Time Travel discussion

Today begins our new book club read:

The Time Hunters by Carl Ashmore

You may be wondering why there was no nomination or voting round for this book. No, we are not becoming a ruthless dictatorship (ignore the spiked ball chain that I'm holding, that's just for show).

This month we will be paying tribute to our late John by reading one of his favourite books which he had been championing and nominating in many past book clubs.

I had also read the book and its sequel and it is indeed a delightful and exciting time travel novel, although aimed at a YA audience, there is a great deal of enjoyment to be had for older readers too and more importantly ideas for us to discuss.

I am eager to read this again with all of you as the edition I read has since been through a major re-edit to confirm with continuity for the rest of the series.

Here are John's reviews of both edits here.

John's 1st review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

John's 2nd review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


Synopsis
Becky is a typical thirteen year old girl. She likes Facebook, gossiping and plenty of sleep. So when she and her brother, Joe, are invited to stay with their 'loony' Uncle Percy at his stately home, she thinks it’ll be the worst summer ever. What she doesn't realise is that Bowen Hall is also home to a baby Triceratops, two Sabre-tooth tigers and the mythic hero, Will Scarlet...

'The Time Hunters' is a thrilling adventure that takes Becky, Joe, Uncle Percy and Will on a quest through time to find the legendary Golden Fleece.

The Clock is ticking....

About the Author
Carl Ashmore is a children's writer from Cheshire in England. 'The Time Hunters' is his first novel. His second and third novels are 'The Night they Nicked Saint Nick' and 'Bernard and the Bibble.'

He has since wrote two sequels to the Time Hunters and is currently writing the third one. In order to maintain continuity, Carl, published a re-edit of the first book in the Time Hunters series.



Carl is actually a group author member here, so I've invited him to say a few words and participate if he wishes.





READING PERIOD
January 15, 2014 - February 15, 2014


Where to buy

Kindle $0.99
Paperback £8.99
http://www.amazon.com/Time-Hunters-Bo...

Let's kick things off with some pre-read discussion questions.


Pre-Read Discussion Question 1. Carl's book features extinct animals of the past. If you were to bring back an extinct animal/insect from the past into the present, what would you choose and why?

Pre-Read Discussion Question 2. Carl's book suggest some myths may not be complete mythology. What ancient myths would you like to believe to be true?

Pre-Read Discussion Question 3. This is a childrens novel. Do you enjoy reading them as an adult? Do you think modern children's novels are different in the way they narrate to young readers? i.e., less or more condescending? Do you think perhaps there is more graphic violence than before?

John,

We all miss you in the group, we hope we can continue to make it the best group in the world. You made it fun and welcoming through your friendliness and thoughtful comments. Despite our efforts without you, it will never be quite the same.

-Lincoln



Pre-Read Discussion Question 1. Carl's book features extinct animals of the past. If you were to bring back an extinct animal/insect from the past into the present, what would you choose and why?

Does anyone else have visions of Jurassic Park when given a question like this? My first thought is dinosaurs, but also maybe some large mammals such as Mammoths or even Whales. Go big or go home right? Despite the coolness of bringing the truly large back to the present, I think personally it would be cool to find that truly extinct creature...The one that is small enough and docile enough not to survive its species and not make it into the fossil record. The unnamed "House Cat...acting" but never before seen creature. I would have my personal "WHATSIT" as a pet in the house.

Question #1 I would bring back the moa because I am a huge crossword fan. The clue for "extinct bird - 3 letters" will become obsolete.

Question #2 the pegasus.

Question #3 I feel that children's books today seem far more condescending than those in the past. When I was a child- 9 or 10, I read books like The Secret Garden and I can't imagine children reading a book like that today. It would seem too hard/boring/descriptive. That's only one example, but given time, I bet I could come up with more.

In the age of media and constant stimulation for our children, I worry about my son ever enjoying some of these classic books. sigh

I am honored to be reading John's favorite read. This isn't just a children's book. So far it is fascinating. Here are my pre-reading questions answered:

1. When I was a wee lad my favorite dinosaur was the Stegosaurus so I think I would bring that one back.

2. Haven't thought much about ancient myths. One that springs to mind is the Unicorn so I think I'll vote for that one to be true.

3. I haven't kept up with the children's books reading. I used to read to my kids when they were little but they haven't been little for a long time, but I DO remember very much enjoying reading them. My daughter the other day mentioned one that was really cool but it's now out of print. It was called "Fergus and the Snow Deer." Great picture book! - Modern stuff is definitely different...

Pre-Read Discussion Question 3. This is a childrens novel. Do you enjoy reading them as an adult? Do you think modern children's novels are different in the way they narrate to young readers? i.e., less or more condescending? Do you think perhaps there is more graphic violence than before?

I have always considered myself a slow reader, for that reason I often like to read a light book here and there, both to make myself feel good about finishing a book, but also as a palate cleanser.

Children's books can be nuanced but if they get to complicated they lose their audience, so after reading a dense book with lots of character development it is often enjoyable to sit back and enjoy the action of a simpler popcorn adventure.

I did not read as a child, I don't think I actually read a book until Dante's Inferno in 10th grade English. What an introduction to literature. (Mild exaggeration, but truthfully growing up I was a non-reader). I have a lot to catch up on.

Becky and Joe getting on the train, going to visit Bowen Hall. I know its for the summer and its Percy's House...but I can't help but think of the Hogwort's Express!

The feelings that I am having remind me when I discovered Harry Potter the first time, perhaps simply because its a kids book, and it is out and out British, it excites me a lot!

Carl, as a British YA author how do you not draw connections to Harry Potter? How do you distinguish yourself from it?

Anyone else getting the same vibe?

Spoiler is ok to read after chapter 2:

(view spoiler)[The bird is flying over head at Percy's and attacks Becky...Magic involved transformation of man into bird? Reminds me of Owls delivering the mail at Pivot Drive. (hide spoiler)]

2. Mermaids....

Definitely fascinating. And mysterious as well.

And recently I have watched a doc-movie on TV with (they said) evidence of their existence :-)

I share a similar pattern to you, Lincoln, when I was small, I was actually in special schooling, I couldnt read or even talk much until I was about 11 when I read my first book, Prince Caspian.

Like yourself, I'm a slow reader too and almost always need to follow up a long book with a either a childrens book or short novel but as a slow reader we can absorb those details.



Glynn wrote: "This isn't just a children's book. So far it is fascinating..."

Its quite a thrilling opening chapter isnt it? A terrific way to hook the reader in. We have a mystery, villains and a potential hero already established...then exposition follows.



Debbie wrote: "Question #3 I feel that children's books today seem far more condescending than those in the past. When I was a child- 9 or 10, I read books like The Secret Garden and I can't imagine children reading a book like that today. It would seem too hard/boring/descriptive. That's only one example, but given time, I bet I could come up with more. "

Yeah, older children books were certainly more gentle paced. Its all fast paced these days. Language has changed, expressions change and of course the whole environment in which children grow up in have changed, technology somehow has driven that fast pace nature of today's children's novels. My favourite oldie Tom's Midnight Garden, just as with your Secret Garden may prove taxing to a child of today...or would it? Maybe not, who knows, some children might find it refreshing and enchanting. I wonder if its the book publishers and authors of today that dictate what children may like to read, its rather a guessing game.


My answer to pre-read questions:

1. As Lincoln says, one cant help think of Jurrassic Park indeed but I do love the Mammoth and the sabre tooth too especially knowing that humans shared the same land with them but if I was to bring back a creature, it would be the biggest I could find and this one is so huge, the only bones that existed for its evidence were partly stolen and so scientist cannot officially name it the largest through lack of stolen evidence! But its humungous, think the Brontosaurus in Jurrasic Park (green in pic) but 3 times bigger!


Or man would I love to fly on one of these, the size of an aeroplane, Gandalf would be jealous.



2. Stories of King Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin and Sir Lancelot always entertained me. How cool would it be if there was some tiny tiny truth in any of it.

3. I kinda answered this in my response to Debbie.

1. A dodo bird. Those things just look cool.

2. Atlantis!!

3. I don't read much children's literature these days. Does Harry Potter count? I do have The Time Hunters on my nook, so maybe I will give it a go.

Corrie wrote: "1. A dodo bird. Those things just look cool.

2. Atlantis!!

3. I don't read much children's literature these days. Does Harry Potter count? I do have The Time Hunters on my nook, so maybe I will g..."

Harry potter certainly do count ;) whether one enjoyed it or not, think will be one of the most notable representative of this era's children fiction.

It has the classic framing but given a unique stir from its author's signature.

In a way, as Lincoln had suggested above, this series also follows that kind of framing but again given a unique if slightly more whimsical spin by Carl. The language and narrative are very distinctly early 21st century in most of these children's novels from Rysa's Timebound to the popular Skulduggery series. There are other novels which do treat children with very unique and ambitious narratives such as Phil Pullmans His Dark Materials.

So you got Time Hunters on your Nook already...go on give it a go then :)

Quarter way through this now...folks this is just a 250 page novel and given the narrative rapid flow, its fairly quick read even for my own slow coach standards. Also, Jen has notified my that its now just $0.99 on Kindle.


I have to say, I'm enjoying this even more second time around which I didnt expect. In all honesty I thought I would be a little bit more bored having read it already but that was two years ago, I forgot much detail. Also, this is a new edit and I believe I can identify whats new and certainly elements that are streamlined. For instance in the first edition, I felt Uncle Percy was way too naive with his knowledge of "present day" social life but I think much of that has been edited out. Plus the scene that Lincoln mentions in chapter two spoiler...wow, I dont remember that, I wonder if that was new too?!


By the way, everyone is welcome to post their own Discussion Questions for us to answer. We can begin posting some derived from the story itself but please be careful about spoilers, if question is spoilerific, put in spoilers tags and let us know up to what chapter has to be read before we read the question.


Discussion Question 4: What are your thoughts on the first few chapters? Is it engaging you? Are the characters drawn out well for you? Stereotypical or refreshing? Is the narrative well paced so far, perhaps a bit too whimsical or just right? etc.

Hello everyone,

I'm Carl, the author of 'The Time Hunters' and may I just say what an honour it is that the book has been selected as a tribute to our wonderful friend, John.

John was a huge supporter of the series. And I will always be eternally grateful for that. I know it's not much but the last two books in the series TH4 and Th5 will both be dedicated to our good friend.

I will do my best to answer any questions that any of you have on the book or the wider series.

Best wishes,

Carl
x

Lincoln wrote:

Carl, as a British YA author how do you not draw connections to Harry Potter? How do you distinguish yourself from it?


Hi Lincoln,

Yes, as a British children's author it was hugely important to me to create a series that was as far removed from Harry Potter as I could get. Therefore, my hero was a female, there's no magic - just science and technology, there's a stately home as a central base instead of a castle, and I also use either real-life or mythical characters (Arthur Evans, Hercules, Jason etc) rather than purely fictional characters. Even the train in which the children arrive at Addlebury is a very grubby and very real one (I've made that train journey more times than I care to mention). It's certainly not a glorious old steam train.

To be honest, everything in the TH books is very personal to me. For instance, here is the real-life stately home upon which I based Bowen Hall. It's about a mile from where I live and I pass it every day on my way to work.

http://www.visitchester.com/accommoda...

I hope that answers the question

Carl

And I've also been very intrigued by the animals and myths some of you have mentioned. Clearly great minds (or somewhat mediocre, in my case) think alike.

Lincoln, there are dinosaurs and Mammoths in Book 1

Debbie, Pegasus does make an appearance in Book 1

Glynn, Unicorns make an appearance in TH3 'The Time Hunters and the Spear of Fate'

Tej, the Arthur Myth/Excalibur myth is dealt with in TH 4 - 'The Time Hunters and the Sword of Ages' (the one I'm currently writing.)

Corrie, there is a dodo called Deirdre in TH2 'The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity'
Also Corrie, the myth of Atlantis is explained in TH3 'The Time Hunters and the Spear of Fate'

Cheers,
Carl

Tej wrote: "Discussion Question 4: What are your thoughts on the first few chapters? ..."

I didn't expect to like this book so much. I was slightly put off by the sibling spats and chatter at first, but the kids do ask the right questions, for their benefit and for ours. Once the pace picked up and we joined Uncle Percy at Bowen Hall, I was right into it. I have to agree that this is a YA book for children of all ages. Refreshing and original.

John was right.

Paul wrote: "Tej wrote: "Discussion Question 4: What are your thoughts on the first few chapters? ..."

I didn't expect to like this book so much. I was slightly put off by the sibling spats and chatter at firs..."

Thank you, Paul. That's very kind of you.

Tej wrote: "...Discussion Question 4: What are your thoughts on the first few chapters? Is it engaging you? Are the characters drawn out well for you? Stereotypical or refreshing? Is the narrative well paced so far, perhaps a bit too whimsical or just right? etc... "

Hi Tej. I actually have finished this book. It was a really quick read and engaging enough that I didn't want to put it down. I thought the story was great and the characters were well portrayed, not at all stereotypical. I really liked the humorous aspect as well. I would like to see illustrations for this book. I think it would really enhance things. I'm wondering what the author thinks about that?

Carl wrote: here is the real-life stately home upon which I based Bowen Hall. It's about a mile from where I live and I pass it every day on my way to work.

http://www.visitchester.com/accommoda...
..."

Wow. That is a cool looking place. Always wanted to visit England. Maybe someday...

Glynn wrote: I would like to see illustrations for this book. I think it would really enhance things. I'm wondering what the author thinks about that?

Hi Glynn,
First of all I'm delighted you enjoyed the book.

And as for illustrations - Mmmm, I'm not sure. The book is nearly 60000 words in length and it would be quite unusual to have lots of illustrations in a children's book of that length. I suppose a single illustration every third chapter or so would be good. I'd like that.

In some ways the TH books do share another trait with the Harry Potter books, in that they do get darker and more adult with each volume. Put it this way, the first TH book is a very different beast to the fourth that I'm currently working on. That change in tone should be quite gradual, but it is necessary for the overall narrative.

Thoughts on Chapter 4

What is with all the security? What is Uncle Percy afraid of? (view spoiler)[A voice modulator, retina scan and a DNA analysis just to open the front gate? We have discussed bringing back animals from the past so keeping people out could be for their own safety. However, perhaps the security is to keep something in instead of people out. (hide spoiler)]

So my parents and the rest of the world I guess are big Downton Abby fans. I for one did not get sucked into the show however, so much of that show is based around the wealthy owners and the staff and being "proper" in all circumstances.

Perhaps, that is what is expected back in the day but this is modern times and Maria bugs me. She is perhaps old school and wants to hold onto the "proper" way of doing things. (view spoiler)[ She came off as annoying, welcoming the children. Than she was overly mean to her husband. So far Maria is not very likeable for me at least. (hide spoiler)]

What is "Uncle" Percy's relationship. I thought he was literally the brother to Becky and Joe's father. Chapter 4 we learn its not the case.

Uncle Percy is a loon and a lonely man if he has to count his staff as friends...he might genuinely count them as such but its strange and makes Uncle Percy an interesting character to start out here.

Off to meet Will...

Glynn wrote: "Carl wrote: here is the real-life stately home upon which I based Bowen Hall. It's about a mile from where I live and I pass it every day on my way to work.

http://www.visitchester.com/accommoda....."

Very Downtown Abbey! How do 4 residents maintain a mansion like that AND (view spoiler)[ Keep a zoo of exotic and extinct animals! (hide spoiler)]. That MAria sure works hard.

Carl wrote: "Glynn wrote: I would like to see illustrations for this book. I think it would really enhance things. I'm wondering what the author thinks about that?

Hi Glynn,
First of all I'm delighted you enj..."

Actually, did you know the American version of Harry Potter novels have illustrations? Including the mammoth 600+ page instalments. Our British versions do not have illustrations. The American illustrations are beautifully sketched by Mary Grandpre, though.

I think there is a little stigma with the British readers and our misguided pride :) In fact every Harry Potter Book were released with two covers, one adult and one children's. I always bought the adult cover despite the fact I loved the childrens covers more, lol...I have that unfortunate stupid social awareness of not being stared at when reading a children's book on a train, tut tut.

But I agree with Glynn, illustrations would complement these books well, given the vibrant illustrated book cover...which leads me to another rather conflicting point.

The Time Hunters has a very child attractive book cover. I know for sure, such a cover would deter many adult readers who are not particularly keen to read a childrens's book even though it can be enjoyed by adults. The problem is perception that the book maybe too childish.

