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Skip #1
Skip 1
A Mysterious Clock Controls Time. What Happens When It Breaks?
The clock tower is the center of the town of Time. It counts down the hours, minutes and seconds of every passing day. But unbeknownst to the local inhabitants, it is at the center of a great deal more than that. It is the center of the universe and controls time itself. But it is old and beginning to break, sending the world’s inhabitants skipping forward and back through time.
Seventeen-year-old Jera Wythnos, betrothed to marry a powerful lord, runs to escape her responsibilities and pursue her dream of traveling the world. Hot on her heels is her betrothed, moving heaven and earth to find her before the wedding day.
Elian Stump is an outlaw on the run from a bungled heist, but he carries with him a dangerous secret that threatens to either free or ensnare the world.
They confront sinister forces at every turn, hell bent on preventing them from achieving their goal, and taking control of the clock tower for themselves.
The universe has chosen this unlikely pair to collect all three replacement clock pieces scattered across the world before the clock tower, and time, breaks for good. On their journey they make friends and enemies, encounter strange and wonderful mythical creatures, and face their own internal demons.
The clock tower is the center of the town of Time. It counts down the hours, minutes and seconds of every passing day. But unbeknownst to the local inhabitants, it is at the center of a great deal more than that. It is the center of the universe and controls time itself. But it is old and beginning to break, sending the world’s inhabitants skipping forward and back through time.
Seventeen-year-old Jera Wythnos, betrothed to marry a powerful lord, runs to escape her responsibilities and pursue her dream of traveling the world. Hot on her heels is her betrothed, moving heaven and earth to find her before the wedding day.
Elian Stump is an outlaw on the run from a bungled heist, but he carries with him a dangerous secret that threatens to either free or ensnare the world.
They confront sinister forces at every turn, hell bent on preventing them from achieving their goal, and taking control of the clock tower for themselves.
The universe has chosen this unlikely pair to collect all three replacement clock pieces scattered across the world before the clock tower, and time, breaks for good. On their journey they make friends and enemies, encounter strange and wonderful mythical creatures, and face their own internal demons.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2014
392 people are currently reading
782 people want to read
About the author
Perrin Briar
118 books110 followersPerrin Briar is an English author best-known for his Blood Memory series, black comedy Keeping Mum, and revenge tale Square. He was born in Huntingdon, grew up in Norfolk, graduated from Bournemouth, worked in London, and then chucked it all in to live in South Korea.
He has written for BBC radio, and worked in the production and development departments of the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
** Sign up to Perrin's newsletter at www.perrinbriar.com/mailing-list/ and get four free stories, news of forthcoming new novels, competitions, special prices, advanced novel previews and exclusive email-only serial story Skip! **
He has written for BBC radio, and worked in the production and development departments of the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
** Sign up to Perrin's newsletter at www.perrinbriar.com/mailing-list/ and get four free stories, news of forthcoming new novels, competitions, special prices, advanced novel previews and exclusive email-only serial story Skip! **
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 15, 2016
I loved this book, I love the characters, the story, I could easily see this in movie form. It was well written and entertaining, loved the humor from some of the charaters. Interested in reading the next book, this is a good series I truly recommend.
August 29, 2015
The Author was kind enough to send me this via my Kindle. I like this Author's stories overall. This is an interesting start to a story that I want to continue reading.
September 20, 2017
A real fantastical book complete with a very charming villain called Elian Stump and a heroine who was meant to be planning her wedding day but preferred to seek adventure and these two are somehow thrown together. They try to hide in the watch clock tower in the town of Time and in the hustle and bustle created by those looking for both of them for different reasons, they hit something which makes time skip and when this happens they time travel and they go to amazing places and encounter awesome creatures out of myth including a dear little shapeshifter called puca which Jera takes to heart and looks after. This book reminded me very much of another wondrous book, Alice in Wonderland. It is so imaginative, and such a lovely light read that i am just moving into the 2nd book of this fairy tale fantasy!!
