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In Times Like These #2
The Chronothon
Run from the past. Run from the future. Run for your lives.
He’s a novice time traveler in a big universe.
Ben just wants time with the scientist’s daughter who got him into this, but when he’s rooked into competing in a chronothon — an Amazing Race through time — getting the girl means he’ll need to make the finish line. When he finds out this competition is more than just a sprint through history, winning takes a back seat to surviving. To save the people he loves, he’ll have to conquer the real dangers hidden in the shadows of the chronothon.
The world of time travelers expands in this next installment of the In Times Like These time travel series. Fans of book one will find more to love, but new readers can jump right in and enjoy this stand-alone time travel novel. Expect action, adventure, and romance on this journey through past and future. Fresh dangers will arise for Ben and company in a quest for the finish line, where failure to keep up will cost more than just a shot at glory — it could mean the end for them all.
Either book in the series may be enjoyed independently.
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
He’s a novice time traveler in a big universe.
Ben just wants time with the scientist’s daughter who got him into this, but when he’s rooked into competing in a chronothon — an Amazing Race through time — getting the girl means he’ll need to make the finish line. When he finds out this competition is more than just a sprint through history, winning takes a back seat to surviving. To save the people he loves, he’ll have to conquer the real dangers hidden in the shadows of the chronothon.
The world of time travelers expands in this next installment of the In Times Like These time travel series. Fans of book one will find more to love, but new readers can jump right in and enjoy this stand-alone time travel novel. Expect action, adventure, and romance on this journey through past and future. Fresh dangers will arise for Ben and company in a quest for the finish line, where failure to keep up will cost more than just a shot at glory — it could mean the end for them all.
Either book in the series may be enjoyed independently.
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
497 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2015
719 people are currently reading
2919 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Van Coops
28 books505 followersNathan Van Coops lives in St. Petersburg, Florida on a diet comprised mainly of tacos. When not tinkering on old airplanes, he writes heroic adventure stories that explore imaginative new worlds. He is the author of the time travel adventure series In Times Like These, the time travel detective series Paradox PI, and The Skylighter Adventures. His recent series, Kingdom of Engines explores a swashbuckling alternate history where the modern and medieval collide. He also writes aviation mystery thrillers under the name Nate Van Coops. Learn more at www.nathanvancoops.com or www.natevancoops.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
December 1, 2025
3.25 stars
May 16, 2021
Nathan Van Coops's The Chronothon is a long book, seeming even longer if you have trouble following time travel jumps and redos like I do. While it was a swashbuckling adventure of a book, I could have enjoyed it being half the length and with half the betrayals. Seriously, it seemed like everyone and everything was pitted against Ben and those racing in the Chronothon (a marathon of time travel that served as the plot driver of this story and still has my brain screaming "error! error!").
Gosh, how I love time travel that is done well, and I absolutely think Nathan Van Coops hits the mark with this series, but I wish it were a little less confusing and lot more adventurous. You know I'll continue the series, because my tiny brain is a glutton for this kind of punishment, but I'll need some time to let the whirlwind of activity from this novel settle in first.
Gosh, how I love time travel that is done well, and I absolutely think Nathan Van Coops hits the mark with this series, but I wish it were a little less confusing and lot more adventurous. You know I'll continue the series, because my tiny brain is a glutton for this kind of punishment, but I'll need some time to let the whirlwind of activity from this novel settle in first.
June 8, 2018
This book literally gave me sooo many headaches which i took so much pleasure in each and every one of them - that's what i was/am expecting from a time travel novel, anyway; this adventure, however, compared to books 1 adventure, was 80% visual and 20% dialogue - I was expecting more interaction between the characters and less chasing cos it felt like a non stop chase which, tbh, made me feel tedious and I could tell right away that the pattern would repeat itself, thus, predicting the outcome.. I have to say tho, I was truly fascinated by the authors research on the time travel periods (past and future) and wow, all this new time travel info we got to learn, was extraordinary!! Whenever there was a reference on it, it would had me engaged to the point where I had to re read the page cos it was sooo mind boggling - so I respect and appreciate what the author has accomplished here... Will be jumping straight into book 3 - I am ready to be blown away once again! Bring on all the headaches😂
December 7, 2014
I've read some good novels this year. This is a great one. It's the sequel to In Times Like These, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading earlier this year. You don't have to have read book one to read book two, as everything you need to know is explained as you go.
Nathan Van Coops has done a masterful job of creating a plausible time travel method, as well as ensuring it's not easy for those who wish to use it. As Vladimir Nabokov said, it's the author's job to get their protagonist stuck up a tree and then throw rocks at him. Van Coops never once lets the protagonist off the hook. Indeed, he piles on the problems perfectly, and allows him to interplay with a large cast of characters - some good some evil - as they try to survive this epic time race. The protagonist's mettle is tested thoroughly, and his character is revealed through adversity - which is what marks out great writing from good.
The excursions into history are very well researched and believable, and the characters are all well-drawn. There are plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments as the action unfolds. Each of the mini-excursions into a new period of time builds up solidly towards a very satisfying denouement. This is a must-read for any sci-fi fan. I was delighted to be a beta-reader for this novel - publication due early February 2015.
Cool science bit. Here's the background: the protagonist and his friends literally fell into the world of early time-travel. It's achieved by means of a watch-like device on the wrist, but there are great risks involved. In order not to reappear in a different part of the Earth's orbit (minus the planet), or be fused into other people or objects, you have to use an anchor when you jump. The anchor has to have been around at the time you want to jump to. That anchor will stop you reappearing in the neverwhere. Other limiting factors are that you can only jump a certain number of years at a time, and that your device needs recharging.
Nathan Van Coops has done a masterful job of creating a plausible time travel method, as well as ensuring it's not easy for those who wish to use it. As Vladimir Nabokov said, it's the author's job to get their protagonist stuck up a tree and then throw rocks at him. Van Coops never once lets the protagonist off the hook. Indeed, he piles on the problems perfectly, and allows him to interplay with a large cast of characters - some good some evil - as they try to survive this epic time race. The protagonist's mettle is tested thoroughly, and his character is revealed through adversity - which is what marks out great writing from good.
The excursions into history are very well researched and believable, and the characters are all well-drawn. There are plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments as the action unfolds. Each of the mini-excursions into a new period of time builds up solidly towards a very satisfying denouement. This is a must-read for any sci-fi fan. I was delighted to be a beta-reader for this novel - publication due early February 2015.
Cool science bit. Here's the background: the protagonist and his friends literally fell into the world of early time-travel. It's achieved by means of a watch-like device on the wrist, but there are great risks involved. In order not to reappear in a different part of the Earth's orbit (minus the planet), or be fused into other people or objects, you have to use an anchor when you jump. The anchor has to have been around at the time you want to jump to. That anchor will stop you reappearing in the neverwhere. Other limiting factors are that you can only jump a certain number of years at a time, and that your device needs recharging.
April 25, 2022
I am so happy to have discovered Nathan Van Coops. This is the second book of his on going time travel series. Benjamin Travers is kind of screwed. He is to compete in the Chronothon, a dangerous--Amazing Race--sort of adventure through various periods of time. He has been suckered into doing this by the mob who has their own agenda. This is a rollicking adventure as we follow Benjamin through out his perils. If you are a fan of the first book, you will be a fan of this one. However, Benjamin is early the own major character of the group of friends that comes back in this novel. We meet a whole bunch of new friends through out his journey. Many I hope will return in the furture.
December 20, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this author's first novel, "In Times Like These," and now the second is even better. "The Chronothon" is not simply a continuation of ITLT, but an imaginative standalone story in itself, and a unique tale it is. I've never read a novel quite like this one, in which the writer constructs an entirely new Time Travel science in such credible and enjoyable detail.
Equally fascinating is the array of characters in "The Chronothon." Time Travelers come in various forms, sizes, colors (including green), and temporal origins. Most, but not all, are human. They're all Travelers, though, including the narrator, Ben, who's still "analog," using old-school technology from our own century. He's a relative novice but catches on fast, for love and survival. I admire his determination and natural courage, and especially his spontaneous humor at occasionally inappropriate moments. His thoughts and side comments had me cracking up on several occasions.
I marveled at the historical and futuristic settings, and the series of obstacles and conflicts that befall the Chronothon participants. This is a highly entertaining novel and I'm hoping there will be more to come. Nathan Van Coops has an engaging writing style and an apparently boundless imagination.
Equally fascinating is the array of characters in "The Chronothon." Time Travelers come in various forms, sizes, colors (including green), and temporal origins. Most, but not all, are human. They're all Travelers, though, including the narrator, Ben, who's still "analog," using old-school technology from our own century. He's a relative novice but catches on fast, for love and survival. I admire his determination and natural courage, and especially his spontaneous humor at occasionally inappropriate moments. His thoughts and side comments had me cracking up on several occasions.
I marveled at the historical and futuristic settings, and the series of obstacles and conflicts that befall the Chronothon participants. This is a highly entertaining novel and I'm hoping there will be more to come. Nathan Van Coops has an engaging writing style and an apparently boundless imagination.
February 24, 2015
I chose this book as my pick for our monthly book club after randomly selecting the time travel category. I didn't realize that it was the second book in a series until after I finished it, but I had no trouble becoming engrossed in the story. For picking it on a whim just based off a couple of Amazon.com reviews, I'm really glad I did! I'm going to pick up the first book and seeing what I missed and I'm looking forward to book number 3!
January 8, 2020
Notes:
Well, poo. I enjoyed the first book but this one was more less plausible and more ridiculous. The intro set a tone to not believe anything else that happened in the book. The main character did not seem the same. It was like an alternate reality version. Which would have been fine if we were suddenly in a different time line but this story was a continuation of the one that was concluded. *shrug*
Well, poo. I enjoyed the first book but this one was more less plausible and more ridiculous. The intro set a tone to not believe anything else that happened in the book. The main character did not seem the same. It was like an alternate reality version. Which would have been fine if we were suddenly in a different time line but this story was a continuation of the one that was concluded. *shrug*
January 27, 2015
In the 2150s, time travel has become commonplace enough that it has become boring. Time travelers know the basic rules of time travel such as how to not to get themselves fused with objects in the past, etc. It seems inevitable in such a society that time travel would eventually develop into an extreme sport. Benjamin Travers doesn’t know it yet, but he’s about to be recruited from the future to join in a Chronothon whether he wants to or not. And it’s not until the end of the game that he begins to understand why and just how important his participation is to the world.
Even reality television is more extreme in the future as millions watch as Ben and the other contestants race each other through time in search of hidden objects. The race starts in present day Ireland and wends its way through ancient Egypt, Rome, medieval France, the pirate-infested Carribean, the Old West, pre World War II Germany, and beyond. There’s never a dull moment as Ben encounters everything from pirates to zombies to cyborgs in his travels. But from the beginning, something seems to be going terribly wrong. The game isn’t what it seems, and Ben is determined to discover what’s happening before he’s eliminated in the worst possible way.
This novel is heavy on adventure and begs to be on the big screen one day. While reading is mainly a rip-roaring experience, there are some heavier topics as well. One that I especially enjoyed was the evolving concept of civil rights in the future as extends to bionically enhanced humans. There is also a very tastefully- developed love story in the midst of all the adventuring. And the ending leaves a huge opening for a much deeper storyline as Ben goes down a forbidden rabbit hole of time travel. I get the feeling that there’s a Messaiah-level storyline to develop in the next book of the series. And there MUST be a next book. The author has also written a prequel to this novel featuring some of the same characters, but it’s not necessary to read it in order to enjoy this one.
This should be a must-read of 2015 among lovers of time travel and speculative fiction adventure. It’s not necessarily written as a YA book, but I think it will appeal to that subset as well. I was lucky enough to get to be a Beta reader for this book which is set to roll out on February 2nd (just in time for Groundhog Day), but it’s available for pre-order now at http://www.amazon.com/Chronothon-Nath... with a lovely giveaway launch party set up that day at https://www.facebook.com/events/15545....
Even reality television is more extreme in the future as millions watch as Ben and the other contestants race each other through time in search of hidden objects. The race starts in present day Ireland and wends its way through ancient Egypt, Rome, medieval France, the pirate-infested Carribean, the Old West, pre World War II Germany, and beyond. There’s never a dull moment as Ben encounters everything from pirates to zombies to cyborgs in his travels. But from the beginning, something seems to be going terribly wrong. The game isn’t what it seems, and Ben is determined to discover what’s happening before he’s eliminated in the worst possible way.
This novel is heavy on adventure and begs to be on the big screen one day. While reading is mainly a rip-roaring experience, there are some heavier topics as well. One that I especially enjoyed was the evolving concept of civil rights in the future as extends to bionically enhanced humans. There is also a very tastefully- developed love story in the midst of all the adventuring. And the ending leaves a huge opening for a much deeper storyline as Ben goes down a forbidden rabbit hole of time travel. I get the feeling that there’s a Messaiah-level storyline to develop in the next book of the series. And there MUST be a next book. The author has also written a prequel to this novel featuring some of the same characters, but it’s not necessary to read it in order to enjoy this one.
This should be a must-read of 2015 among lovers of time travel and speculative fiction adventure. It’s not necessarily written as a YA book, but I think it will appeal to that subset as well. I was lucky enough to get to be a Beta reader for this book which is set to roll out on February 2nd (just in time for Groundhog Day), but it’s available for pre-order now at http://www.amazon.com/Chronothon-Nath... with a lovely giveaway launch party set up that day at https://www.facebook.com/events/15545....
March 14, 2015
The Chronothon
By Nathan Van Coops (book two of the series)
5 Stars With a strong warning...
Ben's time travel adventures continue with Mym, his favorite lady, playing a crucial background role. This time, he finds himself being maneuvered into participating in a rigged and highly unethical intergalactic time travel competition, one for which he is particularly untrained.
In terms of well developed characters and an intricate story line that never falls apart, this book was pure pleasure to read. None of Ben's St Petersburg friends come along on this adventure so there are a full cast of new characters and a lot of time loops with subsequent ramifications that follow. As an experienced time travel reader, I enjoyed the challenge of keeping up. For newbies, I say just go with it and do the best you can. It's worth it.
