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Dreamhouse Kings #4
Timescape
In the fourth installment of this stunning series, the King family plummets into head-spinning action, as the house and the worlds that lay beyond grow increasingly dangerous. David, Xander, Dad, and Keal have discovered a secret. Now, finding Mom a small part of their mission. Using the portals to build an empire, Taksidian wants the house. The consequences of his meddling beyond the famil- to the future of the world itself.
The Kings know their survival depends on stopping the bloodthirsty assassin. They must find his weakness. Most startling is their ability to change the path of history. Will tinkering reunite the family and save the future . . . or set humankind on a course of potential destruction?
The Kings know their survival depends on stopping the bloodthirsty assassin. They must find his weakness. Most startling is their ability to change the path of history. Will tinkering reunite the family and save the future . . . or set humankind on a course of potential destruction?
308 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2009
62 people are currently reading
1885 people want to read
About the author
Robert Liparulo
32 books798 followersRobert Liparulo's novels, Comes a Horseman, Germ, Deadfall Deadlock, The 13th Tribe, and The Judgment Stone,have received rave reviews. His short story "Kill Zone" is included in the anthology Thriller, edited by James Patterson. He is also the author of the best-selling young adult series DREAMHOUSE KINGS: House of Dark Shadows, Watcher in the Woods, Gatekeepers, Timescape, Whirlwind, and Frenzy. Robert lives in Colorado with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
July 16, 2018
This one keeps the excitement going! Can't wait to see what happens next!
August 30, 2009
Would someone please option this series for the movies! Seriously! I can not read these books without picturing the whole movie in my head. Love this series!
This is the perfect example of a series where you CAN NOT read them out of order - absolutely not! But book #4 "Timescape" is fantastic and it is the first book that uses settings suggested by readers. So we get to follow David through a portal onto the Titanic... as it is sinking! I love where this series is going and I plan on being along for the ride the whole way.
David and Xander are still trying to find Mom somewhere in the portals, stave off the bad guy from taking their house and keep from getting killed. Uncle Jesse is in danger, the portals want Grandma back and Dad wants them to go to school??? Life is not normal at their house and they just want Mom back... why do I have the feeling that life is going to get worse for them before it gets better?
This is hands down one of the best YA series I've ever read - get it now :-)
This is the perfect example of a series where you CAN NOT read them out of order - absolutely not! But book #4 "Timescape" is fantastic and it is the first book that uses settings suggested by readers. So we get to follow David through a portal onto the Titanic... as it is sinking! I love where this series is going and I plan on being along for the ride the whole way.
David and Xander are still trying to find Mom somewhere in the portals, stave off the bad guy from taking their house and keep from getting killed. Uncle Jesse is in danger, the portals want Grandma back and Dad wants them to go to school??? Life is not normal at their house and they just want Mom back... why do I have the feeling that life is going to get worse for them before it gets better?
This is hands down one of the best YA series I've ever read - get it now :-)
March 27, 2023
I'm glad this series is mostly told from David's POV since he's become my favorite character. And I'd just like to say how violent this series can be.
It's full of blood and death and dismemberment, but it's not super descriptive for the most part, so I can quickly read through it without conjuring up the gory images in my head. But if you don't like to read that stuff or you have a very vivid imagination, this might not be the series for you.
It's full of blood and death and dismemberment, but it's not super descriptive for the most part, so I can quickly read through it without conjuring up the gory images in my head. But if you don't like to read that stuff or you have a very vivid imagination, this might not be the series for you.
April 15, 2019
Again, Timescape was a really fast read just like the first three books. This time, however, Xander pissed me off so much that I cannot find any redeemable qualities in him. This whole series is great, don't get me wrong, but every book after the first one loses a star rating because freaking Xander is going to kill me with all his annoying existing. Xander was the love of my life in the first book, but he seems to be getting progressively worse. I really like this series and the rest of the characters so from now on I'm just gonna pretend Xander does not exist.
June 20, 2019
Fourth book in the Dreamhouse Kings kids' mystery/adventure series about a creepy house. Excellent books.
January 15, 2024
Delicious intrigue must drive stories for me, culminating in happy, satisfying endings. I grant some character and setting development. High emotions need moments of rest to simmer poignantly: mysteries, discoveries, and successes. Everyone’s grading is partially personal. This is science fiction more than mystery but I am willing to ride along, if only Robert Liparulo would spell backwards & towards with a damn “S”!
His series either detours from, or races through the good parts; pausing on family drama or other minutia but not prioritizing the vibe that gives his genre éclat. The truly original impact of a house with travel portals earned four stars from me in February 2015, July 2015, and April 2016. I kept that surprise for the first novel but it is a basic fact now.
Interesting rules make retrieving loved-ones difficult and dire. Entryways appear randomly but supply several accoutrements for their destinations. You can use a shield if there is a battlefield but their prime purpose is to vacuum you back to each hidden exit. Reconnaissance needs to be fast, unless you stay cautiously; far enough from the pull to postpone it. In danger of any kind, characters can die or get stuck, if they can’t access the exits. A relative who had been marooned inter-dimensionally for a long time needed to avoid that house, because the current of the third floor pulled her!
This awesome premise lacked the intelligent plotting I love: a reckless race through incessant dangers. David is warned that they must study and then craft a campaign. “Timescape” 2009, provided a secondhand origin story but did not say how it works or whence it comes. I want to see how things come out but the tone is too juvenile for an adventure of this magnitude; dampened by whiny, flat dialogue.
His series either detours from, or races through the good parts; pausing on family drama or other minutia but not prioritizing the vibe that gives his genre éclat. The truly original impact of a house with travel portals earned four stars from me in February 2015, July 2015, and April 2016. I kept that surprise for the first novel but it is a basic fact now.
Interesting rules make retrieving loved-ones difficult and dire. Entryways appear randomly but supply several accoutrements for their destinations. You can use a shield if there is a battlefield but their prime purpose is to vacuum you back to each hidden exit. Reconnaissance needs to be fast, unless you stay cautiously; far enough from the pull to postpone it. In danger of any kind, characters can die or get stuck, if they can’t access the exits. A relative who had been marooned inter-dimensionally for a long time needed to avoid that house, because the current of the third floor pulled her!
This awesome premise lacked the intelligent plotting I love: a reckless race through incessant dangers. David is warned that they must study and then craft a campaign. “Timescape” 2009, provided a secondhand origin story but did not say how it works or whence it comes. I want to see how things come out but the tone is too juvenile for an adventure of this magnitude; dampened by whiny, flat dialogue.
June 25, 2009
Fascinatingly creepy. You'll stay up reading this series long after your bedtime.
April 12, 2012
I still like these books but will anything ever be resolved? Getting tired of the search.
December 16, 2016
Eh now some of the characters are straight up irritating. Xander is just dumb and annoying, and everything feels so contrived.
June 11, 2019
This book was just amazing. I have to go onto the next book before I read my other books! In the book it had a major cliff hanger at the end, SPOILER FROM THIS PARAGRAPH,
David and Xander are investigating Taskidanian’s house while their father follows him to see where he is going and also be able to warn his children if he is heading home. Xander and David find some startling news that he has been watching them and knows they are there. By then he is already heading back. And they get stuck in the house with him, but Xander sees him and he sees Xander, Taskidanian is holding a knife and smiles at him. Then it says NOT THE END. SPOLIER ENDED.
All in all amazing series definitely recommend.
David and Xander are investigating Taskidanian’s house while their father follows him to see where he is going and also be able to warn his children if he is heading home. Xander and David find some startling news that he has been watching them and knows they are there. By then he is already heading back. And they get stuck in the house with him, but Xander sees him and he sees Xander, Taskidanian is holding a knife and smiles at him. Then it says NOT THE END. SPOLIER ENDED.
All in all amazing series definitely recommend.
April 5, 2017
Uf! Esta serie se pone cada vez mejor.
La historia se vuelve más intensa y hay mucho misterio, mucho más de lo que ya hay.
La historia se vuelve más intensa y hay mucho misterio, mucho más de lo que ya hay.
October 16, 2017
I seriously loved this book it had so much emotion and so many surprises along the way which I love!! Toria just makes me laugh inside, she's a sun that shines even when there's hard times. Xander is myself who just wants to do it and not wait, we have no patience but sometimes we all need to step back. Am I right?!? David is 12 years old but he acts much older I love that because he matured so much during this series and Jesse is just a surprise box I love him he's my new favourite, actually, no, I love the ENTIRE family!!!
July 2, 2021
Amazing plot, very well written, I love the characters...
A star off for some very....descriptive.... violence. (I don't want to see detached limbs, bones, dead bodies,I don't want to see them, I don't want to smell them, I just, no.)
Anyways, I will continue the series because I absolutely MUST know how it ends, and there have only been a few really gruesome scenes in the series so far. Hopefully I have already gotten past the worst of it, though I kind of doubt it.
A star off for some very....descriptive.... violence. (I don't want to see detached limbs, bones, dead bodies,I don't want to see them, I don't want to smell them, I just, no.)
Anyways, I will continue the series because I absolutely MUST know how it ends, and there have only been a few really gruesome scenes in the series so far. Hopefully I have already gotten past the worst of it, though I kind of doubt it.
September 30, 2020
This was a great installment for the series, but I only gave three stars because Liparulo got too religious for a bit. While the family's religious preferences are clear in the first three books, in Timescape, the author includes an entire section where the brothers question their religion and discuss it with each other. While the boys are at the right age to start questioning these things, it was handled awkwardly. It seemed to be plopped in for no reason and pulled me out of the Dreamhouse world. It didn't seem to add anything to the story at all.
Beyond that there are the usual complaints of Xander's immaturity and constant insubordination without consequence and the sexist way they all the men in the family treat the daughter. But those have not so far taken away from the good of the story too much.
Hopefully the remaining two books will not include such weird proselytizing.
Beyond that there are the usual complaints of Xander's immaturity and constant insubordination without consequence and the sexist way they all the men in the family treat the daughter. But those have not so far taken away from the good of the story too much.
Hopefully the remaining two books will not include such weird proselytizing.
October 27, 2009
I really want to kill this author so very badly. No I am just kidding. I want to have the fifth book of this series to already to come out so I can read it. Mr. Liparulo has really sank and reeled me in with the King family and I never want this series to stop. I remember when I first read the first book House of Dark Shadows. I hated it but as I continued to read the series I love the way the author built the characters descriptions.
As I continue reading this series, I would like for the author to keep the point of view in David's. So far as it has been, David seems to be the one who always is going through the most action, pain, or adventure. In the last book they brought in a vital character to the story. The man who built the house when he was a little boy. I believe that everyone should read this book and like it. I wouldn't believe that anyone could not love this story.
As I continue reading this series, I would like for the author to keep the point of view in David's. So far as it has been, David seems to be the one who always is going through the most action, pain, or adventure. In the last book they brought in a vital character to the story. The man who built the house when he was a little boy. I believe that everyone should read this book and like it. I wouldn't believe that anyone could not love this story.
March 6, 2011
Meh. I picked this one up off the shelf at the library not realizing that it was the fourth in the series. I quickly figured it out, and read it anyway because I was bored.
The novel was really just a chapter in the overall story, and that always bothers me. I mean, in the entire book not one single essential event happened that made it its own story. Not one.
That really bothered me. The writing was fine, the characters were interesting, and I would have really enjoyed the premise if it had been its own story. Since it was not, I have little patience for it.
The novel was really just a chapter in the overall story, and that always bothers me. I mean, in the entire book not one single essential event happened that made it its own story. Not one.
That really bothered me. The writing was fine, the characters were interesting, and I would have really enjoyed the premise if it had been its own story. Since it was not, I have little patience for it.
April 3, 2023
Timescape is the last reread for me in this series (I've never read Whirlwind or Frenzy) and so I'm excited to finally see how this series ends.
This book was good. The ending was intense and their dad is following Taksidian while his sons are investigating his house, only Taksidian ends up tricking him and so his sons are still in his house when he gets back. He knew they were in his house. Will be picking up the next book asap.
This book was good. The ending was intense and their dad is following Taksidian while his sons are investigating his house, only Taksidian ends up tricking him and so his sons are still in his house when he gets back. He knew they were in his house. Will be picking up the next book asap.
June 20, 2014
Reseña completa
¿Tenían que dividir el libro en 6? Hubiesen hecho un libro de 2000 páginas!!
¿Tenían que dividir el libro en 6? Hubiesen hecho un libro de 2000 páginas!!
October 10, 2020
"But they haven't won. Somehow we've always gotten away. We're still in this house. We still have a chance."
Timescape was my first ✨spooky✨ read of the month! (Well, kinda... I figured it should still count because it's a mystery).
Dislikes:
1) Xander, Xander, Xander, Xander... He got on my nerves a little bit, honestly he's just digging the hole deeper for everyone around him.
I mean, come on, who makes such dumb decisions?! If I were Xander's dad I would have locked him in his room long ago!
Xander hardly ever listens to his father, and his dad always has to come save the day because Xander can't learn from his stupid actions. He is constantly pressuring David into tagging along in his schemes. And his 'plans' rarely get the Kings anywhere.
2) The story feels a bit repetitive... But I still enjoyed my time in this book.
Likes:
1) David's growing relationship with Jesse! I truly hope once life gets back to normal they can continue to spend time together.
2) Something I have always loved about this series is that it is centered around family. Sure, there are some characters who are not related to the Kings, but the majority are. Our main characters are siblings, with parents that are alive!
3) I loved all the movie references in Timescape, it just seemed like there were more than in the previous books. And of course, the history facts! Makes my nerdy heart soar. 🥰
Seriously, I was reading a few history articles after one chapter in particular.
4) Oh and I loved my responsible David! Smart kid. 👏🏻
Summary:
Not much to say besides that Timescape was another faced-paced, action packed, and suspenseful read! I'm definitely dying to get my hands on book 5 after another cliffhanger.
Timescape was my first ✨spooky✨ read of the month! (Well, kinda... I figured it should still count because it's a mystery).
Dislikes:
1) Xander, Xander, Xander, Xander... He got on my nerves a little bit, honestly he's just digging the hole deeper for everyone around him.
I mean, come on, who makes such dumb decisions?! If I were Xander's dad I would have locked him in his room long ago!
Xander hardly ever listens to his father, and his dad always has to come save the day because Xander can't learn from his stupid actions. He is constantly pressuring David into tagging along in his schemes. And his 'plans' rarely get the Kings anywhere.
2) The story feels a bit repetitive... But I still enjoyed my time in this book.
Likes:
1) David's growing relationship with Jesse! I truly hope once life gets back to normal they can continue to spend time together.
2) Something I have always loved about this series is that it is centered around family. Sure, there are some characters who are not related to the Kings, but the majority are. Our main characters are siblings, with parents that are alive!
3) I loved all the movie references in Timescape, it just seemed like there were more than in the previous books. And of course, the history facts! Makes my nerdy heart soar. 🥰
Seriously, I was reading a few history articles after one chapter in particular.
4) Oh and I loved my responsible David! Smart kid. 👏🏻
Summary:
Not much to say besides that Timescape was another faced-paced, action packed, and suspenseful read! I'm definitely dying to get my hands on book 5 after another cliffhanger.
August 4, 2024
Timescape by Robert Liparulo is an exhilarating and thought-provoking journey through time that captivates from start to finish. The novel blends innovative time-travel concepts with a gripping narrative, creating a story that is both intellectually stimulating and highly entertaining.
Liparulo’s writing is sharp and imaginative, skillfully weaving complex temporal mechanics into a fast-paced plot. The characters are well-developed, each facing unique challenges and moral dilemmas as they navigate the consequences of their time-traveling actions. Their growth and interactions add depth and emotional resonance to the story.
The plot is expertly constructed, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The exploration of time-travel paradoxes and the ethical implications of altering history are handled with both creativity and insight, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Liparulo’s vivid descriptions and strong world-building immerse readers in a richly imagined universe where the boundaries of time are fluid and full of potential. Timescape is a standout novel that combines imaginative science fiction with deep emotional and philosophical questions, offering a truly satisfying and memorable reading experience.
Liparulo’s writing is sharp and imaginative, skillfully weaving complex temporal mechanics into a fast-paced plot. The characters are well-developed, each facing unique challenges and moral dilemmas as they navigate the consequences of their time-traveling actions. Their growth and interactions add depth and emotional resonance to the story.
The plot is expertly constructed, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The exploration of time-travel paradoxes and the ethical implications of altering history are handled with both creativity and insight, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Liparulo’s vivid descriptions and strong world-building immerse readers in a richly imagined universe where the boundaries of time are fluid and full of potential. Timescape is a standout novel that combines imaginative science fiction with deep emotional and philosophical questions, offering a truly satisfying and memorable reading experience.
December 15, 2017
So, one of the strange and amazing things about my library is that we don't always have every book in a series. In fact, sometimes we have just book one -- or in this case, just book four.
For me, then, the story began already in full swing! I had to pick up background on the characters as I was reading, and grab former plot points as current plot points flew by. And that was the most amazing part of this book, to me: it FLEW! The reader certainly has no time to get bored -- or to set the book down.
Considering that this was book four, and I started the series here, I love the characters and how interwoven into the crazy plot the characters' love for family is. That is the strength of this book, for me. Yes, it's quite action-packed. But the best part is the characters' connection to family. Well done.
For me, then, the story began already in full swing! I had to pick up background on the characters as I was reading, and grab former plot points as current plot points flew by. And that was the most amazing part of this book, to me: it FLEW! The reader certainly has no time to get bored -- or to set the book down.
Considering that this was book four, and I started the series here, I love the characters and how interwoven into the crazy plot the characters' love for family is. That is the strength of this book, for me. Yes, it's quite action-packed. But the best part is the characters' connection to family. Well done.
June 10, 2024
I can’t believe everything that’s happened in this book. It’s made me so emotional in more ways than one. I have 2 books left to complete the series and I don’t know how to feel about that.
The King family has banded together along with some special friends to get more information about how to reunite with their missing loved one. AND best of all is that the continuous time jumping has secured them more and more information on the house they live in and what it can do.
The way this book ended makes me extremely happy that I’m reading this when all the books are readily available and not having to wait for the next one to come out. I was in 8th grade when the first book came out, now looking back as nearly 30 years old, I am so glad I got to read them and I wish I could have picked them up back in the day.
On to book 5!
The King family has banded together along with some special friends to get more information about how to reunite with their missing loved one. AND best of all is that the continuous time jumping has secured them more and more information on the house they live in and what it can do.
The way this book ended makes me extremely happy that I’m reading this when all the books are readily available and not having to wait for the next one to come out. I was in 8th grade when the first book came out, now looking back as nearly 30 years old, I am so glad I got to read them and I wish I could have picked them up back in the day.
On to book 5!
October 22, 2018
The action that was lacking in the previous books is definitely here in this fourth part of the Dreamhouse Kings series. The King family run headlong from one crisis to another; the bad guys attack them in their own house; the boys and their father nearly get killed by the natives in the future; they nearly drown escaping from the capsizing Titanic and almost get slaughtered by Viking berserkers.
We find out more about the history of the house itself, and about the King family's ancestors. And the book ends with excellent cliffhangers for both Xander and David!
We find out more about the history of the house itself, and about the King family's ancestors. And the book ends with excellent cliffhangers for both Xander and David!
December 15, 2024
I have to say that this one was a lot better than the last book. Not by much, really, but enough that I gave it one more star. I wasn’t watching the pages wondering how long I had left, and I think I can thank the author for not going into too much detail about the everyday, boring things. I know that’s to make us want to get back to the everyday things, but I’m here for the action bits.
If you'd like to read the rest of my review, please visit my blog!
If you'd like to read the rest of my review, please visit my blog!
March 4, 2017
More time traveling and looking for Mom. Jesse has been hurt and might not make it. Dad continues to let the kids run wild making bad decisions (bad parenting). They decide to follow Taksidian to see where he lives and who he talks to. Dad ends up trailing him in the car while the boys stay back to break in a house. As expected, it turns out bad.
did-not-finish
December 15, 2020I stopped this book around 32% because I lost interest. It would be nice to know why all this is happening, but I don’t care enough to read three and a half books to find out. The writing style never meshed with me and it brought a disconnection between me and the characters and the plot. I just didn’t care.
September 16, 2020
Another solid installment in the series, a very fast pace that picks up exactly where book 3 ended. Xander is still an annoying protagonist, making more and more reckless and unbelievable choices. I'm pretty invested at this point to see where the story goes so I will continue.
January 10, 2021
Another fantastic read in this series. Gets into some detail about what’s going on, which leads perfectly into a cliffhanger for the next book. I’m picturing this in my head vividly and would be interested in seeing what it would be like as a movie series.
October 26, 2022
I am really loving this series! And this was another excellent book in it!
Taksidian is an evil character.
I read this book on October 25th, 2022. I thought Joshua Swanson did a really good job performing this story! I thoroughly enjoyed his narration.
Taksidian is an evil character.
I read this book on October 25th, 2022. I thought Joshua Swanson did a really good job performing this story! I thoroughly enjoyed his narration.
July 19, 2017
It was ok not good but ok. I didn't really think these books are for me. And I was right.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews