Timediver's Dawn

Timegod's World #2

by L.E. Modesitt Jr.

Witchcraft and high technology coexist in a world starved of natural energy resources and forced to mine the plentiful energy emitted by the sun. Reissue.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 15, 1992

About the author

L. E. (Leland Exton) Modesitt, Jr. is an author of science fiction and fantasy novels. He is best known for the fantasy series The Saga of Recluce. He graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts, lived in Washington, D.C. for 20 years, then moved to New Hampshire in 1989 where he met his wife. They relocated to Cedar City, Utah in 1993.

He has worked as a Navy pilot, lifeguard, delivery boy, unpaid radio disc jockey, real estate agent, market research analyst, director of research for a political campaign, legislative assistant for a Congressman, Director of Legislation and Congressional Relations for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a consultant on environmental, regulatory, and communications issues, and a college lecturer and writer in residence.
In addition to his novels, Mr. Modesitt has published technical studies and articles, columns, poetry, and a number of science fiction stories. His first short story, "The Great American Economy", was published in 1973 in Analog Science Fiction and Science Fact.

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this comes first chronologically, The Timegod is actually first in the reading order. I don't think it really matters which you read first. The big point will be the difference in what happened & what everyone knows.

This is a fairly typical, resource poor world of Modesitt's. Then it faces a crisis & the solution is pretty awesome & inspiring. Love it!

[Michael Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something about Modesitt's writing style that appeals to me. On the surface there is a feel of simplicity, an easiness of reading, but buried within it are subtle cues that impact forcibly upon all of your senses.

Timediver's Dawn is somewhat rougher than his later and more polished works, but that's forgivable since this book still captures the imagination. You can see his early stabs at defining his trademark characterizations and ethical viewpoints. Modesitt has a knack for making you think, rather than follow along blindly behind the character's eyes.

I have to admit though that it was a bit of a struggle to get into at first, but halfway through I couldn't help but be absorbed. There is a sort of 60-70s scifi feel to this story which actually meshes well with the tragic nobility of (mostly) good people doing (sort of) bad things in order to survive and save their world. Unfortunately the great conflict itself is only loosely defined and we mostly read about the internal struggles that the hero has to make. A character who is given access to great power, and choices therof, that gives a fantasy like feel to an otherwise post-apocalyptic science fiction story.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this two book series more than I thought i would. I was reminded a bit of the Orion series that came out in the 70's. There was definitely a 70's sci-fi feel to the book but that did not take away from the book at all. I think what I enjoyed most was the idea of diving through time and space and where my imagination led me along with the book. I could tell that it was an early book of Modesitt because certain character styles weren't fully developed. If there was some reference to his recluse series in this I totally missed it.

[Boremomsn.Com · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this author. He came highly recommended. The story was good and it kept my interest. What wasn't so good was the storytelling. The author makes large leaps while telling the story, and it is stuff the reader wants to know. For example, we never do find out who Dr. Relorn is or where she comes from. And then there is the hint of romance between her and Sammis, when all of a sudden, she is his lady. That was the type of thing that occurred over and over again. The book raised a lot of questions, hints were given at answers, but they just were not answered. This book is not hard science, so don't come here if that is what you like. Despite it's shortcomings, it was a quick fast read that falls on the 'like' side of the equation. I'll read The Timegod next. I hope it is at least as good.

[Aaron Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book basically was draggy and utterly sucked until the last 10-20 percent. That last part was interesting and fun. Too bad it was dreary as hell for so long until Loki finally decided to act.

The later parts where it was told from the view of the civilizations he messed with, as him being a god were really amusing/cool.

If Modesitt made the first part about 1/5th the size and slightly more interesting I'd have been able to give this book a very good rating. Ah well.

It's kind of rare you hate most of a book but love the ending, usually if anything it's the reverse. Of course I suppose a lot of books that bore you that much you don't end up finishing anyway.

[David Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't tell you how many times I have read this novel. I am a big fan Modesitt and his Recluse series, I picture Timediver's Dawn as a possible starting point for all his novels. Either that or Hammer of Darkness.

[Victor Vilchiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was an ok book. I am more used to the fantasy fare from LEM than his sci fi.

[Robert Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a detailed review check out

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC82t...

[Vader · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish