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The Timekeeper's Daughter #1
The Timekeeper's Daughter
On her eighteenth birthday, Abigail Jordan foresees the death of a woman, and then it comes true. From there she goes on an incredible journey of self-discovery in which she uncovers the secrets of her past and her heritage as a timekeeper—people chosen to record and measure time, but not change it. But timekeeping isn’t the important aspect for Abigail; for her, it’s finding out what happened to her biological mother, Elisabeth. Her mother’s death was deemed a suicide, but Abigail knows that this isn’t true.
In the midst of an ongoing war, Abigail must battle both literal war in the world as well as battle the ongoing war within herself. Her biological father, Mathias, wants her to learn about his world while other mysterious figures want her dead. She has to decide who to trust in order to determine where she belongs.
Set in 1940s era London, The Timekeeper’s Daughter follows Abigail as she goes on a journey of self-discovery all while battling issues dealing with love, family, tragedy, and trust.
In the midst of an ongoing war, Abigail must battle both literal war in the world as well as battle the ongoing war within herself. Her biological father, Mathias, wants her to learn about his world while other mysterious figures want her dead. She has to decide who to trust in order to determine where she belongs.
Set in 1940s era London, The Timekeeper’s Daughter follows Abigail as she goes on a journey of self-discovery all while battling issues dealing with love, family, tragedy, and trust.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2018
9 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
C.J.M. Naylor
4 books5 followersC.J.M. Naylor grew up in Wichita, Kansas and graduated with a degree in English Education from Wichita State University in 2016. When he is not spending time writing, he can be found enjoying his time with close friends and family. He currently resides in Winfield, Kansas and is an English and Journalism teacher at Arkansas City High School in Arkansas City, Kansas. The Timekeeper’s Daughter is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 24, 2020
The story begins with Abigail hearing strange voices, which turn into even stranger visions. Quite fascinating. She then finds her biological father and discovers her heritage as a timekeeper. Wow, a new world!
I love murder mysteries, so I enjoyed reading this book. There are little hints everywhere, and every scene has an exciting new revelation. You may think you’ve solved the mystery, but watch out for the red herrings!
Another aspect of this book I really liked was the character development. Each character had their own distinct personality. Some were quite open and honest, others had an air of suspicion about them. There were quite a few emotional moments in this book. What I found interesting was the fact that Abigail was more interested in solving the mystery of her mother’s death than learning about her newfound powers and life.
Of course, the fact that this book is set during WWII just makes it even better. It adds to the tension and the urgency of the plot, drawing you further into the story.
This book had a wonderful twist at the end, like any good mystery does. The ending was intense, descriptive and great fun to read. If you enjoy reading mysteries, this is the book for you!
I love murder mysteries, so I enjoyed reading this book. There are little hints everywhere, and every scene has an exciting new revelation. You may think you’ve solved the mystery, but watch out for the red herrings!
Another aspect of this book I really liked was the character development. Each character had their own distinct personality. Some were quite open and honest, others had an air of suspicion about them. There were quite a few emotional moments in this book. What I found interesting was the fact that Abigail was more interested in solving the mystery of her mother’s death than learning about her newfound powers and life.
Of course, the fact that this book is set during WWII just makes it even better. It adds to the tension and the urgency of the plot, drawing you further into the story.
This book had a wonderful twist at the end, like any good mystery does. The ending was intense, descriptive and great fun to read. If you enjoy reading mysteries, this is the book for you!
October 2, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Actual Rating: 2.5
I really enjoyed reading The Timekeeper’s Daughter but I don’t know if I can honestly say that I loved the story. The writing in the book is brilliant. It’s hard for me to try to describe in what ways but all I know is that every time I would pick up the book I would become completely engrossed by it even though I had issues with the story. I enjoyed the setting of the book and how it was based in London during World War II. I have always been a fan of historical fiction and I think that the author did a good job of transporting us to that era. The concept of the book was also really unique and the mystery surrounding what happened to Abigail’s biological mother is definitely enough to keep us turning the pages.
The main issue I had with the story was the characters. In my opinion, there were so few likeable characters that it made it difficult for me to fully connect with any of them. For me to be able to fully enjoy a book, I have to be able to connect with the characters and have some buy in to their cause which I was unable to do in this case. There were only 2 characters that I really loved and they would have to be Abigail’s adopted parents.
I mean, what’s not to love about them? They took in Abigail from when she was a newborn, raised her as their own, and loved her unconditionally. Every interaction between Abigail and them gave me warm fuzzy feelings and my heart broke for them when Abigail lashed out and reminded them that they weren’t her bio parents. There is a scene in the book that involves them that really made me sad and it just goes back to the author’s writing ability. You know the writing is good when it makes you feel.
Phillip’s character I was very wary of throughout the book. I was so confident that he was up to something because I could not believe that a person could be so supportive, understanding, and kind to their significant other. I am not going to lie, the things that Abigail was finding out about herself and going through are very hard to believe. The fact that Phillip accepted it as if it were completely normal made me very suspicious. I wanted to like him so bad because he was so great for Abigail and so sweet but again I had this niggly feeling that something wasn’t right about him. Now having read the book, I am kicking myself for not being on his side from the beginning because he really just is a great guy!
Abigail I was not a huge fan of. My main reasons is her impulsivity and lack of reasoning. I would get frustrated when she would go off to do possible dangerous things but then not tell anyone about them until after it was all done. I hated how she kept saying she would stop doing something, and then go off and do it again. I also don’t understand why she made a lot of the decisions she made.
All of the other characters lack any type of depth to really have an opinion of. I neither like nor dislike they are just kind of there to drive the story.
Aside from the characters, I had some issues with the plot. I feel as though the story was trying to do two things:
1. Have this fantasy element of timekeeping that our main character is a part of and is only now just discovering so we have to learn what it is and how it’s important.
2. The mystery surrounding bio mom’s death and finding out whether it truly was a suicide or homicide.
I think the story briefly touched on #1 and the main focus was on #2 which is fine because like I said, the mystery element was what made the story a page turner but I do wish that #1 was explored more. Even after finishing the book, I still don’t feel as though I have a good grasp on what exactly a timekeeper’s responsibility is and why it’s important. I don’t understand why there has to be a timekeeper in almost every country and why it is a secret society of sorts. I don’t know what special powers if any they obtain aside from hearing voices and premonitions. The antagonist of the story appeared to have a lot of power but was that because they were corrupt or does every timekeeper have it but just chooses not to use it? I was also bothered by the inconsistencies in the story. The most glaring example is that in the beginning Abigail constantly heard voices and apparently has been hearing them for years. After the first chapter or two it is never mentioned again. I wish this was explored more as well. I just feel as though with unique fantastical elements there has to be more world building.
Overall for me, my rating came down to lack of likeable characters and lack of worldbuilding. Stars given for good writing and creativity.
Actual Rating: 2.5
I really enjoyed reading The Timekeeper’s Daughter but I don’t know if I can honestly say that I loved the story. The writing in the book is brilliant. It’s hard for me to try to describe in what ways but all I know is that every time I would pick up the book I would become completely engrossed by it even though I had issues with the story. I enjoyed the setting of the book and how it was based in London during World War II. I have always been a fan of historical fiction and I think that the author did a good job of transporting us to that era. The concept of the book was also really unique and the mystery surrounding what happened to Abigail’s biological mother is definitely enough to keep us turning the pages.
The main issue I had with the story was the characters. In my opinion, there were so few likeable characters that it made it difficult for me to fully connect with any of them. For me to be able to fully enjoy a book, I have to be able to connect with the characters and have some buy in to their cause which I was unable to do in this case. There were only 2 characters that I really loved and they would have to be Abigail’s adopted parents.
I mean, what’s not to love about them? They took in Abigail from when she was a newborn, raised her as their own, and loved her unconditionally. Every interaction between Abigail and them gave me warm fuzzy feelings and my heart broke for them when Abigail lashed out and reminded them that they weren’t her bio parents. There is a scene in the book that involves them that really made me sad and it just goes back to the author’s writing ability. You know the writing is good when it makes you feel.
Phillip’s character I was very wary of throughout the book. I was so confident that he was up to something because I could not believe that a person could be so supportive, understanding, and kind to their significant other. I am not going to lie, the things that Abigail was finding out about herself and going through are very hard to believe. The fact that Phillip accepted it as if it were completely normal made me very suspicious. I wanted to like him so bad because he was so great for Abigail and so sweet but again I had this niggly feeling that something wasn’t right about him. Now having read the book, I am kicking myself for not being on his side from the beginning because he really just is a great guy!
Abigail I was not a huge fan of. My main reasons is her impulsivity and lack of reasoning. I would get frustrated when she would go off to do possible dangerous things but then not tell anyone about them until after it was all done. I hated how she kept saying she would stop doing something, and then go off and do it again. I also don’t understand why she made a lot of the decisions she made.
All of the other characters lack any type of depth to really have an opinion of. I neither like nor dislike they are just kind of there to drive the story.
Aside from the characters, I had some issues with the plot. I feel as though the story was trying to do two things:
1. Have this fantasy element of timekeeping that our main character is a part of and is only now just discovering so we have to learn what it is and how it’s important.
2. The mystery surrounding bio mom’s death and finding out whether it truly was a suicide or homicide.
I think the story briefly touched on #1 and the main focus was on #2 which is fine because like I said, the mystery element was what made the story a page turner but I do wish that #1 was explored more. Even after finishing the book, I still don’t feel as though I have a good grasp on what exactly a timekeeper’s responsibility is and why it’s important. I don’t understand why there has to be a timekeeper in almost every country and why it is a secret society of sorts. I don’t know what special powers if any they obtain aside from hearing voices and premonitions. The antagonist of the story appeared to have a lot of power but was that because they were corrupt or does every timekeeper have it but just chooses not to use it? I was also bothered by the inconsistencies in the story. The most glaring example is that in the beginning Abigail constantly heard voices and apparently has been hearing them for years. After the first chapter or two it is never mentioned again. I wish this was explored more as well. I just feel as though with unique fantastical elements there has to be more world building.
Overall for me, my rating came down to lack of likeable characters and lack of worldbuilding. Stars given for good writing and creativity.
March 11, 2019
12/1943, London, England. # 19 Barton St. Abigail “Lu” Jordan (daughter, Catholic, clairvoyant psychic, Birkbeck College) hears ghostly voices.
Phillip Hughes (Abigail’s fiancé, Birkbeck College) knew of her talents.
He worked at the London Library.
Mrs. Baxter (former nanny) was Mr. Mathias Benedict (biological father) nurse.
His memory continued to get worse.
Ian Cross introduced himself to Abigail. When Phillip came back, he did not know what to think about that. Was the guy flirting with his fiancé?
12/8/1943, When Abigail got back Mrs. Annette Jordan (wife/foster mother, nurse) had everything ready for her 18th birthday.
Phillip, Bridget (BFF), & Ian showed up for her birthday party.
Even with the War rations Annette managed to make Abby a cake.
Abby in trance saw a woman run over/killed by double-decker bus.
Mathias (Timekeeper) sat Abby down & explained quite few things to her.
Elisabeth Benedict her biological mother had disappeared & was later found hanging from the Tower Bridge.
Abigail was left with Mr. Jordan (husband/foster father), & Mrs. Jordan.
London, England. Thames River. Big Ben (Clock Tower) Headquarters. Mathias explained to her the role as a Timekeeper she must carry on.
The Time Line (magical energy) is #1.
The laws of the world.
12/8/1925, a Jane Doe had committed suicide on London's Tower Bridge.
She was later ID as Elisabeth Callaghan & interment at the City of London Cemetery.
Phillip took Abigail to see the grave.
Somebody had left a note for Abigail.
She was told & given directions to the old Headquarters.
Christmas time. Marie (Phillip's grandmother) & were going to pick Phillip up. They had planned something special for him. A trip home to Glasgow, Scotland.
Dr. Michael Hughes (husband/father, alcoholic), & Mrs. Edna Hughes (wife/Phillip's mother, Marie's daughter) introduced their-selves.
St. Agnus' Orphanage. Abigail (Catholic), & Ian introduced their-selves to Sister Margaret.
Will Abigail, & Phillip get married?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written YA historical fantasy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Fantasy movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series). There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Author; PDF, Word book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
Phillip Hughes (Abigail’s fiancé, Birkbeck College) knew of her talents.
He worked at the London Library.
Mrs. Baxter (former nanny) was Mr. Mathias Benedict (biological father) nurse.
His memory continued to get worse.
Ian Cross introduced himself to Abigail. When Phillip came back, he did not know what to think about that. Was the guy flirting with his fiancé?
12/8/1943, When Abigail got back Mrs. Annette Jordan (wife/foster mother, nurse) had everything ready for her 18th birthday.
Phillip, Bridget (BFF), & Ian showed up for her birthday party.
Even with the War rations Annette managed to make Abby a cake.
Abby in trance saw a woman run over/killed by double-decker bus.
Mathias (Timekeeper) sat Abby down & explained quite few things to her.
Elisabeth Benedict her biological mother had disappeared & was later found hanging from the Tower Bridge.
Abigail was left with Mr. Jordan (husband/foster father), & Mrs. Jordan.
London, England. Thames River. Big Ben (Clock Tower) Headquarters. Mathias explained to her the role as a Timekeeper she must carry on.
The Time Line (magical energy) is #1.
The laws of the world.
12/8/1925, a Jane Doe had committed suicide on London's Tower Bridge.
She was later ID as Elisabeth Callaghan & interment at the City of London Cemetery.
Phillip took Abigail to see the grave.
Somebody had left a note for Abigail.
She was told & given directions to the old Headquarters.
Christmas time. Marie (Phillip's grandmother) & were going to pick Phillip up. They had planned something special for him. A trip home to Glasgow, Scotland.
Dr. Michael Hughes (husband/father, alcoholic), & Mrs. Edna Hughes (wife/Phillip's mother, Marie's daughter) introduced their-selves.
St. Agnus' Orphanage. Abigail (Catholic), & Ian introduced their-selves to Sister Margaret.
Will Abigail, & Phillip get married?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written YA historical fantasy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Fantasy movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series). There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Author; PDF, Word book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
April 11, 2018
This is a really different and interesting YA book. It deals with a girl finding out she has abilities and is part of a secret society, yes, but everything else about it is excitingly original. There are lots of YA books set during WWII, but this is the only one I've read set in London, and that deals with the air-raids and such. I loved the historical aspects of the book, and could tell they were well-researched. The secret world the main character - Abigail - enters, is also very different. It involves time - traveling in it, and having premonitions of the future - in a unique and interesting way. Another aspect about The Timekeeper's Daughter like is like a breath of fresh air is the relationships between the characters. Really, the book is all about relationships, and I cared even more about the characters and their emotions/relationships than I did about the supernatural aspects. Unlike in a lot of YA books, the main character is in a healthy, solid relationship the whole time. Abigail and Phillip have fights and problems, because they are developed characters with a realistic relationship, but there is nothing problematic about their relationship. Abigail's relationships with her parents - both biological and adoptive - are especially strong and really pulled at my heartstrings. A major part of this book is the discovery of what it means to be family, how to love, and how to trust, which was my favorite thing about it. The book is also full of twists and turns and leaves you desperate for the next book. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that WWII and the subject of time-travel/premonitions just isn't my personal cup of tea, but people who enjoy those things will love The Timekeeper's Daughter.
September 1, 2019
I seem to be of two minds on this book. The writing is outstanding. The author captured my attention with the plot of the Timekeepers.
Yet, the characters are difficult to like and relate to. Somewhere in the course of the story, I felt like I should find a hero to root for. That never developed. Instead, I wanted to smack some sense into the heroine and tell her to get on with it. However, there is power in the author’s words to evoke that type of emotion.
I wavered frequently over who I believed was the “bad guy”. Suspicion was thrown on every character. The entire book felt like a setup for the sequels.
I believe the mystery of the Timekeepers needs to be explained and developed more in the first book to lead into the second. That said, I need to read book two because the Timekeeper storyline is so compelling.
Since this is the authors debut novel, I’m hoping as the series progresses the characters will become better defined.
Once again, this was a difficult review to write. I love the imaginative storyline and can foresee so many great possibilities for advancement. Therefore, I am sticking with 4 stars.
Yet, the characters are difficult to like and relate to. Somewhere in the course of the story, I felt like I should find a hero to root for. That never developed. Instead, I wanted to smack some sense into the heroine and tell her to get on with it. However, there is power in the author’s words to evoke that type of emotion.
I wavered frequently over who I believed was the “bad guy”. Suspicion was thrown on every character. The entire book felt like a setup for the sequels.
I believe the mystery of the Timekeepers needs to be explained and developed more in the first book to lead into the second. That said, I need to read book two because the Timekeeper storyline is so compelling.
Since this is the authors debut novel, I’m hoping as the series progresses the characters will become better defined.
Once again, this was a difficult review to write. I love the imaginative storyline and can foresee so many great possibilities for advancement. Therefore, I am sticking with 4 stars.
July 13, 2019
Slightly predictable but still a good read.
The story left quite a few questions open. The first is, why does the group in question even exist. There is a reason given but the overall reason for it's existence has no logical thought. It is so restricted that it is not even needed. The ending of the book was rather predictable. It's like watching a movie and figuring out what the ending will be 3/4 way into the film. It's a first effort so it gets a pass. The heroin herself was rather bland. Many times in my head I was thinking, "suck it up, buttercup". Overall, it's a decent casual read, more like watching a late night movie because you have nothing else to do.
The story left quite a few questions open. The first is, why does the group in question even exist. There is a reason given but the overall reason for it's existence has no logical thought. It is so restricted that it is not even needed. The ending of the book was rather predictable. It's like watching a movie and figuring out what the ending will be 3/4 way into the film. It's a first effort so it gets a pass. The heroin herself was rather bland. Many times in my head I was thinking, "suck it up, buttercup". Overall, it's a decent casual read, more like watching a late night movie because you have nothing else to do.
July 9, 2019
This was a very good book that kept me on edge the whole way through. Can’t wait to read book #2 in the series.
August 28, 2019
Interesting premise and story. I feel it could have been so much better. It wasn't very clear what a timekeeper actually was. But it was an easy read and held interest.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews