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Time Bender #1
The Time Bender
When a chance encounter with a galaxy hopping space warrior drops Selina Langston down a rabbit hole of kidnapping schemes, time altering super powers and an occasional intergalactic battle, she must decide whether to trust her head, her heart or her hormones.
Until now sixteen-year-old Selina hasn’t had any prospects for a boyfriend. She’s been shunned by her peers due to her clumsy social skills and her oh-so-public blunders, not to mention her inclination to think and speak in hashtags and stage cues. But then Marcum, a mysterious foreign exchange student, arrives by way of an interplanetary spaceship. Selina is entranced by his good looks and an awkward manner that rivals her own. Marcum is captivated by Selina’s power to lengthen time, something she didn’t even know she could do. This could be a match made in the heavens … if it weren’t for two factors that will keep them apart. And a galactic journey Selina can’t possibly survive.
Until now sixteen-year-old Selina hasn’t had any prospects for a boyfriend. She’s been shunned by her peers due to her clumsy social skills and her oh-so-public blunders, not to mention her inclination to think and speak in hashtags and stage cues. But then Marcum, a mysterious foreign exchange student, arrives by way of an interplanetary spaceship. Selina is entranced by his good looks and an awkward manner that rivals her own. Marcum is captivated by Selina’s power to lengthen time, something she didn’t even know she could do. This could be a match made in the heavens … if it weren’t for two factors that will keep them apart. And a galactic journey Selina can’t possibly survive.
- GenresYoung Adult
Paperback
Published October 1, 2021
10 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Debra Chapoton
153 books106 followers With over 100 books to her name, Debra Chapoton is a master at writing Christian fiction and non-fiction. Writing under the pen name Marlisa Kriscott, she crafts heartwarming second-chance teacher romances, while under her own name, she transports readers into swoon-worthy Highlander tales (Loved by a Highlander series) and rugged cowboy love stories (Unbridled Hearts, Faithful Hearts, and Broken Spur Ranch series).
But her imagination doesn’t stop at romance—Debra's young adult novels plunge into the thrilling worlds of sci-fi, paranormal mysteries, time travel, dystopian futures, and parallel realities. She also pens insightful non-fiction works such as Sunday School lessons and delightful children’s books, making her a true literary chameleon.
Raised with a love for codes and intricate puzzles, Debra’s passion for storytelling goes beyond words; she seamlessly weaves secrets and hidden clues into her novels, adding layers of intrigue. With a career as a high school Spanish and English teacher, she draws inspiration from her students’ personalities, bringing authentic voices to her characters.
But her imagination doesn’t stop at romance—Debra's young adult novels plunge into the thrilling worlds of sci-fi, paranormal mysteries, time travel, dystopian futures, and parallel realities. She also pens insightful non-fiction works such as Sunday School lessons and delightful children’s books, making her a true literary chameleon.
Raised with a love for codes and intricate puzzles, Debra’s passion for storytelling goes beyond words; she seamlessly weaves secrets and hidden clues into her novels, adding layers of intrigue. With a career as a high school Spanish and English teacher, she draws inspiration from her students’ personalities, bringing authentic voices to her characters.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 7, 2017
****I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review****
The “Time-Bender” is a quirky young adult sci-fi story with a cast of loveably flawed dorks (in the best way possible). The book follows the main character, Selina, as she makes a wish for a boyfriend. At sixteen, she’s a social outcast, her skin has a blue-ish tinge, and she has ADP which essentially means she avoids most people, think extreme introvert. The only one able to break through her shell is her lifelong friend and neighbor, Alex. Then, her wish is granted and two hunky aliens fall from the sky posing as exchange students. But these two guys competing for Selina’s attention are not all they seem to be as they begin pressuring Selina to leave with them, by any means necessary.
Selina is special, but of course she doesn’t know that, and she’s not special in the way Alex thinks she is. Only the two aliens, Coreg and Marcum, really know her potential, and they know how much their planet could use someone like her to stop the war on their home world. But they don’t know how to tell Selina that, how to make her want to go with them to fight in a war with aliens she had no clue existed. The struggle between Selina wanting to believe these gorgeous guys really like her, and these aliens trying to communicate to her, is more endearing then I thought it would be!
I really love how Chapoton wrote her characters in order to convey the differences between Selina, Coreg, and Marcum. All of Selina’s chapters are in 1st person, and everyone else is in a close 3rd. Normally, this switch can be jarring but the way Chapoton uses it works in her favor and helps keep the book light hearted, and a fun little page turner. Too often you have these alien encounter books where the aliens are a god-like race, they already know everything about earth and the species they have come into contact with, that’s not the case in “The Time Bender”. Yes, Marcum and Coreg have special abilities that humans don’t, but they are assumptions about humans and earth that are incorrect and there are some things about humans they just don’t understand at all. It’s cute to watch them bumble about as these awkward foreign exchange students, and stumble over an unfamiliar language. Selina goes along with the act because she herself is socially awkward, and she wished for a boyfriend and now she may have two! Even though it’s obvious to the reader that these guys aren’t all they appear, you can kind of see why Selina would ignore it when she feels like this is a dream come true, she doesn’t want to look too closely at this gift, so to speak.
There was very little about this cute story that bothered me, and the things that did, were small for the most part. The question of “will Selina fall for…” gets answered pretty early through Selina’s constant denial of that person, so I felt like when things happen, it was old hat. Selina also has the tendency to use “stage cues” or internal emoji speak as a way to use humor to defuse a situation. The stage cues made sense and I liked them, they didn’t happen all that often so it wasn’t distracting. But the emoji speak felt a bit unnecessary, if that wasn’t in the book, nothing would be lost. It happens even less frequently than the sage cues, so hopefully it disappears in the later books in this series. The only thing that genuinely bothered me was the portrayal of Selina’s mentally challenged little brother, Buddy. I may be overly sensitive to it as I have a brother who is on the autism spectrum, but Buddy’s portrayal felt a bit insensitive and didn’t have much of an impact on Selina or the story, so I was confused as to the decision to give Buddy special needs to begin with. That may be rectified in later books where we get to know Buddy better, but we’ll see. Also, certain revelations towards the end feel overly convenient, the author does tease them so they aren’t completely out of left field, but it still felt a bit too coincidental for me to 100% buy that all aliens happen to be drawn to Michigan.
I love how Chapoton blended this light hearted sci-fi tale with a young adult coming of age with some mild flavors of fantasy. The author really makes it work for her in a great way and Selina is one of those underdogs I think a lot of young people will identify with, and I hope we get to see her grow more through her struggles of figuring out who she is, and who she wants to be. I just wish the cover was better as it does the story no justice! I had a lot of fun reading “The Time Bender”, and because I can’t wait to see what happens next for Selina, Alex, and Marcum, I’m giving it 5 stars!
The “Time-Bender” is a quirky young adult sci-fi story with a cast of loveably flawed dorks (in the best way possible). The book follows the main character, Selina, as she makes a wish for a boyfriend. At sixteen, she’s a social outcast, her skin has a blue-ish tinge, and she has ADP which essentially means she avoids most people, think extreme introvert. The only one able to break through her shell is her lifelong friend and neighbor, Alex. Then, her wish is granted and two hunky aliens fall from the sky posing as exchange students. But these two guys competing for Selina’s attention are not all they seem to be as they begin pressuring Selina to leave with them, by any means necessary.
Selina is special, but of course she doesn’t know that, and she’s not special in the way Alex thinks she is. Only the two aliens, Coreg and Marcum, really know her potential, and they know how much their planet could use someone like her to stop the war on their home world. But they don’t know how to tell Selina that, how to make her want to go with them to fight in a war with aliens she had no clue existed. The struggle between Selina wanting to believe these gorgeous guys really like her, and these aliens trying to communicate to her, is more endearing then I thought it would be!
I really love how Chapoton wrote her characters in order to convey the differences between Selina, Coreg, and Marcum. All of Selina’s chapters are in 1st person, and everyone else is in a close 3rd. Normally, this switch can be jarring but the way Chapoton uses it works in her favor and helps keep the book light hearted, and a fun little page turner. Too often you have these alien encounter books where the aliens are a god-like race, they already know everything about earth and the species they have come into contact with, that’s not the case in “The Time Bender”. Yes, Marcum and Coreg have special abilities that humans don’t, but they are assumptions about humans and earth that are incorrect and there are some things about humans they just don’t understand at all. It’s cute to watch them bumble about as these awkward foreign exchange students, and stumble over an unfamiliar language. Selina goes along with the act because she herself is socially awkward, and she wished for a boyfriend and now she may have two! Even though it’s obvious to the reader that these guys aren’t all they appear, you can kind of see why Selina would ignore it when she feels like this is a dream come true, she doesn’t want to look too closely at this gift, so to speak.
There was very little about this cute story that bothered me, and the things that did, were small for the most part. The question of “will Selina fall for…” gets answered pretty early through Selina’s constant denial of that person, so I felt like when things happen, it was old hat. Selina also has the tendency to use “stage cues” or internal emoji speak as a way to use humor to defuse a situation. The stage cues made sense and I liked them, they didn’t happen all that often so it wasn’t distracting. But the emoji speak felt a bit unnecessary, if that wasn’t in the book, nothing would be lost. It happens even less frequently than the sage cues, so hopefully it disappears in the later books in this series. The only thing that genuinely bothered me was the portrayal of Selina’s mentally challenged little brother, Buddy. I may be overly sensitive to it as I have a brother who is on the autism spectrum, but Buddy’s portrayal felt a bit insensitive and didn’t have much of an impact on Selina or the story, so I was confused as to the decision to give Buddy special needs to begin with. That may be rectified in later books where we get to know Buddy better, but we’ll see. Also, certain revelations towards the end feel overly convenient, the author does tease them so they aren’t completely out of left field, but it still felt a bit too coincidental for me to 100% buy that all aliens happen to be drawn to Michigan.
I love how Chapoton blended this light hearted sci-fi tale with a young adult coming of age with some mild flavors of fantasy. The author really makes it work for her in a great way and Selina is one of those underdogs I think a lot of young people will identify with, and I hope we get to see her grow more through her struggles of figuring out who she is, and who she wants to be. I just wish the cover was better as it does the story no justice! I had a lot of fun reading “The Time Bender”, and because I can’t wait to see what happens next for Selina, Alex, and Marcum, I’m giving it 5 stars!
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August 12, 2025I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. When you guys are reading this, it will actually have just been released the day before, so its perfect timing if you want to go out and get yourself a copy!
This is a YA Sci-Fi novel, is 260 pages long and I gave it 2 stars.
Today, I’m going to start with what I didn’t like just so I can get it over and done with. Basically, I didn’t particularly love any of the love interests and there were a few too many of them (and by that I mean that three people were kind of but not necessarily involved with the main character) for my tastes. To be fair, not all of them actually “love” her, but still, the jealousy and competition or whatever that this love shape brought extended to them and that is what really bugged me. It was just… a lot too much and it encompassed a lot of the plot.
The other thing I didn’t like was how little personality the main character had. All I know about Selina is that she has self-confidence issues (I think), loves her little brother, really wants a boyfriend and gets bullied in school…. which isn’t really enough for me. Also, way too much focus on her wanting a boyfriend for my taste.
However, I gave this book two stars (which isn’t a negative rating for me) so there was obviously something I liked! I really liked the sci-fi elements of this book (not the parts that resulted in the love shape mess above, but the story of the origin planet of two of the characters and the plot of the actual fight which really started at the end of this first book). It was a really interesting and engaging plot/world and really, if the book had more of this and less of the things above it would have easily gotten four stars because I really liked the actual sci-fi stuff. So yay!
Overall, if you don’t mind a little cliché, undeveloped characters and a mess of a love shape and you really like interesting sci-fi verses then I definitely recommend this book!
This is a YA Sci-Fi novel, is 260 pages long and I gave it 2 stars.
Today, I’m going to start with what I didn’t like just so I can get it over and done with. Basically, I didn’t particularly love any of the love interests and there were a few too many of them (and by that I mean that three people were kind of but not necessarily involved with the main character) for my tastes. To be fair, not all of them actually “love” her, but still, the jealousy and competition or whatever that this love shape brought extended to them and that is what really bugged me. It was just… a lot too much and it encompassed a lot of the plot.
The other thing I didn’t like was how little personality the main character had. All I know about Selina is that she has self-confidence issues (I think), loves her little brother, really wants a boyfriend and gets bullied in school…. which isn’t really enough for me. Also, way too much focus on her wanting a boyfriend for my taste.
However, I gave this book two stars (which isn’t a negative rating for me) so there was obviously something I liked! I really liked the sci-fi elements of this book (not the parts that resulted in the love shape mess above, but the story of the origin planet of two of the characters and the plot of the actual fight which really started at the end of this first book). It was a really interesting and engaging plot/world and really, if the book had more of this and less of the things above it would have easily gotten four stars because I really liked the actual sci-fi stuff. So yay!
Overall, if you don’t mind a little cliché, undeveloped characters and a mess of a love shape and you really like interesting sci-fi verses then I definitely recommend this book!
September 10, 2017
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I always feel a bit bad, when I promise to review a book and I didn't like the book. I will be honest, though. This book was not for me. I do believe this book is more appropriate for maybe young teens (age 14-15). There were too many parts of this book that I didn't like, even though the writing wasn't that bad!
A longer review can be found at Bite Into books
I'm not here to totally burn down a story and definitely not to make sure no one reads this book. I believe this story is more for younger readers, but it definitely wasn't a book for me. I think Debra Chapoton is a good writer, the story was written pretty good, I just had trouble with the main character, which made me dislike other parts of the story as well. I do encourage others to pick up this book, I think it's a nice first for a series with a unique worldbuilding. Sadly, I won't continue reading this series
I always feel a bit bad, when I promise to review a book and I didn't like the book. I will be honest, though. This book was not for me. I do believe this book is more appropriate for maybe young teens (age 14-15). There were too many parts of this book that I didn't like, even though the writing wasn't that bad!
A longer review can be found at Bite Into books
I'm not here to totally burn down a story and definitely not to make sure no one reads this book. I believe this story is more for younger readers, but it definitely wasn't a book for me. I think Debra Chapoton is a good writer, the story was written pretty good, I just had trouble with the main character, which made me dislike other parts of the story as well. I do encourage others to pick up this book, I think it's a nice first for a series with a unique worldbuilding. Sadly, I won't continue reading this series
February 10, 2020
What teenage girl doesn’t fantasize about meeting very sexy aliens? And what high school doesn’t have alien exchange students? Selina has the skill to bend time, and Marcum and Coreg have come from outer space to find her.
Written for a YA audience, this cute fantasy takes a quirky turn on high school angst.
Written for a YA audience, this cute fantasy takes a quirky turn on high school angst.
August 3, 2017
I read this book several days ago but needed time to really think about it before posting my review. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this book. Was it entertaining? Yes. Did it keep me reading and wanting to see what happens next? Yes. So, why am I not completely sure how I feel about The Time Bender? I'll explain.
As an adult, who has read TONS of books, I had a hard time with a few things. I'll get to those in a minute. If I had read this when I was about 13-14 I would have loved it and not really noticed the things that bothered me as an adult reader. It really is an entertaining book! I don't want anyone to think that I hated it.
Now, the things that I had issues with...
The first is that Selina had almost no problem letting a stranger into her house. Even when he acted so super weird and his skin was an odd color for a human. Although, I do believe the book stated that her skin was a bluish color as well.
Next, when Marcum basically told her that she had powers she didn't seem to react like a normal person would have.
And then when Alex's dad told him his secret (I don't want to give too much away) Alex was just pretty much like "Ok, cool, no big deal!"
Those things were just too unbelievable to me. I do understand that most Scifi books are somewhat unbelievable but they're supposed to make you believe in them!
Anyways, like I said, as a young reader I probably wouldn't have noticed these things but as an adult I did. It is a good book and I will recommend it to younger readers. I wouldn't mind reading the others in the series when they become available.
Thank you, Debra Chapoton for sending this book to me!
As an adult, who has read TONS of books, I had a hard time with a few things. I'll get to those in a minute. If I had read this when I was about 13-14 I would have loved it and not really noticed the things that bothered me as an adult reader. It really is an entertaining book! I don't want anyone to think that I hated it.
Now, the things that I had issues with...
The first is that Selina had almost no problem letting a stranger into her house. Even when he acted so super weird and his skin was an odd color for a human. Although, I do believe the book stated that her skin was a bluish color as well.
Next, when Marcum basically told her that she had powers she didn't seem to react like a normal person would have.
And then when Alex's dad told him his secret (I don't want to give too much away) Alex was just pretty much like "Ok, cool, no big deal!"
Those things were just too unbelievable to me. I do understand that most Scifi books are somewhat unbelievable but they're supposed to make you believe in them!
Anyways, like I said, as a young reader I probably wouldn't have noticed these things but as an adult I did. It is a good book and I will recommend it to younger readers. I wouldn't mind reading the others in the series when they become available.
Thank you, Debra Chapoton for sending this book to me!
September 8, 2017
Honestly, I was prepared to write it off as an alien version of "that vampire trilogy" on a galactic scale. BUT... I'm glad I didn't.
Quick summary...
Two alien guys (Coreg and Marcum) vie for the attention and ultimately control of our earthbound time bender. Surprise, it's a girl! Distraction much? Good news, it may serve her well; bad news, there are other forces at work here that the fellas don't even realize. Dun dun dun... save the girl or save their world... well, it's a debate for ONE of them at least, and that's before unexpected players step up their game. Just who will control the heart, let alone the will, of our little time bender? Only time will tell... 😉
Thoughts...
I admit, I employed a little of my own time pacing and bending skills while reading this one (not just because I was reading the "e" format either). Like I said, initially it wasn't doing a thing for me... the acceptance of extremely out there situations and explanations of those circumstance by our leading lady, for example, so easily and without freak out moments... totally wasn't buying it. (Teen - in our character's case - or not, you take my butt into space without my knowledge and there's definitely gonna be some kind of reckoning, let me tell you.) Then about half way through (give or take), suddenly I was there in the pilot seat and ready to take on the Glaka-majiggers (not the real name, but close enough 😊) single handedly... while still boring Coreg in the arse. (He may have skills and some version of a heart, but he's still a jerk.) The action blended with the love triangle and created a story that you couldn't stop reading if you tried... not that I did, mind you.
At book's end, I can honestly say I'm very curious to see just what might be in store for our somewhat valiant heroes and the new found connections they have as well as the unexpected destinies unfolding before their amber tinged eyes.
**ecopy received for review
Quick summary...
Two alien guys (Coreg and Marcum) vie for the attention and ultimately control of our earthbound time bender. Surprise, it's a girl! Distraction much? Good news, it may serve her well; bad news, there are other forces at work here that the fellas don't even realize. Dun dun dun... save the girl or save their world... well, it's a debate for ONE of them at least, and that's before unexpected players step up their game. Just who will control the heart, let alone the will, of our little time bender? Only time will tell... 😉
Thoughts...
