages. Someone below called this a kid's book, but I enjoyed Harry Potter more. On a positive note there are some good scenes. I enjoyed the description of 14th Century France, and got caught up in the idea of visiting the Middle Ages...
Rating: 
Summary: The best Crichton book I've read
Review: I've read a lot of Michael Crichton's books and I think that this is definatly the best yet. It kept me glued to the book. My only gripe about it is that the end could have been pulled off a little better and it was a little mean. Other then that, it was an excellent book which I would reccommend to anyone with no reservation.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, with just a few pitfalls
Review: I don't know if it is because I read Jurassic Park when I was younger, but this was not nearly as good as that masterpiece. While it was a very intriguing, and well-written book, there were a number of things unexplained. If all of the universes began at the same point, and events all happen at the same rate in all of them, how there be a universe that is earlier in Time? Also, how did the Professor's message, and Andre's grave end up in our world if they were written, and buried in a different universe? While I can try to rationalize these things to myself, I will never know for sure if they are the right rationalizations. All in all, a good read. It makes you think about what could happen if this "quantum faxing" ever becomes a reality the way it does in this book. I recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Good but not Awesome
Review: I REALLY liked the beginning part of the book and once it got into Crighton's theories of "Time Travel" I was thrilled at the realistic level of detail and accuracy that makes me wonder if this technology is at all possible! I thought that the mid-evil scenes were okay... I was hoping for more Time theories and less old-type action. A major problem was (I tend to skim, or read quickly so I need a book that constantly reminds me who characters are and whats going on) that i got lost a bunch of times and didn't know what was going on...<sigh>, very frustrating. I enjoyed the other Crighton book, Sphere much better. I WILL tell you this, though. I really admire all of his work and a glance at the sources cited page will show much research he puts into his books. I believed(and still do) all of his historical references and thought it was a nice touch. Good, but not great. Worth reading if you like historical stuff...I'm more of a sci-fi fan myself.
Rating:
Summary: MC's pen is still very juicy!
Review: I usually don't devour a book of this size in three days. With this one, I did. If you have enjoyed his "Sphere" and "Congo", you will like this one. The middle parts of the book is a bit stuffy but the thrill speeds up towards the alst third of the book. This is the second time I witness MC's interest is "Authenticity" Try to rent his 1970s classic "Westworld" and compare. The way quantum physics is portrait is fun with the exclusion of the occasional $50 terms like: Orthogonal Multiverse Coordinate Change! You'll have fun finding this one out. I am glad to see the MC has still the gift to move us from into the realm of adventure fanstasy.
Rating:
Summary: Quantum Leap
Review: Quantum mechanics is a subject that fascinates me. It is obvious that Crichton did his homework. I enjoyed the scientific side of the book the most. Once its characters were back in history, it became a historical romance novel. I don't think it is up to Jurassic Park, but it is close. It is definitely worth the price of the book.
Rating:
Summary: More sci-fi hi-tech fun
Review: At first I was a little disappointed with the technology that Crichton was using in this story. The idea of not actually traveling back in time but going to an alternate location wasn't what I expected the book to be about. After a while and reading further on, it all sort of grew on me and became more interesting. The concept being many evolving universes beside each other; or multiverses. The story became exciting when the team was sent to 14th century France to save a colleague. Crichton uses a vast knowledge acquired of these dark ages to enhance and describe the happenings in this era. Crichton seems to have a knack for hi-tech sci-fi thrillers such as "The Andromeda Strain" and "Jurassic Park". "Timeline" is right up there with the best of them. This was a fun book to read.
Rating:
Summary: Timeline took me back
Review: I got this book on tape. It was so good I found myself setting in the car listening to it. This book is really a must have.
Rating:
Summary: Whoa! Typical Crichton!
Review: Oh wow. I really love this book. Crichton does it again. I love all of Michael Crichton's books and this one takes the cake. If you like Crichton, you will have fun with this one for sure.
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