Borrowed Time: A Fast-Paced Dinosaur Adventure for Kids

by Greg Leitich Smith

Praise for Chronal

“Think Survivor and Robinson Crusoe, with a helping of Jurassic Park and a seasoning of The Time Machine.” —School Library Journal
 
“This is exactly the book young dino fans would write themselves.” — Booklist
 
In this time-travel dinosaur adventure, Max Pierson-Takahashi and his friend Petra return to the days of the dinosaurs, where they must survive attacks from mosasaurs, tyrannosaurs, and other deadly creatures, including a vengeful, pistol-toting girl from the 1920s. The fast pace, mind-bending time twists, and Greg Leitich Smith’s light, humorous touch make this an exciting, fun choice for readers looking for adventure and nonstop action.
 

Genres: Science Fiction, Childrens

192 pages, Hardcover

First published November 10, 2015

Reviews

[Rachel Patrick]

DINOSAURS DINOSAURS DINOSAURS.

GIVE IT TO ME.

GIVE IT TO ME NOW.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read any of the prior books from this author so I am not familiar with the adventures that Max and his friend, Petra have encountered with the prehistoric age. Yet, despite having not read the prior books, this book can be read as a stand alone novel even though it states it is a sequel to Chronal Engine. My nephews will have fun reading this book about all of the different dinosaurs. Some that I have never heard of myself. The pictures help tell the story and really show the lay of the land.

Again my nephews will enjoy reading this book but there are some large words, so to read this book on their own they may struggle some and need help with pronouncing the larger words. The characters in the book were smart and there was the right amount of action to keep the flow of the story moving along at a good pace. I will check out the prior novels as well for my nephews.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced time travel book with tons of dinosaurs. This book is a continuation of another book which I did not know prior to beginning it and did make me feel like I might be missing some background information. I would not say that it kept from enjoying the story but it was a bit confusing.

I really enjoyed the characters as they embraced the situation and faced every new trial with grit. Fall back in time? OK. Bitten by a dinosaur? Patch me up. Chased by a T. rex? BRING IT ON!!!

I will say that there are a lot of dinosaur names in this book and this could go either way for the reader. The story is action packed so while it will hold the interest of most middle-grade readers it will definitely engage all dinosaur enthusiasts of any age but may overwhelm readers not particularly interested in dinosaurs.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first discovered Greg Leitich Smith in an anthology, Geektastic, about 6 years ago. From that anthology I have read books by many of the contributors, but Greg and his wife Cynthia are among my favourite contributors. At that time a few of Greg's older books were out of print, but he had new books in development. I have read all of his books and enjoyed them greatly. And thankfully they are all back in print now.

In this book Max and his friend Petra travel back in time to the Cretaceous period. While there they encounter Max's uncles Brady and Nate. This book is a little different than the first one in the series. In part because all of the family members are aware that time travel is not only possible, but it is also something that many of them have done. Also in this book we end us with multiple loops in the time line. With some surprising twists. A big dilemma faced this time is faced by the children is what to do with knowledge about when Uncle Brady died and how. Another interesting twist is the children spending a few days in the past with their uncles when they are much younger than they ever knew them to be.

It was very interesting watching the various characters from different times interact in a place and time well before their own. The loops in the timeline and repeat trips do get a little confusing. But overall the story is very well written.

As stated I have read all of Greg's books. This one in my opinion is not his best, but it is still a very good read. I wonder what Greg would do with some of the other characters we only encounter for short periods. I also wonder what read we will get next from Greg. A good book but make sure you read book 1, Chronal Engine first.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Greg Leitich Smith. As well as an author profile and interview with Greg.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max Pierson-Takahashi and his friends time travel back to the Cretaceous Period where they encounter dinosaurs and get themselves into lots of perilous situations. I think children who are really into dinosaurs will enjoy this book. I myself found the connection between the characters rather confusing and it was hard to keep track of who was related to who. Also the constant naming of every dinosaur became distracting to the storyline and somewhat annoying. Other than that, the story was interesting and had some amusing parts as well. I liked the cover photo which really drew attention to the book. I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max and Petra travel through time via the Chronal Engine. In the Cretacious Period, the two encounter dinosaurs and overcome many obstacles in a fast-paced, engaging adventure. Dinosaur fans, especially, will enjoy this exciting story. Other readers may find the many dinosaur names challenging and a bit off-putting, or find that keeping characters’ relationships straight challenging. Packed with interesting information, and part of a time-travel series, this volume stands well on its own. Many readers will demand previous volumes to read when they complete this one.

[Candra Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a "middle school level" book, but I thought it was still enjoyable to read as an adult. I thought the time travel concept was very interesting and liked the fact that they traveled back to the time of dinosaurs. I also liked that the author addressed that you really cant change the past.


I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. It won't actually be released until November 2015.

[Terri Robinette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool concept - dinosaurs and time travel. But for me, it was a little confusing, trying to keep all the characters and their connections straight. Then throw in all the dinosaur names and descriptions and I am like, outta here. That being said, maybe young boys will like this book. Maybe they don't read that deep into it but simply read it for the sheer enjoyment of dinosaurs and time travel. Maybe. Overall good book, just not great for me.

[George Ashmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great cover, good book. Exciting, captivating and informative--even I learned some things. The kind of book you just keep right beside you until you are finished and then keep closefor more fun. I won this book but would have paid for it. My 15yo daughter is more the intended audience and she is reading it now.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this from Goodreads. It didn't take long to get interested in the characters in the book. I did enjoy reading it. It will get handed down to my grandson that loves dinosaurs. This is a book we will read together along with a dinosaur reference book so we can see what each dinosaur looks like as we read the book.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as part of a Goodreads giveaway promotion. An exciting narrative that is just right for kids. I gave it to my nephew and he loved it. The idea is a very interesting one.

[Mimi Bouchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good kid's adventure story about going back in time to dinosaur age. You di quite learn a lot about the different dinosaurs at the same time

[Lisa Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this to my son, who enjoyed it very much!

[T.J. Burns]

I received a copy of this book from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane]

checked it out for my 11 y.o., he has too many other books that interest him more.

[Sea Clamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is incredible that it was nearly the dinosaur lovers one!!!!