A brother with a mysterious life-threatening condition! The Baxters need to find their uncle for help, but he's lost in time. If they don't locate him, their brother might die.
What started as a vacation with their uncle became an adventure these three English schoolchildren could never have imagined. Who would have thought Uncle Archie had built a time machine? If they don't learn how to work it, how can they find him because he has vanished and is somewhere back in 1940?
Teamwork becomes all-important because an unforeseen event wrecks their plans when they finally arrive in wartime England, and they must cope with new lives as evacuees. Even worse, if they can't find their uncle, they will be stuck in the past forever, and one of them will certainly die!
If you enjoy books like 'The Secret Lake' by Karen Inglis or 'The Time Hunters Saga' by Carl Ashmore, you will love this story. This is the first stand-alone book in the 'Stuck' series blending adventure, history, and time travel.
I live in a charming little town in Rutland, England’s smallest county—a setting that closely mirrors the world of my new cozy murder mystery series, The Dead Actors.
Before becoming a writer, I had a career as a textile designer and lectured in printed textiles at various UK art schools and universities. Eventually, I left it all behind in search of new adventures.
My writing journey began with the Stuck series, a historical time-travel adventure inspired by the kinds of stories I would have loved as a child. Next came The Rebel Runaways, a Victorian alternative history trilogy with a dash of Steampunk.
Now, I’ve pivoted once again and discovered a real passion for crafting cozy murder mysteries. The first three books in the Dead Actors series have been published and I am currently writing the next one.
What a fantastic time traveling adventure! Twins Robert & James & their sister Lucy, use their individual strengths to work together & get themselves out of a string of scrapes. Robert is a star on the cricket pitch & an excellent runner, James is sparky, mischievous & a gifted actor, whilst Lucy is the compassionate & clever code-breaker. They tackle their challenges head on with a positive attitude & a clear understanding of right & wrong. The Baxter children visit their Uncle Archie for Easter holiday only for him to vanish! When James develops an unusual, life-threatening condition it becomes clear that Uncle Archie is the only one who can help. Their search for their missing Uncle finds them transported back to 1940’s wartime Britain & racing against time. They have to figure out the mystery that brought them there & find their uncle, or else be stuck in time.
This has so many things I love-historical fiction, time traveling, adventure, mystery, & a great sibling dynamic. I’m still learning so many things about WWII that we weren’t taught in school, & I’m always eager to learn more-because, like the saying goes, those who forget history are doomed to repeat it(or something like that). I thought the war parts of the book were done so well, & it did a great job showing also how difficult it would be to go back in time & fit in at all. So much is different, & just simple things like calling someone a teenager(learned THAT little tidbit from this book as well! Wow!)would get you a strange look. Really makes you think.
I adored our 3 main characters. Such a great sibling trio. Everything with James was so intriguing also. I loved the ending! There were a few twists that I didn’t see coming! Everything came together & connected so well! One of the side characters, who is a Land Army Girl, the author named after his mother who also was one during the war. Amazing! Highly recommend, & can’t wait to start book 2 tonight! Beautiful cover by Jessica Bell Design as well!💜
What a lovely book! I really enjoyed reading this time travel adventure story. It was such a fun book and so heartwarming. I loved all three of the children, Lucy, James and Robert and really enjoyed reading their adventures. The book made me laugh out loud at points and kept me entertained and invested throughout.
The story gave me Narnia / Bed-knobs and broomsticks vibes (two things that I love), which helped make it so special. This is definitely a wonderful children’s story with so much enjoyable content for adults too. The wartime scenes were so well written and took me back to the time.
The author dedicated this to his grandchildren, which was so lovely, and you could truly see he had them in mind when writing this story. I am glad that there is a sequel on the way as I would definitely like to go on another adventure with the Baxter family!
Opinions: Did someone say “one of the best books they’ve ever read?” Oh, right, that was me talking about Stuck (in Time)! This book was not only educational, but inspiring, energetic, and intense - only the beginning of the list of reasons why it’s a prime read for young adults. Stuck (in Time) is perfect for older teenagers who need a fun, adventurous escape and for preteens who have a high reading level but need kid-friendly material. This book can be used as an introduction to themes of good vs evil, life and death, and other complex subjects without exposing them to any horror, sex, or violence. Something readers of all ages will appreciate are the literary devices, specifically foreshadowing! Johnson built up the tension by including small, inquisitive lines that make readers question their meaning. The climax of Stuck (in Time) left us with a big “ohhhhh” as all of the loose ends are tied up and the puzzle is complete! That said, Mary Cairns is definitely a character I’d love to research and even meet myself!
My Favourite Thing(s): I love the “magical” elements of Stuck (in Time)! When reading, you will learn that James’ “life threatening condition” is invisibility, which introduces a realm of mystery and illusion into Stuck (in Time), thus making the atmosphere spiritual and scandalous!
I adore too much about Stuck (in Time) to let this go: I must tell you how much I loved the historical inclusion! Readers were not bombarded with facts, timelines, dates, names, and battles. Rather, we were immersed into the world and took a walk in the shoes of a World War II mother and father. This allowed readers to experience daily life instead of learn about it in textbooks and documentaries. Adding onto this, I love this small detail that Johnson included: when the Baxter children time traveled to the 1940s, all of their clothing and pocketed objects “translated” into the old-time version, making the setting even more realistic. Gel pens converted into crayons and a cheap, store-bought notebook turned in a leather-bound delicacy! Johnson did a fantastic job in building a world with the use of imagery, language, and atmosphere!
My Least Favourite Thing: Towards the middle of the book, I felt as if the Baxter children lost sight of why they were in the 1940s. Although exciting to read about, the visit to their school and scenes about feeding a dog were not completely necessary. However, these small faults did not ruin the book at all - I still enjoyed reading it immensely!
*DISCLAIMER* I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review as part of TheYABookshelf tour running from October 12th - 17th 2020 My thoughts are all my own and are in no way influenced by this. Stuck (In Time) by Dave Johnson is a science-fiction adventure novel which follows the Baxter siblings on their Easter holiday when they visit their uncle Archie in Cambridge. When he goes missing and James acquires a strange infliction they must travel through time to save their family. I enjoyed this book so much I ended up reading in one sitting, once I started I needed to know what was going to happen and if they would solve the mystery. I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction but I ended up loving the historical elements especially seeing how modern teens navigated the 1940's landscape. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing a more casual take on the period as the story didn't revolve around the war specifically but showed more of day-to-day life for people back home. With a relatively small cast of characters we focused mainly on the Baxter siblings but I really loved seeing the relationship between them and found it to be very realistic and natural. They also worked really well to ground the family themes and the idea they were all connected with the museum. I especially enjoyed James' character and how he lived with being the invisible sibling while also being the most dramatic. In some parts it felt like the narrative strayed away from the central plot line a little too much, in such a short story I would have liked it to stay more grounded but I can understand that the smaller plots came together in the end to tie up the time- travel elements. Overall I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to read a fun adventure story and to anyone who loves science fiction. I will definitely be continuing with this series myself and can't wait to read the next book with the Baxter siblings.
I enjoyed this book. I know this book is referred to a childrens mystery but as me and my mum have both read it, don't let that put you off, it is worth a read. The author entertains you with history, something my teachers failed to do and you really get a sense of what it was like during the war. I loved the first part of the story where the children try to work out the coded clues and where there uncle has gone, then I was just fascinated by life during the war. Also liked the small quirks that play out in one time line only to be noticed in the other. James predicament added a fun element that just really worked (loved the interactions with the dog), I might have even been a little bit disappointed that he was back to normal, as I plan to read the next book. I really liked the characters, who caring for each other made you care about what happened to them. A good easy to read adventure for any age. With there parents missing the Baxter children spend most of there time at boarding school but for Easter half term they get the opportunity to spend it with there uncle. The problem is there Uncle seems to spend most of his time working in the museum. Which for most children would be fun but when James starts to get sick the children seek out his help, only to find his office empty. Lucy, James and Robert work together to work out the clues he left behind. When they work out he isn't just missing but trapped back in time they set out on a rescue mission to save him and in the process learn a lot more about history than they wanted to. Can the children save there uncle in Time to save James or will they are be stuck?
This time it was going to be different. 🦄🦄🦄 Looking forward to a relaxing holiday during Easter break, the Baxter siblings go to live with their Uncle Archie in Cambridge. Even one of the children gets an unusual ailment, Uncle Archie is the only one who can save him but he had gone missing. The children find themselves on an adventure travelling through time in order to save Uncle Archie and their brother. 🦄🦄🦄 Stuck (In Time) is a middle grade sci-fi Adventures novel and the first in the series by Dave Johnson. It's a quick read with a lot of adventure for kids and adults alike to enjoy, however the framing of the story felt a bit rushed in the way it was presented. I was impressed with the amount of detailing while traveling back in time to (the year - read to find out) but it was still able to maintain a good balance between past and present. The 3 main characters, the siblings (Robert, James and Lucy) all bring something to the table when it comes to solving this particular mystery but I was very impressed with Lucy and barcode breaking skills. There were times when I thought maybe they're potrayed a bit too smart beyond their years, but it was still ok. This is a perfect novel for young children who are potentially interested in sci-fi and time travel but do not necessarily want something too heavy. It's not an overwhelmingly complicated story but it still has the perfect pieces for a good one. 🦄🦄🦄 Rated 9/10 Melina L.
4🌟Stuck (in time) was a fun, adventurous and addictive read. The blend of sci-fi and history formed a unique dynamic that created an intriguing and exciting story. I practically read this more or less in one sitting because I was eager to find out what was going to happen to next. I couldn’t predict how the story was going to unfold either which kept me gripped until the very end. Whilst this is a mystery adventure story intended for children and YA’s, as someone in their 20s, I still really enjoyed my reading experience! I particularly connected with Lucy, an intelligent young girl with impressive code breaking skills. There were times throughout, however, where I felt the children were potentially too mature and intelligent for their age. Also, the story was beautifully written and perfect for a YA audience, but certain language used throughout may potentially be complex for some younger readers.
Overall, I adored the characters, the unique plot and the time travel! I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Thank you very much to the author, Dave (@stuckdavewrites on Instagram), for contacting me about Stuck (in time) in exchange for an honest review. Stuck is currently available to purchase on Amazon or read for free via Kindle Unlimited! ✨
I love reading Science Fantasy that involves time travel. Stuck (In Time) is a mix of Sci-fi and history. The protagonist of the story are three kids: James, Robert and Lucy. During their Easter holiday, they went to their Uncle Archie in Cambridge.
One night James found that he is invincible. He told his brother Robert about it but Robert pushed him away thinking that James must be playing a prank on him. In the morning, James told his siblings that he is not kidding and he is seriously invisible.
Kids thought that they will tell about this only to Uncle Archie. They went to his secret office in search of him but to their surprise they saw a time machine. They cracked key codes and found that Uncle Archie has travelled to the past in 1940s and stuck there now. Will the siblings be able to save their Uncle Archie and their brother?
This is the first book in the Stuck Series. With an intriguing story, I can't put the book down until I finish it. There are so many mysteries to be solved and this would be a perfect pick by children and YA for an enjoyable read. I recommend this book to Sci-fi lovers.
Stuck (In Time) is a children's mystery adventure by the author Dave Johnson. It is the debut novel of the author. It is the story of three siblings Lucy, Robert and James Baxter. Robert and James are twins but are very different. Robert was tall and sporty with dark curly hair whereas James was smaller, mischievous and had red hair.
During their Easter break, the siblings were going to stay with Uncle Archie who ran a small private museum and live in an apartment in the same building in Cambridge. The kids felt something unusual about Uncle Archie. One day when Uncle Archie was going to his museum office, Lucy followed him. He went to his office but he didn't come back. The kids searched Uncle Archie's secret office and found a time machine there. They even noticed some key code blocks. Will they be able to save Uncle Archie who is stuck in 1940s?
The story is gripping and I binge read it on weekend. The narration is smooth and I even added few new words to my vocabulary. It is a great story that I really enjoyed reading.
Stuck (In Time) is the first book in the Stuck Series by the author Dave Johnson. Baxter siblings going to have a different kind of Easter break. This time they will stay with their Uncle Archie. On reaching there, James was caught up with the invisibility disease. The siblings thought that only Uncle Archie can save them from this situation but he himself was missing. Read this adventurous story of three kids who travelled back in time to find Uncle Archie and to save their brother James.
My Review: 1) The title of the story is apt and related to it. 2) Cover page of the story could have been more creative. 3) As a debut work, author has constructed an interesting plot that is full of adventures. 4) I really like the character of Lucy especially due to her code breaking skills. Such a strong mind!! 5) The length of the book is right. I have read many Sci-fi stories where some authors extend it to 500+ pages with unnecessary content but that is not the case here. The book length is perfect and the pace of the story is also fast that I enjoyed.
This was my first experience with Dave Johnson's work and I enjoyed in very much. The story revolved around the three Baxter children who travel back in time in search of their uncle. The story was fun. The characters were likeable and relatable. There were some surprising moments, some humor, and a little bit of history. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Even though the book was written for younger readers, I enjoyed it as an adult and I recommend this book to others. Rachel Laurence's narration was great. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.
There's nothing like a summer adventure with your siblings that involves time travel! It's a science fiction that transports you straight to the war torn era of the 1940s.
The book reminded me of those summer holiday mysteries and adventures with a tinge of historical fiction that lends authenticity to the story. The three Baxter siblings, Lucy, Robert and James have a good camaraderie which later proves to be helpful. There are two storylines running throughout the book and they keep the suspense going as the plot unfolds. Lucy was my personal favourite but James was bringing in the spirit of adventure!
I liked the little details such as the change in currency and accent getting confusing for the kids as they time travel to the past. The language is crystal clear and the pace is quick which makes it a perfect read for teens. The ending ties up all the loose ends beautifully as everything is restored in the children's world.
Would definitely recommend this to anyone looking forward to fun filled adventure with time travel! It's a perfect summer read.
The first book in the Stuck in Time series was a wonderful introduction to Robert, Lucy, and James. Their adventure back to 1940 and the English countryside was full of interesting details of life 80 years ago. The children encounter many problems in trying to find and rescue their uncle who has become lost in the past. After becoming war-time evacuees, they work on a farm, attend school, and even rescue a downed German pilot. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Looking forward to ‘1595’.
Great book! Lovely narrative with an exciting story line. I liked it how I also learnt a little bit about historical events such as life in the war, without it seeming like a ‘history’ book. The characters are nicely woven together with interweaved storylines that come together at the end. As an adult I enjoyed reading this book and will equally be passing it down for my son to read when he’s a little older. I’m intrigued to find out where the Baxter children will go next so I’ve ordered the next book in the series already!
I really enjoyed this story, it was full of history and time travel. I’ve never really read much about time travelling and history before but this author made it very enjoyable and exciting to read about.
I loved the Baxter children, Lucy, James and Robert, they were humorous and cheeky. They all have different characteristics which make them unique characters and they use these to help on their adventure. Uncle Archie was a great character yet and seems like a fun uncle to have!
I love the journey this book takes us on. Reading and learning about the 1940s was great fun, it was funny reading about the children fitting into this timeframe. They realised how different things were from today’s society. I thought the author done an amazon job at setting the scene and describing everything. I love the inclusion of the art work in the book, it was lovely to see what the author was describing. It was good to see the connection between the Baxter children and the other side characters, for example Mary.
I am eager to read the other books in this series, they seem so fun and so educational. It was lovely to learn the author used inspiration from his family history when writing this book. I am sure the other books will be just as detailed and entertaining!
A different version of time travel then H G Wells’ Time Machine. There is a machine, a museum, lots of mathematical calculations, three siblings and a scientific uncle. This book, the start of a series, introduces the machine and characters that will feature in future books which I look forward to reading. This book covers travel to war torn Britain during 1940. There is interesting details describing this time.
Three children race against time, going back in time, code cracking and being pretty resourceful to solve the mysterious disappearance of Uncle Archie. History meets science in this fantastic book. I can't recommend it enough. Read it in one sitting as just had to find out what happened.
Three smart kids, one brainy (zany) uncle, a time machine and funny-peculiar goings-on. What’s not to like? Clever mix of traditional settings and twenty-first century gadgets make this a highly readable adventure story. And it’s just the first in what promises to be a fun and intelligent series.
Excellent and refreshing black and white illustrations.
This book is action packed! I loved it. I love the way the youngest child ( is a girl called Lucy ) is the cleverest out of her two bigger brothers. Once I finished the book I couldn’t wait for the next book. I really can’t wait! I'm telling ALL my friends to read it! Anne. 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😏😏😏😎😏😏😏😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😃😄😃😀😃😁😃😄😁😄😃
I've always been a sucker for a good time travelling adventure and Stuck In Time delivers an excellent adventure story coupled with with some great, well researched, historical facts to add to the fun.
Three children staying with their eccentric uncle are whisked back to WWII England on a rescue mission that has unintended consequences.
Whilst aimed at the younger market, this 56 year old thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audio version and credit goes to the narrator for bringing the whole escapade to life.
Where were you Dave Johnson when I was twelve and craving this sort of historical adventure story?
A very well written and interesting read combining both time travel and history, with three time travelling young people and their odd ball uncle travelling through time to the second world war. Full of adventures and with a very touching ending. I would recommend it highly and I am a few years above the recommended reading age.