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The Clay Lion #2
Tin Men
Charlie's love for Brooke has grown in the years they've been together, but when his father dies in a tragic climbing accident, he discovers a well-hidden family secret which turns his life upside down and threatens to destroy his sense of self as well as his relationship with Brooke.
Although deep down Charlie always suspected his family wasn't what it seemed, the truth of his adoption compels him to search for his birth mother. In the quest to find her, he realizes traveling to the past for the truth he seeks will jeopardize his relationship with the person he cherishes most in the world.
Brooke almost lost everything traveling back in time to save her brother. Will Charlie make the same mistake?
Although deep down Charlie always suspected his family wasn't what it seemed, the truth of his adoption compels him to search for his birth mother. In the quest to find her, he realizes traveling to the past for the truth he seeks will jeopardize his relationship with the person he cherishes most in the world.
Brooke almost lost everything traveling back in time to save her brother. Will Charlie make the same mistake?
252 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2014
13 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Amalie Jahn
18 books350 followersUSA Today bestselling author Amalie Jahn is the recipient of the Literary Classics Seal of Approval and the Readers' Favorite Gold Medal for her debut YA novel, The Clay Lion. Her first YA contemporary, The Next to Last Mistake, won the prestigious IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award in 2020 and A Walk Between Raindrops was selected by Kirkus as one of the Best Indie Books of 2023. A TED speaker, human rights advocate, and active promoter of kindness, she lives in North Carolina with her husband, two children, and three extremely overfed cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 1, 2024
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“It may not always work out the way we want it to, but life’s not about sitting on the sidelines. It’s about doing what you were meant to do and being who you were meant to be.”
Considering the lukewarm experience I had with the first book, I was more than hesitant, if not reluctant to return. But, with the year closing in on me, I figured I might as well put this series to pasture & leave no stone unturned. 💪🏻
I was -- not quite pleasantly surprised, but pleasantly rewarded with a marginal improvement to the first book. 👏🏻 Sadly, the writing is still as stoic, if not overly formal, that prevents me from really relating - if not empathizing with the characters. But, I think the shift in narrator, along with the knowledge of what exactly was the concept of time travel, made it a more satisfying read than expected. 🙂↕️
“It would just be easier if there was another way to get your closure without having to resort to such drastic measures.”
On the day of his father's funeral, twenty-one-year old Charles Johnson learns some shocking news about himself. Shocking enough that it compels him to re-evaluate every part of his life and also seek out the truth about his own past and family background - traces of his adoption that lead him to a startling and unsettling past that makes it harder for him to realize what was missing in his life, as well as try to appease the wounds of the one whose own heart was burdened by the decision made in times of desperation.
The way the author built upon his search, as well as the consequences of said search was palpable. His anger over the secrecy and the betrayal, the reluctance of acknowledging the mistakes - it was viscerally portrayed. But, time is a great reveler that is as uncontrollable even when it is within our grasp. And that is the journey Amalie Jahn takes the readers on. 'I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have been given a second chance.' 😥 Charlie wants answers - he finds them. But, sometimes the reveal comes at a price too unbearable; decisions of which he can not predict or even fathom. It begs the question: is the need to know worth what is lost in the process? For as much is gained, so too is that much also lost.
“Life, he said, was about moving forward. Not backward.”
Bonnie learned that no matter how many times she goes back in time, fate will find a way to intervene. Charlie learned that no matter what he knows, the universe will find a balance. That even if he heals the wound of his lost heart, you cannot change the hearts of heartless, Tin Men, more interested in their political careers than fostering the love of their children.' 😢 He tried, God knows, he tried. AAnd the author struck that knowledge in a decisive blow that hits hard, but somehow finds a way to redeem itself. For there are others who definitely have their own way of changing the tide of fate. That maybe there is a reason why things turn out the way that we do, and we simply cannot challenge them, no matter how desperate we are to have it work out in a way that is favorable for everyone. 😔
Bonnie and Charlie worked really well together. I liked the careful and natural way in which Bonnie revealed her own time traveling experience to Charlie. She was driven and considerate, motivated and spirited, and that really was the light in Charlie's bleak circumstances. 🥺 'I’d say yes to you in a million timelines if I had to, just to be sure we got it right.' She was wholly committed to his desire to seek out his real mother, driven to make sure he does not make the same mistakes she did. It was earnest and sincere; even when their love was tested, their love and friendship was promising to a fault. 🫂
The message was conveyed; the ending was bittersweet and sadly heartbreaking; a twofold sense of closure that cleverly paved the way for fate to run its course. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 I just am still struggling with the writing. It is not so much matter-of-fact, but sort of like an essay that is meant to be teaching the signs of life to the readers. I cannot then really connect to the characters because the prose is so stiff and unnatural - 'increasingly despondent... tomfoolery', devoid of any true feeling of emotion. Maybe it is intended. Maybe it is me. 😞
“It may not always work out the way we want it to, but life’s not about sitting on the sidelines. It’s about doing what you were meant to do and being who you were meant to be.”
Considering the lukewarm experience I had with the first book, I was more than hesitant, if not reluctant to return. But, with the year closing in on me, I figured I might as well put this series to pasture & leave no stone unturned. 💪🏻
I was -- not quite pleasantly surprised, but pleasantly rewarded with a marginal improvement to the first book. 👏🏻 Sadly, the writing is still as stoic, if not overly formal, that prevents me from really relating - if not empathizing with the characters. But, I think the shift in narrator, along with the knowledge of what exactly was the concept of time travel, made it a more satisfying read than expected. 🙂↕️
“It would just be easier if there was another way to get your closure without having to resort to such drastic measures.”
On the day of his father's funeral, twenty-one-year old Charles Johnson learns some shocking news about himself. Shocking enough that it compels him to re-evaluate every part of his life and also seek out the truth about his own past and family background - traces of his adoption that lead him to a startling and unsettling past that makes it harder for him to realize what was missing in his life, as well as try to appease the wounds of the one whose own heart was burdened by the decision made in times of desperation.
The way the author built upon his search, as well as the consequences of said search was palpable. His anger over the secrecy and the betrayal, the reluctance of acknowledging the mistakes - it was viscerally portrayed. But, time is a great reveler that is as uncontrollable even when it is within our grasp. And that is the journey Amalie Jahn takes the readers on. 'I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have been given a second chance.' 😥 Charlie wants answers - he finds them. But, sometimes the reveal comes at a price too unbearable; decisions of which he can not predict or even fathom. It begs the question: is the need to know worth what is lost in the process? For as much is gained, so too is that much also lost.
“Life, he said, was about moving forward. Not backward.”
Bonnie learned that no matter how many times she goes back in time, fate will find a way to intervene. Charlie learned that no matter what he knows, the universe will find a balance. That even if he heals the wound of his lost heart, you cannot change the hearts of heartless, Tin Men, more interested in their political careers than fostering the love of their children.' 😢 He tried, God knows, he tried. AAnd the author struck that knowledge in a decisive blow that hits hard, but somehow finds a way to redeem itself. For there are others who definitely have their own way of changing the tide of fate. That maybe there is a reason why things turn out the way that we do, and we simply cannot challenge them, no matter how desperate we are to have it work out in a way that is favorable for everyone. 😔
Bonnie and Charlie worked really well together. I liked the careful and natural way in which Bonnie revealed her own time traveling experience to Charlie. She was driven and considerate, motivated and spirited, and that really was the light in Charlie's bleak circumstances. 🥺 'I’d say yes to you in a million timelines if I had to, just to be sure we got it right.' She was wholly committed to his desire to seek out his real mother, driven to make sure he does not make the same mistakes she did. It was earnest and sincere; even when their love was tested, their love and friendship was promising to a fault. 🫂
The message was conveyed; the ending was bittersweet and sadly heartbreaking; a twofold sense of closure that cleverly paved the way for fate to run its course. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 I just am still struggling with the writing. It is not so much matter-of-fact, but sort of like an essay that is meant to be teaching the signs of life to the readers. I cannot then really connect to the characters because the prose is so stiff and unnatural - 'increasingly despondent... tomfoolery', devoid of any true feeling of emotion. Maybe it is intended. Maybe it is me. 😞
August 18, 2014
This is the second in a young adult series which is still very readable for not so young adults like me! The author has an interesting take on time travel in a future where every one is given one opportunity in their life time to experience it. However there are very strict rules for what you can and can't do during your trip. It's a clever idea and has lots of potential for repercussions and interesting story lines! This was a very speedy but enjoyable read and if there are more books written in this series I will certainly read them.
July 24, 2014
I consider myself very lucky that I managed to get hold of an ARC of “Tin Men” by Amalie Jahn.
After reading “The Clay Lion” I couldn’t wait to see where she would take her young adult time travelling series and Jahn did not disappoint me at all.
In “Clay Lion” Brooke tried to save her ill brother through time travel, this time the focus is on her boyfriend Charlie, who at the funeral of his father, finds out that he is adopted. The opening scene at the dreary funeral and the emotions that follow are portrayed with her usual sensitive, warm and empathetic style. Even if you have not read the “Clay Lion” you will feel for the wonderfully kind lead characters with their problems, choices and feelings.
The discovery of an old picture in his father’s belongings sets in motion the question of identity and a search for Charlie’s real family. Again, Jahn handles a difficult subject matter with sensitivity, grace and depth. As Charlie and Brooke play detectives the subject of adoption gets highlighted from different angles, leaving plenty of food for thought with this reader.
The series is set in a time where Time travel is possible and legal, yet heavily regulated and restricted. Brooke persuades Charlie to use his ‘once-a-lifetime’ time travel trip to find out more. From here Jahn takes us into a cleverly plotted sequence that puts Charlie towards tough choices. The novel explores the logical implications of time travel and cause and effects brilliantly and had me quite in awe of the twists and turns that this brought with it.
At the heart, this is a story of love and family, about family values and deep emotional ties. The bond between Charlie and Brooke is strong and beautiful to see, as is the bond between Charlie and his sister Melody. The characters in this book are all very engaging and serve the story and its message of true love very well.
This is every bit as accomplished as ‘The Clay Lion’ was and Amalie Jahn is a talented, thoughtful and kind-hearted author whose books will bring tears to your eyes but will leave you moved, warmed and full of hope.
After reading “The Clay Lion” I couldn’t wait to see where she would take her young adult time travelling series and Jahn did not disappoint me at all.
In “Clay Lion” Brooke tried to save her ill brother through time travel, this time the focus is on her boyfriend Charlie, who at the funeral of his father, finds out that he is adopted. The opening scene at the dreary funeral and the emotions that follow are portrayed with her usual sensitive, warm and empathetic style. Even if you have not read the “Clay Lion” you will feel for the wonderfully kind lead characters with their problems, choices and feelings.
The discovery of an old picture in his father’s belongings sets in motion the question of identity and a search for Charlie’s real family. Again, Jahn handles a difficult subject matter with sensitivity, grace and depth. As Charlie and Brooke play detectives the subject of adoption gets highlighted from different angles, leaving plenty of food for thought with this reader.
The series is set in a time where Time travel is possible and legal, yet heavily regulated and restricted. Brooke persuades Charlie to use his ‘once-a-lifetime’ time travel trip to find out more. From here Jahn takes us into a cleverly plotted sequence that puts Charlie towards tough choices. The novel explores the logical implications of time travel and cause and effects brilliantly and had me quite in awe of the twists and turns that this brought with it.
At the heart, this is a story of love and family, about family values and deep emotional ties. The bond between Charlie and Brooke is strong and beautiful to see, as is the bond between Charlie and his sister Melody. The characters in this book are all very engaging and serve the story and its message of true love very well.
This is every bit as accomplished as ‘The Clay Lion’ was and Amalie Jahn is a talented, thoughtful and kind-hearted author whose books will bring tears to your eyes but will leave you moved, warmed and full of hope.
December 17, 2015
Okay, Ms. Jahn, you've gotten me twice now.
In the first book, The Clay Lion, Ms. Jahn introduced us to Brooke Wallace, a young woman so determined to change the past to make her present better that she failed to realize what she already had until it was almost too late. In Tin Men, Brooke's charming beau Charlie Johnson is faced with a crisis of his own.
All his life, Charlie has wanted to know his origins, or more specifically, his birth mother. But when he discovers in his investigation that the mother he never knew has passed on, he decides to use his one allotted government-sanctioned trip through time to try to fill in all the blanks in his life. Given her near-disastrous experiences with time travel, Brooke is adamantly opposed.
There are many similarities between The Clay Lion and Tin Men, but there are many differences too. The most notable of the similarities is the way Ms. Jahn uses a science-fiction concept to probe the depths of the human heart, to strum the strings that bind hearts, families and loved ones, and to leave the reader wanting more, more, more.
For the second time, Ms. Jahn presented me with a book that I did not want to stop reading, and that is a rare and amazing thing indeed. My one niggle is that, unlike The Clay Lion's ending, which was beautiful in every way, the last 10% of Tin Men felt almost unnecessary. But that's a minor point. Her writing style flows beautifully, and her characters are rich and vibrant. I am a true, true, fan of Ms. Jahn's work. And you should be too.
In the first book, The Clay Lion, Ms. Jahn introduced us to Brooke Wallace, a young woman so determined to change the past to make her present better that she failed to realize what she already had until it was almost too late. In Tin Men, Brooke's charming beau Charlie Johnson is faced with a crisis of his own.
All his life, Charlie has wanted to know his origins, or more specifically, his birth mother. But when he discovers in his investigation that the mother he never knew has passed on, he decides to use his one allotted government-sanctioned trip through time to try to fill in all the blanks in his life. Given her near-disastrous experiences with time travel, Brooke is adamantly opposed.
There are many similarities between The Clay Lion and Tin Men, but there are many differences too. The most notable of the similarities is the way Ms. Jahn uses a science-fiction concept to probe the depths of the human heart, to strum the strings that bind hearts, families and loved ones, and to leave the reader wanting more, more, more.
For the second time, Ms. Jahn presented me with a book that I did not want to stop reading, and that is a rare and amazing thing indeed. My one niggle is that, unlike The Clay Lion's ending, which was beautiful in every way, the last 10% of Tin Men felt almost unnecessary. But that's a minor point. Her writing style flows beautifully, and her characters are rich and vibrant. I am a true, true, fan of Ms. Jahn's work. And you should be too.
June 20, 2015
I loved more Tin Men than The Clay Lion (if that is possible).
In Tin Men we find all the main themes of The Clay Lion, but more empowered and full of new meanings and ideas to meditate.
Charlie's journey in the past to find the truth about his present is such a magnificent metaphor of the emotional and personal development a young adult has to tackle to became an adult.
Mrs Jahn delivered the story with her usual grace and excellent writing skills.
Now heading to book No3, this series is unmissable for young adult genre lovers!
In Tin Men we find all the main themes of The Clay Lion, but more empowered and full of new meanings and ideas to meditate.
Charlie's journey in the past to find the truth about his present is such a magnificent metaphor of the emotional and personal development a young adult has to tackle to became an adult.
Mrs Jahn delivered the story with her usual grace and excellent writing skills.
Now heading to book No3, this series is unmissable for young adult genre lovers!
August 4, 2014
After reading (and LOVING) The Clay Lion, I was so excited to read the 2nd in the series, Tin Men. This book did not disappoint! There was a perfect balance of the sci fi/time travel aspect and personal relationships, so I never felt bored with the plot. I am excited to share this book with teenagers in my life. I love that the subject matter would really appeal to that age group, but it is very clean (no bad language or graphic scenes).
January 22, 2015
I was so excited to read this book after reading The Clay Lion which I loved. I thought this book was not thought out as well as her first book. Towards the end of the book I caught myself just reading the first line of paragraphs trying to find the part where something happens. Without giving any spoilers, I thought the ending seemed to be an afterthought and a little absurd just to tie up the loose ends.
April 28, 2015
Loved. Even better than the first
May 5, 2019
'Tin Men' by Amalie Jahn is the second in her Clay Lion series. The story revolves around Charlie, who learns of his adoption after his father dies. Not knowing what to make of his life, and trying to decipher the truth from the lies he has grown up with, he struggles with who he is and what to do next. By his side are his girlfriend, Brooke, and his sister, Melody, as well as his mom and Brooke's parents. While he tries to figure out the truth about his father's death and how his biological mother fits into it all, he uncovers truths that make him wonder what more there might be that he hasn't yet found.
In his attempts to discover more about himself, he finds the need to use the one trip back in time that everyone is allowed. The problem is that nothing can be changed, or else dire consequences will come into play. Guided by his sister's insistence and his own dogged determination to learn about his past, he goes against Brooke's wishes and not only goes back into the past, but finds himself making changes that he didn't even realize were happening. Of course this throws things off course in ways he could have never imagined, causing a cycle of events to transpire that turn his world even more upside down than he thought it already was.
A gripping story that will take readers on a trip into the past and make them question their own decisions and how life can seemingly turn out differently with one small change, 'Tin Men' is yet another wonderfully written story from Amalie Jahn. The first in this series, 'The Clay Lion,' sets the stage for 'Tin Men'. Both novels teach the ever-important lesson of learning to know one's limits. In 'Tin Men,' Charlie is so focused on how to make things better for himself that he doesn't always consider the consequences of his actions, which can sometimes have unnecessarily harsh consequences if one doesn't watch out. The story teaches how the power of truth-finding can sometimes weigh more on one's character than he intends, providing hope and love when only honesty was expected.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
In his attempts to discover more about himself, he finds the need to use the one trip back in time that everyone is allowed. The problem is that nothing can be changed, or else dire consequences will come into play. Guided by his sister's insistence and his own dogged determination to learn about his past, he goes against Brooke's wishes and not only goes back into the past, but finds himself making changes that he didn't even realize were happening. Of course this throws things off course in ways he could have never imagined, causing a cycle of events to transpire that turn his world even more upside down than he thought it already was.
A gripping story that will take readers on a trip into the past and make them question their own decisions and how life can seemingly turn out differently with one small change, 'Tin Men' is yet another wonderfully written story from Amalie Jahn. The first in this series, 'The Clay Lion,' sets the stage for 'Tin Men'. Both novels teach the ever-important lesson of learning to know one's limits. In 'Tin Men,' Charlie is so focused on how to make things better for himself that he doesn't always consider the consequences of his actions, which can sometimes have unnecessarily harsh consequences if one doesn't watch out. The story teaches how the power of truth-finding can sometimes weigh more on one's character than he intends, providing hope and love when only honesty was expected.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
December 29, 2018
In my opinion, this book was much better than the first. For starters, I didn't feel like this one was as predictable as The Clay Lion. I didn't know what Charlie was going to do or what the ending would be. I can honestly say that I wasn't expecting the twist towards the end. That said, I still did NOT enjoy the fact that the entire book was in past tense again. It was really grating. It was cool though to see the different perspective of the characters. The first book was of Brooke, and while it was easy to see her thoughts and feelings; it wasn't quite the same as seeing her through another character's eyes. I enjoyed that I could compare and contrast their thoughts and actions against each other's book narratives.
I plan on reading the next installment. And who knows? Maybe that one will be even better.
I plan on reading the next installment. And who knows? Maybe that one will be even better.
July 30, 2021
I can see from the other reviews that I'm in the minority. And that's ok. Time travel is my favorite genre. And I'm more than aware when I immerse myself in a story, I must suspend disbelief in order to appreciate it. Having said that, I found THIS time travel story hard to believe. How can anyone go back in time (for 5 minutes, let alone 6 months) and NOT change the future in some significant way.
I found some of the relationships lacking depth. I wonder if the author focused more on the relationship development, and tweaked the time-travel concept, it would have been a riveting story. I won't be finishing the series.
I found some of the relationships lacking depth. I wonder if the author focused more on the relationship development, and tweaked the time-travel concept, it would have been a riveting story. I won't be finishing the series.
June 11, 2022
3.7/5 stars.
Not as good as the first novel, but still fun! I liked being able to see Brooke and Charlie again, and they were cuter than ever in this.
I liked getting more development for Charlie and his family life - and wow his father was even more awful than I had expected. It made his quest to find his biological parents even more understandable.
But, as always, going in the past has its consequences. It was interesting to see how Charlie's journey was different to Brooke's, and the fallout following it. While the whole time-travel concept felt far more interesting in the first novel, I still enjoyed reading this story and seeing a different journey.
Not as good as the first novel, but still fun! I liked being able to see Brooke and Charlie again, and they were cuter than ever in this.
I liked getting more development for Charlie and his family life - and wow his father was even more awful than I had expected. It made his quest to find his biological parents even more understandable.
But, as always, going in the past has its consequences. It was interesting to see how Charlie's journey was different to Brooke's, and the fallout following it. While the whole time-travel concept felt far more interesting in the first novel, I still enjoyed reading this story and seeing a different journey.
July 16, 2018
This was a good follow up to The Clay Lion. Charlie is a little bit dumb at times, but still a great guy, and it all turns out in the end. I actually thought some loose ends were a little too tidy for believability in this case, though I think forgivably so.
November 26, 2017
Bravo! The second book was way better than the first.
June 2, 2019
Read this review and more on my blog.The Book Return Blog
*I received this book for free from the Author (via YA Books Central) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
In this continuation of the 'Clay Lion' series, Brooke's boyfriend Charlie takes his own journey into his past and in the process discovers who he really is.
I really enjoyed, 'The Clay Lion', and literally went right into 'Tin Men' as soon as I had finished the first one. I had to know how Brooke's story continued.
Charlie was my favorite character from 'The Clay Lion' (and he is totally swoon-worthy), so I loved that this book took on his story. Jahn had me totally forgetting that government-sanctioned time-travel isn't really a thing (yet). I had to keep reminding myself that this is really a science fiction story and not just a romantic contemporary.
I found I was more sympathetic to Charlie's character in this story then I was to Brooke's in the first book. Charlie's intent throughout the story was to follow the rules and keep his head down and learn about his past. This made his story very compelling.
Charlie's story helped me to really understand that any kind of time-travel would inherently have time continuum difficulties. Some of the situations such as the old self catching up with the current self in the timeline and what the person will remember from each timeline was absolutely mindboggling. I had to really think about what is happening in each timeline to understand. Also, highlighted in the story is the legal and moral complexities of that time-travel and what that could mean to everyone around the time traveler.
I am a huge fan of time-travel books and this series has quickly become one of my favorites. After finishing 'Tin Men' I jumped right into the next one in the series, 'The Straw Man'. I am really becoming a fan of Amalie Jahn and totally understand how she had developed such a huge following.
This review was originally posted on The Book return...
*I received this book for free from the Author (via YA Books Central) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
In this continuation of the 'Clay Lion' series, Brooke's boyfriend Charlie takes his own journey into his past and in the process discovers who he really is.
I really enjoyed, 'The Clay Lion', and literally went right into 'Tin Men' as soon as I had finished the first one. I had to know how Brooke's story continued.
Charlie was my favorite character from 'The Clay Lion' (and he is totally swoon-worthy), so I loved that this book took on his story. Jahn had me totally forgetting that government-sanctioned time-travel isn't really a thing (yet). I had to keep reminding myself that this is really a science fiction story and not just a romantic contemporary.
I found I was more sympathetic to Charlie's character in this story then I was to Brooke's in the first book. Charlie's intent throughout the story was to follow the rules and keep his head down and learn about his past. This made his story very compelling.
Charlie's story helped me to really understand that any kind of time-travel would inherently have time continuum difficulties. Some of the situations such as the old self catching up with the current self in the timeline and what the person will remember from each timeline was absolutely mindboggling. I had to really think about what is happening in each timeline to understand. Also, highlighted in the story is the legal and moral complexities of that time-travel and what that could mean to everyone around the time traveler.
I am a huge fan of time-travel books and this series has quickly become one of my favorites. After finishing 'Tin Men' I jumped right into the next one in the series, 'The Straw Man'. I am really becoming a fan of Amalie Jahn and totally understand how she had developed such a huge following.
This review was originally posted on The Book return...
July 22, 2015
Like the other two books in the Clay Lion series, the title Tin Men has a clear allusion to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the journey it takes, complete with adventures and risk, to find yourself where you really belong: home.
From the start, Charlie questions his place in the world, he tries to look backwards into the secrets of the past. “I’ve always felt like everyone else was in on this big secret… From early on I realized something wasn’t right.” His parents kept the truth from him, which confused him. “When I snooped, I found only locked doors and empty files.”
When he dares, in spite of Brooke’s objection, to go back to the past, Charlie discovers what he had always suspected. He finds his birth mother, and when she tells him her story all the jumbled up pieces of his life fall, somehow, into place. She tells her son, “My father kicked me out of the house, calling me a disgrace to the family…. he would’t have my ‘indiscretions’ ruin his political career.” Looking at her Charlie realizes, “We were both raised by heartless, tin men, more interested their political careers than fostering the love of their children.“ It is his turn to be the strong one. “I cradled her in my arms… I was now consoling the one who should have been caring for me.”
The Tin Man in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz found his heart. He found redemption, Will the Tin Men here find theirs? And will Charlie realize that there is no need to search too far, because there is no place like home?
Amalie Jahn’s writing is engaging, and at times truly musical. “The timelines lived and relived, the timelines lost to us, the deaths we mourned and the ones we simply moved on from… It was time to make good on a promise I made during a timeline only Brooke remembered.”
Five stars.
From the start, Charlie questions his place in the world, he tries to look backwards into the secrets of the past. “I’ve always felt like everyone else was in on this big secret… From early on I realized something wasn’t right.” His parents kept the truth from him, which confused him. “When I snooped, I found only locked doors and empty files.”
When he dares, in spite of Brooke’s objection, to go back to the past, Charlie discovers what he had always suspected. He finds his birth mother, and when she tells him her story all the jumbled up pieces of his life fall, somehow, into place. She tells her son, “My father kicked me out of the house, calling me a disgrace to the family…. he would’t have my ‘indiscretions’ ruin his political career.” Looking at her Charlie realizes, “We were both raised by heartless, tin men, more interested their political careers than fostering the love of their children.“ It is his turn to be the strong one. “I cradled her in my arms… I was now consoling the one who should have been caring for me.”
The Tin Man in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz found his heart. He found redemption, Will the Tin Men here find theirs? And will Charlie realize that there is no need to search too far, because there is no place like home?
Amalie Jahn’s writing is engaging, and at times truly musical. “The timelines lived and relived, the timelines lost to us, the deaths we mourned and the ones we simply moved on from… It was time to make good on a promise I made during a timeline only Brooke remembered.”
Five stars.
June 18, 2015
I have read a huge amount of sci-fi over the years, from the dystopian to the utopian, yet have never come across a novel with such a down-to-Earth feel about it as Amalie Jahn’s ‘Tin Men’. In fact, had I not known the book addressed the problems arising through the use of time travel, the first quarter of the novel read as a superb character-driven mystery tale, I knew I was still on to a great read. When the author started exploring the consequences of going back in time and unwillingly altering the present, the story ramped up to a further level of quiet genius. I say ‘quiet’ not in detriment to the writer’s evident skill at crafting solid characters that take the story effortlessly into the category of exceptional, rather as a compliment to the structure she chose. In too many of the sci-fi tales touching on time travel we encounter the same action-filled scenes of mayhem that often serve to disguise a thin plot. This is not the case here, though. Jahn’s protagonists and antagonists are so artfully created they add the intensity the story needs by their interaction without resorting to ‘cheap’ sensationalism. This is a novel that will not just appeal to lovers of outstanding sci-fi, however, but to anyone who likes a great mystery story, with enough red herrings and twists to keep even the most ardent fans happy. Amalie Jahn: an amazing discovery; an author I will be reading again.
March 14, 2016
I’m always reluctant to jump into a Young Adult (YA) sequel when I really like the first book. I read a lot and have had more than my fair share of disappointment in this area. Tin Men, did not disappoint. It has a well-developed plot and creates continuity by making use of characters introduced in the first book. Though I hated to lose the point of view (POV) Brooke, I found that I was easily able to connect with the new main character, Charlie. I was pleasantly surprised at how much this book pulled me in. In the previous book, Brooke and Charlie had a multiplicity of relationships, time travel and all that. It was intriguing to see how the passage of time affected their world outlook and the connection between them. The author’s treatment of these of characters growing into individuals that fell in love rather than portraying them as hormone gushing teens, was very refreshing.
This book is not written to stand alone. You should read the first book in the series, The Clay Lion, before Tin Men. Otherwise, you’ll miss a lot of world building and character backstory that is critical for the Tin Men story line. It’s not like you can just go back in time and read the first book. In Tin Men, Amalie Jahn expertly mixes time travel with romance and a bit of tragedy. The result is a heartwarming story about finding yourself. I highly recommend this book, it’s certainly one of my favorites and I just can’t say enough good things about this series!
This book is not written to stand alone. You should read the first book in the series, The Clay Lion, before Tin Men. Otherwise, you’ll miss a lot of world building and character backstory that is critical for the Tin Men story line. It’s not like you can just go back in time and read the first book. In Tin Men, Amalie Jahn expertly mixes time travel with romance and a bit of tragedy. The result is a heartwarming story about finding yourself. I highly recommend this book, it’s certainly one of my favorites and I just can’t say enough good things about this series!
July 3, 2015
TIME TRAVEL AT ITS BEST
Having read Amalie Jahn before I knew I would undoubtedly be in for appealing characters and a well-written story. On that score TIN MEN did not disappoint! But what thoroughly surprised me was how well she handled the concept of time travel. Forever confused by movies such as, “Back to the Future II,” I had come to the conclusion that going back and forth into different time warps just ‘wasn’t my thing.’
Yet in Ms. Jahn’s skillful hands, not only did her heartfelt protagonists draw me in before the time travel element was even introduced, I was fascinated by how authentic she made it all seem––as part of a governmental system of rules and mandates. To me, then, her time travel was not only believable, it became riveting, and like a thriller, had me turning pages to find out about long lost secrets, understand the concept of lives being saved, and most important of all, witness the importance and strength of true love. All I can say is Ms. Jahn, you have made a complete convert out of me! 5 stars...in any period of time!
Having read Amalie Jahn before I knew I would undoubtedly be in for appealing characters and a well-written story. On that score TIN MEN did not disappoint! But what thoroughly surprised me was how well she handled the concept of time travel. Forever confused by movies such as, “Back to the Future II,” I had come to the conclusion that going back and forth into different time warps just ‘wasn’t my thing.’
Yet in Ms. Jahn’s skillful hands, not only did her heartfelt protagonists draw me in before the time travel element was even introduced, I was fascinated by how authentic she made it all seem––as part of a governmental system of rules and mandates. To me, then, her time travel was not only believable, it became riveting, and like a thriller, had me turning pages to find out about long lost secrets, understand the concept of lives being saved, and most important of all, witness the importance and strength of true love. All I can say is Ms. Jahn, you have made a complete convert out of me! 5 stars...in any period of time!
April 30, 2016
Tin Men is a great follow-up to The Clay Lion! This time, we see the story through the eyes of Charlie Johnson, boyfriend to Brooke Wallace, who was the central character in the first book in the series.
After his father's unexpected death reveals a secret about his own past, 21-year-old Charlie enlists the aid of his girlfriend Brooke in the search for his birth mother. Answers spark more questions, and Charlie's obsession to know the truth can only be satisfied with a trip back in time, which is stringently regulated by the government. Brooke tries to discourage him, knowing from her own experience that those who undertake time travel, even with the best of intentions, find things seldom turn out as planned. Despite her protests, Charlie makes the leap. Even if he finds the answers he's looking for, will he return to a present that's irreparably altered?
This story is fast-paced and engrossing, with a dystopic twist that makes it even more suspenseful than the first volume in the series. Highly recommend.
After his father's unexpected death reveals a secret about his own past, 21-year-old Charlie enlists the aid of his girlfriend Brooke in the search for his birth mother. Answers spark more questions, and Charlie's obsession to know the truth can only be satisfied with a trip back in time, which is stringently regulated by the government. Brooke tries to discourage him, knowing from her own experience that those who undertake time travel, even with the best of intentions, find things seldom turn out as planned. Despite her protests, Charlie makes the leap. Even if he finds the answers he's looking for, will he return to a present that's irreparably altered?
This story is fast-paced and engrossing, with a dystopic twist that makes it even more suspenseful than the first volume in the series. Highly recommend.
March 12, 2016
Amalie Jahn hit it out of the park again with Tin Men. This one has all your favorite characters, but this time it is Charlie's life that is turns upside down and Charlie that is looking for answers only he can find in the past. But when Brook is adamant about him not using his trip, she has to finally break down and tell Charlie why he can't use his trip to get the answers he so desperately wants.
But when he decides he is going to do it any ways they find away for Brooke's past self to help him find his answers, but will that come with even more consequences?
This was another killer book, it will suck you in and won't let you go. The action and suspense just holds you. I had the audiobook and the narrator Simon Lee Phillips really made this book. He is a awesome Charlie, and put a pulse into the story it is great to listen to such a awesome narrator, read such a wonderful book, it is like they were made for each other.
But when he decides he is going to do it any ways they find away for Brooke's past self to help him find his answers, but will that come with even more consequences?
This was another killer book, it will suck you in and won't let you go. The action and suspense just holds you. I had the audiobook and the narrator Simon Lee Phillips really made this book. He is a awesome Charlie, and put a pulse into the story it is great to listen to such a awesome narrator, read such a wonderful book, it is like they were made for each other.
February 4, 2017
I thought this book's primary downfall was its tendency to tell instead of show. As with book 1, it's a first person narrative but not as authentic as Brooke's story. She felt more raw and honest, whereas Charlie would have moments of anger and frustration but then have long droning paragraphs right afterwards where he became uncharacteristically introspective.
A number of times throughout the book, the author made convenient jumps that didn't feel true to the story. This broke the flow and took me out of its world and into a space where I felt like I was reading a book, not immersed in a story.
Also, am I the only person who does not get her flavor of time travel?? Sir Michael Crichton, how you are missed in this regard.
Two stars. Didn't care for it and won't read again (or finish the series).
A number of times throughout the book, the author made convenient jumps that didn't feel true to the story. This broke the flow and took me out of its world and into a space where I felt like I was reading a book, not immersed in a story.
Also, am I the only person who does not get her flavor of time travel?? Sir Michael Crichton, how you are missed in this regard.
Two stars. Didn't care for it and won't read again (or finish the series).
June 29, 2016
The author takes care with her characters and makes them seem so real and human, it's as if I got to know them as friends. I loved the bond that Charlie and Brooke have with each other and although this is primarily Charlie's story, I loved it every time Brooke appeared either to talk reason to him or most usually to support him, even when she didn't fully agree with his decisions. As I read the story and about the rules of time travel, I kept wondering how I would use my one time travel trip. However, having seen how disastrous it was for Charlie (at least in the beginning) and how an innocent encounter in the past can have such major repercussions in the present, I was inclined to change my mind and pass on the trip back in time altogether.
June 26, 2015
Beautifully Written.
This story begins with the death of Charlie’s father, a politician who spent more time on his career than with his family. Right after the funeral, Charlie discovers an old photograph from his father’s study. Although he’s never seen her before, Charlie recognizes the woman as his real mother.
This is the start of a remarkable journey for Charlie and his girlfriend Brooke, which includes time travel. Although written for young adults, adults can enjoy this book as well. Author Amalie Jahn has a gift for writing multi-layered interesting stories with engaging characters.
This story begins with the death of Charlie’s father, a politician who spent more time on his career than with his family. Right after the funeral, Charlie discovers an old photograph from his father’s study. Although he’s never seen her before, Charlie recognizes the woman as his real mother.
This is the start of a remarkable journey for Charlie and his girlfriend Brooke, which includes time travel. Although written for young adults, adults can enjoy this book as well. Author Amalie Jahn has a gift for writing multi-layered interesting stories with engaging characters.
August 1, 2014
Set in a time where Time travel is possible. This lovely novel explores the logical implications a story of love and family, family values and deep emotional bonds. The story and its message of true love is very well expressed.
a book just as great as ‘The Clay Lion’ Amalie is a talented, thoughtful author whose books will bring you tears and leave you moved full of hope. I was gifted this book for an honest review. A very recommended book to read and enjoy.
a book just as great as ‘The Clay Lion’ Amalie is a talented, thoughtful author whose books will bring you tears and leave you moved full of hope. I was gifted this book for an honest review. A very recommended book to read and enjoy.
September 3, 2014
This sequel to the Clay Lion continues with Charlie's story. Events in his life lead him to partake of the time travel available to him with unexpected consequences. This is a story of love, loyalty, family and devotion. An excellent story for young adults or young at heart. I would highly recommend Tin Men.
June 24, 2016
Riveting read! I couldn't resist reading this after getting to know the characters in Clay Lion, and yet it would stand up alone perfectly well. Once into the first chapter or so I just didn't want to put it down! It kept me guessing to the very end. I particularly loved the observations on unconditional love and the authentic insights into issues surrounding adoption. Highly recommended!
August 8, 2014
Excellent sequel to The Clay Lion. I finally found out how "Charlie's" life continued. I enjoy the writing style of Amalie Jahn. I would highly recomment this book to your adults, but read "The Clay Lion" first.
January 20, 2016
Review to come.
July 31, 2014
Love this! Review soon.
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