I admit, I employed a little of my own time pacing and bending skills while reading this one (not just because I was reading the "e" format either). Like I said, initially it wasn't doing a thing for me... the acceptance of extremely out there situations and explanations of those circumstance by our leading lady, for example, so easily and without freak out moments... totally wasn't buying it. (Teen - in our character's case - or not, you take my butt into space without my knowledge and there's definitely gonna be some kind of reckoning, let me tell you.) Then about half way through (give or take), suddenly I was there in the pilot seat and ready to take on the Glaka-majiggers (not the real name, but close enough 😊) single handedly... while still boring Coreg in the arse. (He may have skills and some version of a heart, but he's still a jerk.) The action blended with the love triangle and created a story that you couldn't stop reading if you tried... not that I did, mind you.
At book's end, I can honestly say I'm very curious to see just what might be in store for our somewhat valiant heroes and the new found connections they have as well as the unexpected destinies unfolding before their amber tinged eyes.
**ecopy received for review
August 8, 2018
An odd little alien romance that’s pretty well-suited for the target audience.
Tasked with abducting a human time-bender, aliens Marcum and Coreg get much more than they bargained for. Competition, sleeper-aliens, and the threat of other, more dangerous aliens keep these characters on their toes while they navigate through their feelings.
And a love-triangle. Beneath the sci-fi exterior, there was a very familiar romance formula. It was done better than most, though. Overdone, but not inherently detrimental.
My favorite part was how Selina’s friend, Alex, was incorporated to be important to the narrative. Rather than being left as the goofy sidekick/love-interest, he was given a solid character and treated to character development. He had his own storyline that assisted with the plot. The only thing that bothered me was how fast things were learned during the climax. Not just for Alex, either. Several characters fell victim to that category. And it all occurred about the same time.
The characters were very likeable and, for the most part, relatable. I liked the way they meshed together to push the story along. Their storylines intertwined without getting in the way of the overarching plot. Not only was Selina’s character development assisted by it, but it also catapulted minor characters into the spotlight. I enjoyed the dialogue; it flowed naturally and helped the characters be engaging. This played towards the more light-hearted tone that the narrative maintained.
The switching between first and third person was jarring, no matter how much I understood the desire to tell both sides of the story.
Overall an interesting read. There was definitely more than enough there to pique my interest in the rest of the series.
Tasked with abducting a human time-bender, aliens Marcum and Coreg get much more than they bargained for. Competition, sleeper-aliens, and the threat of other, more dangerous aliens keep these characters on their toes while they navigate through their feelings.
And a love-triangle. Beneath the sci-fi exterior, there was a very familiar romance formula. It was done better than most, though. Overdone, but not inherently detrimental.
My favorite part was how Selina’s friend, Alex, was incorporated to be important to the narrative. Rather than being left as the goofy sidekick/love-interest, he was given a solid character and treated to character development. He had his own storyline that assisted with the plot. The only thing that bothered me was how fast things were learned during the climax. Not just for Alex, either. Several characters fell victim to that category. And it all occurred about the same time.
The characters were very likeable and, for the most part, relatable. I liked the way they meshed together to push the story along. Their storylines intertwined without getting in the way of the overarching plot. Not only was Selina’s character development assisted by it, but it also catapulted minor characters into the spotlight. I enjoyed the dialogue; it flowed naturally and helped the characters be engaging. This played towards the more light-hearted tone that the narrative maintained.
The switching between first and third person was jarring, no matter how much I understood the desire to tell both sides of the story.
Overall an interesting read. There was definitely more than enough there to pique my interest in the rest of the series.
September 11, 2017
Having read other Debra Chapoton books, I was very pleased when she gave me a copy of The Time Bender. It did not disappoint. I’m anxiously looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
When Selina, a girl that is going through some serious outcast issues at school because of her unexplained physical and emotional maladies, is suddenly given attention by two handsome new foreign exchange students, she becomes completely conflicted.
Thankfully she has her long time best friend and protector, Alex, to keep her grounded. But Alex is just that, a friend isn’t he? And these two boys make her senses reel.
Coreg and Marcum, a couple of rebel alien cadets, are there to kidnap Selina and take her back to their planet, where they plan to use her time bending abilities to fight in their people’s war. However, it becomes complicated when Marcum has feelings for her and refuses to take her without her permission.
Things get more difficult, and I’ll not tell you any more because I don’t like spoilers. You have to read it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I think it would appeal to most young adult readers as well as adults who like light science fiction/fantasy entertainment. It is a clean read, with only light kissing and very mild expletives.
My only irritation with this book was that Selina comes across as so wishy-washy that I wanted to smack her, but I have a suspicion that she will overcome that in the following books. I’m also annoyingly curious as to how the love triangle between her, Alex, and Marcum plays out. I hate waiting . . .
When Selina, a girl that is going through some serious outcast issues at school because of her unexplained physical and emotional maladies, is suddenly given attention by two handsome new foreign exchange students, she becomes completely conflicted.
Thankfully she has her long time best friend and protector, Alex, to keep her grounded. But Alex is just that, a friend isn’t he? And these two boys make her senses reel.
Coreg and Marcum, a couple of rebel alien cadets, are there to kidnap Selina and take her back to their planet, where they plan to use her time bending abilities to fight in their people’s war. However, it becomes complicated when Marcum has feelings for her and refuses to take her without her permission.
Things get more difficult, and I’ll not tell you any more because I don’t like spoilers. You have to read it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I think it would appeal to most young adult readers as well as adults who like light science fiction/fantasy entertainment. It is a clean read, with only light kissing and very mild expletives.
My only irritation with this book was that Selina comes across as so wishy-washy that I wanted to smack her, but I have a suspicion that she will overcome that in the following books. I’m also annoyingly curious as to how the love triangle between her, Alex, and Marcum plays out. I hate waiting . . .
September 8, 2017
Selina Langston does not fit in at school. She is awkward in more ways than one. She is grateful for her best friend Alex who keeps on eye out for her and her brother. She hopes to end her boyfriend-less streak. When two exchange students come to her school her chances of getting a boyfriend go up. Marcum and his travel companion are there to kidnap Selina. Selina has a special ability to bend time that will help them when the galactic war they are in. Its a race against time to get the time bender back to their planet whether she is willing or not.
In an Oyster Shell – A unique story that I found very interesting in the end.
The Pearls – The story was unique. I don’t read a lot of stories about aliens. So I found this book refreshingly different. The creativeness that went into the world building and characters was fun.
The characters were distinctive and well-developed. I liked Selina she was a mature sixteen-year-old. I liked Alex who was her faithful best friend. He struggled with unrequited love, yet stayed faithful all the same.
Full Review: Writing Pearls
In an Oyster Shell – A unique story that I found very interesting in the end.
The Pearls – The story was unique. I don’t read a lot of stories about aliens. So I found this book refreshingly different. The creativeness that went into the world building and characters was fun.
The characters were distinctive and well-developed. I liked Selina she was a mature sixteen-year-old. I liked Alex who was her faithful best friend. He struggled with unrequited love, yet stayed faithful all the same.
Full Review: Writing Pearls
June 21, 2018
A fun and easy to read sci-fi story for the young adult reader
If you like teenage romance mixed with an alien intergalactic conflict then you will enjoy this story. Selina who is anxiously looking for her first boyfriend finds her chances improve when two handsome exchange students enters her life. Little did she know Coreg and Marcum where literally from another planet. That’s when things get interesting. Selina is now drawn into a conflict she did not want. Now she must use her skills as a time bender to make everything right again.
Not being a teenager myself, I can only imagine how my children would react to this story. Having done this, I believe any teenager (14-15) who loves a romantic alien adventure would enjoy this fun and easy to read novel.
I would like to thank Debra Chapoton for making available to me a free copy of her novel The Time Bender so I could bring to you this honest review.
If you like teenage romance mixed with an alien intergalactic conflict then you will enjoy this story. Selina who is anxiously looking for her first boyfriend finds her chances improve when two handsome exchange students enters her life. Little did she know Coreg and Marcum where literally from another planet. That’s when things get interesting. Selina is now drawn into a conflict she did not want. Now she must use her skills as a time bender to make everything right again.
Not being a teenager myself, I can only imagine how my children would react to this story. Having done this, I believe any teenager (14-15) who loves a romantic alien adventure would enjoy this fun and easy to read novel.
I would like to thank Debra Chapoton for making available to me a free copy of her novel The Time Bender so I could bring to you this honest review.
May 24, 2019
I think teenagers will enjoy this novel even if they're not much into science fiction. Even though it abounds with many of the YA tropes we love to hate--the love triangle, the girl who think she's not much but is actually pretty and comes into her own when a hot dude notices her, the friend-zoned bestie who secretly digs her, absentee parents, the "chosen one" who's the only one who can save the planet, and maybe some others I'll think of later. But somehow, it all works because the story doesn't take itself too seriously. The characters are very likeable, there's a disarmingly humorous tone overall, and there are twists you don't see coming. I knew which guy she'd end up with, but indeed I'd have been pretty ticked if she hadn't, so the predictability didn't put me off. It's all good clean and fluffy fun, which is all it's meant to be, and hey, there's a sequel! Recommended for teen girls and maybe even teen guys.
January 7, 2024
I loved the concept behind this story. A distant planet fighting for survival against an enemy. Two of their young soldiers seeking a young woman from Earth whose genetic gift may help their planet survive. That young girl struggling to find her place in the world despite her differences and aided by a loyal friend who is desperately in love with her.
It is a unique idea, which was executed differently than I anticipated. I did enjoy Selina and her interactions with the other characters within the story. It was difficult to follow along with what was happening at times as the narrator switched frequently and there were moments when characters seemed to contradict information that was previously revealed.
