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Tim, Defender of the Earth!

3.19 of 5 stars 3.19 · rating details · 86 ratings · 25 reviews

Tim, Defender of the Earth, is a rock�em, sock�em thriller filled with smoke, spectacle, and big-time adventure. Big Ben will fall! Westminster Abbey will crumble! London will never be the same!

TIM, aka Tyrannosaurus: Improved Model, is the product of a top-secret government military experiment, and he couldn�t be more loveable. Sure, he�s an enormous monster to most, but

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Hardcover, 288 pages

Published March 27th 2008 by Razorbill (first published January 17th 2008)

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Sep 13, 2012 Dan rated it 4 of 5 stars

The title of this book is brilliant as it is but when you learn TIM stands for Tyrannosaur: Improved Model it's mind-blowing. Scientists have created a T-Rex which has been designed for military applications. In the tough world of government funding that's moved to a Mallahide, a scientist working with nanobots. But when Mallahide turns himself into a nanobot cloud and wants everyone to become like him its up to Tim to fight him. Oh and two schoolchildren, one of whom is Mallahide's daughter.

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Feb 09, 2012 Karen Yingling rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a book I hadn't heard of until I picked it up in Half Price Books' clearance aisle, and it took me a while to read it. To add to the confusion, it's listed on Titlewave as an adult title. What a shame! Like Cole's Z Rex, this was a fabulous smash-em-up science fiction book!

TIM is a genetically engineered, indestructible tyrannosaur developed by the British government. He's been happy living underneath Trafalgar Square in a lab, until they try to kill him. Chris is a hapless teen who is g...more This is a book I hadn't heard of until I picked it up in Half Price Books' clearance aisle, and it took me a while to read it. To add to the confusion, it's listed on Titlewave as an adult title. What a shame! Like Cole's Z Rex, this was a fabulous smash-em-up science fiction book!

TIM is a genetically engineered, indestructible tyrannosaur developed by the British government. He's been happy living underneath Trafalgar Square in a lab, until they try to kill him. Chris is a hapless teen who is given a strange bracelet by a guard at the British Museum. Anna is the daughter of Professor Mallahide, who has unleashed his cloud of nanobots of the world and is attempting to absorb every living thing into it. Obviously, this is really bad news for England, especially when all the countries in the world decide that the obly way to contain the nanobots is to bomb England into oblivion! Together, TIM, Chris and Anna must find a way to save the world, no matter what the cost.

Strengths: Wow! The dedication page explains a lot: "To Gamera, Godzilla, Kong, and the rest, with love and bellowing." Most of London is laid waste by one force or another, with descriptive explosions, chases, and general mayhem. The London Eye is put to good use, as is Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament are pretty much wiped out. Still, there is a moral: scientific discoveries should be used for good and not for evil.

Weaknesses: It's not explained too clearly why TIM, a government project, becomes a defender of earth, and his conversation with his predecessor, the Kraken, is a little confusing. Surly Teen Boy also devoured this, and said that it felt slightly rushed to him. Not that we cared. I am just sad that Crawlers ("They will do anything for their queen, and soon, so will you!") has not been released in the US. How can I not love an author who claims on the back flap of the book that this is "phase two of my sinister master plan to conquer the universe"? Every day should have an evil master plan! It's one of those phrases that I find my students quoting.

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Aug 28, 2011 Candy Wood added it

Shelves: children-s-ya

I'll read almost anything set in London, but this one is positively anti-historical. Not only do London landmarks appear only to get flattened, but the narrator calls attention to the long history of many of them just so that it can be erased in seconds. Part of the Houses of Parliament dates back to 1097? Oops, smoosh. Christopher Wren designed St. Paul's Cathedral? Oops, gone now. We meet the two human teens on a school trip to the British Museum, in which they are not at all interested, and 1...more

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Jan 20, 2011 Alexandert rated it 4 of 5 stars

When reading this book I was somewhat interested into it. IN the beginning of the book you meet TIM. Tim stands for Tyrannosaurus Improved Model. Tim is envolved form of a dinsosaur. The laboratory that Tim is held in is 70 stories below the earth's surface. Tim is a component of a soldier and a dinosaur.Two chapter later you meet Chris Pitman, a young boy who's trying to coast through school and trying to be involved in the cool crownd. You meet Chris Pitman and his class in a musemum. Chris l...more

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Nov 07, 2010 Josh rated it 2 of 5 stars

I wanted to like this book. The concept is fun and cool (a giant tyrannosaurus rex defends the earth from nanobots). But the nanobots did it in for me. Without any sort of science or explanation about how the nanobots worked, they seemed that they should be unstoppable. The way they worked in the book they were frighteningly prolific and devoured everything when they wanted to, but couldn't devour (or didn't want to) the tyrannosaur. I didn't understand why the swarm of nanobots bothered to make...more

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Mar 09, 2013 Nate Zabinski rated it 3 of 5 stars

Before I can get to my (surprisingly conflicted) opinion of Tim, Defender of Earth! by Sam Ethoven, I need to tell you about the author’s first book, The Black Tattoo.

I won’t go into much detail about The Black Tattoo’s storyline, but it’s personally my favorite book in all of the history of literature. The characters were lovable, the plot was engaging, and the setting was one of the most spectacular fantasy worlds in any media I’ve ever seen. So, when I saw the author’s name on Tim, Defender o...more Before I can get to my (surprisingly conflicted) opinion of Tim, Defender of Earth! by Sam Ethoven, I need to tell you about the author’s first book, The Black Tattoo.

I won’t go into much detail about The Black Tattoo’s storyline, but it’s personally my favorite book in all of the history of literature. The characters were lovable, the plot was engaging, and the setting was one of the most spectacular fantasy worlds in any media I’ve ever seen. So, when I saw the author’s name on Tim, Defender of the Earth!, I was very excited.

The premise of Tim (if you skipped the summary of it on the top of the page) is that the British military has spent thirteen years and countless funds growing something called T.I.M: Tyrannosaurus, Improved Model. It’s exactly what you think it is. T.I.M. (spelled ‘Tim’ in the book) is a modern-day t-rex with twenty times the size of his prehistoric predecessor. He also is written as sympathetic, having never been outside of the underground laboratory he was raised in. But when the British government tries to terminate the project because raising Tim is eating up too much tax money, Tim escapes from his cage and rampages through London.

As big as Tim is, he’s only half the focus of the story. The other half goes to our antagonist, Dr. Mallahide. Mallahide is a inventor in the field of nanotechnology, and he recently made a breakthrough in designing the most potent nanobots ever created. Basically, they’re so small, that they can alter the atomic structure of any mass they find, generating unlimited uses and possibilities. Mallahide then somehow merges with his swarm of nanobots into some sort of hive mind, sacrificing his body in the process. He then thinks he is now the next step of mankind, and that all of humanity should become like him.

There are two other main characters in the book: A couple of ordinary teenagers named Chris and Anna. Chris is a vaguely-explained ‘chosen one;’ destined by a prophecy to help Tim save the planet. Anna is Dr. Mallahide’s daughter, and goes to the same highschool as Chris. Other than that, the only purpose they fill is to appeal to the teen demographic.

Like I said, I love Sam Ethoven’s style, but I can’t help but think that he put all his focus and effort into Tim and Mallahide. They seemed to be the only characters that were fleshed out enough for me to be attached to. Chris and Anna are fine characters, but they just seem like added-on attachments to Tim and Mallahide. There are other recurring characters throughout the story, but they never left a big enough impression on me to remember their names. I can’t resist to speculate that Sam Ethoven just wanted to write a story about a giant dinosaur and a scientist-nanobot monster, then see them fight.

Don’t get me wrong, the focus on Tim and Mallahide pays off. You really see the world from two different perspectives. Both Tim’s simplistic views about his surroundings and Mallahide’s extremist ideals about the future of mankind are equally captivating.

Oh, and there’s more action in it than a Michael Bay movie.

Yes, there’s A LOT of fighting going on in this book. Explosions, armageddon, and lots of British soldiers being slaughtered can be read from these pages. The action was pretty amusing, from my viewpoint. It did it’s job of setting a picture in my mind of what was going on. Like the summary promises, landmarks that can be found in London are brutally crushed beyond repair, especially in scenes that feature Tim.

When all’s said and done, I say the book was a good use of my time. Go check it out, especially if you like a good villain and big fight scenes.(less)

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Nov 09, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews, trt-gold-star-award-winner

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

On a school trip to the British Museum, Chris wanders off alone and discovers a private room in the basement. A strange woman appears and shows him a special display case. The object in the case starts to cast a strange glow around the room. The lady opens the case and places the object, a bracelet, on Chris's wrist. It clamps shut and Chris is unable to remove it. With the cryptic words "You've been chosen" uttered to Chris, he is sent back upstairs to joi...more Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

On a school trip to the British Museum, Chris wanders off alone and discovers a private room in the basement. A strange woman appears and shows him a special display case. The object in the case starts to cast a strange glow around the room. The lady opens the case and places the object, a bracelet, on Chris's wrist. It clamps shut and Chris is unable to remove it. With the cryptic words "You've been chosen" uttered to Chris, he is sent back upstairs to join his class and try to figure out what it means.

Seventy stories below the center of London, a strange creature has been created and slated to be destroyed. With voices inside the creature's head, it starts to fight and break its way to the surface and to freedom.

And in another secret location in the city, a brilliant scientist is given the funding from the British Government to proceed with his illegal experiments that will break the Nanotech Non-Proliferation Treaty. Little does the British Government know that the scientist has a secret agenda of his own.

The city of London is under siege by a swarm of nanobots controlled by Professor Mallahide. The hopes and future of the city, and ultimately the world, rest with a boy and a mysterious creature named TIM (Tyrannosaurs: Improved Model). With the help of Ms. Plimpton from the museum, and Anna, a schoolmate and the daughter of Professor Mallahide, Chris and TIM stand a chance of fighting the swarm and the Professor.

I have to admit that I offered to review this book because my son is a dinosaur fanatic. The concept sounded interesting enough on its own merits, so I gave it a go. Well, I was hooked from the first page! For fans of Michael Crichton, TIM, DEFENDER OF EARTH will not disappoint. The action is fast, the science fantastic, and the mounting tension almost too much to bear. I wanted to get to the end to find out if Chris and TIM can save London. Except for the technical, scientific jargon, the book is appropriate for all ages. I can easily picture this being made into a motion picture with the stunning special effects that the swarm would create, as well as the larger-than-life descriptions given to TIM.

I give this book a Gold Star as it's one that I will definitely be recommending to others. (less)

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Jun 06, 2008 Abby rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen, sf

This is fun in a very Godzilla meets Mothra kind of way. Crazy Professor Mallahide and his swarm of insatiable nanobots are threatening London. The only thing that could possible stop them from destroying the city -- and the entire world -- are three teenagers: Anna (Mallahide's daughter), Chris, and TIM (that's Tyrannosaur Improved Model). Yes, TIM is a genetically engineered dinosaur created as a top secret science project by the British government who has recently fled his captors only to fin...more

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Feb 20, 2008 Karin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: youngadult, 2008-reads

What secrets does your government keep from you? Nanotechnology? Genetic engineering? In TIM: Defender of the Earth, this and much more is going on.

Anna Mallahide is the daughter of scientist that works for the government. She is used to being the new girl at school because her father’s work requires that they move quite frequently. Chris is a guy who cares more about what people think than about doing what is right. He wants to be cool, but feels like he really has to work at it. When Anna and...more

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Oct 22, 2009 Matthew Li rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book really reminds me of Godzilla, in London. A human-made dinosaur comes to life and breaks out to the streets of London, cause panic and destroying the city. Meanwhile a professor becomes evil and corrupted and creates an invention that can dissolve anything. Soon there's an epic battle between the dinosaur "Tim" and the mad scientist, in the middle of London. This book has many action, with destroying the BT Tower and Westminester Abby.

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Apr 17, 2011 Josh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Against my better judgement I'll give the book four stars but academically, three might be more fitting. The book is a bizarre confection of YA literature, B-Movie nostalgia, and serious science fiction and yet despite these disparate elements it works. It won't be the greatest book you'll ever read but if you love giant monster movies as much as myself, the book is a treat to read. You'll have to keep in mind the book is meant for a younger set, so characterization is somewhat lacking, but its...more

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Jun 27, 2009 Michelle rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen

Initially, I thought this would be a fun, campy read. It was just okay. Not much substance, ending felt rushed. I was ultimately disappointed. Might be a good suggestion for a reluctant reader who likes Godzilla movies...

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Sep 20, 2010 Ann added it

Shelves: 2008, science-fiction

Ages 10+ (pico de gallo language - damn, hell - bloodless violence, destruction of historically significant buildings) A monster movie come to life in London. Nanotech vs. the dinosaurs! Good for Artemis Fowl fans.

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Aug 21, 2011 Christina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction, young-adult

I loved the characters, especially Anna, Chris and TIM himself. The descriptions of the government and populace reacting to the events of the book were among my favorite parts.

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Jun 26, 2010 Julie S. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-dystopian-fantasy, pre2010-pregr, books-matthew-should-read

I checked this out from the school library and really enjoyed it. The nanotechnology was really interesting. I may have to read it again to see if I still like it.

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Nov 16, 2012 Jaden Gleason rated it 1 of 5 stars

I took the book back because I really don't like it. It just isn't my kind of book. I know other people will like it but I don't.

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Apr 27, 2008 Trevor rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sam Enthoven has got a big fan of giant-monster movies and this book is his tribute to giant lizards, enormous human-animal hybrids, sea monsters, and creative landscape destruction. This book is fun and doesn't take itself too seriously - apparently, giant monsters have secretly been protecting earth/nature/balance for millions of years. The arrival of humankind has made their jobs much harder. Now throw in a professor hellbent of "freeing" people from their bodies and becoming the next phase o...more

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Aug 11, 2012 Dakota added it

this book did not make much sence to me i mean a ganeticly alterd dinosur that is just over bored

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Jun 15, 2012 Serina rated it 3 of 5 stars

dinosaur is the best character in book. the boy totally stupid and completly wish- washey.

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Apr 27, 2009 Wendy rated it 3 of 5 stars

One of the main characters of this book is a tyrannosaurus. This author has clever ideas and interesting personalities. It was quite adventurous and fast-moving.

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Apr 09, 2011 Livilovesbooks rated it 3 of 5 stars

I think the plot is overused, but the book itself is well written.

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Feb 24, 2009 Kristin rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2008

Read from 2/26 to 2/27.

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Jul 28, 2010 Victoria rated it 3 of 5 stars

I though this book was cute it really didn't have much to it. It was also totally different than his first book, less violent and such, but it was nice to have something different on the book shelves. It was a great idea, but I do think he should have put more depth in to it. I recommend just getting it at the library like I did.

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Sep 10, 2008 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kids-books-i-would-recommend, 2008

I thought the idea of a genetically engineered T. Rex defending the world was going to make for a dumb story. But no. I actually really enjoyed it. And I think kids will really get into it. Tim (the T. Rex) is incredibly likable and the kids who play the main roles are very believable.

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Jul 09, 2008 SFReader rated it 3 of 5 stars

http://sfreader.com/Home/BookReview/t...

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May 07, 2013 »Shadowhunter« rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 02, 2013 Mo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Apr 13, 2013 Sadie Forsythe marked it as to-read

Shelves: sci-fi-space-opera, to-read-physical-books, dystopian-post-apocalyptic, ya

Mar 18, 2013 Rebecca marked it as to-read

Shelves: science-fiction

Mar 08, 2013 Arthur Zhang rated it 3 of 5 stars

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About Sam Enthoven

My name is Sam Enthoven. I live in London, England, and I write fantastical action thrillers for 11-15 year-olds. If you're reading this, you've reached the 'portal page' of my sinister, ever-evolving internet empire – bwah-ha, bwah-HA-HA-HA! Er, sorry.

With his rollicking 2006 debut THE BLACK TATTOO Sam Enthoven fulfilled his dream to become an internationally published author of fantastical actio...more

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