There were some other jewels about the book that stood out for me:
* The one liners that come out of Ben's narration are brilliantly in keeping with his character and help with pacing. "...... or if I'm just experiencing the kind of luck only stupid people enjoy..." , is one example that comes in the middle of a particularly harrowing fight scene. It doesn't interrupt the flow of the story and, yet, it gives you a split second of breathing space to integrate the human aspect of the fight.
*The quotes from Dr. Quickley's diary entries that top each chapter also help with the story's pacing. They are like little time travel breaks in your mind as you move forward in the story. I don't know if the author intended it this way or not, but it gave me, the reader, a little philosophical time travel hiccup - like a one minute time blink - as I took a break to imagine what was going on in Dr Quickley's world when in wrote the entry. We know the when because the entries are dated, but where was he when it wrote it and what part of his when was he living? That's never answered because it's not part of the story other than the "Grandfather of Time" is always present that way. Still, the commentary often brings a smile to your face.
*There are some historical facts in the story that I had to wonder if they were true in "our timeline". For example, I didn't know Seattle was built on tidal land until I read it in The Chronothon. A quick Google search confirmed it. This kind of thing added another layer of "reality" to this fantasy story. Well done.
* The author handles a love scene that creates the entire picture in your mind without spilling one nitty gritty detail. It was fifty shades of perfect for this genre of book.
* Once again, the author neatly sets up the next book in the series without leaving the story of this book hanging one iota.
That's all the good stuff. Now here's the WARNING: Think twice about reading this book if you have a strong aversion to blood, guts, death, and alien horrors. Although none of it is ever gratuitous, the author brings it alive in full living color in your imagination. At one point, I almost told myself it was too much and wanted to put the book down. "I'll finish this chapter," I promised myself, "and then decide if it's not for me." Needless to say, I kept reading to the end and am looking forward to his next book. Still, forewarned is forearmed on the blood, guts, death, and alien horrors.
By Nathan Van Coops (book two of the series)
5 Stars With a strong warning...
Ben's time travel adventures continue with Mym, his favorite lady, playing a crucial background role. This time, he finds himself being maneuvered into participating in a rigged and highly unethical intergalactic time travel competition, one for which he is particularly untrained.
In terms of well developed characters and an intricate story line that never falls apart, this book was pure pleasure to read. None of Ben's St Petersburg friends come along on this adventure so there are a full cast of new characters and a lot of time loops with subsequent ramifications that follow. As an experienced time travel reader, I enjoyed the challenge of keeping up. For newbies, I say just go with it and do the best you can. It's worth it.
There were some other jewels about the book that stood out for me:
* The one liners that come out of Ben's narration are brilliantly in keeping with his character and help with pacing. "...... or if I'm just experiencing the kind of luck only stupid people enjoy..." , is one example that comes in the middle of a particularly harrowing fight scene. It doesn't interrupt the flow of the story and, yet, it gives you a split second of breathing space to integrate the human aspect of the fight.
*The quotes from Dr. Quickley's diary entries that top each chapter also help with the story's pacing. They are like little time travel breaks in your mind as you move forward in the story. I don't know if the author intended it this way or not, but it gave me, the reader, a little philosophical time travel hiccup - like a one minute time blink - as I took a break to imagine what was going on in Dr Quickley's world when in wrote the entry. We know the when because the entries are dated, but where was he when it wrote it and what part of his when was he living? That's never answered because it's not part of the story other than the "Grandfather of Time" is always present that way. Still, the commentary often brings a smile to your face.
*There are some historical facts in the story that I had to wonder if they were true in "our timeline". For example, I didn't know Seattle was built on tidal land until I read it in The Chronothon. A quick Google search confirmed it. This kind of thing added another layer of "reality" to this fantasy story. Well done.
* The author handles a love scene that creates the entire picture in your mind without spilling one nitty gritty detail. It was fifty shades of perfect for this genre of book.
* Once again, the author neatly sets up the next book in the series without leaving the story of this book hanging one iota.
That's all the good stuff. Now here's the WARNING: Think twice about reading this book if you have a strong aversion to blood, guts, death, and alien horrors. Although none of it is ever gratuitous, the author brings it alive in full living color in your imagination. At one point, I almost told myself it was too much and wanted to put the book down. "I'll finish this chapter," I promised myself, "and then decide if it's not for me." Needless to say, I kept reading to the end and am looking forward to his next book. Still, forewarned is forearmed on the blood, guts, death, and alien horrors.
December 21, 2022
This is my second go-around with this series but this time I'm enjoying listening to this on Audible (last time I read it on ebook) with my husband who is notoriously difficult to please with respect to his literature consumption. Now, just a little background info to help set up the backstory... my husband has 5 engineering degrees (toot toot by proxy), and if a book plans to site any sort of scientific background or plot basis, my hubby is instantly on high alert. This book was so engaging from the very first page that my husband's pet peeve of picking apart any possible incongruous activity was either sated or else suspended for the sake of enjoying the book on its own merits. He is truly enjoying this series (a HUGE compliment) and has even stayed up late into the wee hours just to hear what happens next... if you knew my husband you'd know how impressive that boast is since he appreciates every spare moment of sleep he can get. We are both giddy to be moving on to book #3... well maybe I'm outwardly giddy, my hubby is stoic on the outside whilst giddy on the inside- I can tell by the glee in which he asked to start the next book even though it's already way past his normal bedtime). Anyway, if you want to hear more about the actual story read on but I am off to hear what's in store for Ben Travers and his non-static paramore, Mym.
~ Enjoy
--------------------------------------
Where do you start with a review of an AMAZING Time Traveling book about a totally unique/fast paced/nail biting, addictive scavenger hunt through alternate timelines (past, present and future), zombie planets, with pirate tricking, assassin dodging, unlikely alliance making, crazy/deadly religious zealots and oh so much more. Yes I'm aware of the rambling but this book has left me ranting to anyone who will stand still long enough for me to tell of the magic that is this book! Now those who know me might point out that I am a HUGE sucker for a good Time Travel book but Chronothon wasn't just good, not even very good, it was AWESOME! The action is non stop from the very first page until the very last (a good attribute to have). The science is laid out plausibly (important). The writing is wonderful (very important). The world and character building are done with such skill and with such a uniquely creative tone that I have been left rambling and singing its praises (absolutely imperative for a 5 star book). Mr Van Coops gets his characters into some pretty unbelievable situations and more importantly he doesn't take the easy ways out which is too often the case in books about Time Travel. I really enjoyed the first book( In Times Like These), I'm blown away by book two (Chronothon) and I (uncharacteristically) cannot put into words just how much I am looking forward to book three.
~ Enjoy
--------------------------------------
Where do you start with a review of an AMAZING Time Traveling book about a totally unique/fast paced/nail biting, addictive scavenger hunt through alternate timelines (past, present and future), zombie planets, with pirate tricking, assassin dodging, unlikely alliance making, crazy/deadly religious zealots and oh so much more. Yes I'm aware of the rambling but this book has left me ranting to anyone who will stand still long enough for me to tell of the magic that is this book! Now those who know me might point out that I am a HUGE sucker for a good Time Travel book but Chronothon wasn't just good, not even very good, it was AWESOME! The action is non stop from the very first page until the very last (a good attribute to have). The science is laid out plausibly (important). The writing is wonderful (very important). The world and character building are done with such skill and with such a uniquely creative tone that I have been left rambling and singing its praises (absolutely imperative for a 5 star book). Mr Van Coops gets his characters into some pretty unbelievable situations and more importantly he doesn't take the easy ways out which is too often the case in books about Time Travel. I really enjoyed the first book( In Times Like These), I'm blown away by book two (Chronothon) and I (uncharacteristically) cannot put into words just how much I am looking forward to book three.
December 15, 2014
The second in a projected three-story scifi series by up and coming writer Nathan Van Coops, The Chronothon tells the story of a young man who is forced to compete in a dangerous race while trying to reunite with the daughter of the inventor of time travel.
In Van Coops’ first book, In Times Like These, Benjamin Travers and friends are inadvertently transported back in time. The story tells of the adventures that befall them in their efforts to return to their own time and introduces Dr. Harold Quickly and his daughter Mym with whom Ben becomes enthralled.
The Chronothon begins with Mym showing Ben around the world of time-travel, but when Ben gets separated from Mym, he innocently agrees to participate in a charity time-travel race, a chronothon.
Although Ben learns that some of the people associated with this event may not be on the up and up, he is coerced to participate. Here is where Van Coops’ ingenious imagination takes hold. Each leg of the race takes us to a new location and new place in time as well.
The contestants are required to obtain objects from each location––a futuristic scavenger hunt. In the process Ben forms alliances and makes friends, but as the race progresses, it also becomes more and more dangerous and the underlying rationale behind strange events begins to take shape.
Van Coops handles the tricky problem of mechanics of time travel adeptly––the reader learns how it works as well as its limitations as Ben learns. The cast of characters is deftly drawn and helps keep the reader engaged. The romantic element is handled with a light touch––which fits the needs of the story.
As he nears the finish line, Ben realizes more is at stake than winning the race. His life is in danger as well as that of his friends. Van Coops ratchets up the tension as their survival comes down to Ben. The Chronothon shows In Times Like These was not an accident. I’m ready for volume three.
The author provided me with an advance copy of The Chronothon in return for an honest review. The Chronothon will be released on or about February 2, 2015. Pre-release sales for the Kindle edition have begun on the Amazon website.
In Van Coops’ first book, In Times Like These, Benjamin Travers and friends are inadvertently transported back in time. The story tells of the adventures that befall them in their efforts to return to their own time and introduces Dr. Harold Quickly and his daughter Mym with whom Ben becomes enthralled.
The Chronothon begins with Mym showing Ben around the world of time-travel, but when Ben gets separated from Mym, he innocently agrees to participate in a charity time-travel race, a chronothon.
Although Ben learns that some of the people associated with this event may not be on the up and up, he is coerced to participate. Here is where Van Coops’ ingenious imagination takes hold. Each leg of the race takes us to a new location and new place in time as well.
The contestants are required to obtain objects from each location––a futuristic scavenger hunt. In the process Ben forms alliances and makes friends, but as the race progresses, it also becomes more and more dangerous and the underlying rationale behind strange events begins to take shape.
Van Coops handles the tricky problem of mechanics of time travel adeptly––the reader learns how it works as well as its limitations as Ben learns. The cast of characters is deftly drawn and helps keep the reader engaged. The romantic element is handled with a light touch––which fits the needs of the story.
As he nears the finish line, Ben realizes more is at stake than winning the race. His life is in danger as well as that of his friends. Van Coops ratchets up the tension as their survival comes down to Ben. The Chronothon shows In Times Like These was not an accident. I’m ready for volume three.
The author provided me with an advance copy of The Chronothon in return for an honest review. The Chronothon will be released on or about February 2, 2015. Pre-release sales for the Kindle edition have begun on the Amazon website.
January 23, 2015
Ben Travers is a novice time traveler with a knack for making friends. He’s just met the girl of his dreams (who also happens to be a time traveler), and he’s full of hope for the future (and the past, and everything in between.)
Until he gets rooked into racing a chronothon.
Chronothons are marathons through time for the chance to win fabulous wealth. Most racers are experienced time travelers with a thirst for adventure and a taste for extreme sports. But this chronothon committee might as well have added “death wish” to their list of racing qualifications. Because someone is killing competitors, and Ben will need every ounce of skill and smarts he possesses, just to survive.
Van Coops’ second novel is a sequel to In Times Like These, and part of a trilogy. But it stands on its own merits admirably, and is a terrific read even if you haven’t delved into book one. The author peoples this book with a host of interesting characters from just about every time (and even space.) One of my favorites is Bozzle, a green-skinned alien with a penchant for tattoos, a gentle spirit, and a host of hidden talents. His mystery adds a nice touch of pathos to the resolution of the race and Ben’s story.
The Chronothon is a great blend of escapism and real-life. I say “real-life,” because Van Coops’ characters have heart. They may occupy a sci-fi novel, but they experience the same loves (and losses) that we all share. The author does a fantastic job of keeping the reader’s interest throughout an intricate and imaginative plot. Indeed, Van Coops’ imagination is one of his greatest gifts to his readers.
The world of The Chronothon is well worth the price of admission.
Until he gets rooked into racing a chronothon.
Chronothons are marathons through time for the chance to win fabulous wealth. Most racers are experienced time travelers with a thirst for adventure and a taste for extreme sports. But this chronothon committee might as well have added “death wish” to their list of racing qualifications. Because someone is killing competitors, and Ben will need every ounce of skill and smarts he possesses, just to survive.
Van Coops’ second novel is a sequel to In Times Like These, and part of a trilogy. But it stands on its own merits admirably, and is a terrific read even if you haven’t delved into book one. The author peoples this book with a host of interesting characters from just about every time (and even space.) One of my favorites is Bozzle, a green-skinned alien with a penchant for tattoos, a gentle spirit, and a host of hidden talents. His mystery adds a nice touch of pathos to the resolution of the race and Ben’s story.
The Chronothon is a great blend of escapism and real-life. I say “real-life,” because Van Coops’ characters have heart. They may occupy a sci-fi novel, but they experience the same loves (and losses) that we all share. The author does a fantastic job of keeping the reader’s interest throughout an intricate and imaginative plot. Indeed, Van Coops’ imagination is one of his greatest gifts to his readers.
The world of The Chronothon is well worth the price of admission.
February 16, 2015
I’ve been looking forward to the sequel to Van Coops’ first book, In Times Like These, and The Chronothon does not disappoint. It’s an entertaining and fast-paced adventure. The author writes very relatable characters, especially Ben Travers, a regular guy who also happens to be a time traveler.
This time around, Travers has been thrown into a time traveling race where he interacts with all kinds of fellow competitors, including a brother-sister duo who use interesting devices to overcome race obstacles; Jonah, a little boy whose companion is a time traveling dog; and Bozzle the alien. The race takes us through different time periods that have historical significance, which I find very interesting. The detailed descriptions of each race level—whether ancient Rome or a futuristic society—made me feel like I was part of the story.
Once again, Van Coops does a great job with the technical details of time travel and time streams. I read The Chronothon twice and enjoyed it even more the second time around. I would also highly recommend reading In Times Like These, which is book one in the series, but you don’t necessarily have to read it first. The Chronothon can stand on its own.
This is one of the best time travel series out there, in my opinion.
This time around, Travers has been thrown into a time traveling race where he interacts with all kinds of fellow competitors, including a brother-sister duo who use interesting devices to overcome race obstacles; Jonah, a little boy whose companion is a time traveling dog; and Bozzle the alien. The race takes us through different time periods that have historical significance, which I find very interesting. The detailed descriptions of each race level—whether ancient Rome or a futuristic society—made me feel like I was part of the story.
Once again, Van Coops does a great job with the technical details of time travel and time streams. I read The Chronothon twice and enjoyed it even more the second time around. I would also highly recommend reading In Times Like These, which is book one in the series, but you don’t necessarily have to read it first. The Chronothon can stand on its own.
This is one of the best time travel series out there, in my opinion.
April 15, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. This is one of the most amazing time-travel books I have ever read. It is a new twist in the concept (the second in a series), masterfully executed, full or surprises, with a splendid plot.
The time travel genre is one of my two favorite genres (the other being (science fiction and fantasy humor), and I have read a large number of them. This is one of the very best, and in fact has a touch of humor here and there. If you like this genre, then this is a must read.
I believe this book rates as groundbreaking as David Gerrold's The Man Who Folded Himself was in its time. This one includes an entirely new system of time travel, including an entire time-travel subculture.
I read this second book, though I have not yet read the first in the series, but there was no difficulty understanding anything. (I expect the first book from Amazon soon, and I am sure I will love that one as well.)
I cannot recall having so much pleasure and delight reading science fiction as I had when reading this book.
And I urge you to e-mail the author with your thoughts. He is a pleasant person, and enjoys talking about the concepts in his book.
The time travel genre is one of my two favorite genres (the other being (science fiction and fantasy humor), and I have read a large number of them. This is one of the very best, and in fact has a touch of humor here and there. If you like this genre, then this is a must read.
I believe this book rates as groundbreaking as David Gerrold's The Man Who Folded Himself was in its time. This one includes an entirely new system of time travel, including an entire time-travel subculture.
I read this second book, though I have not yet read the first in the series, but there was no difficulty understanding anything. (I expect the first book from Amazon soon, and I am sure I will love that one as well.)
I cannot recall having so much pleasure and delight reading science fiction as I had when reading this book.
And I urge you to e-mail the author with your thoughts. He is a pleasant person, and enjoys talking about the concepts in his book.
September 11, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Some nice twists on the time travel theme with excellent characters you can really get to like, some really creepy bad guys causing them trouble and a well plotted story with plenty of acton.
August 7, 2016
3.25 ★ Audiobook⎮This book was a struggle for me. During the first 65%, I was nearly bored out of my mind. Couple that with an overwhelming sense of confusion and I was ready to table it by the time I reached 46% completion. My primary frustration was the writing style. This book was all plot and no story. Imagine being suddenly grabbed by the arm and dragged along behind someone for miles at an alarming pace with absolutely no idea where you were going. No explanations. No breaks. Just go-go-go. It might be exciting at first, but it would get exhausting really fast. This was one of the most imbalanced stories I've ever heard. There was practically no character development or world-building. Seriously, none. I had no idea who these characters were or what their world was like. That was beyond frustrating. The author was so plot-focused that he basically ignored everything else. But why would I care about the plot (in this case, the Chronothon race) if I don't care about anyone in it? Out of the host of characters, there were only two I came to care about at all (Jonah and Barley). Neither of them was the main character and one of them was a dog.
But I suppose I can't blame my entire lack of enthusiasm on the writing. As you may have noticed, this audiobook is the second installment in a series and 99% of my confusion most likely could have been avoided if I had heard the first installment before beginning this one. I'm not normally one to listen to a series out of order and this is the perfect example of why. For some reason unbeknownst to me, the prior installment has yet to be recorded. Several reviews claim that this installment can act as a standalone novel but I am calling "bull". I mean, I suppose it could, but it would be majorly lacking. I can only assume (and hope) that the majority of my confusion could have been avoided if I had heard In Times Like These first. Van Coops' take on time travel is very original, but I can also assume that the mechanics of his version of time travel were explained in the previous installment and I missed all of that. I was pretty much "hung out to dry" when it came to understanding how time travel worked in this book. There was a lot of talk about time streams with various names and origins (all of which I still know nothing about) and I sort of had to piece everything together on my own. It felt like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle when half of the pieces are missing. To say the least, it was very, very frustrating. Obviously, I suggest reading In Times Like These beforehand, or waiting for the audiobook (which I am told is already slated for production). Perhaps it's just me who can't hear audiobooks out of order, but I swear I really did try with this one. Despite all of this, I won't completely rule out listening to In Times Like These when it is released as an audiobook (mostly out of curiosity). I suspect that at least 75% of the complaints posted here could be nullified by hearing In Times Like These. This is partially a case of "cart before horse" on my part.
Narration review: For me, the narration of this audiobook was actually the brightest part of the whole experience. Neil Hellegers' narration was simply awesome! Although the book was a bit of a letdown, the narration did not disappoint. Hellegers' voice held a sense of urgency that added so much to the atmosphere of the story and kept regaining my attention whenever my mind would wander (which was pretty frequently). He was the perfect choice to narrate such an action-filled story. I also love that I could never definitively place an age on his voice. It somehow had a youthful and mature quality, especially when he was voicing the protagonist, Ben. This also allowed him to seamlessly switch between character voices, since there was a wide age range between a lot of the characters. The tone and range of his voice were so captivating, that his narration actually held my interest a lot better than did the story itself. I really do appreciate Mr. Hellegers' generosity in gifting me this book and, despite my feelings towards this particular story, I would be absolutely thrilled to hear his narration abilities again. He truly is an extremely talented narrator. ♣︎
➜ This audiobook was graciously gifted to me by its narrator, Neil Hellegers, in exchange for a review containing my honest thoughts and opinions. Thanks, Neil!
But I suppose I can't blame my entire lack of enthusiasm on the writing. As you may have noticed, this audiobook is the second installment in a series and 99% of my confusion most likely could have been avoided if I had heard the first installment before beginning this one. I'm not normally one to listen to a series out of order and this is the perfect example of why. For some reason unbeknownst to me, the prior installment has yet to be recorded. Several reviews claim that this installment can act as a standalone novel but I am calling "bull". I mean, I suppose it could, but it would be majorly lacking. I can only assume (and hope) that the majority of my confusion could have been avoided if I had heard In Times Like These first. Van Coops' take on time travel is very original, but I can also assume that the mechanics of his version of time travel were explained in the previous installment and I missed all of that. I was pretty much "hung out to dry" when it came to understanding how time travel worked in this book. There was a lot of talk about time streams with various names and origins (all of which I still know nothing about) and I sort of had to piece everything together on my own. It felt like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle when half of the pieces are missing. To say the least, it was very, very frustrating. Obviously, I suggest reading In Times Like These beforehand, or waiting for the audiobook (which I am told is already slated for production). Perhaps it's just me who can't hear audiobooks out of order, but I swear I really did try with this one. Despite all of this, I won't completely rule out listening to In Times Like These when it is released as an audiobook (mostly out of curiosity). I suspect that at least 75% of the complaints posted here could be nullified by hearing In Times Like These. This is partially a case of "cart before horse" on my part.
Narration review: For me, the narration of this audiobook was actually the brightest part of the whole experience. Neil Hellegers' narration was simply awesome! Although the book was a bit of a letdown, the narration did not disappoint. Hellegers' voice held a sense of urgency that added so much to the atmosphere of the story and kept regaining my attention whenever my mind would wander (which was pretty frequently). He was the perfect choice to narrate such an action-filled story. I also love that I could never definitively place an age on his voice. It somehow had a youthful and mature quality, especially when he was voicing the protagonist, Ben. This also allowed him to seamlessly switch between character voices, since there was a wide age range between a lot of the characters. The tone and range of his voice were so captivating, that his narration actually held my interest a lot better than did the story itself. I really do appreciate Mr. Hellegers' generosity in gifting me this book and, despite my feelings towards this particular story, I would be absolutely thrilled to hear his narration abilities again. He truly is an extremely talented narrator. ♣︎
➜ This audiobook was graciously gifted to me by its narrator, Neil Hellegers, in exchange for a review containing my honest thoughts and opinions. Thanks, Neil!
October 2, 2015
You ever find yourself sitting down at a nice restaurant and everything on the menu looks delicious, and you find yourself disappointed because you can only choose one entree to eat? Well, Chronothon is the "Sampler" of time travel books. A little of everything. Some fans of the genre hone in on specific time periods, or are die hard futurists and enjoy sci-fi theoretical tomorrowlands. This book finds the protagonist wrapped up in a conspiracy, masked as a time travel extreme sporting event. Racing at break neck speed through the past and into the future.
I really loved this book, I often find myself intrigued by the idea of a novel but than get bored by the middle of the story because some ideas need to remain short stories not novels...I loved how this book in a sense is very much a novel but each chapter felt like a short story as you never knew where the story was going both in the overall mystery of the story but each time gate would literally whisk the characters to an entirely new time and place. The complete change of time and place so often kept the story moving and the pages turning. I gotta read the next chapter...Where is the next level?
Despite the story being disjointed by its nature, you really come to put it all together by the personality of the protagonist Ben. This book has some extreme tension, and I would say it is the most action packed time travel novel I have ever read....and I am a Time Travel Guru of sorts...Ben relieves some of the tension by being his goofy self and at times certain chapters come off as an action comedy, which for me was highly enjoyable. Van Coops has a genre breaker in this book as one of the levels is completely survival horror at its best. I have to compliment the author in presenting so much in a single novel. Despite, the book loaning itself to so much action, I felt as a reader I came to care very much for our protagonist and his fellow racers of the Chronothon, who are more friends than competition.
Can't decide if you enjoy time travel or history? I recommend the sampler...A little taste of the Chronothon will have you coming back for more for sure....This is book 2 of 3 so all the possible avenues this leaves open for exploration is astounding...Can't wait for what's next!
I really loved this book, I often find myself intrigued by the idea of a novel but than get bored by the middle of the story because some ideas need to remain short stories not novels...I loved how this book in a sense is very much a novel but each chapter felt like a short story as you never knew where the story was going both in the overall mystery of the story but each time gate would literally whisk the characters to an entirely new time and place. The complete change of time and place so often kept the story moving and the pages turning. I gotta read the next chapter...Where is the next level?
Despite the story being disjointed by its nature, you really come to put it all together by the personality of the protagonist Ben. This book has some extreme tension, and I would say it is the most action packed time travel novel I have ever read....and I am a Time Travel Guru of sorts...Ben relieves some of the tension by being his goofy self and at times certain chapters come off as an action comedy, which for me was highly enjoyable. Van Coops has a genre breaker in this book as one of the levels is completely survival horror at its best. I have to compliment the author in presenting so much in a single novel. Despite, the book loaning itself to so much action, I felt as a reader I came to care very much for our protagonist and his fellow racers of the Chronothon, who are more friends than competition.
Can't decide if you enjoy time travel or history? I recommend the sampler...A little taste of the Chronothon will have you coming back for more for sure....This is book 2 of 3 so all the possible avenues this leaves open for exploration is astounding...Can't wait for what's next!
April 8, 2015
This is the real deal -- a wonderful book. I really enjoyed this one from start to finish and could really appreciate the ending. While it left room for some kind of sequel, the main story was finished and satisfying.
August 14, 2015
How unusual!
Wow! Different. Very different. Engaging, entertaining and wildly imaginative. You should read this book. Really. You should read this book.
Wow! Different. Very different. Engaging, entertaining and wildly imaginative. You should read this book. Really. You should read this book.
April 5, 2015
Upon starting this novel I immediately realized I could binge read it if I was not careful. I purposely left The Chronothon in my car so that I could pace myself when taking my lunch breaks during the workweek. I have given a few copies of this book away as gifts and I recently heard back from a 76 year old client, who is a retired schoolteacher, that she finished it in one day. Her comment about Nathan was that I should tell him that he is amazing. She also wanted to know what it is like to have conversations with him. Some of her favorite parts were the quotes from Dr. Quickly at the start of each chapter. In the beginning of my reading of The Chronothon I noticed some homages to other favorite fiction of mine. I felt nostalgia for my love of modern reading such as The Hunger Games and Harry Potter books as well as other classic adventure epics. Very quickly I learned that this second book was much more complex and a fascinating journey that I was excited to take part in following along. The characters were more diverse and I felt a wide array of emotion while engrossed in the story. It was fun to travel along to the various historical and futuristic destinations. I felt great anticipation during each level to find out what happens next. There were surprises and danger as promised in the description. I believe even more strongly that this clever take on time travel would make for an exciting television series or Hollywood blockbuster. I am thrilled by having my expectations exceeded once again and look forward eagerly to the next novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2018
Wow - I loved this book. Time travel + The Amazing Race + The Hunger Games (without the constantly annoying main character) & more. The "rules" around time travel in this series are intriguing already - but combined with the race through different time periods, contrasting the linear movement of the race with jumping in and between legs of the race...what a great concept. It's been ages since I've read time travel that had fresh ideas...this has it. I liked Ben in book 1, but grew to like him more in this book. He's like a lot of friends I've had in life....doesn't always seem to prepare or realize the gravity of the situation, but through his natural ability to stay calm, plus charm and quick thinking, he manages (often enough) to come out on top. A more uptight person would make a constant disaster of themselves in the same situations that Ben faces...and his own growing seriousness through the course of events felt genuine and relatable.
April 1, 2015
Nathan Van Coops' followup to In Times Like These finds our protagonist, Ben, in a whole new kind of trouble. He's signed up to compete in a Chronothon - a sort of race throughout time - without realizing exactly what he's gotten himself into. Van Coops keeps the action going while Ben encounters some fascinating characters. Without divulging any spoilers, let's just say there are some unique slants on narcissism and non-human time travelers. A great read!
July 4, 2015
Fun fun fun
Recommended reading, enjoyed immensely, very well written, great characters, real page turner, you won't regret this purchase, can't say enough
Recommended reading, enjoyed immensely, very well written, great characters, real page turner, you won't regret this purchase, can't say enough
August 1, 2016
" The Chronothan" the second book in the exciting and gripping series "In Times Like These" is a masterful piece of time travelling lore that begins with a race across history that Ben Travers unwittingly agrees to. But the competition soon becomes a test of survival when Ben's guide is murdered and competitors are killed. With danger around every corner Ben, Mym and his new friends search for clues to the mystery behind the deaths and a conspiracy that has them jumping to prohibited worlds.
Nathan Van Coops sets the stage for this absorbing science fiction story when Ben travels to Ireland in the 2150's for a race that he can't get out of. The rules are simple: no creating paradoxes or new timestreams; no jumps back in time more than designated; and no grievous harm to other races . Similar to television's the "Amazing Race" the competitors have to travel to a period in time, and complete a task; the winner determined by their placement at the end of the required levels. The science of time travelling is imaginative and innovative with its anchors and gravitites while hi-tech gadgets like the "Tachyon Pulse Transmitter " a phone for time travellers and the "Temprovibe 5", the key to tapping into meta-space are uniquely inventive.
Cleverly the author begins to build intensity and suspense when Ben is forced to compete and his guide , a friend of Dr. Harold Quickly is murdered. As events progress smoothly and quickly, the action never stops in an adventure that has Ben and the competitors storming an English castle under siege ; navigating pirate-infested waters; uncloaking a monster in a travelling circus; and rescuing lives from the fiery inferno of the Hindenburg. Into a tale that spouts blood, death, chaos and disaster the author weaves alien- made zombies, killer cyborgs and a fanatical religious cult that hates time travellers. Yet for all the tension and violence the plot sparks with wry humor with Ben's wisecracks and Viznir's ineptitude with slang phrases. Even the deepening romance between Ben and Mym lightens the tone of the atmosphere.
New characters as well as familiar faces with their complex but believable personalities infuse the adventure with depth, passion and drama as they face each new challenge. Technically skilled Ben Travers a quick-witted and resourceful hero under pressure does tend to be naive and trusting, looking for the best in people while adventurous Mym Quickly is suspicious, curious and practical. Among the competitors in the race is Horatio a cynical, mean bully; self-sacrificing and friendly Jettison Marsh; the awkward but determined nine year old Jonah Sprocket and his loyal, protective dog Barley; as well as the fast, adaptable and honorable caretaker of time Mooruvio Jassoon Bozzelstitch, a darkly green horned alien.
I loved" The Chronothan" with its dark conspiracy and mystery and recommend it highly to those that like an exciting intricately-woven scify adventure you can't put down until the end.
Nathan Van Coops sets the stage for this absorbing science fiction story when Ben travels to Ireland in the 2150's for a race that he can't get out of. The rules are simple: no creating paradoxes or new timestreams; no jumps back in time more than designated; and no grievous harm to other races . Similar to television's the "Amazing Race" the competitors have to travel to a period in time, and complete a task; the winner determined by their placement at the end of the required levels. The science of time travelling is imaginative and innovative with its anchors and gravitites while hi-tech gadgets like the "Tachyon Pulse Transmitter " a phone for time travellers and the "Temprovibe 5", the key to tapping into meta-space are uniquely inventive.
Cleverly the author begins to build intensity and suspense when Ben is forced to compete and his guide , a friend of Dr. Harold Quickly is murdered. As events progress smoothly and quickly, the action never stops in an adventure that has Ben and the competitors storming an English castle under siege ; navigating pirate-infested waters; uncloaking a monster in a travelling circus; and rescuing lives from the fiery inferno of the Hindenburg. Into a tale that spouts blood, death, chaos and disaster the author weaves alien- made zombies, killer cyborgs and a fanatical religious cult that hates time travellers. Yet for all the tension and violence the plot sparks with wry humor with Ben's wisecracks and Viznir's ineptitude with slang phrases. Even the deepening romance between Ben and Mym lightens the tone of the atmosphere.
New characters as well as familiar faces with their complex but believable personalities infuse the adventure with depth, passion and drama as they face each new challenge. Technically skilled Ben Travers a quick-witted and resourceful hero under pressure does tend to be naive and trusting, looking for the best in people while adventurous Mym Quickly is suspicious, curious and practical. Among the competitors in the race is Horatio a cynical, mean bully; self-sacrificing and friendly Jettison Marsh; the awkward but determined nine year old Jonah Sprocket and his loyal, protective dog Barley; as well as the fast, adaptable and honorable caretaker of time Mooruvio Jassoon Bozzelstitch, a darkly green horned alien.
I loved" The Chronothan" with its dark conspiracy and mystery and recommend it highly to those that like an exciting intricately-woven scify adventure you can't put down until the end.
August 16, 2016
You know – we have things pretty tough down here in Australia, what with being “down under” and having to learn to pee while standing on our head, chase crocodiles out of our swimming pools, squish deadly spiders that are hiding in our shoes, shooing poisonous snakes out of our undies drawer and fending off attacks by ravenous drop bears. So having to get our heads around the possibilities and impossibilities of time travel just adds to our woes. In this chronological marathon, our author carries on with the brain twisting scenarios – and I liked it.
My mate just says not to bother trying to figure it out. “Time travel is impossible anyway,” he says. But when you think about it, we’re already travelling through time (and space) but like an old VW, we’re stuck in one gear. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a few more, and faster, forward gears – and reverse too? I know I’d go straight back to high school and kick that physics teacher in his basement plumbing for telling me I’d never grasp the intricacies of light wave theory.
Well I found the first 20% of the book pretty boring for some reason. I don’t know why. In fact, instead of wondering what was going to happen next, I found myself pondering our refrigerator’s acute lack of beer. I came THIS close to giving up *me holds fingers really close together*. The next 60% got interesting – once the Chronothon race thingy got underway. At that stage, it read like a book of short action stories – each one very different from the other. Much better Nathan! Then the last 40%; err wait – no – 20%, was fascinating as we get more into the whodunnit phase (yes – there may or may not have been the odd murder).
Our prophetic author lays on a big, deep think about what our future might bring, and covers a few mind-boggling topics regarding androids and aliens and of course, time travellers. He does a pretty damn good job at figuring all that out – so I don’t have to. And he even tosses in a few scary alien creatures as the cherry on the cake. (Thanks for that Nathan – I had a nasty dream last night. Something about swallowing a vampire loofah.) Nice work.
Well I started off almost giving up, and if you start to think the story is dragging a bit, well keep reading. The book gets better – and better.
P.S. BIG brownie points to Nathan Van Coops for mentioning my homestate of Queensland in his story.
My mate just says not to bother trying to figure it out. “Time travel is impossible anyway,” he says. But when you think about it, we’re already travelling through time (and space) but like an old VW, we’re stuck in one gear. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a few more, and faster, forward gears – and reverse too? I know I’d go straight back to high school and kick that physics teacher in his basement plumbing for telling me I’d never grasp the intricacies of light wave theory.
Well I found the first 20% of the book pretty boring for some reason. I don’t know why. In fact, instead of wondering what was going to happen next, I found myself pondering our refrigerator’s acute lack of beer. I came THIS close to giving up *me holds fingers really close together*. The next 60% got interesting – once the Chronothon race thingy got underway. At that stage, it read like a book of short action stories – each one very different from the other. Much better Nathan! Then the last 40%; err wait – no – 20%, was fascinating as we get more into the whodunnit phase (yes – there may or may not have been the odd murder).
Our prophetic author lays on a big, deep think about what our future might bring, and covers a few mind-boggling topics regarding androids and aliens and of course, time travellers. He does a pretty damn good job at figuring all that out – so I don’t have to. And he even tosses in a few scary alien creatures as the cherry on the cake. (Thanks for that Nathan – I had a nasty dream last night. Something about swallowing a vampire loofah.) Nice work.
Well I started off almost giving up, and if you start to think the story is dragging a bit, well keep reading. The book gets better – and better.
P.S. BIG brownie points to Nathan Van Coops for mentioning my homestate of Queensland in his story.
May 20, 2015
Ingenuity and a flair for broad brushstrokes go a long way to drive a sci-fi story forward. Add to that a penchant for sassy wit and a facility with action scenes, and you have most of the ingredients for a fascinating novel.
That’s why many readers will find THE CHRONOTHON, by Nathan Van Coops a satisfying read. It even includes a stuttering love story in the romantic comedy tradition— in which a hopeless guy has to prove to his girl that he is, after all, “the man.”
Trouble is, in this story, the guy’s transformation is too extensive to be believable. From a lovable doofus who’s afraid of heights, shy Ben Travers becomes an A-list action hero, snuffing out zombies like the fifth Ninja Turtle.
Yes, in keeping with the novel's premise—in which an unassuming young man gets snookered into a cosmic pyramid scheme of murder and mayhem—Ben's survival does depend on “stepping up.” It’s just that the step is implausibly high.
Now, some of the time, the sweep of the action does make you suspend disbelief. But after a while, the author's deft handling of action scenes works against him, as it substitutes more and more for true character development. In fact, most of Ben’s time-travelling companions are flatly generic, even though Van Coops gives each one a distinctive set of external hooks and looks.
Ingenious, yes, but these clever details, which sometimes shade over into clumsy ethnic stereotyping, do nothing to make us care about these people—even when they die horribly.
Ultimately, the problem with THE CHRONOTHON is one of selection. With fewer characters, fewer hurdles for the time-travelers and fewer buckets of gore, the author might have told a more gripping tale. If Van Coops had chosen more carefully, each character would count for something and each scene would reveal more about each of them.
As I see it, that’s the crucial difference between an interesting plot and a moving story. A plot is simply what happens. A story is what happens to characters we believe in.
That’s why many readers will find THE CHRONOTHON, by Nathan Van Coops a satisfying read. It even includes a stuttering love story in the romantic comedy tradition— in which a hopeless guy has to prove to his girl that he is, after all, “the man.”
Trouble is, in this story, the guy’s transformation is too extensive to be believable. From a lovable doofus who’s afraid of heights, shy Ben Travers becomes an A-list action hero, snuffing out zombies like the fifth Ninja Turtle.
Yes, in keeping with the novel's premise—in which an unassuming young man gets snookered into a cosmic pyramid scheme of murder and mayhem—Ben's survival does depend on “stepping up.” It’s just that the step is implausibly high.
Now, some of the time, the sweep of the action does make you suspend disbelief. But after a while, the author's deft handling of action scenes works against him, as it substitutes more and more for true character development. In fact, most of Ben’s time-travelling companions are flatly generic, even though Van Coops gives each one a distinctive set of external hooks and looks.
Ingenious, yes, but these clever details, which sometimes shade over into clumsy ethnic stereotyping, do nothing to make us care about these people—even when they die horribly.
Ultimately, the problem with THE CHRONOTHON is one of selection. With fewer characters, fewer hurdles for the time-travelers and fewer buckets of gore, the author might have told a more gripping tale. If Van Coops had chosen more carefully, each character would count for something and each scene would reveal more about each of them.
As I see it, that’s the crucial difference between an interesting plot and a moving story. A plot is simply what happens. A story is what happens to characters we believe in.
October 4, 2018
Funny and exciting
This is a good adventure story with a nice twist on time travel. The characters remind me of nineteenth and early twentieth types found in adventure stories but the tone of the book is different, more modern.
I came to this series in book two by accident but a lot of important background was supplied as the book progressed. I didn't feel as if I missed anything. The main character is a doofus, as another reader rightly described him. He provides a lot of the comic element but there's a little more to him. I agree with another reader that while he steps up to the challenges, we don't see character development. Despite that, he does step up (sort of) and in such a short time frame there's a glimpse of big internal changes.
The universe of these time travelers is well described and I liked the order and logic that holds it together. I got caught up early in the story by the romantic comedy and then the danger and intrigue. It's too bad that the main character doesn't seem to realize that his girlfriend has a life of her own, challenges that are serious and lastly she's not an attractive bed warmer.
It's not a comedy but it has humorous sections and it is definitely an adventure. I liked the way the writer walked the line between comic story and adventure tale. I'm going to read the first book in the series, next.
This is a good adventure story with a nice twist on time travel. The characters remind me of nineteenth and early twentieth types found in adventure stories but the tone of the book is different, more modern.
I came to this series in book two by accident but a lot of important background was supplied as the book progressed. I didn't feel as if I missed anything. The main character is a doofus, as another reader rightly described him. He provides a lot of the comic element but there's a little more to him. I agree with another reader that while he steps up to the challenges, we don't see character development. Despite that, he does step up (sort of) and in such a short time frame there's a glimpse of big internal changes.
The universe of these time travelers is well described and I liked the order and logic that holds it together. I got caught up early in the story by the romantic comedy and then the danger and intrigue. It's too bad that the main character doesn't seem to realize that his girlfriend has a life of her own, challenges that are serious and lastly she's not an attractive bed warmer.
It's not a comedy but it has humorous sections and it is definitely an adventure. I liked the way the writer walked the line between comic story and adventure tale. I'm going to read the first book in the series, next.
August 15, 2015
So good. So creative. So edge-of-my-seat stressful. I look forward for more from this author.
January 29, 2025
*The Chronothon* by Nathan Van Coop has all the ingredients that made its predecessor, *In Times Like These*, such an exciting read: time travel, quirky characters, and high stakes. However, despite the thrilling premise and the potential for even more mind-bending adventures, it doesn’t quite live up to the level of excitement and depth found in the first book.
In *In Times Like These*, Van Coop introduced us to a rich, engaging world with a protagonist, Ben, who’s easy to root for. The pacing was tight, the stakes were high, and the blend of humor and heartfelt moments created a book that was not only fun but emotionally resonant. The plot was gripping, and the world-building felt fresh and imaginative, making it an easy favorite for fans of time-travel fiction.
Unfortunately, *The Chronothon* doesn’t capture that same magic. While the book expands the series’ concept of time travel and introduces some intriguing new characters, it feels like the author is trying to juggle too many threads at once. The narrative becomes a bit cluttered with its multiple timelines and competing storylines, which detracts from the tight focus that made the first book so enjoyable. Ben’s character, who was so relatable and endearing in the first book, also feels somewhat less engaging this time around. His struggles, while still interesting, lack the emotional punch that made us care deeply about his journey in *In Times Like These*.
The action scenes and time-travel twists are still present, but they don’t feel as thrilling or well-executed as before. The humor, which was one of the best aspects of the first book, also feels a little forced at times, almost as if the author is trying too hard to recapture the charm that made the first book so memorable.
Overall, *The Chronothon* is still an entertaining read, but it lacks the magic and emotional depth that made *In Times Like These* such a standout. For readers who loved the first book, it might still be worth picking up for the continuation of Jake’s story, but it’s not quite as captivating or satisfying as its predecessor.
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