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TimeStorm
In 1795 a convict ship leaves England for New South Wales in Australia. Nearing its destination, it encounters a savage storm but, miraculously, their battered ship stays afloat and limps into Sydney Harbour. Here, the convicts rebel, overpower the crew and make their escape, destroying the ship in the process. Fleeing the sinking vessel with only the clothes on their backs, the survivors struggle ashore.
Among the escaped convicts, seething resentments fuel an appetite for brutal revenge against their former captors while, for their part, the crew attempts to track down and kill or recapture the escapees. However, it soon becomes apparent that both convicts and crew have more to concern them than shipwreck and a ruthless fight for survival; they have arrived in Sydney in 2017.
TimeStorm is a thrilling epic adventure story of revenge, survival and honour set in a strange new world of unfamiliar technology and equally unfathomable social norms. In the literary footsteps of Hornblower, comes Lieutenant Christopher 'Kit' Blaney, an old-fashioned hero, a man of honour, duty and principle, dragged into the 21st century… literally.
A great fan of the grand seafaring adventure fiction of CS Forester, Patrick O’Brien and Alexander Kent, and modern action thriller writers such as Lee Child, Steve Harrison combines several genres in his debut novel.
The book was inspired by a replica 18th century sailing ship on Sydney Harbour and a question from Steve’s brother, “What if that was a real convict ship?” TimeStorm explores that question in a fast-paced story as a group of desperate men from the 1700s clash in modern-day Sydney.
TimeStorm was Highly Commended in the 2013 Jim Hamilton Award fantasy/science fiction category of the Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW) National Literary Awards
Among the escaped convicts, seething resentments fuel an appetite for brutal revenge against their former captors while, for their part, the crew attempts to track down and kill or recapture the escapees. However, it soon becomes apparent that both convicts and crew have more to concern them than shipwreck and a ruthless fight for survival; they have arrived in Sydney in 2017.
TimeStorm is a thrilling epic adventure story of revenge, survival and honour set in a strange new world of unfamiliar technology and equally unfathomable social norms. In the literary footsteps of Hornblower, comes Lieutenant Christopher 'Kit' Blaney, an old-fashioned hero, a man of honour, duty and principle, dragged into the 21st century… literally.
A great fan of the grand seafaring adventure fiction of CS Forester, Patrick O’Brien and Alexander Kent, and modern action thriller writers such as Lee Child, Steve Harrison combines several genres in his debut novel.
The book was inspired by a replica 18th century sailing ship on Sydney Harbour and a question from Steve’s brother, “What if that was a real convict ship?” TimeStorm explores that question in a fast-paced story as a group of desperate men from the 1700s clash in modern-day Sydney.
TimeStorm was Highly Commended in the 2013 Jim Hamilton Award fantasy/science fiction category of the Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW) National Literary Awards
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2014
5 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
About the author
Steve Harrison
3 books152 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Steve Harrison was born in Yorkshire, England, grew up in Lancashire, migrated to New Zealand and eventually settled in Sydney, Australia, where he lives with his wife.
As he juggled careers in shipping, insurance, online gardening and the postal service, Steve wrote short stories, sports articles and a long running newspaper humour column called HARRISCOPE: a mix of ancient wisdom and modern nonsense. In recent years he has written a number of unproduced feature screenplays, although being unproduced was not the intention, and developed projects with producers in the US and UK. His script, Sox, was nominated for an Australian Writers’ Guild ‘Awgie’ Award and he has written and produced three short films under his Pronunciation Fillums partnership.
His novel TimeStorm was Highly Commended in the Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW) National Literary Awards for 2013, Jim Hamilton Award in the fantasy/science fiction category, for an unpublished novel of sustained quality and distinction by an Australian author.
Steve Harrison was born in Yorkshire, England, grew up in Lancashire, migrated to New Zealand and eventually settled in Sydney, Australia, where he lives with his wife.
As he juggled careers in shipping, insurance, online gardening and the postal service, Steve wrote short stories, sports articles and a long running newspaper humour column called HARRISCOPE: a mix of ancient wisdom and modern nonsense. In recent years he has written a number of unproduced feature screenplays, although being unproduced was not the intention, and developed projects with producers in the US and UK. His script, Sox, was nominated for an Australian Writers’ Guild ‘Awgie’ Award and he has written and produced three short films under his Pronunciation Fillums partnership.
His novel TimeStorm was Highly Commended in the Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW) National Literary Awards for 2013, Jim Hamilton Award in the fantasy/science fiction category, for an unpublished novel of sustained quality and distinction by an Australian author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 12, 2015
Travelling across the oceans in 1795 from England to New South Wales, Australia, the convict ship Marlin was run by Captain Cross with Lieutenants Christopher (Kit) Blaney and Henry Kite as his deputies. Below decks, Rufus Redmond, a big brute of a man, was feared by all. Filthy, surly and desperate, Redmond in particular had a deep revenge in his heart – he would kill Cross if it was the last thing he did.
When the Marlin was nearing the New South Wales coast, they were struck by a ferocious storm – crew and convicts alike feared for their lives; but the sailing ship miraculously struggled to the surface; broken and battered she entered Sydney Harbour. But as they neared cliffs, a shocking and violent attack occurred. Led by Redmond, the convicts escaped, overpowering the crew and turning the ship into a burning wreck.
Two separate groups of survivors made their way to shore – crew members and convicts. But Kit Blaney realized there was something strange happening – this wasn’t the colony of Port Jackson that they were expecting. The eight years of colonisation couldn’t possibly have produced anything quite so…different. Where were they? What had happened during that violent storm they had been fortunate to survive?
As Blaney and his men tried to contemplate their surroundings, they were astounded by what was in front of their eyes. And when they were told it was in fact the year 2017 their minds struggled to take it in. Meanwhile in another part of town, Redmond and his cronies were creating havoc of their own.
What would happen to these men from 1795? Would they ever see their loved ones again? Or were they destined to remain in the future forever?
I absolutely loved this time travel adventure novel by Aussie author Steve Harrison! Gripping, filled with tension and lots of surprises, it was intriguing and one of those “hard to put down” books. Absolutely loved the twist at the end! Did not see that coming at all…excellent! I have no hesitation in recommending TimeStorm extremely highly.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
When the Marlin was nearing the New South Wales coast, they were struck by a ferocious storm – crew and convicts alike feared for their lives; but the sailing ship miraculously struggled to the surface; broken and battered she entered Sydney Harbour. But as they neared cliffs, a shocking and violent attack occurred. Led by Redmond, the convicts escaped, overpowering the crew and turning the ship into a burning wreck.
Two separate groups of survivors made their way to shore – crew members and convicts. But Kit Blaney realized there was something strange happening – this wasn’t the colony of Port Jackson that they were expecting. The eight years of colonisation couldn’t possibly have produced anything quite so…different. Where were they? What had happened during that violent storm they had been fortunate to survive?
As Blaney and his men tried to contemplate their surroundings, they were astounded by what was in front of their eyes. And when they were told it was in fact the year 2017 their minds struggled to take it in. Meanwhile in another part of town, Redmond and his cronies were creating havoc of their own.
What would happen to these men from 1795? Would they ever see their loved ones again? Or were they destined to remain in the future forever?
I absolutely loved this time travel adventure novel by Aussie author Steve Harrison! Gripping, filled with tension and lots of surprises, it was intriguing and one of those “hard to put down” books. Absolutely loved the twist at the end! Did not see that coming at all…excellent! I have no hesitation in recommending TimeStorm extremely highly.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
August 18, 2015
Such a clever idea and I love time travel so this should have been the book for me. Somehow though it didn't quite do it for me. I think maybe it was just too many people who made the journey and it was too much for me to swallow. Or maybe the constant changing of POV when there was a positively charismatic main character to hand who could have carried the whole book on his own. I don't know. Anyway stars for the original idea and for the character of Blaney. A star too for the cover which I loved despite the fact some reviewers are knocking it:)
May 23, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this time travel adventure story set on a convict ship approaching New South Wales after a long journey in 1796. I love that the cover of the book looks like an old fashioned, albeit somewhat overblown painting from that era showing a full masted sailing ship being tossed on the high seas. It harks back to the swashbuckling adventures of of a C.S Forrester or Patrick O'Brien novel and sets the scene for the first part of the novel describing the journey and the characters of the crew and convicts. It has been a difficult journey with a huge storm off the Cape of Good Hope resulting in loss of lives and delaying their journey and the captain and surviving crew are pleased the journey is nearly over. They will also be glad to see the back of the convicts, particularly one called Redmond, a big brute of a man who is abusive to the crew and looked up to by the other convicts. Unfortunately as they near the coast they hit a second massive storm which sucks the ship into a whirlpool and spits them out over 230 years later in 2017.
We get to know the well depicted characters with a feel for their strengths and weaknesses on board ship before they arrive in 2017. Captain Cross, fair but aging and not well, would prefer to have a quieter life and relies on his younger, more dynamic first lieutenant Blaney to help run the ship and manage the convicts. Kite, the junior lieutenant and Travis the keen 13 year old midshipman just starting out in the Navy and Watkins the selfish ship's doctor interested in only his own comfort all play major roles in the story along with Redmond the violent convict. Thrust into modern day Sydney, the author does a great job in describing their awe and reactions to the foreigness of the place. Their is a lot of humour as they try to come to terms with modern buildings, devices and clothing and at the same time try to slip under the radar to escape notice. A little twist at the end nicely rounds off this story of adventure, time-travel and romance. Highly recommended.
We get to know the well depicted characters with a feel for their strengths and weaknesses on board ship before they arrive in 2017. Captain Cross, fair but aging and not well, would prefer to have a quieter life and relies on his younger, more dynamic first lieutenant Blaney to help run the ship and manage the convicts. Kite, the junior lieutenant and Travis the keen 13 year old midshipman just starting out in the Navy and Watkins the selfish ship's doctor interested in only his own comfort all play major roles in the story along with Redmond the violent convict. Thrust into modern day Sydney, the author does a great job in describing their awe and reactions to the foreigness of the place. Their is a lot of humour as they try to come to terms with modern buildings, devices and clothing and at the same time try to slip under the radar to escape notice. A little twist at the end nicely rounds off this story of adventure, time-travel and romance. Highly recommended.
October 22, 2014
Everyone loves a good time travel/time anomaly story. Thing is, they are fiendishly hard to write and to keep believable. Only a very skilled storyteller can create a plausible mingling of epochs and maintain the illusion over the course of a full length novel. Steve Harrison has that skill.
Time Storm is a really impressive debut that generates an authentic feeling milieu (1796 convict ship bound for Sydney) and somehow translates that milieu to 2017 Sydney without descending into farce. The characters are strong, the story immersive and the resolution satisfying (so few writers do good endings these days).
I am already looking forward to Harrison's next effort.
Time Storm is a really impressive debut that generates an authentic feeling milieu (1796 convict ship bound for Sydney) and somehow translates that milieu to 2017 Sydney without descending into farce. The characters are strong, the story immersive and the resolution satisfying (so few writers do good endings these days).
I am already looking forward to Harrison's next effort.
November 6, 2014
The HMS Marlin is nearing its long journey from England to New South Wales carrying a load of the most barbaric murderers and thieves, convicts, destined for a life of servitude. The trip has been harrowing, plagued with bad weather, and the crew had suffered great losses. On the horizon is yet another storm, this one looks more ominous than any they have encountered. As the storm surrounds them the ship is sucked into a whirlpool and the crew prepare to die – as they have lived – on the sea. Suddenly all is clear and they are still standing. Is this Heaven? No. It’s Sydney 2017.
I thoroughly enjoyed this time travel story. I loved the characters, both crew and convicts, as they ventured on their ill fated trip to New South Wales. I was so enthralled by these characters that I was a bit annoyed when the story first crossed to Sydney 2017 and Karen is introduced into the story. I didn’t want to be taken away from the Marlin and its crew. Anyway my annoyance was short lived and Karen is very relevant to the whole story.
Being a Sydneysider the sights and streets were easy to visualise. I could feel their awe at seeing the harbour bridge, the buildings and opera house. I could see the convicts sitting on the park bench.
There was also the added connection of being a descendant of a convict, hopefully not as brutal as those on the Marlin. My great great Grandfather was tried and transported to New South Wales in 1835 for passing counterfeit coins.
The twist toward the end was great and tied the whole story together. I highly recommend this story filled with violence, adventure, suspense, humour and a touch of romance.
I’m hoping there will be a sequel. I’m not ready to let go of Kit and Karen just yet.
Thank you to Steve Harrison for my “signed” copy to read and review
I thoroughly enjoyed this time travel story. I loved the characters, both crew and convicts, as they ventured on their ill fated trip to New South Wales. I was so enthralled by these characters that I was a bit annoyed when the story first crossed to Sydney 2017 and Karen is introduced into the story. I didn’t want to be taken away from the Marlin and its crew. Anyway my annoyance was short lived and Karen is very relevant to the whole story.
Being a Sydneysider the sights and streets were easy to visualise. I could feel their awe at seeing the harbour bridge, the buildings and opera house. I could see the convicts sitting on the park bench.
There was also the added connection of being a descendant of a convict, hopefully not as brutal as those on the Marlin. My great great Grandfather was tried and transported to New South Wales in 1835 for passing counterfeit coins.
The twist toward the end was great and tied the whole story together. I highly recommend this story filled with violence, adventure, suspense, humour and a touch of romance.
I’m hoping there will be a sequel. I’m not ready to let go of Kit and Karen just yet.
Thank you to Steve Harrison for my “signed” copy to read and review
August 10, 2015
This was real fun!
I could start to criticise this or that, but what the heck? This was wonderful, fast fun which had me glued to the pages.
I could start to criticise this or that, but what the heck? This was wonderful, fast fun which had me glued to the pages.
June 13, 2015
TimeStorm is an amazing, thrilling adventure written by talented author, Steve Harrison. As a debut novel, this account stunned me. Long did I linger into the wee hours of the morning, unwilling to relinquish my hold upon its ivory pages.
This book is as raw and cutthroat as convict, Rufus Redmond, who manages to control a band of desperate criminals with a staggering combination of brute force, gut clenching fear and savage determination. It is as honorable, brave and daring as First Lieutenant Christopher Blaney aboard the HMS Marlin, an ill-fated convict ship bound for the colony of New South Wales. Although Blaney believes his chances of excelling at sea have been lost, this voyage will test him on multiple levels, becoming a journey he will never forget.
Interwoven into the story is the unwavering command and courage of aging Captain William Cross, the fierce concentration of Bosun Briggs with his steady hand at the helm, and midshipman Tommy Travis, a young lad who was forced to strike out alone in a strange new world. Karen Jamison is also a woman thrust out of her element as a crack reporter into a realm where right and wrong seem to blur in the heat of the moment. Repeatedly, Karen will wage war within herself, debating the wisdom of aiding Blaney, Cross and the other men in his Majesty’s Navy, with the saner choice of simply allowing them to be taken into custody. In the end, Karen is forced to make a choice which will change her life forever.
Steve’s account of the conditions aboard the convict ship HMS Marlin are horribly accurate. The stench still lingers in my nostrils even now. My heart still races as I relive the moments when the time storm grips the ship, when the convicts cut through the naval officers around them and claim the vessel as their own. I chuckle at his realistic portrayal of how shocked these eighteenth century time travelers are as they behold for the first time all of our modern day wonders – freeways, cars, police cars with sirens and flashing lights, motorized speedboats and elegant cruisers. If I had been thrust into a similar environment, how would I fare? It boggles the mind.
Thank you, Steve, for this delightful journey. I thoroughly enjoyed every word and heartily look forward to your next literary adventure!
This book is as raw and cutthroat as convict, Rufus Redmond, who manages to control a band of desperate criminals with a staggering combination of brute force, gut clenching fear and savage determination. It is as honorable, brave and daring as First Lieutenant Christopher Blaney aboard the HMS Marlin, an ill-fated convict ship bound for the colony of New South Wales. Although Blaney believes his chances of excelling at sea have been lost, this voyage will test him on multiple levels, becoming a journey he will never forget.
Interwoven into the story is the unwavering command and courage of aging Captain William Cross, the fierce concentration of Bosun Briggs with his steady hand at the helm, and midshipman Tommy Travis, a young lad who was forced to strike out alone in a strange new world. Karen Jamison is also a woman thrust out of her element as a crack reporter into a realm where right and wrong seem to blur in the heat of the moment. Repeatedly, Karen will wage war within herself, debating the wisdom of aiding Blaney, Cross and the other men in his Majesty’s Navy, with the saner choice of simply allowing them to be taken into custody. In the end, Karen is forced to make a choice which will change her life forever.
Steve’s account of the conditions aboard the convict ship HMS Marlin are horribly accurate. The stench still lingers in my nostrils even now. My heart still races as I relive the moments when the time storm grips the ship, when the convicts cut through the naval officers around them and claim the vessel as their own. I chuckle at his realistic portrayal of how shocked these eighteenth century time travelers are as they behold for the first time all of our modern day wonders – freeways, cars, police cars with sirens and flashing lights, motorized speedboats and elegant cruisers. If I had been thrust into a similar environment, how would I fare? It boggles the mind.
Thank you, Steve, for this delightful journey. I thoroughly enjoyed every word and heartily look forward to your next literary adventure!
March 20, 2016
To be honest, I didn't know what to expect of this book. I love time travel stories but boats and convicts? I admit I had a bit of difficulty with the premises, yet I liked the way it was presented.
It may not be for everyone, as I know some people don't like switching 'heads', but I thought it was well done. Written in third person POV, each chapter is entitled the name of the characters we're following. While there were many characters POV, it still helped us get into their mind and understand them better.
Mr. Harrison has a way of making even the tiniest insignificant character pop up in a way that you can't stop but feel for the character, no matter how short we see them. So when one dies or survives, you cannot stay cold. I also love the way the characters reacted to the new technologies…very well thought. (And a special mention for the special touch at the end, which I won't say more for fear of spoilers.)
Overall, when I first started reading, I doubted the story and my purchase, but the more I read the more I wanted to go on and see how it would end. Very well done book.
It may not be for everyone, as I know some people don't like switching 'heads', but I thought it was well done. Written in third person POV, each chapter is entitled the name of the characters we're following. While there were many characters POV, it still helped us get into their mind and understand them better.
Mr. Harrison has a way of making even the tiniest insignificant character pop up in a way that you can't stop but feel for the character, no matter how short we see them. So when one dies or survives, you cannot stay cold. I also love the way the characters reacted to the new technologies…very well thought. (And a special mention for the special touch at the end, which I won't say more for fear of spoilers.)
Overall, when I first started reading, I doubted the story and my purchase, but the more I read the more I wanted to go on and see how it would end. Very well done book.
July 10, 2015
4.5★
Won on Goodreads First Reads Giveaway
What a great story!!
I’m a bit of a fan of Time travel/slip novels, but this is quite different to what I normally read. Instead of one person slipping back in time to the past, this is a whole ship (crew & convicts) slipping forward to current day Sydney (Well 2017 so nearly current day) & I really enjoyed it.
The prologue (set in 2003) sucked me in & then it jumps back to 1795 where the story “begins”. Initially I wasn’t sure if it was going to be my cup of tea, but the prologue had me intrigued so I continued on & am so glad I did as the story just kept getting better & better right through to what I thought was a great ending
Lots of action, adventure, murder & mayhem and of course a little bit of romance. Definitely recommended.
I’m guessing (read hoping) that there will be a sequel as those dates at the end point to there being more story to be told of what happened “after the ending” I look forward to it
Thanks to Steve Harrison for my signed copy
Won on Goodreads First Reads Giveaway
What a great story!!
I’m a bit of a fan of Time travel/slip novels, but this is quite different to what I normally read. Instead of one person slipping back in time to the past, this is a whole ship (crew & convicts) slipping forward to current day Sydney (Well 2017 so nearly current day) & I really enjoyed it.
The prologue (set in 2003) sucked me in & then it jumps back to 1795 where the story “begins”. Initially I wasn’t sure if it was going to be my cup of tea, but the prologue had me intrigued so I continued on & am so glad I did as the story just kept getting better & better right through to what I thought was a great ending
Lots of action, adventure, murder & mayhem and of course a little bit of romance. Definitely recommended.
I’m guessing (read hoping) that there will be a sequel as those dates at the end point to there being more story to be told of what happened “after the ending” I look forward to it
Thanks to Steve Harrison for my signed copy
July 12, 2020
I love time travel stories in particular, as long as they are not a romance saga in disguise.
"TimeStorm" is definitely not one of those. In fact, you will need a strong stomach when an unusually fierce storm hits.
The convicts below are tossed about like rag dolls, covered in the filth of the bilge, vomit, and excrement. The stench gets up your nostrils, (really!) the writing is that vivid!
Bloody carnage erupts on deck when the convicts escape and attack soldiers and sailors alike. Graphic scenes of slaughter continue to assault your senses.
It is almost a relief when the ship catches fire and sinks. There are very few on board who can swim.
The few who can, make it to shore, they stare in awe at the skyscrapers, horseless carriages tearing along at great speed with deafening noise, and strange things flying high across the sky left them shivering in their boots, bewildered.
Confusion, disbelief, and fear, reign. The voyagers realise there is something very, very, wrong here.
"TimeStorm", is a very well written novel. Because of the strong characters portrayed, I am hoping there will be a sequel. I would like to read what else happens to Kate and Kit.
Please get busy writting, Steve. There is much more to be told yet. ..... Cheers.
"TimeStorm" is definitely not one of those. In fact, you will need a strong stomach when an unusually fierce storm hits.
The convicts below are tossed about like rag dolls, covered in the filth of the bilge, vomit, and excrement. The stench gets up your nostrils, (really!) the writing is that vivid!
Bloody carnage erupts on deck when the convicts escape and attack soldiers and sailors alike. Graphic scenes of slaughter continue to assault your senses.
It is almost a relief when the ship catches fire and sinks. There are very few on board who can swim.
The few who can, make it to shore, they stare in awe at the skyscrapers, horseless carriages tearing along at great speed with deafening noise, and strange things flying high across the sky left them shivering in their boots, bewildered.
Confusion, disbelief, and fear, reign. The voyagers realise there is something very, very, wrong here.
"TimeStorm", is a very well written novel. Because of the strong characters portrayed, I am hoping there will be a sequel. I would like to read what else happens to Kate and Kit.
Please get busy writting, Steve. There is much more to be told yet. ..... Cheers.
June 2, 2016
As I read this enjoyable novel by Steve Harrison, I could feel that he is – as the blurb says – “A great fan of the grand seafaring adventure fiction of CS Forester, Patrick O'Brien and Alexander Kent.” That atmosphere is captured in the telling, without feeling over-researched.
The book was inspired by a replica 18th century sailing ship on Sydney Harbour and a question from Steve's brother, Tony: "What if that was a real convict ship?"
From that premise came this clever tale of the crew and ‘passengers’ from a convict ship swept by a storm from 1795 to 21st century Sydney. The ‘stranger in a strange land’ scenario is carefully played out, with all the characters reacting convincingly to their dangerous situation, whether ship’s officer, convict leader, or the ‘present day’ characters confronted with something more than unexpected.
The central character of Lieutenant Christopher 'Kit' Blaney, is – as the blurb says – “an old-fashioned hero, a man of honour, duty and principle”, but he has human failings that make him believable. For some of the chapters, he is the POV, with chapters carrying his name.
But there are other points of view (POV), with their own chapters, and this multi-POV approach keeps the story flowing, showing different facets - some of which would normally be missed out.
Each POV feeds into the evolving plot, which had me gripped. There are two main characters - Blaney, from the 18th century, and a 21st century journalist. But the other POVs with their stories and subplots, are integral to the unfolding plot.
From the first chapter, I was intrigued by one other character, wondering how he would fit in, but sensing he might return. Read TimeStorm to discover how, but I won’t spoil the crafty twist in the tail.
The book was inspired by a replica 18th century sailing ship on Sydney Harbour and a question from Steve's brother, Tony: "What if that was a real convict ship?"
From that premise came this clever tale of the crew and ‘passengers’ from a convict ship swept by a storm from 1795 to 21st century Sydney. The ‘stranger in a strange land’ scenario is carefully played out, with all the characters reacting convincingly to their dangerous situation, whether ship’s officer, convict leader, or the ‘present day’ characters confronted with something more than unexpected.
The central character of Lieutenant Christopher 'Kit' Blaney, is – as the blurb says – “an old-fashioned hero, a man of honour, duty and principle”, but he has human failings that make him believable. For some of the chapters, he is the POV, with chapters carrying his name.
But there are other points of view (POV), with their own chapters, and this multi-POV approach keeps the story flowing, showing different facets - some of which would normally be missed out.
Each POV feeds into the evolving plot, which had me gripped. There are two main characters - Blaney, from the 18th century, and a 21st century journalist. But the other POVs with their stories and subplots, are integral to the unfolding plot.
From the first chapter, I was intrigued by one other character, wondering how he would fit in, but sensing he might return. Read TimeStorm to discover how, but I won’t spoil the crafty twist in the tail.
July 3, 2015
I am a lover of historical, time-slip novels and this book was recommended through a facebook bookclub I am a part of that also love historical, time-slip novels! I was a little curious about this book because ALL of the time-slip books I have read go from current day back in time. TimeStorm is the other way round! In 1796 a convict ship is nearly to New South Wales when they encounter a whirlpool storm that hurls them into modern day Sydney! And I must say, Steve the author has done this incredibly well. At not one part of the book did I think this is just ridiculous – it was done so historically and descriptively well, every page had me drawn into the adventure. I loved it. The characters were fantastic and I really enjoyed the stories, chapter by chapter of both the crew and the convicts. There are a lot of characters introduced all the way through the book and that is also done so well you seem to know them straight away. And being an Australian only living 4 hours from Sydney, I found the places and the connections to places I have been in the past fantastic. I would love there to be a sequel to this book Steve!!!
November 28, 2014
Tricky to rate this one as 1) (confession) it is written by a relative of my husband, and 2) throughout reading the book I found the awful cover so offputting that I was ashamed to read the book in public, and I think it set a low expectation! But, I did enjoy it. A romp through time, looking at what would happen if a convict ship arrived in Sydney Harbour today - well, in 2017. Needless to say there is chaos and mayhem, and a little romance. It took me a while to get into but by the end I couldn't put it down. Also, living on Sydney Harbour I found it really nice to read a book set on and around the Harbour. The writing was a little clunky at times, probably typical of a first novel, but the story flowed well and the reactions of the people on the ship to arriving in 'the future' were I thought very realistic.
November 23, 2014
Originally published at Risingshadow.
Do you enjoy reading old-fashioned sea adventure novels? Are you interested in fast-paced action? Do you like time travel stories? Do you enjoy reading light entertainment? Or do you perhaps like all of these things? If you're looking for a novel that contains sea adventure, action, light entertainment and time travel elements, look no further - you've just found what you've been looking for.
Steve Harrison's TimeStorm is an entertaining combination of classic sea adventure, fast-paced action and time travel elements. It's an interesting adventure story about duty, honour, revenge, survival and love.
When I began to read TimeStorm, I quickly found myself liking it, because it turned out to be a very entertaining time travel novel. In my opinion TimeStorm is a first-rate adventure novel that offers plenty of entertainment to readers who enjoy reading adventure stories seasoned with action scenes and light science fiction elements.
TimeStorm reminded me of the novels written by C. S. Forester (Horatio Hornblower series) and Patrick O'Brian (Aubrey-Maturin series), because Steve Harrison has managed to create a similar kind of atmosphere and writes fluently about life at sea. It's possible to say that this novel is a modern equivalent to Forester and O'Brien's classic adventure novels.
Here's information about the story:
The story begins in 2003 when William is about to be revealed a secret by his father and uncle... Then the story skips to 1796 and to the Tasman Sea. HMS Marlin is headed towards New South Wales with convicts. First Lieutenant Christopher Blaney and Captain William Cross are in command of the ship. Blaney carries out the punishment of Rufus Redmond and wonders why the Captain has been so easy on the convict. Soon the ship and its crew are heading towards a storm. When the storm is over and the ship approaches Sydney, the convicts rebel and escape, and they also destroy the ship. Soon both the crew and the convicts realize that they have arrived in the future and the year is 2017...
This is the beginning of a fast-paced adventure that takes place in a near future Australia. The author covers a lot of ground from dealing with the policemen to the mayhem caused by the escaped convicts and he does it well. There aren't any dull moments in the story, because the story moves fast forward and the author concentrates on entertaining the reader with fast-paced action.
Here's a bit of information about some of the characters:
- Captain Cross has a frail health, but courageously he keeps the ship on its course and lets Lieuetenant Blaney handle the matters when needed.
- Lieuetenant Blaney is a good officer. He's dutiful, honest and respected by the men. He's a bit shy with the ladies.
- Rufus Redmond is an extremely dangerous convict. He has his own plans and he intends to escape and kill Cross.
- Watkins is a surgeon. He doesn't much like Blaney and Cross.
- Thomas "Tommy" Travis is a young man who's a midshipman. He's the youngest officer on the ship.
- Karen Jamison is an enthusiastic journalist who meets Blaney. She helps Blaney.
The author has a surprisingly good way of writing about the characters and their adventures. Some of the characters have more depth in them than others, but all of them are interesting characters.
Lieuetenant Blaney is a delightfully old-fashioned hero. He's an honest, dutiful and courageous man who has achieved a lot by working hard. He reminded me a lot of Horatio Hornblower (I think that all readers who have read C. S. Forester's novels will notice that there are similarities between Hornblower and Blaney).
Captain Cross is a man who has problems with his health. Because he isn't healthy, he has to rest as much as he can. The author writes fluently about him, his duties and his decisions. I can mention that what goes on between him and Redmond is intriguing and will be of interest to readers, because Redmond hates Cross.
The author writes fluently about the happenings from multiple points of view, because each point-of-view character brings something new to the story. Reading about the members of the crew, the convicts, policemen, reporters and other characters is genuinely fun.
Steve Harrison paints a vivid picture of life at sea and shows how the members of the crew work together. In my opinion he manages to create a believable vision of life on the ship, because he tells of how the men have different ranks and how commands are carried out by the officers.
The convicts differ from each other in many ways. Some of them have done almost nothing to earn a banishment from England to Australia, but others have done bad things. Steve Harrison writes unflinchingly about the punishments of the convicts and doesn't shy away from brutalities involved in the punishments, which is good, because life was harsh during the 18th century.
The rebellion of the convicts is handled admirably. It was thrilling to read how they escaped and what kind of brutal things they did. Their actions after the escape were also interesting, because they did all kinds of things, including a robbery to get guns.
The arrival of men from the 18th century to a near future Sydney is handled in a surprisingly entertaining and exciting way. When the men find themselves in the future, they wonder about many things, because lots of things have changed. The author shows how the men feel about their situation.
The crew members and escaped convicts have to face a new society in which new social norms, different manners and unfamiliar technology causes problems and difficult situations for them. They've all been dragged to the 21st century against their will. For example, telephones and televisions are totally new to them.
The relationship between Blaney and Karen is handled nicely. When Karen rescues Blaney, they become friends, but gradually they become fond of each other. At first Karen thinks that Blaney is insane, because it's difficult for her to believe his amazing story, but then she decides to help him. One of the reasons why she helps Blaney is that she's a journalist and she knows that she has quite a story to tell, but she's also a bit taken by Blaney.
It was interesting to read how Blaney was normally a bit shy with women and didn't know how to act around them, but found himself acting differently around Karen. Karen was so different from the women in his own time that Blaney was attracted to her.
The adventures of the crew members and the convicts around the city are thrilling, because the modern world feels strange to them. The author creates an absorbing story by writing about policemen, reporters, hostage situations, shootings, rescue missions, bodies etc. Although there are many happenings, the author manages to keep everything under control (in my opinion the author clearly enjoyes writing this kind of entertainment and wants to entertain his readers).
Because this novel is light adventure entertainment, the author doesn't concentrate on writing about scientific issues related to time travel. Whether this is a good or a bad thing depends entirely on the reader and his/her preferences in speculative fiction. In my opinion, in this case it isn't necessary to write about these issues, because the story is pure entertainment (writing about them might have ruined the entertainment values).
It's possible that there are readers who wonder if this kind of a novel can manage to keep up the reader's interest from start to finish. I can say to these readers that this novel is good entertainment from start to finish and the ending is satisfying to the readers.
TimeStorm is a perfect adventure novel for everybody who has read C. S. Forester and Patrick O'Brian. It's also excellent entertainment for all who enjoy reading fast-paced and exciting time travel stories.
Good and fast-paced time travel entertainment!
Do you enjoy reading old-fashioned sea adventure novels? Are you interested in fast-paced action? Do you like time travel stories? Do you enjoy reading light entertainment? Or do you perhaps like all of these things? If you're looking for a novel that contains sea adventure, action, light entertainment and time travel elements, look no further - you've just found what you've been looking for.
Steve Harrison's TimeStorm is an entertaining combination of classic sea adventure, fast-paced action and time travel elements. It's an interesting adventure story about duty, honour, revenge, survival and love.
When I began to read TimeStorm, I quickly found myself liking it, because it turned out to be a very entertaining time travel novel. In my opinion TimeStorm is a first-rate adventure novel that offers plenty of entertainment to readers who enjoy reading adventure stories seasoned with action scenes and light science fiction elements.
TimeStorm reminded me of the novels written by C. S. Forester (Horatio Hornblower series) and Patrick O'Brian (Aubrey-Maturin series), because Steve Harrison has managed to create a similar kind of atmosphere and writes fluently about life at sea. It's possible to say that this novel is a modern equivalent to Forester and O'Brien's classic adventure novels.
Here's information about the story:
The story begins in 2003 when William is about to be revealed a secret by his father and uncle... Then the story skips to 1796 and to the Tasman Sea. HMS Marlin is headed towards New South Wales with convicts. First Lieutenant Christopher Blaney and Captain William Cross are in command of the ship. Blaney carries out the punishment of Rufus Redmond and wonders why the Captain has been so easy on the convict. Soon the ship and its crew are heading towards a storm. When the storm is over and the ship approaches Sydney, the convicts rebel and escape, and they also destroy the ship. Soon both the crew and the convicts realize that they have arrived in the future and the year is 2017...
This is the beginning of a fast-paced adventure that takes place in a near future Australia. The author covers a lot of ground from dealing with the policemen to the mayhem caused by the escaped convicts and he does it well. There aren't any dull moments in the story, because the story moves fast forward and the author concentrates on entertaining the reader with fast-paced action.
Here's a bit of information about some of the characters:
- Captain Cross has a frail health, but courageously he keeps the ship on its course and lets Lieuetenant Blaney handle the matters when needed.
- Lieuetenant Blaney is a good officer. He's dutiful, honest and respected by the men. He's a bit shy with the ladies.
- Rufus Redmond is an extremely dangerous convict. He has his own plans and he intends to escape and kill Cross.
- Watkins is a surgeon. He doesn't much like Blaney and Cross.
- Thomas "Tommy" Travis is a young man who's a midshipman. He's the youngest officer on the ship.
- Karen Jamison is an enthusiastic journalist who meets Blaney. She helps Blaney.
The author has a surprisingly good way of writing about the characters and their adventures. Some of the characters have more depth in them than others, but all of them are interesting characters.
Lieuetenant Blaney is a delightfully old-fashioned hero. He's an honest, dutiful and courageous man who has achieved a lot by working hard. He reminded me a lot of Horatio Hornblower (I think that all readers who have read C. S. Forester's novels will notice that there are similarities between Hornblower and Blaney).
Captain Cross is a man who has problems with his health. Because he isn't healthy, he has to rest as much as he can. The author writes fluently about him, his duties and his decisions. I can mention that what goes on between him and Redmond is intriguing and will be of interest to readers, because Redmond hates Cross.
The author writes fluently about the happenings from multiple points of view, because each point-of-view character brings something new to the story. Reading about the members of the crew, the convicts, policemen, reporters and other characters is genuinely fun.
Steve Harrison paints a vivid picture of life at sea and shows how the members of the crew work together. In my opinion he manages to create a believable vision of life on the ship, because he tells of how the men have different ranks and how commands are carried out by the officers.
The convicts differ from each other in many ways. Some of them have done almost nothing to earn a banishment from England to Australia, but others have done bad things. Steve Harrison writes unflinchingly about the punishments of the convicts and doesn't shy away from brutalities involved in the punishments, which is good, because life was harsh during the 18th century.
The rebellion of the convicts is handled admirably. It was thrilling to read how they escaped and what kind of brutal things they did. Their actions after the escape were also interesting, because they did all kinds of things, including a robbery to get guns.
The arrival of men from the 18th century to a near future Sydney is handled in a surprisingly entertaining and exciting way. When the men find themselves in the future, they wonder about many things, because lots of things have changed. The author shows how the men feel about their situation.
The crew members and escaped convicts have to face a new society in which new social norms, different manners and unfamiliar technology causes problems and difficult situations for them. They've all been dragged to the 21st century against their will. For example, telephones and televisions are totally new to them.
The relationship between Blaney and Karen is handled nicely. When Karen rescues Blaney, they become friends, but gradually they become fond of each other. At first Karen thinks that Blaney is insane, because it's difficult for her to believe his amazing story, but then she decides to help him. One of the reasons why she helps Blaney is that she's a journalist and she knows that she has quite a story to tell, but she's also a bit taken by Blaney.
It was interesting to read how Blaney was normally a bit shy with women and didn't know how to act around them, but found himself acting differently around Karen. Karen was so different from the women in his own time that Blaney was attracted to her.
The adventures of the crew members and the convicts around the city are thrilling, because the modern world feels strange to them. The author creates an absorbing story by writing about policemen, reporters, hostage situations, shootings, rescue missions, bodies etc. Although there are many happenings, the author manages to keep everything under control (in my opinion the author clearly enjoyes writing this kind of entertainment and wants to entertain his readers).
Because this novel is light adventure entertainment, the author doesn't concentrate on writing about scientific issues related to time travel. Whether this is a good or a bad thing depends entirely on the reader and his/her preferences in speculative fiction. In my opinion, in this case it isn't necessary to write about these issues, because the story is pure entertainment (writing about them might have ruined the entertainment values).
It's possible that there are readers who wonder if this kind of a novel can manage to keep up the reader's interest from start to finish. I can say to these readers that this novel is good entertainment from start to finish and the ending is satisfying to the readers.
TimeStorm is a perfect adventure novel for everybody who has read C. S. Forester and Patrick O'Brian. It's also excellent entertainment for all who enjoy reading fast-paced and exciting time travel stories.
Good and fast-paced time travel entertainment!
Read
August 27, 2020Dans le genre, j'avais apprécié la série de Taylor Anderson Into the Storm -série que j'ai abandonné au bout du 8e tome mais que je finirai un jour ... ou même le film Philadelphia Expériment
Ici le principe de base pour ces marins du passé est le saut dans notre époque
Malheureusement, même si l'auteur tente de restituer la dureté de la marine et les conditions du transport de prisonniers pour la colonisation de l'Australie, il reste concentré sur des scènes de violence et la vengeance personnelle du "méchant" J'ai abandonné à environ 35% avec une sensation de "déjà lu"
Un livre qui plaira - j'en suis certain - à des lecteurs moins expérimentés que moi dans le genre
Ici le principe de base pour ces marins du passé est le saut dans notre époque
Malheureusement, même si l'auteur tente de restituer la dureté de la marine et les conditions du transport de prisonniers pour la colonisation de l'Australie, il reste concentré sur des scènes de violence et la vengeance personnelle du "méchant" J'ai abandonné à environ 35% avec une sensation de "déjà lu"
Un livre qui plaira - j'en suis certain - à des lecteurs moins expérimentés que moi dans le genre
January 13, 2016
Timestorm was, for me, a very good read.
An 18th Century convict ship bound for Australia is caught in a dangerous storm, dragged into a whirlpool and pops out in modern day Australia.
The book is an enjoyable read about people out of their time and was well written and edited. I enjoyed the clash of personalities and cultures. The consequences of dumping a boat load of 18th Century convicts in Sydney today, was an interesting idea to follow and Steve Harrison has explored it well. The story flows well and ties up nicely.
Why not five stars? Well, for me the convicts were a little too ‘feral’ and almost to a man set on a course for psychopathic self destruction. Both contemporary and 18th century characters were a little too slow on the uptake. I imagine most people far out of their time would very quickly realize that“we’re not in Kansas anymore”and proceed with extreme caution.
However, this grumble did not trouble me too much and I would happily recommend it as a very worthwhile read for those who like time travel stories with a bit of romance. .
An 18th Century convict ship bound for Australia is caught in a dangerous storm, dragged into a whirlpool and pops out in modern day Australia.
The book is an enjoyable read about people out of their time and was well written and edited. I enjoyed the clash of personalities and cultures. The consequences of dumping a boat load of 18th Century convicts in Sydney today, was an interesting idea to follow and Steve Harrison has explored it well. The story flows well and ties up nicely.
Why not five stars? Well, for me the convicts were a little too ‘feral’ and almost to a man set on a course for psychopathic self destruction. Both contemporary and 18th century characters were a little too slow on the uptake. I imagine most people far out of their time would very quickly realize that“we’re not in Kansas anymore”and proceed with extreme caution.
However, this grumble did not trouble me too much and I would happily recommend it as a very worthwhile read for those who like time travel stories with a bit of romance. .
December 28, 2021
Re-read 28/12/2021 turun rating 1 tingkat. 3 bintang
-
Saya beri ★★★⭐ karena tema time travel kali ini cukup mengesankan buat saya dari segi cerita (kapal tahanan dari masa lalu terdampar ke masa depan setelah dibajak oleh para tahanan). Meski alur cerita yang dibawakan sediki rumit dan 'boring' dipertengahan cerita namun cerita yang disajikan dari beberapa karakter di buku (POV) membuat saya memahami jalan cerita masing masing tokoh.
Ada unsur kekerasan dalam buku ini dan saya masih menilai wajar dan masuk akal mengingat mereka adalah tahanan dan prajurit yang dibentur oleh realita mereka terperangkap dalam esensi waktu. yaitu masa depan. Pilihan hanya ada : bertahan hidup atau melawan. Kedua pilihan ini menentukan nasib selanjutnya para awak HMS Marlin.
Alur cerita : ★★★
Karakter : ★★★★
Roman : ★★
Kekerasan : ★★★
Tema : Time Travel (Past to Future)
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Saya beri ★★★⭐ karena tema time travel kali ini cukup mengesankan buat saya dari segi cerita (kapal tahanan dari masa lalu terdampar ke masa depan setelah dibajak oleh para tahanan). Meski alur cerita yang dibawakan sediki rumit dan 'boring' dipertengahan cerita namun cerita yang disajikan dari beberapa karakter di buku (POV) membuat saya memahami jalan cerita masing masing tokoh.
Ada unsur kekerasan dalam buku ini dan saya masih menilai wajar dan masuk akal mengingat mereka adalah tahanan dan prajurit yang dibentur oleh realita mereka terperangkap dalam esensi waktu. yaitu masa depan. Pilihan hanya ada : bertahan hidup atau melawan. Kedua pilihan ini menentukan nasib selanjutnya para awak HMS Marlin.
Alur cerita : ★★★
Karakter : ★★★★
Roman : ★★
Kekerasan : ★★★
Tema : Time Travel (Past to Future)
February 21, 2015
I was excited to start reading this uniquely Australian story. I loved to hate the villain and was cheering for the crew of the Marlin the whole time.
I couldn't imagine how they would feel finding themselves in modern Australia from the 18th century.
The Author has written this book from the view of each character and has done it with aplomb. I was a little sad it finished and this is one book I didn't want to end.
An awesome read
I couldn't imagine how they would feel finding themselves in modern Australia from the 18th century.
The Author has written this book from the view of each character and has done it with aplomb. I was a little sad it finished and this is one book I didn't want to end.
An awesome read
July 27, 2015
A really interesting premise and a well told story. Realistic treatment of naval life in the late 17th century plus the clash with the modern world. Echoes of Hornblower plus time travel - a very entertaining combination. The story is well written and progresses at a cracking pace. Characters Lieutenant Blaney and Rufus Redmond are particularly well-drawn. A memorable and very enjoyable read.
July 11, 2017
A seafaring tale for those who don't like the sea
I don't normally like stories about sailors, seafaring, and all things nautical, but with this story that doesn't matter. Yes, a lot of the action takes place at sea, but it was the characters and the action that drew me in and not the setting.
Writing each chapter centered on one of the main characters in turn is a novel approach, and one that works really well. Heading each chapter with that character name is a bonus. It leaves you wanting to get back to that character as quickly as possible, as you move forward with another.
The story avoids the usual time-travel traps, neatly focussing in on a short period of time, which helps keep the action moving at a good pace. The characters are nicely developed, and its always a bonus when one (albeit minor) shares my surname.
Leaves you wondering what their lives were like after, which a good book should always do, in my opinion.
I don't normally like stories about sailors, seafaring, and all things nautical, but with this story that doesn't matter. Yes, a lot of the action takes place at sea, but it was the characters and the action that drew me in and not the setting.
Writing each chapter centered on one of the main characters in turn is a novel approach, and one that works really well. Heading each chapter with that character name is a bonus. It leaves you wanting to get back to that character as quickly as possible, as you move forward with another.
The story avoids the usual time-travel traps, neatly focussing in on a short period of time, which helps keep the action moving at a good pace. The characters are nicely developed, and its always a bonus when one (albeit minor) shares my surname.
Leaves you wondering what their lives were like after, which a good book should always do, in my opinion.
April 6, 2024
DNF'd at 45%.
The premise is good enough, and the first 25% of the story reads easily, with the promise of some time-travelling shenanigans. Then those shenanigans happen, and it goes downhill.
The protagonist is very frustrating, since he can solve most of his problems by doing nothing. Granted, he doesn't know it, but we do, and so it's painful to read about what he does.
The antagonist is extremely one-note, with no redeeming qualities whatsoever, which makes him absolutely boring.
Some of the scenes seem to exist just to be there and can be easily replaced with a one-sentence summary, thus making the book slow.
The premise is good enough, and the first 25% of the story reads easily, with the promise of some time-travelling shenanigans. Then those shenanigans happen, and it goes downhill.
The protagonist is very frustrating, since he can solve most of his problems by doing nothing. Granted, he doesn't know it, but we do, and so it's painful to read about what he does.
The antagonist is extremely one-note, with no redeeming qualities whatsoever, which makes him absolutely boring.
Some of the scenes seem to exist just to be there and can be easily replaced with a one-sentence summary, thus making the book slow.
December 17, 2022
Lots of violent action. This book might be best for boys who like lots of fighting.
The author would have produced a better book if he’d subjected his work to professional criticism.
You need doses of reality. I’m asking myself don’t these convicts ever get thirsty? It’s all comic book action with little bother for ordinary mundane details.
**did not finish after 45%
Ages 7 and up.
The author would have produced a better book if he’d subjected his work to professional criticism.
You need doses of reality. I’m asking myself don’t these convicts ever get thirsty? It’s all comic book action with little bother for ordinary mundane details.
**did not finish after 45%
Ages 7 and up.
November 5, 2023
The Marlin is bound for South Australia in 1795 with a hold full of disgraced convicts, but then it gets caught in a TIMESTORM!! Arriving instead in Sydney Harbour in 2017, the convicts and seaman do not cope well. Leading to pitched battles and shootouts through the city.
I liked the fast pace, but it is written in a simple boys own style which doesn't really suit the extreme violence. Worth a look though if you read a load of classic sea faring tales as a kid, and want an adult version.
I liked the fast pace, but it is written in a simple boys own style which doesn't really suit the extreme violence. Worth a look though if you read a load of classic sea faring tales as a kid, and want an adult version.
January 14, 2018
The synopsis was great, somehow the story didn't quite hit the bar. The nautical stuff seemed a little bit thin and the period language forced some, and there wasn't very much in the way of conflict between the eras. Not that it wasn't a good story, but I didn't get much adrenaline out of it.
Read
October 26, 20212.5 Um bom conceito e sinopse que me atraiu a ler porém talvez tenha ficado além da capacidade do autor de escrever uma estória com vários pontos de vistas e personagens. Ao final nenhum funcionou, uma estória em retalhos que ao todo decepcionou...
March 26, 2025
Trite rubbish. Could there be a more predictable, cliched pile of crap? I kept on with this book, thinking the end might save it. I was wasting my time. The work of a knuckle dragger.
June 11, 2016
TimeStorm is written in multiple viewpoints; so many I actually lost count. I didn't mind as you can see inside the minds of each of the characters and different reactions to the events that occurred following the arrival of the convict ship in modern day Sydney Harbour -- including modern characters that also encountered the convicts or the crew of the Marlin. A few viewpoints re-occurred more often than others. There is a clear "bad-guy" in convict Rufus Redmond and "hero" in Christopher "Kit" Blaney.
The conditions on board the Marlin as it sailed along the Eastern Australian coast were well researched and the language spoken by the ship's occupants felt authentic. I was immediately drawn into the adventure and the storm that throws them off-course. TimeStorm captures the feel of modern day Sydney Harbour beautifully (I say modern day, because I doubt or hope it won't change much in the next twelve months).
When the convicts are unleashed in a modern day city, it becomes a strange free for all, but in a good way. The action in this book is part swashbuckling and part modern day action movie. There were a few or more instances where I needed to suspend belief, but I loved the escapism this book offered and the pages quickly turned. The ending was both satisfying, in that it answered some of the early questions raised, and yet not at the same time. You know it's good when you want to read more.
The conditions on board the Marlin as it sailed along the Eastern Australian coast were well researched and the language spoken by the ship's occupants felt authentic. I was immediately drawn into the adventure and the storm that throws them off-course. TimeStorm captures the feel of modern day Sydney Harbour beautifully (I say modern day, because I doubt or hope it won't change much in the next twelve months).
When the convicts are unleashed in a modern day city, it becomes a strange free for all, but in a good way. The action in this book is part swashbuckling and part modern day action movie. There were a few or more instances where I needed to suspend belief, but I loved the escapism this book offered and the pages quickly turned. The ending was both satisfying, in that it answered some of the early questions raised, and yet not at the same time. You know it's good when you want to read more.
April 19, 2016
Having recently finished Behind the Sun by Deborah Challinor - a novel about a cargo of convict women being transported to Australia, it was difficult not to make comparisons with this one. However, the comparison between the two books finished at around 20% through when the convict ship, the Marlin, entered 21st century Sydney.
It’s a clever idea and it was interesting to see modern-day Sydney (although most of the book is set about 8 months in the future of when I read it) through the eyes of the men from the 18th century. After all, who hasn’t ever thought “I wonder what my grandparents (or great-grandparents) would think if they could see me doing/wearing _____ now”?
This was an engrossing read, with plenty of action and an interesting twist at the end which ties in the first part of the book (which I had forgotten about until the end), although I do think the reader was left a little in the dark at the end - I had some glaring questions that the ending threw up and which I felt could have been better explained and I took off half a star for that! I don’t normally read reviews before writing my own, but I’ve read some where people wondered whether a sequel was in the works - and perhaps that may help to answer my questions!
It’s a clever idea and it was interesting to see modern-day Sydney (although most of the book is set about 8 months in the future of when I read it) through the eyes of the men from the 18th century. After all, who hasn’t ever thought “I wonder what my grandparents (or great-grandparents) would think if they could see me doing/wearing _____ now”?
This was an engrossing read, with plenty of action and an interesting twist at the end which ties in the first part of the book (which I had forgotten about until the end), although I do think the reader was left a little in the dark at the end - I had some glaring questions that the ending threw up and which I felt could have been better explained and I took off half a star for that! I don’t normally read reviews before writing my own, but I’ve read some where people wondered whether a sequel was in the works - and perhaps that may help to answer my questions!
May 20, 2016
This is a very entertaining book. The concept is fun. The action well paced. Many points of view, and the author deftly brings us into each viewpoint quickly and effectively. I particularly liked what wasn't there: that the author didn't fall into the trap of having some characters explain to other characters things they both know, or worse, think some things through that would be part of their everyday life, just for exposition.
I really wanted to give this 4 stars. For all the things I liked about it.
The problem is that many characters felt like caricatures. The details of past culture and mindset and environment felt a bit fake. Some was excellent, but some I didn't buy. The doctor should have felt filthy because of his reaction on the boat. Is it reasonable that someone who became a doctor could be that childishly self centered?. The big convict was a competent if rough sailor at one point. Is he really that violent? Is he also really oblivious to the smells of himself and the other convicts when he found the hold so offensive? Apparently 50 lashes is realistic but add the filth and chance of infection and it seems he recovered remarkably well. At issue might not be realism. At issue might be that I didn't trust the realism. So the real issue might be the author didn't provide enough realism that I trusted that the characters and environment were authentic.
Nice descriptions of the Opera House :)
I really wanted to give this 4 stars. For all the things I liked about it.
The problem is that many characters felt like caricatures. The details of past culture and mindset and environment felt a bit fake. Some was excellent, but some I didn't buy. The doctor should have felt filthy because of his reaction on the boat. Is it reasonable that someone who became a doctor could be that childishly self centered?. The big convict was a competent if rough sailor at one point. Is he really that violent? Is he also really oblivious to the smells of himself and the other convicts when he found the hold so offensive? Apparently 50 lashes is realistic but add the filth and chance of infection and it seems he recovered remarkably well. At issue might not be realism. At issue might be that I didn't trust the realism. So the real issue might be the author didn't provide enough realism that I trusted that the characters and environment were authentic.
Nice descriptions of the Opera House :)
May 9, 2016
This story engaged me from the first page to the last. It is intriguing, exciting and well written. I thought the fast-paced action kept up momentum right to the end and I enjoyed the short chapters written from the various characters' points of view.
I had to go back and re-read the beginning to fully appreciate the ending, but this only made the story more fascinating in my opinion.
The characters were well-developed. The dialogue remained appropriate to each time period; veering from colloquial and extremely amusing, to quaintly polite or dramatic. I felt I got to know all the main characters and was cheering them on their way. The descriptions of Sydney, a city I have not visited, were well-drawn too. I am sure I could find my way around there now.
A very good read. I await more books by this author with anticipation.
Highly recommended.
I also thought the cover artwork was beautiful!
I had to go back and re-read the beginning to fully appreciate the ending, but this only made the story more fascinating in my opinion.
The characters were well-developed. The dialogue remained appropriate to each time period; veering from colloquial and extremely amusing, to quaintly polite or dramatic. I felt I got to know all the main characters and was cheering them on their way. The descriptions of Sydney, a city I have not visited, were well-drawn too. I am sure I could find my way around there now.
A very good read. I await more books by this author with anticipation.
Highly recommended.
I also thought the cover artwork was beautiful!
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