The Book of Time

The Book of Time is a French children's fantasy novel that follows fourteen-year-old Sam Faulkner on his quest to find his missing father. After discovering a mysterious stone statue and coin in his father's antique bookstore, Sam begins an extraordinary journey through different time periods and locations around the world. The story combines historical elements with fantasy, placing Sam in key moments from the past as he searches for answers about his father's disappearance. The narrative takes readers from medieval Scotland to ancient Egypt, with each time period presenting new challenges and discoveries for the young protagonist. Time travel, family bonds, and coming-of-age themes intersect in this first installment of a trilogy. The novel explores grief, determination, and the complexities of father-son relationships against a backdrop of historical adventure.

Readers note this first book in the trilogy serves as a setup for later adventures but moves slowly at times. Many appreciate the historical accuracy and vivid descriptions of different time periods, particularly ancient Egypt and medieval Scotland. Liked: - Educational historical elements woven into the story - Strong father-son relationship theme - Detailed world-building and time travel mechanics - French perspective (originally written in French) Disliked: - Pacing issues in first third of book - Translation feels stiff in some passages - Main character's decisions can frustrate readers - Cliffhanger ending without resolution Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.0/5 (80+ ratings) One reader noted: "The historical research shines through, but the protagonist's choices kept pulling me out of the story." Another mentioned: "Perfect for kids who like both history and adventure, though parents should know it gets dark at times."

The Time Travelers by Rebecca Rupp A brother and sister uncover an old pocket watch that propels them through history as they search for their missing physicist father.

TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow Three teenagers work as time-travel agents who prevent people from changing historical events and creating catastrophic ripple effects.

The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick Four middle school students discover a time-bending object that begins to unravel the fabric of their reality and must journey through different time periods to save their world.

The Book of Story Beginnings by Kristin Kladstrup A girl discovers her missing father's mysterious journal which leads her through time portals into dangerous historical adventures.

100 Cupboards by N. D. Wilson A boy discovers hidden cupboards in his attic that transport him to different times and places while searching for answers about his family's past.

⌛ Successfully used time travel in literature dates back to 1733 with Samuel Madden's "Memoirs of the Twentieth Century" 🇫🇷 Before becoming an author, Guillaume Prévost taught history and geography in French high schools, which influenced his detailed historical descriptions 🏺 The ancient coins used for time travel in the book were inspired by real historical artifacts - the Greeks and Romans often used coins as both currency and historical records 📚 The book was first published in France in 2006 and has since been translated into 14 different languages 🗺️ The protagonist Sam visits multiple historically significant locations including Viking-era Scotland, Ancient Egypt, and World War I battlefields, each meticulously researched for accuracy