Merry Chalmers, accused witch, has a secret so hidden that she's nearly forgotten what she really is. All she desires is for the witch-hunts to end and to marry her secret love, William Darling. But hysteria has taken hold in Salem Village, and the Tall Man, spawned by tales of his existence, is born to fulfill his dark purpose.
Soon Merry and William find their lives taking unthinkable paths. For when Merry leaps from the 17th century into modern-day Salem, she must accept that unlike others who were accused and hanged for being a witch, she truly is one.
Susan Catalano is the author of a historical fantasy series, which includes The Timeless Ones, A Necessary Darkness and novella, Witches 3. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, dog, and lots of yarn. She holds strong opinions on pizza, is obsessed with trees, and can occasionally be found wandering old graveyards. She has just released The Honesty of Wings, the first book in her new YA fantasy series, The Corvid Legacy.
I received my copy of The Timeless Ones by Susan Catalano from the author, through the Lovers of Paranormal group on Goodreads, in exchange for an honest review.
The hardest part of writing this review is trying to keep it spoiler-free. I loved this book, from the first chapter I was captivated, not only by the story line, but by the writing itself. Set in Salem, Massachusetts during both the 1692 witch trials as well as modern day 2010, The Timeless Ones is not just a time travel romance, nor is it just a story about witches. My take on the story is that is about good and evil, learning who you are, what you are capable of, and the decisions that you make to call upon darkness or light.
There is a love story at the heart of the novel, that endearing connection between William and Merry. These are two young, innocent characters trying to forge their relationship in a society that is determined to keep them apart. Despite being promised to another, Merry is truly in love with her dear childhood friend, William. Accustomed to keeping their burgeoning relationship quiet, Merry and William continue to meet secretly in the meadow. Although her fiancé, Jonathan Parrish, has forsaken her, Merry and William are still not free because accusations of witchcraft have tarnished Merry’s reputation. William is followed to their secret meeting spot by the townsmen, determined to arrest Merry and see her hanged. Merry runs for her life at William’s warning, straight off the edge of a cliff where she should have plunge to her death, but instead travels through an “angel’s” rainbow and lands in modern day Salem. Luck would have it that Merry is rescued in 2010 by a young woman named Liz, whose cousin, Sidney, just so happens to belong to the evil coven of witches responsible for Merry’s journey through time.
What follows is a fantastic tale of time travel, witchcraft, a little history, friendship, love, beings of light and of darkness, bigotry and evil. The characters grow during the course of the novel, realizing that they are more than mere humans, but understanding that their actions have a chain reaction, positive and negative effects. Their supernatural abilities can be used for the greater good, and sometimes sacrificing oneself is a noble act, as in Sidney’s case.
As I mentioned, it was not only the story line itself that impressed me, it was the writing. Descriptions were vivid enough to paint an incredible picture in my mind of the landscape, the people, old and new Salem, without being excessively wordy or taking away from the story. I was most impressed with the depictions of magical acts, the arrival of The Tall Man, and the terrible darkness crawling with groping hands that must be Hell itself. These descriptions were so powerful that I had goosebumps reading about The Tall Man, and haven’t looked at a bird quite the same since. Ms Catalano is able to transition between past and present with such smoothness and ease that I literally found myself swaying as I read the back-and-forth/past-and-present scenes between William and Merry. The connections between individuals in the past and present, the foreshadowing, use of objects in the present that were important in the past and Sophie’s crystal ball were exciting. I constantly found myself speculating who was who, what role they might have played in the past, who had time travelled, and why. I am still scratching my head at the missing men in the story and what their story will hold; William, Merry, Sidney and Liz all have fathers who are mentioned, but are not explained. I am desperate to know how and why certain people ended up in the past, and who their “trade” sent to the future was. It is my presumption that these questions will be answered in the second book. While this book seemed focused on the witches of old and modern Salem, it would seem that the second book will be about the greater sources of darkness and light and the battle within an individual (this is me trying so hard not to offer up spoilers!!)
This is a GREAT book that I could not put down from page 1. Honestly, I read it in less than a week (only because I had to go to work) and I was bitter each time something called me away from it. Nearly right from page 1, I was immediately invested in the characters and as each chapter ended, I was compelled to start the next. The writing and story were simply captivating and the facts about Salem and the witch trials made me want to plan a trip to downtown Salem to re-visit history. I really liked how facts were intertwined with the story, and how past and present meshed. The creativity in the story was wonderful and the story--simply awesome! I can't wait for the follow up book!!!!!!!!
Since this is in the book blurb, it’s not a spoiler to say that Susan Catalano made the interesting and very cool move of writing about the Salem Witch Trials as if two of the victims really were witches. I didn’t know this when I started reading, and when it dawned on me I was so pleased.
Catalano handled writing two characters who are sweet, innocent and optimistic in the midst of an unthinkably horrible situation. Meredith Chalmers is an upbeat girl who is head over heels in love with the charming and cute William Darling.
The first scene in this book (after the prologue) involves the two sneaking away together in a field, so in love, and it was one of the most lovely scenes. It drew me immediately into caring about Merry and William. They are a perfect couple, and Catalano has thrown every kind of obstacle at them until at times you wonder if they will ever make it through. In fact, while this book does come to a satisfying conclusion, you leave unsure whether they have.
I had some hesitation about reading this book, because I am always drawn to books about the witch trials and then end up mainly feeling sick at the torture these people endured. Susan Catalano manages to write characters who are witches, who live through the trials and who time travel to a lighthearted future, while maintaining respect for those who died in the 1600s. She does not make light of the past, even though her characters are far from gloomy. Merry and William enjoy the future even as they work to find a way out of the events of the past.
I’ve read several books that include modern day witches, and they’ve all treated modern witchcraft in a trite or stereotypical way. While I did not connect with the symbolism of colors that is used throughout this book, I was so happy that Catalano’s modern witches are not the pointy-hat types. My only wish was that I wanted the book to end in a different spot -- one specific, exciting moment that occurs near the end and that I won’t spoil.
***Received this book in exchange for an honest review (Lovers of Paranormal)***
"Our lives have become a fairytale," she whispered.
In the words of Adam Levine, Oh. My. G! This book was a perfect fit for me. I have always had an interest in the Salem Witch Trials and I want to read books with Salem as a setting. Susan Catalano has delightfully blended fiction and history to produce an engaging story.
There was not a dull moment to be found in The Timeless Ones. I flew through this book! Whether it was the time travel, or the easy relationships, or the glimpse into the seventeenth century, it had me hooked.
The love story between Merry and William was enchanting. They didn't see anyone else in that way and they couldn't survive without each other. Merry risked everything by going back to 1692 so that she could be with William, and he sacrificed his feelings to make sure that she was safe.
I read paranormal books all the time, but this would be a great read for Halloween.
There is a cliffhanger, but that just means that there is more to come! And I want to get my hands on it!
I recommend it to everyone, but especially if you like witches/paranormal!!
I wrote this book, so I'm biased, and am claiming all the stars I can. I mean they're prettier when they're gold, aren't they? And, Goodreads lets me do this, so I guess I should.
I'm attributing the stars as such:
One star for Merry's tenacity and ability to adapt One star for William's endurance, self-sacrifice, and hotness One star for Liz's generosity, and also I just love her One star for Sophie and her endearing kookiness One star for the victims of the Salem Witch Trials (RIP)
Honorable mention goes to the Tall Man, whose legend lives on.
I loved this book. It was very hard to put it down. I was so caught up in Merry's life. Only problem with the whole book is I have to wait for Susan to finish number two!!
I wish I could give this book 4.5 stars. It's a delightful read, with history and magic-building I've never seen before. The characters and story drew me in right away and I'm looking forward to reading "A Necessary Darkness". Well done!!!
I received a copy of this book from the author in an exchange for an honest review.
First, I'd really like to add that I would rate this book 3.5 stars, but since we are not allowed to, I'll justify my position. This great book has it's plot shared in two parts, so when this book ends, you have no idea on the destiny of the characters, and that is something I really hate!!! But this is a matter related to my personal tastes, I can't use it to downrate such a great story...
And that's what you get when you start reading THE TIMELESS ONE. The author, Susan Catalano, gifts her readers with a paranormal romance fulfilled of secrets, magic, love and History. If you never had American History classes this is your chance to dive in one of the most famous Witch Hunts ever, and understand why Salem Witch Trials have set an example of the Church Inquisition failures.
The book title refers to the fact that it's possible to travel through time, if someone can join all the requirements to work the magic and is brave enough to face the dangers of an unknown society. In this story we go back in time to the last decades of the 16th Century, when Meredith Chalmers is accused of being a witch by other young women in the small Puritan community of Salem Village and, and in an attempt of running away of a death sentence by hanging, jumps from a cliff to scape her chasers and lends in the nowadays Salem. What she didn't expected though is the fact that the very reason of her running away, living behind her aunt Rose and her beloved William Darling, is the basis for the city prosperity and fame.
Scared and confused, Merry is rescued from the bottom of the cliff by Liz and her cousin Sidney, a girl who believes to be a "real" wicca witch and belongs to a powerful Coven. Lost not only about her whereabouts, but even worse, lost in time, with no knowledge or manners to mingle at the present society, Merry finds herself is an technically impossible situation, with no idea of how or why she was sent to the future. And as soon as she can prove herself and her new friends she is not hallucinating or dreaming, she will need to discover ways not only to revert the magic and go back in time to William, but also, how to scape her own likely death.
I received a free copy, through LoP on Goodreads, in exchange for a review.
Timeless – an easy concept to understand, but imagine that you have this power…the power to be timeless. Merry has always felt different, but maybe that’s because she has grown up in Salem, during one of the bloodiest times, the Witch Trails. Kind hearted, she just wants an end to these vicious lies & senseless deaths, so she can marry her secret love, William. Events are starting to get the best of the villagers and an unexpected occurrence happens when Merry herself if accused of being a witch. All of a sudden, she has been whisked into a completely different time, with no knowledge of what is happening. A kind person takes her in, the help try to understand everything about her and her powers, the powers of a true timeless witch.
“Your abilities. Moving your toys without touching them. Making objects shake when you were angry. And then there were the colors, of course. She’d find them floating nearby as you played or swirling above you while you slept. More than once, you disappeared right before her eyes, only for moments each time, but it terrified her.” “Where did I go?” “No one knows for certain, but I suspect you went back in time. You appear to have some sort of connection between past and present. Your aura…I’d never seen the like. I knew you were special.”
I like the idea of holding all of the colors in the rainbow, inside of you, to connect you to distant pasts. It was a cleverly written story and the main character was extremely likable. There were some predictable parts, but overall it was a well written story. I’ll be excited for the next installment.
Salem, Ma is known as the Witch City and the month of October is the 5th season known as Haunted Happenings, where being witches is celebrated. However, this story being a witch is still a crime as the heroine, Merry travels from now back to 1692 and has traveled in time before. She just wants a life with her boyfriend, William Darling from 1692. Since I just visited Salem 2 weeks ago, this story really intrigued me with the Witch Hysteria of 1692. Names were mentioned that I saw in Salem at the Witches Trial Memorial that made the story more realistic for me to relate with and understand as I actually took a tour and the author described scenes and the housing just like what I had seen. The premise of the story without giving the details based upon the devil, the tall man, wanting control as usual. He has command of a coven in today's time and in 1692; in which the Witches do his bidding in order to get higher favors. However, Merry has her own good powers and does not belong to the coven and that is the issue. THEY want her powers and the community wants her to hang like all other witches in that time frame....YOU will need to read to find out this suspenseful ending! The author gave me a copy of this book as a courtesy for an unbiased opinion. I recommend this book highly for the joy of reading as paranormal, fictional, & historical novel.
Can I please have the next book now? Pretty please?
I'm disappointed in myself for reading this too quickly. The story captivated me from the beginning to the end. The trials that Merry and William endured. Both being special that which makes them even more wanted by those witches and the the Tall Man.
Not all secrets were revealed. In fact I'd like to know more about William's lineage and the reason for William's and Merry's time traveling. I loved the mysteries surrounding this story especially more when some of them were revealed.
I'd say that Merry was lucky when she went to the future since the people who helped were good. I was happy and sad for Merry when she met a family member of hers.
William and Merry's relationship was just too sweet. I liked how they want to protect one another at any cost although I wished that they won't be too noble. I wonder if Merry will have something unexpected, hopefully she does. To those who read this you'd probably known what I meant.
I was happy those witches got what they deserved altough I'm not that mean for that to happened them. I'm wondering though about Trinka and Corinne. A little bit was revealed about them.
The ending's a cliffhanger alright. I so can't wait for the next book. I wonder how many books will be in this series.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock i give this book 5 fangs, i absolutely loved this story. starting with a little girl playing on a swing in one year then accidentally transporting her and her mother back to 17th century Salem during the witch trials this book is almost nonstop movement. Meredith Chalmers takes a huge leap of faith when while being chased down for being a witch in 17th century Salem, she jumps off the ledge of a cliff towards a woman surrounded by rainbows, and into the year 2010 without a clue as to what has just happened. she meets Liz who of course at first thinks a time traveling witch is crazy but the two become fast friends. merry is distraught at the thought of losing the man she loves, William darling, and worries about how to get home. in Salem we meet Vanessa, the witch who has traded places with merry, and we learn that she is after William darling. between an evil coven in our time and the devil himself in old Salem town the story is fast paced, well written and wonderfully entrapping. i loved the description of the magic, the use of the rainbows is definitely unique and lovely. i honestly can't wait for the next book.
A fascinating story about Witches and time travel. This story is about a girl named merry who is accused of being a witch in Salem Village back in 1692, and the man she loves, William. The story goes back and forth between 1692 and 2010. You will learn about a coven of Witches that can time travel and The Tall Man AKA The Devil that spurs them on. There is an unconditional love between Merry and William that is so strong, I enjoyed getting to know these characters and watch their bond grow. The torture and pain they have to endure is excruciating, but their love never falters. I have always been fascinated about The witch Trials and enjoyed traveling through time with merry. There’s alot going on in this story and one part I enjoyed was when Merry came to 2010 and met Liz. their friendship blossomed and made a true bond. I also enjoyed reading about the Monkey tree, a fantasy to be sure. It was an adventurous read with all its twists and turns. It ended with a bang. There has to be more...
I give The Timeless Ones 4 stars for its time traveling tale. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys witches, magic and fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book through the Lovers of Paranormal group on Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.
This book took me a couple chapters to capture my attention, but once it grabbed ahold, it didn't let go. The reason it was slow starting for me was the quick shift in characters' perspectives and timeline. Once I grasped the writer's style, I was along for a wonderful ride.
This book has a little something for everyone...history, fiction, witchcraft, time travel, romance, intrigue, and even rainbows! I am so used to serial fiction being short and quickly read so people can move on to the next book. Sometimes it's disappointing because you end up wanting more and having to wait. I was NOT disappointed with this book. It was a fantastic length that kept me entertained for more than just a few hours. Yes, I do want more...and soon! But for now, my brain is stimulated into creating my own scenarios of "what if's" for Merry and William. That says a lot for a book these days.
Thanks for a great read! I can't wait for the next book.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review. And I am more than happy to fulfill my end of the deal. I usually don't enjoy time travel pieces, but this book was definitely the exception to my rule. First, it was fun to go back and gain a different perspective of the witch trials. Second of all, the tie-in of history and present was a fun mix. I enjoyed following Merry as she progressed from a 17th century girl to a modern era girl. It was interesting seeing our world, and all we take for granted, from the view of an outsider. The characters were so richly developed that I began to experience feelings towards them. Merry and Liz and Sophie became like friends, and I enjoyed following their lives. And William too, of course. Additionally, I enjoyed the rich development of Vanessa. Although she was very definitely bad, she had multiple layers, and I couldn't wait to find out more about her and her motivations. All in all, I enjoyed this escape from reality, and I cannot wait to return to this rich world for the sequel.
Great kick off to this interesting paranormal series. Susan has a pleasant writing style that guides the reader through her story. I like that this story is not about your standard witch but has its own spin on it that is unique. The pace is perfect and the book is a bit on the longer side. There are some nicely developed twists that the reader won't see coming. It is a tough book to put down.
Merry is just absolutely adorable. She seems genuine and cares deeply for her friends and loved ones. She is strong and learns how to deal with what is thrown her way. William is the perfect counter to her. Strong, caring and he does what is right, not what he is told is right.
The book left you at quite the cliffhanger. Good thing I have the next one ready to go since I really want to know how the story continues.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review. (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
Finally a book that doesn't follow the same formula! I read a lot of paranormal, young adult, fantasy etc. novels and I've been getting bored with the same formula they all seem to follow. I love that this story was so much more than a love triangle tug of war. It is a very original story idea, which I appreciate since you don't see where all the twists and turns are going to bring you. Also, since I am from Massachusetts I have always been fascinated with the Salem witch trials and I really enjoyed how authentic old Salem felt in the book. Merry is such a great character I love seeing her thrown into the modern world and how she reacts to everything.
I really enjoyed reading this on my trip to Tokyo and went through it a little too fast wishing I had more for my long flights. Looking forward to when the next book in the series comes out!
The timeless ones is a book that deserves a thousand awards. Susan Katalano has put all her magic and art so that she might be mistaken for a witch.....
A marvellous book filled with unexpected twists and cliffhangers...ghm-ghmmmm....I am speaking about the last scene where she leaves us hanging with only a promise and our desperation for the resuming book....
Well done Susan you just won a new follower and my support to continue writing. Characters full of subborn personality-like Merry- and bravery-like William- are welcome to my aprreciation, yor descriptions and writing has taken me to another world though your words seem too drip realism.....
I have nothing else to say your book was like a sfe haven away from reality for me...continue the hard work I received this book in an exchange of an honest review from LoP
Once I was able to actually sit down and read the book, I was captivated. It completely pulls you in and I hated having to put it down. This was a new take on the classic fight between good and evil and the journey of discovering which side you belong on. I love how the story is set in a combination of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and more modern day 2010. I really loved following William and Merry, with their classic forbidden love, which led to their secret love affair. I think this book will appeal to any and everyone. Susan Catalano did an awesome job of blending paranormal, romance and historical fiction (with some facts) into one book series. The only complaint I have is that I HATE CLIFFHANGERS!!!!!! I can't wait for the next book. (I received this book in exchange for an honest review from LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
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Will add more when it arrives.
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It arrived! Now I have to actually read it! Review to follow.
I loved this book, it is very well written, it makes you do not want to stop! And the story is interesting, a travel through time of Meery, a witch that is about to be trailed in Salem in 1692 and ends up in 2010... The book has everything: love, mistery, friendship, adventure, history and magic! A book to be read ;-)
This book Sat untouched for a long time. I liked the description when I first read it but then I kept putting off reading it, not ever strongly drawn back. I'm so glad I finally picked it up though. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I certainly hope this is not the only story. I very much want to know what will happen with Merry and William.
Captivating! Once I started reading it. I couldn't put it down. If it wasn't for having to work. I would have never went to bed. Amazing story and felt part of within. Can not wait till the second book comes out to see how their lives play out. Hope it goes on and on! A must read,LOL.
I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down! I can't wait for Susan to finish the next book to read more of Merry and William's adventures and obstacles. Wonderfully written Susan!
The Salem witch trials are one of the darkest periods in our history as a country, and yet, such an incredibly fascinating study. That curiosity and fascination is evident in Susan Catalano's storytelling.
First of all, this is a time travel tale, but it is so much more than that. The amount of historical detail and research is evident, but just as much care is put into the portions of the story that take place in modern times. The lives of the characters are intricately woven into both times.
I spent a good portion of this book holding my breath, screaming at characters to do this or not to do that, staying up too late to find out what was going to happen next, and admittedly, at one point I had to put the book down for a few days because I was too emotionally drained to go on.
Needless to say, I highly recommend this to fantasy fans, Salem and colonial history buffs, and general lit readers alike.
This was an interesting read. Blending past and present. The main characters are strong women in any century. Worth a read but be sure to have the second book ready to read as well, the ending is a bit of a cliff hanger.