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The Clock Keeper
As a mortal, she rejected his proposal. As an immortal, she was tasked with hunting him down. Since the beginning of life on earth, seven powerful families have protected time. From within their bloodlines, one person is selected every decade to make the ultimate sacrifice. When Anna Kennedy is selected by the Tempus Guild as the new Clock Keeper, she commits a crime so heinous that it could cause time itself to unravel. Now, it falls to her sister, Clarke, to right the wrong and restore honour to the Kennedy family. The only problem is that in order to do so, she must send her best friend to his grave.
304 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2017
45 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 21, 2019
I'm not sure how I happened upon this book but I did. I'm surprised to see that there aren't many reviews or ratings. This book is a hidden gem. It is a really fun story.
Although, The Clock Keeper didn't blow me away, I really enjoyed it. I liked the characters as well. There were some issues with things not quite meshing or adding up correctly but not so much that it disrupted the story. I just tend to be a very technical and detail oriented reader. For instance, the setting. This book was mostly set in Arizona, mentioning places like Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson, and The Grand Canyon. I have lived in the Phoenix metropolitan area for 25 years. This setting didn't feel authentic. Sure the city names were used but it didn't feel like it was actually based in these locations. Another example, in the very beginning of the story, someone died and the police officer that showed up to the incident identified himself as a detective from the LAPD but they were in AZ so a bit out of the jurisdiction. Also, the characters in this book are American and the book is set in America, so it was weird to see the English (UK) spelling of words throughout this book; words like 'honour', 'favourite', 'favour', etc.
This book was creative and exciting and I think my favorite thing was that it kept me guessing pretty much until the very end. I also enjoyed the timeless love story that was intertwined.
I was a tad disappointed with the ending because I need more. I need all my questions to be answered and I need an epilogue to cover all of those things. We didn't get that with this book. That aside, it was still done well.
Overall, I am really glad to have found this book. I recommend it and hope more people will find it and read it too.
Audible: I added the whispersync audible narration to this kindle book. The narration was good and I do recommend this as an audio book. The only thing that should be noted is that there are flashbacks throughout and they are only separated by an additional line break so the narration can get a bit confusing for a moment when the memory switches back to present day and picks back up.
Although, The Clock Keeper didn't blow me away, I really enjoyed it. I liked the characters as well. There were some issues with things not quite meshing or adding up correctly but not so much that it disrupted the story. I just tend to be a very technical and detail oriented reader. For instance, the setting. This book was mostly set in Arizona, mentioning places like Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson, and The Grand Canyon. I have lived in the Phoenix metropolitan area for 25 years. This setting didn't feel authentic. Sure the city names were used but it didn't feel like it was actually based in these locations. Another example, in the very beginning of the story, someone died and the police officer that showed up to the incident identified himself as a detective from the LAPD but they were in AZ so a bit out of the jurisdiction. Also, the characters in this book are American and the book is set in America, so it was weird to see the English (UK) spelling of words throughout this book; words like 'honour', 'favourite', 'favour', etc.
This book was creative and exciting and I think my favorite thing was that it kept me guessing pretty much until the very end. I also enjoyed the timeless love story that was intertwined.
I was a tad disappointed with the ending because I need more. I need all my questions to be answered and I need an epilogue to cover all of those things. We didn't get that with this book. That aside, it was still done well.
Overall, I am really glad to have found this book. I recommend it and hope more people will find it and read it too.
Audible: I added the whispersync audible narration to this kindle book. The narration was good and I do recommend this as an audio book. The only thing that should be noted is that there are flashbacks throughout and they are only separated by an additional line break so the narration can get a bit confusing for a moment when the memory switches back to present day and picks back up.
January 16, 2018
I've just finished reading this book, and Oh. My. Goodness. Fletcher and Clara/Clarke have really been camping out in my head the last four days. this story totally captivated my imagination, and... I'm so sad it had to end!!!
Members of a perpetual society called Tempus, essentially the guardians of time, the Clock Keepers preside over a vast hall of clocks deep in the Grand Canyon - clocks that designate the lifetimes of every person on earth. They have one rule: never looj at a clock. But when Anna Kennedy, the Clock Keeper, spots the clock of the man she loves and attempts to break it to prevent his death, it is left to her younger sister to fix the ensuing mess, perhaps even preventing the unravelling of time itself.
I really liked that there were surprises along the way in this story. I thought I'd unravelled the plot, but Delport didn't go anywhere near my ideas - for which I'm grateful!
Well-crafted and thoroughly readable, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys some mild romance with the temporal paradox thrown in.
Members of a perpetual society called Tempus, essentially the guardians of time, the Clock Keepers preside over a vast hall of clocks deep in the Grand Canyon - clocks that designate the lifetimes of every person on earth. They have one rule: never looj at a clock. But when Anna Kennedy, the Clock Keeper, spots the clock of the man she loves and attempts to break it to prevent his death, it is left to her younger sister to fix the ensuing mess, perhaps even preventing the unravelling of time itself.
I really liked that there were surprises along the way in this story. I thought I'd unravelled the plot, but Delport didn't go anywhere near my ideas - for which I'm grateful!
Well-crafted and thoroughly readable, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys some mild romance with the temporal paradox thrown in.
August 5, 2019
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but it was really good. The story had a good pace and it made you wonder what was going to happen next. I recommend this book.
March 29, 2019
As someone who has listened to a lot of murder thriller types of audible books so this was completely out of my comfort zone and at first I struggled. But a few chapters into it and I was completely hooked :) Wonderful story with a gripping twist and literally kept me guessing right until the end. Loved it x Really intriguing and enthralling and I would love to listen to more books like this in the future ;)
September 20, 2019
**For more reviews come visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **
Anna belongs to a secret society that controls time and big life events, granted immortality to right the wrong that her sister Anna's actions set in motion- an event that Clara is ultimately at fault for. Clara must kill the anomalies that have escaped the timeline, created by her former friend Fletcher, her ultimate target.
While this seems like a fantasy, gritty time travel mystery/adventure, The Clock Keeper is very much a romance. This had a heart-wrenching love triangle a the heart of the main issue, a love that triggered the events that are trying to destroy the world. High born Clara was secretly best friends with low class Fletcher, Fletcher was secretly in love with Clara, Clara's sister was openly crushing on Fletcher, and Clara had no idea what her feelings were but she would never do anything to hurt Anna, even if that means sacrificing her own happiness. The relationship between Clara and Fletcher is told in reverse, with the reader getting snips of the two over the years in flashbacks while having the hatred between them in the present. Gawd, this was an emotional angsty mess that could have been avoided but was so easy to understand. Side note, while Clara is trapped at age 18 this is not a YA novel, but most certainly an adult (in my opinion)
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read the physical book instead of the audiobook. The narrator had great annunciation and pacing, but there was never any difference between the characters voices so everything blended together and I never knew who was the speaker (also there was almost no emotion used in her voice). Also, the book switches between timelines very frequently and the audiobook did not give any indication that it was another time period (aka a memory from Clara) and I spent a majority of the time being confused if what I was listening to was a memory or present day. I ended up picking the ebook to finish the second half. I recommend the physical/ebook instead of the audio, but that is just my preference.
Overall I really enjoyed the story, it was a very quick read because I wanted to know how it ended so I ended up reading it in just one day. Keep in mind that this is a standalone story with the best ending I could have hoped for. I will certainly check out more from Melissa in the future.
Anna belongs to a secret society that controls time and big life events, granted immortality to right the wrong that her sister Anna's actions set in motion- an event that Clara is ultimately at fault for. Clara must kill the anomalies that have escaped the timeline, created by her former friend Fletcher, her ultimate target.
While this seems like a fantasy, gritty time travel mystery/adventure, The Clock Keeper is very much a romance. This had a heart-wrenching love triangle a the heart of the main issue, a love that triggered the events that are trying to destroy the world. High born Clara was secretly best friends with low class Fletcher, Fletcher was secretly in love with Clara, Clara's sister was openly crushing on Fletcher, and Clara had no idea what her feelings were but she would never do anything to hurt Anna, even if that means sacrificing her own happiness. The relationship between Clara and Fletcher is told in reverse, with the reader getting snips of the two over the years in flashbacks while having the hatred between them in the present. Gawd, this was an emotional angsty mess that could have been avoided but was so easy to understand. Side note, while Clara is trapped at age 18 this is not a YA novel, but most certainly an adult (in my opinion)
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read the physical book instead of the audiobook. The narrator had great annunciation and pacing, but there was never any difference between the characters voices so everything blended together and I never knew who was the speaker (also there was almost no emotion used in her voice). Also, the book switches between timelines very frequently and the audiobook did not give any indication that it was another time period (aka a memory from Clara) and I spent a majority of the time being confused if what I was listening to was a memory or present day. I ended up picking the ebook to finish the second half. I recommend the physical/ebook instead of the audio, but that is just my preference.
Overall I really enjoyed the story, it was a very quick read because I wanted to know how it ended so I ended up reading it in just one day. Keep in mind that this is a standalone story with the best ending I could have hoped for. I will certainly check out more from Melissa in the future.
March 14, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"All this time and you've been right here."
Like the cover, this story is beautiful - beautifully written, descriptions clarify and sparkle or rush past as the action intensifies. and the whole is a beautiful time tear drop, from the startling first chapter to the satisfying conclusion. Despite the twists back and forth between place and time as the adventure moves forward and the past is explained, it is easy to read and to follow. A love story, a mystery, a thriller, set over a century of time restoration. There are certainly some areas that, in retrospect, are a little questionable but these cannot fault the overall story.
Written mostly in the first person from the p.o.v.of Clara, aka Clarke, daughter of one of the seven families responsible for the safe continuance of time itself, who had attempted to rescue her sister and possibly the entire time line at the expense of her own future and love and her family's ongoing. The book begins some hundred years later, and Clara was tired of the life into which she had been thrust, of being alone and even of life itself: yet still the problems were unresolved. Characterisation, especially of the main protagonists is skilful, they have a fine mix of good and less pleasant attributes, and the reader is drawn into this adventure easily alongside them. Narration by Vivien Swain does not quite match the quality of the writing, sad!y. Although well intoned, there are brief hesitations in her delivery of the text which momentarily marr the smooth running, so much a part of this book's delight. And, for this reader personally, a timbre with just a little more gravitas would have been preferable: Ms.Swain's voice seemed too young to carry the character she was portraying. Not a bad performance but one which did not seem appropriate for this reading.
I was most fortunate at being freely gifted a complimentary copy of The Clock Keeper, at my request, by the rights holder. Thank you. I realize that in my voluntary review above I have left scanty if any plot content: to do so would invite spoilers, and the discovery of what is haplening, and has happened, is too integral to the story's enjoyment that this would not be appropriate. Read it for yourself, I recommend it.
"All this time and you've been right here."
Like the cover, this story is beautiful - beautifully written, descriptions clarify and sparkle or rush past as the action intensifies. and the whole is a beautiful time tear drop, from the startling first chapter to the satisfying conclusion. Despite the twists back and forth between place and time as the adventure moves forward and the past is explained, it is easy to read and to follow. A love story, a mystery, a thriller, set over a century of time restoration. There are certainly some areas that, in retrospect, are a little questionable but these cannot fault the overall story.
Written mostly in the first person from the p.o.v.of Clara, aka Clarke, daughter of one of the seven families responsible for the safe continuance of time itself, who had attempted to rescue her sister and possibly the entire time line at the expense of her own future and love and her family's ongoing. The book begins some hundred years later, and Clara was tired of the life into which she had been thrust, of being alone and even of life itself: yet still the problems were unresolved. Characterisation, especially of the main protagonists is skilful, they have a fine mix of good and less pleasant attributes, and the reader is drawn into this adventure easily alongside them. Narration by Vivien Swain does not quite match the quality of the writing, sad!y. Although well intoned, there are brief hesitations in her delivery of the text which momentarily marr the smooth running, so much a part of this book's delight. And, for this reader personally, a timbre with just a little more gravitas would have been preferable: Ms.Swain's voice seemed too young to carry the character she was portraying. Not a bad performance but one which did not seem appropriate for this reading.
I was most fortunate at being freely gifted a complimentary copy of The Clock Keeper, at my request, by the rights holder. Thank you. I realize that in my voluntary review above I have left scanty if any plot content: to do so would invite spoilers, and the discovery of what is haplening, and has happened, is too integral to the story's enjoyment that this would not be appropriate. Read it for yourself, I recommend it.
May 23, 2019
Don't mess with time.
This was an entertaining time travel novel; not something I would normally read, but definitely an interesting diversion. I loved A Life made of Lava by Melissa Delport, under her alias, Lissa Del and you have to agree, The Clock Keeper has an appealing cover!
A huge, cavernous hall of clocks, each one representing a living person and presided over by The Clock Keeper for a period of ten years. During this time he/she lives alone in total darkness. Each of the seven most powerful families in the US takes turns in sending a keeper for the clocks - although the thought of the Kennedys, Lincolns etc being responsible for my clock sends shivers up my spine.
What happens when the unspeakable happens and someone messes with the clocks? How does this affect time and how can it be corrected?
I enjoyed how the author introduced Clarke Kennedy to us, we thought she was good, then bad, then good again, clever. But I did feel in places that the back-story was a bit slow in unraveling and I thought I must have missed something, wracking my brain to fill gaps that had yet to be filled. This was only a small gripe earlier on, as I got more involved the story paced well and I was rooting for Clarke and Fletcher in their race against time, literally.
The audio version was narrated by Vivien Swain, who spoke clearly but made too many mistakes. I thought it was just a pronunciation thing at first but she reads the word dinghy in one place correctly and in another as dingie. These errors really irritated me.
All in all a good read/listen, from an author who I will look out for in the future.
This was an entertaining time travel novel; not something I would normally read, but definitely an interesting diversion. I loved A Life made of Lava by Melissa Delport, under her alias, Lissa Del and you have to agree, The Clock Keeper has an appealing cover!
A huge, cavernous hall of clocks, each one representing a living person and presided over by The Clock Keeper for a period of ten years. During this time he/she lives alone in total darkness. Each of the seven most powerful families in the US takes turns in sending a keeper for the clocks - although the thought of the Kennedys, Lincolns etc being responsible for my clock sends shivers up my spine.
What happens when the unspeakable happens and someone messes with the clocks? How does this affect time and how can it be corrected?
I enjoyed how the author introduced Clarke Kennedy to us, we thought she was good, then bad, then good again, clever. But I did feel in places that the back-story was a bit slow in unraveling and I thought I must have missed something, wracking my brain to fill gaps that had yet to be filled. This was only a small gripe earlier on, as I got more involved the story paced well and I was rooting for Clarke and Fletcher in their race against time, literally.
The audio version was narrated by Vivien Swain, who spoke clearly but made too many mistakes. I thought it was just a pronunciation thing at first but she reads the word dinghy in one place correctly and in another as dingie. These errors really irritated me.
All in all a good read/listen, from an author who I will look out for in the future.
March 27, 2019
When I started listening to this book I really wasn't sure whether it would be my kind of book but as I love fantasy books I decided to give it a go. I am really glad I did as it is an amazing book, which had me entranced from within the first 5 minutes and kept me engaged all the way through.
The story follows Clara (or Clarke as she changes her name to throughout the book) is the story teller in this book, and everything that happens is from her point of view. The book flicks from present day to the past, starting in the late 19th century and slowly moving through the 20th as we are told her back story throughout the book. H
Her back story is told in two ways, either in flash backs where she remembers something, or by her speaking to other people and telling them what happened. Both ways work brilliantly as we as listeners also gain this knowledge in a realistic way.
The book follows Clara and Fletcher throughout a 100 year period as, through different means, they are both immortal and trying to stop the world from ending.
The story is really well written and narrated and I loved the way the whole book worked and flowed.
The story follows Clara (or Clarke as she changes her name to throughout the book) is the story teller in this book, and everything that happens is from her point of view. The book flicks from present day to the past, starting in the late 19th century and slowly moving through the 20th as we are told her back story throughout the book. H
Her back story is told in two ways, either in flash backs where she remembers something, or by her speaking to other people and telling them what happened. Both ways work brilliantly as we as listeners also gain this knowledge in a realistic way.
The book follows Clara and Fletcher throughout a 100 year period as, through different means, they are both immortal and trying to stop the world from ending.
The story is really well written and narrated and I loved the way the whole book worked and flowed.
January 14, 2020
Audio book review: The Clock Keeper was a fantastic story!! I loved the characters and how they grew (or not depending on whether they were good or horrible people or all the other factors that are so interesting about us as humans), I loved the idea of the whole story and how the author wove everything into the strands of time.
The narrator Vivien Swain did a fantastic job with this book and the different characters.
Ive come to really love the work of Melissa Delport and Im really looking forward to more from her.
The narrator Vivien Swain did a fantastic job with this book and the different characters.
Ive come to really love the work of Melissa Delport and Im really looking forward to more from her.
July 22, 2017
I couldn't wait to read this book and it certainly didn't disappoint. What a terrific imagination this author has. She never fails to deliver!! I was captivated by Fletcher's character and that of Clara /Clarke and their run ins with The Guild.
I would love to hear that there'll be a sequel in the offing. A big 5⭐️ from this reader.
I would love to hear that there'll be a sequel in the offing. A big 5⭐️ from this reader.
May 19, 2019
Interesting book about an organization who are the guardians of Time. Anna and Clark are sisters in love with the same boy. Because of this live, one sister does something to affect time. This sends the family into disgrace and the other sister must fix it before it is too late.
August 11, 2022
Boring
Dreadful
Used "brevity" when meant "gravity" TWICE
TWO TIMES
ONCE I CAN FORGIVE BUT EVERY EDITOR INVOLVED IN THIS GARBAGE IS AN IDIOT
Dreadful
Used "brevity" when meant "gravity" TWICE
TWO TIMES
ONCE I CAN FORGIVE BUT EVERY EDITOR INVOLVED IN THIS GARBAGE IS AN IDIOT
March 17, 2019
This was a wonderful wibbly wobbly, Timey wimey story.
It was so well written and fast paced. Without losing any of it’s written beauty.
The main character Clarke is a brilliant well rounded lead with an attitude of don’t cross me but with a heart of gold, and the bond with her sister Anna is so real that I actually felt sorry for the two of them.
Enter the maybe villain of this tale Fletcher I say maybe because he isn’t intentionally being mean more misguided, but I enjoyed how it all worked itself out in the end, the slight romantic element usually puts me off but it was done in such a way that it actually weaved through the story largely to me unnoticed.
The narrator for this story was Vivian Swain, did an excellent job narrating the very twisty subject of time travel, but she made it a joy to listen to and the time flew by, her pace was good and it made me invest more in some characters than I probably would have.
So if time travelling adventures are your thing or if your looking to dive into a new genre then I would give this a look and a listen, you won’t be disappointed.
It was so well written and fast paced. Without losing any of it’s written beauty.
The main character Clarke is a brilliant well rounded lead with an attitude of don’t cross me but with a heart of gold, and the bond with her sister Anna is so real that I actually felt sorry for the two of them.
Enter the maybe villain of this tale Fletcher I say maybe because he isn’t intentionally being mean more misguided, but I enjoyed how it all worked itself out in the end, the slight romantic element usually puts me off but it was done in such a way that it actually weaved through the story largely to me unnoticed.
The narrator for this story was Vivian Swain, did an excellent job narrating the very twisty subject of time travel, but she made it a joy to listen to and the time flew by, her pace was good and it made me invest more in some characters than I probably would have.
So if time travelling adventures are your thing or if your looking to dive into a new genre then I would give this a look and a listen, you won’t be disappointed.
March 20, 2019
An intricate story of love and betrayal cleverly woven through time. Not my usual Genre so it took me a little while to get into the flow of things but once I did I was hooked! An excellent read.
March 26, 2019
Audiobook reviewed
I am a big fan of time travel adventures, through literature classic and modern, to the movies, so was more than happy to read this, and I was not disappointed.
A very clever story, with great pace, lovely, relevant romance, and well-rounded characters, there was some disconnect at the end as lessons did not seem learnt, but I quite liked this as an original ending, to most blockbuster novels.
Clarke was a protagonist to root and care for, The villain wasn't a cardboard cutout, and the various relationships handled very well.
The narration was top notch, her pacing great and kept me wanting to listen.
Definitely would recommend this to existing time travel fans and new to the genre.
I am a big fan of time travel adventures, through literature classic and modern, to the movies, so was more than happy to read this, and I was not disappointed.
A very clever story, with great pace, lovely, relevant romance, and well-rounded characters, there was some disconnect at the end as lessons did not seem learnt, but I quite liked this as an original ending, to most blockbuster novels.
Clarke was a protagonist to root and care for, The villain wasn't a cardboard cutout, and the various relationships handled very well.
The narration was top notch, her pacing great and kept me wanting to listen.
Definitely would recommend this to existing time travel fans and new to the genre.
March 16, 2019
This is not my usual genre to read but found it to be quite action packed. Would have preferred to read it on ebook as I wasnt crazy about the narrators voice. I liked the concept of a Clock Keeper.
March 13, 2019
Audiobook review
What a magical tale to get lost in.
Adventure, twisting, from way back to long life & future life. This was a great story to get really involved in.
The characters were lovely. Well most of them!
The narrator was great. Her voice was spot on for this story.
Really enjoyed every aspect of this.
What a magical tale to get lost in.
Adventure, twisting, from way back to long life & future life. This was a great story to get really involved in.
The characters were lovely. Well most of them!
The narrator was great. Her voice was spot on for this story.
Really enjoyed every aspect of this.
January 9, 2017
CLARKE Kennedy is one of the last living members of one of the seven powerful families charged with safeguarding time.
Clarke's sister, Anna, is sworn in is as a Clock Keeper by the Tempus Guild. During her short stint in the crucial role, she commits an atrocity that has dire consequences for Clarke and their mutual friend, Fletcher.
As mortals, Clarke and Fletcher were the closest of friends, but now, as immortals, they are sworn enemies. She and the Guild have hunted him for a century but Fletcher has always been one step ahead, avoiding their grasp like a shadow.
If you are familiar with Melissa's previous work, The Legacy Trilogy, The Guardians of Summerfeld series and Rainfall, you will notice the mix of genres (romance, fantasy and fiction) in this book that merge in a spectacular way to form a read that is best described as unputdownable.
The plot reveals key elements at various points in the book, giving you the right amount of information to keep you sated but intrigued enough to still be hooked.
Clarke is quite unlike any other character written by Delport. She is imperfect, a thief and isn't afraid to get her hands dirty to reach her end goal.
If there is one book that needs to be moved to the top of your reading pile, it is this novel.
Clarke's sister, Anna, is sworn in is as a Clock Keeper by the Tempus Guild. During her short stint in the crucial role, she commits an atrocity that has dire consequences for Clarke and their mutual friend, Fletcher.
As mortals, Clarke and Fletcher were the closest of friends, but now, as immortals, they are sworn enemies. She and the Guild have hunted him for a century but Fletcher has always been one step ahead, avoiding their grasp like a shadow.
If you are familiar with Melissa's previous work, The Legacy Trilogy, The Guardians of Summerfeld series and Rainfall, you will notice the mix of genres (romance, fantasy and fiction) in this book that merge in a spectacular way to form a read that is best described as unputdownable.
The plot reveals key elements at various points in the book, giving you the right amount of information to keep you sated but intrigued enough to still be hooked.
Clarke is quite unlike any other character written by Delport. She is imperfect, a thief and isn't afraid to get her hands dirty to reach her end goal.
If there is one book that needs to be moved to the top of your reading pile, it is this novel.
January 13, 2017
This was my first read of 2017 and boy was it a good one. I am a fan of the author and love how her imagination works. This book did not disappoint.
The story is a little hard to explain, and I wouldn't give spoilers anyway. Suffice to say this will have the reader constantly thinking back to what they have previously read to find clues as to what is going on.
A brilliant story, and in particular a perfect ending. Love love love it.
The story is a little hard to explain, and I wouldn't give spoilers anyway. Suffice to say this will have the reader constantly thinking back to what they have previously read to find clues as to what is going on.
A brilliant story, and in particular a perfect ending. Love love love it.
December 17, 2019
Edit to add:
I listened to this on Audible, and it was just as great as when I read it. I enjoyed the narrator. And even though I just read this last December, I found I forgot quite a bit of the details. I wish this was a series!
This was a beautiful love story that mixed in suspense, conspiracy and legend.. with a bit of magic. I enjoyed it very much.
If you like Dan Brown books, you will enjoy this one!
I listened to this on Audible, and it was just as great as when I read it. I enjoyed the narrator. And even though I just read this last December, I found I forgot quite a bit of the details. I wish this was a series!
This was a beautiful love story that mixed in suspense, conspiracy and legend.. with a bit of magic. I enjoyed it very much.
If you like Dan Brown books, you will enjoy this one!
December 17, 2019
I had the audio version of this book and greatly enjoyed it - a highly entertaining story about time with a great female lead, interesting locations and some fabulous world-building. The plot is original and clever, the writing is great, the historical back flashes are atmospheric and the characters are well drawn - the whole thing is spot on.
Can’t wait to read more from this author!
Can’t wait to read more from this author!
December 18, 2018
Started well, but descended into a predictable romance.
