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The Time Travel Chronicles #4
Black Tides
Look for the plainest treasure in the box, the one with no shine. And there be...the key.
With another player entering the world of time travel, the quest is on. Whoever finds the aqua pearl will control the timeline.
17yo Madison and Riley are, once again, forced to launch into the past to try to fix the future. Press-ganged onto a pirate crew, with navy ships in pursuit, they struggle to keep their footing as they navigate to a mysterious island that appears and disappears with the tides.
Forming an allegiance with the swashbuckling pirate captain would appear to be the best course. But can he be trusted or will he steal the treasure and Maddy's heart as well?
Some sharks operate in the sea, others on deck in this exciting time travel adventure on the high seas.
A high-stakes, fast-paced time travel adventure in the golden age of pirates.
With another player entering the world of time travel, the quest is on. Whoever finds the aqua pearl will control the timeline.
17yo Madison and Riley are, once again, forced to launch into the past to try to fix the future. Press-ganged onto a pirate crew, with navy ships in pursuit, they struggle to keep their footing as they navigate to a mysterious island that appears and disappears with the tides.
Forming an allegiance with the swashbuckling pirate captain would appear to be the best course. But can he be trusted or will he steal the treasure and Maddy's heart as well?
Some sharks operate in the sea, others on deck in this exciting time travel adventure on the high seas.
A high-stakes, fast-paced time travel adventure in the golden age of pirates.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2024
3 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Paulene Turner
24 books35 followersI am the author of a six-book YA time travel series, called The Time Travel Chronicles. Secrets of the Nile, book one in the series, will be released on 18 July, 2023. I hope to release books two and three by the end of the year and the final three in 2024.
Creating this series has been the most fun I’ve ever had as a writer. It took me over a decade to write, involved researching five historical periods and tapping out over half a million words!
The process for each book began with research. I spent a couple of months reading as much as I could on each new period and taking notes. I usually filled an A4 notebook and more with details — not of historic events or real characters — but of the way people lived. I focused on the food, the homes, the social order, courting rituals, the general vibe of a place, ferreting out as many true details (especially the gory ones) as I could find. Only when I felt I had inhaled the essence of each period did I sit down to write.
Once I had a completed manuscript, I edited it multiple times, before giving it to my family to read — they’re all good writers and structural editors. They gave me notes. Then my script editor went over it…more notes. And some people from my writing group looked at parts of it…notes, notes, notes. I also had input from my writing teachers at the Faber Academy. Plus sensitivity readers when cultural issues arose. The proof reader mopped up what was left!
And so…after that looong process of writing and revising, I’m now here, preparing to launch my first baby out into the world.
Creating this series has been the most fun I’ve ever had as a writer. It took me over a decade to write, involved researching five historical periods and tapping out over half a million words!
The process for each book began with research. I spent a couple of months reading as much as I could on each new period and taking notes. I usually filled an A4 notebook and more with details — not of historic events or real characters — but of the way people lived. I focused on the food, the homes, the social order, courting rituals, the general vibe of a place, ferreting out as many true details (especially the gory ones) as I could find. Only when I felt I had inhaled the essence of each period did I sit down to write.
Once I had a completed manuscript, I edited it multiple times, before giving it to my family to read — they’re all good writers and structural editors. They gave me notes. Then my script editor went over it…more notes. And some people from my writing group looked at parts of it…notes, notes, notes. I also had input from my writing teachers at the Faber Academy. Plus sensitivity readers when cultural issues arose. The proof reader mopped up what was left!
And so…after that looong process of writing and revising, I’m now here, preparing to launch my first baby out into the world.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 6, 2024
This is the fourth book in Turner's Time Travel Chronicles series, but the first book of it I read. However, I wasn't lost thanks to a brief recap/reference to past events at the beginning of the book, plus reading the blurbs of books 1-3.
I really enjoy time travel novels, especially those in which the main character travels to the past - you learn so much history that way! This book isn't a dry time travel novel where the author tries to impress you with his/her perfect knowledge and research of the past; it's an immersive novel that put me right in the pirate era of the 1700s where the everyday man is at constant risk of crimping (or pressing) into the British Navy ... and the Navy is at constant risk of attack by pirates! The setting was rich, especially life aboard ship. The antics of the pirates is quite entertaining (and in some cases gruesome).
The premise of Black Tides is that Madison Bryant has to save her friend Riley Sinclair from dying in the immediate future (she saw his headstone at the end of book 3), and the two of them are also sent to the pirate era to find some aqua pearls that power the time machine that Riley invented. There are complications from a nefarious group called Recall, which also want the pearls - and apparently want Riley dead, too. There isn't a real explanation of how the time machine or the "safety nets" work, but that doesn't get in the way of the plot. I typically like books that have a more concrete/believable explanation for the time travel mechanics, but I let it slide here because A) it's a YA novel, and B) that never took me out of the moment.
Because of this plot setup, there's a lot of action in this book, and it's truly a page turner. I constantly wanted to find out who was working for whom and how they were going to get out of the current mess. There's a lot of back-stabbing, twists, and turns (but not in a gimmicky way).
I liked the main characters, which is really important to me (I recently read a book with an unlikeable MC, and the book stunk because of it!). Madison is just trying to save her best friend, but she's jealous he's dating someone, so she's rude to him and also lets herself fall for a dashing young pirate (Captain Crowe). So, she's got her flaws ... but I was still rooting for her the whole time (and Crowe, and Riley!). I love novels when you want all the good guys (or are they good? Somewhat good?) to win!
If you like YA time travel novels, this is one you really should pick up. I have to go back and read books 1-3 now!
I really enjoy time travel novels, especially those in which the main character travels to the past - you learn so much history that way! This book isn't a dry time travel novel where the author tries to impress you with his/her perfect knowledge and research of the past; it's an immersive novel that put me right in the pirate era of the 1700s where the everyday man is at constant risk of crimping (or pressing) into the British Navy ... and the Navy is at constant risk of attack by pirates! The setting was rich, especially life aboard ship. The antics of the pirates is quite entertaining (and in some cases gruesome).
The premise of Black Tides is that Madison Bryant has to save her friend Riley Sinclair from dying in the immediate future (she saw his headstone at the end of book 3), and the two of them are also sent to the pirate era to find some aqua pearls that power the time machine that Riley invented. There are complications from a nefarious group called Recall, which also want the pearls - and apparently want Riley dead, too. There isn't a real explanation of how the time machine or the "safety nets" work, but that doesn't get in the way of the plot. I typically like books that have a more concrete/believable explanation for the time travel mechanics, but I let it slide here because A) it's a YA novel, and B) that never took me out of the moment.
Because of this plot setup, there's a lot of action in this book, and it's truly a page turner. I constantly wanted to find out who was working for whom and how they were going to get out of the current mess. There's a lot of back-stabbing, twists, and turns (but not in a gimmicky way).
I liked the main characters, which is really important to me (I recently read a book with an unlikeable MC, and the book stunk because of it!). Madison is just trying to save her best friend, but she's jealous he's dating someone, so she's rude to him and also lets herself fall for a dashing young pirate (Captain Crowe). So, she's got her flaws ... but I was still rooting for her the whole time (and Crowe, and Riley!). I love novels when you want all the good guys (or are they good? Somewhat good?) to win!
If you like YA time travel novels, this is one you really should pick up. I have to go back and read books 1-3 now!
June 3, 2024
This is book 4 of ‘The Time Travel Chronicles’ and it isn’t out until July, so I have two pieces of advice. 1) Read books 1 to 3 now. 2) Pre-order this book now. Here’s why…
Madison picks up the tale where we left off, she inadvertently saw Riley’s death date and is now trying to manipulate the day so that Riley doesn’t die. She has help from the mysterious Peterson (can he be trusted?) and together they try to protect Riley from Recall agents. This leads to a trip back to the age of pirates on a quest to find the aqua pearls, of course they are not the only ones on the trail. What follows is a mission like no other, as it’s not long before Madison and Riley are forced to become pirates.
Turner does not sugar coat or romanticise this era, the full brutality of life on the high seas is laid bare for us, and yet there are very tender moments that draw you further and further into Madison and Riley’s challenges. They are, after all, just two Aussie teenagers trying to negotiate adolescence, let alone the complexities time travel has brought them.