November 3, 2017
Skip #1 - a review by Rosemary Kenny
This entertaining novella introduces the discerning fantasy fan to a new world, and a town called - and ruled by Time. Grandfather Time's shop hides a secret vital to the survival of citizens...who are oblivious to the huge clock's powers over their very existence.
Reluctantly the ancient (android) guardian accepts newcomer Elian as his apprentice, thus inducting him into a society of those charged with keeping time safe, no matter what.
Our other feisty protagonist is rebellious Lady Jera Wythnos; used to freedoms not enjoyed by her twin sister Kali, Jera is abhorred by the idea of marriage and subservience to Richard, brother of her sister's fiancee Gregory Ascar. This is especially true once she overhears the men's scheme; however her appeal to her father goes unheeded - the Wythnos family needs the new money of the Ascars to survive penury and shame.
Where do Elian and Jera meet and what will happen as a result?
Why do they need to work together and who can they trust?
When Time begins to unravel how will things change?
Who is going to save the people they know and love and how will they get Time back on track - if that's even a possibility?
This fascinating and engaging novella is a must for fans of fantasy, rites-of-passage and coming-of-age tales of courage and comradeship against the odds. It will definitely keep you spellbound right up to the cliff-hanger ending and yearning for the next chapter in this innovative series by the marvellous dramatist who is Perrin Briar.
This entertaining novella introduces the discerning fantasy fan to a new world, and a town called - and ruled by Time. Grandfather Time's shop hides a secret vital to the survival of citizens...who are oblivious to the huge clock's powers over their very existence.
Reluctantly the ancient (android) guardian accepts newcomer Elian as his apprentice, thus inducting him into a society of those charged with keeping time safe, no matter what.
Our other feisty protagonist is rebellious Lady Jera Wythnos; used to freedoms not enjoyed by her twin sister Kali, Jera is abhorred by the idea of marriage and subservience to Richard, brother of her sister's fiancee Gregory Ascar. This is especially true once she overhears the men's scheme; however her appeal to her father goes unheeded - the Wythnos family needs the new money of the Ascars to survive penury and shame.
Where do Elian and Jera meet and what will happen as a result?
Why do they need to work together and who can they trust?
When Time begins to unravel how will things change?
Who is going to save the people they know and love and how will they get Time back on track - if that's even a possibility?
This fascinating and engaging novella is a must for fans of fantasy, rites-of-passage and coming-of-age tales of courage and comradeship against the odds. It will definitely keep you spellbound right up to the cliff-hanger ending and yearning for the next chapter in this innovative series by the marvellous dramatist who is Perrin Briar.
March 8, 2016
Fun, free read. I'm really into time-travel lately, and I enjoyed this story a lot. It's different, and creative. It did take some time for me to wrap my mind around what was happening, but it was still enjoyable. The book is kind of short, and very fast-paced which was a nice change from my previous reads.
In a nutshell, a boy and a girl get thrown together to save the world because "time" is literally running out. They live in a different dimension, where there are: Tangents (tree people), fairies, piggeese (pig-geese, yes), Puca's which can change shape, Dragonets (Dragon-hornets) and many other fantastical, and sometimes silly sounding creatures. There's action, adventure, a dash of danger and a hint of romance (very, very slow burn, extremely slow).
I did encounter a few typos, and editing errors, but it didn't destroy the continuity for me, and I'm not complaining because I got some wonderful entertainment for free.
Check this book out if you like fantasy, and adventure and the time travel aspect.
In a nutshell, a boy and a girl get thrown together to save the world because "time" is literally running out. They live in a different dimension, where there are: Tangents (tree people), fairies, piggeese (pig-geese, yes), Puca's which can change shape, Dragonets (Dragon-hornets) and many other fantastical, and sometimes silly sounding creatures. There's action, adventure, a dash of danger and a hint of romance (very, very slow burn, extremely slow).
I did encounter a few typos, and editing errors, but it didn't destroy the continuity for me, and I'm not complaining because I got some wonderful entertainment for free.
Check this book out if you like fantasy, and adventure and the time travel aspect.
November 5, 2015
Book one of this seven part series introduces a small town called Time, a thief called Elian Stump, and a rich girl named Jera Wythnos. Most of this first novel follows Jera and her sister Kali as they are betrothed to Richard and Gregory Ascar.
The writer’s storytelling is incredibly descriptive, and the characters that he has introduced have very real, complex, and understandable desires. There were a few twists in this book that I did not see coming, and near the end the pace picks up and the story really starts to take off.
However, I felt that the author ended this first novel entirely too soon. He introduces all of these lively characters and injects this sense of danger right at the end, the novel starts to pick up its pace, and then just as everything starts happening, it’s over. Although I will say that it is a great technique to make me want to read the next one.
The writer’s storytelling is incredibly descriptive, and the characters that he has introduced have very real, complex, and understandable desires. There were a few twists in this book that I did not see coming, and near the end the pace picks up and the story really starts to take off.
However, I felt that the author ended this first novel entirely too soon. He introduces all of these lively characters and injects this sense of danger right at the end, the novel starts to pick up its pace, and then just as everything starts happening, it’s over. Although I will say that it is a great technique to make me want to read the next one.
January 27, 2015
This was a really fun, quick read- but I will warn you- it leaves you with a cliffhanger and you will NEED to get the next book as soon as you finish this one. I love the way the author slowly reveals the little secrets of the story so that by the end it all fits together. I don't think I can summarize much without giving anything away. Read the product description and that sums it up really well. This book has every genre rolled into this smaller book: fantasy, adventure, science fiction, romance, mystery. What's not to love? I would bet teens would like this book but I'm an adult and enjoyed it a lot. Can't wait to grab up the next episode and see what happens to Jera, Elian, the town of Time and the rest of the characters.
June 22, 2017
Fun and Interesting Read
Perrin Briar did an awesome job with this book. There was adventure, intrigue, suspense-all great qualities for a good read. The story line is very original, and some of the elements were truly innovative. My only complaint would be that there are some issues with word meanings (twice the use of the word alabaster to describe something black, when it is a term to portray something very pale, or white.) Other than this, it was a very entertaining book, and I am excited to buy and read the next installment!
Perrin Briar did an awesome job with this book. There was adventure, intrigue, suspense-all great qualities for a good read. The story line is very original, and some of the elements were truly innovative. My only complaint would be that there are some issues with word meanings (twice the use of the word alabaster to describe something black, when it is a term to portray something very pale, or white.) Other than this, it was a very entertaining book, and I am excited to buy and read the next installment!
October 12, 2015
Fun fantasy
So far so good, I really enjoyed the characters and the general way the story was shaping up and am looking forward to finding out more. The reason for only four stars is that the book was too short and left you just as the exciting bit was starting, which I hate, forcing you to buy the next one to find out what happens, unfortunately because this was so short I worry the next one will do the same in order to sell more books,hopefully this is not the case.
So far so good, I really enjoyed the characters and the general way the story was shaping up and am looking forward to finding out more. The reason for only four stars is that the book was too short and left you just as the exciting bit was starting, which I hate, forcing you to buy the next one to find out what happens, unfortunately because this was so short I worry the next one will do the same in order to sell more books,hopefully this is not the case.
December 18, 2016
A great tale of sci-fi and fantasy with with great creativity
Skip 1 is more than a fantasy tale, it has adventure, intrigue, sci-fi, time travel, and a variety of interesting creatures. The plot is great. Girl is being forced to marry but she thinks he is nice but finds out it's a farce. She runs off . I can't say more. Can't wait to read book 2.
Skip 1 is more than a fantasy tale, it has adventure, intrigue, sci-fi, time travel, and a variety of interesting creatures. The plot is great. Girl is being forced to marry but she thinks he is nice but finds out it's a farce. She runs off . I can't say more. Can't wait to read book 2.
September 17, 2017
I enjoyed this book, I like time travel stories... and this does that in a different way, looking forward to seeing how it works out in the future/past. I did chose to receive a free copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.
October 21, 2017
It starts off a little slow because of the describing of the surroundings.
But don’t give up, it gets better fast!
Then the two main characters get thrown through time and into some great adventures.
I’m off to read part two now!
Beware of cliffhanger...
But don’t give up, it gets better fast!
Then the two main characters get thrown through time and into some great adventures.
I’m off to read part two now!
Beware of cliffhanger...
July 9, 2018
This was an ok story.
It started off with too much description of the surroundings and was a real effort to get through that to the actual story.
Its a very childish book that has two spoilt rich girls with arranged marriages, one happy the other bemoaning her fate. The fiancé’s turn out to be awful but the father still wants them to go through with the wedding for the sake of money.
The girls run off to escape. We hear nothing about the youngest till the last page and instead follow the elder girl and a thief.
The premise of the book is that time is damaged and starts to skip. The eldest daughter and the thief have been chosen to quest for clock pieces to repair the clock tower that governs time for all worlds, or time itself will end.
Strangely, the minor characters in this book are more fleshed out and interesting than our protagonists. Mac and his group were realistic and not what one would expect. Puca is an interesting companion too.
I can see that the author is going for the reluctant hero archetype with Elian, but it feels very false.
Jera as the flighty ‘princess’ type that becomes resourceful and self reliant all of a sudden is pretty weak too. They don’t go through a transformative stage to show character growth through trials and tribulations. They don’t exhibit a slow change in thinking either. Its just one to the other with no explanation.
I think the weird names of the months, for example August becomes Bugust was very off putting. It felt like the author wasn’t serious about this book. It feels like they were goofing around with ideas and never pulled the story together from that stage. If the author isn’t serious about their own work why would the reader be?
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
It started off with too much description of the surroundings and was a real effort to get through that to the actual story.
Its a very childish book that has two spoilt rich girls with arranged marriages, one happy the other bemoaning her fate. The fiancé’s turn out to be awful but the father still wants them to go through with the wedding for the sake of money.
The girls run off to escape. We hear nothing about the youngest till the last page and instead follow the elder girl and a thief.
The premise of the book is that time is damaged and starts to skip. The eldest daughter and the thief have been chosen to quest for clock pieces to repair the clock tower that governs time for all worlds, or time itself will end.
Strangely, the minor characters in this book are more fleshed out and interesting than our protagonists. Mac and his group were realistic and not what one would expect. Puca is an interesting companion too.
I can see that the author is going for the reluctant hero archetype with Elian, but it feels very false.
Jera as the flighty ‘princess’ type that becomes resourceful and self reliant all of a sudden is pretty weak too. They don’t go through a transformative stage to show character growth through trials and tribulations. They don’t exhibit a slow change in thinking either. Its just one to the other with no explanation.
I think the weird names of the months, for example August becomes Bugust was very off putting. It felt like the author wasn’t serious about this book. It feels like they were goofing around with ideas and never pulled the story together from that stage. If the author isn’t serious about their own work why would the reader be?
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
September 27, 2017
I loved the TV series "Flash Forward" ... where everyone experiences a moment in the future, then flashes back, and the chaos that entails. This was slightly similar, with the "skipping" time. At first, just tiny skips ... seconds forward, then back, but then our two main characters (and a few others) skip around, staying for longer stretches in the different times.
I like the premise, but the world was a little too silly. Set in a medieval fantasy period, in a city called "Time" with all sorts of fantastical creatures ... those we've heard of in other books, such as centaurs and fairies, to other imaginations such as spittle-spitters, snap-gobblers, hedgepog, sabre-goat, iizard-men and of course Puca.
Our two protagonists are told by Grandfather time they must save the world by locating spare parts for the clocktower in Time. The Cog of Fate, the Chain of Destiny and the Wheel of Fortune. Rather silly ... and instead of July and August, in this world it's Kuly and Bugust ... and a man named "Blessed" (whose wife seduces Elian).
None of the conversations seemed very realistic, even in a fantasy setting, and everything that happened just didn't really flow for me.
... so, I don't think I'll be continuing.
I like the premise, but the world was a little too silly. Set in a medieval fantasy period, in a city called "Time" with all sorts of fantastical creatures ... those we've heard of in other books, such as centaurs and fairies, to other imaginations such as spittle-spitters, snap-gobblers, hedgepog, sabre-goat, iizard-men and of course Puca.
Our two protagonists are told by Grandfather time they must save the world by locating spare parts for the clocktower in Time. The Cog of Fate, the Chain of Destiny and the Wheel of Fortune. Rather silly ... and instead of July and August, in this world it's Kuly and Bugust ... and a man named "Blessed" (whose wife seduces Elian).
None of the conversations seemed very realistic, even in a fantasy setting, and everything that happened just didn't really flow for me.
... so, I don't think I'll be continuing.
July 9, 2018
Jera just wants to see the world. Sometimes you should be careful what you wish for. Soon she's on the run and skipping around not just in space, but in time. And she may be called upon to save the fabric of the universe itself...
"Skip" is a sort of mashup of sword-and-sorcery, steampunk, and fairy tale reinterpretation, with more than a touch of humor as well. There's a huge, mysterious clock cared for by Grandfather Time, a plucky thief, innocent but adventurous beautiful sisters pledged in marriage to men they don't know, handsome suitors with a dark past, and a plethora of weird and wild magical creatures, not to mention a saving-the-world plot. However, the emphasis is much more on the picaresque than the epic, so while there are definitely dark elements to the story, it's likely to appeal to younger readers, or anyone looking for some lighthearted adventure. The characters are lightly sketched, with plenty of reliance on fairy-tale cliches, but are all distinct individuals with their own voices nonetheless. Overall, a fun, quick-reading fantasy adventure tale with plenty of magical creatures and a hint of steampunk, as the setting seems to be in kind of 18th-century European-ish world, standing on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution.
"Skip" is a sort of mashup of sword-and-sorcery, steampunk, and fairy tale reinterpretation, with more than a touch of humor as well. There's a huge, mysterious clock cared for by Grandfather Time, a plucky thief, innocent but adventurous beautiful sisters pledged in marriage to men they don't know, handsome suitors with a dark past, and a plethora of weird and wild magical creatures, not to mention a saving-the-world plot. However, the emphasis is much more on the picaresque than the epic, so while there are definitely dark elements to the story, it's likely to appeal to younger readers, or anyone looking for some lighthearted adventure. The characters are lightly sketched, with plenty of reliance on fairy-tale cliches, but are all distinct individuals with their own voices nonetheless. Overall, a fun, quick-reading fantasy adventure tale with plenty of magical creatures and a hint of steampunk, as the setting seems to be in kind of 18th-century European-ish world, standing on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution.
July 21, 2017
Not a complete story.
This book started well, then the middle began and then the story abruptly ended in a blatant attempt to get readers to buy the next part, which may or may not be complete either - I won't be buying them to find out as the tactic annoys the hell out of me.
I lost interest around 60% of the way into the story. Elian was completely unlikable with no redeeming qualities. I thought Jera would be an interesting character (she appeared independent and craving adventure in the beginning), but once the action started she became spoilt, naïve, and dependant on Elian.
I also hate when things happen for convenience. After the two are held captive, the next day Elian mysteriously has a knife. Later he mysteriously has a pistol. Even later, Jera had a water flash she never had before. Items appeared at the writer's convenience and the story lost its believability.
I listened to the audio version of the book.
This book started well, then the middle began and then the story abruptly ended in a blatant attempt to get readers to buy the next part, which may or may not be complete either - I won't be buying them to find out as the tactic annoys the hell out of me.
I lost interest around 60% of the way into the story. Elian was completely unlikable with no redeeming qualities. I thought Jera would be an interesting character (she appeared independent and craving adventure in the beginning), but once the action started she became spoilt, naïve, and dependant on Elian.
I also hate when things happen for convenience. After the two are held captive, the next day Elian mysteriously has a knife. Later he mysteriously has a pistol. Even later, Jera had a water flash she never had before. Items appeared at the writer's convenience and the story lost its believability.
I listened to the audio version of the book.
January 22, 2020
Fantasy wherein two sisters, daughters of a minor noble and owner of a shipping company who has fallen on bad times have been betrothed to the sons of a major noble and head of a large business. An arranged marriage of convince which goes wrong when the one sister slips out to her loves house in the forest and the other one overhears the brothers talking and learns of their plans and runs away. The sisters live in a town with a huge clock tower that appears to control time itself and is failing causing strange skips in time which is affecting the runaway sister and she and a rogue thief she encounters to be given the task of find new parts for the clock. Quite imaginative, but not quite my cup if tea.
August 22, 2017
The narrations was great, the story for me was just ok. I don't feel invested in it. I love Perrins work so I was a bit disappointed. My favorite character is a character that doesn't even talk, Pooka! I'm not certain I will continue the series but I may. It just had a lot going on & a few of the side stories sensed very unimportant.
It is a good clean story for young adults but as I said I don't feel vested in the characters.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
It is a good clean story for young adults but as I said I don't feel vested in the characters.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
February 13, 2020
I enjoyed this book for what it is, a short very easy read that introduces the reader to a series of books and would have rated it higher had it not just cut off at the end. Unlike some other reviewers I did not feel that it ended on a cliff hanger but felt like it had stopped mid sentence. I got the book for free so can't complain but do feel that the author should explain in advance that it does not end at a particularly conclusive point. This is not to say that I won't continue to follow the story at some time in the future as I am curious as to how it develops.
January 31, 2018
This book has an ok idea but like the title skips around & half the time makes no sense. it is like watching every 3rd episode of a tv show they are just suddenly in a new situation with no explanation of how or why. Also has editing errors - need to use grammar check to make sure spellcheck doesn't give you the wrong words!
May 16, 2018
Nice idea but poorly executed. Very short as apparently it will be issued in seven, I think, parts. While the book is free on Kindle, to get the remains books in the series you have to subscribe to the author's web site. She will send them to you free, at lesst she did the second, but it's just more junk email I will have to sort thru unless I decide to quit reading and unsubscribe.
March 28, 2018
This was interesting enough in itself, but nothing to special. I liked the timeskips in the story, they gave it some new dimension, but other than that, the characters were quite bland and the plot predictable.
May 2, 2018
At first I found the book very hard to get into. But then the pace picked up and the characters made the story come alive. The concept revolving around the tower & time is very inventive. I recommend this book to future thinking readers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2019
Incomplete
It is a fantasy in time travel, and in itself, could be food. But the story doesn't conclude with this book, and one is forced to purchase an additional book or more to reach some sort of conclusion. I just don't care for that!
It is a fantasy in time travel, and in itself, could be food. But the story doesn't conclude with this book, and one is forced to purchase an additional book or more to reach some sort of conclusion. I just don't care for that!
March 9, 2017
I enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading the next book
June 24, 2017
I loved it
The author succeed in drawing me into this world, and I'm looking forward to read the next books in this series.
The author succeed in drawing me into this world, and I'm looking forward to read the next books in this series.
July 8, 2017
Great
Interesting world building. Interesting characters. Looking forward to reading the whole series. Hope I get the answers I want by the end
Interesting world building. Interesting characters. Looking forward to reading the whole series. Hope I get the answers I want by the end
September 22, 2017
Fascinating concept, and a different kind of time travel - with a master plan and someone directing the course that Jera and Elian take.
February 15, 2018
It was good as a fantasy, but the short content felt off putting.
July 4, 2018
I received this book for free for an review. I thought it was interesting and entertaining, but unhappy when I realized the story was continued and nothing had been solved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews