Rating: Summary: Awesome! Review: Chrichton's "Timeline" continued my constant passion for medieval history. Once again, he has eloquently given a thrilling story while supporting it with extensive knowledge. As a medieval historian, my hat and heart wants to thank Michael for this awesome novel. I didn't want it to end! We can only ask: Will it be made into a movie?
Rating: Summary: I can't think of a title Review: If the basic plot of modern historians going back in time to Medieval France, it's because you remember Mark Twain's famous "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court." The resemblance ends immediately because Crichton makes it a point of honour to be excruciatingly accurate about the 14th Century to the best of our current knowledge. Don't worry, though. Crichton is the man who has taught us everything from what to do if a male gorilla threatens you to what goes on in an airliner factory. He strike the right balance between intelligent and thrilling. Realism has always been the man's forté. If the plot seems familiar when you read the first chapter, it's because the structure of the book very much resembles Jurassic Park. This brings us to inevitable comparisons. Perhaps it's because I've immersed myself in theoretical physics for the mere mortals, such as myself, but unlike Jurassic Park, there were no major scientific shocks for me. The jacket implies surprising technological breakthroughs. Nothing about the science surprised me. While the history fascinated me, the plot and science struck me as a variation on a theme, and less successful than the original.
Rating: Summary: Entertaining but Incomplete Review: I found this book very entertaining, but difficult to read at times where the visualazation should have been put into greater detail. It left certain things unexplained and never backtracked to clear it up. It was a fun read though, and I would recommend it.
Rating: Summary: Timeline for retirement... Review: Timeline is the third disappointing novel in a row from Crichton. There was simply no suspense in the novel at all. Scientific facts and conjecture can only do so much when unaccompanied by at least some tension. Every sword sparks, every horse sighs, winnies or snorts and everybody escapes huge knights in the knick of time...It was a chore to finish, skip the book, skip the movie...
Rating: Summary: Chriton's timeline for my time-off Review: This is a quick read and a fictional account that incorporates quantum mechanics, strange "bedfellows", corporate greed and a little histroy thrown in for good measure. Actually, the historical observations make the book most interesting. Don't take it seriously,though, just enjoy it!
Rating: Summary: Really Two and a Half stars Review: Not his best work. Wonder why he picked Medieval France and not somewhere else. Maybe I missed it in the rambling. If you want to read a wonderful book about time travel read "Time and Again" by Jack Finney. I also think it is a "movie between covers" and will make a great action flick. A cross between Star Trek and Braveheart. "Beam me back, Scotty". Reserve it at your local library, don't waste your money, or buy "Time and Again" instead.
Rating: Summary: Disappointing Timeline Review: I agree with the other reviewers who thought the book had a good premise, but fell way short when trying to live up to the Crichton name. Descriptions of the knights, ruins, etc where terrific, the science behind time travel will fly with those who don't know a bit about science, and the "here vs there" plot got tiresome. For those who want to buy it, borrow it from a friend or take it out at the library.
Rating: Summary: After Strong Start, Timeline Falls Short at Finsh Line Review: The premise of this book is imaginative and interesting and starts off very well. However, this books turns into a history lesson of the 14th century period and is predictable and uninteresting after the mid point. There is no doubt that Mike did his homework on two subjects: Quantum physics and medieval times, but he uses too much research in this book which takes away from the characters and the plot. He could have done so much with this premise, but at the end of the book, it leaves the reader saying, "why bother?"
Rating: Summary: Hard to put down! Review: I truly enjoyed reading this book, it not only gives a great story of adventure, but it also describes a way of life long ago. It wouldn't surprise me if a movie is made out of this. Please read this book, you'll never regret it.
Rating: Summary: Should've made the movie and saved the trees Review: Wel,, I started it and I finished it. And I was disappointed with the story and the characters. Exciting at the beginning, you soon lose yourself in the perils of the hansom and beautiful characters lost in Medevil times, along the ranting of the rich company owner with his slick lawyer and ex-military jack of all trades. Fell short of being a real great book, but a fun read if you are looking for something to waste the afternoon with.
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