This is the plight of the heroes of Timeline, Michael Crichton's thriller. They're historians in 1999 employed by a tech billionaire-genius with more than a few of Bill Gates's most unlovable quirks. Like the entrepreneur in Crichton's Jurassic Park, Doniger plans a theme park featuring artifacts from a lost world revived via cutting-edge science. When the project's chief historian sends a distress call to 1999 from 1357, the boss man doesn't tell the younger historians the risks they'll face trying to save him. At first, the interplay between eras is clever, but Timeline swiftly becomes a swashbuckling old-fashioned adventure, with just a dash of science and time paradox in the mix. Most of the cool facts are about the Middle Ages, and Crichton marvelously brings the past to life without ever letting the pulse-pounding action slow down. At one point, a time-tripper tries to enter the Chapel of Green Death. Unfortunately, its custodian, a crazed giant with terrible teeth and a bad case of lice, soon has her head on a block. "She saw a shadow move across the grass as he raised his ax into the air." I dare you not to turn the page!

Through the narrative can be glimpsed the glowing bones of the movie that may be made from Timeline and the cutting-edge computer game that should hit the market in 2000. Expect many clashing swords and chase scenes through secret castle passages. But the book stands alone, tall and scary as a knight in armor shining with blood. --Tim Appelo

  Customer Reviews  

...*yawn*... Let's just put the book down and take a little nap.
Rating: 1
Timeline by Michael Crichton is a mediocre book that I would only recommend to people who enjoy plot holes and lazy writing. The book has a rather slow start, and I expected that. I was not prepared, however, to be moved back and forth between France, America, and the 1800s. If I had been any less intellectually capable, I would have been lost by the fifth page. As it is, I can't say that the novel was outstandingly wonderful. Actually, I found it rather painful to read. The book will appear like something you could curl up by the fire with... You'd be better off throwing it into the fire. Most people keep reading until the main characters travel back in time, anticipating wonders. Instead, everything is kept logical (ugh), with buttons pressed by Doniger's cronies. Seriously, would they just get a backbone? They're worse than Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling's Death Eaters and their Voldy obsession. At least our darling Death Eaters show some insubordination... unlike ITC's pitiful employees.
The characters in this book were exceedingly flat, without any real development. I disapproved of Marek's overwhelming strength, and I was flabbergasted (fun word) by Chris's weakness. Kate was `brave, heroic, and charming', according to certain acquaintances. Mary- Sue, much? A Mary- Sue is a female character who has no flaws- like Kate, while Chris is the exact opposite- all flaws. The only main character who seemed real was Doniger, with his ruthlessness and the way he cares only for himself.
All in all, Timeline by Michael Crichton was a commonplace book that will be cherished by someone for five minutes until they actually read it. Look elsewhere for Christmas gifts for your family. Christopher Statsheff is a wonderful author with a better grasp on writing.