The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity

Time Hunters #2

by Carl Ashmore

The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity is the second book in the Time Hunters saga.Becky and Joe Mellor return to Bowen Hall for the half term holidays to find things are as unusual as ever. Of course, that's to be expected when you're sharing a stately home with a dinosaur, a winged horse, two sabre-tooth tigers, Will Scarlet and Bowen Hall's latest resident - a dodo named Deirdre.Things, however, get more intriguing when American time traveller, Bruce Westbrook, arrives with two gold doubloons that seem to possess strange, supernatural powers.So begins a thrilling adventure that leads Becky, Joe, Uncle Percy and Will to 1920s Chicago, Victorian Edinburgh and the 18th Century Caribbean - battling gangsters, pirates, sea-monsters and zombie sharks on a quest for the legendary Pandora's Box...The clock is still ticking.There are seven books so far in the Time Hunters ‘The Time Hunters’,'The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity', 'The Time Hunters and the Spear of Fate', 'The Time Hunters and the Sword of Ages', 'The Time Hunters and the Lost City', 'The Time Hunters and the Wraith's Revenge' and 'The Time Hunters and the Odin Horn.'

Genres: Fantasy, Time Travel, Young Adult, Fiction, Adventure, Childrens, Middle Grade

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2011

About the author

I'm a children's writer from Cheshire in England. 'The Time Hunters' is my first novel. The series continues with 'The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity', 'The Time Hunters and the Spear of Fate', 'The Time Hunters and the Sword of Ages' and 'The Time Hunters and the Lost City'.

I have also completed two non-Time Hunters novels - 'The Night they Nicked Saint Nick' and 'Bernard and the Bibble.'

I am currently working on the first book in another series for children - 'Zak Fisher and the Angel Prophecy'.

I like alternative music, Marvel comics, Naan breads and coriander. I am rubbish at fixing stuff.

Please come and meet me at www.carlashmore.com

If you have any questions then contact me on carlashmore@mailcity.com. We could share a virtual cup of tea and discuss books :)

Reviews

[Carl Ashmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, I did write it :)

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the story.
Percy Helifax takes his nephew and neice and they travel back in time, to search for the Pandora's Box.
The story has it all. Time travel, pirates and it was so much fun and action all throughout that I completely enjoyed it.

[Faith Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has so many exciting adventures in it!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoying this series especially as reading them alongside my son. This one was another great story especially the connections throughout to Treasure Island. The ending was very heartwarming with the Hospital. My only annoyance was whenever they find themselves in a tricky situation they get out of it very easily, most of the time just a few minutes later - of course I want them to get out of trouble but would be good to have a little doubt as to whether they would or not.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well Carl Ashmore has done it again! The Box of Eternity is a fast moving action packed story with everything that you could wish for and more in a sequel.

In the second book of the Time Hunters series, we see Emerson Drake enlisting one of the most notorious murderers of all time, George Chapman aka Jack the Ripper into his ranks. This time Drake and his gang are after an artifact with immense power known as the Box of Eternity and it is up to Becky, Joe, Uncle Percy and Will Scarlet to stop their nefarious plans.

This is a brilliant continuation of the first Time Hunters story. Not only is it an exciting swashbuckling adventure but we get to see how the pieces are finally fitting together. Without spoiling the story, I'll just say that you'll find out why Drake has kidnapped Becky and Joe's dad and what the connection between the Golden Fleece and the Box of Eternity is.

Another neat thing I enjoy is how Carl merges his world with real world events. It always brings a smile to my face when the story reveals how the time travellers' actions have led to the world we know today. Throughout the book you can tell that Carl has put in a lot of research and effort to keep the story as historically accurate as possible.

Just like the previous book, the Box of Eternity is a novel suitable for all ages. It has great characters that your root for and devious villains that you despise. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fun book to read.

(Repost from http://www.paperlessreading.com/2011/...)

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Carl Ashmore has once again done a fantastic job of creating a time travel adventure that is both interesting and fun.

In this story, Becky and her brother Joe get pulled into more time-traveling adventures while visiting their Uncle Percy. However, this time the danger is even greater as their nemisis, Emerson Drake, recruits none other than Jack the Ripper in his quest to be the first to find the Box of Eternity.

This book is a fun, easy read. Even though it's considered young adult fiction, this 40-something adult is really enjoying the series. I highly recommend "The Time Hunters" to readers of all ages. The only bad thing I can say about this series is that having to wait for book three will be torture.

[Joo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This doesn't deserve 5 stars. It's a 6 star adventure :)

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arr, pirates, treasure, time travel, Al Capone, what more could you ask for in a rollicking kids adventure? What's that, a parrot for your shoulder? Oh go on then! Pieces of 8! Squawk!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time through... same as the first. Awesome!!!

[Michael Thal · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we first met Becky Mellor and her little brother Joe, they were sent away for summer vacation to Uncle Percy’s home. What they originally thought would be a boring summer turned into an adventure of a lifetime as the siblings experienced unbelievable time travel adventures as they hunted with Percy for the mythic Golden Fleece from Greek mythology.

Becky, Joe, and Uncle Percy are back in book 2 of the Time Hunters Series, The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity. In this exciting middle grade chapter book Becky and Joe return to their uncle’s estate, Bowen Hall, for their half-term holiday. The children encounter Al Capone and his gangsters, Blackbeard and his pirates, sea monsters, and zombies as they push on their quest to find the legendary Pandora’s Box.

The Box of Eternity has a fast-paced plot, excellent characterizations, believable dialogue, and beautifully described settings. However, there are frequent punctuation and grammatical errors the author Carl Ashmore needs to address to boost this 4 star rating.

Book 2 of the Time Hunters Series is an exciting read and I look forward to the third installment, The Time Hunters and the Spear of Fate.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book. The series and characters are very quirky and absolutely nothing grounded in reality. It's fun and full of strange things that come one-after-another. My biggest issue with this story really was the shift to what I felt was a much more violent and aggressive storyline that I don't feel is at all appropriate for kids. From the cover and first book, it seems made for elementary aged kids, but this one is not one I'd recommend for that age group at all. There is a meeting with Al Capone and extreme violence depicted. Yes, it's history, but that history isn't taught to elementary or even middle school aged kids. Another big issue I had is with the use of "goddamn" more than once.
I think this works well as an adult sci-fi or high-school aged book, but not for the younger ones. It just feels like it wasn't really written for kids, or written by someone who doesn't have kids. Too much "adult" content in it for me to be able to give this a pass. Parents should be cautioned with this one.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. Becky and Joe Mellon return home on school break to learn that nothing has changed at home. That home is as weird and unusual as ever. Saber-tooth tigers, a dodo, and a dinosaur share the home with the rest of the family. Things become more bizarre when an American named Bruce Westlake arrives.

This time traveler has in his possession gold doubloons that contain magic powers.
In no time at all, Becky, and Joe, accompanied by their Uncle Percy and Will, find themselves time traveling to Victorian England, the 18th century Caribbean, and the city of Chicago in the 1920s. They will encounter gangsters, sharks and sea demons, and blood-thirsty pirates. What is their goal? Their quest is to find the elusive Pandora’s box.

This fantasy time-travel thriller will appeal to middle-grade, young adult, and adult audiences

[Ramona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take your favorite time-traveling story, add a few geniuses, two teenagers, some fantastic animals from different time periods, throw in a few of your favorite book classics, some mythology and you have Carl Ashmores' unbelievable tale of adventure, suspense, historical fiction, and mystery all rolled into one! This was a interesting read. I have to point out that is does have a share of historical event violence throughout the book. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone younger than 14, but most kids have played one of more video games, that contain worse violence, by that age.

I would give this a 5 star rating, but I really dislike violence and there was a lot of it. I skipped through most of it, and still found the book cohesive.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time traveller and inventor Percy Halifax, along with his niece and nephew, Becky and Joe Mellor, are searching for Pandora's Box, which Percy suspects is also Blackbeard's treasure chest. First, they go to Capone-era Chicago, to retrieve a clue to its location, then to the early 1700's, where they encounter friendly pirates, a tipsy parrot, a sea serpent, zombie sharks, and the man known to history as Jack the Ripper. But they're not the only ones on this Quest; rogue time traveller Emerson Drake is dogging their every move ...

The storyline is mostly excellent; I took off one star for grammar and punctuation errors that a good copy editor should have caught and corrected.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun series for older children

I gave this book for stars. I found the Uncle character to. He delightful and entertaining. The brother and sister are well developed characters who don't always get along, but do love each other.
I find the name calling between brother and sister slightly over the top but not excessive. I loved the adventure aspect of the books.
I did find book two a little violent. I would recommend this book for the preteen to early teen age . It may be too intense for anyone younger than eleven depending on the child. It would probably appeal to boys more than girls although there is a strong female character. I will try the 3 book.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT late elementary / middle grade book. I thoroughly enjoyed this time travel series in its entirety. Likable characters who develop over time, smart plot, unique premise, and just plain fun. Themes of bravery, loyalty, and standing up for what's right are heavily emphasized. I also appreciated the strong (though not perfect) relationship between a brother and sister. Also, instead of creating a whole new word to enjoy, the book encourages you to appreciate the incredible history, man-made and natural sites, and the achievements of the world we already live in.

[Tina M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable But Not As Quite As The First

Don't get me wrong-I enjoyed the book. Pretty much read it straight through.
But it just didn't hold my attention as much as the 1st. Not even sure why.
The characters, the world building, the drama, is all there. But it just seemed to be at a different pace than the 1st one.
Maybe I just need to take a break in between the books in the series. Especially considering how long the series is.
I still think it has great growth and potential. Well just have to wait and see how book 3 develops.

[Carol L. Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining story of an uncle and his niece and nephew who spend time hunting relics. But sometimes these relics are not safe nor are they easy to find. Uncle Percy is a member of a time travelers' society and each person has his own kind of traveling machine. I enjoyed the way the travelers were ready for any period they were traveling to with the proper clothes and protection as in bows and arrows, rifles, etc. The antagonist is a surprise and a bit creepy. It's a good story.

[Jess Croft (Secret World of Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mix of Harry Potter and Treasure Island in one. An amazing story following the first of the trilogy. Full of inventions, zombie sharks, Greek myths, Blackbeard and more...
So cleverly written, the main characters, the plot, the bad guys, I can’t fault this book. Definitely a must read!

I love every aspect of the book, another amazing read. Siblings Becky and Joe, go on many adventures including meeting Al Capone and Jack the Ripper. As I love reading about history, I was intrigued by this part of the story. A clever idea adding real criminals and historical events. This book encourages readers to work together and fight for what is right.

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally enjoyed this book immensely and think it is a good book for Teens on up. This book does have some swearing in it so younger children might not feel comfortable with that. The Uncle is a Inventor and a real dear person, the Children are well developed characters, and because of the situation mature quite a lot through out this Story. Narrator did a wonderful job with the characters voices and the entire story.

[Emily K Geisert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good continuation

This is a good continuation of a fun storyline. The drawbacks are the incredible amount of type errors, which at times were distracting. The language went from a fun book to something I didn't feel I could recommend to a fifth grade reader. The storyline was decent and fun, if a bit formulated like the first.

[Stratis Vougioukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, what i thrill !!!
In this story, once again, age is irrelevant.
Another great journey to intriguing places and times !

"Friendship. Family. A sense of belonging. These were the things that mattered. Not money. ... these things meant more than all the riches in the world."

4,5 stars cause I bet it's getting better and better.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pirates

Book two the children are back for a week and off to get help from pirates,will has a close call with dealth.Jack the ripper is after Joe's sister. (We never got that talk with her uncle) I like this time travel series I just think need a few more regulers,will and uncle Percy and brother and sister is the main 4.

[Jackie Welcel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and it was good. They venture to Chicago in the time of the gangsters and Al Capone and the Caribbean in the time of Blackbeard after the mysterious box of Eternity. Like Pandoras box it's not to be opened. It certainly had lots of excitement and I enjoyed it but not as much as the first one. I am looking forward to reading #3 in the series.

[Joe Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rating asks how much we liked the book not how good it was. This is always a conflict for me. This book is a fun read about a time travel adventure. No one is going to call it well written, but for a Kindle Unlimited book what more do you want than a smile on your face and some crazy time bending action.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminiscent of the M. Pardoe "Argle" series and Angus MacVicar's "Lost Planet" novels that I read as a precocious junior bookworm. Aimed primarily at 9 - 15 year olds, but I'm enjoying them and I'm 72! An appealing cast of characters and, along the way, interesting fragments of history, myth, and legend provide some painless education.

[A. Tebbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Narnia meets treasure island

Mc's are two kids just starting teens years. They time travel meeting historical and mystical characters. Both help save the day using courage and quick thinking.

Cant really remember any cuss words. There is violence, but on the part of the mc's its either defence or justice, not glorified just necessary

[Michael A Packer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay ... always a save at the last minute

I really liked the first book, but with the second it seems uncle Percy always co es up with a save at the last minute. Can’t continue with the series.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though the story is written for younger readers, as an adult I found it very entertaining. I was particularly impressed with the author’s level of historical research and use of colloquial expressions by characters in the story.

[Sandy McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time hunters book 2

Aaarrgghh Jim lad, swab me decks an buckle me breaches.
More fun and time travel for Becky and Jim as they head off on a new adventure, filled with ships pirates, zombies and swashbuckling. To find another hidden treasure.