What do you think?
Rate this book
The Architect's Apprentice
Forced to work for the dubious Savidge, eleven-year-old Tom Fennel is desperate to find his missing father. Distrustful of what he's heard, he's sure Savidge is involved. Meanwhile, books are vanishing from architect Martin Deacon's library - books from the future. Enticed into the mysterious world of updrafts and secrets, Tom learns that finding his father is the least of his worries. THE ARCHITECT'S APPRENTICE is book #1 in this epic time-slip adventure series. If you love historical adventure mysteries, download your copy or buy the paperback version of The Architect's Apprentice now. Just scroll to the top of the page and select BUY to start your thrill-packed, time-travelling quest today!
228 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2015
4 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Colin Garrow
50 books142 followersColin Garrow grew up in a former mining town in Northumberland. He has worked in a plethora of professions including taxi driver, antiques dealer, drama facilitator, theatre director and fish processor, and has occasionally masqueraded as a pirate.
He has published more than thirty books, and his short stories have appeared in several literary mags, most recently in Witcraft, and Flash Fiction North. Colin lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.
He plays several musical instruments and makes rather nice vegan cakes.
He has published more than thirty books, and his short stories have appeared in several literary mags, most recently in Witcraft, and Flash Fiction North. Colin lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.
He plays several musical instruments and makes rather nice vegan cakes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 7, 2016
What could be better than a book about books which lets face it surely must be every bibliophiles dream come true (I know its mine). How about a historical fiction in which you'll feel yourself in seventeenth century London? A seventeenth century London in which books, books from the future no less, are being stolen.
Part historical fiction, part 'time slip' novel (different from a time travel novel I'm led to believe in that a time slip is more of an 'accidentally occurring' event as opposed to a more 'scientific' one in which some control is had). The latter by my own admission I'm easily confused by. However ...
Loving the thought that 'time breaks' are to be found in doorways all over London, time breaks that few people know are there. Though left a tad perplexed by some of the slips, of the possibility of changing the past/future, I certainly felt myself less dazed by The Architect's Apprentice than other books of the same genre - something largely due I'm sure by the fact that none of the characters actually 'met' themselves.
A wonderful way to introduce young readers to the period. Though the architect of the title, with his large library, has a comparatively 'glamorous' home there was nothing 'romantic' in the setting of the scene. The author doing a tremendous job of portraying London as a city of crowded streets, the cloying scent of the Thames tainting the very air, permeating the very bricks of the houses themselves. AND then of course there was the inclusion of some actual real life characters and events which I really enjoyed.
Character wise ...
Main (child) protagonists, Tom, forced to work and occasionally steal by the unscrupulous Savidge, his sister, Sarah, a 'selective mute', worthy of a Dickensian novel. It was the adult characters that I somehow found less compelling despite the fact that I found them incredibly intriguing in that I was often left wondering just which of them was actually to be trusted.
A great start to what I feel is a highly promising series. If the preview from the next book, Mortlake, is anything to go by I think the books will go from strength to strength.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
Disclaimer: Received for review from the author, no financial compensation was asked for nor given.
Part historical fiction, part 'time slip' novel (different from a time travel novel I'm led to believe in that a time slip is more of an 'accidentally occurring' event as opposed to a more 'scientific' one in which some control is had). The latter by my own admission I'm easily confused by. However ...
Loving the thought that 'time breaks' are to be found in doorways all over London, time breaks that few people know are there. Though left a tad perplexed by some of the slips, of the possibility of changing the past/future, I certainly felt myself less dazed by The Architect's Apprentice than other books of the same genre - something largely due I'm sure by the fact that none of the characters actually 'met' themselves.
A wonderful way to introduce young readers to the period. Though the architect of the title, with his large library, has a comparatively 'glamorous' home there was nothing 'romantic' in the setting of the scene. The author doing a tremendous job of portraying London as a city of crowded streets, the cloying scent of the Thames tainting the very air, permeating the very bricks of the houses themselves. AND then of course there was the inclusion of some actual real life characters and events which I really enjoyed.
Character wise ...
Main (child) protagonists, Tom, forced to work and occasionally steal by the unscrupulous Savidge, his sister, Sarah, a 'selective mute', worthy of a Dickensian novel. It was the adult characters that I somehow found less compelling despite the fact that I found them incredibly intriguing in that I was often left wondering just which of them was actually to be trusted.
A great start to what I feel is a highly promising series. If the preview from the next book, Mortlake, is anything to go by I think the books will go from strength to strength.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
Disclaimer: Received for review from the author, no financial compensation was asked for nor given.
September 1, 2018
On no! That was over way too soon! Can't wait to read book 2. Full review at RaeleighReads.
March 23, 2019
Tom is an intelligent, courageous hero, determined to find the truth even though that requires taking dangerous doors and updraughts into the near future. Despite these time slips, the novel is grounded in the mire, deception and poverty of 17th century London. Aided by Emily, a confident young companion, and by his sister, Sarah, mute since the disappearance of their father, Tom must decide which adults can be trusted.
The plot is hectic and, at times, confusing but the reader is carried along by the amazing idea and the tension of Tom's predicament. No-one is safe and some scenes are distressing but good can triumph. A conclusion is reached but many threads remain to be followed into the next book in "The Maps of Time" series. A lively read for anyone aged 11 to 60 plus.
The plot is hectic and, at times, confusing but the reader is carried along by the amazing idea and the tension of Tom's predicament. No-one is safe and some scenes are distressing but good can triumph. A conclusion is reached but many threads remain to be followed into the next book in "The Maps of Time" series. A lively read for anyone aged 11 to 60 plus.
February 5, 2016
Today We Did
Young Tom has been forced to work for the unscrupulous Mr Savidge in London in 1630. He has been working hard to help support his mother and sister since his father disappeared in mysterious circumstances. Mr Savidge has Tom do many jobs for him, which sometimes includes Tom helping him to steal from houses late at night. On one such trip, Tom discovers a book that has the wrong printing date, it is a date in the future, so it must be a mistake, right? When the owner of the book, the architect Martin Deacon approaches Tom, explaining that the date is in fact correct, Tom’s life suddenly becomes much more complicated.
A complex time slip novel, The Architect’s Apprentice was engaging and intriguing. I tumbled into this fantasy adventure, with its historical London setting, working class English and description that had me wandering the crowded lanes, avoiding excrement and detritus whilst being intoxicated by the cloying odour of the Thames. It was on occassion, a little confusing, with many characters, but I felt satisfied that everything made sense in the end. There were also several surprises that I didn’t see coming!
Time travel stories are always complex due to the nature of moving through time and the possibility of changing the future or the past. This book is no exception. I love that the time breaks are in doorways, and that they exist all over London, yet few people realise it. I also liked that the characters traveled through time, yet never encountered other versions of themselves.
The children, Tom, Sarah and Emily were delightful characters, bright and inquisitive. Though they are of a station that requires them to work at such a young age to survive, they were neither down-trodden nor broken. I enjoyed seeing the way Tom and Sarah bonded with Emily through the story. Emily is rather precocious, yet it fits her superbly. Whilst the children were obviously good, it took a little longer to work out the roles of the adults. I was quite suspicious of Deacon when he first approached Tom, but as I got to know him better, I liked him. For the most part, the adults had a lot to hide, and I was often undecided as to which adult the children should trust, but that mysteriousness only added to the intrigue of the story.
While the book contains some violence, I think it would still be suitable for upper primary school students and high school students. I really enjoyed The Architect’s Apprentice, and I definitely want to read the next book in The Maps of Time series, Mortlake. There was a short preview of Mortlake at the back of the book, which served to strengthen my desire to read it.
*I received this book as a digital copy from the author, who asked me for an honest review of this book. I did not receive any other remuneration, and the review is composed entirely of my own opinions.
Young Tom has been forced to work for the unscrupulous Mr Savidge in London in 1630. He has been working hard to help support his mother and sister since his father disappeared in mysterious circumstances. Mr Savidge has Tom do many jobs for him, which sometimes includes Tom helping him to steal from houses late at night. On one such trip, Tom discovers a book that has the wrong printing date, it is a date in the future, so it must be a mistake, right? When the owner of the book, the architect Martin Deacon approaches Tom, explaining that the date is in fact correct, Tom’s life suddenly becomes much more complicated.
A complex time slip novel, The Architect’s Apprentice was engaging and intriguing. I tumbled into this fantasy adventure, with its historical London setting, working class English and description that had me wandering the crowded lanes, avoiding excrement and detritus whilst being intoxicated by the cloying odour of the Thames. It was on occassion, a little confusing, with many characters, but I felt satisfied that everything made sense in the end. There were also several surprises that I didn’t see coming!
Time travel stories are always complex due to the nature of moving through time and the possibility of changing the future or the past. This book is no exception. I love that the time breaks are in doorways, and that they exist all over London, yet few people realise it. I also liked that the characters traveled through time, yet never encountered other versions of themselves.
The children, Tom, Sarah and Emily were delightful characters, bright and inquisitive. Though they are of a station that requires them to work at such a young age to survive, they were neither down-trodden nor broken. I enjoyed seeing the way Tom and Sarah bonded with Emily through the story. Emily is rather precocious, yet it fits her superbly. Whilst the children were obviously good, it took a little longer to work out the roles of the adults. I was quite suspicious of Deacon when he first approached Tom, but as I got to know him better, I liked him. For the most part, the adults had a lot to hide, and I was often undecided as to which adult the children should trust, but that mysteriousness only added to the intrigue of the story.
While the book contains some violence, I think it would still be suitable for upper primary school students and high school students. I really enjoyed The Architect’s Apprentice, and I definitely want to read the next book in The Maps of Time series, Mortlake. There was a short preview of Mortlake at the back of the book, which served to strengthen my desire to read it.
*I received this book as a digital copy from the author, who asked me for an honest review of this book. I did not receive any other remuneration, and the review is composed entirely of my own opinions.
October 20, 2016
I really enjoyed the time travel aspect of this fast paced adventure. You really get a feeling of being in 17th century England. The characters are quirky and interesting, though more depth would have added to the story. Everything fits well though and it flows without any restraints.There are some excellent twists and turns along the way as well. Very exciting, enjoyable read....
March 19, 2017
The Architect's Apprentice has a lot going for it - time travel through known portals, a Dickensian feel and books galore! Colin Garrow cleverly weaves past and future to entwine them into a book that was an enjoyable. Factual details like, the Great Fire of London and Cromwell added validity to the era in which the novel is set.
A steady paced story that is well written and will keep readers of ALL ages fascinated. I look forward to reading the second book in this, what promises to be, a successful series.
A steady paced story that is well written and will keep readers of ALL ages fascinated. I look forward to reading the second book in this, what promises to be, a successful series.
June 30, 2023
Very enjoyable, historic novel. Sit in Istanbul. Very interesting time in history.
May 3, 2016
A Great Story!
Gotta love a story about books, especially for those of us who love to read and write. This was a thrilling and suspenseful book. I really enjoyed Tom and his quest to find his father. The reader goes on the journey of the eleven-year old. The desperation. The love Tom has for his father. All those are compacted into this great story.
Gotta love a story about books, especially for those of us who love to read and write. This was a thrilling and suspenseful book. I really enjoyed Tom and his quest to find his father. The reader goes on the journey of the eleven-year old. The desperation. The love Tom has for his father. All those are compacted into this great story.
September 24, 2016
Actual rating: 2.5 stars. I did like the concept very much and it was cool that it took place in 1600s London. I feel like that’s a time period that isn’t shown as much. I was never bored either. However, I also never felt like I had a chance to catch my breath. The plot never slowed down while throwing so many new and different things at the reader.
October 18, 2016
Very good read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews