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Out of Time #2
When the Walls Fell
Professor Simon Cross and his assistant Elizabeth West have returned from their accidental journey into the past and are adjusting to their new life together as a couple. But an unwanted visit from the Council for Temporal Studies could change everything. A murder in the past is changing the future, and if the killing isn't stopped, Simon Cross might never be born. When they arrive in 1906 San Francisco, Elizabeth and Simon have no idea who wants Victor Graham dead or how it will happen. With the earthquake that leveled most of the city just days away, the race to save Graham thrusts them into a complex mystery of jealousy and revenge where murder might be the least of their worries.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2011
87 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Monique Martin
63 books292 followersDon't miss a new release, sign-up for the newsletter! http://eepurl.com/fFBUw
Monique was born in Houston, Texas, but her family soon moved to Southern California. She grew up on both coasts, living in Connecticut and California. She currently resides in Southern California with her naughty Siamese cat, Monkey.
Monique attended the University of Southern California's Film School where she earned a BFA from the Filmic Writing department. Monique worked in television for several years before joining the family business. She now works full-time as a freelance writer and novelist. Her novels Out of Time, When the Walls Fell, Fragments & The Devil's Due are the first three books in the Out of Time series.
She's currently working on an adaptation of one of her screenplays, her father's memoirs about his time in the Air Force's Air Rescue Service and the next book in the Out of Time series.
Monique was born in Houston, Texas, but her family soon moved to Southern California. She grew up on both coasts, living in Connecticut and California. She currently resides in Southern California with her naughty Siamese cat, Monkey.
Monique attended the University of Southern California's Film School where she earned a BFA from the Filmic Writing department. Monique worked in television for several years before joining the family business. She now works full-time as a freelance writer and novelist. Her novels Out of Time, When the Walls Fell, Fragments & The Devil's Due are the first three books in the Out of Time series.
She's currently working on an adaptation of one of her screenplays, her father's memoirs about his time in the Air Force's Air Rescue Service and the next book in the Out of Time series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
September 8, 2016
read this book last year, but just re read it because the third in the series was released. I was not leaving reviews last year so thought I would add one now. Upon rereading I relised how simply lovely this series is (apart from the wierd King in the first book, thankfully his kind do not appear in this one or the next). This time around Elizabeth and Simon travel back in time to San Fransisco. Without giving away anything basically mishaps and misunderstandings occur, but ultimately a wonderful adventure takes place, with a sweet love story between Elizabeth and Simon. Monique writes in such an easy way, and I do love how she makes it very easy for the reader to visualise the settings, and make you feel like you are there. If you liked the first book, you will like this one more, I did. There was a much easier flow to the story and everything seemed so much more real (thanks to absense of King I think). Having said this, if you have not read the first, I don't think you really need to, but I probably would as it is enjoyable, this one is just better. (As a side note, I have read the thrid, and it is my favourite yet!)
October 31, 2011
Thoroughly enjoyed this follow up to Out of Time. This time sees Elizabeth travelling back to 1907 San Franscisco barely a week before the big earthquake hits; following on behind her Simon settles in to finding her and helping her out of whatever trouble she's got herself into this time:) There were some really good characters here and some that became hardly more than a cypher, Mary Graham was one as was Stryker. However, this didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book, and I will look out for more in this series next year.
February 7, 2018
I'm a sucker for time travel, so a book employing that plot device has to be horribly written for me to give it a bad review. These are just lovely to read. The plots are a bit predictable, but there is some merit in reading formulaic writing. Sometimes you just want to read a story where you love the main characters, you KNOW they're going to get into some dicey trouble, you KNOW they're almost going to lose their lives, but you ALSO know that they will survive it. I call these kinds of books "comfort reading". You know what you're in for when you start reading.
I have to say, I'm a little sad to leave Max behind in the past. For some reason, that minor character captured my heart. I know it's impossible for him to make an appearance in other books, (since he lives in the past), but part of me kept hoping that he'd be let in on the family secret of time travel and start getting involved. He loves adventure and would be perfect for this series. Maybe I'll get my wish and the author will find some way to keep him in the story. I really loved that guy!
I have to say, I'm a little sad to leave Max behind in the past. For some reason, that minor character captured my heart. I know it's impossible for him to make an appearance in other books, (since he lives in the past), but part of me kept hoping that he'd be let in on the family secret of time travel and start getting involved. He loves adventure and would be perfect for this series. Maybe I'll get my wish and the author will find some way to keep him in the story. I really loved that guy!
December 24, 2011
I was really looking forward to this sequel to Out of Time. OoT was one of my favorite reads this year. I was quite taken with Elizabeth and Simon and their time-traveling adventures in the first book. I liked that OoT had a paranormal (albeit a little silly)twist to the romance and adventure, and I expected the same in When the Walls Fell.
WtWF is romantic-- but I felt that romance didn't really progress from the first book. The declaration of love was in Out; in When... we have an abundance of loving reaffirmations, but that's about it-- oh, and a couple of fights between Simon and Elizabeth. It looks like theirs is going to be one of those long drawn-out affairs.
I loved the 1906 pre-San Francisco earthquake setting of this book. Martin does an excellent job of transporting the reader to the past, and I learned things about historic San Francisco that I had never picked up in 25+ years of living in the SF Bay Area.
We are treated to a lot of new characters in When...and these were delightful additions to the series-- I just hope we will see more of Teddy, Lillian and Gerald, especially since they are in on time traveling secret.
I felt there were a few things missing from When..., though. There's a hint of the paranormal, but not enough for me! The paranormal element in the first book lifted it from the usual romance book. Other than the time travel, which is the backbone of the story, there isn't as much paranormality in When....
More glaringly, what was missing was proofreading! There were so many errors that it was quite distracting, and since the errors became more numerous about halfway through the book, I was wondering if there had been a midway rush to finish and publish. I probably would have rated When the Walls Fell much higher than 3 stars had more attention been paid to editing.
In spite of my disappointment with When the Walls Fell (ugh, yeah, that title doesn't do much for me, either), I do think Monique Martin is a gifted wordsmith. I am committed to finishing out the series, but I do hope the next novel has a bit more going for it-- more action, more background on the physics behind the time-traveling, more followup on some of the past characters and at least an engagement between Simon and Elizabeth! Effective proofreading would be icing on that sequel-cake.
WtWF is romantic-- but I felt that romance didn't really progress from the first book. The declaration of love was in Out; in When... we have an abundance of loving reaffirmations, but that's about it-- oh, and a couple of fights between Simon and Elizabeth. It looks like theirs is going to be one of those long drawn-out affairs.
I loved the 1906 pre-San Francisco earthquake setting of this book. Martin does an excellent job of transporting the reader to the past, and I learned things about historic San Francisco that I had never picked up in 25+ years of living in the SF Bay Area.
We are treated to a lot of new characters in When...and these were delightful additions to the series-- I just hope we will see more of Teddy, Lillian and Gerald, especially since they are in on time traveling secret.
I felt there were a few things missing from When..., though. There's a hint of the paranormal, but not enough for me! The paranormal element in the first book lifted it from the usual romance book. Other than the time travel, which is the backbone of the story, there isn't as much paranormality in When....
More glaringly, what was missing was proofreading! There were so many errors that it was quite distracting, and since the errors became more numerous about halfway through the book, I was wondering if there had been a midway rush to finish and publish. I probably would have rated When the Walls Fell much higher than 3 stars had more attention been paid to editing.
In spite of my disappointment with When the Walls Fell (ugh, yeah, that title doesn't do much for me, either), I do think Monique Martin is a gifted wordsmith. I am committed to finishing out the series, but I do hope the next novel has a bit more going for it-- more action, more background on the physics behind the time-traveling, more followup on some of the past characters and at least an engagement between Simon and Elizabeth! Effective proofreading would be icing on that sequel-cake.
September 26, 2011
I'd give it a six if I could.
First let me say that I thought Out of Time was a great book. When the Walls Fell is even better. Honestly.
Even though we got to spend a lot of time with Elizabeth in OoT, I feel like this book showed us her character even more. Loved the time period, loved the supporting cast, loved the train of surprise that ran over me on a couple of occasions; I loved it all.
Even the smallest of characters were given enough life that I can still see their image in my mind. Ms. Martin did an incredible job with this, and even though WtWF just came out, I'm going to beg for the next one soon. Please?
First let me say that I thought Out of Time was a great book. When the Walls Fell is even better. Honestly.
Even though we got to spend a lot of time with Elizabeth in OoT, I feel like this book showed us her character even more. Loved the time period, loved the supporting cast, loved the train of surprise that ran over me on a couple of occasions; I loved it all.
Even the smallest of characters were given enough life that I can still see their image in my mind. Ms. Martin did an incredible job with this, and even though WtWF just came out, I'm going to beg for the next one soon. Please?
January 4, 2018
I was a little disappointed there really wasn't a true supernatural twist on this one. The writing was much more relaxed than the first book. Going back to the San Francisco earthquake was a great starting point. I loved Gerald, Teddy, Lillian, and Max. Just not quite my cup of tea. The duo needs to get married.
October 2, 2018
I found this second book better than the first. Still a bit slow at time with too much about how in love they are but the story was a bit more dynamic.
I guessed where the clairvoyant was coming from fairly early but I wished we could read a bit more about her.
Hopefully book 3 is getting even better
I guessed where the clairvoyant was coming from fairly early but I wished we could read a bit more about her.
Hopefully book 3 is getting even better
September 30, 2018
When the Walls Fell
This was a good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
This was a good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
May 12, 2019
Pleasant read but this one didn't hold my attention as well as book 1.
February 4, 2018
I learned a long time ago that life is vastly more interesting when you say yes to it."
This is the second installment of the Out of Time series, and despite having read it last year I remembered literally nothing of the plot. Martin manages to quickly and efficiently recap what happened in New York during the first book, which is something I greatly appreciate - no one likes to read a pages long recap of a book you have already read.
In this book, Simon and Elizabeth travel back to 1906 San Francisco right before the great earthquake at the Council's behest, introducing an unnecessary conflict in their relationship. Much like with my review of Out of Time, I found that this is a romance book that could have taken place anywhere that uses the time travel to drive conflict and push forward the budding relationship between Simon and Elizabeth. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing, but it really detracts from the over-arching adventure, particularly when the investigations and action are left for the end of the book.
Overall I enjoyed this book, but was a bit disappointed with the many things left unanswered pertaining to the Council and the at times repetitious narrative that seemed to drag out the plot.
May 17, 2017
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one in the series. I felt as if the romance between Elizabeth and Simon had lost some of it's steam. The beginning had their argument concerning time travel, but nothing special after that. The medium, Madame Petrovka, was a nice twist, and could have been played up a bit more. The paranormal was a big part of the first book, and could have improved the story in the second book. There were some additional characters that added some interest to the book, such as Teddy, Max and Mrs. Eldridge. The earthquake played a very small part, and using it as their deadline for returning to the present, I would have thought it would play a much larger part. I found the idea of how they saved Simon from never existing a bit confusing at the end, and it didn't seem to have the same amount of attention it did earlier in the book. I just didn't feel that this book was organized as well as the first book, or the story as well told.
January 18, 2024
Timeless Love
After reading book 1 in the series, I fell in love with Elizabeth and Simon. I cheered for their romance. I was looking forward to the continuation of the story in whatever time it took place.
Their relationship was filled with highs and lows, drama, danger and passion. That was the strength of When the Walls Fell. The story was slow to develop with lots of time spent on the setting. 1908 San Francisco came alive through vivid description, but the story itself was of less interest.
From around chapter 20, I started to get hooked and read faster to find out how things would turn out. I would have liked it more if the story was stronger. It just didn't grab me as much as I'd hoped.
Good story. Well told. Interesting characters. Some nice suspense and action. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I was a little underwhelmed.
After reading book 1 in the series, I fell in love with Elizabeth and Simon. I cheered for their romance. I was looking forward to the continuation of the story in whatever time it took place.
Their relationship was filled with highs and lows, drama, danger and passion. That was the strength of When the Walls Fell. The story was slow to develop with lots of time spent on the setting. 1908 San Francisco came alive through vivid description, but the story itself was of less interest.
From around chapter 20, I started to get hooked and read faster to find out how things would turn out. I would have liked it more if the story was stronger. It just didn't grab me as much as I'd hoped.
Good story. Well told. Interesting characters. Some nice suspense and action. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I was a little underwhelmed.
August 11, 2018
This series is so good, it's unbelievable this author and this "Out of Time" series isn't more widely known. I would definitely recommend looking for book 1 and reading in order. I started I think on book three, was quickly hooked and spent my amazon allowance on all the books in this series that I could find. It's easy to read, moves along quickly, relateable, likeable characters. I often found myself lost for good chunks of time in this book and others in the series. Just a good, good story, and I'm pretty picky about what I read, I'm usually a hard core horror and crime fiction reader, but this set swept me off my feet.
March 24, 2025
Although I wasn't crazy about the first book in this series, I am pleasantly surprised that this second book was much, much better! The characters are the same, Simon Cross and Elizabeth West, but the story line is in a different location and the added characters were much more interesting. Although there is still a romantic theme throughout the book between Simon and Elizabeth, it is not the primary aspect of the book. The story line is in regards to the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 and trying to save a man in the story in order to save Simon from being erased in the future. As I said above I found this story much more interesting than the first book.
April 6, 2020
Delightful
This is the second book in Monique Martin’s series that I have read and enjoyed. I truly love history and so her travels of the characters into history is “right up my alley”. I actually know someone like Simon, so this became even more special to me (not used to expressing or even having deep feeling). I never try to retell the author’s story, but I highly recommend. This is historical settings with futuristic undertones. Give it a try...you will enjoy. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is the second book in Monique Martin’s series that I have read and enjoyed. I truly love history and so her travels of the characters into history is “right up my alley”. I actually know someone like Simon, so this became even more special to me (not used to expressing or even having deep feeling). I never try to retell the author’s story, but I highly recommend. This is historical settings with futuristic undertones. Give it a try...you will enjoy. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 9, 2024
I really enjoyed spending time again with Professor Cross and his assistant Elizabeth West in this book 2 of the series. IF you enjoy time travel with a side of romance this may be a book you would enjoy.
The descriptions of San Francisco in 1906 and the history of the earthquake made the book fascinating to listen to. I love some history in the books I read. This storyline was more complicated than in the first book but with listening to the whole book over a weekend I was able to keep all the characters straight in my mind.
This audiobook was professionally narrated with skill and emotion. Tom Jordan is a talented narrator I love to listen to.
The descriptions of San Francisco in 1906 and the history of the earthquake made the book fascinating to listen to. I love some history in the books I read. This storyline was more complicated than in the first book but with listening to the whole book over a weekend I was able to keep all the characters straight in my mind.
This audiobook was professionally narrated with skill and emotion. Tom Jordan is a talented narrator I love to listen to.
May 11, 2017
3.5 Stars
Second book still read pretty dry but it held a bit more oomph than book one. Simon is still all hoity toity but it didn't come across as him looking down on others, the way it did in book one. Elizabeth is still a zany character, though extremely gullible and super stubborn. I'm wondering why is it that every man she comes across falls either in love or lust with her? Her description sounds lovely but not all that to have a string of men falling over themselves for her...
Second book still read pretty dry but it held a bit more oomph than book one. Simon is still all hoity toity but it didn't come across as him looking down on others, the way it did in book one. Elizabeth is still a zany character, though extremely gullible and super stubborn. I'm wondering why is it that every man she comes across falls either in love or lust with her? Her description sounds lovely but not all that to have a string of men falling over themselves for her...
December 19, 2018
Fantastic
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the attention to detail, especially Elizabeth’s perspective of dealing with her clothing and the restrictions of women socially. I loved having Victorian San Francisco as a setting. The only thing I didn’t like was the love scene. I like that there is a little romance in the book, but love scenes are just not to my taste. At least there were very few and only one kind of intense one in this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the attention to detail, especially Elizabeth’s perspective of dealing with her clothing and the restrictions of women socially. I loved having Victorian San Francisco as a setting. The only thing I didn’t like was the love scene. I like that there is a little romance in the book, but love scenes are just not to my taste. At least there were very few and only one kind of intense one in this book.
June 24, 2021
Book Two in this series has Elizabeth undertaking an assignment in San Francisco right before the earthquake of 1906, in an attempt to preserve the Council and perhaps save Simon's life. The author does a good job of presenting that time period, its dress and technology. The characters are interesting, and the relationship between Simon and Elizabeth evolves.
Mostly family friendly, with just one scene that might be too risque for young readers.
Mostly family friendly, with just one scene that might be too risque for young readers.
June 22, 2017
When the Walls Fell: Out of Time no
Second installment of the time travel series finds our heroes in San Francisco just before the big earthquake with only days to prevent a murder. Again they become involved with people in that time period and have mixed emotions about what to do. Good stuff.
Second installment of the time travel series finds our heroes in San Francisco just before the big earthquake with only days to prevent a murder. Again they become involved with people in that time period and have mixed emotions about what to do. Good stuff.
December 6, 2017
I am obsessed with this trilogy! Ms. Martin has done an exhaustive research on the topic and the eras, and it shows. With elegant style and superb dominion of the storytelling she involve you in the story. To the point where you'd feel a wee bit tire after the characters return to their own timeline.
March 10, 2018
Simon and Elizabeth are trying to sort out their own relationship when a request comes for them to time-travel officially, for The Council. Pity only one of them agrees... or maybe it isn't!
San Francisco in the days leading up to the earthquake of 1906, with a cast of fascinating characters and the regular conundrum of the time traveller - changes in the timeline.
San Francisco in the days leading up to the earthquake of 1906, with a cast of fascinating characters and the regular conundrum of the time traveller - changes in the timeline.
April 21, 2019
I didn't read the first one, which, I gather from other reviews, was probably more of a romance novel. This one is the ongoing adventures, and more adventure than romance (but still plenty of romance.)
I enjoyed it and, if I was looking for a new series to read, I might get into this one. Solid, reasonably interesting characters and enjoyable story.
I enjoyed it and, if I was looking for a new series to read, I might get into this one. Solid, reasonably interesting characters and enjoyable story.
September 14, 2019
The author's ability to draw you in and keep your attention is very good. The fast-paced and adventurous story continued in Book 2 becoming more involved.
The characters were well defined and the two main characters personalities grew with each experience they shared.
It is a race against time and a book I will definitely recommend.
Can't wait to read book 3 in the series.
The characters were well defined and the two main characters personalities grew with each experience they shared.
It is a race against time and a book I will definitely recommend.
Can't wait to read book 3 in the series.
June 22, 2021
Really enjoyed the 2nd book in this series. Loved that traveled back to SF right before the big earthquake. I felt the author did a wonderful job of describing the earthquake & the after affects. Enjoying these characters very much. I love the humor that the author uses from time to time. Already started # 3 .
August 28, 2024
To me this one was worse than the first book. From dumming down the characters just so that the plot can progress as it needs in places. To barely performed research. To suddenly knowing information or meeting just the right people. I did not like the corset slander. I was just reading the last part to have closure.
June 7, 2018
Another great story in this series. I really like the characters but it’s sad when Elizabeth and Simon leave their new friends to go home. Can’t wait to read more books in the series. Interesting time travel and there’s always something to learn about the past. I’m glad I found this series.
December 3, 2018
It's not very often that I find a sequel that's better than the first. I love how Monique Martin is able to throw a couple with current, relatable, problems into the past and have everything work out no matter what happens.
October 18, 2019
Thankfully much better than book 1. Although still a bit heavy on the angsty/lovey aspects, not nearly as mind-numbingly so! Excellent secondary characters. Enjoyed this one quite a bit. (Even if I did skim a few of the racier scenes.)
February 19, 2020
Book Review
It had a good story line, but time travel strikes me as fantasy. I prefer stories based on reality. The historical setting of the San Francisco earthquake I found especially interesting.
It had a good story line, but time travel strikes me as fantasy. I prefer stories based on reality. The historical setting of the San Francisco earthquake I found especially interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews