Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining
Review: I have read a number of Crichton books, from his early novels to the most recent. After a string of books that I thought were dissappointing and actering more to Hollywood, 'Timeline' was better. Crichton's explaination of the history, the locations, and the peroid were great. The plot was fast paced and once I was hooked the book was hard to put down.The science behind time travel was a little weak. Having read books on quantum physics (I am far from knowledgable)I understood Crichton's concept of alternative universes. However, I couldn't buy Crichton's handling of the time travel paradox and if the characters were in the past. These are minor points. They raised some questions for me, but the story was non the less very good. Even though a movie has been made of this book I didn't get the feeling that the plot was laid out for a script. Enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Crichton is true to form; science sans SciFi
Review: Like most Crichton readers, it seems you either love him or hate him. After reading many of the reviews here, that maxim still appears to hold true. With TIMELINE, Crichton has created a novel transcending genres...science fiction, factual science (i.e. non-fiction), and historical fiction. Regardless the reader's liking of the storyline, this genre-crossing is a monumental task in and of itself, particularly when a great deal of the "facts" are indeed, facts. If nothing else, we know Michael Crichton for his great creativity and abundant resources. However, you gotta love him for his intellect. Edward Johnston, a professor of history, is the leader of an archeological dig for a castle near the Monastery of Sainte-Mere, in France. The dig is being financed by a wealthy international corporation interested in excavating and reconstructing the site to convert to a tourist attraction. Johnston and his crew of three graduate students are provided with information from this corporation which is seemingly dubious, as most of this information could not be known without actually having excavated the site. Johnston is floored and infinitely curious when he discovers that his client does indeed have information about the dig site that has yet to be discovered, and it appears to be factual. True to his inquisitive nature, Johnston heads to New Mexico to investigate and speak with Robert Doniger, head of the corporation, ITC. Soon after Johnston leaves for New Mexico, the graduate students uncover a hidden room and an impossible, incredible message...an SOS that Johnston wrote to them - in 1357! Upon arriving in New Mexico, Johnston meets with Doniger and learns that ITC is into quantum mechanics and has developed a "quantum-fax machine" capable of "faxing" a person to a parallel universe (i.e. time travel). What makes this fax-cum-time travel work is the grand scale of it all-Crichton sets up big stakes. The scientific mechanics would have the person traveling vaporized by lasers, then "faxed" through tiny wormholes into another potential universe, of which there are an infinite number. Crichton shows us a big underground complex, fabulous cyclotron-scale machinery and a compelling demonstration of the technology. This is big science involving huge risks; it is grand in scope and the details "feel" right. We want to suspend disbelief for time travel because time travel has reached a mythological status in our society. Who wouldn't want to travel back in time? Thus, the story begins. The grad students are suddenly intrigued and mortified as Johnstons medievel SOS indicates and imminent need to be rescued. Not only do they have to make their way through 14th Century France to find the professor and bring him home - but they also have an incredibly short deadline...or become trapped in the 14th century forever. The story that follows is told in incredible historical detail, medievel at it best. We have sword fights, damsels in distress, twisted,cruel villains, and other stereotypical characters. While science does play a major role in this story, it is peripheral in nature as this storyline is true fantasy albeit true-to-life. Without any doubt, this is a fast-paced thriller. A truly thrilling read and, I'm certain, soon-to-be-released movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Impossible to put down
Review: A riveting story of a ruthless technology company head who discovers a wormhole to the past, then uses company employees and graduate students as guinea pigs in time travel. The story begins as a mystery,which is later explained by quantum physics, and results in a group of graduate students trying to fix a compnay's foray into the medieval town of Castelgard, France. Suspense, science, and history all come together and make this an incredibly enjoyable read. Sure, some of the science is speculative, but that's why it's called science fiction. There wasn't anything I disliked about this novel.
Rating: 
Summary: Pandering to the Movie Makers
Review: I have liked some of Mr. Crichton's books. When he writes a book, he is very good. When he writes a screenplay, he is not. Some of his books are obviously written so that they can be turned into movies. This is one of them, which is why the plot is predictable, the characters stereotyped, and the action so unending. Don't get me wrong, I like action, but it seemed that it was being added just to keep the book going, and to satisfy possible movie makers and not because it was needed in the story. OK...parts of this were good, like when he described the way people and things were in the Middle Ages. However, that wonder went away when the book descended into a screenplay. Get this book from a library if you must, but spend your money elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: Among The Best!
Review: I found this novel very interesting. In interesting, I mean I couldn't wait to get back to it when I had to close its pages to do something else. Time travel was given a fictional explanation which, as far as I'm concerned, is as lucid as any fictional theory can be. I've had college level physics and chemistry and I went for all except the pits in the glass filter walls. But then again the method used to repair these tanks might have worked, but I doubt it, as being on the outer surface, the pits would be in tension, where on the inner surface the pits would be in compression-the tension is the most critical. Meaning, when filled with water, the force from the water's weight would be greatest on the surface. I don't think the method of repair would have stopped this. No biggy, just thought I'd say a word or two. I got a vivid "view" of all the characters, the settings. Though this writer's style in no way is like Hemmingway, he does rate with Hemmingway in that he told a clear story with simple writing-no prissy, "tiptoeing through the tulips" writing. His research into medieval times had to have been extensive as even the tiniest detail seems to be as it should. What I hated most about this novel was when I came to the end and knew I'd rarely experience such strong entertainment again.
Rating:
Summary: Not great literature -- a great vacation book
Review: Loved the premise! But, about a hundred pages from the ending, I'd had enough swashbuckling and just wanted to see how it all ended. Predictable ending. Characters you've met before elsewhere. And regarding the quantum theory for making this type of travel possible: Just accept the silliness and enjoy the show. Someone here described this book as a blockbuster film on paper, which is exactly correct. Frustrations encountered during this read: Why is the Professor's plea for help -- written in an alternate universe -- found by the students in our own universe? Why is nobody at the ITC lab bothered by the fact that these machines essentially destroy everyone who uses them? Individuals are killed and replaced by alternative versions from other universes, who get to swashbuckle their way through some other universe's version of 14th century France. Gee, sign me up! Why did we get to meet such interesting characters in Arizona, never to encounter them again? And why is poor old Dr. Traub found wandering in the desert in a monk's robe, when he supposedly can only be returned to the laboratory from whence he came? If you can shrug off these puzzling things with the same sense that enables you to sit through Terminator III, then this is the book for you! Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: He's done it again!
Review: What can i say, Michael Crichton is a genius when it comes to writing. This book had me from the first couple of pages and i found it very differcult to put it down. When i heard there was a film i couldn't wait to see it. Unfortunely the film is very loosely based on the book, and if you haven't watched it yet, DON'T. Read the book.
Rating:
Summary: Second time through was the best
Review: Read it in the summer of 2003 while on vacation, saw the movie in Dec, 2003 then read the book again after the movie. It's a fun read, entertaining and exciting. The movie was poor to average. Forget the movie and read the book a couple of times. It's sad how the screenwriters and directors fell down on the movie version of the fine scifi book!
Rating:
Summary: His Best since Jurassic Park
Review: This book is outstanding. It has a wonderful plot, interesting characters, and great narration. And of course it lies just on the edge of believability, and makes you wonder... what if? I was sad when I finished the book, as I had to leave this world and its characters. I would reccomend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining read.
Rating:
Summary: Timeline: Classic Novel or Trashy Paperback?
Review: Michael Crichton, writes his novels like he writes his action-adventure horror movies. Brilliant Crichton graduated from Harvard University (summa cum laude) and Harvard Medical School. Reading his book, Timeline, is watching a medieval, knights-in-armor-style movie on a 50 ft screen with Dolby® Surround Sound 5.1 bellowing in your two ears. It is a wild, blood and guts mystery unraveling before your eyes. Unfortunately, that is all it is: another action movie. Timeline fails to arouse the intellectual and emotional stimulation like an intricate Robert Frost poem does. It seems to lack much of the merit and quality that great literature maintains.
The story begins mysteriously. A delirious man is found, miles from any city, in a blazingly hot Arizona desert. His body is not hot but cool. Upon being brought to a hospital, a CAT scan shows that his blood vessels are misaligned. "Within 24 hours he is dead, his body
Yes, this is all very gripping and suspenseful, keeping the reader reading. However, in this preface, quite a few characters are introduced, and quite annoyingly are forgotten in a few pages. As soon as the reader learns the characters' personality, they are gone. For example: the couple, that finds the man, has a pointless dialogue about rugs, "...she sniffed, '[it] is not authentic.' 'Of course it's authentic, honey. A rug is a rug.' ..." (3). The policeman and the female ER doctor are described to have a semi-romantic relationship. "Are you free for dinner, or are you seeing your granny?" (21). Frustratingly, these characters, among others, are established and then obliterated from the plot. The reader, paying close attention to each seemingly important personality, is left disappointed.
The main characters include: Andre, Chris, and Kate. Andre is the body-building, strong, and virile fighter. Chris, a wimpy academic, has a troubled background and problems with women. Kate is a confident, agile, and physically-fit woman. Towards the end of the book, after going back in time and surviving several conflicts, Chris supposedly evolves into this mature and heroic figure. Of course, Kate now sees him in a new light and they get married. It appears that the author tries very hard to show the evolution of a young man, but does not do such a great job.
An amusingly moronic event occurs in the story (as well as every other action book and movie). Andre, after a fierce battle, is plugged with an arrow. Kate and Chris flee the blood-stricken scene. After, they realize that their friend is "dead". Sure enough, a little later they joyfully reunite with Andre. This is meant to be a very touching experience. However, it is a bit bothersome how Crichton struggles to pull on the reader's emotion.
Throughout the book there are scientific explanations about time travel and such. "...That single-photon interference proves...must be in our universe...beams of light simultaneously..." (130) Some regard these details highly, saying that it gives the book credibility and shows that the author did research on the topic. Others are repulsed by the tedious mumble-jumble.
Timeline is a typical action book. Swords slashing, bow and arrow shooting, castle sieges, are all scenes in Timeline. This book grips readers like glue. Naturally, it is easy to stay up late to see what happens next. Like a thrilling combat movie, it is intriguing; as a timeless novel, however, it is unappealing. People, who like action mystery books, who are Crichton fans and have read his other best-selling books such as Jurassic Park, Sphere, Congo, or The Great Train Robbery, or anybody in the mood for an excellent trashy novel, would greatly enjoy Timeline. Scholarly individuals looking for a high quality masterpiece should stick to Dickens.
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