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Realm of Elestra #1
Timekeeper
Saved from the streets by the mysterious George Whipple, Parker and Lydia grew up in the Whipplehouse Orphanage. After being fitted with a magical monocle, Parker finds he has the ability to stop time. With his new power, he spends his days tinkering and inventing intricate do-dads. Life was grand until the night Elias came to town. Parker's life is turned upside down when tragedy struck on the night of the winter solstice of his 18th year. He risks losing the one thing he loves Lydia. But, will his newfound power be able to find her? And what about the perplexing machine in the cellar workshop?
66 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2019
About the author
Rebekah Dodson
78 books439 followersRebekah Dodson is a prolific word weaver of romance, fantasy, and science fiction novels. Her works include the series Postcards from Paris, The Surrogate, The Curse of Lanval series, several stand alone novels, and her upcoming YA novel, Clock City. She has been writing her whole life, with her first published work of historical fiction with 4H Clubs of America at the age of 12, and poetry at the age of 16 with the National Poetry Society. With an extensive academic background including education, history, psychology and English, she currently works as a college professor by day and a writer by night.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 22, 2019
What a fantastic premise with a solid execution. I'll post my full review tomorrow after my final exam for the year (Yay! Six months without university) but all I can say is, this is a great read and and just as great a listen - Irish narrators are the best!
This book sets up a lot of intriguing steampunk-inspired ideas and is a wonderful foundation for the books to come! I'd also recommend this book to anyone who loved the anime/manga, Promised Neverland.
Thanks to Rebekah Dodson for the free ARC audio book in exchange for an honest review
And what a gorgeous cover too!
This book sets up a lot of intriguing steampunk-inspired ideas and is a wonderful foundation for the books to come! I'd also recommend this book to anyone who loved the anime/manga, Promised Neverland.
Thanks to Rebekah Dodson for the free ARC audio book in exchange for an honest review
And what a gorgeous cover too!
November 23, 2020
It was good but it had issues that was confusing and the ending did not help!
November 15, 2020
*Review of Audiobook Edition*
I feel like Timekeeper is one of those prequel novellas that really needs to be read after the main book in a series for it to matter.
The story starts off interesting with Parker and Lydia as a sort of brother sister item. They get taken in by two older men who have magic and things get more interesting, then when things are the most interesting the story just ends and we get a summary of what Parker has been doing for the last two decades. It is a let down to be sure. Not even a proper cliff hanger. I suspect that summary is probably where the actual first book takes place. I fully intend to read more of this series so it wasn't a total disappointment just anti climatic.
Parker and Lydia are good characters. You root for them because they are orphans, you ship them because they care about each other so much. And you don't understand the ending at all because . . . we'll I won't spoil it for you.
The steampunk aesthetic was light but there, with cogs and tesla coils and Victorian clothing galore.
The narrator Andrew McDermott has an incredible Irish accent that I absolutely enjoyed listening to. But since the story takes place in Missouri and not Ireland, I was also a little unsure of why literally everyone has an Irish accent.
In conclusion Timekeeper is a prequel to what I'm sure will be an amazing steampunk series. The audiobook is short and easy to follow. So check it out if you need something to get you through a long lunch hour. Or if you just can't get enough Irish accents.
I feel like Timekeeper is one of those prequel novellas that really needs to be read after the main book in a series for it to matter.
The story starts off interesting with Parker and Lydia as a sort of brother sister item. They get taken in by two older men who have magic and things get more interesting, then when things are the most interesting the story just ends and we get a summary of what Parker has been doing for the last two decades. It is a let down to be sure. Not even a proper cliff hanger. I suspect that summary is probably where the actual first book takes place. I fully intend to read more of this series so it wasn't a total disappointment just anti climatic.
Parker and Lydia are good characters. You root for them because they are orphans, you ship them because they care about each other so much. And you don't understand the ending at all because . . . we'll I won't spoil it for you.
The steampunk aesthetic was light but there, with cogs and tesla coils and Victorian clothing galore.
The narrator Andrew McDermott has an incredible Irish accent that I absolutely enjoyed listening to. But since the story takes place in Missouri and not Ireland, I was also a little unsure of why literally everyone has an Irish accent.
In conclusion Timekeeper is a prequel to what I'm sure will be an amazing steampunk series. The audiobook is short and easy to follow. So check it out if you need something to get you through a long lunch hour. Or if you just can't get enough Irish accents.
July 25, 2019
Charles Dickens, meet Steampunk!
As an introduction to Rebekah Dodson, a found this story to be quite fascinating. It was initially slow starting, but picked up. The orphanage was interesting and I'd love to hear more of that backstory. Parker is the only character I really got to know in the story. He was a bit complicated, but singleminded in his love of Lydia. I found myself wondering what he would have chosen to do with his life, had he been given a true choice. Lydia was a bit more of a mystery. She was perhaps an ordinary girl in the midst of the secrets and intrigue.
Having read little of the Steampunk genre, I found the story easy enough to follow and curious enough to finish. I would definitely pick up the next book in the series.
Content warning: There is some violence, though it's not graphic.
I received a free copy of the audio book from the narrator and have reviewed it voluntarily.
As an introduction to Rebekah Dodson, a found this story to be quite fascinating. It was initially slow starting, but picked up. The orphanage was interesting and I'd love to hear more of that backstory. Parker is the only character I really got to know in the story. He was a bit complicated, but singleminded in his love of Lydia. I found myself wondering what he would have chosen to do with his life, had he been given a true choice. Lydia was a bit more of a mystery. She was perhaps an ordinary girl in the midst of the secrets and intrigue.
Having read little of the Steampunk genre, I found the story easy enough to follow and curious enough to finish. I would definitely pick up the next book in the series.
Content warning: There is some violence, though it's not graphic.
I received a free copy of the audio book from the narrator and have reviewed it voluntarily.
November 29, 2020
Fast Read
This story is a really cool concept, it is well written, and a really quick read. I absolutely love the narrator's accent, he was really fun to listen to!! That being said it was a little funny to have such a thick Scottish accent for something taking place in Missouri, not that I honestly minded personally I would be fine with the whole state speaking that way.😉 At just and hour an thirty seven minutes this was a really fast listen and I am really looking forward to where it goes next. I don't always like the steam punk style of writing but this one I really enjoyed. I would warn that there is some graphic violence and is probably a PG13 level read so middle school and up should be fine, but if you can't handle surgery level scenes then you might want to pass on this one.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This story is a really cool concept, it is well written, and a really quick read. I absolutely love the narrator's accent, he was really fun to listen to!! That being said it was a little funny to have such a thick Scottish accent for something taking place in Missouri, not that I honestly minded personally I would be fine with the whole state speaking that way.😉 At just and hour an thirty seven minutes this was a really fast listen and I am really looking forward to where it goes next. I don't always like the steam punk style of writing but this one I really enjoyed. I would warn that there is some graphic violence and is probably a PG13 level read so middle school and up should be fine, but if you can't handle surgery level scenes then you might want to pass on this one.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 16, 2022
I liked the cover and the blurb for this book; however, I thought the story lacked enough details to paint a full picture. I realize that this was a short story and an introduction to the "Realm of Elestra" series. I understand that this beginning tale was utilized to set up the characters and the setting; however, there were not enough details to make the characters' actions believable. I was entertained by the segment enough that I am interested in more of the series. Andrew McDermott's narration was fun and entertaining. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
April 25, 2019
A wonderful time travel novella full of mystery.
Saved from the streets Parker and Lydia grow up in the Whipplehouse Orphanage, are raised by the mysterious Whipple brothers. After being fitted with a magical monocle, Parker finds he has the ability to stop time. But, will his newfound power be able to find his beloved Lydia?
What will happen in the new realm he has happened upon?
Very well written and detailed allowing the reader to drop into each scene. An array of unique characters keep the mystery going.
Can't wait to read the next novel!
Saved from the streets Parker and Lydia grow up in the Whipplehouse Orphanage, are raised by the mysterious Whipple brothers. After being fitted with a magical monocle, Parker finds he has the ability to stop time. But, will his newfound power be able to find his beloved Lydia?
What will happen in the new realm he has happened upon?
Very well written and detailed allowing the reader to drop into each scene. An array of unique characters keep the mystery going.
Can't wait to read the next novel!
August 24, 2020
A story that leans more gaslamp fantasy than steampunk sci-fi, this story of Victorian-esque era orphans begins as a mystery full of hope and potential, but tendrils of horror creep in hinting that the promise and potential might have a more sinister side as well. Primarily Parker's story, he is largely driven by his need to protect and provide for Lydia. This is short and billed as a prequel - It felt like it ended just as the story was really getting started and interesting.
May 16, 2022
BENEFACTORS PLAYING THE LONG GAME
I have the audio version of this book and If that was an hour and a half is was SO jam packed with information that it sure seemed a lot longer to me. Boy Oh Boy was I suckered in by those orphans and their good fortune. I cannot say more about what happened but I think there is more to be revealed in the future. Recommended. Narration was done in a way that all I heard was the story.
I have the audio version of this book and If that was an hour and a half is was SO jam packed with information that it sure seemed a lot longer to me. Boy Oh Boy was I suckered in by those orphans and their good fortune. I cannot say more about what happened but I think there is more to be revealed in the future. Recommended. Narration was done in a way that all I heard was the story.
May 4, 2019
Timekeeper is a time travel mystery and a great start to the Realm of Elestra series. Great writing, an amazing storyline and interesting characters left me wanting to know more about Parker, Lydia, and the new realm. This book takes us on quite a journey full of twists, turns, drama, mystery, suspense and so much more. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
May 6, 2019
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Rebekah Dodson; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2019
I love this time travel Sci-Fi/Fantasy and I love the writing style of this author. Incredible story, action to keep you reading through to the end and wonderful characters to become attached to. I'm looking forward to the next adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2019
Timekeeper (Realm of Elestra Book 1), my first read from author Rebekah Dodson. Well written & enjoyable. Narrator Andrew McDermott’s accent was perfect for this book and added greatly to the listening enjoyment. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 24, 2019
WOW!
This was an enjoyable quick read that is enjoyable from the very first page. It moves along at a great pace which makes it a very nice read. The characters are great and you cannot help but fall for them and you want to know more about them.
This has to be read and this book is a nice introduction into the world of steampunk, which is a unique genre and very enjoyable.
This was an enjoyable quick read that is enjoyable from the very first page. It moves along at a great pace which makes it a very nice read. The characters are great and you cannot help but fall for them and you want to know more about them.
This has to be read and this book is a nice introduction into the world of steampunk, which is a unique genre and very enjoyable.
November 11, 2020
This is a very interesting concept and storyline in this prelude. In the Earlt 20th Century you have orphan children taken in by 2 brothers. One is a very good gental man and the other seems in a hurry to get things done. The 2 orphans main characters are a young girl and a Street wise boy. The Narrator with his lilting Irish accent does a Wonderful job with the characters too.
October 13, 2024
This is a short story and quick listen. The background story is interesting and it sets the stage for the Realm of Elestra series.
The narrator did a nice job with the performance. I enjoyed his accent.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
The narrator did a nice job with the performance. I enjoyed his accent.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
April 28, 2019
This book was full of amazing inventions and creative ideas, and I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2019
This has a fantastic cover. I love the storyline. Parker really gets his life turned upside down can he change that. The Author really did a great job at bringing the Characters out. This is definitely a must read.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
November 10, 2019
Short but intriguing. This book is a prequel to what I think will be an amazing story. Parker and Lydia grew up in an orphanage. The secrets they are given will take the two into a magical mystery. The author writes reader friendly books that are hard to put down.
November 11, 2020
This didn't really get my attention much. It was okay, but the accent of the narrator made it difficult to listen. By the end, I thought it was an interesting book, but I wasn't inspired to read any more of the story.
I received a free audio book from the author and reviewed in voluntarily.
I received a free audio book from the author and reviewed in voluntarily.
July 3, 2021
A strange beginning
Time keeper is the prequel to the series Realm of Elestra. The story takes place in a strange world, where a boy and his adopted sister ends up in an orphanage with people from another realm. It’s a good book, but a little confusion. As all prequels we get introduced to the protagonists. In this one we meet him during his childhood and watch him grow up. The world isn’t very detailed yet, but I will assume that we will learn more in books to come. The narrator of the audio version are really good, with an accent that was a joy to listen to. I bought be ebook version and good the audio version for free. Since I liked the book, I am leaving a voluntary review
Time keeper is the prequel to the series Realm of Elestra. The story takes place in a strange world, where a boy and his adopted sister ends up in an orphanage with people from another realm. It’s a good book, but a little confusion. As all prequels we get introduced to the protagonists. In this one we meet him during his childhood and watch him grow up. The world isn’t very detailed yet, but I will assume that we will learn more in books to come. The narrator of the audio version are really good, with an accent that was a joy to listen to. I bought be ebook version and good the audio version for free. Since I liked the book, I am leaving a voluntary review
May 9, 2019
It was a promising start of a new series.
I really liked the time travel, time stops, and time abilities.
It was a good adventure.
I really liked the time travel, time stops, and time abilities.
It was a good adventure.
August 13, 2019
Timekeeper
Rebekah Dodson
A great book to read, very enjoyable! Loved the storyline and the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rebekah Dodson
A great book to read, very enjoyable! Loved the storyline and the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2020
A very good story of how Parker became the Timekeeper. Andrew McDermott was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 11, 2022
The things we do for love.
What an incredible story that leads you on a journey of suspense to the very end! Well written!
What an incredible story that leads you on a journey of suspense to the very end! Well written!
December 24, 2020
This book is a bit of a slow-burn, with a lot of set up that takes a while to begin to pay off. The last third is crazy in a good way, though, with murder and macabre details. It ends with quite a few questions, likely to be resolved in the next book.
The narrator took a little bit adjusting to, but I warmed up to him as the book went on. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The narrator took a little bit adjusting to, but I warmed up to him as the book went on. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews