Rating: 
Summary: Despite all flaws, Quite a ride into the past
Review: While the plot did not seem to develop correctly, the book was extremely gripping and entertaining overall. Not nearly as much fun as Jurassic Park or Sphere, but a good novel to pick up when it hits paperback. (don't spend the 25 bucks) The history shows good research on Crichton's part.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't bug me I'm READING!
Review: I didn't put it down once I started the adventure.It was somewhat predictable and there were a few "holes" in the story, but they can be forgiven. It's also very open to a sequel but we don't mind that either, do we? I liked the way the characters were portrayed and the ending was most fine.
Rating: 
Summary: Best book I've read in a long time!
Review: Perhaps it's because I'm a history buff, perhaps not. This was a page turner! Only put it down when I couldn't keep my eyes open from lack of sleep. Loved the characterizations. Loved the book!
Rating:
Summary: Possibly Crichton's best!
Review: This was an exciting, fast-paced read. Like some of the other reviewers, I could not put it down and read it in a day and a half. When I was little, I was fascinated by the stories of King Arthur and movies like "Excalibur." I had dreams about going back in time to the Middle Ages. Crichton's book makes the dream so vivid, and describes in detail just how dangerous it would be. He has obviously done a great deal of research, and does a great job of explaining quantum physics, which is the wave of the future. If you are interested in this kind of subject, you should not be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: Missed the mark!
Review: I purchased Timeline on the first day of publication. It took the better part of two weeks to get through this boring book. Although I like most of Crichton's books this one missed the mark by a mile. Although an interesting premise the science is too remote and unbelievable. If I wanted to read history I would have gone to the library. The book was predictable and frequently repetitive. Save your money and your time.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down, but...
Review: Like many of the other readers who have ventured to write a review of this book, I found it to be a fascinating read, one in which I literally could not put down the book until I realized it was well past my usual bed time. The subject of time travel, backed-up with just enough (if not too much) scientific reasoning to support the belief in its eventual or imagined possibility, is a thrilling concept. Add to this, the chance to visit an era in which knights roamed western Europe and people lived in and around castles, all described vividly by Crichton as if he had been there, himself.That said, once the cast of main characters arrives in the High Middle Ages of France, their interactions with the medieval citizens and the non-stop action provides for quick page-turning; however, this is also the point where it begins to get a bit too much to swallow (having swallowed so much already to get to this point). This cast of characters is like a team of superheroes, each one with individual talents, strengths and fatal flaws. One is an expert rock climber, another is nearly fluent in several medieval languages, dialects and weaponry usage, and the last one is a scholar of medieval technologies. As can be easily predicted during the introductions and characterizations of this cast, all of these strengths will certainly come into play later on in the book, and they do. Again and again and again. Sometimes, you wonder when one of them will suddenly sprout wings and say, "Hang on, I learned this cool flying trick while I was an aviation major back at Yale...before I switched to history." Still, despite the tremendous leaps in superhuman skill and a never-ending supply of luck that Crichton liberally grants his characters, I truly enjoyed the fantasy that oozes from the book and found the imaginative departure from our modern world to be refreshing. I would definitely recommend this book to friends.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning level of reserach, shallow on story or plot.
Review: OK, so, anyone who just glances at the bibliography for this science fiction book should be very impressed. I was. But, after finishing it, I was also a bit disappointed at the story overall. Maybe I'm being cynical, but Crichton is a wonderfully inventive, and interesting writer whose subjects are unusual in the sci-fi world. He writes about real science, in a scientific fictional way. That's cool. What's not, is when the story isn't up to the level of research he's put into the book, nor the time I've invested in reading it. As the Emperor says, "So Be It." It's an OK read, not something to go out and buy immediately. Wait for the paperback (cheaper) version...
Rating: 
Summary: Crying over Crichton's Timeline
Review: One word: YUCK! I was really looking forward to reading this book, but was sadly disappointed. It was ok up until we're taken back into the Middle Ages where I found it very ho hum. I thought it would be a lot more interesting if the author expanded on the parallel universe theory and borrowed a little Stephen King a la The Talisman where characters can step into and out of these universes just in the nick of time. I basically skipped the last half and read the final couple pages - what a disappointment!
Rating:
Summary: Wait for the movie on basic cable
Review: My best guess is that Crichton knocked this movie treatment out over a weekend to meet a contract deadline. The science, especially the incredibly disappointing treatment of time paradoxes, is superficial - not just a lack of techincal depth but also none of the compelling conceptual exploration of Andromeda Strain, Jurassic Park, and even Rising Sun. Quantum computing, quantum foam and the multiverse interpretation of quantum mechanics become mere deus ex machina weaving together scenes of pointless gore. If technology gets abused, The Green Knight and the Black Death get better treatment from Monty Python. I could go on, but I expect the reader gets my drift. This is not a book but rather an off the cuff movie idea.
Rating:
Summary: Made For TV
Review: One of my favorite authors has let me down. Timeline has the characteristics of a made-for-tv movie. the book seems shallow and poorly thought out. I've read a lot of science fiction, and this book's storyline has been done better by others. I look to Crichton for an innovative and gripping story. This isn't it.
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