However, I am intrigued enough that I will likely continue reading this series simply to see what ends up happening especially finding out some of the connections between the characters in the last bit of the book.
It is a unique idea, which was executed differently than I anticipated. I did enjoy Selina and her interactions with the other characters within the story. It was difficult to follow along with what was happening at times as the narrator switched frequently and there were moments when characters seemed to contradict information that was previously revealed.
However, I am intrigued enough that I will likely continue reading this series simply to see what ends up happening especially finding out some of the connections between the characters in the last bit of the book.
July 31, 2017
I was given this book for free by the author in exchange for my honest review. I actually liked it. I thought it was an interesting concept. I like books about time travel and this is not the first I've reviewed from Ms. Chapoton. I loved her others as well. She writes, for the most part, in first person, which I like. And her characters always have a bit of a smart alec sense of humor, which I love. It's clean and appropriate for teens and up. I'd allow my daughter to read it...and I'm 'one of those mothers.' Now I'll have to find out what happens in book 2. Thankfully this one does have an actual ending though. So you aren't left hanging but you do want to know more.
I suggest giving it a try. I truly enjoyed it.
I suggest giving it a try. I truly enjoyed it.
May 25, 2023
I loved this Great Sci-fi Action Adventure! It had a bit of a confusing slow start, but when the background was in place, the adventure took off and it was uniquely fascinating! Terrific workd building and setting descriptions! Interesting well-developed characters! The enemy was clearly disgusting and a true enemy! However, the “good” guys weren’t always unquestioningly good! The suspense was palatable! This was a very exciiting page turner and appropriate for late elementary to seasoned adult.
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.
September 13, 2017
Good story
It's a dramatic journey for Selina in this YA sci-fi book, and she has a choice to make, a hard one. The writing is well done and I liked the characters, who have great connection with each other, and a depth. There is not a one-size-fits all with this sci-fi book, and there is more than the destruction of the earth that could be pending. It's a story that takes the reader on a journey in hopes to reach that plateau of peace and action.
It's a dramatic journey for Selina in this YA sci-fi book, and she has a choice to make, a hard one. The writing is well done and I liked the characters, who have great connection with each other, and a depth. There is not a one-size-fits all with this sci-fi book, and there is more than the destruction of the earth that could be pending. It's a story that takes the reader on a journey in hopes to reach that plateau of peace and action.
August 20, 2018
A quirky, humorous, teen love rival, sci-fi mixed read with some aliens on a secret mission in the middle of a war searching for a time bender to help them thrown in for good measure.
Selina has always felt different but it isn’t until two mysterious exchange students come onto the scene that she starts to see things in a different light. Maybe she isn’t as strange as she first thought. Or more to the point maybe it’s just that she needed to go somewhere where she really belongs.
Selina suffers from social anxiety a lot and seems to rely on her best friend Alex just to get through the day. The only person – other than her brother Buddy – who can get her to smile and not feel like such an outcast. He has always been there for her and continues to be her guardian no matter what, or who, comes their way. Her journey starts with her wanting to wish on a star for something new. An adventure would be fun but getting a boyfriend is getting to be the top of the list. She should be careful what she wishes for because it might just come true.
On a dark night, when the lights have cut out, Selina notices someone wondering around her garden in the snow. Thinking its Alex – as he is her neighbour – she calls him over to get out of the snow. She gets a little surprise when Marcum comes through the door instead. No coat so freezing he tries to explain who he is. Really it’s more her saying ‘are you this’ and him saying yes. Thinking he’s just an exchange student – a hot one mind you – she helps him stay warm until the lights come on. When they do however she all but pushes him out the door. Seems she was bold in the dark but as soon as the lights are on reality sets in and her anxiety comes full force. Now one hot exchange student stranger is unusual but two would be unheard of in her little town. So when Coreg makes an appearance at school and tries to get her attention she doesn’t quite know how to act. These two strangers seem to take a liking for Selina and want her to come with them for something. Warning bells for Alex as he doesn’t really trust their motives. Good job too as they both came with the objection of taking her back to their home planet Klaqin to help fight a deadly war with her skill set – not that she knows this yet.
Seems Selina has a gift, one she never noticed before but can seem to use without trying. She can slow down time and not just in her head. She only learns this after Marcum comes to her house again to try to explain things. ‘Do you want to see my spaceship?’ A video game this is not. A trip to space but was it real or not? The fact she was missing for hours would suggest the later. Can she trust either guy with what they tell her? They seem to only have their own interests at heart, not hers, not like Alex always has. Could he be her knight in shining armour when trouble arises? He could lend a hand after finding out a secret of his own. She may not be the only one special in this town.
Now this picks up a bit more at the end when you get a space battle thrown in. What good space battle would be complete without a little romantic drama thrown in for good measure? Where does Selina’s heart truly lie and who will step up to help? A battle may be over but the war is about to begin. Fight to save their planet is key, but which planet will they be on to help.
Interesting story but could have developed the characters a bit more, rest of the series should see to this. Easy to read but I did find that this book is really aimed at a young adult audience though as parts did feel a bit childish to me. The whole ‘cue the blush’, ‘drop head, shrink to nothing’ or ‘hear the crickets’ side comments Selina always seems to add can get a bit annoying at times. I guess it’s sort of a way to see what’s going on in her head but not always needed. The start of a quirky story though where much is still to be explored. Not just with the war coming but emotions too.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
Selina has always felt different but it isn’t until two mysterious exchange students come onto the scene that she starts to see things in a different light. Maybe she isn’t as strange as she first thought. Or more to the point maybe it’s just that she needed to go somewhere where she really belongs.
Selina suffers from social anxiety a lot and seems to rely on her best friend Alex just to get through the day. The only person – other than her brother Buddy – who can get her to smile and not feel like such an outcast. He has always been there for her and continues to be her guardian no matter what, or who, comes their way. Her journey starts with her wanting to wish on a star for something new. An adventure would be fun but getting a boyfriend is getting to be the top of the list. She should be careful what she wishes for because it might just come true.
On a dark night, when the lights have cut out, Selina notices someone wondering around her garden in the snow. Thinking its Alex – as he is her neighbour – she calls him over to get out of the snow. She gets a little surprise when Marcum comes through the door instead. No coat so freezing he tries to explain who he is. Really it’s more her saying ‘are you this’ and him saying yes. Thinking he’s just an exchange student – a hot one mind you – she helps him stay warm until the lights come on. When they do however she all but pushes him out the door. Seems she was bold in the dark but as soon as the lights are on reality sets in and her anxiety comes full force. Now one hot exchange student stranger is unusual but two would be unheard of in her little town. So when Coreg makes an appearance at school and tries to get her attention she doesn’t quite know how to act. These two strangers seem to take a liking for Selina and want her to come with them for something. Warning bells for Alex as he doesn’t really trust their motives. Good job too as they both came with the objection of taking her back to their home planet Klaqin to help fight a deadly war with her skill set – not that she knows this yet.
Seems Selina has a gift, one she never noticed before but can seem to use without trying. She can slow down time and not just in her head. She only learns this after Marcum comes to her house again to try to explain things. ‘Do you want to see my spaceship?’ A video game this is not. A trip to space but was it real or not? The fact she was missing for hours would suggest the later. Can she trust either guy with what they tell her? They seem to only have their own interests at heart, not hers, not like Alex always has. Could he be her knight in shining armour when trouble arises? He could lend a hand after finding out a secret of his own. She may not be the only one special in this town.
Now this picks up a bit more at the end when you get a space battle thrown in. What good space battle would be complete without a little romantic drama thrown in for good measure? Where does Selina’s heart truly lie and who will step up to help? A battle may be over but the war is about to begin. Fight to save their planet is key, but which planet will they be on to help.
Interesting story but could have developed the characters a bit more, rest of the series should see to this. Easy to read but I did find that this book is really aimed at a young adult audience though as parts did feel a bit childish to me. The whole ‘cue the blush’, ‘drop head, shrink to nothing’ or ‘hear the crickets’ side comments Selina always seems to add can get a bit annoying at times. I guess it’s sort of a way to see what’s going on in her head but not always needed. The start of a quirky story though where much is still to be explored. Not just with the war coming but emotions too.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
September 26, 2018
I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A solid three stars - and it wouldn't take much to up the rating.
Full critique here: https://rhianwriting.wordpress.com/20...
Full critique here: https://rhianwriting.wordpress.com/20...
September 26, 2018
Delightful teen sci-fi romance, the author hits her target audience perfectly. I'd buy for my teen cousin in a heartbeat and I think she'd love it. Very cute alien take on the nerdy girl, popular guy, and childhood friend love triangle.
August 30, 2018
Fun YA read. Stands alone enough that will be able to wait on the next book.
September 12, 2018
Well written, tons of page-turning action, and great characters.
June 7, 2020
THE TIME BENDER HELD MY ATTENTION THE WHOLE TIME. THIS IS A WONDERFUL READ FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS ALIKE. IT TEACHES US ABOUT THE EMOTIONS OF BEING DIFFERENT AND LEARNING ABOUT ONES ROOTS.
December 30, 2024
Clean easy to read story about a high school girl finding herself in the middle of an out of this world battle. Aliens are trying to convince/kidnap her into going with them to save their planet. She finds herself attracted to one of them.
Narrator switches between all of their pov's frequently making it a little hard to know who is talking at times.
I received an ARC via Story Origin. Review voluntarily given.
Narrator switches between all of their pov's frequently making it a little hard to know who is talking at times.
I received an ARC via Story Origin. Review voluntarily given.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews