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yapha's review
3.0
The writing in this book is spectacular and the action is non-stop! Although the concept of non-linear time is fairly confusing, Wilson makes it work. My only problem with this book (and what brought it down from 4 stars to 3) is the overused stereotype of the magical Native American. Perhaps this choice will be better explained as the trilogy progresses.
ETA: Wilson does have an explanation on his blog about the historical basis to his Native American imagery. I hope that this is included in the finished book as well. I am still uncomfortable with the portrayal of the Native American characters, particularly since the hero of the story is white & blond. http://www.ndwilson.com/blog/from-me/hello-old-readers-i-have-a-new-book/
eARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss
ETA: Wilson does have an explanation on his blog about the historical basis to his Native American imagery. I hope that this is included in the finished book as well. I am still uncomfortable with the portrayal of the Native American characters, particularly since the hero of the story is white & blond. http://www.ndwilson.com/blog/from-me/hello-old-readers-i-have-a-new-book/
eARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss
ericaceae's review
4.0
Rating by the 11 year old girl, who can't wait to get her hands on the second book.
dandelionsteph's review
4.0
It was confusing at points, as to be expected from a book that involves time travel. Gloria (Glory) wasn't nearly as cool as I thought she would be. Sam gets rattlesnakes grafted onto his arms, but what does Glory get? This hourglass that apparently dissolves walls into dust, which she only uses once in the whole book.
I like how the protagonist, Sam Miracle, had some "flaws". At times, he is whiny, selfish, and cowardly. He doesn't adjust well to the initial shock of the inciting incident (to use the plot term).
In the beginning he's in a bad situation, which has been done before. (Think of Harry Potter in the cupboard underneath the stairs) He's a foster kid at a home for "destitute" (presumably meaning highly misbehaved) youth in the desert. In the beginning, he can't do much because of his non-bending arms. He can't brush his hair or button his shirt, and requires an extra-long fork to feed himself. He also is prone to his mind wandering in highly detailed dreams, which causes him to wander off into the desert sometimes, as well as causing extra visits from therapists.
Now, it's common for protagonists in fantasy books to have something unusual about them, such as Harry Potter's lightning bolt-shaped scar, Erec Rex's dragon eye or Leven Thumps' white streak, but here, the thing that makes him unusual is a physical disability.
His non-bendy arms get their "bendiness" back through some time travel, but then they get shattered again, necessitating rattlesnakes being grafted onto his arms to give him the necessary mobility to fight the villain of the book. In a way, the rattlesnakes are like prostheses to restore function. (though they do have minds of their own, as well as the convenient ability to see things through body heat)
I like how the protagonist, Sam Miracle, had some "flaws". At times, he is whiny, selfish, and cowardly. He doesn't adjust well to the initial shock of the inciting incident (to use the plot term).
In the beginning he's in a bad situation, which has been done before. (Think of Harry Potter in the cupboard underneath the stairs) He's a foster kid at a home for "destitute" (presumably meaning highly misbehaved) youth in the desert. In the beginning, he can't do much because of his non-bending arms. He can't brush his hair or button his shirt, and requires an extra-long fork to feed himself. He also is prone to his mind wandering in highly detailed dreams, which causes him to wander off into the desert sometimes, as well as causing extra visits from therapists.
Now, it's common for protagonists in fantasy books to have something unusual about them, such as Harry Potter's lightning bolt-shaped scar, Erec Rex's dragon eye or Leven Thumps' white streak, but here, the thing that makes him unusual is a physical disability.
His non-bendy arms get their "bendiness" back through some time travel, but then they get shattered again, necessitating rattlesnakes being grafted onto his arms to give him the necessary mobility to fight the villain of the book. In a way, the rattlesnakes are like prostheses to restore function. (though they do have minds of their own, as well as the convenient ability to see things through body heat)
joyfulme's review
4.0
Well-written, captivating, unexpected. Percy Jackson action and timbre but with C.S. Lewis fiber.
Time travel can be a little hard to follow for younger kids.
10+
Time travel can be a little hard to follow for younger kids.
10+
lara_lleverino's review
5.0
I grew up without a TV and spent countless hours reading. When I got to college I found then and I still find today as a 40+ year old that I am more resilient than many of my friends. While reading this book it came to me that many of the books I read as a kid gave me the belief that there are things worth suffering and even dying for. That since my worldview includes a final just judgement suffering in the here and now is not a waste of hours. This is what I think The Legend of Sam Miracle begins to speak to in very young tween boy language. I enjoyed the story but it most definitely will delight the 8-13 boy and adventuresome girl market. Sam despite having some fantastical things happen to him reacts with very typical real boy emotions and I found him very sympathetic. For those looking for a similar book with a girl in the lead character I would highly recommend The Dragon of Cripple Creek by Troy Howell. http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Cripple-Creek-Troy-Howell/product-reviews/0810997134/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=recent
memlhd's review
4.0
This was a fun book. I'm not a fan of time travel in general, but he does a nice job of keeping things from getting unbelievable. Action and suspense—and Cindy.
liveright's review
hannacolwrites's review
4.0
I'm so glad I decided to pick Outlaws of Time up on impulse this Spring. It is my first book by N.D. Wilson and it definitely will not be my last. The story of Sam Miracle drew me in from the start and Wilson's writing is rich and vivid. The characters in this book have become dear to me. but I anticipate that will be remedied in the sequel.
Spoiler
I was a little let down by the lack of a proper show down between Sam and the villain,dusk's review
4.0
This book is steeped in handgun and deserts, cacti and lonely, starry nights. Some of the western archetypes are there, but the book itself is very unique. The creativity is incredibly refreshing and the writing is very, very good. N.D. wilson is truly experienced in the art of storytelling. There were some parts of the plot that didn’t quite make sense and it wrapped up a little awkwardly (its position as the first book in a trilogy made it unsafisfying) but it was a solid read throughout. I really enjoyed the character of Glory and Cindy, a snake whose only goal is to kill everything. The book wasn't my ideal cup of tea but it was certainly a good adventure with a great plot. I'd call it more plot-driven than character-driven, which is different from my preference but not neccesarily bad. I was surprised at its 8-12 age suggestion since it’s more violent than the average Juvenile Fiction book (though it’d fit snugly in the MS section). Guns are prominent, people are shot, countless people die in various brutal ways, named characters get bloody and mangled.. A sensitive kiddo might be affected, though I don’t think younger-me (who was raised on Lord of the Rings) would be bothered. Solid moral themes and killing isn’t glorified or gratuitous. My theory that childrens’ books are better quality than many YA books is continuously being proved.
4.4 - recommended.
4.4 - recommended.