S.W. Lothian’s imagination holds no bounds, as we found in his previous books – the Quest series – when some kids were drawn to ancient Egypt via Time Square.  Now Time Square takes centre stage in this exciting adventure in which the very existence of time is threatened.

We are in the 1930s.  Dr. Hudson returns from an expedition to the recently discovered Machu Picchu with a strange obelisk.  He shows it to his children, twins Eva and Lewis, and they find themselves whisked through a time portal to Time Square – where someone is expecting them.  Someone not very pleased.  Someone very pompous.  Someone who is expecting trouble.  Big trouble.

The obelisk turns out to be central to the maintenance of time.  It’s been moved and placed in totally unsuitable conditions.  Time reacts violently – very violently, and Time Square is in chaos as a result.  The only thing to do is return the obelisk to its proper position – but Dr. Hudson’s science rival has stolen it and moved it once again.  Forbidden to mess further with time, Dr. Hudson can only watch and wait as the experts get to work to save them.

It’s an exciting storyline. There are lovely touches, such as the people with alliterative names who speak alliteratively too! I laughed out loud at a line I really should have seen coming.  Time Square is beautifully described; the chaos that reigns during shifts is suitably pendular, so that things rush to and fro across the floor as time shifts.  One could get quite seasick reading it! I confess that my editor would be more than seasick with something she would never let me get away with, namely the insistence on Dr even when suggesting the doctor might do something.  Other minor details nag; readers who have visited Machu Picchu should suspend their memories of the trip.  The very conservative, somewhat Indiana Jones-style research that Dr Hudson professes to undertake sits against a rather more Joker- or Penguin-like villain.  The dialogue is very modern, whether 30s, 70s or contemporary (whatever that means in Time Square).  These are really matters of taste, and it makes for an eclectic mixture. But unfortunately Mr Lothian commits what I consider one of the cardinal sins of series writing, which completely spoilt it for me.  Just when the kids are ready to set out on an exciting escapade, it stops.

Time Square | The Shift by S.W.Lothian

See my reviews of the Quest series:

I received an Advance Review Copy from the author for my honest, unbiased review.

Book Review: Time Square | The Shift by S W Lothian
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9 thoughts on “Book Review: Time Square | The Shift by S W Lothian

  • 31 May, 2014 at 1:05 pm
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    Another great book to add to my kids’ list. I am all set for Christmas presents for several years!

  • 4 June, 2014 at 10:02 am
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    thanks for sharing, this will make a great book for school and going to keep the title for when Dino gets older

    • 4 June, 2014 at 10:12 am
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      Thanks for visiting from the #KidLitBlogHop, Karen 🙂

  • 5 June, 2014 at 7:46 am
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    Well, it sounded so good when you started that I was sorry to see it had been spoilt for you! Perhaps knowing the down-sides going in, we’ll find it more enjoyable. Found you on the Kid Lit Blog Hop, and you are always welcome to join Booknificent Thursdays, my all-things-books link-up every Thursday on Mommynificent.com.
    Tina

  • 5 June, 2014 at 2:03 pm
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    Sounds like a good book for my students– will check out for both the positives and areas for improvement that you pointed out.

  • 8 June, 2014 at 3:50 pm
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    Sounds like a book worth having in your child’s collection. Thank you for the positive and negative aspects you pointed out. Thank you for sharing the book on the Kid Lit Blog Hop!
    Maria
    http://www.musicteachingandparenting.com

  • 15 June, 2014 at 2:12 am
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    Thanks for sharing your review, Jemima. I’m looking forward to reading the next book to see if it lives up to the promise at the end of book one. From Steve’s previous work, I’m thinking it will.

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