Several questions - why should the Americans be the guardians of time, shouldn't it be rather wider than that?, and surely anomalies were created by what Clara/Clarke did?
Several questions - why should the Americans be the guardians of time, shouldn't it be rather wider than that?, and surely anomalies were created by what Clara/Clarke did?
August 30, 2017
Simply loved it! It is very well written! Besides that, it is clever, creative and the characters are very likable! I recommend it to everyone who enjoys a very good and entertaining book!
December 30, 2018
3.5 stars. After loving "The Legacy" series, I figured I'd give other books by this author a try. I liked this, didn't love it. The constant switching back and forth from the present to the past was a little grating on me (another recent read "The Boy Who Dared" had a similar set-up, although not much was happening in the present, it was mostly all the past). Although it was pretty clearly labeled (with spacing/date) there was a time or two when it shifted time frames and I got a little confused.
There wasn't a lot of introduction to the basic storyline, we had to figure it out. The whole "hall of clocks" and the clock keeper (so, they are just watching over the clocks, but not really doing anything?) and the Guild and founding families keeping time intact ... other than this one "Anna incident" had there been any other possible time disruptions? I was just never quite sure of what all they were doing, and why ...
So, it's my assumption that this author is a Brit. Although all her books I've read have been about Americans, set in America ... the alternate (and I admit, accepted) British spellings of words abound. To me, even something as simple as spelling sets a tone. I guess I feel if the characters are American and this is taking place in the US, that should affect the spelling. If the characters were British, and/or this was taking place in the UK, then the alternate spelling would make sense, and even add to the ambiance. (sleight, specialises, fibre, organisation, meagre, realised, jewellery, cancelled, prise, favourite, harboured, centre, pyjamas, publicise, scrutinising, sombre, recognising, neighbourhood, humour, manoeuvre, galvanised) same for descriptions of items (torch, mobile, notes). These British alternatives seem out of place and they break up the continuity and feel for me.
I liked the little non de plume "Hope Foreman" (that's clever) and the simile "Her hairline and eyebrows pull together as it there's a party they're both desperate to attend" ;)
There wasn't a lot of introduction to the basic storyline, we had to figure it out. The whole "hall of clocks" and the clock keeper (so, they are just watching over the clocks, but not really doing anything?) and the Guild and founding families keeping time intact ... other than this one "Anna incident" had there been any other possible time disruptions? I was just never quite sure of what all they were doing, and why ...
So, it's my assumption that this author is a Brit. Although all her books I've read have been about Americans, set in America ... the alternate (and I admit, accepted) British spellings of words abound. To me, even something as simple as spelling sets a tone. I guess I feel if the characters are American and this is taking place in the US, that should affect the spelling. If the characters were British, and/or this was taking place in the UK, then the alternate spelling would make sense, and even add to the ambiance. (sleight, specialises, fibre, organisation, meagre, realised, jewellery, cancelled, prise, favourite, harboured, centre, pyjamas, publicise, scrutinising, sombre, recognising, neighbourhood, humour, manoeuvre, galvanised) same for descriptions of items (torch, mobile, notes). These British alternatives seem out of place and they break up the continuity and feel for me.
I liked the little non de plume "Hope Foreman" (that's clever) and the simile "Her hairline and eyebrows pull together as it there's a party they're both desperate to attend" ;)
July 12, 2019
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is definitely an interesting premise and I appreciate the incorporation of important historical families into this world, even if I’m not sold on the plausibility of it all. However, something about this story fell a bit flat for me. Maybe it’s that I have a lot of lingering questions, mostly around the logistics of the clocks and time travel themselves. It may just be because I have a scientific mind that can’t help but critique most semi-plausible science fiction.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
1. How did stabbing a clock without seeming to cause much actual damage mess it up enough to make Fletcher immortal?
2. Why did removing the hands of Clara’s clock make her immortal? Wasn’t her time of death already on the clock and wouldn’t the cogs in the inside still keep moving normally without the hands?
3. Why exactly was the issue with Fletcher’s clock supposed to unravel the fabric of time itself? The explanation was a bit lackluster.
4. How did setting just her clock back send Clara back in time? I feel like it should’ve just made her decrease in age, but not actually send her back to a past time. If it did have to send her back, I also do not really understand why she would keep her memories.
5. How did turning her clock back also send Fletcher back? The explanation is that he was also touching her clock, but it wasn’t his clock, so I don’t think he should’ve been affected.
6. Why was Fletcher able to survive when they went back? His time of death was known, and my understanding is that this is predetermined for everyone upon birth and printed on each person’s clock? Why would them going back have changed this?
7. Why did Anna also survive when they went back? Since she killed herself in the original timeline, that must mean her death was predestined to happen at that time since it seems like these times of death are unchangeable. Since she lost the reason for killing herself in the new timeline, shouldn’t she have died some other way at the same time?
This is definitely an interesting premise and I appreciate the incorporation of important historical families into this world, even if I’m not sold on the plausibility of it all. However, something about this story fell a bit flat for me. Maybe it’s that I have a lot of lingering questions, mostly around the logistics of the clocks and time travel themselves. It may just be because I have a scientific mind that can’t help but critique most semi-plausible science fiction.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
1. How did stabbing a clock without seeming to cause much actual damage mess it up enough to make Fletcher immortal?
2. Why did removing the hands of Clara’s clock make her immortal? Wasn’t her time of death already on the clock and wouldn’t the cogs in the inside still keep moving normally without the hands?
3. Why exactly was the issue with Fletcher’s clock supposed to unravel the fabric of time itself? The explanation was a bit lackluster.
4. How did setting just her clock back send Clara back in time? I feel like it should’ve just made her decrease in age, but not actually send her back to a past time. If it did have to send her back, I also do not really understand why she would keep her memories.
5. How did turning her clock back also send Fletcher back? The explanation is that he was also touching her clock, but it wasn’t his clock, so I don’t think he should’ve been affected.
6. Why was Fletcher able to survive when they went back? His time of death was known, and my understanding is that this is predetermined for everyone upon birth and printed on each person’s clock? Why would them going back have changed this?
7. Why did Anna also survive when they went back? Since she killed herself in the original timeline, that must mean her death was predestined to happen at that time since it seems like these times of death are unchangeable. Since she lost the reason for killing herself in the new timeline, shouldn’t she have died some other way at the same time?
March 30, 2019
You Shouldn't Mess With Time
This book is by an author who is totally new to me and it's always a gamble isn't it when you start a book by someone new? This story is like no other I have read or listened to so it definitely gets marks for its originality. The story centers around Clarke Kennedy who is a member of one of the seven powerful families charged with safeguarding time. As I said the premise for this book is definitely original.
The Tempus Guild appointed Anna, Clarke's sister, as a Clock Keeper but during one of the shortest stints in this crucial role by anyone, she committed an atrocity which has really serious consequences for Clarke and their mutual friend, Fletcher. The story is told from Clarke's point of view and jumps from the present to the past and back again with the story taking place between the late 19th and the 20th century.
Clarke's story is told quite cleverly in either a flashback as she remembers something or when she is speaking to someone, telling them what happened which works well as we the listener also know what and why things are happening.
Clarke's quest is to set right the events set into motion by Anna, to do that it has been necessary for her to do some unexpected and questionable things but she's not the only one doing questionable things whilst she tries to right these wrongs she has to deal with Fletcher, her once friend but now immortal enemy.
The plot is written in such a way that the key elements are revealed to us at various times giving us just the right amount of information to keep us intrigued and satisfied.
The story is really well written and the narration worked perfectly. I enjoyed the way the story flowed and the world building. The moral of the story is you shouldn't mess with time!
This book is by an author who is totally new to me and it's always a gamble isn't it when you start a book by someone new? This story is like no other I have read or listened to so it definitely gets marks for its originality. The story centers around Clarke Kennedy who is a member of one of the seven powerful families charged with safeguarding time. As I said the premise for this book is definitely original.
The Tempus Guild appointed Anna, Clarke's sister, as a Clock Keeper but during one of the shortest stints in this crucial role by anyone, she committed an atrocity which has really serious consequences for Clarke and their mutual friend, Fletcher. The story is told from Clarke's point of view and jumps from the present to the past and back again with the story taking place between the late 19th and the 20th century.
Clarke's story is told quite cleverly in either a flashback as she remembers something or when she is speaking to someone, telling them what happened which works well as we the listener also know what and why things are happening.
Clarke's quest is to set right the events set into motion by Anna, to do that it has been necessary for her to do some unexpected and questionable things but she's not the only one doing questionable things whilst she tries to right these wrongs she has to deal with Fletcher, her once friend but now immortal enemy.
The plot is written in such a way that the key elements are revealed to us at various times giving us just the right amount of information to keep us intrigued and satisfied.
The story is really well written and the narration worked perfectly. I enjoyed the way the story flowed and the world building. The moral of the story is you shouldn't mess with time!
July 9, 2019
Terrific Story & Audible Listen🎧 4.5 Intriguing & Enjoyable Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Clock Keeper
By: Melissa Delport
Narrated by: Vivien Swain
This is my first book written by Melissa Delport and it will not be my last. She is a gifted writer with an imaginative and creative mind. Her storylines are interesting and original, they held my attention from start to end. I liked the whole premise and dynamics of the secret society and what they are all about, protecting time. I loved the family names she chose for the seven families in that society. Clara aka Clarke is the hero in this story, even though it was her sisters doing, she still blamed herself for everything that went array and she is determined to correct it. And it all was because of a boy, Fletcher Kincaid. She has been looking for Fletcher for years, finally finding him, only because he allowed her to. After a cat and mouse game I liked how they finally put their anger behind them and teamed up to fix things, stop the anomalies from happening and to become mortal again. I like how it all played out, action packed drama, some twists, mystery and suspense, as well as a touch of romance. I highly recommend this story it is enjoyable, adventurous and takes you on a journey in time and to the edge of your seat at times. Melissa Delport thank you for this great and entertaining story.
I listened to the Audible edition, Vivien Swain is a wonderful narrator and voice performer. She brings the characters to life, gives each their own voice and personality. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen🎧
The Clock Keeper
By: Melissa Delport
Narrated by: Vivien Swain
This is my first book written by Melissa Delport and it will not be my last. She is a gifted writer with an imaginative and creative mind. Her storylines are interesting and original, they held my attention from start to end. I liked the whole premise and dynamics of the secret society and what they are all about, protecting time. I loved the family names she chose for the seven families in that society. Clara aka Clarke is the hero in this story, even though it was her sisters doing, she still blamed herself for everything that went array and she is determined to correct it. And it all was because of a boy, Fletcher Kincaid. She has been looking for Fletcher for years, finally finding him, only because he allowed her to. After a cat and mouse game I liked how they finally put their anger behind them and teamed up to fix things, stop the anomalies from happening and to become mortal again. I like how it all played out, action packed drama, some twists, mystery and suspense, as well as a touch of romance. I highly recommend this story it is enjoyable, adventurous and takes you on a journey in time and to the edge of your seat at times. Melissa Delport thank you for this great and entertaining story.
I listened to the Audible edition, Vivien Swain is a wonderful narrator and voice performer. She brings the characters to life, gives each their own voice and personality. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen🎧
August 2, 2019
I listened to this as an audiobook and I loved the story. It was an imaginative approach to time travel and the entire concept of time. The characters were interesting and well-developed. The story really kept me going as I wondered what would happen next. The writing was very good too.
I found the beginning a bit confusing and I kept rewinding to try to figure out why I wasn’t understanding it. But things became clearer around chapter 12. Once I understood the backstory, I enjoyed the complexities and the protagonist’s idea to fix a disaster created by her sister.
Unfortunately, the reader was not that good. She occasionally over-enunciated as if she was reading to kids. Also annoying was her incorrect pronunciation of words that every audiobook reader should know. I am a professional editor/proofreader, and I found these to be the equivalent of Audiobook typos. Here are two of them: She pronounced “prostrate” with a long O like “pro-straight”. “Malevolent” is pronounced something like “mal-vol-ent”.
If unusual time travel appeals to you, I highly recommend this book. Just be prepared to be a little distracted by the reader.
I hope there is a sequel, but please use a different reader. Brittany Pressley, Karissa Vacker or Natalie Duke would be good readers for a sequel.
I received a complimentary copy of this Audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
I found the beginning a bit confusing and I kept rewinding to try to figure out why I wasn’t understanding it. But things became clearer around chapter 12. Once I understood the backstory, I enjoyed the complexities and the protagonist’s idea to fix a disaster created by her sister.
Unfortunately, the reader was not that good. She occasionally over-enunciated as if she was reading to kids. Also annoying was her incorrect pronunciation of words that every audiobook reader should know. I am a professional editor/proofreader, and I found these to be the equivalent of Audiobook typos. Here are two of them: She pronounced “prostrate” with a long O like “pro-straight”. “Malevolent” is pronounced something like “mal-vol-ent”.
If unusual time travel appeals to you, I highly recommend this book. Just be prepared to be a little distracted by the reader.
I hope there is a sequel, but please use a different reader. Brittany Pressley, Karissa Vacker or Natalie Duke would be good readers for a sequel.
I received a complimentary copy of this Audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
June 30, 2018
I devoured this book. There was just something really special about the adventure Delport takes the reader on. I thought Clarke was a really relatable hero, and the way her backstory was shown through flashbacks really sucked you into the story.
The book is divided into two parts; the first has an undercurrent of the waiting game that Clarke has been playing for 100 years, and really gives you a sense of how this has been going on for seemingly forever. The adventure really kicks off in the second part, which has a sense of urgency that you won't be able to shake.
I loved every single character in this one; from Clarke and Fletcher, the main couple the book is built around, to Anna, the sister whose rash, lovesick actions put this all into motion, to every single side character that aids Clarke on her quest (clock keeper Vincent, aunt Elizabeth, Truman; such a huge cast of characters and still they all felt so real).
I would really recommend this to anyone who's looking for an adventure with a side dish of romance.
The book is divided into two parts; the first has an undercurrent of the waiting game that Clarke has been playing for 100 years, and really gives you a sense of how this has been going on for seemingly forever. The adventure really kicks off in the second part, which has a sense of urgency that you won't be able to shake.
I loved every single character in this one; from Clarke and Fletcher, the main couple the book is built around, to Anna, the sister whose rash, lovesick actions put this all into motion, to every single side character that aids Clarke on her quest (clock keeper Vincent, aunt Elizabeth, Truman; such a huge cast of characters and still they all felt so real).
I would really recommend this to anyone who's looking for an adventure with a side dish of romance.
July 10, 2019
This book was pretty cool. Its a bit different from the typical time keeper, time travel type of novel. But I found it to be quite entertaining with a little mystery. It really was like a race against time. The back and forth between past and present was fun and did a great job going into depth in Clarke/Clara's past so that we can understand the heavy burden she faces in the present. I liked Clarke a lot and felt really bad for the burden she faced as an immortal doomed to fix her sisters mistake. Fletcher was also an interesting character because he was once Clarke's friend who is now her enemy. His character was hard to understand at first, but when his story is fully revealed I felt for him. I ended up feeling so bad for him and loving him as well. The Clock Keeper is a fun time travel novel. I liked the characters, the race against time, the romance, the writing, and that perfect ending.
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