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In Times Like These #4
The Warp Clock
To Save Her Future, He Can't Have One. Ben Travers is facing an impossible choice. When a girl arrives from his future claiming to be family, she brings nothing but bad news. Ben has two possible fates, and no matter which he chooses, he has to die. In a desperate bid to alter his future, Ben must seek a mysterious device that the Quickly family would rather keep hidden. He'll confront a rogue faction of temporal fugitives-his only ally a girl he never knew existed.
Adventure. Family. Time Travel. For Ben Travers, it's all going to collide.
Take a leap into the fourth book of the In Times Like These time travel series. Read in order or jump right into this thrilling stand-alone novel.
Fight the future! Start your adventure today, because yesterday may be too late...
Adventure. Family. Time Travel. For Ben Travers, it's all going to collide.
Take a leap into the fourth book of the In Times Like These time travel series. Read in order or jump right into this thrilling stand-alone novel.
Fight the future! Start your adventure today, because yesterday may be too late...
270 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2018
281 people are currently reading
237 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 89 reviews
June 7, 2018
Nathan has done it again, if you thought he'd exhausted further adventures of Ben Travers how wrong you are. Not only has he come up with a really good story yet again, like in his previous time travel books, its a non stop roller coaster ride from start to finish. Its always great to find a book that you struggle to put down between chapters but time and time again Nathan has managed to do this on all previous books and this one is no exception. From the first page the reader is taken on a non stop, highly charged race around time with a great mix of characters, plots and events, leaving you wondering where its going to end up. The attention to detail, not only in the various places and people encountered along the way but also in the whole time travel process which is usually where, in my experience, other authors slip up is awesome. The end result is that you get to experience an incredibly believable world and are quite literally transported in time. I really hope that one day this series ends up as a movie. Looking forward to more time travel adventures.
May 26, 2025
The Warp Clock is an absolutely riveting addition to the In Times Like These series, and I found it incredibly difficult to put this book down. The writing is brilliant; showcasing Nathan Van Coops' talent for creating remarkable worlds and filling them with fascinating characters. Each page is loaded with action, humour and mind-bending suspense. I sincerely hope that this will not be the last story to come out of this universe.
June 19, 2018
Another amazing story in the series! Warning: only start reading if you have a few hours to spare, because you won't be able to put it down!
The rules and technique of time travel is crafted perfectly, couldn't find a fault even if I tried (but I wouldn't). If you like time travel stories, this is a must read!
The rules and technique of time travel is crafted perfectly, couldn't find a fault even if I tried (but I wouldn't). If you like time travel stories, this is a must read!
June 21, 2018
I never thought it was possible, but I believe Nathan has outdone himself again. This book is an amazing read. Full of excitement, that never slows down.
Each of these books is better than the one before, and this one is no exception.
I can't recommend this book, and this series enough! You have to read it to believe it!
Each of these books is better than the one before, and this one is no exception.
I can't recommend this book, and this series enough! You have to read it to believe it!
September 13, 2018
4.5★ Audiobook⎮ I literally gasped with excitement when Narrator Neil Hellegers emailed me about reviewing The Warp Clock. That wouldn’t have been a big deal, except for the fact that I was sitting in the middle of a movie theater when I received the email!
I have reviewed all three previous installments of this time travel series, so I was eager to hear that there would be a fourth. I heard the third installment under the impression that it would be the finale to a trilogy, so there were multiple levels to my excitement. That excitement then doubled upon reading the synopsis for The Warp Clock. I mean, who doesn’t jump for joy at the prospect of their OTP having offspring?! Throw in time travel and this was bound to be fun.
As I’ve said before, “fun” is the perfect word for this series. It’s brimming with Van Coops’ trademark wit and humor. His is one of the most unique takes on time travel theory that I’ve heard, yet it still manages to not take itself too seriously. I’ll admit, the science sometimes makes my head spin with all the multiple times streams and whatnot, but Nathan Van Coops writes with such an ease of manner that the narrative itself is easy to follow. That’s what counts here.
The Warp Clock definitely isn’t hard science fiction, so no PhD’s are necessary to listen. The book does it take itself too seriously, so the listener shouldn’t either. It’s a hoot, so just enjoy the ride. With that said, I strongly recommend hearing the first three installments in order before this one in order to fully appreciate the set up. Hearing the first three allowed me to become invested in the characters. The Warp Clock played into my fantasies for these characters so much that it almost seemed like fan service, not that there’s anything wrong with that, mind you.
The plot seemed a little less structured than what I’m used to hearing from Van Coops. There was a lot of jumping around, reminiscent of The Chronathon. This wasn’t my favorite installment in this series, but perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I had heard it immediately after the previous installment. If you have the chance to hear all four volumes in succession, I recommend binging them. Honestly, I’m tempted to go back to the beginning and re-listen to the entire series just for kicks.
Narration review: These are the only audiobooks I’ve heard from Neil Hellegers, so he’s pretty much synonymous with Ben Travers to me. If we spoke on the phone, I’m pretty sure it would throw me for a loop, subconsciously trying to separate him from the character.
Returning to this series and hearing Hellegers’ voice again was incredibly comforting. I was instantly flooded with all of the warm, fuzzy feelings I accumulated while hearing the past three installments. It was sort of like flipping through an audio photo album full of cozy feelings. I’m glad he’s still around narrating the series. If another narrator had taken over, I would have been devastated. ♣︎
➜ 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!
I have reviewed all three previous installments of this time travel series, so I was eager to hear that there would be a fourth. I heard the third installment under the impression that it would be the finale to a trilogy, so there were multiple levels to my excitement. That excitement then doubled upon reading the synopsis for The Warp Clock. I mean, who doesn’t jump for joy at the prospect of their OTP having offspring?! Throw in time travel and this was bound to be fun.
As I’ve said before, “fun” is the perfect word for this series. It’s brimming with Van Coops’ trademark wit and humor. His is one of the most unique takes on time travel theory that I’ve heard, yet it still manages to not take itself too seriously. I’ll admit, the science sometimes makes my head spin with all the multiple times streams and whatnot, but Nathan Van Coops writes with such an ease of manner that the narrative itself is easy to follow. That’s what counts here.
The Warp Clock definitely isn’t hard science fiction, so no PhD’s are necessary to listen. The book does it take itself too seriously, so the listener shouldn’t either. It’s a hoot, so just enjoy the ride. With that said, I strongly recommend hearing the first three installments in order before this one in order to fully appreciate the set up. Hearing the first three allowed me to become invested in the characters. The Warp Clock played into my fantasies for these characters so much that it almost seemed like fan service, not that there’s anything wrong with that, mind you.
The plot seemed a little less structured than what I’m used to hearing from Van Coops. There was a lot of jumping around, reminiscent of The Chronathon. This wasn’t my favorite installment in this series, but perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I had heard it immediately after the previous installment. If you have the chance to hear all four volumes in succession, I recommend binging them. Honestly, I’m tempted to go back to the beginning and re-listen to the entire series just for kicks.
Narration review: These are the only audiobooks I’ve heard from Neil Hellegers, so he’s pretty much synonymous with Ben Travers to me. If we spoke on the phone, I’m pretty sure it would throw me for a loop, subconsciously trying to separate him from the character.
Returning to this series and hearing Hellegers’ voice again was incredibly comforting. I was instantly flooded with all of the warm, fuzzy feelings I accumulated while hearing the past three installments. It was sort of like flipping through an audio photo album full of cozy feelings. I’m glad he’s still around narrating the series. If another narrator had taken over, I would have been devastated. ♣︎
➜ 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!
July 1, 2018
This book starts fast out of the gate and never slows till it crosses the finish line!
Adventurous.
Dangerous.
Surprising.
Fun.
At times, downright creepy!
Characters that you will cheer for. Tons of hold your breath moments. I really don't think my eyebrows left my hairline while reading it, lol!
It's crazy to see just how much these characters have grown since the first book. I like that the moral decisions of the characters are sound. They are pretty selfless. I love the friendships, family, and overall camaraderie that is written into the story.
Very visual and colorful, never a dull moment. I think readers will be pleased with how it all ties up by the end.
Really fun and imaginative read.
Adventurous.
Dangerous.
Surprising.
Fun.
At times, downright creepy!
Characters that you will cheer for. Tons of hold your breath moments. I really don't think my eyebrows left my hairline while reading it, lol!
It's crazy to see just how much these characters have grown since the first book. I like that the moral decisions of the characters are sound. They are pretty selfless. I love the friendships, family, and overall camaraderie that is written into the story.
Very visual and colorful, never a dull moment. I think readers will be pleased with how it all ties up by the end.
Really fun and imaginative read.
July 1, 2018
I was fortunate to have access to an ARC and all I can say is WOW. The ITLT series continues at full tilt in this fast paced, time travel adventure. I don’t want to add any spoilers so I won’t go into storyline detail but will say it is a must read for those who have read the other books in the series. For those who are time travel fans but haven’t read the others, it is well worth starting at the beginning with In Times Like These. The thing I like most about these books is that I’m never able to guess the twist at the end. I’m an avid reader and figure out way too many stories way too early in the book. Kudos to Nathan Van Coops for keeping me surprised.
Read
July 2, 2018Anxiously Awaited and then Enjoyed
Each book in this series just gets better and better; more intriguing, more adventure, more time travel boggling.
Some of us await the first day of release, anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. We get the book as soon as it is released and then spend a hot east coast day in a cool room reading through it in a day.
And then we have await the next one. Keep the series going Nathan.
Each book in this series just gets better and better; more intriguing, more adventure, more time travel boggling.
Some of us await the first day of release, anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. We get the book as soon as it is released and then spend a hot east coast day in a cool room reading through it in a day.
And then we have await the next one. Keep the series going Nathan.
December 22, 2020
Nathan Van Coops is officially one of my favorite time travel authors. I just loved the world he built with believable characters and time travel mechanism that's not too complicated but rich enough to explore the consequences and possibilities of it. The addition of Piper adds a new layer for the Traver's family that just warms my heart. Love this book so much and highly recommend it!
June 7, 2022
This is one of my all time favorite time travel books. Every book in this series is great. If you like time travel and have not read the In Times Like These series put whatever you are reading down and go get book 1.
How do I know you have not read book 1? If you had read book one you would have already bought book two inhaled it, then book three and then went out and bought this book and started reading it because the others are so awesome. This one is too so stop messing around with my review go get it! Why are you still here?
How do I know you have not read book 1? If you had read book one you would have already bought book two inhaled it, then book three and then went out and bought this book and started reading it because the others are so awesome. This one is too so stop messing around with my review go get it! Why are you still here?
February 15, 2025
Slightly disappointing 2.5 stars rounded up as it’s still fairly entertaining.
This add on to the otherwise completed trilogy of In times like these, feels somewhat forced and more incoherent than the original 3 books.
I’m always vary when the writer has to introduce a MacGuffin for the story to make any kind of sense and here the Warp Clock obviously is an invented plot device, apart from that the number of plot holes and inconsistencies are just staggering.
This add on to the otherwise completed trilogy of In times like these, feels somewhat forced and more incoherent than the original 3 books.
I’m always vary when the writer has to introduce a MacGuffin for the story to make any kind of sense and here the Warp Clock obviously is an invented plot device, apart from that the number of plot holes and inconsistencies are just staggering.
June 9, 2025
Another continuous saga
Continuation of time travel worthy of a movie or two I'd pay to see. Nice clean PG drama with a twist or two.
Continuation of time travel worthy of a movie or two I'd pay to see. Nice clean PG drama with a twist or two.
September 23, 2022
This was a good book with a very strong ending. The ending makes the book it had a great time travel resolution I didn’t see coming. Loved the ending of a good book and a very good series.
March 15, 2020
I can't believe it is over.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating series. It was very well crafted with interesting characters, very intelligent science and thrilling scenarios. I'm sad that it is now over.
Highly recommended.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating series. It was very well crafted with interesting characters, very intelligent science and thrilling scenarios. I'm sad that it is now over.
Highly recommended.
July 7, 2018
Really enjoyed
As good as the first. Better than the third. A little hard to follow at times because I've forgotten some of the time travel stuff since I've read the previous books.
As good as the first. Better than the third. A little hard to follow at times because I've forgotten some of the time travel stuff since I've read the previous books.
July 1, 2018
Love it!
From the minute I started reading this series I was captivated. This book is by far my favorite! Love the main characters...mom, dad, and daughter. Follow their adventure traveling back and forth in time trying to save each other while meeting themselves from other timelines. What a wonderful ride. Start with book one. You will not be disappointed!
From the minute I started reading this series I was captivated. This book is by far my favorite! Love the main characters...mom, dad, and daughter. Follow their adventure traveling back and forth in time trying to save each other while meeting themselves from other timelines. What a wonderful ride. Start with book one. You will not be disappointed!
May 4, 2020
Spoilers to follow.
So keeping with past Nathan Van Coops stories, the Chronothon series, if we’re calling it that, is light on characterization and very heavy on plot. I once remarked that I spent 80% of a previous book in Ben Travers head and still didn’t feel I knew much about him. The first in the series introduced a lot of characters who had similar traits and it took a while to get them all down.
Each book is very different, and I remarked that the last so impressed me I gave it 5 stars and added it to my all-time favorites list.
This adventure was about half the size and stripped us down overwhelming to one major existing character that we’ve spent 1,500 pages with. The angle was fresh. I will admit it the low-priority characterization didn’t keep me glued to the page, although where the author excels is mastering time travel. There’s one time travel loop so complicated that for the first time in forever there was literally an author’s note directing you to a postscript where the author took three pages explaining the resolution to the plot because if you don’t really focus and down some Tylenol, you will miss it.
It’s probably not a plus that you can’t understand the book from just reading the book, but I have to give credit for taking that much care getting your plot right. That probably actually added the fourth star.
Where I did struggle with the plot was the warp clock itself. So handing over the warp clock shuts down chronometers. It effectively neuters ASCOT (I think I got that right) and lets the criminals have full control over the timelines. But we’re dealing with characters who are literally time travelers. Ben went from 2009 to 2016 to the 2200s and to outer space. He’s all over the map. If the warp clock shut down the chronometers, it wouldn’t shut them down from just this book on? Why were they working in the first three books? Doesn’t the concept of the warp clock create a paradox where it can’t allow the time travel that’s already happened?
The author seems to comment on this by stating that there are other warp clocks in other universes that would still be working. If so, that seems to negate a lot of the impact of stealing this warp clock. Couldn’t another Ben Travers who hopes into this time stream continue to function throughout time and bypass the time gates? I don’t know if this all happened in our time stream, although the guys messing with the Revolution seemed to be the ones with knowledge of the warp clock being handed over so I’m just not clear how all that was supposed to impact Ben in the November stream. I think I’m tying myself in knots.
So keeping with past Nathan Van Coops stories, the Chronothon series, if we’re calling it that, is light on characterization and very heavy on plot. I once remarked that I spent 80% of a previous book in Ben Travers head and still didn’t feel I knew much about him. The first in the series introduced a lot of characters who had similar traits and it took a while to get them all down.
Each book is very different, and I remarked that the last so impressed me I gave it 5 stars and added it to my all-time favorites list.
This adventure was about half the size and stripped us down overwhelming to one major existing character that we’ve spent 1,500 pages with. The angle was fresh. I will admit it the low-priority characterization didn’t keep me glued to the page, although where the author excels is mastering time travel. There’s one time travel loop so complicated that for the first time in forever there was literally an author’s note directing you to a postscript where the author took three pages explaining the resolution to the plot because if you don’t really focus and down some Tylenol, you will miss it.
It’s probably not a plus that you can’t understand the book from just reading the book, but I have to give credit for taking that much care getting your plot right. That probably actually added the fourth star.
Where I did struggle with the plot was the warp clock itself. So handing over the warp clock shuts down chronometers. It effectively neuters ASCOT (I think I got that right) and lets the criminals have full control over the timelines. But we’re dealing with characters who are literally time travelers. Ben went from 2009 to 2016 to the 2200s and to outer space. He’s all over the map. If the warp clock shut down the chronometers, it wouldn’t shut them down from just this book on? Why were they working in the first three books? Doesn’t the concept of the warp clock create a paradox where it can’t allow the time travel that’s already happened?
The author seems to comment on this by stating that there are other warp clocks in other universes that would still be working. If so, that seems to negate a lot of the impact of stealing this warp clock. Couldn’t another Ben Travers who hopes into this time stream continue to function throughout time and bypass the time gates? I don’t know if this all happened in our time stream, although the guys messing with the Revolution seemed to be the ones with knowledge of the warp clock being handed over so I’m just not clear how all that was supposed to impact Ben in the November stream. I think I’m tying myself in knots.
July 1, 2018
This is an action packed time travel adventure like no other. Talk about fast paced. Holy time gate!
You also better put on your thinking cap to help figure out who is where!
Nathan Van Coops’ imagination is in full force with this story.
Each chapter leaves you at a fantastic moment where you definitely want to keep reading.
The writing is excellent and the plot riveting. There are emotional scenes that tug on the heart.
So get your copy when this hits the shelf.
I was fortunate to get an advanced reader’s copy.
You also better put on your thinking cap to help figure out who is where!
Nathan Van Coops’ imagination is in full force with this story.
Each chapter leaves you at a fantastic moment where you definitely want to keep reading.
The writing is excellent and the plot riveting. There are emotional scenes that tug on the heart.
So get your copy when this hits the shelf.
I was fortunate to get an advanced reader’s copy.
May 25, 2018
Another great entry in the series. Lots of action, suspense and twists (especially the time travel kind) Loved it! Kept my interest all the way to the end.
July 1, 2018
In this fourth volume of Nathan Van Coops’ time travel series, a journey to the past is not just a matter of traveling back through linear time. It is navigating among many timestreams, in which process the characters encounter other versions of themselves, their friends and family members, and historical figures in roles that differ from the ones familiar to us. In a less-skilled author this multiplication of characters and divisions of times could create mass confusion, but Van Coops brings it off smoothly and believably. The novel presents us with deliciously nasty villains who are trying to get their hands on the warp clock, a device which controls and regulates all chronometers, the wristwatch-like device that permits its user to travel through time. Ben and Mym, now his wife, have to keep them from getting the warp clock, knowing that its misuse would result in creating innumerable timestreams spawning all sorts of paradoxes, allowing criminals to commit all manner of atrocities and then escape by switching from timestream to timestream in ways that would prevent them from ever being found. So we readers go on a glorious romp through history and alternate histories with Ben and Mym, as they not only seek to protect the warp clock but also to keep safe a very clever and time-travel savvy little girl who turns out to be their daughter from another timestream, yet to be born in their native timestream. Their adventures will keep readers glued to their seats, turning pages, unable to tear themselves away from the startling turns and twists through unexpected places and perilous times to a resolution that will leave them breathless.
October 28, 2024
Update October 2024 Audio 5*
What an end!
“We’re from the Department of Time Management,” I reply. “Seeing who’s wasting ours.”
Fantastic end to the series! Real shame I won't get to read any more of Ben and his adventures through time.
But it was all rounded up nicely.
Full of action, intrigue, time travel and timestreams that take a minute to get your head around.
5*
“Throughout life there are two kinds of people: Those who tempt you to become a lesser version of yourself, and those who will inspire you to greatness. Choose carefully to whom you will give your time.”
What an end!