I have a feeling many in this group may not be keen on reading it because of the cover which does give off a vibe of a child-like whimsical adventure.

How to decide on a cover if you want both children and adults to read it must be quite a headache decision. Perhaps Bloomsbury, the British book publishers of Harry Potter, had the right idea of making two book covers.

In fact, the sequel has starkly different cover, very much conservative that welcomes adult readers...but then does it deter the younger readers? Catch 22? Carl, did you have much conflict with getting the vibe right with covers? Was it the publishers choice? (btw personally, I love the cover with the campervan).

I just noticed, that Time Hunters do have a different book cover edition, a more "adult friendly" one. Sorry, I didnt see that.

Tej wrote: "I just noticed, that Time Hunters do have a different book cover edition, a more "adult friendly" one. Sorry, I didnt see that."

That's a fine cover, too, Tej, but I couldn't give up the one with Bertha! What a great detail in the story, an ancient VW van time machine.

Paul wrote: "Tej wrote: "I just noticed, that Time Hunters do have a different book cover edition, a more "adult friendly" one. Sorry, I didnt see that."

That's a fine cover, too, Tej, but I couldn't give up ..."



Indeed, John even created blog article full of Bertha sightings!

http://jlberger2.blogspot.co.uk/2013/...

And here John relayed genuine findings of the campervan at a very notable part of American history which Rysa (Timebound author) had discovered.

http://jlberger2.blogspot.co.uk/2013/...



Oh my, how did I forget about John's Blog :(

He had only started it a year but it was all things time travel. It was a wonderful looking blog with a great aesthetic look. Not many entries but what there is was done with love and passion.

AND he did a long interview with Carl...how did I forget to mention that!

http://jlberger2.blogspot.co.uk/2013/...


Home Page of John's Blog: http://jlberger2.blogspot.co.uk/

Lincoln, Maria has had a very sad past. I mention it briefly in Book 1, but the full tragedy is not revealed until Book 4. But what I will say is that she insists on being 'staff', not because she wishes to keep things 'proper', but to maintain a very focussed and prescribed role within her life, and to repay Uncle Percy for certain actions in her past.

Yes, Uncle Percy is not their actual uncle in the strictest sense. But Becky and Joe are his only real family. And yes, he is on some levels a sad, tragic figure (he has certainly suffered a great deal of loss). But imagine being a time traveller, the sheer secrecy alone would prevent you from making new friends in the 'real' world. Plus, he has devoted his life to exploration and science, hardly conducive with forging new relationships with anyone other than time travellers.

Oh, the security at Bowen Hall is essential. Let's face it, he has a herd of Eohippus, a Triceratops and two Sabre-tooth tigers within his grounds. He wouldn't want the odd snoopy passerby trying to take a peek at the pretty old stately home and finding a 68 million year old dinosaur on the lawn.

Tej, yes, my covers have been a small problem. I'm a self-published author and don't have the backing of a major publishing house. I had a friend design the first cover (with bertha) and I like it. I do agree it isn't exactly adult friendly. That's why I designed the other covers myself using Photoshop and a stock image from Dreamstime. I'm not that happy with them but they maintain a visual theme/motif for the series and suit the later books, which are more adult.

Yes, I enjoyed John's blog a great deal. I miss him. He was very kind to me.

Btw all non British group readers.

I realise there are some very British terms used, if you are unsure of any, let us know and will explain if I know it myself.

For instance, at around chapter 3 or so there is a joke regards to "git", an unsavoury British word, normally used in jest but sometimes used as stronger insult in a heated moment, eg "you stupid g.." Etc. The word is not of course used explicitly but an innocent reference through an anagram raises a chuckle.

Tej wrote: "Btw all non British group readers.

I realise there are some very British terms used, if you are unsure of any, let us know and will explain if I know it myself.

For instance, at around chapter 3 ..."

May I ask about a British term from another book? I came across "slingers and wadge" in the 1960s George Smiley books by John le Carre. It's food, but what food, my Google fu failed me on ;-). I was left with a best guess of hamburgers and Cole slaw, but truly, that was just a guess.

Hi MK,

I'm afraid I've never heard of that one.

Neither have I, MK. We have Bangers and Mash which is sausages and mashed potatoes (Mmm, I love it) but never heard of slingers and wadge...however, if you suspect it to be hamburgers and coleslaw, then it wouldnt be a traditional British meal because hamburgers originate from early twentieth century America (or late ninteenth century). Well technically, it originates from Germany (Hamburg) but America popularised it as a sandwhich.

I've got one: "neff" (Joe says that something is neff.) I looked it up but the definition didn't seem to fit with a children's book! ;)

Thanks, Carl, Thanks, Tej :-)

Tej, hamburgers and cole slaw was just a guess, bc the only thing I could find on "wadge" was a reference to a ball of compacted food, at a chimpanzee rescue, and bc in America, "White Castle" burgers (little square things) are sometimes called sliders. Sounds like my 'best guess' is likely wrong :-p, since it doesn't sound like a meal you might find at a British lunch place in the 60's ;-).

I have heard of 'bangers and mash'. Not the other though. No amount of googling decoded it for me. heh

I came across it at the end of Chapter 2, in The Looking Glass War (George Smiley #4). Two men had been up all night, and were looking for food at what might be breakfast time, or who knows, for them, since they'd been working since midnight. So they go to look for food:

"There's the Cadena," Pine replied doubtfully. "But I don't know whether it would do for the Boss, sir. We had the canteen in the old days. Slingers and wadge."

This was copyright 1965.

Glynn wrote: "I've got one: "neff" (Joe says that something is neff.) I looked it up but the definition didn't seem to fit with a children's book! ;)"

Oh good one, I'd like to know what that is myself! Not familiar with it in london term but I think Notherners use it, meaning you are not clever or a bit dunce...am I wrong, Carl?

On reflection of my previous post, I apologise, because I made it sound as if the book is flooded with British slang but its absolutely not the case, its only the odd one on occasion.

"Glynn wrote: "I've got one: "neff" (Joe says that something is neff.) I looked it up but the definition didn't seem to fit with a children's book! ;).."

I saw that myself and also looked it up with the same reaction: Naaaah, couldn't be; must be another definition. It showed eff as slang, as in eff you. (Sorry.) Odd, innit?

Paul wrote: ""Glynn wrote: "I've got one: "neff" (Joe says that something is neff.) I looked it up but the definition didn't seem to fit with a children's book! ;).."

I saw that myself and also looked it up wi..."

Ah perhaps Carl meant naff. We say naff if something is silly or boring. example: "oh that's naff, show me somthing more exciting".

Tej wrote: "Ah perhaps Carl meant naff. We say naff if something is silly or boring..."

I vote for that definition! :-) And I do enjoy the authentic vocabulary, part of the fun. This coming from a guy who would still appreciate subtitles for watching "Foyle's War." I'm learning.

'Neff'? I think you must've hit on a typo. Ahh, the shame! :) I'm pretty sure it would've been 'naff', as in when something is 'rubbish'. I would never use 'effin'' in one of the early TH books. That's certainly a substitute F word.

Of course, I think Joe also may use the term 'nesh' at some point, which means 'someone who gets unusually cold', at least in my part of Britain. I don't know whether that's made it to London, Tej. I doubt it.

Nah, we Londoners dont use that word. But we use naff often because there is a lot things in London deserving of that urban adjective...The Millenium Dome (now O2) for instance ;)

Question for Carl:

What inspired you to choose "Bertha"? Is there a significance to the year make and model for you or perhaps Percy?

Discussion Question if you have finished Chapter 7.

(view spoiler)[Percy says he has five time machines, each a different vehicle, made appropriate by his destination in time. What other vehicles would you personally enjoy having on a trip through time?

Further general question for the group...Why is time machines and vehicles often connected? I know there are lots of examples of time travel by other means, but I thought it might be something to discuss. (hide spoiler)]

Ha@Tej. I'll be at the O2 in July to see Monty Python (another huge influence on the TH books). I've never been to the O2 before.

And Lincoln, there was no other reason than I think the 1963 splitscreen VW campervan in Green and White (Bertha) is just one of the coolest vehicles ever. Both myself and Uncle Percy love fantastic design, and it's all there in the 1963 VW.

It's also there in the London Hackney cab (TH2), the pink Cadillac (TH3) and the Routemaster Red double-decker bus (TH3).

Not all travellers in the TH world have such wonderful taste as Uncle Percy in their choice of travelling devices. In fact, one has a public toilet for a time machine :)

Answer to Lincoln's

DISCUSSION QUESTION 5:

Oooh, I'd use a classic No. 12 Routemaster London Red Bus. Its normal route used to go from Dulwich Plough (South East London to Shepherds Bush (West London) via Oxford Circus and Trafalgar Square. When I was young, I use to just chill on that bus for that whole one and a half hour journey. Now if it were to be a time machine, that would the coolest thing. Practical too as I am sure the machinery for early version of time travel mechanics will be quite bulky and need more room - you know :) Still cant beat Uncle Percy's VW campervan, that's just perfect, a classic model, with all the homely essentials at hand

Oh that's another Britishy word, you guys dont say campervan, you say RV or Recreational Vehicle, right? I only just learnt what RV meant the other day.

I thought the Milk Float was pretty good, though not up to Uncle Percy's personal standards. (I had to look that one up, too.) Gotta have a vehicle, in any case. They make a statement and are much more fun than simply being zapped in a flash of energy.

Carl wrote: "It's also there in the London Hackney cab (TH2), the pink Cadillac (TH3) and the Routemaster Red double-decker bus (TH3)."

Oh I didnt see your post when I posted mine...yay, you're using the routemaster in TH3, awesome!

God I miss that bus...unfortunately, they stopped using the classic ROutemaster in London, where you can simply hop on and off the bus...yes it has caused injuries over the last hundred years but almost always the injury was self inflicted stupidity in trying to run after the bus as its accelerating and trying to grab the white vertical bar on the open entrance to pull yourself in, only to end up doing a spectacular Indiana Jones sommersault roll for several meters on the tarmac road, resulting in a sequence of screeching tires from the several cars behind me...I mean not me...oh ok it was me...blast, I didnt mean to reveal that last particular detail...

Paul wrote: "I thought the Milk Float was pretty good, though not up to Uncle Percy's personal standards. (I had to look that one up, too.) Gotta have a vehicle, in any case. They make a statement and are much ..."

Yeah, Paul, in the USA I think they're called Milk trucks. Anyway, here's a picture of a milk float very similar to Keith Pickleton's :

http://www.milkfloats.org.uk/spmf.html

@Tej. Love the story. Very funny :)

Lincoln, just to address your general group discussion - the reason why I mostly use vehicles as travelling devices is quite simply that when you arrive in your destination, providing it is an uninhabited one, then you can travel around in the vehicle of your choice, sightseeing and having a lovely time. If it's inhabited, you just flick on the Invisiblator.

I need to apologize. I went back and looked up the word I thought I saw, and it was "naff" and not "neff." Sorry about that! As for the spoiler question. I think that (view spoiler)[ I would enjoy using a helicopter, but I'd need a pilot (hide spoiler)]. Also, I was confused about the "Milk Float" as well. When I saw that, I thought it was one of these!

Glynn wrote: "Also, I was confused about the "Milk Float" as well. When I saw that, I thought it was one of these!"

Lol, time travel icecream! Ok if you want to go to early 18th century, lets see, three licks should do it :)

Glynn, there's nothing to apologise for. It could easily have been a typo.

And arriving at a destination in that kind of milk float would have been a rather messy affair :)

Discussion Question if you have finished Chapter 7.

It is interesting that time travel often requires a "vehicle" that has been retrofitted with the TT mechanism. basically there is that version, or the case where a person by his/herself can travel time, or there version where a place has a "gate" or "portal" that does the time travel.
I think there are interesting aspects to all.

It seems strange that the type of vehicle (when there are all motor vehicles of some sort) would matter when travelling back to times where there are no motor vehicles. That being said, using a VW bus is just funny. :)

(view spoiler)[I found the "bunny-horses under the hood" explanation a bit ridiculous along with the portrayal of Hercules and the other Argonauts. The point that they were not really the heroes of legend could have been made without portraying them as complete idiots. This seemed to REALLY leaned toward a pre-teen audience attitude. (hide spoiler)]
I am about 60% through and I hope we've seen the last of the Argonauts!

Overall it is an interesting plot with a lot of backstory. I can see where it can develop into a series.