A Wrinkle in Time Trilogy

Time Quintet #1-3

by Madeleine L'Engle

Fifty years ago, Madeleine L’Engle introduced the world to A Wrinkle in Time and the wonderful and unforgettable characters Meg and Charles Wallace Murry, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe. Now their first three adventures are together in one volume. In the Newbery Award winner A Wrinkle in Time, the children learn that Mr. Murry has been captured by the Dark Thing, and they must time travel to Camazotz to save him. In A Wind in the Door, Meg, Calvin and Mr. Jenkins (their grade school principal) must travel inside C.W. and battle to save Charles’s life—as well as the balance of the universe. And in A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Meg’s brother Charles Wallace has twenty-four hours to stop the tragedy of nuclear war from occurring. Read the iconic novels that continue to inspire millions of fans around the world.
 

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Classics, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade

800 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Madeleine L'Engle was an American writer of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and young adult fiction, including A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels: A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time. Her works reflect both her Christian faith and her strong interest in modern science.

Reviews

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given these books at age 10 by a family friend; they are PRIZED in my collection. This is the first time I remember truly "escaping" into a book, to a fictional time and place. A Wrinkle in Time is the first book where I risked my 5th grade freedom and courageously read under the covers at night with a flashlight! I was prepared to defend Meg and Calvin and Charles Wallace to my death! Well maybe not to my death, but I was willing to sacrifice my hind end to a spanking with the dreaded belt. I simply could NOT put that book down. I was so engaged by these books that I actually considered Madeleine L'Engle a close, personal friend. At the very least, we were kindred spirits. In today's time, we surely would have been friends on Facebook. ;)

About three years ago, I invited my 8-year old son to read AWIT aloud with me for our nightly reading. It was a little advanced for him but he was born a book lover (as a toddler, he chose to sleep with his favorite books rather than stuffed animals) so I thought he might appreciate it. What an _unimaginable joy_ when your child loves the same books you do! He too was holding his breath as we read about Meg and friends tesseracting through the universe, traversing time, battling the Black Thing... We could barely contain ourselves, and as we read the book aloud, our voices were full of emotion -- we were scolded more than once by my husband for reading too loud (we almost woke the baby a few times I'm sure)...hahaha So even as a wife, I am willing to RISK IT ALL - even waking the baby - to read these classics. :)

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this teen fantasy classic in preparation for the upcoming movie. I hope to be wrong, but I can't imagine the film being faithful to the spiritual foundations of the books. We'll see!

[Fraser Simons · Rating 3 out of 5]

First two books felt very creative and progressive in its non-handhold content and ideas. I think I would have liked them more had I been younger. Third one felt pretty off the beaten and strays into problematic territory, though clearly has good intentions. Worth a read still, though. Quick and consumable, cerebral and often lands characterization.

[Irena · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of children's books that isn't timeless. Read them while you're a child or you'll think it's awful. I'm sad I missed out on this :(

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Barnes and Noble collectible edition is a beautiful book! I enjoyed the humor, action, and characters in this trilogy set. Great series of books!

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fantastic story. Learned a new word: tesseract -

In geometry, the tesseract is the four-dimensional analog of the cube; the tesseract is to the cube as the cube is to the square.

[Destiny Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

i mean..it's a classic?

[Zoe Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Narnia but a bit more confusing.

Cute characters and spiritual themes set in a low-fantasy world.

[Alex Valent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember loving this book when I was younger but also being a bit confused along with the magical feeling. I wanted to revisit the same story that felt so important in my childhood. The principles that the story was pushing were definitely meant for preteens but the story was definitely still magical.

[Chris Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet: All such wonderful books in a three-in-one omnibus. There's something simple and magical about these books that always reminds me of the childhood feeling of facing terrible moments and yet knowing it will turn out all right. These books circle, with thematic beauty and fantastic narrative confidence, a message of hope and harmony: despite the darkness, don't give in to the darker impulses in the world. Science fiction, mixed with fantasy fairy tale: fun, childish, and beautiful.

[Caanan Grall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading this at 38, not 12 like you're probably supposed to, so I wasn't blown away by this like everyone seems to be, however I do see how it was a very influential, ahead-of-its-time novel! The first one flew by and was great, the second one I found to be quite a slog, as nothing seems to much happen and it's just a lot of repeating its concepts to make sure you Really Get It, but then book 3 was fun again as the explaining was out of the way, and there was a story again.

[Olivia Hamlin]

I know that I read or had this read to me in elementary school. I wanted to go back and reread. Some of it was familiar, but not much. It was a quick book that I could focus on on my day off, and I’m happy I had the opportunity to get it read. Curious what the other two books in the trilogy are like.

[Emma Davison · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet & prescient little story (kinda crazy it was published in 1962). Feels very pertinent to today’s world…humans resisting the convenience of sameness/artificial intelligence by relying on what makes us human. Plus an awesome big sister/little brother relationship. There’s also some anti-eugenics commentary I did not pick up on when I read this as a kid

[Alexcia Araujo]

Very entertaining. Keeps you reading and on the edge of your seat. Makes your heart race with both excitement and fear. I encourage people to read while still young!

[Matt Brandt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recall this book being much better when I was a child; perhaps somewhere along the way I’ve lost some of my inner Peter Pan.

[leela ⚡️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it so much!!! Please read it!! ❤️

[Laura Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most comforting re-read. Queen Madeleine l’Engle forever.

[Freesiab BookishReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites growing up. I found it equally interesting now.

[Odell Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great childrens classic with some deep philosophical and spiritual messages. Would not hurt any adult to read or reread. It's currently being made into a movie. I'll be interested to see how it translates.

[Deborah Cleaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books brilliantly handle the topics on everyone’s mind in the 1960’s. Most interesting to me was book #3 which advanced 3 of the 4 children to adulthood and made the oldest pregnant. This is an unexpected twist for a children’s book.

[Taber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last time I read this I was 14. Now I’m 23! and it was just as meaningful and special this time. Love will always triumph over evil!

[Emily Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s very exciting but I dont like Charles Wallace bacause he always thinks he’s the most intelligent person on earth and wants to do everything in his own

[Rebecca Hemphill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Strong character's.
Very good message. Can't believe I missed this one as a kid.

[Emmanuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Wrinkle In Time: 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It was very confusing and hard to get into at first. The book is similar to when you have a dream and nothing makes sense. It's just chaos, but still enjoyable and fun. It's creative and strange at the same time. I wasn't really a fan of the writing style, or the characters, except Charles Wallace. It's an enjoyable story full of fantasy elements. The ending was a bit cliché and abrupt, but a great message for young readers.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
A Wind In The Door: 2.5/5 stars ⭐⭐
I feel like the author could have recapped book one, or referenced it, but they go on with their lives as if book one didn't happen. Why revel in the past right? The two new fantasy characters introduced are actually really interesting and kinda creepy. The whole thing is very whimsical. The ending had a nostaglic, yearning type of feeling to it.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
A Swiftly Tilting Planet: DNF at chapter 4
This one did not capture my attention and got way to sci-fi for me. DNF.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the Trilogy, the first and classic A Wrinkle in Time is definitely the 5 Star hero! Read it! The Wind in the Door was great too... 4 Star to me, building off the success of the first. The 3d, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, seems a bit off due to the telling of the tale and how it seems the characters really are more along for the ride than actually influencing the story but still a good read (and I am a sucker for time travel stuff... comes from the comic geek in me). Read them until you stop enjoying them. There are more in the series and I plan to read the next one but don't think it will ever reach the level of excitement and enjoyment of A Wrinkle in Time, which is definitely a classic!

[Chris Bull · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not standing the test of time

Finally read a Winkle in Time. I have passed this item on bookstore shelves for years and always meant to get around to it. Years ago, I did read a swiftly tilting planet. On this attempted re-read, I only got have way though. I found the banter between the characters lackluster. The book(s) just didn't move ahead.
I realize Disney is planning a cinematic version of Wrinkle, I will wait for the video.

[natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The fact of the matter is that A Wrinkle in Time has a lot of interesting ideas and concepts
WHAT SUCKS IS THAT IT'S WRITTEN TERRIBLY

And L'Engle can clearly write absolutely beautiful passages, she has very unique ideas! It's just all caught up in the whole let's sound smart and topical schtick she insists on pushing.

I didn't like Golden Compass
I didn't like this

I love Young Wizards and Narnia.

Thank you.

[Morgana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy is wonderfully imaginative and gives the reader a fairly tale as a young child, but a thought provoking, progressively unfolding story especially as we follow Meg and Charles through their problems.

[Shelton Kiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book explores themes of good versus evil, the power of love, and self-discovery. Its imaginative narrative and strong, relatable characters make it a compelling read for both young and older audiences which allowed me and my son to read it together.

[Philana Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read these for the first time in grade school and picked them up for my kids. A timeless classic adventure.