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The Timekeepers
Onyx’s life revolves entirely around the Clockwork a world made of five colossal clock gears that power eternal time. As the assistant to her father, the immortal Timekeeper, her days are measured by precise schedules and the rhythmic ticking of her heart gears.
However, years filled with predictability take a swift turn when an unexpected arrival offers her the opportunity to explore beyond her sheltered life for the first time.
Stepping foot onto the bronze streets of Pendulum City and beyond, Onyx learns of secrets and ideologies she has never heard of, beginning a journey that makes her question the reality she always thought she knew.
Dive into the Clockwork Lands with Onyx and discover a steampunk world where time isn't just ticking, it's alive with possibilities.
However, years filled with predictability take a swift turn when an unexpected arrival offers her the opportunity to explore beyond her sheltered life for the first time.
Stepping foot onto the bronze streets of Pendulum City and beyond, Onyx learns of secrets and ideologies she has never heard of, beginning a journey that makes her question the reality she always thought she knew.
Dive into the Clockwork Lands with Onyx and discover a steampunk world where time isn't just ticking, it's alive with possibilities.
406 pages, Paperback
Published November 25, 2024
7 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 17, 2024
Unusually for a steampunk/clockpunk novel, this one has very few vocabulary errors. The rule of thumb seems to be that you can have an airship in your book, or you can use vocabulary correctly, but not both. Perhaps the reason this one is comparatively clean in this regard is that the voice reflects the sheltered 16-year-old protagonist, and the author doesn't try to use any fancy vocabulary.
Unfortunately, at least in the pre-publication version I had via Netgalley, it does have not only most of the other errors that 70-80% of authors typically commit, including sometimes punctuating dialog tags as separate sentences (and numerous dangling modifiers, and commas and apostrophes in the wrong places, and frequently missing past perfect tense), but also some issues I see less often: the wrong form of the word used sometimes when it is in the past perfect, and in general a number of sentences that aren't quite grammatical, or don't mean quite what they're obviously intended to mean, or aren't as clear as they should be about who is doing what. An editor is credited; the fact that she didn't fix all of these doesn't mean that she's not a good editor, necessarily, just that there may have been too many issues to deal with in the time allotted. The author has a degree in creative writing and English literature, something which, far from teaching people good mechanics, almost seems to make their writing worse, to judge from the state of some of the books I've seen from graduates of such programs.
Not every reader cares about this kind of thing, but if you do, be advised that there is a lot of it, and that even if you don't notice the specific issues, you may find you're confused occasionally.
For example, quite often there's a sentence of the pattern "Onyx did X when Y happened," which sounds like it means that she did X triggered by Y and the effect is being described before the cause, but actually makes more sense if you include the past perfect and say "Onyx had done X when Y happened," and the sentence becomes about two separate, independent events that happened in sequence. Another example where a sentence isn't as clear as it could be: "She used a fresh handkerchief to wipe away the small streak of blood from her shoulder." In this sentence, "she" is one female character and "her shoulder" belongs to a different female character, so that even though the plain meaning of the sentence is that character 1 is wiping her own shoulder, the reader has to infer from context that character 1 is actually wiping character 2's shoulder.
The plot is a simple one, quite predictable (probably because it's using at least the major beats of the Hero's Journey), and relies heavily on the main character making bad choices. At one point, for example, her father is kidnapped and the kidnapper sends a ransom demand: Send me the McGuffin by return of post! The heroine then proposes that she and her two companions instead go to where her father is being held (which they can discover from the means the villain used to send the message), unarmed, and take the McGuffin with them. The companions, both of whom are older and more experienced, praise this as a great idea and see no issues with it whatsoever. She then recruits someone she knows is a slightly unhinged radical to help them, by promising something she knows she can't deliver. Exactly the problems you would expect ensure.
The worldbuilding involves a world that is spread across the main gears of an enormous clock, of which the main character's father is the Timekeeper. It's consistent in its aesthetic - lots of gears and springs and brass - but not especially realistic; I don't think it's meant to be. It's there to create a vibe, not to be a serious science-fictional speculation. If that's the case, it does its job, and at least it's original. Still, even giving physics a holiday, there are parts of the setting or the events that didn't make sense to me. I never did get straight in my mind what the scale of the tower that holds the clock hands was, for example, and I couldn't figure out how a mirror at the top of a staircase could possibly make it look as if the stairs continued up. There were a number of other minor examples where my suspension of disbelief stuttered, not because of the steampunk aspects, but just because of something incidental which looked like it had been invented on the fly to make the plot work, despite not being particularly credible. For example, the obviously misanthropic airship inventor conveniently has two spare bedrooms in his airship - the exact number needed by the characters to, among other things, have a series of interactions that forward the plot - even though the author flat-out says that he didn't seem the type to entertain guests (and even though, in what is intended to be the fastest airship in existence, you would probably want to save as much weight as you could, but that's a physics thing, and I did say I was going to give the physics a pass).
Overall, for me it fell short of being a book I'd recommend. This is primarily because, at the sentence level, the prose frequently doesn't do its basic job of accurately and clearly conveying the author's intent. But also, a plot based largely on the incompetence of the main character (who's still supposed to be some sort of special chosen person), who must be opposed by incompetent villains in order for her to succeed, doesn't work for me, and I constantly struggled to maintain my suspension of disbelief about secondary details.
There's some light philosophy about living in the moment and not fearing death. It doesn't have enough depth to raise the rating.
It engaged me enough to finish, but I was constantly distracted by the many issues, so it gets what are perhaps a generous three stars. Some of the questions raised in the course of the book, particularly about the Timekeeper's backstory, are never answered, so I assume a sequel is planned; I won't be picking it up.
Unfortunately, at least in the pre-publication version I had via Netgalley, it does have not only most of the other errors that 70-80% of authors typically commit, including sometimes punctuating dialog tags as separate sentences (and numerous dangling modifiers, and commas and apostrophes in the wrong places, and frequently missing past perfect tense), but also some issues I see less often: the wrong form of the word used sometimes when it is in the past perfect, and in general a number of sentences that aren't quite grammatical, or don't mean quite what they're obviously intended to mean, or aren't as clear as they should be about who is doing what. An editor is credited; the fact that she didn't fix all of these doesn't mean that she's not a good editor, necessarily, just that there may have been too many issues to deal with in the time allotted. The author has a degree in creative writing and English literature, something which, far from teaching people good mechanics, almost seems to make their writing worse, to judge from the state of some of the books I've seen from graduates of such programs.
Not every reader cares about this kind of thing, but if you do, be advised that there is a lot of it, and that even if you don't notice the specific issues, you may find you're confused occasionally.
For example, quite often there's a sentence of the pattern "Onyx did X when Y happened," which sounds like it means that she did X triggered by Y and the effect is being described before the cause, but actually makes more sense if you include the past perfect and say "Onyx had done X when Y happened," and the sentence becomes about two separate, independent events that happened in sequence. Another example where a sentence isn't as clear as it could be: "She used a fresh handkerchief to wipe away the small streak of blood from her shoulder." In this sentence, "she" is one female character and "her shoulder" belongs to a different female character, so that even though the plain meaning of the sentence is that character 1 is wiping her own shoulder, the reader has to infer from context that character 1 is actually wiping character 2's shoulder.
The plot is a simple one, quite predictable (probably because it's using at least the major beats of the Hero's Journey), and relies heavily on the main character making bad choices. At one point, for example, her father is kidnapped and the kidnapper sends a ransom demand: Send me the McGuffin by return of post! The heroine then proposes that she and her two companions instead go to where her father is being held (which they can discover from the means the villain used to send the message), unarmed, and take the McGuffin with them. The companions, both of whom are older and more experienced, praise this as a great idea and see no issues with it whatsoever. She then recruits someone she knows is a slightly unhinged radical to help them, by promising something she knows she can't deliver. Exactly the problems you would expect ensure.
The worldbuilding involves a world that is spread across the main gears of an enormous clock, of which the main character's father is the Timekeeper. It's consistent in its aesthetic - lots of gears and springs and brass - but not especially realistic; I don't think it's meant to be. It's there to create a vibe, not to be a serious science-fictional speculation. If that's the case, it does its job, and at least it's original. Still, even giving physics a holiday, there are parts of the setting or the events that didn't make sense to me. I never did get straight in my mind what the scale of the tower that holds the clock hands was, for example, and I couldn't figure out how a mirror at the top of a staircase could possibly make it look as if the stairs continued up. There were a number of other minor examples where my suspension of disbelief stuttered, not because of the steampunk aspects, but just because of something incidental which looked like it had been invented on the fly to make the plot work, despite not being particularly credible. For example, the obviously misanthropic airship inventor conveniently has two spare bedrooms in his airship - the exact number needed by the characters to, among other things, have a series of interactions that forward the plot - even though the author flat-out says that he didn't seem the type to entertain guests (and even though, in what is intended to be the fastest airship in existence, you would probably want to save as much weight as you could, but that's a physics thing, and I did say I was going to give the physics a pass).
Overall, for me it fell short of being a book I'd recommend. This is primarily because, at the sentence level, the prose frequently doesn't do its basic job of accurately and clearly conveying the author's intent. But also, a plot based largely on the incompetence of the main character (who's still supposed to be some sort of special chosen person), who must be opposed by incompetent villains in order for her to succeed, doesn't work for me, and I constantly struggled to maintain my suspension of disbelief about secondary details.
There's some light philosophy about living in the moment and not fearing death. It doesn't have enough depth to raise the rating.
It engaged me enough to finish, but I was constantly distracted by the many issues, so it gets what are perhaps a generous three stars. Some of the questions raised in the course of the book, particularly about the Timekeeper's backstory, are never answered, so I assume a sequel is planned; I won't be picking it up.
January 21, 2025
I love the concept for this book. The Clockwork world sounds fascinating. Great work Miroslav Dimitrov for those illustrations, those added so much to the story! The world and things in the world were described well, I was able to envision almost every setting our characters went to. I did struggle a bit with understanding the gears for hearts thing, but accepted it as the norm for this world. I really liked the inventors quarter of the city, the inventions were really cool!
This might be a me thing, maybe I’m too old to fit in this target demographic, but I couldn’t relate to Onyx much. She came across as naïve and a bit too excitable. However, her craving for adventure was enduring and her passion for timekeeping/clockwork was pretty cute. I liked Edison coming in and being practical and careful. There was a good give and take in their relationship, and his loyalty and positivity made me smile. The other characters were interesting and added to the fun.
The book did drag on for me a bit - I struggled to get through it at my normal reading pace . I did enjoy the story, but I found myself skimming past some parts that were a bit drawn out. There were a couple parts that did take me by surprise at the end though!
Thank you to NetGalley and Jill Archie for this eARC!
Publication Date: 02/08/2025
This might be a me thing, maybe I’m too old to fit in this target demographic, but I couldn’t relate to Onyx much. She came across as naïve and a bit too excitable. However, her craving for adventure was enduring and her passion for timekeeping/clockwork was pretty cute. I liked Edison coming in and being practical and careful. There was a good give and take in their relationship, and his loyalty and positivity made me smile. The other characters were interesting and added to the fun.
The book did drag on for me a bit - I struggled to get through it at my normal reading pace . I did enjoy the story, but I found myself skimming past some parts that were a bit drawn out. There were a couple parts that did take me by surprise at the end though!
Thank you to NetGalley and Jill Archie for this eARC!
Publication Date: 02/08/2025
January 9, 2025
It took me a little while to get in to this book, and for a bit, I was worried that it was going to be my first DNF of the year, but then the pace picked up, and I was quickly hooked.
From the moment Edison arrived, it was clear that things in Onyx's life were never going to be the same again. These two characters complement each other so well, and Eddie provides such a colourful insight into what life is like outside of the Timekeeper's tower.
From there the story picks up pace even further with airships, automatons, sandstorms, seductresses and a very handy flying umbrella! This book was full of twists and turns, right up to the last few pages. I could see some of them coming, but there were some that still caught me by surprise.
A cool world, with a clever central theme, and a really strong supporting cast of characters.
From the moment Edison arrived, it was clear that things in Onyx's life were never going to be the same again. These two characters complement each other so well, and Eddie provides such a colourful insight into what life is like outside of the Timekeeper's tower.
From there the story picks up pace even further with airships, automatons, sandstorms, seductresses and a very handy flying umbrella! This book was full of twists and turns, right up to the last few pages. I could see some of them coming, but there were some that still caught me by surprise.
A cool world, with a clever central theme, and a really strong supporting cast of characters.
December 22, 2024
1.75/5 - Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review! I really wanted to like this book, I haven't read a lot of steampunk fantasy but I love the aesthetic and especially with this story revolving around a Timekeepers daughter in the setting of a giant clock world, I was ready to get sucked into this world. Unfortunately there were too many things that didn't work for me. The writing was just not good, very stilted, clumsy, and lacking in depth or nuance. Similarly the characters and plotline felt extremely flat. There was nothing to discover or wonder about, everything was given to you on a silver platter. The characterization did not make sense, the protagonist is supposed to be a sheltered 16-year old girl who has been taught by her brilliant father academically but has not seen any of the world herself, and yet when she finally does go out into this world she is constantly wowing everyone with wise-beyond-her-years philosophizing about the meaning of life that comes out of seemingly nowhere. The villain is moustache twirling with very basic villain-esque motivations, there was a bit of an interesting twist but it didn't really make sense with what had been presented earlier in the story so it wasn't terribly satisfying.
However, I will say the descriptive language was nice and the prose on world-building was very well done. The illustrations were beautiful and added to the already detailed picture I had in my head of the world based on what was written. The author absolutely delivered on the steampunk atmosphere and descriptions of how these elements were embedded in the natural world of this universe as well as in what had been built by the citizens, and that was what kept me going to the end of the book.
However, I will say the descriptive language was nice and the prose on world-building was very well done. The illustrations were beautiful and added to the already detailed picture I had in my head of the world based on what was written. The author absolutely delivered on the steampunk atmosphere and descriptions of how these elements were embedded in the natural world of this universe as well as in what had been built by the citizens, and that was what kept me going to the end of the book.
December 13, 2024
***I received a free advance reader copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own***
The Timekeepers is a steampunk novel that follows sixteen-year-old Onyx Chime, the daughter of the Timekeeper of the Clockwork Lands. For years her life has followed a meticulous routine with every minute accounted for but that is abruptly interrupted when a mysterious stranger arrives. She soon finds herself on an adventure to not only save her father’s life, but the lives of everyone in the Clockwork Lands.
This book was written beautifully and was my introduction to the steampunk subgenre. The author paints a beautiful picture when describing the Clockwork Lands.
The story started off a little slow but once the action started, the chapters flew by. There was a recurring theme of the importance of time and what it means to be eternal throughout the book. Many philosophical conversations were held which could be boring if you aren’t interested in that. I didn’t enjoy them all but I do admit that some of them were thought provoking.
I loved the genuine friendship between Onyx and Edison and loved that a romantic side plot wasn’t shoehorned in. I felt that he was the perfect complement and stood on his own without overshadowing Onyx as the main character. Onyx herself was a very capable character and even though she made plenty mistakes, I found her to be very relatable. Her moments of self-doubt enhanced her character and made it easy to root for her.
Overall, The Timekeepers was an interesting read. If you enjoy steampunk tales and thought-provoking discussions about immortality, this may be the perfect book for you.
The Timekeepers is a steampunk novel that follows sixteen-year-old Onyx Chime, the daughter of the Timekeeper of the Clockwork Lands. For years her life has followed a meticulous routine with every minute accounted for but that is abruptly interrupted when a mysterious stranger arrives. She soon finds herself on an adventure to not only save her father’s life, but the lives of everyone in the Clockwork Lands.
This book was written beautifully and was my introduction to the steampunk subgenre. The author paints a beautiful picture when describing the Clockwork Lands.
The story started off a little slow but once the action started, the chapters flew by. There was a recurring theme of the importance of time and what it means to be eternal throughout the book. Many philosophical conversations were held which could be boring if you aren’t interested in that. I didn’t enjoy them all but I do admit that some of them were thought provoking.
I loved the genuine friendship between Onyx and Edison and loved that a romantic side plot wasn’t shoehorned in. I felt that he was the perfect complement and stood on his own without overshadowing Onyx as the main character. Onyx herself was a very capable character and even though she made plenty mistakes, I found her to be very relatable. Her moments of self-doubt enhanced her character and made it easy to root for her.
Overall, The Timekeepers was an interesting read. If you enjoy steampunk tales and thought-provoking discussions about immortality, this may be the perfect book for you.
December 25, 2024
*thank you to net galley for providing me with an e-arc in return of an honest review*
Well, I just loved this. I loved the concept of these worlds, if anything I would have actually wanted to explore them more and spend more time in each! It was an easy read, the illustrations really brought the world to life. I’m not sure if I’m happy or frustrated that there wasn’t illustrations of the people though, what exactly do they look like with the spaces for their heart keys, I NEED TO KNOW!
Well, I just loved this. I loved the concept of these worlds, if anything I would have actually wanted to explore them more and spend more time in each! It was an easy read, the illustrations really brought the world to life. I’m not sure if I’m happy or frustrated that there wasn’t illustrations of the people though, what exactly do they look like with the spaces for their heart keys, I NEED TO KNOW!
December 22, 2024
thank you Netgalley for this amazing arc.
I don't tend to read Steampunk that often however, when i read the plot of this book, i was intrigued and I wasn't surprised. Of course there was times where I was confused as it wasn't my normal sort of read.
However Jill Archie have managed to pull be into a fabulous book.
I don't tend to read Steampunk that often however, when i read the plot of this book, i was intrigued and I wasn't surprised. Of course there was times where I was confused as it wasn't my normal sort of read.
However Jill Archie have managed to pull be into a fabulous book.
February 16, 2025
This was the first steampunk novel I’ve ever read, I think. Very well-written and unique, but predictable.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book.
December 4, 2024
Plot and Setting:
"The Timekeepers" by Jill Archie is a novel that delves into the mysterious and captivating world of time travel, weaving a narrative that combines elements of science fiction with historical intrigue. The story is set both in contemporary times and across various historical periods, utilizing the concept of timekeepers, individuals who can navigate through time. The settings range from modern-day cities to significant historical events, providing a rich tapestry for the characters to explore. Archie's detailed descriptions bring these varied settings to life, making each era feel tangible and immersive. However, the transitions between different times can sometimes feel abrupt, potentially confusing readers unless they pay close attention.
Character Development:
The main characters, particularly the protagonist, a timekeeper named Alex, are well-developed with complex backstories that explain their motivations and conflicts. Alex's journey is one of self-discovery and moral questioning about the ethics of altering history. Supporting characters, including other timekeepers and historical figures, add depth but occasionally suffer from underdevelopment, feeling more like plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals. This uneven character development occasionally detracts from the narrative's emotional depth.
Narrative Style:
Archie's writing style in "The Timekeepers" is engaging, with a prose that flows well, often poetic in describing different time periods. The narrative alternates between fast-paced action sequences and slower, introspective moments, balancing the thrill of adventure with philosophical musings on time and its manipulation. However, the dialogue sometimes feels stilted, particularly when characters from different eras interact, which can disrupt the otherwise smooth narrative flow.
Themes and Philosophy:
The book tackles themes of time, fate, free will, and the moral implications of changing historical events. It poses questions about the responsibilities of those who can alter time, exploring whether such power should be wielded at all. These thematic explorations are one of the book's strengths, provoking thought and discussion, though at times, the delivery can come across as heavy-handed, with the philosophical discussions overshadowing the story's progression.
Conclusion:
Jill Archie's "The Timekeepers" offers a fascinating exploration of time travel with a unique perspective on historical events. While the novel excels in its setting and thematic depth, it falters in character consistency and dialogue authenticity. It's a commendable effort for those intrigued by time travel narratives and the ethical dilemmas they present, but it might not fully satisfy readers looking for deep character studies or seamless transitions through time.
Rating Breakdown:
Plot: 4/5 - Intriguing and complex, though occasionally convoluted time jumps.
Setting: 5/5 - Vividly described, making historical periods feel authentic and engaging.
Character Development: 3/5 - Varied; protagonist well-developed, others less so.
Writing Style: 3/5 - Engaging prose but inconsistent dialogue.
Themes: 4/5 - Deep and thought-provoking, occasionally over-explained.
Overall Enjoyment: 3.8/5 - A good read for fans of time travel and historical fiction, with room for improvement in character depth and narrative flow.
Total Rating: 3/5
If you're a fan of speculative fiction with a focus on time manipulation and its consequences, "The Timekeepers" by Jill Archie might be a worthwhile addition to your reading list, appreciated for its ambition and creativity despite its flaws.
February 8, 2025
I thought this book was a nice, fun read. You explore a steampunk world full of not only creative and fun inventions, but corresponding dynamics that fit into this fictional landscape.
While the plot is fairly simple, it is so in a fun, comforting way. It's the kind of book i can read any time of day to just relax and escape into a fun fictional world. While it touches on serious topics (death, illness, grief, etc.), it doesn't deal with the topics deeply in a way where it would make you feel sad/upset.
While I enjoyed it and recommend it to others, there were plot holes, especially towards the end as well as some small issues that distracted me/took me out of the book.
World Building: 4/5
Character Development: 2/5
Spice: 0/5
Romance: 1.5/5
Life Lessons/Themes: 2/5
Overall Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Overal Rating: 3.5
Who I Would Recommend It To: Anyone who loves a nice, semi-predictable comfort read in a fun and intricate fictional world. It's definitely a YA book, so I would also recommend it to younger readers based on the experiences, struggles, and emotions of the FMC.
***I received a free advance reader copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.***
While the plot is fairly simple, it is so in a fun, comforting way. It's the kind of book i can read any time of day to just relax and escape into a fun fictional world. While it touches on serious topics (death, illness, grief, etc.), it doesn't deal with the topics deeply in a way where it would make you feel sad/upset.
While I enjoyed it and recommend it to others, there were plot holes, especially towards the end as well as some small issues that distracted me/took me out of the book.
World Building: 4/5
Character Development: 2/5
Spice: 0/5
Romance: 1.5/5
Life Lessons/Themes: 2/5
Overall Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Overal Rating: 3.5
Who I Would Recommend It To: Anyone who loves a nice, semi-predictable comfort read in a fun and intricate fictional world. It's definitely a YA book, so I would also recommend it to younger readers based on the experiences, struggles, and emotions of the FMC.
***I received a free advance reader copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.***
December 28, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
"The Timekeepers" is a tale of adventure and self discovery set in an imaginative Steampunk world centered around clocks and clockworks. The narrative revolves mostly around Onyx Chime, the daughter of (and assistant to) the titular Timekeeper, and lived a sheltered life set my a (pun intended) clockwork routine. When she's presented an opportunity to explore the world beyond her home, she finds different wonders and dangers as she discovers not all is what she expects things to be.
It's an enjoyable story with the usual twists and turns and almost cliche archetypes found in Steampunk fantasy stories, though some of the twists were a bit predicable and while there was some suspense, it didn't seem as though the stakes were so high and most of the loose ends were neatly resolved. The illustrations weaved through the story (and appeared at the beginning of every chapter) was lovely and captured the spirit of the story. It's a fine start to the series, and I'd be intrigued to learn more about life on the different Wheels that make up this world.
"The Timekeepers" is a tale of adventure and self discovery set in an imaginative Steampunk world centered around clocks and clockworks. The narrative revolves mostly around Onyx Chime, the daughter of (and assistant to) the titular Timekeeper, and lived a sheltered life set my a (pun intended) clockwork routine. When she's presented an opportunity to explore the world beyond her home, she finds different wonders and dangers as she discovers not all is what she expects things to be.
It's an enjoyable story with the usual twists and turns and almost cliche archetypes found in Steampunk fantasy stories, though some of the twists were a bit predicable and while there was some suspense, it didn't seem as though the stakes were so high and most of the loose ends were neatly resolved. The illustrations weaved through the story (and appeared at the beginning of every chapter) was lovely and captured the spirit of the story. It's a fine start to the series, and I'd be intrigued to learn more about life on the different Wheels that make up this world.
March 15, 2025
The Timekeepers in an intriguing steampunk fantasy with unique worldbuilding. The Clockworks Lands, regions spinning on separate clock gears, was a very interesting concept. Jill Archie establishes much of this cool steampunk world in the first 1/4 of the book through the eyes of Onyx, the main character, whose father is the Timekeeper. His job is to keep all the lands spinning on the correct time. The story started off a bit slow for me, as the inciting incident didn't occur until 140 pages in; I kept waiting for some sense of the plot beforehand. So my interest was more piqued once that happened. The last 100 pages moved more swiftly and had a number of twists I didn't see coming. Archie's attention to detail with all the steampunk inventions, and the lands itself is a highlight, along with the beautiful illustrations throughout the book.
This story is filled with unique characters, and villains who aren't clear cut but have motivations that come as a surprise. I certainly enjoyed the twists with them! Steampunk fans will certainly enjoy the wonderful world Archie created in The Timekeepers.
This story is filled with unique characters, and villains who aren't clear cut but have motivations that come as a surprise. I certainly enjoyed the twists with them! Steampunk fans will certainly enjoy the wonderful world Archie created in The Timekeepers.
December 25, 2024
3.75 stars rounded up for GoodReads.
This was fun! I've never read a story that so fully embodied the steampunk aesthetic, and everything about the world felt so correct. The costuming, the world itself, the inventions, and the character design all fit the vibe appropriately and just made sense given the world. The maps and illustrations were very well done and complimented the written descriptions nicely, and I appreciated the fact that the author included a few solid male-female friendships.
I only have a few complaints. The writing tended to have a bit more telling than showing, and that made it feel a bit rough around the edges sometimes. Some of the plot beats and characters were also a bit stilted and could have used a bit more polish. That being said, I think this is the author's debut novel, so I have hope that the writing will smooth out as the author publishes more. I'm excited to read the next installment and jump back into this creative world!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was fun! I've never read a story that so fully embodied the steampunk aesthetic, and everything about the world felt so correct. The costuming, the world itself, the inventions, and the character design all fit the vibe appropriately and just made sense given the world. The maps and illustrations were very well done and complimented the written descriptions nicely, and I appreciated the fact that the author included a few solid male-female friendships.
I only have a few complaints. The writing tended to have a bit more telling than showing, and that made it feel a bit rough around the edges sometimes. Some of the plot beats and characters were also a bit stilted and could have used a bit more polish. That being said, I think this is the author's debut novel, so I have hope that the writing will smooth out as the author publishes more. I'm excited to read the next installment and jump back into this creative world!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2024
I had a bit of difficulty to get into the book. I couldn’t really connect with the characters. The storyline I did like there’s a lot happening that makes it fun to read although I didn’t find the book very original. Most of the problems the main character faced were predictable and the way she dealt with them was even more predictable. This doesn’t make this book a bad one, but for someone who reads a lot of books, it isn’t as enjoyable. The world could have been more in my opinion. Someone who picks up this book is probably doing this because they like the aesthetic of the world on clock gears, but this book could have played off anywhere as the clockwork didn’t bring a lot to the table. What I loved about this book were the illustrations these were a beautiful addition to the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, but my review and ratings are entirely my own.
Full review will be online on my blog at the 12th of january 2024
The Timekeepers by Jill Archie — Sail Away!
https://sailing-with-morpheus.squares...
I received an advance review copy for free, but my review and ratings are entirely my own.
Full review will be online on my blog at the 12th of january 2024
The Timekeepers by Jill Archie — Sail Away!
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December 30, 2024
This was my first venture in the steampunk genre and Jill Archie offered an intriguing introduction to this unique aesthetic. I found the worldbuilding captivating and this was perhaps my favourite part of the story. In each chapter there are accompanying illustrations that complemented the descriptions of this world of gears. I found this really helped with the immersion and aided the aesthetic. However, while I adored the aesthetic elements of this story, the actual plot felt lacking. The way the story unfolded was quite predictable and even the twists were not particularly surprising.
Overall, The Timekeepers was still an enjoyable read, particularly from the point of view of the rich setting. Although the plot didn’t quite match up to my expectations, I still think this was a solid introduction to the genre for me. For readers more interested in the aesthetic then this is worth your while but not for those wanting a more complex narrative.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall, The Timekeepers was still an enjoyable read, particularly from the point of view of the rich setting. Although the plot didn’t quite match up to my expectations, I still think this was a solid introduction to the genre for me. For readers more interested in the aesthetic then this is worth your while but not for those wanting a more complex narrative.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 3, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot. I'm pretty sure it's the first steampunk book I've read, and it made a good introduction to the genre, with a whimsical, lighthearted tone and various fun inventions. It takes a while to get going, with a lot of worldbuilding and exposition in the initial chapters before any action. However, once the adventure starts proper, I found myself pulled through chapter after chapter as various perilous situations unfold. Onyx makes for an engaging protagonist, a little too naive and trusting perhaps, but then she's been sheltered her whole life learning her trade as a timekeeper under the tutelage of her father. Edison made a good sidekick, and there are various villains who want to manipulate time for a range of reasons. I liked the innovative setup of the world being made of a series of giant clockfaces, but for my taste, I would have liked the book to get moving quicker; however, I would recommend it to any fans of steampunk or just old-fashioned adventure. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
January 30, 2025
Book Review: The Timekeepers by Jill Archie
Jill Archie’s The Timekeepers is an engaging middle-grade novel that delivers a vivid and imaginative adventure. From the start, Archie’s descriptive writing shines, painting immersive scenes that draw readers in. The imagery is particularly striking, making every setting feel alive and tangible.
While the plot takes some time to build, this slow start effectively creates anticipation. Once the action begins, however, the pacing shifts dramatically, propelling the reader through a thrilling sequence of events. The balance between setup and payoff ultimately makes the journey worthwhile, and the fast-paced climax ensures an exciting conclusion.
Overall, The Timekeepers is a compelling read for middle-grade audiences, offering rich descriptions, well-crafted world-building, and an exciting adventure. Fans of mystery and action-driven stories will especially enjoy this book.
Jill Archie’s The Timekeepers is an engaging middle-grade novel that delivers a vivid and imaginative adventure. From the start, Archie’s descriptive writing shines, painting immersive scenes that draw readers in. The imagery is particularly striking, making every setting feel alive and tangible.
While the plot takes some time to build, this slow start effectively creates anticipation. Once the action begins, however, the pacing shifts dramatically, propelling the reader through a thrilling sequence of events. The balance between setup and payoff ultimately makes the journey worthwhile, and the fast-paced climax ensures an exciting conclusion.
Overall, The Timekeepers is a compelling read for middle-grade audiences, offering rich descriptions, well-crafted world-building, and an exciting adventure. Fans of mystery and action-driven stories will especially enjoy this book.
September 1, 2025
Wow! Really great book. I loved the concept of the clock lands and the timekeeper. A little slow to start but once you get into it, it’s difficult to put down!
Onyx is the daughter of the timekeeper who is tasked with keeping the world spinning essentially. Without him, time would stop. After a shocking familial revelation and an unnerving disappearance, Onyx, Edison, and an unexpected companion are thrust into a journey across the clocklands to save time.
I cannot wait for my children to reach the age of the MCs because I think this would be an absolute phenomenal book for middle/high schoolers to really dive into! Very reminiscent of the books I read when I was 16.
Great job! Looking forward to more from this author
Onyx is the daughter of the timekeeper who is tasked with keeping the world spinning essentially. Without him, time would stop. After a shocking familial revelation and an unnerving disappearance, Onyx, Edison, and an unexpected companion are thrust into a journey across the clocklands to save time.
I cannot wait for my children to reach the age of the MCs because I think this would be an absolute phenomenal book for middle/high schoolers to really dive into! Very reminiscent of the books I read when I was 16.
Great job! Looking forward to more from this author
February 25, 2025
3.5 - a fun read.
This was quirky, imaginative and fun book. I have read very little steam punk so it was a nice change of pace.
It was a slow start for me, which was understandable to set up our cast and set the stage, or should I say, wheels, but certainly the second half of the book flew by!
I absolutely love the illustrations, they were wonderful, and honestly I'd love to see more of this in any book, but they really helped solidfy the steam punk aesthetic for me.
The prose is easy to read and has some poetic moments, very accessible and helped for a smooth read.
Overall, a fun time and I hope to experience more in the series in the future.
This was quirky, imaginative and fun book. I have read very little steam punk so it was a nice change of pace.
It was a slow start for me, which was understandable to set up our cast and set the stage, or should I say, wheels, but certainly the second half of the book flew by!
I absolutely love the illustrations, they were wonderful, and honestly I'd love to see more of this in any book, but they really helped solidfy the steam punk aesthetic for me.
The prose is easy to read and has some poetic moments, very accessible and helped for a smooth read.
Overall, a fun time and I hope to experience more in the series in the future.
March 5, 2025
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest thoughts on the story.
When I started reading this book, I thought I understood the genre of Steampunk well enough, but I felt there was plenty of steam but not enough punk, not enough edge (which is why it took so long to read). As the story progressed, I realized that the story was more of a YA novel than a general adult sci-fi piece. After I looked at the work with new eyes, the quality of the narrative improved and the story ended well also. If you are looking for age appropriate MG/YA Steampunk, this is probably a good book for you. And the illustrations were appreciated and helpful.
When I started reading this book, I thought I understood the genre of Steampunk well enough, but I felt there was plenty of steam but not enough punk, not enough edge (which is why it took so long to read). As the story progressed, I realized that the story was more of a YA novel than a general adult sci-fi piece. After I looked at the work with new eyes, the quality of the narrative improved and the story ended well also. If you are looking for age appropriate MG/YA Steampunk, this is probably a good book for you. And the illustrations were appreciated and helpful.
December 29, 2024
Thank you for eArc Publishing giving me a free copy through NetGalley.
This is a wonderful young adult steampunk novel about living life in the present. Onyx and Edison have many adventures jumping from cog to cog trying to foil a few enemies trying to steal the Timekeepers key to reverse time for one or go into the future for another. This book's underlying message is to live in the present, not searching to stay in the past or wanting the future more than today. We are happy to know we have eternity in our future. I truly loved Onyx and Edison. Great book.
This is a wonderful young adult steampunk novel about living life in the present. Onyx and Edison have many adventures jumping from cog to cog trying to foil a few enemies trying to steal the Timekeepers key to reverse time for one or go into the future for another. This book's underlying message is to live in the present, not searching to stay in the past or wanting the future more than today. We are happy to know we have eternity in our future. I truly loved Onyx and Edison. Great book.
February 9, 2025
Instantly I was drawn into this amazing world of creativity. Haven’t had a world hook me like that before. Definitely world building at its finest! The creativity seamlessly continued right on into the character development and story taking you into a fun adventure. Great variety of cast, scenery and exploration. Personally, I don’t like telling too much to give it away but it is a story I would highly recommend you discover for yourself. Fun, change of pace and a must read! Bonus is great illustrations. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
January 4, 2025
The Timekeepers is a wonderful story set in the Clockwork Lands. I loved the illustrations scattered throughout that really helped this world to come alive. The story centres around 16-year-old Onyx Chime who has until now lived a relatively sheltered life in the care of her father, the Timekeeper. There were several plot twists that kept me engaged and wanting to read more. It was an enjoyable 4 star read for me. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
January 4, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a very creative premise with them living in a giant clock. It was very YA and the adventure was pretty action pact. The plot felt very predictable but overall the story was very enjoyable and the characters where very likeable they defiantly acted their ages.
This was a very creative premise with them living in a giant clock. It was very YA and the adventure was pretty action pact. The plot felt very predictable but overall the story was very enjoyable and the characters where very likeable they defiantly acted their ages.
February 2, 2025
This Young Adult world of The Clockwork Lands is the story of The Timekeeper and his daughter, Onyx. It is a fun adventure with full and beautiful writing that really places the reader right there with the characters! It is full of twists and turns that are well written and not expected. There are absolutely beautiful illustrations throughout the book.
August 15, 2025
LOVED this book! Getting to know Onyx and the Clockwork Lands was a great experience.
The inventions, the exploring. SO many mysteries.
The inventions, the exploring. SO many mysteries.
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