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The Timer
Young Adult/Fantasy/Science Fiction - Ages range 12 and up FROM THE EDITOR One of the reasons why I admire Arden Banks as a debut author is because of her impressive talent writing fantasy science fiction in such a way that it keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, Divergent and its sequels, you will be enthralled by The Timer. This fast paced story has killer drones, lasers, explosions, chills, and thrills, along with an immersive quality that provides true depth. EDITOR B. Beard Be prepared for a fast paced thrill ride. The day the world ended began like any other day…that is until eighteen-year-old Ethan Lakenestor is taken to a lab only to be strapped down, his memory wiped clean, and a deadly timer placed on his wrist. He’s transported to a farm, commissioned to work, and surrounded by other teens–each wearing the same timer. No one knows what lies beyond the farm, but everyone that ran away in the past has been killed. Compelled to defend a fierce girl named Jade, Ethan urges those he befriends to escape. They have a chance at freedom, except for one minor detail—each timer counts down the hours until they reach their nineteenth birthday and only seven chosen teens will live. Ethan, Jada, and the others have a desperate choice to work hard to become one of the chosen seven or destroy the timer and escape into the vast unknown. Every…second…counts.
- GenresYoung AdultDystopia
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2016
30 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Arden Banks
2 books10 followersArden Banks is an author of Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Young-Adult Fiction. She and her husband currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Contact me at: ardenbanks1@gmail.com
Contact me at: ardenbanks1@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 29, 2016
This strife-filled addition to the dystopian shelves introduces us to teenaged workers who are being used as agricultural slaves with the supposed chance of winning their freedom to a high status position. Those who disappoint are doomed when the timer on their wrist counts down to nineteen years of age. A few of the workers decide to try to find a way out of the situation. A contrasting scene awaits them within a shattered, rioting city.
There's a mix of themes here from Logan's Run to Hunger Games to Brave New World to the Second Life game to a dying, polluted Earth. If you think this novella length work would interest you, you're probably a teenaged fan of the dystopian genre and you'll have your heart in your mouth following the brave young adults. Be prepared for a considerable amount of violence but quite human reactions.
The writing isn't literature but it's accessible with nice descriptive touches and I like that the characters twist and grow, with some getting the tables turned on them and others deciding to turn the tables themselves. My main worry reading these books is that there's a continual theme that young people cannot trust adults. Today we have seen that some people in positions of status have indeed abused those responsibilities to others. But not all. Not, indeed, the vast majority. We just hear about the ones who have, because their selfish actions carry a disproportionate effect. I would certainly read more by Arden Banks, who seems like she knows how to work on a farm.
There's a mix of themes here from Logan's Run to Hunger Games to Brave New World to the Second Life game to a dying, polluted Earth. If you think this novella length work would interest you, you're probably a teenaged fan of the dystopian genre and you'll have your heart in your mouth following the brave young adults. Be prepared for a considerable amount of violence but quite human reactions.
The writing isn't literature but it's accessible with nice descriptive touches and I like that the characters twist and grow, with some getting the tables turned on them and others deciding to turn the tables themselves. My main worry reading these books is that there's a continual theme that young people cannot trust adults. Today we have seen that some people in positions of status have indeed abused those responsibilities to others. But not all. Not, indeed, the vast majority. We just hear about the ones who have, because their selfish actions carry a disproportionate effect. I would certainly read more by Arden Banks, who seems like she knows how to work on a farm.
April 23, 2016
Similar to the popular novel The Maze Runner. A group of teens are dumped in one secluded area on a farm together. They are all trapped, like in The Maze Runner, and if they attempt to leave the farm, they are killed. There’s a twist to this story though, they all sport watches, which non have any recollection of how it was fastened because their memories were wiped. The watches countdown to their 19 birthday, for most, death. A lucky 7 supposedly will be chosen to survive. Torn between the choice of being on perfect behavior in the hopes of being 1 of the 7, or plan to destroy the watch with a chance of escape. Big decision.
As the timer ticks down, the story becomes more and more racy, fast pace. Each character is unique with their own complex history and individual realistic personalities that connect the reader. A sci-fi, dystopian read, the young adults are shown as the weakest link against the elderly adult enforcers. Like ants, power is in numbers.
Minding to the farm, the slave labor, creates a calming aspect to the story surrounded by the horrid reality of the situation. Tending to the farm and animals almost instills a sense of hope, connection to the environment. It’s almost like a juxtaposition of the animals being trapped at the farm, and the teenagers trapped as well, but having slightly more freedom than the animals…
With every countdown to each character’s watch, your stomach clenches, knowing the brutality that is about to come onto innocence.
The leader Allison, is like Cruella de Vil. Fear is the controlling factor in the book, and the enforcers continuously use this tool to have power over the teenagers. This story is based upon the emotion of fear, how it holds us in one place, preventing us to move forward, traps us, and how this relates to control and power. Many twists, and complexities, keeps you wanting more. Excellent.
As the timer ticks down, the story becomes more and more racy, fast pace. Each character is unique with their own complex history and individual realistic personalities that connect the reader. A sci-fi, dystopian read, the young adults are shown as the weakest link against the elderly adult enforcers. Like ants, power is in numbers.
Minding to the farm, the slave labor, creates a calming aspect to the story surrounded by the horrid reality of the situation. Tending to the farm and animals almost instills a sense of hope, connection to the environment. It’s almost like a juxtaposition of the animals being trapped at the farm, and the teenagers trapped as well, but having slightly more freedom than the animals…
With every countdown to each character’s watch, your stomach clenches, knowing the brutality that is about to come onto innocence.
The leader Allison, is like Cruella de Vil. Fear is the controlling factor in the book, and the enforcers continuously use this tool to have power over the teenagers. This story is based upon the emotion of fear, how it holds us in one place, preventing us to move forward, traps us, and how this relates to control and power. Many twists, and complexities, keeps you wanting more. Excellent.
February 25, 2016
The story tells of a world where teens are rounded up, their memories erased, a timer placed on their wrists: counting down to their 19th birthdays—they are then forced to work on a farm to earn credit to become a member of the elite 7 when they turned 19, but all that they really face is death. I won’t go into further detail, but you won’t regret reading this well written, well balanced, well developed Sci-fi/dystopia/YA fiction.
The three main characters Ethan, Jade and Box are likeable and easy to get on with. The bad guys, Allison, Dr. Sam, Ward, and the bounty hunters are all despicable, and you will love to hate them. There many great little plots and sub-plots that will keep you riveted. The story as a whole, kept me turning those pages as it held my interest right to the very last page. I love this kind of story, and would recommend it to anyone who like the YA genre.
The author has done great job, and I can’t wait to read any follow ups that may be in the pipeline.
The three main characters Ethan, Jade and Box are likeable and easy to get on with. The bad guys, Allison, Dr. Sam, Ward, and the bounty hunters are all despicable, and you will love to hate them. There many great little plots and sub-plots that will keep you riveted. The story as a whole, kept me turning those pages as it held my interest right to the very last page. I love this kind of story, and would recommend it to anyone who like the YA genre.
The author has done great job, and I can’t wait to read any follow ups that may be in the pipeline.
May 11, 2016
In a Nutshell | This one is a mixed bag.
From the start this reminded me of another book, The Maze Runner. It was a similar concept, but tamer and with simpler language that would be understood by a younger audience. That said, it’s important for parents to know that there are older/YA concepts in this book…violence…death.
At first I’d decided that Timer was a mix of upper middle grade and young adult, but at the 75% mark the plot detail confirmed to me that this book is definitely above the typical MG level. More teen I’d say.
Drop by my website www.swlothian.com to more of my reviews.
From the start this reminded me of another book, The Maze Runner. It was a similar concept, but tamer and with simpler language that would be understood by a younger audience. That said, it’s important for parents to know that there are older/YA concepts in this book…violence…death.
At first I’d decided that Timer was a mix of upper middle grade and young adult, but at the 75% mark the plot detail confirmed to me that this book is definitely above the typical MG level. More teen I’d say.
Drop by my website www.swlothian.com to more of my reviews.
March 27, 2016
Wow! I got this for my niece but she is 14 so I read everything before I load it onto her kindle. I am so glad I discovered this dystopian YA gem. The characters are three dimensional and accessible - so important when you need to care about what actually happens throughout the book. I was especially grateful for the fact that this book was not the result of throwing every "successful" trope from the YA best-sellers into a pot and slapping a title on the result. The Timer is provocative and challenges the popular trend of forgetting that YA readers don't need to be engaged but only entertained. A wonderful read.
May 9, 2016
I love how the characters evolve in the story. It kept me wanting to read more to get closer to the characters. I can even feel that I really want to have friends like them if I was in the same situation.
The author, Banks, is really smart in developing the stories with full action in mind but never forget that the characters need to be believeable too. It is usually hard to combine both action and good storytelling but Banks pull it off impeccably.
The author, Banks, is really smart in developing the stories with full action in mind but never forget that the characters need to be believeable too. It is usually hard to combine both action and good storytelling but Banks pull it off impeccably.
January 26, 2019
A fun read
This was a very good story set in a distant possible future. It makes you believe that it actually could happen. It's science fiction fantasy with just the right amount of drama. A new world, a love story and something evil. A must read for anyone who likes this type of thing. It has well thought out characters and a good storyline. Give this one a try and you won't be disappointed.
This was a very good story set in a distant possible future. It makes you believe that it actually could happen. It's science fiction fantasy with just the right amount of drama. A new world, a love story and something evil. A must read for anyone who likes this type of thing. It has well thought out characters and a good storyline. Give this one a try and you won't be disappointed.
November 25, 2018
A good debut for this writer!
February 7, 2017
Pretty good
Read
October 21, 2016A good juvenile. I hope she continues the story.
April 3, 2016
Memory-wiped teens find themselves on a communal farm. They are, in essence, slave labor as they have no freedom, no reprieve from the work, and are under constant guard by the Enforcers. Their goal - to become one of the Elite Seven - means they survive past their 19th birthday. All are fitted with a wrist watch that tells them, to the exact second, how long they have to prove their worth. Those not selected...die.
Those in power have little affinity or compassion for the children and see them more as a means to an end. Why 19? This is fleshed out in the story. Also, their situation is described in full detail, less one bit - their individual past. Since they'd all have back stories, perhaps they'd come about in following books.
What you ultimately get from this debut author is a YA, dystopian story surrounding a core group of teens. This group sets off to destroy the relay that controls the countdown-to-death, but what they find is something much larger and unsettling. To divulge more would lead to spoilers. The book could stand-alone, but definitely ends as a launch to follow-up works.
For me, this book was a slow start and a bit to young on the YA scale. It is pretty clean and does have some violence and death. I'd be fine having my teen read this book.
When it comes to books, three-stars isn't a critical rating. It simply means there was some entertainment value, but doesn't stand out.
Those in power have little affinity or compassion for the children and see them more as a means to an end. Why 19? This is fleshed out in the story. Also, their situation is described in full detail, less one bit - their individual past. Since they'd all have back stories, perhaps they'd come about in following books.
What you ultimately get from this debut author is a YA, dystopian story surrounding a core group of teens. This group sets off to destroy the relay that controls the countdown-to-death, but what they find is something much larger and unsettling. To divulge more would lead to spoilers. The book could stand-alone, but definitely ends as a launch to follow-up works.
For me, this book was a slow start and a bit to young on the YA scale. It is pretty clean and does have some violence and death. I'd be fine having my teen read this book.
When it comes to books, three-stars isn't a critical rating. It simply means there was some entertainment value, but doesn't stand out.
March 3, 2016
*spoiler free*
I'm new to reading YA, this is my fourth novel of the genre and i highly enjoyed it!
I actually read through it in a few days, finding it very hard to put down. Arden Bank's writing is exceptional, it flows so well and I never had any problem following along with the story line. Its with few authors you can say that it comes 'natural' to them and Arden is definitely one of those. Her characters where well developed, and the charisma they had with one another (particularly Ethan, Box and Jade, the main characters) was fantastic. It was hard for me to choose which of the three I liked the best!
The story is a gritty one, but imaginative. There are so many twists and turns that drag you in further into this fast pace, and at times nerve-wrecking, world (will they become one of the elite? Or will they end up dying?!). The story is not without a little humor though, often times thrown in when you least expect it and making the story more loved.
I can tell you right now I'm looking forward to any other work this author puts out.
I'm new to reading YA, this is my fourth novel of the genre and i highly enjoyed it!
I actually read through it in a few days, finding it very hard to put down. Arden Bank's writing is exceptional, it flows so well and I never had any problem following along with the story line. Its with few authors you can say that it comes 'natural' to them and Arden is definitely one of those. Her characters where well developed, and the charisma they had with one another (particularly Ethan, Box and Jade, the main characters) was fantastic. It was hard for me to choose which of the three I liked the best!
The story is a gritty one, but imaginative. There are so many twists and turns that drag you in further into this fast pace, and at times nerve-wrecking, world (will they become one of the elite? Or will they end up dying?!). The story is not without a little humor though, often times thrown in when you least expect it and making the story more loved.
I can tell you right now I'm looking forward to any other work this author puts out.
March 19, 2016
A great story. The characters are developed brilliantly and I came to feel and sympathize for the children making tough decisions. They have their memories wiped and timers strapped to their wrists, and then they are forced to work until their nineteenth birthday. Anyone who tried to leave was killed, so they have to decide if they want to risk trying to leave or sticking around.
It reminded me of the Maze Runner, and I loved the way the story progressed, but it felt a little rushed toward the end as it ended in a flurry. This wasn't necessarily bad, and the fast-paced action was enough to keep me engaged, but every once in a while I was hoping the story would stop and take a breath.
That being said, the author is very talented and the characters are full of depth and interesting. I think reader's of the young adult genre won't be disappointed with this debut author, and I wish her the best of luck in the future!
It reminded me of the Maze Runner, and I loved the way the story progressed, but it felt a little rushed toward the end as it ended in a flurry. This wasn't necessarily bad, and the fast-paced action was enough to keep me engaged, but every once in a while I was hoping the story would stop and take a breath.
That being said, the author is very talented and the characters are full of depth and interesting. I think reader's of the young adult genre won't be disappointed with this debut author, and I wish her the best of luck in the future!
May 15, 2016
This book was either a freebie or very cheap.
I mostly read this book on commuter trains, and it worked really well for that circumstance. It's basically an action book with little characterization. It was easy to read and entertaining enough. There's not much depth to the book, but I had no problems reading it. It wasn't like some books where I seem to get mired down.
The story takes place in a mid apocalyptic world. There are a few people with power, and then there is everyone else. The book focuses on teens, but things seem to be bleak for nearly everyone. I found the mid-apocalypse aspect interesting, because in many books, the universe is post-apocalypse.
It's not particularly memorable, but Timer is a short and entertaining read.
I mostly read this book on commuter trains, and it worked really well for that circumstance. It's basically an action book with little characterization. It was easy to read and entertaining enough. There's not much depth to the book, but I had no problems reading it. It wasn't like some books where I seem to get mired down.
The story takes place in a mid apocalyptic world. There are a few people with power, and then there is everyone else. The book focuses on teens, but things seem to be bleak for nearly everyone. I found the mid-apocalypse aspect interesting, because in many books, the universe is post-apocalypse.
It's not particularly memorable, but Timer is a short and entertaining read.
February 24, 2016
This book grabbed me from the first page! This I not your typical end-of the world scenario. Arden Banks created a whole new outlook on what could happen and how the powers that be could control the people and their plans for the future. That all I'm going to say..
I gave this 4 stars because it was a good read; but I'm not sure what the problem was, but for me there was one, and it had to do with the ending...??
I gave this 4 stars because it was a good read; but I'm not sure what the problem was, but for me there was one, and it had to do with the ending...??
March 27, 2016
I just finished reading The Timer and had to leave a review!
I tore through this book. There was so much happening on every page, so many characters moving the rapid fire plot along, I could not find a comfortable place to stop reading.
Banks characters are rich and her plot is complex. From the moment I finished the prologue, I was intrigued.
The Timer is a fast paced, action packed read that you won't want to put down.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves YA Sci Fi/Fantasy.
I tore through this book. There was so much happening on every page, so many characters moving the rapid fire plot along, I could not find a comfortable place to stop reading.
Banks characters are rich and her plot is complex. From the moment I finished the prologue, I was intrigued.
The Timer is a fast paced, action packed read that you won't want to put down.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves YA Sci Fi/Fantasy.
April 5, 2016
This is a debut book by this author. It is a very good start. I am looking forward to more adventures from this author.
I wonder how we would react if we woke up in a totally strange place, to be slave labor, our only hope is to become one of the elite - or die at the age of 19. the elite are the slave masters that oversee the place they are located.
To me this is a scary situation.
Hope you give Arden Banks a try.
I wonder how we would react if we woke up in a totally strange place, to be slave labor, our only hope is to become one of the elite - or die at the age of 19. the elite are the slave masters that oversee the place they are located.
To me this is a scary situation.
Hope you give Arden Banks a try.
March 19, 2016
Interesting Concept
I liked this book. The concept was creative and had some twists I was not anticipating. There was, however, some moments that were confusing and awkward. It was not as smooth as I felt it could be. Overall I liked it though. It was easy to read and I would probably recommend it to those who like a quick dystopian read.
I liked this book. The concept was creative and had some twists I was not anticipating. There was, however, some moments that were confusing and awkward. It was not as smooth as I felt it could be. Overall I liked it though. It was easy to read and I would probably recommend it to those who like a quick dystopian read.
April 7, 2016
New take on Dystopia
Written as YA and I'm WAY past that age bracket. A new take and one that is captivating from the start: mind wiped teenagers working on farms until the age that either their timers kill them or they become an Elite. No spoilers as that is made clear quite early on. Recommend this story to you
Written as YA and I'm WAY past that age bracket. A new take and one that is captivating from the start: mind wiped teenagers working on farms until the age that either their timers kill them or they become an Elite. No spoilers as that is made clear quite early on. Recommend this story to you
April 23, 2016
This book starts with a fascinating premise and characters you can really root for and takes you on a twisting story full of suspense, surprises and strong emotions. Just when you think you know where things are headed, think again.
I really liked the way the author used the concept of time itself as a plot device. Very engaging and enjoyable read!
I really liked the way the author used the concept of time itself as a plot device. Very engaging and enjoyable read!
July 10, 2016
Here's a fast paced sci-fi fantasy aimed basically for young adults but it would also be enjoyed by those adults into similar books such as hunger games and maze runner. Its a dense plot that starts the reader in the dark and rapidly unfolds revealing the true nature of the horror of the teen's seemingly bleak future. The rapid pace allows things to unfold fast enough to keep the reader into it.
September 20, 2016
Enjoyable Book
Slow at first. I had a hard time staying interested. Then the action picked up and it was harder to set down. I would like to read a prequel at some time.
Slow at first. I had a hard time staying interested. Then the action picked up and it was harder to set down. I would like to read a prequel at some time.
December 4, 2016
Fast pace Sci-fi thriller, if you like Hunger Games, Maze Runner, or Divergent series you will like this!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews