At The End Of The Tunnel: An Adventure About Time And Space

by Robin Brown

What would you do with all of time and space?

Colin knows exactly what he would do. Visit ancient times, attend medieval jousts, and watch battles throughout the ages!

But Polly knows better. She’s been back in time before. She’s seen how different it is, how hard it is, and how terrifying it can be.

That’s why Polly will help Colin. She’ll show him how to view the past, help him understand it and, hopefully, he’ll learn from it, as Polly herself has learnt.

But everything changes when someone breaks the rules.

And they’ve been breaking the rules for a very, very, long time.

Inspired by the works of Terry Pratchett and Roald Dahl, AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL is an emotional, character-driven journey all ages can enjoy. This isn't Good vs. Evil, this is just two kids and what they can do with all of time and space (and what they should do with all of time and space).

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2020

Reviews

[Hannah May Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: At the End of the Tunnel
Author: Robin Brown
Pages: 215
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis:

When Colin stumbles upon a mysterious, black tunnel, he is shocked to learn that entering it allows you to travel back in time. Colin wants to experience medieval times and see the dinosaurs, however Polly, the girl he followed to discover the tunnel, has travelled back in time before. She knows how time travel can be difficult and she knows how scary it can get at times. That’s why 14-year-old Polly takes 11-year-old Colin under her wing. She will show him how to visit the past but also how to understand and learn from it. However, there are rules to time travel and someone else out there is breaking these rules and they have been for a very long time. It is up to Polly and Colin to stop them before it goes to far.

Review:
First things first, I would like to thank the author for gifting me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. I would like to start by saying how lovely and eye catching the front cover is, it really caught my attention. I also appreciate how the front cover resembles the story and Colin’s new world; this was very nicely done.

At the End of the Tunnel’s genre is young adult, so I was really looking forward to a nice, easy read. I genuinely wasn’t sure how I would feel the story as sci-fi isn’t exactly my genre but I was definitely surprised by this read and I would recommend it to any one out there discovering time travel for the first time as you are eased in gently with this read and it isn’t over powering.

The book description was short and sweet, it hinted what we could expect without giving too much away. I also had a little chuckle at the author’s note at the end of the book, it hinted Robin would be a witty writer so I was excited to find out.

I found the tone of the book to be light hearted and easy going instantly and connected with the writing style straight away. I really appreciate the author’s humour throughout; it was definitely on my level.
Robin Brown is very good at scene setting, I could imagine his writing throughout and was able to visualise the story perfectly. The chapters were short and snappy which kept the book moving at a good pace and this continued throughout. I also liked how we were straight into the story; it took off right away.

For me, I found Polly to be a very interesting character. She was fiery and could hold her own yet she had a sensitive, emotional side. She had the front that many teenagers put on but I couldn’t help feeling that there was a lot more to her and I was excited to unearth this.

The story does get a little confusing in parts, but I feel this was honestly the intention of the author and the story. It could have frustrated me trying to work everything out but I figured reading on and not over thinking really helped, just accept it is what it is. However, one thing I really did like is how the writing style of the author involves the reader, you honestly feel like you are part of the whole adventure.

As well as this being a nice, quick and pacey read there is also lessons to be learnt from this book. Robin brown does have a lovely way with words at times that do hit home. The read also highlights how some of us are guilty of dwelling on the past, there is a message within that shows us that we should embrace the future whatever it may hold for us.
I was pleasantly surprised by this little adventure of a read!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Robin Brown for providing me with a paperback copy of At The End of the Tunnel with a request for an honest review.

At The End of the Tunnel is a delightful story of time travel and consequences. This middle-grade adventure is the most fun I’ve had in a while. I am not a sci-fi fan, but I’ve recently read some great ones. I adored Robin Brown’s work with this novel.

Polly and Colin are adorable, though Colin is a bit whiney. However, this is all due to his excitement about finding the tunnel. His first trip through was enlightening. His foray into the past set the tone for how he thinks about people and events in his life. Polly is one of the best female characters I’ve met. She is strong and wise, yet not overpowering.

I found myself wanting to travel through the tunnel. The description of the tunnel makes you feel like you are there. The darkness is tangible. I often found myself holding my breath. Though, the way the tunnel works is very confusing. It could be that I am an adult trying to riddle it out. But, it might confuse everyone. Kids would probably roll with it and love it because of the confusion.

I enjoyed At The End of the Tunnel very much. I gladly award it 4 out of 5 stars. If you have kids who love time travel and sci-fi, they might enjoy this little gem.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. This definitely goes on my all-time favorites list. I've been sitting here for hours, staring at my screen, trying to find the words to describe just how much I LOVED this book. I could relate to both Polly and Colin, although from separate times in my life. Furthermore, I'd say it falls somewhere on the line between upper middle-grade and young adult. Either way, it's absolutely brilliant. I got so caught up in the story that I read it in one sitting, and was a bit disorientated at first when I finished. I don't want to give anything away, but this was a wonderful adventure, with plenty of friendship, and life lessons along the way. Highly recommend.