“We’re from the Department of Time Management,” I reply. “Seeing who’s wasting ours.”
Fantastic end to the series! Real shame I won't get to read any more of Ben and his adventures through time.
But it was all rounded up nicely.
Full of action, intrigue, time travel and timestreams that take a minute to get your head around.
5*
“Throughout life there are two kinds of people: Those who tempt you to become a lesser version of yourself, and those who will inspire you to greatness. Choose carefully to whom you will give your time.”
August 11, 2018
Fun, Fantastic Read
Forget sleep! The little cliff hangers at the end of every chapter makes it almost impossible to put down. Love Nathan Van Coops. Another great one in his time series.
Lorana
Forget sleep! The little cliff hangers at the end of every chapter makes it almost impossible to put down. Love Nathan Van Coops. Another great one in his time series.
Lorana
August 21, 2018
Great Time Travel Series!
I hope there are many more books in this series! Great characters that are constantly evolving and interesting. This would be a cool television series! Hope to see more books from this author!
I hope there are many more books in this series! Great characters that are constantly evolving and interesting. This would be a cool television series! Hope to see more books from this author!
August 2, 2018
What a great read. I can’t wait for the next one!
December 23, 2018
I'm not sure how a fan of either Nathan Van Coop's writing or of this series can honestly like the Warp Clock. So the reader knows where I'm coming from, I should say that while I am a fan of Van Coop's work that I often struggle with his storytelling choices. I love the Ben Travers books even while I reserve the right to skip ahead when things are getting repetitive, predictable or needlessly maudlin. All of things happen kind of a lot, sadly. Some how it doesn't put me off from eventually letting my mind go back to wondering what Van Coop has in store for the next book. I am a Tampa Bay native, I'm very familiar with St. Pete, where the Ben Travers band of travelers are from, so take note there might be a bit of state pride in my fandom, as silly as that might sound. Tampa Bay doesn't often get portrayed in the best light and I savor the taste whenever something doesn't dismiss us all as a bunch of glitter stained burn outs doomed to be forever small time.
I listen to the audio version of the novels, and part of the appeal is the guy who narrates the books, Neil Helligers, I think is his name. The guy brings a certain unhinged lovability and sincerity that always makes me smile (Hellingers reminds me of Huck, ex-mercenary and current security and muscle for Olivia Pope on Scandal whenever Huck would have one of his bloodthirsty episodes).
With all that in mind, understand that I come to these books with not the highest of standards or expectations. I hope to have a little fun and maybe imagine how if I were a filmmaker I might adapt the story in a mid 1980s Amblin way. Or this time it's more like Ambien. (gah - cheap, I know.).
Look, I just don't get what Van Coop was thinking this time out. I'm in NO WAY one of those people who want the same story from an author over and over again. I welcome authors to mix it up. It's just that this installment feels more like a first draft being worked out with other elements intended to be added later. For example, where the hell are Ben's buddies from the other novels? Why is this story so focused in on such a limited scope. I might have liked that for a chance, but there just wasn't much done.
I don't want to spoil details for readers behind on their reading. there is a new element to Ben Travers' life revealed here that drives the new structure and feels like Van Coop hopes to retro fit the proceeding to something more directly to the Young Adult market. I can't say and I'm not here to point fingers. This outing acts as a greatest hits for all Van Coop's short comings from other projects.
This is probably where I bid adieu to the Ben Travers saga. I felt like the third book was a better place to leave things that what was created here. Like the Jumper books, it feels like the author wanted to enter a new genre by retrofitting a bit of new things to the old and hoping the core audience would help attract the new. That's not a bad idea from a business perspective and I wish an writer the best.
I listen to the audio version of the novels, and part of the appeal is the guy who narrates the books, Neil Helligers, I think is his name. The guy brings a certain unhinged lovability and sincerity that always makes me smile (Hellingers reminds me of Huck, ex-mercenary and current security and muscle for Olivia Pope on Scandal whenever Huck would have one of his bloodthirsty episodes).
With all that in mind, understand that I come to these books with not the highest of standards or expectations. I hope to have a little fun and maybe imagine how if I were a filmmaker I might adapt the story in a mid 1980s Amblin way. Or this time it's more like Ambien. (gah - cheap, I know.).
Look, I just don't get what Van Coop was thinking this time out. I'm in NO WAY one of those people who want the same story from an author over and over again. I welcome authors to mix it up. It's just that this installment feels more like a first draft being worked out with other elements intended to be added later. For example, where the hell are Ben's buddies from the other novels? Why is this story so focused in on such a limited scope. I might have liked that for a chance, but there just wasn't much done.
I don't want to spoil details for readers behind on their reading. there is a new element to Ben Travers' life revealed here that drives the new structure and feels like Van Coop hopes to retro fit the proceeding to something more directly to the Young Adult market. I can't say and I'm not here to point fingers. This outing acts as a greatest hits for all Van Coop's short comings from other projects.
This is probably where I bid adieu to the Ben Travers saga. I felt like the third book was a better place to leave things that what was created here. Like the Jumper books, it feels like the author wanted to enter a new genre by retrofitting a bit of new things to the old and hoping the core audience would help attract the new. That's not a bad idea from a business perspective and I wish an writer the best.
March 28, 2023
3.5/5 🌟
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"It’s a strange feeling to know a time traveler is nowhere to be found in the universe at a present moment, but to have faith that they’ll be back one day. –Journal of Dr. Harold Quickly, 2087"
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"Death doesn’t frighten me. I fear living a life unworthy of the many opportunities I’ve been gifted. That, and bears. -Journal of Dr. Harold Quickly, 1910."
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"If time travel doesn’t confuse you from time to time, you’re probably doing it wrong. -Journal of Dr. Harold Quickly, 2109"
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The Warp Clock is the 4th book in the "In Times Like These" series by Nathan Van Coops. It follows time-traveling Ben through another adventure. This time a little girl who says she's his daughter asks him for help in finding and saving her Dad (an older version of Ben). It has a lot of action and the locations of the scenes are pretty epic and some creepy (one was an old, abandoned amusement park in a desolate future with creepy solar-powered robots and any humans around).
In Times Like These is still one of my favorite books and I'll always recommend it! I also really enjoyed the Chronothon and The Day After Never (the 2nd and 3rd in the series). The reason for my 3.5 star rating is because, just like most books(& movies) seem to go... the first ones seem to be the best and the rest in the series just can't be as good. It's true for this series too. I loved the first few books (reviews further back on my page) but this one just felt like it repeated or was very similar to the second & third book. Also, the mc's love, now wife, was barely in this one and I missed her in it. Though they did have his "daughter" which was fun.
Like I've said before I will always recommend this series for anyone who likes time travel books or sci-fi. Such a fun series.
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"It’s a strange feeling to know a time traveler is nowhere to be found in the universe at a present moment, but to have faith that they’ll be back one day. –Journal of Dr. Harold Quickly, 2087"
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"Death doesn’t frighten me. I fear living a life unworthy of the many opportunities I’ve been gifted. That, and bears. -Journal of Dr. Harold Quickly, 1910."
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"If time travel doesn’t confuse you from time to time, you’re probably doing it wrong. -Journal of Dr. Harold Quickly, 2109"
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The Warp Clock is the 4th book in the "In Times Like These" series by Nathan Van Coops. It follows time-traveling Ben through another adventure. This time a little girl who says she's his daughter asks him for help in finding and saving her Dad (an older version of Ben). It has a lot of action and the locations of the scenes are pretty epic and some creepy (one was an old, abandoned amusement park in a desolate future with creepy solar-powered robots and any humans around).
In Times Like These is still one of my favorite books and I'll always recommend it! I also really enjoyed the Chronothon and The Day After Never (the 2nd and 3rd in the series). The reason for my 3.5 star rating is because, just like most books(& movies) seem to go... the first ones seem to be the best and the rest in the series just can't be as good. It's true for this series too. I loved the first few books (reviews further back on my page) but this one just felt like it repeated or was very similar to the second & third book. Also, the mc's love, now wife, was barely in this one and I missed her in it. Though they did have his "daughter" which was fun.
Like I've said before I will always recommend this series for anyone who likes time travel books or sci-fi. Such a fun series.
November 7, 2023
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The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
In Times Like These (In Times Like These, #1)
The Chronothon (In Times Like These, #2)
The Day After Never (In Times Like These, #3)
The Warp Clock (In Times Like These, #4)
By: Nathan Van Coops
My Rating: Four out of Five Stars
Best for: 18 and up
Who doesn't love a good time travel story?
There are all kinds of stories about time travel. I was going to list some for you, but then the list started getting really big. Just Google "books about time travel" and you find some. Tragically, there will be one author missing from Google's algorithm-based search results that favor popularity: Nathan Van Coops. Tragic, because he's the one who does it best.
His first books were a series called In Times Like These, which started good and grew to great. He followed In Times Like These with another series called Paradox PI, and it's even better! One thing I love about discovering new authors is seeing their growth. Nathan Van Coops is doing a fantastic job. Buy his books, the guy deserves to be read.
In Times Like These is the story of Ben Travers, accidental time traveler. You know, typical story-- wrong place, wrong time, accidental electrocution near a time travel lab, wake up in the past. Heard it once, you've heard it a million times.
Ya, I know. Tongue, meet cheek.
That's the start of Ben's story, and it's a great one. It covers four super fun books that follow Ben across space and time as he learns all the good, bad, and ugly of time travel. Turns out, Ben's not the only one. They're many time travelers, in fact. Some are good guys like Ben who just want to fall in love and save the day. Some are bad guys who want to ruin and steal and hurt and need to be stopped. If Ben could just figure out how to travel through time without breaking things--including himself--he'd be the perfect guy to save the day. Days.
All the days.
One of my favorite parts of Nathan Van Coops time travel adventures are the plausible scientific rules he's created for time travel. In fact, that's why they stand out to me among others. This isn't Back to the Future--in these books changing the past splits time streams, and that's serious business. Creating a time paradox should be avoided!
Don't make a jump through time unless you have an anchor to get you exactly where you want to go. After all, the Earth is constantly moving! You can't jump from one place in time to another and expect to magically end up the same spatial location. If you jump to a place that is currently occupied by something else, that thing becomes part of you...and that isn't pretty.
Follow the rules, and you should be safe. Don't, and you'll be dead.
Nathan Van Coops time travel stories are a fun and fresh take on time travel. I loved the possibilities, and found myself wanting more time-traveling good guys vs time-traveling bad guys.
In Times Like These was the first book Nathan Van Coops published, and if you read book one and first the 1st person dialogue a little clunky, be patient. It gets better, and the story is great enough you'll be glad you kept coming back from more.
There is grown up language scattered throughout the series, so I'll say they're best for adults. No violence or other sensitive content.
Happy Reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
In Times Like These (In Times Like These, #1)
The Chronothon (In Times Like These, #2)
The Day After Never (In Times Like These, #3)
The Warp Clock (In Times Like These, #4)
By: Nathan Van Coops
My Rating: Four out of Five Stars
Best for: 18 and up
Who doesn't love a good time travel story?
There are all kinds of stories about time travel. I was going to list some for you, but then the list started getting really big. Just Google "books about time travel" and you find some. Tragically, there will be one author missing from Google's algorithm-based search results that favor popularity: Nathan Van Coops. Tragic, because he's the one who does it best.
His first books were a series called In Times Like These, which started good and grew to great. He followed In Times Like These with another series called Paradox PI, and it's even better! One thing I love about discovering new authors is seeing their growth. Nathan Van Coops is doing a fantastic job. Buy his books, the guy deserves to be read.
In Times Like These is the story of Ben Travers, accidental time traveler. You know, typical story-- wrong place, wrong time, accidental electrocution near a time travel lab, wake up in the past. Heard it once, you've heard it a million times.
Ya, I know. Tongue, meet cheek.
That's the start of Ben's story, and it's a great one. It covers four super fun books that follow Ben across space and time as he learns all the good, bad, and ugly of time travel. Turns out, Ben's not the only one. They're many time travelers, in fact. Some are good guys like Ben who just want to fall in love and save the day. Some are bad guys who want to ruin and steal and hurt and need to be stopped. If Ben could just figure out how to travel through time without breaking things--including himself--he'd be the perfect guy to save the day. Days.
All the days.
One of my favorite parts of Nathan Van Coops time travel adventures are the plausible scientific rules he's created for time travel. In fact, that's why they stand out to me among others. This isn't Back to the Future--in these books changing the past splits time streams, and that's serious business. Creating a time paradox should be avoided!
Don't make a jump through time unless you have an anchor to get you exactly where you want to go. After all, the Earth is constantly moving! You can't jump from one place in time to another and expect to magically end up the same spatial location. If you jump to a place that is currently occupied by something else, that thing becomes part of you...and that isn't pretty.
Follow the rules, and you should be safe. Don't, and you'll be dead.
Nathan Van Coops time travel stories are a fun and fresh take on time travel. I loved the possibilities, and found myself wanting more time-traveling good guys vs time-traveling bad guys.
In Times Like These was the first book Nathan Van Coops published, and if you read book one and first the 1st person dialogue a little clunky, be patient. It gets better, and the story is great enough you'll be glad you kept coming back from more.
There is grown up language scattered throughout the series, so I'll say they're best for adults. No violence or other sensitive content.
Happy Reading!
December 12, 2023
I've been struggling with my rating on this one. I really liked this book, but I LOVED book three, so is it fair to give this book the same rating (5 stars)? Then again, if I just let this book stand on its own, might I have rated it 5 stars? I don't currently know the answer, so I'll keep thinking it over. (My star rating may change after I post this.)
I felt very satisfied after book three, and I was kind of wondering what was left for these characters… and then, almost immediately after starting book four, it became obvious. Yup; this is the next part of the story. Of course!
I loved the new characters that were introduced, and the settings where the action took place were wildly unpredictable and oddly entertaining. There is one chapter that had me confused for a minute, but it became immediately obvious that the characters in the story were also confused, so I was in good company. (It gets explained quickly, so I wasn't in the dark for long.)
It's also worth noting that there is an epilogue for this story that readers can download for free as an eBook from the author's website. I was pleased to read through that right after finishing the final chapter of The Warp Clock, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this series.
I felt very satisfied after book three, and I was kind of wondering what was left for these characters… and then, almost immediately after starting book four, it became obvious. Yup; this is the next part of the story. Of course!
I loved the new characters that were introduced, and the settings where the action took place were wildly unpredictable and oddly entertaining. There is one chapter that had me confused for a minute, but it became immediately obvious that the characters in the story were also confused, so I was in good company. (It gets explained quickly, so I wasn't in the dark for long.)
It's also worth noting that there is an epilogue for this story that readers can download for free as an eBook from the author's website. I was pleased to read through that right after finishing the final chapter of The Warp Clock, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this series.
August 5, 2018
Buy if you love time travel not dumbed down.
I LOVE time travel books. This Series has been one of my favorites. The author has really done his research, which always makes a series like this even better. This book truly shows off his skills as he has the reader totally engrossed in the characters and the travel involved, while twisting the story in and out of each scenario, but being careful to avoid a paradox. It actually hurt my brain, but in a good way,! For those concerned about getting too confused, don't worry - he includes a very detailed explanation in the author's notes at the end. Make time for this one. I read it start to finish last night because there was no way that I could put it down!! I'm so excited for those of you who have been waiting for another book from this author! I thought it was going to be just a trilogy. I'm glad that he squeezed one more story into such a fantastically awesome series. He has raised the bar for time travel books. I am not sure that I will ever find another book in this genre that is so original, engrossing, and well thought out. Kudos, Mr. Van Coops.
I LOVE time travel books. This Series has been one of my favorites. The author has really done his research, which always makes a series like this even better. This book truly shows off his skills as he has the reader totally engrossed in the characters and the travel involved, while twisting the story in and out of each scenario, but being careful to avoid a paradox. It actually hurt my brain, but in a good way,! For those concerned about getting too confused, don't worry - he includes a very detailed explanation in the author's notes at the end. Make time for this one. I read it start to finish last night because there was no way that I could put it down!! I'm so excited for those of you who have been waiting for another book from this author! I thought it was going to be just a trilogy. I'm glad that he squeezed one more story into such a fantastically awesome series. He has raised the bar for time travel books. I am not sure that I will ever find another book in this genre that is so original, engrossing, and well thought out. Kudos, Mr. Van Coops.
December 3, 2025
**Started out GREAT! And then….gah.**
I mean for real though. It definitely started out great. Once a certain reveal came into play to clarify this book’s cover, I was immediately invested. I wanted to know everything. EVERRYYTHIIIING. And so then the story began to roll out. Cool things happened. Interesting things happened. And then I started noticing that all the cool and interesting things that happened tended to fizzle out too quickly, replaced by multiple moments of dredge.
I LOVED the idea of this little girl on the cover playing a significant role in the life if Ben Travers, but I don’t feel like their story was truly embellished. So many great moments that didn’t keep their momentum going. I feel like I shouldn’t be picky, that at least those moments existed at all, even if they didn’t stand their ground long enough. And yet, those moments deserved better quality payoffs. That was pretty much this story’s vibe to me. LOTS of greatness in all their time travel glory, but lots of that greatness either fading out or being replaced by not so great things.
I held on to a 5th star for a while, clung hard to 4th, but eventually settled for 3. The final reveal about the Warp Clock was just meh to me. Unsatisfying. Perhaps if I ever reread this series I may feel differently. On a final positive note, though, I’ve got nothing but praise for that wonderful time travel twist in the end. Sure, it had me scratching my head in confusion at first, but once it came together (thanks mostly to the help of the author’s note) I was delighted by it. It was a nice little brain exercise and I liked the creativity behind it. Frankly, I’m surprise Van Coops himself didn’t get himself confused by it.
All in all, this was a decent enough series, but I’d say I still enjoyed the sequel series a bit more. I’m sure I’ll revisit these all again in the future.
I mean for real though. It definitely started out great. Once a certain reveal came into play to clarify this book’s cover, I was immediately invested. I wanted to know everything. EVERRYYTHIIIING. And so then the story began to roll out. Cool things happened. Interesting things happened. And then I started noticing that all the cool and interesting things that happened tended to fizzle out too quickly, replaced by multiple moments of dredge.
I LOVED the idea of this little girl on the cover playing a significant role in the life if Ben Travers, but I don’t feel like their story was truly embellished. So many great moments that didn’t keep their momentum going. I feel like I shouldn’t be picky, that at least those moments existed at all, even if they didn’t stand their ground long enough. And yet, those moments deserved better quality payoffs. That was pretty much this story’s vibe to me. LOTS of greatness in all their time travel glory, but lots of that greatness either fading out or being replaced by not so great things.
I held on to a 5th star for a while, clung hard to 4th, but eventually settled for 3. The final reveal about the Warp Clock was just meh to me. Unsatisfying. Perhaps if I ever reread this series I may feel differently. On a final positive note, though, I’ve got nothing but praise for that wonderful time travel twist in the end. Sure, it had me scratching my head in confusion at first, but once it came together (thanks mostly to the help of the author’s note) I was delighted by it. It was a nice little brain exercise and I liked the creativity behind it. Frankly, I’m surprise Van Coops himself didn’t get himself confused by it.
All in all, this was a decent enough series, but I’d say I still enjoyed the sequel series a bit more. I’m sure I’ll revisit these all again in the future.
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