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Time Hunters #4
The Time Hunters and the Sword of Ages
'The Time Hunters and the Sword of Ages' is the fourth book in the bestselling Time Hunters saga.
After a terrifying encounter with Emerson Drake, Becky and Joe Mellor return to Bowen Hall for the Easter Holidays. All seems quite normal until they meet Shamus Cusack, a young Irishman with a shocking story to tell, and are pitched into a quest for the fourth Eden Relic, the Sword of Ages.
So begins the most powerful Time Hunters adventure yet ... a thrilling story that leads Becky, Joe, Uncle Percy and Will to 1950s Italy, Medieval England, and the subterranean caves of Loch Ness.
The clock is winding down ...
After a terrifying encounter with Emerson Drake, Becky and Joe Mellor return to Bowen Hall for the Easter Holidays. All seems quite normal until they meet Shamus Cusack, a young Irishman with a shocking story to tell, and are pitched into a quest for the fourth Eden Relic, the Sword of Ages.
So begins the most powerful Time Hunters adventure yet ... a thrilling story that leads Becky, Joe, Uncle Percy and Will to 1950s Italy, Medieval England, and the subterranean caves of Loch Ness.
The clock is winding down ...
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2014
277 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Carl Ashmore
15 books80 followersI'm a children's writer from Cheshire in England. 'The Time Hunters' is my first novel. The series continues with 'The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity', 'The Time Hunters and the Spear of Fate', 'The Time Hunters and the Sword of Ages' and 'The Time Hunters and the Lost City'.
I have also completed two non-Time Hunters novels - 'The Night they Nicked Saint Nick' and 'Bernard and the Bibble.'
I am currently working on the first book in another series for children - 'Zak Fisher and the Angel Prophecy'.
I like alternative music, Marvel comics, Naan breads and coriander. I am rubbish at fixing stuff.
Please come and meet me at www.carlashmore.com
If you have any questions then contact me on carlashmore@mailcity.com. We could share a virtual cup of tea and discuss books :)
I have also completed two non-Time Hunters novels - 'The Night they Nicked Saint Nick' and 'Bernard and the Bibble.'
I am currently working on the first book in another series for children - 'Zak Fisher and the Angel Prophecy'.
I like alternative music, Marvel comics, Naan breads and coriander. I am rubbish at fixing stuff.
Please come and meet me at www.carlashmore.com
If you have any questions then contact me on carlashmore@mailcity.com. We could share a virtual cup of tea and discuss books :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 16, 2014
The first two Harry Potter novels were a delight for many reasons, not least because they conveyed a wide-eyed wonderment and awe-filled innocence about a fantastical and magical world of wizardry that stimulated imaginations both young and old. In the same way but within the setting of a time travelling community, Carl Ashmore wrote three wonderful Time Hunter books containing the same sense of wonderment and innocence that captured and captivated my own imagination.
The fourth book in this series – The Time Hunters and the Sword of Ages – carries this on while also introducing some darkness and a real sense of danger and consequence for our heroes. There is major impact for the main characters that will have fans of the books at least choking up, if not reaching for tissues to mop up their tears.
This is all more like a fading to dusk rather than a moonless night and there is still enough humour along the way to keep most of the proceedings light and irreverent in keeping with the proceeding books. And there are the usual nods and references Carl slips in to the stories that I love – in particular look out for the names of some of the Merry Men.
Some hints and threads from the previous books are expanded on and explained so that we learn more about almost every major character’s history and backstory; some are rather shocking and astonishing to say the least.
The story rattles along at pace, rarely letting up, so you are compelled to keep turning the pages not matter how late it is or the fact your lunch break is over and you have to go back to work. Sure, some of the time travel science is a bit of a stretch – would having a cyborg dinosaur, army jeeps and tanks rampaging through Medieval Britain really have no impact on the future? – but that is part of the charm of The Time Hunters series.
Somehow, Carl Ashmore has defied The Law of Diminishing Returns and delivered yet another wonderful romp full of action, adventure, humour, and clever twists and turns. Fans of the previous Time Hunters books will not be disappointed (though rather saddened) and many will be wishing they had a time machine of their own so they can jump forward in time to read the fifth and final book in this glorious book series.
The fourth book in this series – The Time Hunters and the Sword of Ages – carries this on while also introducing some darkness and a real sense of danger and consequence for our heroes. There is major impact for the main characters that will have fans of the books at least choking up, if not reaching for tissues to mop up their tears.
This is all more like a fading to dusk rather than a moonless night and there is still enough humour along the way to keep most of the proceedings light and irreverent in keeping with the proceeding books. And there are the usual nods and references Carl slips in to the stories that I love – in particular look out for the names of some of the Merry Men.
Some hints and threads from the previous books are expanded on and explained so that we learn more about almost every major character’s history and backstory; some are rather shocking and astonishing to say the least.
The story rattles along at pace, rarely letting up, so you are compelled to keep turning the pages not matter how late it is or the fact your lunch break is over and you have to go back to work. Sure, some of the time travel science is a bit of a stretch – would having a cyborg dinosaur, army jeeps and tanks rampaging through Medieval Britain really have no impact on the future? – but that is part of the charm of The Time Hunters series.
Somehow, Carl Ashmore has defied The Law of Diminishing Returns and delivered yet another wonderful romp full of action, adventure, humour, and clever twists and turns. Fans of the previous Time Hunters books will not be disappointed (though rather saddened) and many will be wishing they had a time machine of their own so they can jump forward in time to read the fifth and final book in this glorious book series.
April 17, 2014
Our friends Becky, Joe, Uncle Percy and Will are on the hunt for another Eden Relic, the Sword of Ages. Natural their arch enemy Emerson Drake and his henchman Otto Krueger are looking for it too, for the power is confers. As always with Carl Ashmore’s books, there’s plenty of action and excitement but there’s always more under the surface. The children’s characters are so wonderfully real and I can hear their conversations in my head – they ring very true! We learn a great deal more about the past of some of the characters including Joe. There are hidden depths in this story and it’s a nail-biting read.
Fans of The Time Hunters are going to snap this up and they aren’t going to be disappointed. I read it in just a couple of days and it took me from laughter to being a little choked up. You mustn’t miss this!
Fans of The Time Hunters are going to snap this up and they aren’t going to be disappointed. I read it in just a couple of days and it took me from laughter to being a little choked up. You mustn’t miss this!
April 27, 2014
The Sword of Ages is the fourth instalment in The Time Hunters series. This time Becky, Joe and Uncle Percy are on the trail of a sword in medieval England.
The best thing about the whole series of stories is that young readers are never spoken down to or the story dumbed down, and older readers can pick up on references younger ones might not.
As the young characters get older, the stories get a little more "grown up". This one is quite dark and scary at times. The evil characters are more evil and the youngsters have to deal with more. None of this takes away from the fact that this is a romping great tale. We find out more about the other characters, especially Will's back story.
I do think that this is the best of the lot so far. I also think it could be read on its own, but it is far far better to have followed the stories. I really like Becky and Joe's relationship where they are always calling each other names, but are always fiercely protective of each other.
The only negative thing about this book is that it finishes. I'm always left wanting more.
The best thing about the whole series of stories is that young readers are never spoken down to or the story dumbed down, and older readers can pick up on references younger ones might not.
As the young characters get older, the stories get a little more "grown up". This one is quite dark and scary at times. The evil characters are more evil and the youngsters have to deal with more. None of this takes away from the fact that this is a romping great tale. We find out more about the other characters, especially Will's back story.
I do think that this is the best of the lot so far. I also think it could be read on its own, but it is far far better to have followed the stories. I really like Becky and Joe's relationship where they are always calling each other names, but are always fiercely protective of each other.
The only negative thing about this book is that it finishes. I'm always left wanting more.
April 23, 2014
A fantastic read. As always, the characters are relatable and real, the writing is excellent, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first word. I picked the book up this morning and didn't stop reading until it was finished. Excellent addition to the Time Hunters series and I look forward to the next book.
May 26, 2022
Heart breaking
Book 4 this book is a very sad one (young kids might struggle with the loss) I cried.This series is really about becky,Joe and uncle Percy.But will has been in it from the start as Percy side kick and protector (but I guess really he was joes,but made friendship with percy, think they was close in age, give 10 years?) I don't want to give stuff away so will try not to give clues but William had it ruff as we all know he never got the girl because he had no money (shame on her) he had to protect the prince (saw that coming by the way) nearly died Percy takes him to another time, where he fights still,never gets to raise his own kids it just so sad.
This was a great read, but for me if 10 year olds are reading I want great endings, there dad is STILL missing will it be the whole series? Think it's time he got back to them couldn't he have grabbed that watch and bounced?isn't he a smart man?
Book 4 this book is a very sad one (young kids might struggle with the loss) I cried.This series is really about becky,Joe and uncle Percy.But will has been in it from the start as Percy side kick and protector (but I guess really he was joes,but made friendship with percy, think they was close in age, give 10 years?) I don't want to give stuff away so will try not to give clues but William had it ruff as we all know he never got the girl because he had no money (shame on her) he had to protect the prince (saw that coming by the way) nearly died Percy takes him to another time, where he fights still,never gets to raise his own kids it just so sad.
This was a great read, but for me if 10 year olds are reading I want great endings, there dad is STILL missing will it be the whole series? Think it's time he got back to them couldn't he have grabbed that watch and bounced?isn't he a smart man?
August 11, 2018
GREAT late elementary / middle grade book. I thoroughly enjoyed this time travel series in its entirety. Likable characters who develop over time, smart plot, unique premise, and just plain fun. Themes of bravery, loyalty, and standing up for what's right are heavily emphasized. I also appreciated the strong (though not perfect) relationship between a brother and sister. Also, instead of creating a whole new word to enjoy, the book encourages you to appreciate the incredible history, man-made and natural sites, and the achievements of the world we already live in.
October 1, 2022
A mixed bag, different but not necessarily better.
Deviating slightly from the normal formula, we still have a quest, but it feels less important (and also fails) the real story here are the development of some of the characters, for better or worse.
A few things is starting to annoy me:
How can or villain drake be so all knowable and resourceful, having access to an endless number of thugs and material and still leave his worst enemies alive every time he have them in his power.
Modern vehicles like jeeps cannot just race though medieval roads, which are built for horses and ox carts.
Deviating slightly from the normal formula, we still have a quest, but it feels less important (and also fails) the real story here are the development of some of the characters, for better or worse.
A few things is starting to annoy me:
How can or villain drake be so all knowable and resourceful, having access to an endless number of thugs and material and still leave his worst enemies alive every time he have them in his power.
Modern vehicles like jeeps cannot just race though medieval roads, which are built for horses and ox carts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2023
The fourth in the series and i think this is my favourite so far - reading these alongside my son (10years) he picked this series and I believed I would struggle to be drawn in but I have loved it so far and we've enjoyed discussing it together.
Now for the first time this series this book shocked me there are 2 events within this book that I did not see coming and I love that I get bored when the story is predictable and I cannot wait to get onto the next book and see where their adventure takes them
Now for the first time this series this book shocked me there are 2 events within this book that I did not see coming and I love that I get bored when the story is predictable and I cannot wait to get onto the next book and see where their adventure takes them
December 30, 2017
This is a wonderful book for those who liked Percy Jackson, Fablehaven, or any other book with young heroes who save the world. Joe and Becky time travel--which I liked. I read this book because it was free, and haven't read any of the others, but I wanted to see if this would be a good series for YA. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was some language, and violence, but no sex. Not sure what the other books are like, but I would recommend this series. I need to read the others.
July 25, 2023
Bad Turn
The series started out a little like Sherman and Mr. Peabody, but the bad turn it has taken sharpens to a point in this one. The jokes are flat, the history is awful, the violence is gruesome, and the leftist politics are out of place. It just doesn’t feel like a story for young ones anymore. Dull too. I’ll stop at this book and call the series done. I don’t care what happens anymore.
The series started out a little like Sherman and Mr. Peabody, but the bad turn it has taken sharpens to a point in this one. The jokes are flat, the history is awful, the violence is gruesome, and the leftist politics are out of place. It just doesn’t feel like a story for young ones anymore. Dull too. I’ll stop at this book and call the series done. I don’t care what happens anymore.
July 31, 2018
My previous comments on The Box of Eternity still hold. The humour is a little immature but I found this one not quite as silly. Perhaps I am becoming more invested in the characters, perhaps it was the medieval setting. I will keep an eye out for others in the series but I am not going to hunt for them. 3.5 stars.
January 8, 2019
The most heartbreaking so far. Will.
On a lighter note, I like the different accents. I like learning about people I didn't know actually existed in real life. Now I'm torn between the sword and the bow and arrow. Guess I prefer the latter. Wish I could visit the major oak. Now, on to the next book in the series.
On a lighter note, I like the different accents. I like learning about people I didn't know actually existed in real life. Now I'm torn between the sword and the bow and arrow. Guess I prefer the latter. Wish I could visit the major oak. Now, on to the next book in the series.
September 27, 2018
The Time Hunters and Sword of Ages
Not my type of story. I'm not sure how this appeared on my lists of books. I would only recommend the book to those who are interested in reading the story.
Not my type of story. I'm not sure how this appeared on my lists of books. I would only recommend the book to those who are interested in reading the story.
April 20, 2020
Absolutely brilliant and mind blowing, an adventure that cuts the corners of time.
I love this book it is positively the best book I've ever read in my whole entire life. Thank you!
I love this book it is positively the best book I've ever read in my whole entire life. Thank you!
July 1, 2021
Great book
Does anyone ever bother reading these reviews on a book,I do wonder well if you have wasted a few seconds on this review.I suggest stop reading this and get on with the book instead lol😂
Does anyone ever bother reading these reviews on a book,I do wonder well if you have wasted a few seconds on this review.I suggest stop reading this and get on with the book instead lol😂
August 28, 2021
Interesting Time Travel series
I enjoyed the pace of this story as Becky and Joe help their Uncle race through time to collect Eden Relics. Drake is a wicked villain and action is exciting. Too many Britishisms for most Oklahoma kids to enjoy reading, though.
I enjoyed the pace of this story as Becky and Joe help their Uncle race through time to collect Eden Relics. Drake is a wicked villain and action is exciting. Too many Britishisms for most Oklahoma kids to enjoy reading, though.
August 26, 2017
The sword of ages
The clue is in the title, what is the most famous sword of all? Off they all trot around the timeline looking for it. No spoilers but not all return.
The clue is in the title, what is the most famous sword of all? Off they all trot around the timeline looking for it. No spoilers but not all return.
February 27, 2018
Recommend for youths. Touches on many points throughout history. Enjoyable but wont overwhelm them with facts
March 29, 2018
Great read loved the series what an imagination. Love the way he took a new spin on history . great series cant wait to read further works please give us more .
June 5, 2019
Fabulous series
December 27, 2019
Time hunters book 4.
Sadness prevails in this saga. However so does elation, merriment, and truth. All will out.
As truths are told, lives unfold,
Sadness prevails in this saga. However so does elation, merriment, and truth. All will out.
As truths are told, lives unfold,
May 26, 2020
A great read!
The best we have read in the series so far. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy a fast paced action thriller.
The best we have read in the series so far. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy a fast paced action thriller.
July 1, 2020
Gripping
Fascinating retelling of the merry men...and a bit sad. An expected and heart wrenching end and a close encounter with Excalibur, all a young lad needs....
Fascinating retelling of the merry men...and a bit sad. An expected and heart wrenching end and a close encounter with Excalibur, all a young lad needs....
November 29, 2022
Great
I liked all the characters. Their raw emotions they have. I cannot thiink of anything I dislike. Uncle Percy was my favourite.
I liked all the characters. Their raw emotions they have. I cannot thiink of anything I dislike. Uncle Percy was my favourite.
July 22, 2021
Sig. Ashmore, perchè vuole così male ai suoi lettori?? Perchè mi ha spezzato in questo modo il cuore?? Poteva servirmi ancora per qualche annetto, e invece...
A parte gli scherzi (mica tanto, ancora piango), di sicuro è il miglior volume della serie, ottimi personaggi, trama mai scontata, ottima ambientazione. Sta diventando sempre più cupa come serie, non so se possa essere considerata middle grade.
Comunque, leggetela lo stesso.
A parte gli scherzi (mica tanto, ancora piango), di sicuro è il miglior volume della serie, ottimi personaggi, trama mai scontata, ottima ambientazione. Sta diventando sempre più cupa come serie, non so se possa essere considerata middle grade.
Comunque, leggetela lo stesso.
August 28, 2024
This is the 4th book in the Time Hunter series. I didn't like it as much as the previous books but it was good. There was something very big that happens and I hope something about it changes in future books.
October 26, 2015
A "legendary" mashup
This is the first book I've read in the series. While some things would admittedly make more sense (aka not have to piece them together) had I read the previous three books, I didn't have a hard time jumping in mid-stream.
The book was alright. There were a few times I thought about putting it down and not finishing it (figuring out and accepting the underlying framework of the book was, at times, a little far fetched, but most readers will have worked through that as I assume it's all there in book 1), however, given that I was 98% sure they were looking for Excalibur due to the cover art, I kept reading.
Maybe because I don't have the three previous books under my belt, or maybe because I'm older than the target audience, but there were a few "twists" or "surprises" in this book that I definitely guessed early on. Maybe they would be actual surprises if you were vested by this point. The writing was ok, though I noticed a couple missing words an editor should have caught. The feeling I got from reading this one book out of context of the series was that the author crammed as many different legends and tales as he could in the story to keep the reader interested because you didn't know what "history" told today would come next as a result of the actions in the story. This occasionally was actually interesting, but sometimes felt like a cheap trick employed instead of using excellent writing.
I may try and check the other books out of the library, but I won't be buying any more of the books. They're alright, but not something I'll read over and over or need in my home library.
This is the first book I've read in the series. While some things would admittedly make more sense (aka not have to piece them together) had I read the previous three books, I didn't have a hard time jumping in mid-stream.
The book was alright. There were a few times I thought about putting it down and not finishing it (figuring out and accepting the underlying framework of the book was, at times, a little far fetched, but most readers will have worked through that as I assume it's all there in book 1), however, given that I was 98% sure they were looking for Excalibur due to the cover art, I kept reading.
Maybe because I don't have the three previous books under my belt, or maybe because I'm older than the target audience, but there were a few "twists" or "surprises" in this book that I definitely guessed early on. Maybe they would be actual surprises if you were vested by this point. The writing was ok, though I noticed a couple missing words an editor should have caught. The feeling I got from reading this one book out of context of the series was that the author crammed as many different legends and tales as he could in the story to keep the reader interested because you didn't know what "history" told today would come next as a result of the actions in the story. This occasionally was actually interesting, but sometimes felt like a cheap trick employed instead of using excellent writing.
I may try and check the other books out of the library, but I won't be buying any more of the books. They're alright, but not something I'll read over and over or need in my home library.
December 26, 2014
The fourth installment of the series takes Uncle Percy, Becky, Joe and Will to Medieval England in search of the sword of ages. The sword of ages is also known as Excalibur. Drake and the Associates make trouble all over Medieval England. We meet Maid Marian and the Merry Men. Uncle Percy and Will are nearly killed by the Sheriff of Notingham under Otto Krugers orders. They visit Scotland and face the Loch Ness monster.
It is excellent and sad. Drake scores a hit in this book.
There was more bad language in the book than expected. I guess it could be a symptom of Becky and Joe growing up, but I found it unnecessary to the story. It is well writing and good story telling.
It is excellent and sad. Drake scores a hit in this book.
There was more bad language in the book than expected. I guess it could be a symptom of Becky and Joe growing up, but I found it unnecessary to the story. It is well writing and good story telling.
July 31, 2016
Praise for The Time Hunters Series:
'From every angle, it’s an excellent work.'
KIRKUS REVIEWS (awarded the KIRKUS STAR *)
'I really enjoyed reading THE TIME HUNTERS. You start off the action with a bang, drawing the reader in right away. Your writing is strong, and in places has a classic feel....It has terrific potential.' HARPER COLLINS
***** Carl Ashmore has written an entertaining book that children will love. READERS FAVOURITE
'This is a wonderful adventure. It has the magic of Lewis Carroll and Kenneth Grahame, the inventiveness of Roald Dahl and the writing skill of Rudyard Kipling in my opinion. It is the natural successor to Harry Potter. Brilliant!'
'From every angle, it’s an excellent work.'
KIRKUS REVIEWS (awarded the KIRKUS STAR *)
'I really enjoyed reading THE TIME HUNTERS. You start off the action with a bang, drawing the reader in right away. Your writing is strong, and in places has a classic feel....It has terrific potential.' HARPER COLLINS
***** Carl Ashmore has written an entertaining book that children will love. READERS FAVOURITE
'This is a wonderful adventure. It has the magic of Lewis Carroll and Kenneth Grahame, the inventiveness of Roald Dahl and the writing skill of Rudyard Kipling in my opinion. It is the natural successor to Harry Potter. Brilliant!'
August 30, 2014
The fourth of the series and honestly I really think it is the best so far because I hope it will continues! Supposed to be for the kids but you know what every time I read one in this series I return in time and read them with my kids eyes and heart! Thanks so much to the author for all the research in history done to bring these plots on paper and the characters keep getting better and better! I am sad that we lost one in this book but I am quite confident that the author will generate us a big surprise in the next book of the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews