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Time Square #1
The Shift
Imagine a place where time is everything, and then something goes horribly wrong.
Lewis and Eva Hudson have a dad who is a part-time archaeologist. He likes to discover things, but Dr Rex Hudson isn’t the brightest flame in the fire. One day he arrives home with his biggest discovery yet, and dumps it in the basement. That’s the day when all the trouble starts.
In the blink of an eye, the Hudsons find themselves in the middle of a looming catastrophe. It’s a crisis so big that it threatens to break time itself. Add in a mysterious rival with a grudge to settle (Sultan Peppercorn), and a retired time traveller with a point to prove (James Blonde), and you have a recipe for mayhem.
Time Square | The Shift is an edge-of-your-seat time-travel adventure that’s full of action and great humour. It’s sure to leave you begging for a breather. Join Dr Rex Hudson, his two teens Lewis and Eva, and a whole cast of wonderful and wacky characters as they try to fix the unfixable.
Time Square is an exciting new series from the author of The Golden Scarab, The Cursed Nile, The Fallen Pharaoh and The Missing Link. If you loved the Quest series, then you'll love this new series even more.
Lewis and Eva Hudson have a dad who is a part-time archaeologist. He likes to discover things, but Dr Rex Hudson isn’t the brightest flame in the fire. One day he arrives home with his biggest discovery yet, and dumps it in the basement. That’s the day when all the trouble starts.
In the blink of an eye, the Hudsons find themselves in the middle of a looming catastrophe. It’s a crisis so big that it threatens to break time itself. Add in a mysterious rival with a grudge to settle (Sultan Peppercorn), and a retired time traveller with a point to prove (James Blonde), and you have a recipe for mayhem.
Time Square | The Shift is an edge-of-your-seat time-travel adventure that’s full of action and great humour. It’s sure to leave you begging for a breather. Join Dr Rex Hudson, his two teens Lewis and Eva, and a whole cast of wonderful and wacky characters as they try to fix the unfixable.
Time Square is an exciting new series from the author of The Golden Scarab, The Cursed Nile, The Fallen Pharaoh and The Missing Link. If you loved the Quest series, then you'll love this new series even more.
220 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2014
5 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
About the author
S.W. Lothian
9 books157 followersS.W. Lothian is an Australian author who creates edge-of-your-seat adventures that are great reads for all ages. His books range from those that thrill young adult readers with intrigue, drama, and suspense, to those that launch teens into exciting settings and action-filled mysteries while reminding older readers of their childhood dreams.
His new SUBWAY series explores a new level of tension and intrigue. Set in a dystopian New York City, it’s not too far removed from where we are today. The plot is a thought-provoking thriller and aims to be a new favorite for young adult fans of such greats as The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner.
The idea behind his highly successful debut middle-grade series, AXEL RHODES, was inspired by S.W’s own childhood favorites; such as Indiana Jones and anything to do with action, adventure, and time-travel.
He followed that up with his TIME SQUARE series, which is a more quirky and humorous take on time-travel. TIME SQUARE is packed full of the great settings and action his readers expect but has plenty of extra laughs and a great cast of offbeat characters as well.
S.W.’s mission is to write books that launch readers from the mundanity of life into exciting settings, action-filled mysteries, and thrilling intrigue – whilst leaving them exhausted in the process.
His debut novel, Axel Rhodes and the Golden Scarab (Axel Rhodes 1), was a 2013 READERS’ FAVORITE AWARD FINALIST.
Lothian hails from Western Australia and due to personal experience is an advocate for Childhood Cancer Awareness.
More information about S.W. and his books can be found at www.swlothian.com .
You can also find him on social media
> Facebook - S.W.Lothian : Author
> Twitter - @swlothian
> Instagram - swlothian
> Goodreads - swlothian
His new SUBWAY series explores a new level of tension and intrigue. Set in a dystopian New York City, it’s not too far removed from where we are today. The plot is a thought-provoking thriller and aims to be a new favorite for young adult fans of such greats as The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner.
The idea behind his highly successful debut middle-grade series, AXEL RHODES, was inspired by S.W’s own childhood favorites; such as Indiana Jones and anything to do with action, adventure, and time-travel.
He followed that up with his TIME SQUARE series, which is a more quirky and humorous take on time-travel. TIME SQUARE is packed full of the great settings and action his readers expect but has plenty of extra laughs and a great cast of offbeat characters as well.
S.W.’s mission is to write books that launch readers from the mundanity of life into exciting settings, action-filled mysteries, and thrilling intrigue – whilst leaving them exhausted in the process.
His debut novel, Axel Rhodes and the Golden Scarab (Axel Rhodes 1), was a 2013 READERS’ FAVORITE AWARD FINALIST.
Lothian hails from Western Australia and due to personal experience is an advocate for Childhood Cancer Awareness.
More information about S.W. and his books can be found at www.swlothian.com .
You can also find him on social media
> Facebook - S.W.Lothian : Author
> Twitter - @swlothian
> Instagram - swlothian
> Goodreads - swlothian
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 9, 2014
3.5 stars
Doctor Rex Hudson and his assistant Leesa were finding the going tough; the mountains were steep, the vegetation thick – their guide Diego was doing his best with the group of archaeologists in the wilds of Peru, but the Doctor would be glad when they reached the top. Searching for a relic which had never been found until now, he was sure he would succeed…
Twins Lewis and Eva and their younger brother Thomas hurried home from school the day they knew their father was arriving. He had been gone for two weeks with their Aunt Gracie looking after them in his absence and were excited about his return; they also wondered if he had found anything startling this time. The dirty old relic, which looked like a gigantic rock, was in their basement. An obelisk Doctor Hudson called it – they descended the stairs to check it out. Thomas was soon bored and took his seven year old self upstairs to play – but suddenly the gentle dusting of the relic turned ominous – and they vanished!
Their time was 1930 and they were living in Washington DC – the fiercest winter they had seen in quite some time was outside – but the arrival at their unexpected destination was stunning. Mind blowing! So very different from home. How did they get there? What had just happened? And how, oh how would they get home?
I really enjoyed this time travel adventure – of course I’ll have to read the next one now! The activities and adventures Lewis and Eva get up to, the uncertainty and danger, then the excitement of time travel, all are put together nicely to produce an entertaining read. Aussie author S.W. Lothian has also written the Quest series, of which I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the first (must read the rest!). Time Square is recommended for teenage readers and older who enjoy the thought of adventure and time travel.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
Doctor Rex Hudson and his assistant Leesa were finding the going tough; the mountains were steep, the vegetation thick – their guide Diego was doing his best with the group of archaeologists in the wilds of Peru, but the Doctor would be glad when they reached the top. Searching for a relic which had never been found until now, he was sure he would succeed…
Twins Lewis and Eva and their younger brother Thomas hurried home from school the day they knew their father was arriving. He had been gone for two weeks with their Aunt Gracie looking after them in his absence and were excited about his return; they also wondered if he had found anything startling this time. The dirty old relic, which looked like a gigantic rock, was in their basement. An obelisk Doctor Hudson called it – they descended the stairs to check it out. Thomas was soon bored and took his seven year old self upstairs to play – but suddenly the gentle dusting of the relic turned ominous – and they vanished!
Their time was 1930 and they were living in Washington DC – the fiercest winter they had seen in quite some time was outside – but the arrival at their unexpected destination was stunning. Mind blowing! So very different from home. How did they get there? What had just happened? And how, oh how would they get home?
I really enjoyed this time travel adventure – of course I’ll have to read the next one now! The activities and adventures Lewis and Eva get up to, the uncertainty and danger, then the excitement of time travel, all are put together nicely to produce an entertaining read. Aussie author S.W. Lothian has also written the Quest series, of which I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the first (must read the rest!). Time Square is recommended for teenage readers and older who enjoy the thought of adventure and time travel.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
March 30, 2018
Great fun and adventure for any age! The publisher's blurb gives hints and there is no need for spoilers, but that can't begin to prepare you for all the suspense and fun. There is mystery and painless learning, suspense and action in a rapid pace which keeps the reader's interest from beginning to end.
I won this ebook in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I won this ebook in a Goodreads Giveaway.
April 9, 2014
We begin our adventure when we join Dr. Rex Hudson and his research assistant Leesa on the top of Machu Picchu. They are on the precipice of a discovery after studying the notes of a Hiram Bingham, a noted American Explorer. When Rex and Leesa follow the clues, it leads them to a mysterious stone obelisk.
Little do they know, that removing the obelisk and transporting it home, will upset time itself.
Upon Dr Hudson's return, he begins to study the obelisk, with the help of his precocious twins, Lewis and Eva. All of a sudden the threesome find themselves being sucked into the mysterious object they are studying.
The next thing they know, they find themselves in Time Square, a seemingly magical place where every point of time passes through. Unfortunately, in their abrupt exit they managed to leave behind young Thomas. The trio are desperate to get home, when they encounter Charlie Tingleton, Director Of The Department of Breaches.
The Hudson's learn very quickly that their removal of the obelisk, set about a change of events called the SHIFT, and that the end of time is at stake. Many travelers who were en-route, during the SHIFT are also lost in time.
From here on in, we meet a quirky cast of characters, including a secretary highly skilled at alliteration, and The Governor a straight talking matriarch of Time Square who had me giggling every page she entered.
The Hudson's realise they are actually trapped in Time Square and returning home will be harder than they expected. Their mission is to get back to their own time, then embark on the arduous task of returning the Obelisk to its resting place in Machu Picchu.
Simple plan really, expect an old colleague of Dr Hudson who is hell bent on fame and fortune, steals the Obelisk, in the hope the he can finally steal the rather successful Dr.'s thunder.
Dr. Hudson becomes the Director of The Department Of The Lost and the kids volunteer to become rescuers.
Here Lewis and Eva join up with two other volunteers to learn the ropes in Max Wells and Razor Sharpe. They all begin their training, when more news comes to light and it is apparent that the rescue mission must begin asap. Hence, Operation Slingshot begins.
The kids are off on a mission to Roswell New Mexico in 1947, stay tuned for their further adventures.
Meanwhile, a bumbling time agent is dragged out of retirement to solve the mystery of who stole the obelisk from the Hudson's, enter James Blonde.... I have a feeling he is going to make me chuckle on each page too.
And thus begins another adventure series!!!!
Note I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Little do they know, that removing the obelisk and transporting it home, will upset time itself.
Upon Dr Hudson's return, he begins to study the obelisk, with the help of his precocious twins, Lewis and Eva. All of a sudden the threesome find themselves being sucked into the mysterious object they are studying.
The next thing they know, they find themselves in Time Square, a seemingly magical place where every point of time passes through. Unfortunately, in their abrupt exit they managed to leave behind young Thomas. The trio are desperate to get home, when they encounter Charlie Tingleton, Director Of The Department of Breaches.
The Hudson's learn very quickly that their removal of the obelisk, set about a change of events called the SHIFT, and that the end of time is at stake. Many travelers who were en-route, during the SHIFT are also lost in time.
From here on in, we meet a quirky cast of characters, including a secretary highly skilled at alliteration, and The Governor a straight talking matriarch of Time Square who had me giggling every page she entered.
The Hudson's realise they are actually trapped in Time Square and returning home will be harder than they expected. Their mission is to get back to their own time, then embark on the arduous task of returning the Obelisk to its resting place in Machu Picchu.
Simple plan really, expect an old colleague of Dr Hudson who is hell bent on fame and fortune, steals the Obelisk, in the hope the he can finally steal the rather successful Dr.'s thunder.
Dr. Hudson becomes the Director of The Department Of The Lost and the kids volunteer to become rescuers.
Here Lewis and Eva join up with two other volunteers to learn the ropes in Max Wells and Razor Sharpe. They all begin their training, when more news comes to light and it is apparent that the rescue mission must begin asap. Hence, Operation Slingshot begins.
The kids are off on a mission to Roswell New Mexico in 1947, stay tuned for their further adventures.
Meanwhile, a bumbling time agent is dragged out of retirement to solve the mystery of who stole the obelisk from the Hudson's, enter James Blonde.... I have a feeling he is going to make me chuckle on each page too.
And thus begins another adventure series!!!!
Note I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2014
“Time Square: The Shift” by S.W. Lothian launches a clever and highly entertaining new series from this well-known author of the “Quest” series of stories. Geared toward middle grade readers, this story will be appreciated by readers of all ages.
Beginning halfway up the Andes Mountains en route to Machu Picchu, the story follows archaeologist Dr. Rex Hudson as he seeks a mystical Incan artefact he believes is hidden at the popular site. His assistant stumbles upon the artefact, and soon the duo is returning to the US with artefact in tow.
Dr. Hudson does not realize just how significant his find is. Nor does he realize just how much trouble he would cause by moving it from its hidden location in the Andes. He and two of his children soon would find themselves in a strange, unexpected location at the center of all time, from whence they would begin an adventure beyond their wildest imaginations.
“Time Square: The Shift” is the very well written product of Lothian’s superb creativity. His characters are very well depicted, and readers will find themselves growing to love their favorites as the story unfolds. Various quirks are entrenched in the many personalities in this story, each of which serves to further define the person who exhibits them. Readers may recognize some of the characters as sharing quirks with real people they may know, which always adds to the fun.
I have to strongly recommend ALL of Lothian’s books for the middle grade reader, particularly if that reader is somewhat un-enamored of reading a book. The story will pull them in, in spite of their resistance, and that can be a major turning point in a young person’s life. Or even an older person. Start the “Time Square” series by reading “The Shift”, but don’t be reluctant to check out the “Quest” series as well. It will be money well spent.
Beginning halfway up the Andes Mountains en route to Machu Picchu, the story follows archaeologist Dr. Rex Hudson as he seeks a mystical Incan artefact he believes is hidden at the popular site. His assistant stumbles upon the artefact, and soon the duo is returning to the US with artefact in tow.
Dr. Hudson does not realize just how significant his find is. Nor does he realize just how much trouble he would cause by moving it from its hidden location in the Andes. He and two of his children soon would find themselves in a strange, unexpected location at the center of all time, from whence they would begin an adventure beyond their wildest imaginations.
“Time Square: The Shift” is the very well written product of Lothian’s superb creativity. His characters are very well depicted, and readers will find themselves growing to love their favorites as the story unfolds. Various quirks are entrenched in the many personalities in this story, each of which serves to further define the person who exhibits them. Readers may recognize some of the characters as sharing quirks with real people they may know, which always adds to the fun.
I have to strongly recommend ALL of Lothian’s books for the middle grade reader, particularly if that reader is somewhat un-enamored of reading a book. The story will pull them in, in spite of their resistance, and that can be a major turning point in a young person’s life. Or even an older person. Start the “Time Square” series by reading “The Shift”, but don’t be reluctant to check out the “Quest” series as well. It will be money well spent.
October 12, 2019
I'm biased :)
April 29, 2015
Time Square | The Shift is set in the 1930′s and is a science fiction tale which blends mystery, time travel, and suspense. The story centres around Dr. Rex Hudson – who makes a life changing discovery deep in the jungles of Machu Picchu in Peru – and his twin daughter and son who inadvertently go along for the adventure of a lifetime when all three fall through a portal that takes them to Time Square – the central station of time travel.
Dr. Hudson and his family soon learn that the removal of a strange obelisk from its resting place in Peru has triggered a series of events that may forever change the flow of time. In fact, fractures in time have already occurred leaving time travelers stranded in unexpected and unknown locations. It is up to Dr. Hudson, his children, and others at Time Square to return the obelisk to its resting place and to rescue the time travellers stranded across space and time.
In a formula reminiscent of the Quest series, the author once again pens a thrilling roller-coaster ride of an adventure with a twist of time travel. Readers dive right into the story as we come upon Dr. Rex and the other members of his search party as they are attacked by a band of poo-slinging, marauding monkeys. The quick pace of the story grabs your attention from page one and keeps it until you turn the final page. The author excels at keeping a young reader engaged by incorporating lots of action and witty dialogue between the quirky characters. There are definitely many great one-liners that had me laughing out loud!
I felt that the author hit the right balance in discussing the intricacies and complexity of time travel to the story. There is just enough information to keep it interesting, but not enough to overwhelm young readers. I loved the concept of a central station where a privileged few have the opportunity to travel back in time or to the future. Sign me up! The only comment I have is that I felt that the dialogue used among the doctor and his children in particular did not reflect the way people would speak in the 1930′s. It felt more like the way kids today would speak. The positive side of this is that children today could probably relate more easily to the children in the book because their language is similar.
Time Square | The Shift is the first book in a planned series that will see the main characters moving forward with a number of sub-plots including finding and relocating the obelisk as well as finding and rescuing the stranded time travellers. In short, there is a lot more story to be told and I’m coming along for that ride!
My Bottom Line:
Time Square | The Shift is a quick-paced adventure featuring a quirky cast of characters who frequently engage in witty dialogue; an intricate and suspenseful plot that will keep readers turning the pages; and plenty of humorous moments that will keep the reader entertained. I recommend this series to middle graders who love time travel and a great adventure. Ages 8+
* This book was given to me free-of-charge in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
Dr. Hudson and his family soon learn that the removal of a strange obelisk from its resting place in Peru has triggered a series of events that may forever change the flow of time. In fact, fractures in time have already occurred leaving time travelers stranded in unexpected and unknown locations. It is up to Dr. Hudson, his children, and others at Time Square to return the obelisk to its resting place and to rescue the time travellers stranded across space and time.
In a formula reminiscent of the Quest series, the author once again pens a thrilling roller-coaster ride of an adventure with a twist of time travel. Readers dive right into the story as we come upon Dr. Rex and the other members of his search party as they are attacked by a band of poo-slinging, marauding monkeys. The quick pace of the story grabs your attention from page one and keeps it until you turn the final page. The author excels at keeping a young reader engaged by incorporating lots of action and witty dialogue between the quirky characters. There are definitely many great one-liners that had me laughing out loud!
I felt that the author hit the right balance in discussing the intricacies and complexity of time travel to the story. There is just enough information to keep it interesting, but not enough to overwhelm young readers. I loved the concept of a central station where a privileged few have the opportunity to travel back in time or to the future. Sign me up! The only comment I have is that I felt that the dialogue used among the doctor and his children in particular did not reflect the way people would speak in the 1930′s. It felt more like the way kids today would speak. The positive side of this is that children today could probably relate more easily to the children in the book because their language is similar.
Time Square | The Shift is the first book in a planned series that will see the main characters moving forward with a number of sub-plots including finding and relocating the obelisk as well as finding and rescuing the stranded time travellers. In short, there is a lot more story to be told and I’m coming along for that ride!
My Bottom Line:
Time Square | The Shift is a quick-paced adventure featuring a quirky cast of characters who frequently engage in witty dialogue; an intricate and suspenseful plot that will keep readers turning the pages; and plenty of humorous moments that will keep the reader entertained. I recommend this series to middle graders who love time travel and a great adventure. Ages 8+
* This book was given to me free-of-charge in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 7, 2014
TIME SQUARE opens in 1930 with Dr Rex Hudson battling his way through the jungles in Peru to get to an ancient ruin!! In the ruins he finds a small obelisk that many other archaeologists have searched for but never found. He takes it home and puts it in the basement which is where it is sitting when Eva and Lewis along with their younger brother Thomas race home after school. They can’t see why their dad is all excited by what looks like a dirty old rock and Thomas soon wanders off upstairs. But Eva, Lewis and their father start cleaning the rock and vanish. Thomas hears them call for help and thinks at first they are playing a game of hide and seek, but when he can’t find them he raises an alarm and the police arrive – but there is no sign of the missing family members and no clues. The house gets locked up and Thomas goes to stay with his Aunty Grace.
The missing Hudson’s haven’t actually gone too far, they are in a place called Time Square which is the centre of all time, past, present and future. Time square is a portal to any period of history and it is located right inside the obelisk, in fact a whole society lives in there along with the time travellers who pop in and out. By moving the obelisk from its South American resting place untold damage has been done, a shift has occurred (similar to an earthquake in our world) and serious damage in Time Square will impact on our time, in fact it could result in time as we know it ending. Solutions have to found, and quickly, but before they can be enacted another huge shift occurs, Time Square is shaken, Time Square has been stolen. Who has taken it? How can they fix the problem? And how can they get back to young Thomas?
TIME SQUARE is the first in a trilogy and is very much aimed at younger teens and older children. There are lots of funny lines and a wide range of really quirky characters introduced to the reader. Dr Hudson is a well-meaning but clumsy but fortunately Eva and Lewis are very brave, and ready for adventure. Bring it on!
Despite the fact that I wasn’t in the age group that the book was aimed at, I really enjoyed the story and can see how kids would love it. Poo being flung, people being flung, walking talking statues being flung – such a lot of flinging – it is so much fun. And I can recommend it for kids from age 8 up.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
The missing Hudson’s haven’t actually gone too far, they are in a place called Time Square which is the centre of all time, past, present and future. Time square is a portal to any period of history and it is located right inside the obelisk, in fact a whole society lives in there along with the time travellers who pop in and out. By moving the obelisk from its South American resting place untold damage has been done, a shift has occurred (similar to an earthquake in our world) and serious damage in Time Square will impact on our time, in fact it could result in time as we know it ending. Solutions have to found, and quickly, but before they can be enacted another huge shift occurs, Time Square is shaken, Time Square has been stolen. Who has taken it? How can they fix the problem? And how can they get back to young Thomas?
TIME SQUARE is the first in a trilogy and is very much aimed at younger teens and older children. There are lots of funny lines and a wide range of really quirky characters introduced to the reader. Dr Hudson is a well-meaning but clumsy but fortunately Eva and Lewis are very brave, and ready for adventure. Bring it on!
Despite the fact that I wasn’t in the age group that the book was aimed at, I really enjoyed the story and can see how kids would love it. Poo being flung, people being flung, walking talking statues being flung – such a lot of flinging – it is so much fun. And I can recommend it for kids from age 8 up.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
May 6, 2014
S.W. Lothian's imagination holds no bounds, as we found in his previous books - the Quest series - when some kids were drawn to ancient Egypt via Time Square. Now Time Square takes centre stage in this exciting adventure in which the very existence of time is threatened.
We are in the 1930s. Dr. Hudson returns from an expedition to the recently discovered Machu Picchu with a strange obelisk. He shows it to his children, twins Eva and Lewis, and they find themselves whisked through a time portal to Time Square - where someone is expecting them. Someone not very pleased. Someone very pompous. Someone who is expecting trouble. Big trouble.
The obelisk turns out to be central to the maintenance of time. It's been moved and placed in totally unsuitable conditions. Time reacts violently - very violently, and Time Square is in chaos as a result. The only thing to do is return the obelisk to its proper position - but Dr. Hudson's science rival has stolen it and moved it once again. Forbidden to mess further with time, Dr. Hudson can only watch and wait as the experts get to work to save them.
It's an exciting storyline. There are lovely touches, such as the people with alliterative names who speak alliteratively too! I laughed out loud at a line I really should have seen coming. Time Square is beautifully described; the chaos that reigns during shifts is suitably pendular, so that things rush to and fro across the floor as time shifts. One could get quite seasick reading it!
Unfortunately there are some stylistic issues that detracted from my enjoyment, and I had no idea that we were going to be left with a cliff-hanger ending. I'm a person that likes my series to be complete stories in themselves, not a serial. Loose ends, fine. If you don't mind, then give this book an extra star, but that's why it's a 3 from me. 3.5 for ingenuity.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest, unbiased review.
We are in the 1930s. Dr. Hudson returns from an expedition to the recently discovered Machu Picchu with a strange obelisk. He shows it to his children, twins Eva and Lewis, and they find themselves whisked through a time portal to Time Square - where someone is expecting them. Someone not very pleased. Someone very pompous. Someone who is expecting trouble. Big trouble.
The obelisk turns out to be central to the maintenance of time. It's been moved and placed in totally unsuitable conditions. Time reacts violently - very violently, and Time Square is in chaos as a result. The only thing to do is return the obelisk to its proper position - but Dr. Hudson's science rival has stolen it and moved it once again. Forbidden to mess further with time, Dr. Hudson can only watch and wait as the experts get to work to save them.
It's an exciting storyline. There are lovely touches, such as the people with alliterative names who speak alliteratively too! I laughed out loud at a line I really should have seen coming. Time Square is beautifully described; the chaos that reigns during shifts is suitably pendular, so that things rush to and fro across the floor as time shifts. One could get quite seasick reading it!
Unfortunately there are some stylistic issues that detracted from my enjoyment, and I had no idea that we were going to be left with a cliff-hanger ending. I'm a person that likes my series to be complete stories in themselves, not a serial. Loose ends, fine. If you don't mind, then give this book an extra star, but that's why it's a 3 from me. 3.5 for ingenuity.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest, unbiased review.
November 4, 2014
I must admit, I never heard of the "Quest" series by S.W. Lothian. This is my first book. When I looked at the cover, I knew I had to read it! It looked funny and adventurous. Most of all, I had to know what is happening to them! This book does not disappoint! It exceeded all my expectations and then some. I am not a young person, myself, but I love books for young people, because they are simply the BEST!
This is a story about a famous archeologist who brings home a find. He has three children. When the two oldest, a boy and a girl, are looking at the find, they and their dad were sucked into the center of time, "Time Square". The youngest boy is left home alone until his aunt picks him up.
The father's arch nemesis, whose name is Sultan, went to school with the Doctor. However, he is very jealous of the Doctor's successes. So, when he finds out that Dr. Hudson and his children have disappeared, he and his assistant rummage through the whole house looking for the artifact. Sultan wants to claim it as his and become famous, himself.
What happens is a grand adventure. However the family wants to return home, they can't until the artifact is returned to its rightful place, or else all time will stop. Every time the object is moved, weird things happen in the Time Square to all of the people. There are some really funny moments where I could not help but roar out laughing. I mean, full out laughter. There are things that happen that not even Harry Potter had ever seen before. The book is full of imagination on a GRAND scale. You will be in awe of the intrigue, suspense, and wondering what is going to happen to these people. The story is also full of quirky, wacko people and moving statues. It is a pure delight. If you want to know what happens, pick up a copy and start reading! You will fall in love with it instantly. It is a story the whole family will enjoy!
*I was provided with a free copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
This is a story about a famous archeologist who brings home a find. He has three children. When the two oldest, a boy and a girl, are looking at the find, they and their dad were sucked into the center of time, "Time Square". The youngest boy is left home alone until his aunt picks him up.
The father's arch nemesis, whose name is Sultan, went to school with the Doctor. However, he is very jealous of the Doctor's successes. So, when he finds out that Dr. Hudson and his children have disappeared, he and his assistant rummage through the whole house looking for the artifact. Sultan wants to claim it as his and become famous, himself.
What happens is a grand adventure. However the family wants to return home, they can't until the artifact is returned to its rightful place, or else all time will stop. Every time the object is moved, weird things happen in the Time Square to all of the people. There are some really funny moments where I could not help but roar out laughing. I mean, full out laughter. There are things that happen that not even Harry Potter had ever seen before. The book is full of imagination on a GRAND scale. You will be in awe of the intrigue, suspense, and wondering what is going to happen to these people. The story is also full of quirky, wacko people and moving statues. It is a pure delight. If you want to know what happens, pick up a copy and start reading! You will fall in love with it instantly. It is a story the whole family will enjoy!
*I was provided with a free copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
April 21, 2014
This is another wonderful series from this author. In this series we meet Dr. Rex Hudson and his family. Dr. Hudson and his assistant are in Peru at Machu Pichu looking for something important. They find a black obelisk and have it shipped back to his home. Once home he shares the exciting find with two of his three children, twins Eva and Lewis. While inspecting it the three of them are sucked into it and find themselves in Time Square where all time goes through. Unfortunately when they are sucked through the youngest son Thomas is left at home with his aunt who had been staying with them while their father is away. Once in Time Square Dr. Hudson realizes by bringing back the obelisk he has upset time and time travelers everywhere are stuck. He and the children must find a way to get back home and get the obelisk back to where it belongs. Unfortunately the obelisk is stolen making their job more difficult. The children are set to the task of helping to rescue those stuck in time.
Like his previous books in the Quest Series, S.W. Lothian is a master at creating time travel stories. The other thing I love about his books is that he has the ability to tie adventure, suspense and humor all together in one book. This is definitely the recipe for hooking a middle grade reader. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read and review this book. It is one I will put on my shelves at school and then sit and wait impatiently for the next book in the series.
I received a review copy from the author.
Like his previous books in the Quest Series, S.W. Lothian is a master at creating time travel stories. The other thing I love about his books is that he has the ability to tie adventure, suspense and humor all together in one book. This is definitely the recipe for hooking a middle grade reader. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read and review this book. It is one I will put on my shelves at school and then sit and wait impatiently for the next book in the series.
I received a review copy from the author.
March 27, 2014
Full review at http://thebookshelfgargoyle.wordpress... (from April 2nd, 2014)
I received a digital copy of this title for review from the author.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Dr Hudson wants to uncover the secrets of Machu Picchu. Dr Hudson accidentally endangers time itself. D'oh.
I think this book will appeal greatly to kids who like the idea of time travel and solving ancient mysteries. The book is set in 1930, but the language use is definitely not accurate for the period. While this took a bit of getting used to for me as an adult reader, I don’t think it will bother young readers unduly.
There are a lot of funny one-liners and quirky characters to keep middle grade readers interested so I suspect that this will be a real hit with the age group. Dr Hudson is a well-meaning but bumbling sort of fellow and his kids have plenty of pluck and wit about them. The historical and fantasy themes are also a refreshing change from the currently popular crop of middle grade books set in contemporary times, and limited to the school/home setting.
I would recommend this series for confident readers aged eight and over who are inspired by historical mysteries and the possibilities of manipulating time.
I received a digital copy of this title for review from the author.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Dr Hudson wants to uncover the secrets of Machu Picchu. Dr Hudson accidentally endangers time itself. D'oh.
I think this book will appeal greatly to kids who like the idea of time travel and solving ancient mysteries. The book is set in 1930, but the language use is definitely not accurate for the period. While this took a bit of getting used to for me as an adult reader, I don’t think it will bother young readers unduly.
There are a lot of funny one-liners and quirky characters to keep middle grade readers interested so I suspect that this will be a real hit with the age group. Dr Hudson is a well-meaning but bumbling sort of fellow and his kids have plenty of pluck and wit about them. The historical and fantasy themes are also a refreshing change from the currently popular crop of middle grade books set in contemporary times, and limited to the school/home setting.
I would recommend this series for confident readers aged eight and over who are inspired by historical mysteries and the possibilities of manipulating time.
July 5, 2014
When I found out Mr. Lothian was writing another series, I was very happy. I am a fan of his first series – The Quest books. The first book in his new series didn’t disappoint! First of all – bonus points for a very cool cover!
This was a great book. I think it explains how Time Square (NOT the place in NYC but a time travel center made up by Mr. Lothian) works (an idea from one of his QUEST books) very well. I like how it shows a scene from a QUEST book (the characters meeting another character). That was a nice touch. Much like Mr. Lothian’s Quest series, this book is packed with action and humor. I really enjoy his writing style. I think he writes for middle-grade kids very well but all ages will enjoy the story. The plot was fun and it makes the reader want to read more. I did get hung up in a few spots thinking – “well why didn’t they just transport back to such and such a time and fix everything,” but overall I think the plot hung together very well. I like the characters of Eva and Lewis. The other characters in the book are great too and many add a lot of humor to the story. I am already adding Book 2 (which isn’t out yet) to my TBR list!
*NOTE I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This was a great book. I think it explains how Time Square (NOT the place in NYC but a time travel center made up by Mr. Lothian) works (an idea from one of his QUEST books) very well. I like how it shows a scene from a QUEST book (the characters meeting another character). That was a nice touch. Much like Mr. Lothian’s Quest series, this book is packed with action and humor. I really enjoy his writing style. I think he writes for middle-grade kids very well but all ages will enjoy the story. The plot was fun and it makes the reader want to read more. I did get hung up in a few spots thinking – “well why didn’t they just transport back to such and such a time and fix everything,” but overall I think the plot hung together very well. I like the characters of Eva and Lewis. The other characters in the book are great too and many add a lot of humor to the story. I am already adding Book 2 (which isn’t out yet) to my TBR list!
*NOTE I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
May 13, 2016
This book was a really fun ride, packed with an awesome cast of wacky characters and full of zany situations. I liked that it was set in the past, and really enjoyed the whole atmosphere of the book. The author has done a great job of creating a wonderful little world. In it, the doctor has found an obelisk with magical, time travel properties during an archaeology dig, and it ends up causing all sorts of problems. It becomes a race to see if the doctor and his kids can fix what's happened.
I liked the bumbling villain and his underling, and all the funny thoughts the underling had about his boss. The doctor was great, brilliant yet scatterbrained. One of my favorite characters was his daughter, who is clever and down-to-earth. Her brother was great, too, with his snarky commentary that pretty much hit the nail every time and at all the right moments. I found myself laughing, and sometimes I wished I could jump right in there and join in the action :D
Recommended for middle grade readers who like fun, adventurous stories.
I liked the bumbling villain and his underling, and all the funny thoughts the underling had about his boss. The doctor was great, brilliant yet scatterbrained. One of my favorite characters was his daughter, who is clever and down-to-earth. Her brother was great, too, with his snarky commentary that pretty much hit the nail every time and at all the right moments. I found myself laughing, and sometimes I wished I could jump right in there and join in the action :D
Recommended for middle grade readers who like fun, adventurous stories.
May 18, 2014
This was a different read from what I was expecting having read his Quest Series books. The dad Rex Hudson really is the focus for most of this book because it is his discovery that has put the world at risk. Two of his children Lewis and Eva are transported to Time Square with their dad when the powers that be decide that Rex must return his discovery or risk the end of the world.
It is at the end of The Shift that Lewis and Eva start to take on a bigger role which will continue in Book 2. This was where I was expecting Book 1 to start. However, S. W. Lothian is such a good writer that I'm sure the two kids and readers will be plunged headlong into adventures and problems in the rest of the series. One distinct feature about his books is that a good dose of humor is also thrown in, so far by Lewis.
As always, Lothian does his own cover designs, and The Shift's cover pulls readers right in as well as bringing a smile to their faces.
It is at the end of The Shift that Lewis and Eva start to take on a bigger role which will continue in Book 2. This was where I was expecting Book 1 to start. However, S. W. Lothian is such a good writer that I'm sure the two kids and readers will be plunged headlong into adventures and problems in the rest of the series. One distinct feature about his books is that a good dose of humor is also thrown in, so far by Lewis.
As always, Lothian does his own cover designs, and The Shift's cover pulls readers right in as well as bringing a smile to their faces.
August 6, 2016
My youngest (9) son and I enjoyed reading this book. He laughed out loud a time or two, which is out of the ordinary for him. We agree this is a fun book to read and definitely keeps the attention of younger readers quite well. When we finished the book he asked for the next one so that is a very good sign. He liked the silliness of the characters and how they worked together to solve things. Personally I feel this is a great book for younger (6-12) minds even though I found a few minor issues I wouldn't accept in an adult book. We received an evaluation copy in exchange for our honest unpaid opinion.
October 3, 2014
Review: TIME SQUARE SHIFT and TIME SQUARE UFO SW LOTHIAN
Author SW LOTHIAN has consistently proven his ability to pen adventurous, intriguing, novels for middle-grade readers. His QUEST series introduced reader's to the glory of Ancient Egypt with clever time-travel, "learn while adventuring." In this new series, he postulates, not just time travel, but threats to the actual nature and existing of time. In the 1930's, an "absent-minded" professor and his adolescent daughter and son discover unexpected adventures, in a delightful and educational series
Author SW LOTHIAN has consistently proven his ability to pen adventurous, intriguing, novels for middle-grade readers. His QUEST series introduced reader's to the glory of Ancient Egypt with clever time-travel, "learn while adventuring." In this new series, he postulates, not just time travel, but threats to the actual nature and existing of time. In the 1930's, an "absent-minded" professor and his adolescent daughter and son discover unexpected adventures, in a delightful and educational series
September 10, 2014
When arch enemy archeologist Dr. Sultan steals the obelisk that serves as a portal for time travel, the fabric of time itself becomes damaged, stranding time travelers everywhere and every when. THE SHIFT is nice intro into S.W. Lothian's new intriguing series. Filled with plenty of action, mind-bending plot ideas, clever wordplay, and middle grade humor, The Time Square begins with great promise of adventures to come.
October 7, 2014
I read this book on my e-reader this summer, while on a long road trip. I'm glad I did: Time Square-The Shift had me hooked from the beginning. I found myself reading portions out loud, making my kids laugh with me.
S.W. Lothian has truly captured that middle-grade audience in this book. I heard the next in the series just came out, so I can get back to the fun...
S.W. Lothian has truly captured that middle-grade audience in this book. I heard the next in the series just came out, so I can get back to the fun...
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