Rating: 
Summary: Mind fluff meets quantum physics
Review: An archeological dig is funded by a huge technology company. When the question arises as to the real reason this company would be funding an archeology dig, it becomes clear that ITC has been working on a secret technology that would allow people to "go back in time". That's when the Professor overseeing this particular dig decides to take a trip into the past and see for himself, and he promptly gets taken prisoner. The only ones who can save him are 4 of his students, who are sent back for him.TIMELINE was an incredibly fast read. There was a lot of dialogue, exciting battle scenes, and it was clear that Chrichton had put a lot of work into getting the technological and historical details just right. There were quite a few plot-twists along the way, and I really enjoyed those. The narrative pacing was extremely well done - I was enthralled by the book to the point that I wanted to read it in one sitting, cover to cover. The plot line itself was very creative. Having the technology available to time-travel was a fascinating premise, and it became even more interesting when the recovery team was stranded in the past along with their professor. A few questions arose time and time again throughout this novel: if time-travel were possible, could we influence the past and thus, change the future? And just how important is it to know our history and to understand how the world we live in now was influenced by the past? At times the book seemed a little too easy to read. Mind fluff can be fun, but every now and again I was craving something a little more challenging, especially since the premise had so much potential. However, the technological detail, and the discussion about quantum physics was fascinating, so there was a fairly good mix of theoretical speculation and action. I'd recommend TIMELINE to Chrichton fans, as well as to those interested in historical details.
Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely fabulous!
Review: This book is my favorite of all time. Very vivid, adventourous, and just A number 1! Crichton really broke the mold with this one! It describes it in very practical, reality terms making it almost believable. It's a must read for anyone that loves history, Crichton, or adventure.
Rating:
Summary: Medieval France and Quantum Physics?
Review: Timeline is another of Michael Crichton's amazing books that tend to take complex subjects such as airplane mechanics in Airframe, DNA in Jurassic Park, or in this case Quantum physics and mix them into perfect plots. You can tell that Crichton did a tremondous amount of research before writing this book which makes it all the better. The characters in this book are realistic, yet not so typical to the point that you can predict their every action. Timeline portrays Medieval France to be in my opinion, just plain frightening. Not that this ruins the book, it actually makes it fun to read. There are a large amount of unexpected surprises that keep the reader interested as well. Every event in this book seemed needed, and by the end of Timeline i was satisfied completely. Another great feature of this book is the amount of action in it. It wil definately keep you reading. I dont think i can really find a dull moment that wasnt needed. Overall, this book was truly excellent, Michael Crichton never ceases to amaze.
Rating:
Summary: Bravo!
Review: I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!! I couldn't put it down. I read books slowly so I can savor every word. Generally, I read a book of this size in about a week. But when I read this book I was obsessed with it for 2 days and when I was finished I was sad to see it end. I just didn't want "Timeline" to end. It's fast paced, technical, hair raisng at times and completely enjoyable from 1st page to last.
The relationships between the characters are compelling and genuine. The history of the period is completely accurate.
The theories of quantum physics are fascinating and above all the action is non-stop!
I have read many of Mr. Crichton's books including the Jurassic Park works. For as much as I loved them, this one will remain my favorite for a long time to come, I'm sure.
"Timeline" is as intelectually stimulating as it is adventurous and exciting. Simply put, I Loved it!! BRAVO, Mr. Crichton!!! BRAVO!!! P.S. "Timeline" would make a great movie!
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
|