Along the way we meet pirates and privateers, all out to locate treasure and bring home the booty, but which of them are from the future? Which of them also want the aqua pearls? To find the pearls Madison and Riley are going to need help, but who can they trust? Madison begins to think with her heart and not her head when pirate Dustin Crowe shows an interest in her. Can he be trusted?
We also meet other folk caught up the pirate world, Charly, Mistral and Rocco, victims of circumstance. Or are they?
There are so many layers in this twisty, timey, time travel tale, that you can’t help but become fully immersed in the quest and completely engaged in what has become a huge challenge for Madison and Riley. Fantastic story telling, I can’t wait for book 5 ( and 6).
I should add that I received an ARC from the author and I am very happy to leave this review.
Madison picks up the tale where we left off, she inadvertently saw Riley’s death date and is now trying to manipulate the day so that Riley doesn’t die. She has help from the mysterious Peterson (can he be trusted?) and together they try to protect Riley from Recall agents. This leads to a trip back to the age of pirates on a quest to find the aqua pearls, of course they are not the only ones on the trail. What follows is a mission like no other, as it’s not long before Madison and Riley are forced to become pirates.
Turner does not sugar coat or romanticise this era, the full brutality of life on the high seas is laid bare for us, and yet there are very tender moments that draw you further and further into Madison and Riley’s challenges. They are, after all, just two Aussie teenagers trying to negotiate adolescence, let alone the complexities time travel has brought them.
Along the way we meet pirates and privateers, all out to locate treasure and bring home the booty, but which of them are from the future? Which of them also want the aqua pearls? To find the pearls Madison and Riley are going to need help, but who can they trust? Madison begins to think with her heart and not her head when pirate Dustin Crowe shows an interest in her. Can he be trusted?
We also meet other folk caught up the pirate world, Charly, Mistral and Rocco, victims of circumstance. Or are they?
There are so many layers in this twisty, timey, time travel tale, that you can’t help but become fully immersed in the quest and completely engaged in what has become a huge challenge for Madison and Riley. Fantastic story telling, I can’t wait for book 5 ( and 6).
I should add that I received an ARC from the author and I am very happy to leave this review.
July 2, 2024
I was thrilled to receive an advance reader copy of "Black Tides," the fourth in Paulene Turner's Time Travel Chronicles series. (If you haven't yet read the first three in the series... go get yourself a copy of each... while this book does stand alone well, the first three are just as amazing as this one! You're missing out if you haven't read them yet...)
Anyhow... in this adventure, Riley and Madison find themselves on the high seas during the 1700s, searching for buried treasure that will help power the time machine. As in the other books, there's a tremendous sense of adventure here--excellent fight scenes, ramped up tensions, well-drawn characters (new heroes and villains alike), and of course, the breaking of the #1 rule of time travel--no romance! Madison once again attracts the attention of a dashing--yet dangerous--gentleman of the time period; this time it's Captain Dustin Crowe. It's hard not to fall in love with him despite his flaws and despite every warning in your mind that says "Don't do it!"
There's conscription to the British fleet, conscription to piracy, plank-walking, rum drinking, buried treasure, time hopping... and some interesting revelations... Ms. Turner has a fabulous way of continuing to place her characters in more and more precarious positions and conundrums.
No spoilers here, but the story ramps up to a precarious cliffhanger at the end.
Black Tides is a fabulous addition to a series that has become a true favorite! HIGHLY recommend this, as well as the first three books. They are a joy to read!
I can't wait for the next book!
Anyhow... in this adventure, Riley and Madison find themselves on the high seas during the 1700s, searching for buried treasure that will help power the time machine. As in the other books, there's a tremendous sense of adventure here--excellent fight scenes, ramped up tensions, well-drawn characters (new heroes and villains alike), and of course, the breaking of the #1 rule of time travel--no romance! Madison once again attracts the attention of a dashing--yet dangerous--gentleman of the time period; this time it's Captain Dustin Crowe. It's hard not to fall in love with him despite his flaws and despite every warning in your mind that says "Don't do it!"
There's conscription to the British fleet, conscription to piracy, plank-walking, rum drinking, buried treasure, time hopping... and some interesting revelations... Ms. Turner has a fabulous way of continuing to place her characters in more and more precarious positions and conundrums.
No spoilers here, but the story ramps up to a precarious cliffhanger at the end.
Black Tides is a fabulous addition to a series that has become a true favorite! HIGHLY recommend this, as well as the first three books. They are a joy to read!
I can't wait for the next book!
July 11, 2024
I was offered a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and as a massive Our Flag Means Death fan, I was totally up for more pirates. And this is an absolute romp of a book. Fast-paced, twisty and very entertaining. I enjoyed being educated about the golden age of pirates too, though the author doesn’t claim it’s historically accurate, it was definitely accurate enough for me to enjoy, and quite a few things made me want to learn more - the author’s knowledge was obviously pretty well researched.
I hadn’t read the first few books in the series, but that didn’t matter at all, because the critical things were made clear at the beginning so though I might go back and read the others, it wasn’t a problem that I hadn’t.
I was intrigued by the mysterious Peterson, and really enjoyed his particular story arc in this novel. I didn’t warm to the protagonist - Madison - partly because I found her behaviour pretty petty in the beginning - maybe one of the downsides of not reading the first books is that I hadn’t had time to get to know her before she was using some poor boy to make someone jealous. But when Captain Crowe came along, I was gripped by the dynamic between them (and, to be honest, could read a whole series about that pair - brilliant chemistry and very entertaining).
The violence was graphic enough to be disturbing, but did add to the sense of jeopardy, and was a good reminder that pirate life wasn’t all parrots and rum.
Overall, just a great book for getting swept along by and am looking forward to catching up with the backstory (and the sequel - Black Tides definitely left me wanting to know what happened next!)
I hadn’t read the first few books in the series, but that didn’t matter at all, because the critical things were made clear at the beginning so though I might go back and read the others, it wasn’t a problem that I hadn’t.
I was intrigued by the mysterious Peterson, and really enjoyed his particular story arc in this novel. I didn’t warm to the protagonist - Madison - partly because I found her behaviour pretty petty in the beginning - maybe one of the downsides of not reading the first books is that I hadn’t had time to get to know her before she was using some poor boy to make someone jealous. But when Captain Crowe came along, I was gripped by the dynamic between them (and, to be honest, could read a whole series about that pair - brilliant chemistry and very entertaining).
The violence was graphic enough to be disturbing, but did add to the sense of jeopardy, and was a good reminder that pirate life wasn’t all parrots and rum.
Overall, just a great book for getting swept along by and am looking forward to catching up with the backstory (and the sequel - Black Tides definitely left me wanting to know what happened next!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2024
In Paulene Turner's Black Tides, the fourth book in The Time Travel Chronicles series, Maddy and Riley return for an adventure packed journey back in time to a world this go-round ran by pirates. The world building to this novel is fantastic and pulls you into the story, so much that'll you want to join the crew of The Black Tide.
Once again, the duo is lured back to the past to stop a horrific prediction that one of them will die. The consistency that Paulene brings to her books are lots of mysteries, twists and turns. I love the grey characters that she creates for interactions with her beloved main characters. The reader doesn't know who is telling the truth or not, especially in desperate times, which keeps the pages turning for some hint or reveal of the truth. Dustin Crowe is a pirate who definitely fits the criteria and meets this definition, which makes him one of my favourite characters within this book.
The last few chapters will blow your mind with explosive reveals, one as such has been anticipated since book one in the series, Secrets of the Nile. And the ending will send you into a total loss for words, crouching in a fetal position, forgetting who you are for days.
The impressive writing skills that Paulene exhibits has the reader in total infatuation with the characters, total immersion into the story, and makes anyone who finishes her novels beg for more. Thankfully, we have a couple of future books to the series yet to come.
If you are a fan of pirate, time travel or both, Black Tides is definitely a novel you'll want to read and display on your shelf!
Once again, the duo is lured back to the past to stop a horrific prediction that one of them will die. The consistency that Paulene brings to her books are lots of mysteries, twists and turns. I love the grey characters that she creates for interactions with her beloved main characters. The reader doesn't know who is telling the truth or not, especially in desperate times, which keeps the pages turning for some hint or reveal of the truth. Dustin Crowe is a pirate who definitely fits the criteria and meets this definition, which makes him one of my favourite characters within this book.
The last few chapters will blow your mind with explosive reveals, one as such has been anticipated since book one in the series, Secrets of the Nile. And the ending will send you into a total loss for words, crouching in a fetal position, forgetting who you are for days.
The impressive writing skills that Paulene exhibits has the reader in total infatuation with the characters, total immersion into the story, and makes anyone who finishes her novels beg for more. Thankfully, we have a couple of future books to the series yet to come.
If you are a fan of pirate, time travel or both, Black Tides is definitely a novel you'll want to read and display on your shelf!
July 4, 2024
This book is great if you like Black Sails/ Or just getting into it. I rarely say this but the way Paulene Turner has crafted some of these character relationships has manipulated my heart in a way where you also feel for the main character.
This is continuing off from Madison and Riley's recent trip from the Wild West in America Book three with granny. ( I love her she's so cool.) Madison has found out some disturbing information where your split between wanting to tell but since this is time travel you don't know if it could change everything. Everyone has moved forward in their lives but at the same time they haven't since their teenagers I would say to young to be friendzoned but more like a situationship.
They get thrown into The Pirate Era ( Which I think is cool but probably the worse if your a outspoken independent girl.) Madison faces a lot of social challenges, she deals with famous captains and Pirate superstitions.
I would say more but I can't it's spoilers and I'm still processing. Paulene Turners writing is also great and hooks you right in where you can't stop.
This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Be sure to check out the whole series it's wholesome and fun and very well written. I believe it's something that's needed for higher readers at a younger age group at the same time if I was a teenager this would have been perfect. All great for Adults too!
This is continuing off from Madison and Riley's recent trip from the Wild West in America Book three with granny. ( I love her she's so cool.) Madison has found out some disturbing information where your split between wanting to tell but since this is time travel you don't know if it could change everything. Everyone has moved forward in their lives but at the same time they haven't since their teenagers I would say to young to be friendzoned but more like a situationship.
They get thrown into The Pirate Era ( Which I think is cool but probably the worse if your a outspoken independent girl.) Madison faces a lot of social challenges, she deals with famous captains and Pirate superstitions.
I would say more but I can't it's spoilers and I'm still processing. Paulene Turners writing is also great and hooks you right in where you can't stop.
This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Be sure to check out the whole series it's wholesome and fun and very well written. I believe it's something that's needed for higher readers at a younger age group at the same time if I was a teenager this would have been perfect. All great for Adults too!
July 8, 2024
I'm a sucker for a good time-travel story, so when I was offered an ARC of Black Tides, I jumped at the chance to read it, even though pirates aren't my thing. And boy howdy am I glad I did. The only thing regret is that I hadn't read the previous three books--not because I was lost since she does a great job of catching us up on previous events, but because it was That Good. (Spoiler alert--I'm heading off to read the first three ASAP.)
What. A. Ride. The main character, Madison Bryant, ends up in the 1700s when pirates ruled the seas. I found myself both rooting for her, and periodically wanting to slap some sense into her, which for me is the sign of a good book. She may be a teenager, but she's old enough (and probably has enough experience gained from the first three books) to make good (and bad) decisions.
Madison and Riley first get to the time period together, but due to circumstances of the time period are separated. Maddy has to begin their mission alone, which is not an easy thing for a single woman in that period, but she handles herself well and manages to keep out of too much trouble.
This book was well written, which is pretty unusual these days with all the self-publishing going on, was well researched, and the problems with time-travel are well thought out. Read it, you won't be disappointed.
What. A. Ride. The main character, Madison Bryant, ends up in the 1700s when pirates ruled the seas. I found myself both rooting for her, and periodically wanting to slap some sense into her, which for me is the sign of a good book. She may be a teenager, but she's old enough (and probably has enough experience gained from the first three books) to make good (and bad) decisions.
Madison and Riley first get to the time period together, but due to circumstances of the time period are separated. Maddy has to begin their mission alone, which is not an easy thing for a single woman in that period, but she handles herself well and manages to keep out of too much trouble.
This book was well written, which is pretty unusual these days with all the self-publishing going on, was well researched, and the problems with time-travel are well thought out. Read it, you won't be disappointed.
September 5, 2024
After reading two super-heavy novels (which I loved!), I wanted a fun read. Black Tides provided exactly what the doctor (er, librarian?) ordered! This YA time travel book serves up fast-paced adventure, with enough plot twists and romantic complications to keep the pages turning.
Maddy is a teen girl used to traveling through time, and when she sees the death date of her best friend, Riley, she’s determined to change history. But she gets stranded in the early 1700s and forced to serve aboard a pirate ship. Pirate life isn’t as glamorous as the movies make it out to be. It’s dangerous and brutal–-and you can never fully trust a fellow pirate.
Case in point: Captain Crowe, a dashing, handsome young pirate who has an eye on Maddy. Or is he using her to find a hidden treasure? Black Tides takes you on a wild and winding journey to find out.
I’d not read any of the previous books in this series, but I had no problem catching on. Author Paulene Turner does a great job of getting new readers up to speed. But I absolutely plan to go back and read the other books in this series! I’ve already got my copy of Secrets of the Nile. If you want a fun YA adventure, come along and join Maddy, Riley and the gang.
Maddy is a teen girl used to traveling through time, and when she sees the death date of her best friend, Riley, she’s determined to change history. But she gets stranded in the early 1700s and forced to serve aboard a pirate ship. Pirate life isn’t as glamorous as the movies make it out to be. It’s dangerous and brutal–-and you can never fully trust a fellow pirate.
Case in point: Captain Crowe, a dashing, handsome young pirate who has an eye on Maddy. Or is he using her to find a hidden treasure? Black Tides takes you on a wild and winding journey to find out.
I’d not read any of the previous books in this series, but I had no problem catching on. Author Paulene Turner does a great job of getting new readers up to speed. But I absolutely plan to go back and read the other books in this series! I’ve already got my copy of Secrets of the Nile. If you want a fun YA adventure, come along and join Maddy, Riley and the gang.
November 4, 2024
Paulene you have done it again!! I didn’t think the last 3 books could be beat but I was proven wrong. The twists and turns boggled my mind and kept me turning the pages without being able to stop. The characters were just brilliant, charming and cheeky and so much fun. This was a wonderful, exciting read and a beautiful continuation of the series. Every question that was answered left me with three more to agonise over. It’s way past my bedtime but I’m about to start on Book 5, I just can’t resist…!
August 21, 2024
5 stars = this is the best book in the series so far!
Oh, the swashbuckling! The 4th instalment of the Time Travel Chronicles does not start with a bang, but it certainly ends with one. Some of the tension around Maddy and Riley's will-they-or-won't-they issue is finally cleared up, but not completely resolved. The villains are getting more and more sinister, and the stakes are now up to life or death! All this to say, I can't wait until September, when Book 5, Samurai Steal, comes out.
Oh, the swashbuckling! The 4th instalment of the Time Travel Chronicles does not start with a bang, but it certainly ends with one. Some of the tension around Maddy and Riley's will-they-or-won't-they issue is finally cleared up, but not completely resolved. The villains are getting more and more sinister, and the stakes are now up to life or death! All this to say, I can't wait until September, when Book 5, Samurai Steal, comes out.
June 4, 2024
WOW! WOW! WOW! That's my first thoughts after finishing this book. It is truly an amazing and exciting adventure that pulls you in and leaves you wanting so much more! This one was just as remarkable as the first three, yet it was different in ways I didn't expect, and loved!!!! I didn't want to put it down! A must read, just like the first three! I certainly cannot wait for the next one!
June 21, 2024
Another sharp and compelling story in this collection. Books 1-3 were brilliant and 4 doesn't disappoint.
Not so much of a clear cut era like others, however, the Cornishwoman in me cannot resist a pirate story.
This has some rocky seas literally and metaphorically and this story is an adventure in itself.
A great addition to this series.
Not so much of a clear cut era like others, however, the Cornishwoman in me cannot resist a pirate story.
This has some rocky seas literally and metaphorically and this story is an adventure in itself.
A great addition to this series.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews