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512
Novel • Fiction
France • Middle Ages
1999
Adult
18+ years
620L
In Timeline by Michael Crichton, a group of Yale graduate history students travel back to 1357 to rescue their professor trapped in medieval France. They navigate a perilous world filled with knights and castles, racing against time to save him and return home. The novel integrates real quantum mechanics and historical research while challenging stereotypes about the so-called "Dark Ages". Contains graphic violence and references to death by suicide.
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Informative
Exciting
220,746 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Critics praise Timeline by Michael Crichton for its gripping narrative and detailed historical settings, making the time-travel adventure compelling. However, some reviewers mention that character development is lacking, and the scientific explanations are occasionally convoluted. Overall, it is a thrilling read with some minor flaws.
Fans of Timeline by Michael Crichton are typically readers who enjoy science fiction blended with historical intrigue, much like those who appreciate The Time Machine by H.G. Wells and Jurassic Park by Crichton himself. They relish fast-paced narratives that weave technology and adventure with richly detailed historical settings.
220,746 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Robert Doniger
A brilliant but troubled CEO of ITC, the company that developed advanced time-travel technology. He is depicted as the antagonist with a disregard for human life and a stereotypical evil genius demeanor.
André Marek
A strong, handsome assistant professor of history at Yale and second-in-command at the Dordogne dig. Passionate about experimental history, he is skilled in medieval languages and practices.
Katherine Erickson
A young history graduate student with a background in architecture and climbing, whose skills are invaluable during the archaeological dig and the adventures in the 14th century.
Christopher Hughes
A 24-year-old history graduate student specializing in medieval mills whose close relationship with Professor Johnston is notable. He grows into a braver and stronger character over the course of the story.
David Stern
A cautious graduate student and project technologist at the Dordogne dig with a deep knowledge of physics. He is wary of the new technology and skeptical about its safety.
John Gordon and Diane Kramer
Senior ITC executives; Gordon has a military background and a knack for making Doniger's visions reality, while Kramer is a lawyer with a closer relationship to Doniger. Both play roles in handling the company's ethical challenges.
Lord Oliver de Vannes and His Knights
An English knight known for his bad temper who controls Castelgard and La Roque in 1357, accompanied by his knights. Notably aggressive and paranoid in the ongoing conflict with Arnaut de Cervole.
Arnaut de Cervole and His Knights
A mercenary known as "The Archpriest," challenging Sir Oliver's control with the help of his supporters. Involved in the conflict and strategic maneuvers during the time period depicted.
512
Novel • Fiction
France • Middle Ages
1999
Adult
18+ years
620L
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