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Book of Time #2
The Gate of Days
Sam Faulkner now knows his father is trapped in Vlad Tepes's castle, but he can't save him without the seven coins that will allow him to direct his travel to the right year in Time. So he sets off on a desperate journey through the ages to collect the coins -- to the oracle at Delphi, Pompeii before Mt. Vesuvius -- even Chicago in 1932, where he meets his seven-year-old grandfather. But things get wilder still when he finally finds his father, who is sick, dying, raving . . . and who insists they must rescue Sam's dead mother from Time!
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
33 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Guillaume Prévost
33 books62 followersGuillaume Prévost is a history teacher and an acclaimed writer of historical thrillers. The Book of Time is his first book for children. He lives near Versailles, France.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 14, 2024
Es ist eine wirklich schöne Geschichte, aber leider für Menschen, die mindestens 20 Jahre jünger sind.
February 6, 2016
My sister gave me Guillaune Prévost's The Gate of Day (The Book of Time) to read, having discovered and enjoyed it. This middle-grade science fantasy novel is translated from the original French. It didn't take long for me to realise that it is a sequel.
Fourteen year old Sam Faulkner and his younger cousin Lily live in Sainte-Mary, Canada. Sam's mother was killed in a car accident a couple of year earlier and Sam's father has disappeared. In the first book, Sam realises that his father has discovered a way to travel in time (through a series of statues and coins) & that he is now trapped in Bran Castle by Vlad the Impaler (the original historical Dracula). Sam is on a desperate search for seven coins so he can choose where he lands in time and rescue his father. However, he encounters a number of obstacles, including the ire of his critical aunt, a police investigation into his night foray to the museum and a mysterious figure who seems bent on trapping him in the past.
It took me a while to get into the book, perhaps because it was a sequel (with lots of backstory to catch up) and perhaps because in the first couple of excursions to the past, the characters are not well developed and the visits are brief. However, Prévost grabbed my attention with the Pompeii visit (perhaps in part because at the same time I was reading that scene, I had just watched a recreation of the Pompeii's destruction - but mainly because of a long visit and stronger characters). The pace picks up and the mystery deepens. Eventually Sam must use his knowledge of history and his wits to rescue his father. The Gate of Days ends with a partial resolution - leading into the final book of the trilogy.
Overall, this was an interesting book with some likable and complex characters - Sam, Lily, Sam's former girlfriend Alicia - and some interesting settings (particularly when these are more developed over a period of time.) At times, it felt a bit like a history teacher's attempt to make history interesting so I wasn't surprised to learn that Prévost is in fact a history teacher with this aim in mind. I thought Sam was a bit slow on the uptake as to why his father was so interested in the bracelet & I could see the code instantly, once Sam found out it was contained in the enigmatic list jotted down by his dad, though it took Sam a few more pages before he worked it out.
The Gate of Days is a fun book with lots of adventure, history and mystery.
Fourteen year old Sam Faulkner and his younger cousin Lily live in Sainte-Mary, Canada. Sam's mother was killed in a car accident a couple of year earlier and Sam's father has disappeared. In the first book, Sam realises that his father has discovered a way to travel in time (through a series of statues and coins) & that he is now trapped in Bran Castle by Vlad the Impaler (the original historical Dracula). Sam is on a desperate search for seven coins so he can choose where he lands in time and rescue his father. However, he encounters a number of obstacles, including the ire of his critical aunt, a police investigation into his night foray to the museum and a mysterious figure who seems bent on trapping him in the past.
It took me a while to get into the book, perhaps because it was a sequel (with lots of backstory to catch up) and perhaps because in the first couple of excursions to the past, the characters are not well developed and the visits are brief. However, Prévost grabbed my attention with the Pompeii visit (perhaps in part because at the same time I was reading that scene, I had just watched a recreation of the Pompeii's destruction - but mainly because of a long visit and stronger characters). The pace picks up and the mystery deepens. Eventually Sam must use his knowledge of history and his wits to rescue his father. The Gate of Days ends with a partial resolution - leading into the final book of the trilogy.
Overall, this was an interesting book with some likable and complex characters - Sam, Lily, Sam's former girlfriend Alicia - and some interesting settings (particularly when these are more developed over a period of time.) At times, it felt a bit like a history teacher's attempt to make history interesting so I wasn't surprised to learn that Prévost is in fact a history teacher with this aim in mind. I thought Sam was a bit slow on the uptake as to why his father was so interested in the bracelet & I could see the code instantly, once Sam found out it was contained in the enigmatic list jotted down by his dad, though it took Sam a few more pages before he worked it out.
The Gate of Days is a fun book with lots of adventure, history and mystery.
April 21, 2011
COOL!!! ok, so im gonna do this like the TV show LOST (it's gone now ):)
GATE OF DAYS
"Previously on Gate of Days"
*flashes to Sam putting coin on statue*
"Sam, no stop!!!"
*Lily and Sam transport into time*
*cavemen tslking to them*
"He's after us!"
*coin put on statue*
*Sam staring a Lily*
"I think Lily's getting sick"
"All you can do is hope..."
*flashes to Mt. Vesuvius erupting*
"WE NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE!"
"Here we must go up the fireplace"
"We have to go! Go save your children"
*Lily and Sam fall off the cliff as Mt. Vesuvius erupts*
"Where are we?"- Sam
*construction worker*
"GET OUT!"
"Look, Sam, we can't go back up there, we don't have any more coins, and we need 7 to save Dad, were doomed.."
"We'll be fine.. trust me"
"But we can't, the police found your phone, and they know you stole a coin from the musuem! There coming to the library!"
*Sam talking to the nice lady*
"That's our Great-Grandpa, Lily"
Oh no... our Great Grandpa was in trouble with the Mafia
*Great Grandfather bloody, police outside*
"Sir, are you ok?"
"Who are you?"
"we'll help you clean up"
*boy runs up*
"hey daddy"
... it's grandpa...
"how was school little one?"
"GREAT!, hey daddy, who are these people"
*lily faints*
GATE OF DAYS
Episode 5: "We must get the coins, must save Lily, and must save Allan"
Apparently, Lily has some type of problem, the doctor can't uncover, so Lily,is on her own, meaning, she might die.
I feel really scared right now, i mean, now i think Sam will get the money for baby-sitting his grandpa, but i can't believe how awkward it is!!!
If lily dies... it won't be good
I loved the part where Sam thought back about all his memories with Lily and how he can't believe he might lose her... he isn't any doctor but he keeps on saying she's very homesick...
i keep on thinking every second they talk to there family that it's changing there lives... i mean, what if Sam and Lilly come back to a world where the Great Grandfather is still alive because 2 young children.. who looked "somewhat" like Sam and Lilly kept him in shape and helped him... i'm freaking out... this book is so interesting
GATE OF DAYS
"Previously on Gate of Days"
*flashes to Sam putting coin on statue*
"Sam, no stop!!!"
*Lily and Sam transport into time*
*cavemen tslking to them*
"He's after us!"
*coin put on statue*
*Sam staring a Lily*
"I think Lily's getting sick"
"All you can do is hope..."
*flashes to Mt. Vesuvius erupting*
"WE NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE!"
"Here we must go up the fireplace"
"We have to go! Go save your children"
*Lily and Sam fall off the cliff as Mt. Vesuvius erupts*
"Where are we?"- Sam
*construction worker*
"GET OUT!"
"Look, Sam, we can't go back up there, we don't have any more coins, and we need 7 to save Dad, were doomed.."
"We'll be fine.. trust me"
"But we can't, the police found your phone, and they know you stole a coin from the musuem! There coming to the library!"
*Sam talking to the nice lady*
"That's our Great-Grandpa, Lily"
Oh no... our Great Grandpa was in trouble with the Mafia
*Great Grandfather bloody, police outside*
"Sir, are you ok?"
"Who are you?"
"we'll help you clean up"
*boy runs up*
"hey daddy"
... it's grandpa...
"how was school little one?"
"GREAT!, hey daddy, who are these people"
*lily faints*
GATE OF DAYS
Episode 5: "We must get the coins, must save Lily, and must save Allan"
Apparently, Lily has some type of problem, the doctor can't uncover, so Lily,is on her own, meaning, she might die.
I feel really scared right now, i mean, now i think Sam will get the money for baby-sitting his grandpa, but i can't believe how awkward it is!!!
If lily dies... it won't be good
I loved the part where Sam thought back about all his memories with Lily and how he can't believe he might lose her... he isn't any doctor but he keeps on saying she's very homesick...
i keep on thinking every second they talk to there family that it's changing there lives... i mean, what if Sam and Lilly come back to a world where the Great Grandfather is still alive because 2 young children.. who looked "somewhat" like Sam and Lilly kept him in shape and helped him... i'm freaking out... this book is so interesting
June 22, 2024
Totalnie pogubiłem się w tej książce, bo dostałem ją od kogoś nie wiedząc że to 2 część, ale podróże w czasie i sposób w jaki te podróże się odbywały zdecydowanie mnie kupiły.
January 6, 2024
Nachdem der 1. Teil mich doch irgendwann gefesselt hat, hab ich den 2. gelesen und war sehr spannend.
February 14, 2018
De această dată Sam, cu ajutorul pietrei sculptate, ajunge în Delfi, unde întâlnește un păstor care îl cunoscuse pe tatăl său. Află că cele două capete de berbec despre care tot vorbea păstorul erau niște monede și reușește să se întoarcă în timpul lui. Mătușa și prietenul ei îi tot provoacă bătăi de cap și încearcă să îndepărteze pe Sam și verișoara lui. Continuă să tot aducă în discuție faptul că băiatul îi furase telefonul lui Lili și că probabil e un drogat care trebuie trimis la o școală de corecție, încercând să îi convingă și pe bunicii lor. Nu reușesc însă și Sam sfârșește prin a se furișa în muzeu pentru a lua niște monede lăsate de cel care locuise cu mult timp în urmă în librăria lui Allan. Întâlnește acolo un individ care are aceleași gânduri ca și Sam și deși se luptă și descoperă că necunoscutul avea un tatuaj pe umărul drept cu un semn ciudat în formă de U, găsește numai o monedă. Semnul respectiv o să tot apară în următoarele sale călătorii.
Atunci când folosește din nou piatra, verișoara lui îl urmează și ajung întâi într-o grotă preistorică unde sunt atacați de un urs ce vrea să distrugă piatra. Sunt duși mai apoi în Pompei și tratați ca sclavi, aproape sfârșind înecați în încercarea lor de a ajunge la piatră și a pleca de acolo. Următoarea lor destinație este Chicago unde își întâlnesc străbunicii și pe bunicul lor care la vremea aceea avea numai șapte ani. Lili suferă vreme de câteva zile de o febră cumplită, însă își revine la fel de brusc și intenționează să plece. Locul în care era piatra sculptată era însă ascuns sub dărâmături așa că sunt nevoiți să ia trenul până în Toronto. Pe drum cei doi cred că sunt urmăriți și se tem de ceea ce le-ar putea face acel străin, doar pentru a afla mai apoi că Setni era cel care dorea să le vorbească. Află de existența unui cerc de aur ce putea fi folosit împreună cu cele șapte monede în călătoria lor, însă nu vrea să îl dea celor doi. Le spune însă că există o copie a acestuia și le oferă o monedă primită de la o împărăteasă a Chinei ce poate fi folosită o singură dată pentru a ajunge într-un loc dorit. Sam se hotărăște să se ascunde la familia Todds, după ce mama Aliciei se comportase drăguț cu el și după ce el și Lili le mărturisesc bunicilor adevărul cu privire la absențele lor.
Folosind moneda scoică de la Setni, după ce studiase o vreme despre Vlad Țepeș și castelul Bran, reușește să ajungă în locul potrivit și să-și salveze tatăl. Este pus la încercare și, până la urmă, ia cercul de aur pe care domnitorul îl ascundea în turnul său, și reușește să fugă împreună cu Allan, aflând că intenția tatălui său nu era aceea de a fura obiecte prețioase, ci de a-și aduce soția înapoi. Ceea ce a fost destul de previzibil, având în vedere cât de mult suferise după moartea ei.
Atunci când folosește din nou piatra, verișoara lui îl urmează și ajung întâi într-o grotă preistorică unde sunt atacați de un urs ce vrea să distrugă piatra. Sunt duși mai apoi în Pompei și tratați ca sclavi, aproape sfârșind înecați în încercarea lor de a ajunge la piatră și a pleca de acolo. Următoarea lor destinație este Chicago unde își întâlnesc străbunicii și pe bunicul lor care la vremea aceea avea numai șapte ani. Lili suferă vreme de câteva zile de o febră cumplită, însă își revine la fel de brusc și intenționează să plece. Locul în care era piatra sculptată era însă ascuns sub dărâmături așa că sunt nevoiți să ia trenul până în Toronto. Pe drum cei doi cred că sunt urmăriți și se tem de ceea ce le-ar putea face acel străin, doar pentru a afla mai apoi că Setni era cel care dorea să le vorbească. Află de existența unui cerc de aur ce putea fi folosit împreună cu cele șapte monede în călătoria lor, însă nu vrea să îl dea celor doi. Le spune însă că există o copie a acestuia și le oferă o monedă primită de la o împărăteasă a Chinei ce poate fi folosită o singură dată pentru a ajunge într-un loc dorit. Sam se hotărăște să se ascunde la familia Todds, după ce mama Aliciei se comportase drăguț cu el și după ce el și Lili le mărturisesc bunicilor adevărul cu privire la absențele lor.
Folosind moneda scoică de la Setni, după ce studiase o vreme despre Vlad Țepeș și castelul Bran, reușește să ajungă în locul potrivit și să-și salveze tatăl. Este pus la încercare și, până la urmă, ia cercul de aur pe care domnitorul îl ascundea în turnul său, și reușește să fugă împreună cu Allan, aflând că intenția tatălui său nu era aceea de a fura obiecte prețioase, ci de a-și aduce soția înapoi. Ceea ce a fost destul de previzibil, având în vedere cât de mult suferise după moartea ei.
June 23, 2021
I am so disappointed in Sam’s dad (Allan). I know he’s been through a lot, but his motives are odd and his character feels like he could even be an antagonist. I get that he may want to bring his wife back, but the first impression I got of him is pretty much on the bad side.
Overall, this book was good. I can’t decide on if I preferred the first one or this second one, but I enjoyed the Chicago part. Although I would’ve enjoyed some more present-time drama, this book was good and I liked the fact Lily’s character was developed more. I will definitely read the third book to know what will happen next since these types of books never can end on a sentence that’s not a cliffhanger.
I recommend it to anyone who loves time/History.
Overall, this book was good. I can’t decide on if I preferred the first one or this second one, but I enjoyed the Chicago part. Although I would’ve enjoyed some more present-time drama, this book was good and I liked the fact Lily’s character was developed more. I will definitely read the third book to know what will happen next since these types of books never can end on a sentence that’s not a cliffhanger.
I recommend it to anyone who loves time/History.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2018
Mi aspettavo finalmente di trovarmi nel castello di Dracula e,invece, a lui è riservato solo un capitoletto verso la fine; prima Sam affronterà altri viaggi nel tempo,(paleolitico,Delfi,Chicago) dove incontrerà perfino il grande sacerdote Setni e,finalmente,capiremo qualcosa di questa famosa pietra scolpita e del perchè tutti la vogliano.
Sono sempre più convinta di non avere più l'età giusta per leggere questo tipo di libri,ma voglio vedere come sarà l'ultimo.
Sono sempre più convinta di non avere più l'età giusta per leggere questo tipo di libri,ma voglio vedere come sarà l'ultimo.
March 6, 2018
I read the Gate of Days and I really liked it. I liked all the adventure of going to different times. I also liked mystery and how he had the collect the 7 coins to find his dad. How the dadin in a Vlad Tepes's castle.
May 29, 2020
Nicht so gut wie der erste Teil. Alles plätschert ein wenig vor sich hin und am Ende gibt es einen fiesen Cliffhanger.
Trotzdem ist die Geschichte niedlich und hat mir gefallen.
Mal sehen, ob mich das dritte Buch wieder mehr überzeugt.
Trotzdem ist die Geschichte niedlich und hat mir gefallen.
Mal sehen, ob mich das dritte Buch wieder mehr überzeugt.
May 11, 2017
Read immediately after I finished THE BOOK OF TIME. I had twice the fun reading it. The smell of the paperback reminds me vividly of the story.
August 17, 2017
I really have enjoyed these books thus far.
July 31, 2020
I read the first book. So, of course I had to read this.
December 12, 2020
Dumb, boring and pointless
May 8, 2021
need to reread in order to rate and write a review
March 10, 2023
Suite demandée à maman car j'avais beaucoup aimé le tome 1. L'histoire est très belle
Read
April 7, 2023read
May 14, 2024
Ze schonk hem een bescheiden glimlach en opeens drong het tot Samuel door wat een puinhoop de afgelopen drie jaar voor hen beiden geweest waren.
Een deel van mijn opmerkingen van Boek 1 blijven staan. Sam probeert zich weer uit allerlei rare situaties onderuit te praten - en eigenlijk is hij voor een veertienjarige ook wel redelijk dom, vind ik. Wat leren ze die kinderen in Canada daar in de geschiedenisles? Niet echt zo heel erg veel precies. Ik wil nu niet beweren dat ik alles wat hierin stond al wist op mijn veertiende, maar in elk geval toch wel een pak meer dan hij.
Oorspronkelijk heb ik als eerste dít boek gelezen in de reeks, en niet De Geheime Steen. Waarom? Omdat ik dit toevallig een keer bij de Boekenfestijn vond voor €1 omdat het verkeerd ingebonden was: ondersteboven en achterstevoren (met andere woorden: bladzijde 1 zit aan de achterkant van de kaft, en omgedraaid). Helaas snapte ik er geen snars van, en dan heb ik daarna maar Boek 1 (en later 3) gekocht.
Ik had bij het eerste deel eigenlijk niks gezegd over de vertaling. Er was niet iets dat echt opviel, het was een 'gewone' vertaling zeg maar. Degelijk. Niet extreem goed, maar ook niet slecht of zo. Maar in dit deel moet ik zeggen dat er toch wel een 'jus d'orange', 'sodemieteren' en nog zo'n paar stokpaardjes in zaten. Enfin ja, het is ondertussen ook al ruim tien jaar oud natuurlijk...
Tof dat Lili hier belangrijker wordt in dit boek. Ze gaat een hele tijd mee de geschiedkundige hort op met Sam (Samuel. Sammy... Hoeveel namen krijgt dat ventje feitelijk?) en haar aanwezigheid (en intelligentie) is erg aangenaam om te lezen, tegenover Sams onwetendheid.
Alicia krijgt ook nog wat meer aandacht, dus dat is ook leuk. Het mag nog ietsje meer zijn, maar goed, Prévost drijft de sexual tension (tension sexuelle, zouden ze dat ook zo in het Frans noemen?) langzaam maar zeker op. Alleen valt hier al wat meer op dat er iets raars is met het tijdsbestek... Hebben ze elkaar nu leren kennen op hun negende of tiende...? En was dat ongeval van Sams moeder toen hij elf was...? Maar hij is nu nog niet helemaal veertien en toch heeft hij Alicia al drie jaar niet meer gesproken...? Daar lijkt toch iets misgegaan te zijn.
De spanning is... oké. Al bij al komen die zwarte figuur en Arkeos nog niet zo heel dreigend over. Maar dat gaat wel veranderen, ook doordat in Boek 3 de focus meer naar hen verschuift.
Op het einde van het verhaal kom je nog voor een ferme verrassing te staan. Er volgt nog een heel boek, en aangezien zoektocht naar zijn vader de volledige drie boeken in beslag zal nemen. Maar oeh, nu komt pas de aap uit de mouw. Mooi zo!
7,7/10
Een deel van mijn opmerkingen van Boek 1 blijven staan. Sam probeert zich weer uit allerlei rare situaties onderuit te praten - en eigenlijk is hij voor een veertienjarige ook wel redelijk dom, vind ik. Wat leren ze die kinderen in Canada daar in de geschiedenisles? Niet echt zo heel erg veel precies. Ik wil nu niet beweren dat ik alles wat hierin stond al wist op mijn veertiende, maar in elk geval toch wel een pak meer dan hij.
Oorspronkelijk heb ik als eerste dít boek gelezen in de reeks, en niet De Geheime Steen. Waarom? Omdat ik dit toevallig een keer bij de Boekenfestijn vond voor €1 omdat het verkeerd ingebonden was: ondersteboven en achterstevoren (met andere woorden: bladzijde 1 zit aan de achterkant van de kaft, en omgedraaid). Helaas snapte ik er geen snars van, en dan heb ik daarna maar Boek 1 (en later 3) gekocht.
Ik had bij het eerste deel eigenlijk niks gezegd over de vertaling. Er was niet iets dat echt opviel, het was een 'gewone' vertaling zeg maar. Degelijk. Niet extreem goed, maar ook niet slecht of zo. Maar in dit deel moet ik zeggen dat er toch wel een 'jus d'orange', 'sodemieteren' en nog zo'n paar stokpaardjes in zaten. Enfin ja, het is ondertussen ook al ruim tien jaar oud natuurlijk...
Tof dat Lili hier belangrijker wordt in dit boek. Ze gaat een hele tijd mee de geschiedkundige hort op met Sam (Samuel. Sammy... Hoeveel namen krijgt dat ventje feitelijk?) en haar aanwezigheid (en intelligentie) is erg aangenaam om te lezen, tegenover Sams onwetendheid.
Alicia krijgt ook nog wat meer aandacht, dus dat is ook leuk. Het mag nog ietsje meer zijn, maar goed, Prévost drijft de sexual tension (tension sexuelle, zouden ze dat ook zo in het Frans noemen?) langzaam maar zeker op. Alleen valt hier al wat meer op dat er iets raars is met het tijdsbestek... Hebben ze elkaar nu leren kennen op hun negende of tiende...? En was dat ongeval van Sams moeder toen hij elf was...? Maar hij is nu nog niet helemaal veertien en toch heeft hij Alicia al drie jaar niet meer gesproken...? Daar lijkt toch iets misgegaan te zijn.
De spanning is... oké. Al bij al komen die zwarte figuur en Arkeos nog niet zo heel dreigend over. Maar dat gaat wel veranderen, ook doordat in Boek 3 de focus meer naar hen verschuift.
Op het einde van het verhaal kom je nog voor een ferme verrassing te staan. Er volgt nog een heel boek, en aangezien zoektocht naar zijn vader de volledige drie boeken in beslag zal nemen. Maar oeh, nu komt pas de aap uit de mouw. Mooi zo!
7,7/10
October 6, 2010
The Book of Time and The Gate of Days by Guillaume Prevost were a recommendations/request from my cousin Stacie. I picked these up from the library and a short time later had both of them finished. These are both easy reads geared towards the pre-teen/teenage audience. The stories center around Sam and his cousin Lilly and their adventures in time-travel. I thought the stories were a little predictable in some respects as far as I knew what was happening and the characters had no clue until much later, but it wasn't enough to distract from the story. I was actually really impressed with the writing that was captivating enough to tell a good story. The characters were believable and I really liked the family dynamics though I do have a suspicion about Aunt Evelyn's new boyfriend Rudolf and who he really is.... we'll have to wait until book 3 to find out if I'm right or not.
Sam has wonderful adventures through time and visits many different locations where he is able to learn a little bit about history while going through life-changing events and building a relationship with his cousin Lilly. Sam is searching for his father who has always been a bit eccentric but now has gone missing for over 10 days. Sam sets out to find him and discovers things about his father that trouble him, but through it all just wants his dad back as he knows he is trapped but does not know how to get to him.
The ending to The Book of Time was a disappointment as there were a number of chapters dedicated to Sam and his Judo tournament, but this was again easy to overlook as there were interesting things happening during the tournament that play a part in The Gate of Days.
I liked The Gate of Days much better than The Book of Time because we were able to see more character development and understand pieces of the time-travel puzzle a little better. I'm excited for the third book to be published later in 2009 and a satisfying ending to the trilogy.
Sam has wonderful adventures through time and visits many different locations where he is able to learn a little bit about history while going through life-changing events and building a relationship with his cousin Lilly. Sam is searching for his father who has always been a bit eccentric but now has gone missing for over 10 days. Sam sets out to find him and discovers things about his father that trouble him, but through it all just wants his dad back as he knows he is trapped but does not know how to get to him.
The ending to The Book of Time was a disappointment as there were a number of chapters dedicated to Sam and his Judo tournament, but this was again easy to overlook as there were interesting things happening during the tournament that play a part in The Gate of Days.
I liked The Gate of Days much better than The Book of Time because we were able to see more character development and understand pieces of the time-travel puzzle a little better. I'm excited for the third book to be published later in 2009 and a satisfying ending to the trilogy.
November 22, 2015
This is another exciting and thoroughly engaging action-adventure journey through time as Sam and his cousin, Lily, search through various times and locales, in history, trying to find Sam's father who disappeared from his bookstore two weeks previously. This book and series are so crowded with such a huge range of characters and settings that it's often quite challenging to keep them straight, especially when reading via audiobook.
There are so many different people who know bits and pieces of various stories regarding key story characters, pieces of historical treasure, the use and misuse of the huge number of stone statues, major events that took place in stone statue settings, as well as, the history of Sam's family's involvement with the stone statues, that it's impossible to sort out truth from lies, within this plot. I kept thinking that the more I read, the clearer the genuine storyline would become. In reality, however, I've just grown more and more confused with each book.
Much of this confusion, I believe, has much to do with the author's poor world-building skills. The rules surrounding the stone statues seem to change with nearly every new chapter. As such, the reader is forced to ignore the previous rules that were stated/provided and replace them with ever-changing new ones. This creates an ongoing level of chaos, along with one situation after another where the author "tells" the story, instead of "showing" it (the mark of a novice author).
Despite these flagrant gaffes, I enjoy the wide range of historical settings and artifacts that have been jammed in, back-to-back, within this book. Many of them are historical realities typically overlooked by most authors, which makes them particularly interesting to learn more about within this trilogy. As such, I'm ranking it a 4 star creation.
There are so many different people who know bits and pieces of various stories regarding key story characters, pieces of historical treasure, the use and misuse of the huge number of stone statues, major events that took place in stone statue settings, as well as, the history of Sam's family's involvement with the stone statues, that it's impossible to sort out truth from lies, within this plot. I kept thinking that the more I read, the clearer the genuine storyline would become. In reality, however, I've just grown more and more confused with each book.
Much of this confusion, I believe, has much to do with the author's poor world-building skills. The rules surrounding the stone statues seem to change with nearly every new chapter. As such, the reader is forced to ignore the previous rules that were stated/provided and replace them with ever-changing new ones. This creates an ongoing level of chaos, along with one situation after another where the author "tells" the story, instead of "showing" it (the mark of a novice author).
Despite these flagrant gaffes, I enjoy the wide range of historical settings and artifacts that have been jammed in, back-to-back, within this book. Many of them are historical realities typically overlooked by most authors, which makes them particularly interesting to learn more about within this trilogy. As such, I'm ranking it a 4 star creation.
April 24, 2013
The inside of the dinosaur's atomach reeked of epoxy and paint. Sam Faulkner crouched all the way in the back of the space, and he was ready to move to get out of not just the huge Baronyx where he'd been hiding all evening. He would slip over to the coin room, take what he needed Sam preferred to think of it as borrowing and return to the dinosaur until the museum reopened in the morning.Then he would rescue his father. But once you knew time travel was possible.
The next morning Sam pushed back his sheets and jumped out of bed and immediately winced. His body was a mass of pain. His alarm clock blinked 6:42, and he was tempted to go back to bed and rest. when Sam emerged from the valley and saw the city, it took his breath away. Sam lay on the basement's cement floor for a moment, catching his breath. Aside from nausea, one of the most uncomfortable effects of his was the echo effect he experienced on his return.
The next morning,as Sam climbed through the Faulkner bookstore's back window, he was still filled with Alicia's face and words, his heart felt almost bruished by their reunion. Sam leaped past the bottom step . Where would dragomir have taken his father? " He escaped from the square tower!" screamed a guard. " Search everywhere!The dungeons too!" And finally Sam has found his father. And Sam would like to pause then, his fingers were already tingling and time was about to carry them away.
THE ENDGate Of Days
The next morning Sam pushed back his sheets and jumped out of bed and immediately winced. His body was a mass of pain. His alarm clock blinked 6:42, and he was tempted to go back to bed and rest. when Sam emerged from the valley and saw the city, it took his breath away. Sam lay on the basement's cement floor for a moment, catching his breath. Aside from nausea, one of the most uncomfortable effects of his was the echo effect he experienced on his return.
The next morning,as Sam climbed through the Faulkner bookstore's back window, he was still filled with Alicia's face and words, his heart felt almost bruished by their reunion. Sam leaped past the bottom step . Where would dragomir have taken his father? " He escaped from the square tower!" screamed a guard. " Search everywhere!The dungeons too!" And finally Sam has found his father. And Sam would like to pause then, his fingers were already tingling and time was about to carry them away.
THE ENDGate Of Days
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2011
The Gate of Days is another time traveling adventure full of stories of Sam visiting various places in search of his father. In many ways, this book is an extension of the the first one - it picks up right where the other left off. Again, the history involved seems genuine and well researched.
I enjoyed Sam and Lily's (Sam's cousin) characters and liked how they evolved in this book. They both grew and used their brains to figure out the puzzle.
Sam's aunt and her boyfriend are a bit over the top, though I have a feeling that his aunt's nervous disposition may have some purpose in the last book (this is just a guess).
The book begins great and pulls us right in, not only with a burglary, but with the mystery of who the burglar is. Prevost adds more depth to the story with the addition of the burglar and his tattoo of the horns with the circle in it, and how this theme is carried out through the book.
And then there is the great cliff hanger ending - I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in order to see how this series ends. I can really see middle school and early teens liking this book, especially ones who like history and adventure stories. I can also see the book appealing to both boys and girls.
I enjoyed Sam and Lily's (Sam's cousin) characters and liked how they evolved in this book. They both grew and used their brains to figure out the puzzle.
Sam's aunt and her boyfriend are a bit over the top, though I have a feeling that his aunt's nervous disposition may have some purpose in the last book (this is just a guess).
The book begins great and pulls us right in, not only with a burglary, but with the mystery of who the burglar is. Prevost adds more depth to the story with the addition of the burglar and his tattoo of the horns with the circle in it, and how this theme is carried out through the book.
And then there is the great cliff hanger ending - I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in order to see how this series ends. I can really see middle school and early teens liking this book, especially ones who like history and adventure stories. I can also see the book appealing to both boys and girls.
March 21, 2010
Reviewed by Joan Stradling for TeensReadToo.com
In the first book of this series, Sam Faulkner went looking for his missing father and discovered a magic statue that transported him through time. During his time travels, Sam discovers his father is being held captive in Dracula's castle in 1462 and is determined to rescue him.
In order for Sam to save his father, he has to obtain seven coins from the past. With the help of his cousin, Lily, Sam hurtles through time searching for the coins.
Unfortunately, someone else is time traveling, as well, and trying to close the Gate of Days before Sam and Lily can make it home.
This second book in THE BOOK OF TIME trilogy is fast-paced and exciting. Sam travels to prehistoric times, meets his six-year-old grandfather, escapes from gangsters, and learns about a bracelet that plays an important role in the ability to time travel.
I've enjoyed traveling with Sam and am very much looking forward to finding out more about the bracelet and Sam's further adventures in THE CIRCLE OF GOLD, book three of the trilogy.
In the first book of this series, Sam Faulkner went looking for his missing father and discovered a magic statue that transported him through time. During his time travels, Sam discovers his father is being held captive in Dracula's castle in 1462 and is determined to rescue him.
In order for Sam to save his father, he has to obtain seven coins from the past. With the help of his cousin, Lily, Sam hurtles through time searching for the coins.
Unfortunately, someone else is time traveling, as well, and trying to close the Gate of Days before Sam and Lily can make it home.
This second book in THE BOOK OF TIME trilogy is fast-paced and exciting. Sam travels to prehistoric times, meets his six-year-old grandfather, escapes from gangsters, and learns about a bracelet that plays an important role in the ability to time travel.
I've enjoyed traveling with Sam and am very much looking forward to finding out more about the bracelet and Sam's further adventures in THE CIRCLE OF GOLD, book three of the trilogy.
Currently reading
March 6, 2015In this book many interesting events happen but this is what people need to know most about this book to understand it. First Sam’s father was stuck in a time period by time travel. Then when Sam found out, he stole one time travelling coin from the museum to place it in his time travelling stone statue. Sam tried multiple times to reach his father then finally reached the destination he wanted. When Sam found his dad the dad did not want to leave because he wanted to retrieve his bracelet that he stole because with it he could choose the exact location he wants to time travel too. This way he could prevent his wife from dying in a car accident. To sum up, these are the main events in this book.
I like this book for several reasons. To start, it is an adventure book. For example, the main character in my book time -traveled to other cities and explored them. In addition, there is some kind of sadness, which goes well with adventure. Like the time, Sam’s, the main character, mom died, and when his dad disappeared. These are the reasons why I like this book.
I like this book for several reasons. To start, it is an adventure book. For example, the main character in my book time -traveled to other cities and explored them. In addition, there is some kind of sadness, which goes well with adventure. Like the time, Sam’s, the main character, mom died, and when his dad disappeared. These are the reasons why I like this book.
February 20, 2012
Likes:
* Lily helps and supports Sam in his quest
Dislikes:
* Not learning much about the bad guys
* The End
With-reservations:
violence, bullies, lying, running away, stealing
* Lily helps and supports Sam in his quest
Dislikes:
* Not learning much about the bad guys
* The End
With-reservations:
violence, bullies, lying, running away, stealing
January 13, 2017
I wrote a small review on the first volume a few days ago when I finished said book, I was not completely sold on certain things, but it was entertaining to read. Now, with the second volume, things changed a bit for me.
The characters took a bit of shape compared to before, I can even say that there is a character I find interesting, Lily, Sam's cousin, I was rather intrigued in the first volume but now I am sure I like her. (Spoiler alert!) I also liked the part in which she travels with him, when Samuel travels alone it also can be fun to join him, but it was much more once his cousin entered the equation; or maybe that was only for my personal taste.
Something maybe rather obvious is that things clarified even further with the whole traveling business, I am now waiting to see how it will develop further, how will Sam and his father attain their next goal?
The characters took a bit of shape compared to before, I can even say that there is a character I find interesting, Lily, Sam's cousin, I was rather intrigued in the first volume but now I am sure I like her. (Spoiler alert!) I also liked the part in which she travels with him, when Samuel travels alone it also can be fun to join him, but it was much more once his cousin entered the equation; or maybe that was only for my personal taste.
Something maybe rather obvious is that things clarified even further with the whole traveling business, I am now waiting to see how it will develop further, how will Sam and his father attain their next goal?
March 12, 2014
The second book of time is even better than the first.First Sam goes on some adventure on his own, but then accidentally brings his cousin along, which I think is an absolute mistake because then Sam would have no one to bring him back home. There are a lot of interesting parts. For example, the time he met his own grandfather at the age of six. Meeting your own grandfather at the age of six must be fascinating! Also the readers got to meet Allan, Sam's dad, for the first time. Allan seemed to be totally crazy, which is not the best first impression. Allan was a total freak for something very precious. The end of the story leaves you wanting so much more. A new mystery is left in your brain until you read the final book.
April 14, 2014
Liked this book even more than the first one. Only one four letter word used (d$) and one use of "My God" as I remember. As a parent I want to know those types of things when looking for books for my kids to read. No sexual references either (thank you to the author). Typical boy/girl infatuation scenario. Not sure what happens in the final book, but there hasn't been any kissing or otherwise so far. Author doesn't get sidetracked with that, he really sticks to the main storyline which is fast paced. Love how he uses history in this series. It would be a great way to teach reading & history/social studies in the same way The Lightning Thief can be used to teach reading and Greek mythology. Anxious to see how the series concludes in the final book.
March 3, 2015
In “The Gate of Days” number two of The Book of Time trilogy written by Guillaume Prévost, Sammy, our young time traveling protagonist now knows where his father is but is afraid of where he has to go to rescue him. It is… Vlad Dracula’s castle! Although now he has his cousin, Lily. But wait, now the two are having issues getting from place to place in time “Where are we?”(pg.104). Will they be able to get to Sammy’s dad and get to present day without being locked in the past forever? Will Sammy even be able to get to his father? I recommend this book for fourth through fifth graders, and this is a really good book.
August 6, 2016
The second book in the Book of Time series. Sam is still trying to rescue his father from Dracula's castle. On his search for more coins for the machine he accidentally drags his cousin along with him. After escaping prehistoric hunters, the eruption of Vesuvius, and ancient Greeks, Sam and Lily must find their way back to their own time after meeting their great grandparents in 1930s Chicago. Will they get home? Will Sam be able to save his father from the clutches of Vlad Tepes?
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