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The Order of Time #1
The Order of Time
2021 Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal Winner - Childrens Mythology/Fairy Tale
“If you’re into secret societies, time-travel, dangerous artifacts, deadly assassins, evil priests, and vengeful gods then I’ve got a story for you...”
Anastasia and Edward Upston are eleven year old twins who are different in almost every way. Despite this they are inseparable and the best of friends. They tackle the highs and lows of sixth grade together whether they are fending off bullies at the elite Blake Academy or examining rare antiquities at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Then: life gets complicated.
They discover that their friend and mentor, Dr. Gregorian, is part of a secret society called the Order of Time. It turns out that time is not fixed, it’s a fluid continuum where changes to the past can create ripples all the way through to the present. It unwittingly falls to the twins to travel back through time to ancient Egypt where they must overcome deadly assassins, evil high priests and vengeful gods in order to prevent disaster. Together Anastasia and Edward must navigate all obstacles to preserve the past and find their way back home.
“The Order of Time is fast-paced, featuring compelling characters, a great setting, and a cleverly written plot. It is a delightful read for fans of young adult fantasy and time travel.” 5 Stars Reader’s Favorite
“If you are looking for an action packed chapter book for your teen or preteen this is an excellent choice.” childrens_bookshelf
“I could not get enough of this book and the language presented really will speak to young readers and I can not wait to share it with our community.” Meghan S. Librarian NetGalley review
"The Order of Time is a fabulous debut. Totally captivating!" 5 Stars The Burgeoning Bookshelf
“If you’re into secret societies, time-travel, dangerous artifacts, deadly assassins, evil priests, and vengeful gods then I’ve got a story for you...”
Anastasia and Edward Upston are eleven year old twins who are different in almost every way. Despite this they are inseparable and the best of friends. They tackle the highs and lows of sixth grade together whether they are fending off bullies at the elite Blake Academy or examining rare antiquities at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Then: life gets complicated.
They discover that their friend and mentor, Dr. Gregorian, is part of a secret society called the Order of Time. It turns out that time is not fixed, it’s a fluid continuum where changes to the past can create ripples all the way through to the present. It unwittingly falls to the twins to travel back through time to ancient Egypt where they must overcome deadly assassins, evil high priests and vengeful gods in order to prevent disaster. Together Anastasia and Edward must navigate all obstacles to preserve the past and find their way back home.
“The Order of Time is fast-paced, featuring compelling characters, a great setting, and a cleverly written plot. It is a delightful read for fans of young adult fantasy and time travel.” 5 Stars Reader’s Favorite
“If you are looking for an action packed chapter book for your teen or preteen this is an excellent choice.” childrens_bookshelf
“I could not get enough of this book and the language presented really will speak to young readers and I can not wait to share it with our community.” Meghan S. Librarian NetGalley review
"The Order of Time is a fabulous debut. Totally captivating!" 5 Stars The Burgeoning Bookshelf
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2020
102 people are currently reading
3208 people want to read
About the author
Scott P. Southall
2 books207 followersScott is an American author and banking executive who lives in Sydney, Australia. He grew up in the suburbs of Washington D.C. and attended Georgetown University.
While he loves his job as a global banker, his true passion is making up stories with his children. His debut novel, The Order of Time, reached #1 in it’s category on Amazon and was the 2021 Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Childrens – Mythology/Fairy Tale genre.
Stay tuned for the second instalment of the Order of Time Series - The Order of Time and Odin’s door in early 2022.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram https://bit.ly/SSouthallInsta and BookBub https://bit.ly/SSouthall
While he loves his job as a global banker, his true passion is making up stories with his children. His debut novel, The Order of Time, reached #1 in it’s category on Amazon and was the 2021 Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Childrens – Mythology/Fairy Tale genre.
Stay tuned for the second instalment of the Order of Time Series - The Order of Time and Odin’s door in early 2022.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram https://bit.ly/SSouthallInsta and BookBub https://bit.ly/SSouthall
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 8, 2022
Eleven year old twins, Anastasia and Edward Upston, loved nothing more than visiting the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History every day after school. Their good friend, Dr Gregorian, had always shown them special artifacts, among other things, and the day they discovered Dr G was a member of the Order of Time, where he and other members went back in time to fix what had been altered, so the ripple effect wouldn't reach the current day, and change the future, was the day they were able to help the doctor out of a fix.
Travelling back in time to ancient Egypt, Anastasia and Edward discover a nefarious plot to kill the Pharaoh and capture his wife, Nefertiti - which would mean a vast change to the future. Could the twins and the new friends they made, stop what was going to happen, preserve the future then find their way home again?
The Order of Time is the 1st in The Order of Time series by Aussie author Scott P. Southall, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The two children excelled in science at the Blake Academy, where they were in sixth grade, as well as stopping bullies in their tracks. Their journey back in time was fascinating, who they met and what they saw. An excellent, action-packed young adult/middle grade fantasy novel which I recommend highly.
Travelling back in time to ancient Egypt, Anastasia and Edward discover a nefarious plot to kill the Pharaoh and capture his wife, Nefertiti - which would mean a vast change to the future. Could the twins and the new friends they made, stop what was going to happen, preserve the future then find their way home again?
The Order of Time is the 1st in The Order of Time series by Aussie author Scott P. Southall, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The two children excelled in science at the Blake Academy, where they were in sixth grade, as well as stopping bullies in their tracks. Their journey back in time was fascinating, who they met and what they saw. An excellent, action-packed young adult/middle grade fantasy novel which I recommend highly.
February 23, 2020
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
The Order of Time is an action packed time travel adventure featuring 12 yo twins Anastasia and Edward and how their fascination and visits to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History lands them in the centre of a deadly plot to alter the past.
Southall has created two strikingly different protagonists. Anastasia is Maths and Science smart and athletic. A master of Martial Arts. She likes to stick to the rules. Edward is a bit of a rebel his interests lean towards History and Art. Where Edward backs down Anastasia takes the bullies full on quite often protecting her brother. Rather than feel jealous, Edward admires his sister’s athletic abilities. It was well portrayed how the two compliment each other, each using their different strengths to solve problems.
Although not entirely unique Southall uses the tried and true formula of power inducing crystals and magic portals in this time travel fantasy.
There was action aplenty as the children travel back in time to Ancient Egypt and plunge themselves into the local culture, conversing with Nefertiti and Akhenaten.
I was engrossed by the Ancient History and Mythology aspects of the story. Southall introduces ideas on problem solving and small facts relating to Science and History. A couple of political digs may go over the Middle Grade reader’s head but, if they are open to it, it’s a good starter for a political conversation.
The concept of time travel through the combination of portals and crystals and how changes to the past have a rolling effect on their present was well portrayed and easy to understand.
The Order of Time is a fabulous debut. Totally captivating!
10+ some content on mythology includes the demon of the afterlife.
The Order of Time is an action packed time travel adventure featuring 12 yo twins Anastasia and Edward and how their fascination and visits to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History lands them in the centre of a deadly plot to alter the past.
Southall has created two strikingly different protagonists. Anastasia is Maths and Science smart and athletic. A master of Martial Arts. She likes to stick to the rules. Edward is a bit of a rebel his interests lean towards History and Art. Where Edward backs down Anastasia takes the bullies full on quite often protecting her brother. Rather than feel jealous, Edward admires his sister’s athletic abilities. It was well portrayed how the two compliment each other, each using their different strengths to solve problems.
Although not entirely unique Southall uses the tried and true formula of power inducing crystals and magic portals in this time travel fantasy.
There was action aplenty as the children travel back in time to Ancient Egypt and plunge themselves into the local culture, conversing with Nefertiti and Akhenaten.
I was engrossed by the Ancient History and Mythology aspects of the story. Southall introduces ideas on problem solving and small facts relating to Science and History. A couple of political digs may go over the Middle Grade reader’s head but, if they are open to it, it’s a good starter for a political conversation.
The concept of time travel through the combination of portals and crystals and how changes to the past have a rolling effect on their present was well portrayed and easy to understand.
The Order of Time is a fabulous debut. Totally captivating!
10+ some content on mythology includes the demon of the afterlife.
February 21, 2020
Edward And Anastasia are 11-year-old twins who befriend a scientist at the Smithsonian and end up on an amazing time travel adventure to ancient Egypt.
Although this is an interesting story, it dragged on at times. I also kept thinking that this was just too easy. Every time travel series or story has rules for time travel. This one uses a magic crystal, which is fine. However the crystal used in this book gives the time traveler the ability to speak and write in whatever language of the area to which they are traveling. This is a "too convenient" way to eliminate any problems for our protagonists.
Also Edward as an 11-year-old has an encyclopedic knowledge of history, and Anastasia is so good at martial arts that she routinely beats up grown men. Edward is also an accomplished painter. Again, this is just too easy. I would’ve preferred to see our protagonists struggle to communicate and to defend themselves instead of having it handed to them so easily.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
Although this is an interesting story, it dragged on at times. I also kept thinking that this was just too easy. Every time travel series or story has rules for time travel. This one uses a magic crystal, which is fine. However the crystal used in this book gives the time traveler the ability to speak and write in whatever language of the area to which they are traveling. This is a "too convenient" way to eliminate any problems for our protagonists.
Also Edward as an 11-year-old has an encyclopedic knowledge of history, and Anastasia is so good at martial arts that she routinely beats up grown men. Edward is also an accomplished painter. Again, this is just too easy. I would’ve preferred to see our protagonists struggle to communicate and to defend themselves instead of having it handed to them so easily.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
January 25, 2022
Another amazing 5 star middle grade book.
This book was just phenomenal, it had so many amazing aspects to it. Not only the cover draws you in, the story is rich and full of suspense, incredible characters and of course so much adventure.
The Order of Time, introduces fraternal twins Anastasia and Edward, they may be twins, but they couldn't be more different. That doesn't stop them from spending a lot of time together. They love going to the Smithsonian Museum and spending time with the curator Dr. G, who has become a mentor to them.
A series of unfortunate events will transport them into ancient Egypt in the year 1342 B.C. and they will have to fight evil doers from changing history forever. Surrounded by uncountable obstacles the twins will have to use their wits and knowledge to decipher mysterious clues and protect sacred artifacts. This book really resonated with me, ancient Egypt has always fascinated me, and I remember going to New York for the first time and the first thing I wanted to visit was the museums. Not only are you reading an intriguing and phenomenal book, you are transported back to a time where Pharaohs rule the ancient land and left us a rich and powerful history, that would withstand the test of time.
I am currently reading its sequel The Order of time and Odins Door, and I am absolutely loving it, I highly recommend this book if you love adventure, amazing character dynamics and time traveling themes.
This book was just phenomenal, it had so many amazing aspects to it. Not only the cover draws you in, the story is rich and full of suspense, incredible characters and of course so much adventure.
The Order of Time, introduces fraternal twins Anastasia and Edward, they may be twins, but they couldn't be more different. That doesn't stop them from spending a lot of time together. They love going to the Smithsonian Museum and spending time with the curator Dr. G, who has become a mentor to them.
A series of unfortunate events will transport them into ancient Egypt in the year 1342 B.C. and they will have to fight evil doers from changing history forever. Surrounded by uncountable obstacles the twins will have to use their wits and knowledge to decipher mysterious clues and protect sacred artifacts. This book really resonated with me, ancient Egypt has always fascinated me, and I remember going to New York for the first time and the first thing I wanted to visit was the museums. Not only are you reading an intriguing and phenomenal book, you are transported back to a time where Pharaohs rule the ancient land and left us a rich and powerful history, that would withstand the test of time.
I am currently reading its sequel The Order of time and Odins Door, and I am absolutely loving it, I highly recommend this book if you love adventure, amazing character dynamics and time traveling themes.
November 9, 2021
This was amazing! I loved this! I love a good sibling story. Add in adventure, time travel, & history & I’m VERY happy lol These twins have an amazing relationship, & I enjoyed the dynamic between them so much. Anastasia was such a strong kick butt character! Edward was so adorable & had to really search for his strength that came so easily to his sister. They really balanced the other out superbly. I also ADORED the friends they made in Egypt. Salah & General Meketre have my heart though. I found the whole idea of the Order of Time fascinating. I also love when I learn something from what I’m reading. I found myself looking up so many things! Many of the historical things in here actually happened, & these were real people in history for the most part. I have heard of Nefertiti, but I didn’t remember ever hearing about her husband or the religion thing, & everything they did in their time. I found it all so intriguing! Loved it! This was also very atmospheric. There was a sad moment towards the end of the book that took me by surprise, & y’all know me-I didn’t enjoy being sad lol But it was a beautiful moment & impactful & I know why it had to happen. I hope there’s no more sad things though lol It ended beautifully, & I loved it. This is full of history, sibling bonds, adventure, danger, friendship, & more. Just started the 2nd book, & I’m so excited to see what these twins get into next. Beautiful cover by Elementi Studio!💜
July 22, 2020
Fun historical story
This book follows eleven year old twins Anastasia and Edward as they travel through time to ancient Egypt. The kids are pretty cool, they're smart and talented and up for adventure.
There is a lot of history in this and I understand the author is trying to teach the reader, but it's a bit of an overload. Of course there should be some history that the reader picks up on as the kids live and learn, but sometimes it was too much and slowed the pacing down.
Some of the things the kids can do are pretty unrealistic, like Anastasia being taught in mma and a better fighter than grown men, but it's all for the fun of the story. Who doesn't want to root for a girl kicking bad guy's butts or a boy who figures out nefarious plans?
There was a surprisingly sad moment, but the book pushed on and ended pretty happy. It definitely leaves room for more time adventures in the future and it would be a lot of fun to see where else the twins travel.
This book follows eleven year old twins Anastasia and Edward as they travel through time to ancient Egypt. The kids are pretty cool, they're smart and talented and up for adventure.
There is a lot of history in this and I understand the author is trying to teach the reader, but it's a bit of an overload. Of course there should be some history that the reader picks up on as the kids live and learn, but sometimes it was too much and slowed the pacing down.
Some of the things the kids can do are pretty unrealistic, like Anastasia being taught in mma and a better fighter than grown men, but it's all for the fun of the story. Who doesn't want to root for a girl kicking bad guy's butts or a boy who figures out nefarious plans?
There was a surprisingly sad moment, but the book pushed on and ended pretty happy. It definitely leaves room for more time adventures in the future and it would be a lot of fun to see where else the twins travel.
June 8, 2020
The Order of Time
An incredible time travel, historical fiction tale I have ever read. I loved it!!!!!! The brilliant writing talent of Scott P. Southall is displayed in this book in the depth of research that must have taken place so this book could have been created. A must read.
An incredible time travel, historical fiction tale I have ever read. I loved it!!!!!! The brilliant writing talent of Scott P. Southall is displayed in this book in the depth of research that must have taken place so this book could have been created. A must read.
July 24, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A couple of fraternal twins who frequent the Smithsonian Museum go after hours and find a scientist friend of theirs travels through time, saving history. There are the usual villains out there trying to shape history to their own ends.
Some excitement. More a middle grade novel than anything else.
A couple of fraternal twins who frequent the Smithsonian Museum go after hours and find a scientist friend of theirs travels through time, saving history. There are the usual villains out there trying to shape history to their own ends.
Some excitement. More a middle grade novel than anything else.
October 10, 2023
Review 10/9/23
The Order of Time still gets a three star rating from me, but it grew on me a lot this time.
I'm still very unimpressed by the lack of responsibility of the adults in this novel. Everyone is absolutely fine with the involvement of three prepubescent children in fighting these gods, from the beginning. In comparison to similar middle grade novels where the adults may use the kids, but don't like to risk putting them in direct danger, blatant encouragement to put these kids in dangerous situations rubbed me the wrong way.
There was also too much stop-and-start for me to really enjoy this or get a lot out of it. There's long lulls and then too much action all at once. I would have liked to see better pacing.
I also question the historical accuracy of some of the less important aspects of the story. Specifically, the general acceptance of women and especially of children as capable in any ancient society throws me. I would have expected to see more people questioning Anastasia because she was a woman. While I don't know much about the time period, it's hard to tell how well-researched the less exciting and more realistic aspects of this story are.
I'm not sure if I could see myself continuing this series. It definitely has potential, but I'm not sure if I could see myself spending money on it. Like I said, though, I did enjoy this more after a reread.
--------------------------------
Review 7/19/20
I have to say, this book was a bit of a disappointment for me. I don't know what I expected, but this wasn't exactly it. I think, though, that as a debut author, Scott P. Southall has potential.
I got a lot of Rick Riordan vibes from this story, and though I have yet to read The Red Pyramid, I imagine this story is very similar to the Kane Chronicles, at least in terms of the ages of the characters and the setting. That said, Southall has a long way to go before becoming Uncle Rick.
I think my main concern was in the flow of the story. Like many novels, I felt that parts of this happened too suddenly, or without explanation. Because of this, I didn't get any strong feelings for the characters, and it was a little hard to keep up with the story.
However, like I said, Southall has a lot of potential, and I'll cut him some slack as this is his first novel. If he has not already, I would recommend Rick Riordan's books as a good starting place for inspiration on developing his writing, as the genres and themes overlap. I do hope that there's a sequel, and I imagine there will be. This world and story line has a lot of potential as well, and I'd be really interested to see if there are any ripples in Mesoamerican society because of the Aztec statue.
Overall, not my favorite, but definitely has potential.
Disclaimer:
The Order of Time still gets a three star rating from me, but it grew on me a lot this time.
I'm still very unimpressed by the lack of responsibility of the adults in this novel. Everyone is absolutely fine with the involvement of three prepubescent children in fighting these gods, from the beginning. In comparison to similar middle grade novels where the adults may use the kids, but don't like to risk putting them in direct danger, blatant encouragement to put these kids in dangerous situations rubbed me the wrong way.
There was also too much stop-and-start for me to really enjoy this or get a lot out of it. There's long lulls and then too much action all at once. I would have liked to see better pacing.
I also question the historical accuracy of some of the less important aspects of the story. Specifically, the general acceptance of women and especially of children as capable in any ancient society throws me. I would have expected to see more people questioning Anastasia because she was a woman. While I don't know much about the time period, it's hard to tell how well-researched the less exciting and more realistic aspects of this story are.
I'm not sure if I could see myself continuing this series. It definitely has potential, but I'm not sure if I could see myself spending money on it. Like I said, though, I did enjoy this more after a reread.
--------------------------------
Review 7/19/20
I have to say, this book was a bit of a disappointment for me. I don't know what I expected, but this wasn't exactly it. I think, though, that as a debut author, Scott P. Southall has potential.
I got a lot of Rick Riordan vibes from this story, and though I have yet to read The Red Pyramid, I imagine this story is very similar to the Kane Chronicles, at least in terms of the ages of the characters and the setting. That said, Southall has a long way to go before becoming Uncle Rick.
I think my main concern was in the flow of the story. Like many novels, I felt that parts of this happened too suddenly, or without explanation. Because of this, I didn't get any strong feelings for the characters, and it was a little hard to keep up with the story.
However, like I said, Southall has a lot of potential, and I'll cut him some slack as this is his first novel. If he has not already, I would recommend Rick Riordan's books as a good starting place for inspiration on developing his writing, as the genres and themes overlap. I do hope that there's a sequel, and I imagine there will be. This world and story line has a lot of potential as well, and I'd be really interested to see if there are any ripples in Mesoamerican society because of the Aztec statue.
Overall, not my favorite, but definitely has potential.
Disclaimer:
January 24, 2022
I was granted complimentary access to The Order of Time by Scott P. Southall as part of my participation in a blog tour for this title with Goddess Fish Promotions. Thank you to all involved in affording me this opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
An interesting middle grade novel steeped in Ancient Egyptian history and mythology and a sense of adventure, The Order of Time is the start of a series wherein academically gifted and curious twins Anastasia and Edward Upston have stumbled into involvement with an organization of time-travelling protectors of history. For this adventure they're going to Ancient Egypt, a decade and change before the pharoahship of the famous Tutankhamun, to ensure that his reign does indeed come to pass.
I had so much fun reading this book! I really enjoyed all of the history and art, my two real loves, and the childlike enthusiasm these 11-year-old protagonists bring to it all. Some of the dialogue and other interactions are a bit on the nose in terms of exposition, but such is to be expected in literature meant for younger readers, so I can forgive it.
I have two main critiques. First, the kids get to a point where they have to decide whether or not to reveal the truth of who they are and when, not where, they're from to the new friends they've made in the past ...and no realistic consequences come of it. Second, I'd like more explanation on how this time travel stuff is supposed to work. Agents in the present have 24 hours from detecting a possible changed in the past to correct it before the change becomes permanent, but the twins are in the past for more than 24 hours fixing the problem. How does that work out?
All in all this was a great adventure and I'm glad to see there is a sequel! This is exactly the sort of series I would have devoured as a middle grade reader.
An interesting middle grade novel steeped in Ancient Egyptian history and mythology and a sense of adventure, The Order of Time is the start of a series wherein academically gifted and curious twins Anastasia and Edward Upston have stumbled into involvement with an organization of time-travelling protectors of history. For this adventure they're going to Ancient Egypt, a decade and change before the pharoahship of the famous Tutankhamun, to ensure that his reign does indeed come to pass.
I had so much fun reading this book! I really enjoyed all of the history and art, my two real loves, and the childlike enthusiasm these 11-year-old protagonists bring to it all. Some of the dialogue and other interactions are a bit on the nose in terms of exposition, but such is to be expected in literature meant for younger readers, so I can forgive it.
I have two main critiques. First, the kids get to a point where they have to decide whether or not to reveal the truth of who they are and when, not where, they're from to the new friends they've made in the past ...and no realistic consequences come of it. Second, I'd like more explanation on how this time travel stuff is supposed to work. Agents in the present have 24 hours from detecting a possible changed in the past to correct it before the change becomes permanent, but the twins are in the past for more than 24 hours fixing the problem. How does that work out?
All in all this was a great adventure and I'm glad to see there is a sequel! This is exactly the sort of series I would have devoured as a middle grade reader.
December 13, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from Seaview Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book brought me back to my childhood in visiting the Buffalo Museum of Science and being so fascinated or the History Museum in awe of all the exhibits displayed throughout. Anastasia and Edward are twins who are inseparable and work in the artifact exhibit at the history museum. It all goes well until they found out their lifelong mentor is part of a secret society called The Order of Time and realize that time is in a continuum that can change just by the ripples from the past and life as they know it could change forever. I could not get enough of this book and the language presented really will speak to young readers and I can not wait to share it with our community.
We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
This book brought me back to my childhood in visiting the Buffalo Museum of Science and being so fascinated or the History Museum in awe of all the exhibits displayed throughout. Anastasia and Edward are twins who are inseparable and work in the artifact exhibit at the history museum. It all goes well until they found out their lifelong mentor is part of a secret society called The Order of Time and realize that time is in a continuum that can change just by the ripples from the past and life as they know it could change forever. I could not get enough of this book and the language presented really will speak to young readers and I can not wait to share it with our community.
We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
October 2, 2021
Incredible Story!
I won this story in a Giveaway on Goodreads, but that in no way colors my review,
I found it to be exciting and hard to put down!
There were twists that were unexpected, that draws you in and won't let you go, I definitely recommend this book! Young teens as well as seasoned adults!
I won this story in a Giveaway on Goodreads, but that in no way colors my review,
I found it to be exciting and hard to put down!
There were twists that were unexpected, that draws you in and won't let you go, I definitely recommend this book! Young teens as well as seasoned adults!
March 2, 2020
This is a splendid story. As an adult, I enjoyed it because of the rich portrayal of the two young characters who displayed just exactly how much people of this age group can be relied upon to show great compassion for others, a mature mind capable of calculations that many adults can't even begin to understand. I feel, too often, we sell our kids short thinking they are too young to know what's best. I strongly disagree with that concept. I have children that age in my home and I know just how much they are capable of understanding. So, I commend the author for conveying this in The Order of Time.
There is a wealth of knowledge about Ancient Egypt that I have not seen written anywhere else. I loved learning more about the era depicted. Thanks to the author for what appears to be good information mixed with the magic of the story.
There is a wealth of knowledge about Ancient Egypt that I have not seen written anywhere else. I loved learning more about the era depicted. Thanks to the author for what appears to be good information mixed with the magic of the story.
December 23, 2019
This book is really such a magical journey and I honestly believe that it could become a significant book, like I remember such titles as The Magic Faraway Tree (Enid Blyton). It just transports you from the eyes of a child, into a fascinating place. I loved it.
January 7, 2020
I loved it! I thought it was a fun little story. I’ll definitely be looking for more books by this author now.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for my
Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for my
Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 13, 2020
An excellent read! It was a nice and entertaining story that kept me hooked.
I liked the style of writing, the cast of characters and the well crafted plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked the style of writing, the cast of characters and the well crafted plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
January 14, 2020
it was fresh and new for me at first, and i really liked the start.
But after a while it fell kind of flat to me. I wanted to like the characters, but think maybe a bit longer character build and build up to their adventure would have helped. So i didn't like it as much as i had hoped.
But after a while it fell kind of flat to me. I wanted to like the characters, but think maybe a bit longer character build and build up to their adventure would have helped. So i didn't like it as much as i had hoped.
January 14, 2020
This was a fun time traveling book that gave me The Magic Treehouse vibes, but for older readers! My daughter and I loved reading and discussing it together!
February 17, 2022
What a fun middle grade novel!
Edward and Anastasia find themselves on the most amazing time travel adventure when their mentor, Dr. Gregorian, enlists their help to save an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh. It is up to them to preserve all of history from an evil secret society that wants to alter the past and change everyone's future.
What a unique and magical journey this was! It is full of historical facts, knowledge and general information. Admittedly, I got a little lost in the abundance of facts. But what a super fun story! Edward and Anastasia are such quirky and cute kids and compliment each other so well. They made me giggle and I loved that Edward enjoys reading and that both children are very much into hanging out at the Natural Museum of History in their downtime.
I really loved the Egyptian mythology and lore in this story and there are some pretty cool battles between a god and a demon and a god and the pharaoh/his men.
It is a wonderful story about friendship and sacrifice. I also liked how this novel touches on the topics of bullying as well as loss and grief.
If you enjoy the hero's quest and secret society tropes, this book certainly has both!
It was a great debut novel!
Edward and Anastasia find themselves on the most amazing time travel adventure when their mentor, Dr. Gregorian, enlists their help to save an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh. It is up to them to preserve all of history from an evil secret society that wants to alter the past and change everyone's future.
What a unique and magical journey this was! It is full of historical facts, knowledge and general information. Admittedly, I got a little lost in the abundance of facts. But what a super fun story! Edward and Anastasia are such quirky and cute kids and compliment each other so well. They made me giggle and I loved that Edward enjoys reading and that both children are very much into hanging out at the Natural Museum of History in their downtime.
I really loved the Egyptian mythology and lore in this story and there are some pretty cool battles between a god and a demon and a god and the pharaoh/his men.
It is a wonderful story about friendship and sacrifice. I also liked how this novel touches on the topics of bullying as well as loss and grief.
If you enjoy the hero's quest and secret society tropes, this book certainly has both!
It was a great debut novel!
January 19, 2022
I received this beautiful middle-grade book from author Scott Southall in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your debut novel.
⏳ The story follows the incredible 11-year-old twins, Anastasia and Edward in their time travelling adventure.
⏳They are unexpectedly shown a world within their own, where people are trying to change or rewrite history. A secret organisation known as the Order of Time preserves the course of history.
⏳When the world is at stake and their mentor is hurt, they have no choice but to take his place, travelling back to ancient Egypt to save the world.
I really enjoyed getting to know the twins in the Order of Time. They were such amazing individuals in their own right, but together they could do almost anything.
My kryptonite is ancient history. I absolutely loved Southall's take on ancient Egyptian mythology, so this was a fantastic read for me.
I really enjoyed their adventure, new friends and even the sad moments.
The story was well written and would definitely suit young readers around 9-13 years old.
⏳ The story follows the incredible 11-year-old twins, Anastasia and Edward in their time travelling adventure.
⏳They are unexpectedly shown a world within their own, where people are trying to change or rewrite history. A secret organisation known as the Order of Time preserves the course of history.
⏳When the world is at stake and their mentor is hurt, they have no choice but to take his place, travelling back to ancient Egypt to save the world.
I really enjoyed getting to know the twins in the Order of Time. They were such amazing individuals in their own right, but together they could do almost anything.
My kryptonite is ancient history. I absolutely loved Southall's take on ancient Egyptian mythology, so this was a fantastic read for me.
I really enjoyed their adventure, new friends and even the sad moments.
The story was well written and would definitely suit young readers around 9-13 years old.
January 30, 2022
The Order of Time was a lot of fun. I think many of us as kids were fascinated by ancient Egypt and even wished we could see what it would be like to set foot amongst it all, so when Anastasia and Edward find themselves having to go back in time in order to thwart an assassination plot by an evil organisation, I was all smiles.
I think author Scott Southall has done a great job blending a lot of the truth with some more fantastical elements, and I know that I had a great time reading up about certain real life characters or the mythology behind it all. Demons, gods, magical artefacts and magic - this world has a lot of potential. With an action-packed finale ending, there’s a lot to enjoy here.
The little niggles I had with this book don’t really detract from the overall picture, and I’m curious to see what else Scott comes up with. The sequel, The Order of Time and Odin’s Door has just released, and for those who adore Norse mythology, or want to learn more about it… well, it looks like it’s right up your alley.
I think author Scott Southall has done a great job blending a lot of the truth with some more fantastical elements, and I know that I had a great time reading up about certain real life characters or the mythology behind it all. Demons, gods, magical artefacts and magic - this world has a lot of potential. With an action-packed finale ending, there’s a lot to enjoy here.
The little niggles I had with this book don’t really detract from the overall picture, and I’m curious to see what else Scott comes up with. The sequel, The Order of Time and Odin’s Door has just released, and for those who adore Norse mythology, or want to learn more about it… well, it looks like it’s right up your alley.
February 9, 2022
I received this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book’s premise had me at hello. Twins who’s continuing mission is to explore time, to seek out and defend history, to boldly go where no eleven year olds have gone before? This hit everything I love in my MG fiction, and I even got a Star Trek reference out of it. And while there were some truly awesome moments in here, the book as a whole didn’t deliver for me.
I got really into this in the first few chapters. It was fairly obvious that something big was coming, even without the blurb telling me so, but I didn’t mind because I was super excited for the time travel and adventure. Somewhere around where things started to pick up, though, the believability just lost me. I know it’s fantasy aimed at kids, but when the main characters got past the police by essentially pointing and saying “look, something shiny,” my little bubble of awesome popped. After that, I’d get back into events, and then a plot hole or contradiction or something would pop up and drag me out again. Example, the kids are running around the museum full-on Mission Impossible, which was great, and then the police announce anyone in the museum will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. But the kids and their mentor spend the next 2 chapters in the museum and aren’t found. I could have gotten on board there, but they didn’t even worry about being found by the police, and I spent those two chapters feeling like the convenience fairy had descended. This kept up throughout the book, which resulted in a much less immersive reading experience than I’d hoped for.
As I said above, there were some truly great moments in here. The kids grow in beautiful ways and form some lasting and meaningful relationships. I particularly liked the comparison of Egyptian art and Instagram filters. I never made that connection, and that was an eye-opening thing for me. I wanted more things like that.
All in all, I wanted to love this, but it ended up just being an okay read for me. If it does sound like you’re thing, give it a shot. It might work for others, and I’m only one opinion, after all.
More reviews at kitnkabookle.com
This book’s premise had me at hello. Twins who’s continuing mission is to explore time, to seek out and defend history, to boldly go where no eleven year olds have gone before? This hit everything I love in my MG fiction, and I even got a Star Trek reference out of it. And while there were some truly awesome moments in here, the book as a whole didn’t deliver for me.
I got really into this in the first few chapters. It was fairly obvious that something big was coming, even without the blurb telling me so, but I didn’t mind because I was super excited for the time travel and adventure. Somewhere around where things started to pick up, though, the believability just lost me. I know it’s fantasy aimed at kids, but when the main characters got past the police by essentially pointing and saying “look, something shiny,” my little bubble of awesome popped. After that, I’d get back into events, and then a plot hole or contradiction or something would pop up and drag me out again. Example, the kids are running around the museum full-on Mission Impossible, which was great, and then the police announce anyone in the museum will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. But the kids and their mentor spend the next 2 chapters in the museum and aren’t found. I could have gotten on board there, but they didn’t even worry about being found by the police, and I spent those two chapters feeling like the convenience fairy had descended. This kept up throughout the book, which resulted in a much less immersive reading experience than I’d hoped for.
As I said above, there were some truly great moments in here. The kids grow in beautiful ways and form some lasting and meaningful relationships. I particularly liked the comparison of Egyptian art and Instagram filters. I never made that connection, and that was an eye-opening thing for me. I wanted more things like that.
All in all, I wanted to love this, but it ended up just being an okay read for me. If it does sound like you’re thing, give it a shot. It might work for others, and I’m only one opinion, after all.
More reviews at kitnkabookle.com
November 2, 2021
Probably if I were younger, I would enjoy this but it's too slow, too impossible. Had to quit at 15%
November 5, 2021
Eleven-year-old twins, Edward and Anastasia could not be more different. They do share an affinity for visiting the Smithsonian. They develop a friendship with a curator, Dr. Gregorian.
While on a visit one day, the twins discover Dr. Greogrian passed out. Little do they know, they will soon be on a time travel adventure to ancient Egypt where they discover Dr. Gregorian is part of a secret society.
The siblings' unique character differences shine as they thread their way through ancient Egypt and struggle to remove obstacles to survival. At the same time, they need to find a way out of the past to return to the present day. Suddenly, peer and school relationship challenges seem insignificant.
The author does a good job of character development and keeping the plot moving along. This is a compelling read combining history, time travel adventure, and coming-of-age struggles for middle-grade readers.
While on a visit one day, the twins discover Dr. Greogrian passed out. Little do they know, they will soon be on a time travel adventure to ancient Egypt where they discover Dr. Gregorian is part of a secret society.
The siblings' unique character differences shine as they thread their way through ancient Egypt and struggle to remove obstacles to survival. At the same time, they need to find a way out of the past to return to the present day. Suddenly, peer and school relationship challenges seem insignificant.
The author does a good job of character development and keeping the plot moving along. This is a compelling read combining history, time travel adventure, and coming-of-age struggles for middle-grade readers.
December 19, 2021
This was an enjoyable middle grade book. The adventure they went on was scary but amazing. I definitely would not have been so brave when I was their ages. Twins who couldn't be more different but each gains new skills when they are tested an confronted with the unthinkable. Not only did they go through time but were totally on their own when they go there. Thankfully they did find many friends along the way. I was very disappointed that I have to wait to read the second book in the series as it isn't released until January 2022.
May 11, 2020
Rating: 1.5 🌟 (mostly because it didn't make me angry like the books that I actually gave one (1) star to)
ARC Review: Received for free via Netgalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
CW/TW: ableist slurs, mention of bullying, ableist language, cisnormative language/mindset,
Firstly: R. I. P. planet Pluto 💔😪 we will always love you.
Secondly: This book is really white. And that's not a bad thing or anything, but the working, the situations, the whole, I don't know, feel of it, the energy, is very, very white.
The book itself is not bad, but it's not really that great either. It's kind very meh. The dialogue is kind of cringe and the way the kids act is taking me back to 2002, which isn't bad, but like, it's 2020, things be different.
I feel like 12 year old me would've eaten this kind of thing up in 2002, but now it's kind of weeh. Like, I can't completely judge it because I. Am. Ooold, but you get what I mean. I feel like kids now are a little different, even just looking at TV shows now, like the way they act as 12 year olds is very different to how 12 years olds from 2002 acted. And the ones in the book give me more of a 2002 feel more than a 2020 feel. So.
Also, while reading this, I figured out who Edward reminds me of (it took a while, but I got). He reminds of Ricky from Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn. He's not as (I don't want to say annoying because this is a h*cking child, ma'am!) in your face about being smart, but that's exactly who he reminds me of!
In as much as I have my complains though, this book works as middle grade. I feel like if they'd aged up some of the things would've been unrealistic or even annoying, but as a middle grade it all works. Like the kids make some questionable decisions but as a middle grade book I kind of believed their questionable decision, so there's that.
Side note: There's this 'joke' Dr G makes whrn he finds Edward sashaying around 'like a girl', you know the way, and he says something like "Do you have a secret to tell me" and then it keeps going and I was kind of like nah to that whole interaction. I don't know, it's not bad, it may be I'm being overly sensitive about it, but I didn't feel it. And the whole thing about Edward 'not being a girl' comes up a lot and— *sigh* it's 2020.
ARC Review: Received for free via Netgalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
CW/TW: ableist slurs, mention of bullying, ableist language, cisnormative language/mindset,
Firstly: R. I. P. planet Pluto 💔😪 we will always love you.
Secondly: This book is really white. And that's not a bad thing or anything, but the working, the situations, the whole, I don't know, feel of it, the energy, is very, very white.
The book itself is not bad, but it's not really that great either. It's kind very meh. The dialogue is kind of cringe and the way the kids act is taking me back to 2002, which isn't bad, but like, it's 2020, things be different.
I feel like 12 year old me would've eaten this kind of thing up in 2002, but now it's kind of weeh. Like, I can't completely judge it because I. Am. Ooold, but you get what I mean. I feel like kids now are a little different, even just looking at TV shows now, like the way they act as 12 year olds is very different to how 12 years olds from 2002 acted. And the ones in the book give me more of a 2002 feel more than a 2020 feel. So.
Also, while reading this, I figured out who Edward reminds me of (it took a while, but I got). He reminds of Ricky from Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn. He's not as (I don't want to say annoying because this is a h*cking child, ma'am!) in your face about being smart, but that's exactly who he reminds me of!
In as much as I have my complains though, this book works as middle grade. I feel like if they'd aged up some of the things would've been unrealistic or even annoying, but as a middle grade it all works. Like the kids make some questionable decisions but as a middle grade book I kind of believed their questionable decision, so there's that.
Side note: There's this 'joke' Dr G makes whrn he finds Edward sashaying around 'like a girl', you know the way, and he says something like "Do you have a secret to tell me" and then it keeps going and I was kind of like nah to that whole interaction. I don't know, it's not bad, it may be I'm being overly sensitive about it, but I didn't feel it. And the whole thing about Edward 'not being a girl' comes up a lot and— *sigh* it's 2020.
April 5, 2020
I received this book as an ARC from Smith Publicity, Inc., and am providing an honest review.
Eleven-year-old twins Edward and Anastasia live in Washington, DC, where they pass by the Smithsonian Institution on their way home from school every day. They often pop into the Natural History Museum for a visit, and they have become friends with Dr. Gregorian (Dr. G), curator at that museum.
On one visit, they walk in on Dr. G as he returns from traveling back in time through a Refractium Crystal, and the twins are soon involved with Dr. G’s Order of Time, a group of museum curators around the world who fight against the Corsairs, who are out to disrupt time and change history for their own nefarious purposes.
When Dr. G is injured by a falling sarcophagus in a confrontation with the Corsairs, the twins must travel back in time to ancient Egypt in the time of Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti. They need to thwart the plot devised by the Corsairs to eliminate the Pharaoh and his queen, and so to change history.
I loved the heroism of the young protagonists, and the way the author presents history in a fun manner for young readers. Anastasia is the twin who studies martial arts and is ready to defend herself and her brother when the Egyptian bad guys appear. Edward is the intellectual one, who knows the history and comes up with ideas that impress Egyptian royals and the group of boys with whom they join forces. The Order of Time is just scary enough to keep a middle grades reader on the edge of her seat, and the characters are down to earth enough that a young reader can identify with them, while riding along on a great adventure through time and learning some ancient history along the way. I wish this book had been around when I was a kid. Maybe I can go back in time. . ..
Eleven-year-old twins Edward and Anastasia live in Washington, DC, where they pass by the Smithsonian Institution on their way home from school every day. They often pop into the Natural History Museum for a visit, and they have become friends with Dr. Gregorian (Dr. G), curator at that museum.
On one visit, they walk in on Dr. G as he returns from traveling back in time through a Refractium Crystal, and the twins are soon involved with Dr. G’s Order of Time, a group of museum curators around the world who fight against the Corsairs, who are out to disrupt time and change history for their own nefarious purposes.
When Dr. G is injured by a falling sarcophagus in a confrontation with the Corsairs, the twins must travel back in time to ancient Egypt in the time of Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti. They need to thwart the plot devised by the Corsairs to eliminate the Pharaoh and his queen, and so to change history.
I loved the heroism of the young protagonists, and the way the author presents history in a fun manner for young readers. Anastasia is the twin who studies martial arts and is ready to defend herself and her brother when the Egyptian bad guys appear. Edward is the intellectual one, who knows the history and comes up with ideas that impress Egyptian royals and the group of boys with whom they join forces. The Order of Time is just scary enough to keep a middle grades reader on the edge of her seat, and the characters are down to earth enough that a young reader can identify with them, while riding along on a great adventure through time and learning some ancient history along the way. I wish this book had been around when I was a kid. Maybe I can go back in time. . ..
November 15, 2021
I was provided the ebook by the author for free and in exchange for an honest review.
This was a wonderful first book in the series, and I enjoyed the book thoroughly though due to work from home it took me a long time to finish this it actually took me 3-4 sittings to finish the book and the time was due to not being able to get back to the ebook. My only criticism for the book is that like another reader pointed that the things were just too easy. I mean 11-12 years with such talent wow, even 16 years old might have failed in the tasks performed by them. But then again it was a joy to read and the romp through ancient Egypt was wonderful. This series has great potential and could go on for a long time and I look forward to the next parts of the series, I am lucky as I was also provided the second book in the series as well. Actually, I was offered the 2nd book but I asked for the first book as well if possible so that I could better understand the series. So till next time gotta read and then keep on reading
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genres but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
This was a wonderful first book in the series, and I enjoyed the book thoroughly though due to work from home it took me a long time to finish this it actually took me 3-4 sittings to finish the book and the time was due to not being able to get back to the ebook. My only criticism for the book is that like another reader pointed that the things were just too easy. I mean 11-12 years with such talent wow, even 16 years old might have failed in the tasks performed by them. But then again it was a joy to read and the romp through ancient Egypt was wonderful. This series has great potential and could go on for a long time and I look forward to the next parts of the series, I am lucky as I was also provided the second book in the series as well. Actually, I was offered the 2nd book but I asked for the first book as well if possible so that I could better understand the series. So till next time gotta read and then keep on reading
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genres but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
May 6, 2020
The Order of Time by Scott Southall is a Middle Grade time travel adventure story and I think the beginning of a potential series of adventures involving eleven year old twins , Anastasia and Edward Upton and the mysterious Order of Time, a secret society dedicated to preserving the integrity of history by monitoring time travel and ensuring that a rogue time traveller , the Corsair, and his henchmen cannot change the present by manipulating history. When the Corsair strikes in ancient Egypt, and their professor friend is injured , the twins realise that they must travel to the past and try to avert disaster, sending them off on an ancient adventure full of royalty, monsters and fun.
This is an interesting premise for a book, and that is its greatest strength, with the use of the time travelling crystals , the author can send his characters virtually anywhere. The main characters, Anastasia and Edward unfortunately felt a little unbelievable to me, which made it difficult to be invested in their story or care about the outcome. While I liked that he made Anastasia interested in MMA , her ability to beat up grown adults seemed a little exaggerated and similarly Edward's seemingly encyclopaedic knowledge about any number of topics seemed unbelievable. I also found that the pacing was a little slower than I normally find in books aimed at this age group, and the writing style a little flat.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
This is an interesting premise for a book, and that is its greatest strength, with the use of the time travelling crystals , the author can send his characters virtually anywhere. The main characters, Anastasia and Edward unfortunately felt a little unbelievable to me, which made it difficult to be invested in their story or care about the outcome. While I liked that he made Anastasia interested in MMA , her ability to beat up grown adults seemed a little exaggerated and similarly Edward's seemingly encyclopaedic knowledge about any number of topics seemed unbelievable. I also found that the pacing was a little slower than I normally find in books aimed at this age group, and the writing style a little flat.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
August 10, 2020
It was an enjoyable read that for the most part kept a good pace with action, adventure, and tidbits of knowledge. It kinda reminded me of The Librarians (movies/TV show), but with kids. I liked the twin aspect of the story and special bond between the brother and sister. Their differences also complimented each other very well. I thought they made friends awfully fast, but did enjoy their rag tag gang of misfits. However, the twins often seemed much older than their 11 yrs of age, which at times gave too much of an over-the-top feel to the story.
One question I'm curious about is do the kids keep the knowledge that they learned while time traveling. Through the time travel process they were given the knowledge of language. When they returned could they still speak and read the language or was it only temporary? While they were given the knowledge of language, I felt that many of the words that were used would not have been understood or had any type of translation for the time period; however, I chalked that down to the author's literary license to make it flow and more understandable for today's reader.
After their experience, I was interested to see how Edward was going to deal with the bully at school, but maybe that will be in a sequel.?.?.
One question I'm curious about is do the kids keep the knowledge that they learned while time traveling. Through the time travel process they were given the knowledge of language. When they returned could they still speak and read the language or was it only temporary? While they were given the knowledge of language, I felt that many of the words that were used would not have been understood or had any type of translation for the time period; however, I chalked that down to the author's literary license to make it flow and more understandable for today's reader.
After their experience, I was interested to see how Edward was going to deal with the bully at school, but maybe that will be in a sequel.?.?.
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