Rating: Summary: Very Predictable Review: Timeline held my interest all the way through but toward the end it became very predictable. The concept of time travel calls for suspension of reality, granted, but the plot devices used to get the characters where they were needed were a bit too contrived. I think Crighton's writing style, like a lot of modern novelists, is cinematic, as if he's thinking screenplay all the way. The content is shallow enough to skim through in one day, if you have the time to waste. It's mildly entertaining but, after completing it, you might feel as though you could have invested your reading time in something more challenging, or more entertaining.
Rating: Summary: Time Travel Review: Only Crichton can mix science and Knights in such a manner. I was hooked from the beginning. I also saw a preview for the movie and am exicited to see how the images that were given to me by this book can compare to the movie. This, as all his books do, will keep you wanting more. Just finished Prey which is also***** stars. I am just waiting for the next book.
Rating: Summary: An easy summer beach read Review: Kind of an average thriller involving time travel. There is just enough science to perk your brain, and then a lot of bad guys chasing good guys, good guys escaping, bad guys chasing them again, getting captured again, etc. There is some political intrigue in the novel revolving around the Lady Claire and how she must use all her "feminine wiles" to achieve her aims. I kind of like time travel books, and I would rate this one about a C. I liked Time and Again by Jack Finney much more. I also am a Crichton fan, and this one is a couple notches above Sphere and Congo, and a couple below The Great Train Robbery and the Andromeda Strain.
Rating: Summary: Somewhat Predictable but a Good Escapist Read Review: It is easy to get the impression that Michael Crichton could write no sort of fiction that did not require him to learn something new, lest he be bored out of his wits. Timeline seems to offer further support of this statement. Having delved into the world of prehistoric lizards, aeronautical engineering, and epidemiology among other things, he has here taken on the challenges of cutting edge quantum physics and explored the futuristic potential for existence in parallel renditions of time and space. Loosely stated, this is a book about time travel. Having spent three months in Jordan and Iraq during the recent war, I picked up this book in the Amsterdam airport to nourish an escapist appetite which had been evolving for a couple of months. It did not disappoint. Chrichton's ability to pull a reader deep into the text of his pages has not changed, and I was willingly ensnared. To put it in layman's terms (which Crichton does), International Technology Corporation (ITC) has figured out a way to fax people back in time. In so doing, they have gained a deeper understanding of the historical record, an ability to accurately reconstitute archaeological sites in the present, and to exploit such sites for profit. One major problem, however, is that the technology has not yet been perfected. And as much as a blurry faxed document may pose limited problems in modern times, a poorly faxed human poses even greater problems for society past and present, for the historical record, and for the physical well-being of the person proper.While exploring the site of a medieval castle in southern France, a band of Yale archaeologists discovers that their benefactor (ITC) knows more about the site than they do. Perceiving hints of betrayal and major conflicts of interest, they embark upon a journey to uncover the real story behind ITC and are subsequently pulled into the imperfect world of quantum time-space technology. Not only do they find themselves back at their archaeological site during the turning point of its medieval existence but faced with the challenge of assimilating into a society 700 years older and several thousand miles removed from their own. Crichton brings the reader alongside as he imagines what it must be like for modern man to adapt to medieval times, hostile enemies, linguistic differences, and only the modest likelihood of being able to return to the present. This is not a blockbuster, but it is an interesting read. Timeline will entertain, and avid readers will devour it in a matter of days or less. Because Chrichton has poured so much of himself and so many research hours into it, the plot remains interesting as it divulges elements of fantasy that only deep imagining and research can produce. However, the story sports some elements of predictability which can put off a reader more demanding of suspense. Characters supernaturally escape from impossible situations time and again for the same reason that the Lone Ranger never dies at the end of an episode. Personality selection takes on a familiar face, including a natural born leader, a foolish spoiler, a latent romance, and a megalomaniacal power jockey. Not to say that any of this is intrinsically bad, but in terms of narrative framework, many readers have seen it before. However, familiarity can also lend a sense of comfort, which can enhance the potential for entertainment. This book does entertain, but paying full cover price might not be the best use of your time and space.
Rating: Summary: Time machine revisited Review: This rapid little read is reminiscent of H.G.Well's TIME MACHINE, only with a "French twist." The futuristic quantum technology tracks backward, straight into European history, and that's when the fun really begins. There are knights in shining armor, good guys, and bad guys. The action is unstoppable and relentless. I recommend this book most earnestly. It is just a helluva lot of fun!!! Treat yourself....
Rating: Summary: This book is hard Review: what up my homies, I have been chillin with this book for about 2 years, ya know it takes a long time to read this shiznit and all... It is a very good book I have read it a whole 1 time I am impressed about dis author he must have taken alot of smart pillz or somethinh cause he can write like mozart the guy who wrote tom and huck fins and other books that are all hard and stuff. DIS IS THE SHIZNIT I THINK THIS BOOK NEEDS 32525R152125412 STARS CAUSE IT IS SOO COOL. peace out
Rating: Summary: Time Travel Done Right Review: I have never been a fan of the topic of time-travel in sci-fi. They often seem to deal with offspring going back in time and interfering in the lives of relatives, thus disrupting their present lives, etc, etc. But Crichton has found a way that is easier to swallow, more believable and that gives the characters and plot much more freedom. Quantum technology is the scientific focus of this book, using subatomic phenomenon for things such as high powered computing and time-travel. If you are not a physics major, fear not. Crichton pens a great scene where this is explained for the unaware in some of the simplest terms. Crichton also sheds light on the dark ages, drastically challenging our notions of this period in human history, from language to the true nature of the warriors in this period. Character development did not seem to be evenly spread out, with lesser characters receiving more attention than some main characters. There are plenty of action sequences spread out through the novel to keep the reader in rapture. This book was just another great Crichton page-turner
Rating: Summary: Not good enough... Review: First of all, I like Crichton. His books are well researched with excellent backup of technologial knowledge. Jurassia Park, Air Frame, Disclosure are my favourite. But Timeline... if it is a movie, it's just an ordinary action movie. Sorry, it's not an A grade one. Just sort of B grade or even C grade. Many writers have written about time travelling. So no big deal. Crichton still has done a great job in introducing the theory of time travelling. It is the best part. However, when the main characters jump into the past, this techno thriller suddenly turns into an ordinary action movie with people going there, leaving here, meeting someone, fighting someone, etc. The main part becomes the boring part. If you have time, try other Crichton's books.
Rating: Summary: One rip-roaring adventure Review: This is one fast paced read that will keep you awake if you turn that first page after dinner! This is Crichton doing some of his best work. I don't agree that it is a match for Jurassic Park but it has its own merits. The characters are well-developed and the obligatory villain is not as obvious as one might think. If you are a student of H.G. Wells, you will appreciate the 21st Century version of The Time Machine. In conclusion I highly recommend this book! It will allow you to suspend belief, forget your daily troubles, and have some good clean fun!
Rating: Summary: fascinating, but JP has it beat Review: Many people love Michael Crichton books. I do. When you are looking for a guy who gives you all the information, he is the one to read. He gets in depth about the Quantum computer and makes it interesting, but it takes effort to understand. Even then, the book itself is good overall. I highly reccomend it to people interested in mideval times. The novel is very discriptive in a sense that he researches every aspect of it. i still say JP has it beat.
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