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theamyleblanc's review
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF: 29%
This book is deeply disappointing. The cover is pretty and the synopsis seems cool - I love stories about time travel! And the first chapter or so did have me fooled. But I felt my interest disappearing as I got further into the story.
The characters are stereotypes in a tired, overused way. Finn is the poor orphan, brooding musician who doesn't fit in. Everly is your quintessential rich popular girl, the one who 'isn't like her peers'. Edison's stereotype is the most annoying because it could be a harmful one. I love that there's an autistic character but there's a better way to handle his introduction and portrayal.
What is a time travel story if there are no consequences for going back in time? If the Butterfly Effect doesn't exist, what are the stakes? Sure if you die, you stay dead. But otherwise there didn't seem to be any issues with going back in time. Granted, I didn't read far enough to see the time travel in action here but it came across as more of a gimmicky plot device than integral to the story.
Some of the references in the narration are incredibly outdated and made the setting feel anachronistic. Also, the characters seemed both too old and too young. Like sometimes they felt more like college freshman and others I was convinced they were 15. I know that doesn't seem like a huge difference numerically but in terms of experience, it's massive.
This book might appeal to readers with a less discerning or less developed palate. Unfortunately, I'm not that person.
DNF: 29%
This book is deeply disappointing. The cover is pretty and the synopsis seems cool - I love stories about time travel! And the first chapter or so did have me fooled. But I felt my interest disappearing as I got further into the story.
The characters are stereotypes in a tired, overused way. Finn is the poor orphan, brooding musician who doesn't fit in. Everly is your quintessential rich popular girl, the one who 'isn't like her peers'. Edison's stereotype is the most annoying because it could be a harmful one. I love that there's an autistic character but there's a better way to handle his introduction and portrayal.
What is a time travel story if there are no consequences for going back in time? If the Butterfly Effect doesn't exist, what are the stakes? Sure if you die, you stay dead. But otherwise there didn't seem to be any issues with going back in time. Granted, I didn't read far enough to see the time travel in action here but it came across as more of a gimmicky plot device than integral to the story.
Some of the references in the narration are incredibly outdated and made the setting feel anachronistic. Also, the characters seemed both too old and too young. Like sometimes they felt more like college freshman and others I was convinced they were 15. I know that doesn't seem like a huge difference numerically but in terms of experience, it's massive.
This book might appeal to readers with a less discerning or less developed palate. Unfortunately, I'm not that person.
rachelholly3's review
3.0
The Time Trials explores what time travel could be like if the Butterfly Effect wasn't a thing, whilst incorporating a Hunger Games-esque battle between teams. I loved the premise and the initial build up, but I did find there to be a few too many plot holes for my liking!
It felt like there was too much time spent on the wrong things, I wanted more of the action in the trials and less of the sideline plots, as it ended up feeling quite rushed, particularly in the last quarter.
That being said, some of the relationships were really lovely, Valerie and Edison's sibling like bond being a real highlight!
Once you get into it it's definitely a cute, easy read, just not quite my cup of tea.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. ❤️
It felt like there was too much time spent on the wrong things, I wanted more of the action in the trials and less of the sideline plots, as it ended up feeling quite rushed, particularly in the last quarter.
That being said, some of the relationships were really lovely, Valerie and Edison's sibling like bond being a real highlight!
Once you get into it it's definitely a cute, easy read, just not quite my cup of tea.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. ❤️
margiebythebookcase's review
4.0
Thank you to Tiny Fox Press, and NetGalley for the free book in return for my honest review.
The Time Trials was a super strong first book! The characters were well thought out, and likeable. There are 4 main characters that you meet and an adorable robot named Scrap. I loved the premise because, time travel? Yes please!
As we jump through time with the characters they encounter the history of the time as well. The history aspect was very well done, and not just brushed over.
The trials were so immersive and I could not put the book down!
As someone who has worked with the nuerodivergent community, representation is so important. To read about someone like you and feel like you might not be alone in the world is really awesome. Thank you to the authors for not just writing about able bodied/non neurodivergent people.
I can't wait to dive into the 2nd book!
The Time Trials was a super strong first book! The characters were well thought out, and likeable. There are 4 main characters that you meet and an adorable robot named Scrap. I loved the premise because, time travel? Yes please!
As we jump through time with the characters they encounter the history of the time as well. The history aspect was very well done, and not just brushed over.
The trials were so immersive and I could not put the book down!
As someone who has worked with the nuerodivergent community, representation is so important. To read about someone like you and feel like you might not be alone in the world is really awesome. Thank you to the authors for not just writing about able bodied/non neurodivergent people.
I can't wait to dive into the 2nd book!
krystallotuslang's review
5.0
Loved this book. Really enjoyed the intricacies of how their timelines merge and influence one another. One of me favorite series.
dungareads's review
4.0
Read as a ready-to-read ARC on NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Tiny Fox Press for making this copy available to read to NetGalley users
Jon and Dayna McConnell have created a deadly, YA novel, centred around a brutal competition which fits alongside the likes of The Hunger Games and the Inheritance Games, while being unique and having its own charms.
The idea of travelling back to areas of history to compete draws readers in, especially when revealed that events from the past cannot be changed, and the butterfly effect therefore irrelevant. It manages to have the deadliness of a killing competition, without travelling to a dystopian setting.
Each of our 4 main characters have wonderful unique personalities. We have our dark horse outcast in Finn, the popular, graceful one courtesy of Everly, bold and fiery Valerie, and the wonderful Edison.
I appreciated that a considerable chunk of a chapter was dedicated to letting the reader get to know Edison and his high functioning autism. The mention of the purpose of occupational therapy within this chapter showed an understanding of how professionals can work with neurodivergent individuals, but I would be intrigued to know how much research or knowledge of experiences was put into the character (If anybody knows I’d love to hear as I'm always trying to educate myself on areas like these!)
While I enjoyed the plot, and thought it was unique and well written, I felt there were a few downfalls.
The first half of the book was paced wonderfully, with the build up to each of the events and the strategy behind the team’s thinking. However towards the second half, it got a bit messy, particularly in the 3rd event, where I found myself re-reading sections to get a good understanding of what was happening.
The ending also felt very abrupt. With the book finishing at the announcement of the winners. I thought that we would hear more about the aftermath of the games (and Mordecai’s decision) at this point, which would then have led into the sequel of the book, as it reads as more of a standalone. However my judgement may change after reading the sequel.
All in all, the book is an excellent story within the YA subgenre of “deadly games” that stands out amongst others. While the book had some issues with pacing and the ending, it made for a pleasant and gripping read that would translate well to the silver screen.
4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Tiny Fox Press for making this copy available to read to NetGalley users
Jon and Dayna McConnell have created a deadly, YA novel, centred around a brutal competition which fits alongside the likes of The Hunger Games and the Inheritance Games, while being unique and having its own charms.
The idea of travelling back to areas of history to compete draws readers in, especially when revealed that events from the past cannot be changed, and the butterfly effect therefore irrelevant. It manages to have the deadliness of a killing competition, without travelling to a dystopian setting.
Each of our 4 main characters have wonderful unique personalities. We have our dark horse outcast in Finn, the popular, graceful one courtesy of Everly, bold and fiery Valerie, and the wonderful Edison.
I appreciated that a considerable chunk of a chapter was dedicated to letting the reader get to know Edison and his high functioning autism. The mention of the purpose of occupational therapy within this chapter showed an understanding of how professionals can work with neurodivergent individuals, but I would be intrigued to know how much research or knowledge of experiences was put into the character (If anybody knows I’d love to hear as I'm always trying to educate myself on areas like these!)
While I enjoyed the plot, and thought it was unique and well written, I felt there were a few downfalls.
The first half of the book was paced wonderfully, with the build up to each of the events and the strategy behind the team’s thinking. However towards the second half, it got a bit messy, particularly in the 3rd event, where I found myself re-reading sections to get a good understanding of what was happening.
The ending also felt very abrupt. With the book finishing at the announcement of the winners. I thought that we would hear more about the aftermath of the games (and Mordecai’s decision) at this point, which would then have led into the sequel of the book, as it reads as more of a standalone. However my judgement may change after reading the sequel.
All in all, the book is an excellent story within the YA subgenre of “deadly games” that stands out amongst others. While the book had some issues with pacing and the ending, it made for a pleasant and gripping read that would translate well to the silver screen.
4 stars
m3l89's review
3.0
The time trials themselves felt like separate instances, with not a lot tying them together. Aside from the “games”, nothing much happened. There was little plot or character development and the book just ended after the last game so we didn’t even gauge how the trials affected the students. I kept reading waiting for something to happen, but unfortunately nothing did. On saying that, I would read a sequel to see what happened next, if there was any development and / or how the trials affected the characters.
aerialpharmd's review
4.0
Special thanks to NetGalley and Tiny Fox Press for a ready to read ARC for my honest opinion!
This is a great starter if sci-fi isn’t your typical genre. Reminiscent of HP and the Goblet of Fire meets time travel! A group of 4 high school students are hand selected by a professor to compete against 3 other schools in time traveling trials put on by the Historical Society. Trials are inspired by childhood games, such as Marbles and Hide and Seek, but they’re anything but harmless.
Time travel is always a subject that draws me in but is hard to execute. This series has a different take on traveling back in time than I’ve seen before; whatever you do when you travel backwards doesn’t affect the present/future. Typically the crux of the plot is the consequence of said time travel, but it’s interesting that it’s more of what happens in the present that is the main struggle. Can’t wait to see what happens next based on the ending!
This is a great starter if sci-fi isn’t your typical genre. Reminiscent of HP and the Goblet of Fire meets time travel! A group of 4 high school students are hand selected by a professor to compete against 3 other schools in time traveling trials put on by the Historical Society. Trials are inspired by childhood games, such as Marbles and Hide and Seek, but they’re anything but harmless.
Time travel is always a subject that draws me in but is hard to execute. This series has a different take on traveling back in time than I’ve seen before; whatever you do when you travel backwards doesn’t affect the present/future. Typically the crux of the plot is the consequence of said time travel, but it’s interesting that it’s more of what happens in the present that is the main struggle. Can’t wait to see what happens next based on the ending!
art_books_chemistry's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I'm really torn on how I feel about this book. I can admit that I'm not the target audience for YA anymore but I still enjoy a lot of YA literature. To me the writing of this felt childish, some of the tone feeling more middle grade than high school. I forgot a couple of times that the main characters were 16/17 year olds and not 14. I know not every child can have a deep analytical conversation about the symbolism in The Picture of Dorian Gray by the age of 11. The best way to describe this as I see it, is if you took four magic tree house books, aged Jack and Annie up a few years so they were hormonal, kept them on their "quests" but inserted chapters of teenage angst and romance in between.
On that note: I LOVED Edison once we actually started digging into his character. I thought our first introduction to him felt superficially stereotypical but as the book progressed he became quite a lovable deep character. I liked how the team became a family, I did cry a bit at one point so I did become at least somewhat emotionally involved.
I wasn't a fan of how superficial the history felt. The deepest we got into the history of the second to last task was one side wore green and the other side wore blue. I also found the first and last tasks to be very predictable. I wanted there to be some real history being learned by the reader, not just by the characters behind the scenes.
So I don't particularly recommend this book but I could see younger folks, maybe tweens or young teens enjoying it.
On that note: I LOVED Edison once we actually started digging into his character. I thought our first introduction to him felt superficially stereotypical but as the book progressed he became quite a lovable deep character. I liked how the team became a family, I did cry a bit at one point so I did become at least somewhat emotionally involved.
I wasn't a fan of how superficial the history felt. The deepest we got into the history of the second to last task was one side wore green and the other side wore blue. I also found the first and last tasks to be very predictable. I wanted there to be some real history being learned by the reader, not just by the characters behind the scenes.
So I don't particularly recommend this book but I could see younger folks, maybe tweens or young teens enjoying it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and War
aerialpharmd's review against another edition
4.0
Special thanks to NetGalley and Tiny Fox Press for a ready to read ARC for my honest opinion!
This is a great starter if sci-fi isn’t your typical genre. Reminiscent of HP and the Goblet of Fire meets time travel! A group of 4 high school students are hand selected by a professor to compete against 3 other schools in time traveling trials put on by the Historical Society. Trials are inspired by childhood games, such as Marbles and Hide and Seek, but they’re anything but harmless.
Time travel is always a subject that draws me in but is hard to execute. This series has a different take on traveling back in time than I’ve seen before; whatever you do when you travel backwards doesn’t affect the present/future. Typically the crux of the plot is the consequence of said time travel, but it’s interesting that it’s more of what happens in the present that is the main struggle. Can’t wait to see what happens next based on the ending!
This is a great starter if sci-fi isn’t your typical genre. Reminiscent of HP and the Goblet of Fire meets time travel! A group of 4 high school students are hand selected by a professor to compete against 3 other schools in time traveling trials put on by the Historical Society. Trials are inspired by childhood games, such as Marbles and Hide and Seek, but they’re anything but harmless.
Time travel is always a subject that draws me in but is hard to execute. This series has a different take on traveling back in time than I’ve seen before; whatever you do when you travel backwards doesn’t affect the present/future. Typically the crux of the plot is the consequence of said time travel, but it’s interesting that it’s more of what happens in the present that is the main struggle. Can’t wait to see what happens next based on the ending!
outsmartyourshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Finn feels responsible for the deaths of his parents in a car accident - they wouldn't have been on the road if it hadn't been for him. & he can't forgive himself. After receiving a scholarship to a private boarding school (where he becomes known as an 'Unfortunate' by the rich kids due to the scholarship), Finn doesn't expect to make friends. He especially doesn't expect 'Queen Bee' Everly to try to make friends & he rebuffs her, certain that it is all a giant prank. He is surprised, therefore, to see her at the first meeting for the Young Historians' Club, a select group of four members & one of their teachers as their mentor. This is no ordinary club as the four soon find out that they would get to take part in the Time Trials, travelling through time, battling it out with three other schools, over four rounds in a contest to decide the winning team.
Finn (misfit), Everly (Queen Bee), Valerie (athlete), & Edison (a loner with autism) have to find a way to work together & during the Trials find themselves becoming friends despite their differences with Finn & Everly perhaps more than friends. The teams are sent to different historical events with a specific goal, such as retrieving an artifact or momentarily altering history for example. As time travel is possible by bending time, the rules state that nothing they do affects future events which takes off the pressure slightly, but some aspects of the Trials can be deadly - if you die in a Trial you stay dead!
I requested this one pretty swiftly after reading the synopsis. It's a great concept & I just wish that the authors had spent more time on the actual Trials rather than Finn & Everly's on/off relationship. The trials were over so swiftly I felt a bit shortchanged, there's such a lot of scope with this storyline yet the romance aspect seemed to overshadow the far more interesting Trials plot & sidelined Valerie & Edison (who were also much more interesting than Finn & Everly). Other readers more in the targeted demographic for YA may feel differently about this aspect so don't be put off by my review, in fact, I enjoyed it enough that I plan on reading the sequel, I just hope the romance element has been toned down a little.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Tiny Fox Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
Finn (misfit), Everly (Queen Bee), Valerie (athlete), & Edison (a loner with autism) have to find a way to work together & during the Trials find themselves becoming friends despite their differences with Finn & Everly perhaps more than friends. The teams are sent to different historical events with a specific goal, such as retrieving an artifact or momentarily altering history for example. As time travel is possible by bending time, the rules state that nothing they do affects future events which takes off the pressure slightly, but some aspects of the Trials can be deadly - if you die in a Trial you stay dead!
I requested this one pretty swiftly after reading the synopsis. It's a great concept & I just wish that the authors had spent more time on the actual Trials rather than Finn & Everly's on/off relationship. The trials were over so swiftly I felt a bit shortchanged, there's such a lot of scope with this storyline yet the romance aspect seemed to overshadow the far more interesting Trials plot & sidelined Valerie & Edison (who were also much more interesting than Finn & Everly). Other readers more in the targeted demographic for YA may feel differently about this aspect so don't be put off by my review, in fact, I enjoyed it enough that I plan on reading the sequel, I just hope the romance element has been toned down a little.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Tiny Fox Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief
Moderate: Child death