The Clockmaker's Gambit

by Cooper Nelson

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2026

Reviews

[Wes Hubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Clockmaker’s Gambit is an interesting plot along the theme of time travel. The descriptions are wonderful. I sometimes skim through descriptions in other books, but these were eloquently written. Woven through the plot is the theme of fixing our mistakes. The author doesn’t preach or push the concept, but the story reminds us of how the past is past and our mistakes make up part of who we are. There were some inconsistencies that bothered me (eg. a flying squirrel gliding upward into the trees holding a crystal it had stolen). Time travel is a tricky concept and it’s hard to get the science of it correct. The characters are pretty well developed. The plot is pretty straight forward with some twists and unexpected entries that keep it interesting. It’s a pleasant read and good for fans of science fiction and time travel as long as you don’t get hung up on the science.

[Carmela Tedone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm and imaginative time-travel adventure

I really enjoyed The Clockmaker’s Gambit because it combines adventure, emotion, humor, and family drama in a way that feels balanced and engaging. Everett’s decision to travel into the past to save his wife could easily have felt predictable, but the story gives it real emotional weight. His grief, determination, and willingness to risk everything make him a sympathetic character, even when his choices create new problems.

I also liked the relationship between Everett and his daughter Lillian. Their journey is not only about repairing the time machine or escaping danger, but also about dealing with loss together and learning how much their family history has shaped them. Meeting Everett’s grandfather adds another interesting layer and turns the story into something deeper than a simple rescue mission.

The historical setting, the Hellbenders, and the unstable Luminite crystal keep the plot moving, while Daisy the goat brings some welcome humor and charm. Overall, this is a heartfelt and entertaining novel about second chances, sacrifice, and the consequences of trying to rewrite the past.

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Clockmaker's Gambit is a time travel story focused around a mining town, mistakes in the past, and trying to set things right. time travel is a complicated subject and i wouldn't say this book deals with the science of it well, but it also doesn't need to. The writing is a little stiff or cliché at times, but the real problem is the excess. What should be a prologue is instead 2+ chapters, and then after that we have another 2 chapters before we really set off. But the adventure is fun enough that the problems can be overlooked.

[Sal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stunning cover artwork drew me in, but the adventurous time-travel storyline is what made me a fan of "The Clockmaker’s Gambit." The book manages to weave deep emotional themes of loss and redemption into a lighthearted, fun-filled adventure. I especially loved the genuine family dynamic between Everett, his daughter Lillian, and the grandfather—and Daisy the goat provides perfect comic relief right when it's needed. The scene where Lillian and Daisy are accidentally yanked back in time alongside Everett during his jump is a blast and sets the tone for a fantastic adventure.

[John G · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging story filled with clever strategies and unexpected turns that held my interest throughout. The characters feel authentic, and the pacing builds nicely toward a satisfying conclusion. A few slower moments kept it from perfection, yet the overall experience remains enjoyable and thought-provoking. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates intricate plots with a touch of ingenuity. Solid four stars.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Clockmaker’s Gambit was such a fun time-travelling adventure. I loved that beneath all the temporal shenanigans, there’s a warm core about grief, family, second chances and the rather enormous conceptual problem with trying to fix the past. I especially enjoyed Everett's relationship with Lillian and the way their adventure gradually becomes about more than simply repairing a timeline. Daisy the goat was an absolute delight. A satisfying read.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 4.5/5 Stars

A wildly fun time-travel adventure with a surprising amount of heart.

Clockmaker Everett uses a time machine to try and save his late wife, but his teenage daughter and pet goat, Daisy, accidentally get pulled into the past with him. Beneath the time-chaos, it's about exploring grief, family, and second chances.

It loses half a star because the time-travel logic is a bit wobbly and the pacing is clunky/chunky in places. Still, recommended!