The Time Cavern
My rating:
didn't like it it was ok liked it really liked it it was amazing
add to my books

The Time Cavern

by
4.33 of 5 stars 4.33  ·  rating details  ·  76 ratings  ·  31 reviews
THE MYSTERY BEGAN A HUNDRED YEARS AGO. IT WAS NEVER SOLVED. NOW IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN.
Ten-year-old Aaron moved from the big city to the country where he met a know-it-all farm girl who said his house is haunted. The Amish boy who had lived there before disappeared after claiming to hear the wind call his name. Aaron knew she was just trying to scare him--she was doing...more
Paperback, 164 pages
Published June 23rd 2008 (first published June 22nd 2008)
more details... edit details
There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!
sign in »

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.
Catching Fire by Suzanne CollinsCity of Glass by Cassandra ClareFire by Kristin CashoreWintergirls by Laurie Halse AndersonIf I Stay by Gayle Forman
2009 MUST READS: Children's and YA
15th out of 245 books — 670 voters
The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen TurnerThe King of Attolia by Megan Whalen TurnerWildwood Dancing by Juliet MarillierThe Dark Is Rising Sequence by Susan CooperCharmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones
Hidden Gems: YA-Fantasy Novels
98th out of 515 books — 1,245 voters


More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 441)
filter  |  sort: default (?)  |  rating details
Sandy
Delightful, wholesome, and intelligent reading for young and not-so-young adults. I remain charmed and delighted after finishing Todd Fonseca’s The Time Cavern. As other reviewers point out, this is the story of two youngsters, a brilliant boy who has recently relocated from the city to the country and an adventurous farm girl. Tom Sawyer-style, they embark upon adventures that lead them to very unexpected places. I don’t want to reveal more of the story, though the title reveals that a time ca...more
Dee Marie
Dee Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: For kids of all ages
Recommended to Dee by: author
On the surface, “The Time Cavern,” appears to be an average, YA Sci-Fi adventure tale. The plot initially simplistic: A young boy (Aaron) and his tomboy girlfriend (Jake), discover an ancient mystery of the universe, a time machine. Yet, the story is more than a fiction-adventure for young boys (and girls). It is also a learning tool. For, nestled within the pages of his story, Todd Fonseca subtly weaves an abundance of life-lessons.

I was pleasantly surprised to find “The Time Cavern...more
Dennis Batchelder
pleasant, informative, fun

Todd Fonseca's "The Time Cavern" is a story of how a 10 year old boy named Aaron, freshly transplanted from Minneapolis to the Pennsylvania Amish countryside and his new friend Jake (a know-it-all girl something like Hermione Granger without the wand) stumble across a hidden time machine and find out how it sparked a spooky legend of a young Amish boy disappearing a century before.

Fonseca tells the story mostly from Aaron's point of vi...more
J.R.
J.R. rated it 5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: anyone
Todd A. Fonseca's "The Time Cavern" is a fantastic read for children and adults alike. Todd has a knack for making the characters realistic and likeable, whether they be Aaron's parents or the main characters, 10 year old friends Aaron and Jake. I laughed many times while reading the book at the way Todd skillfully phrased certain things.

For the adult, the read takes you back to a time when the world is filled with adventure and mystery, begging to be discovered.

...more
Ashley
Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars
1. Science Fiction
2. A centuries-old mystery was left unsolved, and now ten year old Aaron finds himself in the midst of it! At first, Aaron thought Jake was only pulling his leg about a boy who lived in his house years ago, and who disappeared without a trace after some peculiar phenomenon. It is not long, however, before Aaron begins to think Jake may be telling the truth…
3. Critique:
a. The strength of this book is the story line
b. This is a gripping and exciting novel th...more
Debra
Debra rated it 4 of 5 stars
While camping in the backyard of his new home, ten-year-old Aaron Logan thinks he hears someone call his name. As he tries to find the source, he comes across an old barn at the back of the property. In the barn is a trunk containing curious objects. Aaron’s new friend Jake informs him that the farm the Logans now own is haunted by an Amish boy, also named Aaron, who disappeared from this same farm a hundred years ago. Discovery of a map and a page from the missing boy’s diary, launch Aaron and ...more
John
I realize this book was written more for a young adult audience, but it kept popping up whenever I searched for new time travel e-books for my kindle. So I decided to give it a try. I must admit that I was plesantly suprised. The story is engaging and entertaining, even for an adult reader, and I found the characters to be interesting and intelligent. I will say that I was a little disappointed that Aaron and Jake never had the opportunity to travel through time. As the story progressed, I ...more
Robin
One word comes to mind after reading Todd Fonseca's Time Cavern...charming. It is a wholesome fun tale with a lot of heart.

While I love YA books, the audience of this book is a bit younger than I'm used to. The main character is 10-years old. I thought this might make the book a bit boring for a 40-something but on the contrary. I was engrossed.

This book reminds me of Scooby-Do and the Hardy boys and I love the way Todd weaves the life lessons and science lessons seem...more
Jim
Jim rated it 3 of 5 stars
Presumably, this is targeted at pre- and early-teens. Also, it appears to be the first in an open-ended series (assuming it sells enough to endure).

If it is a series, I'd rate it higher. If not, I'd rate it lower.

It spends a lot of time in establishing and setting up. The payoff at the end seems abbreviated, if not a series, or a big teaser for the series.

The ending was good, it is complete, and moves quickly. I like books that end this way (complete, yet open...more
D.B. Pacini
When the heart of a father and the mind of a talented writer join forces to create a story that will hold the interest of an inquisitive son, other young people fortunate enough to read the book will benefit. In many books I have favorite sentences underlined. In THE TIME CAVERN by Todd Fonseca I’ve marked full passages.

For example on page 56, the description of how each individual strand of silk on a corncob is pollinated to determine the color of each individual kernel of corn ...more
R.M.
R.M. rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: ya-books
Now only if I knew of a tree like the tree in "The Time Cavern." I must admit that I'm attracted to the idea of time travel and Tom Fonseca's "The Time Cavern" portrays a new twist on this mode of make-believe (or is it?) transport. I thought the description of how to get from here to there to be perfectly believable. Using the stars and light years—that only makes sense. How else would one travel in time?

The two main characters are likable and I also liked the idea...more
Eric Knapp
The Time Cavern is a concise, well-written, and endearing story. It's highly suitable for young adult readers: it was mature and clever, yet not overly complex. As an adult, I also enjoyed the book quite a bit -- it reminded me of the Encyclopedia Brown books I used to read when I was a kid, where the hero won the day through intellect and keen observation.

The story is one of exploration and friendship, as Aaron and Jake investigate the source of mysterious voices on the wind, and b...more
Rai
Rai rated it 5 of 5 stars
I just loved this story

I know that this is a book recommended for 9-12 year olds, I’m an adult, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this story. Not just from trying to appreciate it from a young person’s perspective, but simply as a reader. The author, Todd Fonseca, has a wonderful gift for storytelling and he obviously put a lot of love into crafting this tale and bringing his characters to life. They seem as real as any characters I’ve ever read. There are many touching moments;...more
Roy
This book transported me back in time to when I was an avid 10-year old reader, which is both ironic and apt since it features 10-year old time travelers. But I’ve gotten ahead of myself (yet more time traveling) as I pen this review about a most wonderful young adult novel – The Time Cavern by Todd A. Fonseca. I typically do not read much fiction geared towards pre-teens and those in their early teenage years, having left that period of my life decades behind. Prior to The Time Cavern I supp...more
Shirley
Shirley rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: youth-fantasy
Those adults enamored with the old television show "The Twilight Zone"
of years past will be delighted to place Todd Fonseca's "The Time Cavern" into a young person's hands.

Fonseca combines science with a brilliant imagination to connect with the young as well as the older reader.

Well on his way t top seller, Fonseca's work is fresh and imaginative.
This book is worthy of your 'keeper'shelf.

Kudos to Fonseca and Happy Reading!
...more
Carole
Carole rated it 5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: pre-teens
Recommended to Carole by: Goodreads
The Time Cavern,
Todd Fonseca.

It is a long time since I have read a book written specifically for children. I started this one with caution expecting it to be juvenile and perhaps a bit boring. Not a bit of it! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The main story of the adventures of ten-year-old Aaron, and his new friend, a girl called Jake, tested my knowledge of science and astronomy. The putting together of the clues was cleverly done. I loved the idea that the kids went out ...more
Tamela Quijas
Todd Fonseca's The Time Cavern is a book that has retained all the wonder and charm of the novels of my youth. Our 10 year old hero, Aaron, is a fascinating character that exudes with this youthfulness that is believable and charming.

Not overly complicated, The Time Cavern was something my 8 year old enjoyed reading to me. He gushed about the story line and how 'cool' it was to be Aaron. Mr. Fonseca's ease in storytelling drew my son into the vividness of the story and enable him...more
Leslie Susskind
My daughter and I fought over who would read The Time Cavern first. I lost. She loved it, and when it was my turn, I did too.

This is a fantastic book. Mr. Fonseca's carefully crafted mystery, characters and setting will capitvate readers of all ages right from the start. They'll enjoy getting to know Aaron and his friend and neighbor, Jake (short for Jacqueline); they'll be scared (in a good way) and intrigued immediately when Aaron camps outside his new home and hears his name in th...more
Melissa
Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: kindle
Excellent children's fiction book. One could say science fiction because it did involve time travel, but it was so much more than that. The way the author wove together the different aspects of the book was superbly done, and the ending was completely satisfying.
Trevor Williams
The time Cavern was awesome. I read it quickly but enjoyed it a lot. I am really looking forward to the sequel. I like stories that have adventure and good characters. I will recommend this book to my friends.
Judemurdeaux
What a great read! Todd Fonseca's book would grab the attention of any reader of any age. He quite artfully pits the inquisitive minds of his main characters against the mystery of an ancient machine. The plot is a fresh and exciting telling of the time travel paradox. This is a highly recommended read for anyone.
Grumpus
My first Kindle book! - I had thought this was going to me more time travel than it actually was so I'm a little disappointed there.
Sandra
I'm not a sci-fi buff, but this is a great read for both kids and adults!
Chariss Walker
Great young adult sci-fi book about time-travel.
Stacey
Stacey rated it 3 of 5 stars
Shelves: boys-books, kindle
We just finished this for readaloud before bed. I was disappointed with how slowly the plot moved. We were 60% into it before the story was really rolling, and the chapters were a little long. It was well written, and their were great hooks at the end of each chapter. Eli always groaned when I put it down. I think Eli enjoyed it.
Christy
This was a cute book and we will likely read the next one.
My 8 year old and I read it together and his comment was 'Mom, kids don't talk like that'. There were times I had to agree. The 'you could learn a lesson here' moments were too obvious sometimes.
Overall we liked it and want to see more of Aaron.

Jodie
Jodie rated it 4 of 5 stars
This is a good book for the younger audience, I read this book to my 9 year old son. The author does a great job in creating suspense and anticipation that the younger readers can identify with. I will be reading the second book in this series to my son as well.
Brett Williams
I bought this book for my 13 year old. He is an avid reader. He devoured the book quickly and is now waiting eagerly for the sequel. I love books like this that engage my kid and get them to participate in conversations about literature.
Benjamin
A well thought out children's book on time travel, built around solving a series of puzzles about how to get the time machine to work, but little left to discuss the consequences of time travel, which looks like it will be left for the sequel.
Lisa
I really enjoyed this story. I look forward to sharing this with my son when the time comes. Great story. Hope the sequel comes out soon.
« previous 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 14 15
The Time Cavern (Kindle Edition)
The Time Cavern (ebook)
The Time Cavern (Paperback)
The Time Cavern (Kindle Edition)

Readers Also Enjoyed

1892912
Growing up in the northern Indiana city of Mishawaka, Todd A Fonseca learned of the Amish culture through frequent family Sunday drives to rural Nappanee Indiana. This small town is home to a large Amish community. Those visiting the area experience the Amish through the town’s shops and nearby Amish Acres.
During these early years, Fonseca’s interest in the arts began with music. He beca...more
More about Todd A. Fonseca...
The Inverted Cavern

Share This Book

Your website
Pin It

Tips for Self Promotion, Sales, and Advertising
Tips for Self Promotion, ...
1663 members
last activity 12 hours, 5 min ago
shelf: read
Book Trailers (tm) & Author Web Sites
Book Trailers (tm) & Auth...
496 members
last activity 16 hours, 41 min ago
shelf: read
Featured eBooks @99c for a limited period
Featured eBooks @99c for ...
152 members
last activity Feb 09, 2012 03:40pm
shelf: read