What readers think of Timeline, plus links to write your own review.

this book just plain rocked

Timeline is a well-written, highly suspenseful, action-oriented science thriller. The plot is well thought out and tightly woven, and the scientific premise is fascinating and extremely well-researched. The presentation of detail, both scientific and historical is expertly done. The technological innovation of the time travel (alternative universes through quantum foam) is unique and convincing.

What makes it work for me is the grand scale of it all. Crichton sets up big stakes. The person travelling is vaporized by lasers, then "faxed" through tiny wormholes into another potential universe of which there are an infinite number. The author shows us a big underground complex, fabulous cyclotron-scale machinery and a compelling demonstration of the technology. This is big science involving huge risks; it is grand in scope and the details seem right. We want to suspend disbelief for time travel because time travel has reached a mythological status in our society. Who wouldn't want to travel back in time? It's a secret fantasy for many of us.

Note: this was also true for Jurassic Park. We wanted to believe that it was possible to bring dinosaurs back to life, out of extinction. Dinosaurs are grand and fantastical; anyone would want to see one. Our desire to have it be true is part of why we go along with the leaps of technology in Jurassic Park. The same is true in Timeline.

In addition to the science being appropriate, Crichton's historical context feels real. The Medieval characters speak and act in a way which while not expected, feels right on the mark. I am not an expert in the French Middle Ages, but sense authenticity in this book.

Also, I couldn't put this book down. The chapter breaks were predominately cliff-hangers and the pacing was fast and furious. Crichton sets up a "ticking clock" time table and puts it out front where all can see, and where we can worry about it. It's a tried and true tactic and it works very well here.

And lastly, the thematic elements are strong, convincing and arise neatly out of the story without being dictated to the reader. I draw attention to this here because the successful handling of theme is something which cannot be accomplished without adequate handling of plot and character. And even so, it is not an easy thing to do well. It is done well here.

Nevertheless, with all that said, I believe that Timeline could be improved. First of all, there are too many characters. While Crichton does a fair job of keeping track of them all, with so many major characters, the reader doesn't have time to become emotionally involved in any of them.

The major protagonists are Marek, Chris, and Kate. Professor Johnstone and Stern are minor protagonists. The major antagonist is Doniger (in the present), but there are a series of characters in the past who provide the main threat (Sir Guy Malegant, De Kere, Oliver).

The book would benefit from trimming one or two of the protagonists, or pushing one of them into the role of a minor character. The most memorable protagonist is Marek. He is unique, likeable, and he always acts up to his potential (which is considerable). Marek has all the ingredients of a perfect thriller protagonist.

I would suggest making him the primary protagonist and diminishing the role of Chris or Kate. Chris was my least favorite character, mainly because he is so ordinary. Therefore, I wouldn't mind seeing his role lessened. Kate was nicely drawn and would make a good alternative main protagonist. These suggestions, as always, are merely that; the role of a good book doctor is to analyze and suggest, then let the writer do whatever he or she feels is right for the book.

I believe that focusing on Marek would of necessity expand his character. It would put him "on stage" more, and we would get a better insight into him. We would get more emotionally involved in his dilemma. We could see more character growth this way, and there would be a defined character arc which is lacking in the book (with the exception of Chris's character). More on character arc below.

Another problem I had with this book was the intense action all the way through. Intense action is great, and here it is handled well. However, the pace never lessens. There is no sense of rhythm, no time to catch your breath. The action scenes lose their power when put between two equally intense scenes because we have grown insensitive by overexposure.

Also, many of the scenes are rushed. The setting details are often brushed over so that the pacing isn't slowed. I found much of the detail which Crichton did include fascinating; it enriched the story for me. Including more setting in certain, carefully-chosen scenes would serve to slow the pacing a bit too. This would enhance the experience of the story.

I would suggest the author examine the scenes one by one to look at pacing. Character development and setting are two things which slow the pace, and this novel could use a bit more of both.

Unbelivable. The story sucks you completely. You only wish a day had 100 hours so you can read more....

One of the most thrilling and exciting book. Grasps your attention with constantly changing scenes between present time and Middle Ages. The simplest explanation of quantum mechanics I ever read.

Robert Doniger is president of a quantum technology company named ITC (International Technology Corporation). His company has developed the technology to travel to different universes at any timeline in order to rebuild historical buildings and sites. This technology is a secret however, so when a Professor in charge of a French restoration site funded by ITC learns of this technology, he blackmails the company into letting him travel to the very site he is restoring in 1357 AD France. Something goes terribly wrong though and the Professor never comes back, so ITC gathers a group of the professor's associates to go rescue him. At this point, the characters learn what quantum technology and multiverses are and how it is possible to travel between universes.

The archaeologists are thrust into a world of violence and fear as France is in the middle of the Hundred Years War with England. More specifically, in the areas of Castlegard and La Roque, along the Dordogne River as Sir Oliver de Vannes' rule was being assailed by "the Archpreist" Arnaut de Cervole. The characters are faced with their own problems though as they are chased by rabid knights, sentenced to death by villainous barbarians, and forced to use all their wits to survive an incredible adventure that will have you on your knees in suspense.

Using stunning imagery and realism, Crichton successfully recreates a perception of what the world must've been like in fourteenth century France. From chivalry to clothing to the warfare, nothing is left out to ensure a realistic reading experience. The book is so immersing, I actually thought I was in the fourteenth century, but just for a moment. I read the book in two days, because it was too far too interesting to take a break from. The action and suspense never lets up once the adventure begins and waxes into a heart-stopping climax full of surprise twists and turns.

Although the idea of traveling between universes seems far-fetched, Crichton does a decent job explaining how it is possible so it works for the story. The scientific language he uses may be a tad advanced for someone who has not studied physics, but that does not ruin the story for the reader if he or she does not understand it. I found this layer of the story to be quite interesting as well and Crichton did a magnificent job blending it with the medieval aspect of the story.

Anyone who is interested in physics or medieval history should find this book most compelling and insightful. For the most part, the book was very realistic except for the universe traveling, which Crichton explains at the end is fantasy, and was derived from speculation. He made a special point at the end to explain that he tried to make his medieval world as accurate as possible, so this book may prove as a learning experience for some who are interested in those times. I recommend this book as well to anyone who wants a fantastic adventure story that might take some thinking about to enjoy.

First and the best Crichton book I have read.

This is the Best Michael Crichton Book I have ever read.
It is a must read by all Crichton Fans.

A MUST read.......it's THAT good.