Book three of the Time Riders series and it did not disappoint. Sitting here writing this review I can easily imagine this series being televised, a radio show or a graphic novel edition. I guess in part due to the books smoothly flowing into each other and the characters not just ‘correcting’ the time stream, but their own personal journeys, be it in the present, past or future.
I will admit for me personally there is a Timecop or Quantum Leap feel, but Time Riders is more ambitious in the time periods it has visited and for book three it went medieval. For those who do not know the Time Rider series it is about a young team, possibly part of an agency who are policing the time stream. The three humans were plucked out of time just before their deaths and they have the support of three artificial intelligence personalities, plus the teams founder from time to time. Their HQ is NYC in 2001 and they can open a portal to other times and locations.
I won’t spoil the book for you, but in short Liam, Bob & Becks end up in 1194 England to correct the history. A period of unrest, poverty and the time of the mythical Robin Hood. In book three it was the first time I preferred the Liam O’Conner storyline over the rest of the teams, based back at the HQ in 2001 New York.
Liam and his A.I. companions Bob & Becks were the standout characters for me. Plus the background and writing of the period from Alex (the author), made it a fascinating period to read about, whereas the 2001 era chapters didn’t pull me in.
If I have this correct there are two Bob’s (one in a computer system, another in a body) and a Beck’s. The two A.I. in flesh bodies hugely contribute to the ‘Time Riders’ series. These protectors so to speak could ultimately be the standout characters of the whole series, time will tell.
In this installment both Bob and Becks accompanying Liam ‘grow’ more as individuals. Becks more so than Bob. Their ability to adapt, evolve and yes at times to use their brute strength contribute. Becks personal journey was more interesting this time around and her femininity played an important role, but I won’t give details in the review.
There was a couple of interesting twists regarding their medieval adversaries that left me guessing until the details were revealed. I had a few ideas, but was proved wrong and enjoyed those developments and additional layers to the ‘Time Rider’ universe so to speak.
Though in truth due to Liam O’Connor spending so much more subjective time living, compared to the team at the HQ, who experience days rather than Liam’s months in different eras, I can’t help but feel an imbalance of maturity and decision making capabilities of team members is on the horizon.
I must admit Maddy & Sal did not impress me in this book, Sal more so than Maddy. However this is a series, so who knows where it will lead (well okay Alex does, but you know what I mean) and perhaps their characters will later surprise me.
I do have to pinch myself though and remind myself this is a young adult book, so I shouldn’t be so serious, geeky and just enjoy the next installment. Though a good book can throw up questions and thoughts if the reader is interested and when that book is part of a series, it is a good thing. Yet again I read this book within a few days, which is a sign I’m enjoying a book and the writing from Alex just flowed.
Until next ‘time’.
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