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The Timekeepers' War

S.C. Jensen (Goodreads Author)

4.42 · Rating details · 33 ratings · 20 reviews

Ghost.
She can find anyone, for the right price—anyone, except her sister.

Lyca.
Ghost searches for her in every dark and desperate corner of the City. But her so-called life changes when she returns home to find a mysterious stranger with an offer to make history…and to find her sister.

Lynch.
A terrorist. One of the most feared figures in the City—and he needs Ghost’s he ...more

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Paperback, 316 pages

Published August 2014 by Bedlam Press

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· 33 ratings · 20 reviews

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Dec 02, 2014 Wendy rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Wendy by: Goodreads Giveaways

Shelves: romance, dystopian, intrigue

"The Timekeepers War" which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a fast-paced and gripping novel that's set in a war ravaged world where most of the population lives underground and only the most hardy live in the hot, unforgiving climate above. When the story opens Ghost, one of the crazy loners and misfits living in the city has returned home to find Lynch a well-known terrorist waiting to offer her a deal she can't refuse. In exchange for Ghost's help in waging war against the Ursaar's Empire "The Timekeepers War" which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a fast-paced and gripping novel that's set in a war ravaged world where most of the population lives underground and only the most hardy live in the hot, unforgiving climate above. When the story opens Ghost, one of the crazy loners and misfits living in the city has returned home to find Lynch a well-known terrorist waiting to offer her a deal she can't refuse. In exchange for Ghost's help in waging war against the Ursaar's Empire, a utopia high above the city, Lynch will help her recover her sister who was abducted as a child. When she agrees Ghost's life takes a dramatic turn. She not only learns new truths about herself and her sister but also about the man who has captured her allegiance and her heart.

S.C. Jensen sets the stage in 2683 EE in a world stricken by wars and a disaster that shattered society. A paranoid, psychotic dictator living in a stronghold above the city enforces his rule with an army of "Guardians" half human soldiers with a Hive mentality who were genetically engineered by the Apparati, scientists and doctors. For years the Timekeepers, immortal and powerful meddlers have been planning the overthrow of the Ursaar 's corruption, stealing and selling children to act as their spies. With the help of Lynch and Ghost the plans for the Timekeeper's war gain momentum; the plot building in intensity and drama as events unfold. In a tale that pits the exploitation, abuse and loss of freedom in Elysium against starvation, disease and murder in the city, Lynch and Ghost's constant laughter tends to dilute the growing tension and turmoil. Even the relationship between Lynch and Ghost heats up as trust overcomes any suspicion.

The characters like the plot are well-developed, unforgettable and complex their strengths often outweighed by their flaws. Ghost haunted by guilt and unable to find her sister is a loner, independent and stubborn. She seems confident and self-serving, but is unfalteringly loyal in her friendships. Lynch, genetically altered to be cognitively and physically superior to the other Guardians has a reputation for being a merciless and cruel terrorist. Yet he often shows a kind, compassionate and humorous nature. Ephraim Yay Mediara (Big Ugly) is ambitious and committed to the city, but often riddled by self-doubt. Lycanthra (Lyca) Ghost's sister surviving for ten years in an atmosphere of fear and abuse is determined, single-minded and brave.

In an story that vibrates with action, power, and intrigue it's the antagonists that are chilling like the Apparati whose heartless experimentation have created mindless monsters who are controlled through an altered Hive leader to obey the Ursaar. Sisymer Syn Stanislas Septimal who committed matricide to become Ursaar of the Elysian Empire is self-absorbed, neurotic and cruel , obsessed with maintaining his power and authority. All these characters and many more add to a story that's captivating from beginning to end.

I thoroughly enjoyed the "The Timekeepers War" and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
...more

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Oct 13, 2015 E.Y.E.-D rated it really liked it

Shelves: science-fiction, 2015, giveaway-books

I won this book through a giveaway on goodreads.

There were many things I enjoyed about this book. We will start with the one that has nothing to do with the writing itself. I love the cover. I am not really able to explain why but it really appeals to me. The characters as well the world this story took place in were interesting and I found myself wanting to know more. I enjoyed the slow reveal of information and build up to all of the action in the last quarter or so of the book. The ending se ...more

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Nov 08, 2018 Stephen rated it liked it

Shelves: giveaways-first-reads, science-fiction, dystopia

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

I had high hopes for this one. I love dystopian rebellion stories and this promised to be one.

The main character is Ghost. She is a young woman who has lived her life in the City, a ruined shell of a once huge metropolis. She is resourceful and cunning. Her life is dedicated to survival...and looking for her missing sister, Lyca.

We never find out exactly what messed things up in the City, but we get hints that it may be the result of war, or ...more

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Nov 05, 2014 Una Maxwell rated it it was amazing

S.C. Jensen's debut book "The Time Keepers' War" is a beautifully written example of modern science-fiction, that was not only interesting to read, but accessible as well.

With just enough science to make provide interest and colour, but not so much that you feel bogged down in overly detailed descriptions, the post-apocalyptic world that Jensen has created has depth that is revealed the further you read. Her characters echo this as well, having multiple layers of complexity that keep you guessin ...more

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Jan 08, 2021 bookswithsakshi rated it really liked it

We all grow up becoming what we believe in. While reading this book, I had my moments of sadness, fear and anxiety. The book gave me a different experience altogether because first of all, I have never read apocalyptic fiction. On top of that, this book is post-apocalyptic science fiction. All the themes are beautifully blended in this book.

Ghost is in search of her sister. Her life is a mess completely. She is a wanderer, having no home. No place where her heart can rest. Under the unfortunate We all grow up becoming what we believe in. While reading this book, I had my moments of sadness, fear and anxiety. The book gave me a different experience altogether because first of all, I have never read apocalyptic fiction. On top of that, this book is post-apocalyptic science fiction. All the themes are beautifully blended in this book.

Ghost is in search of her sister. Her life is a mess completely. She is a wanderer, having no home. No place where her heart can rest. Under the unfortunate events, she meets a stranger named Lynch who seeks her help in changing the world. In making the History and to destroy the Ursaar Empire. With the twists in the events, the Ghost builds a hope that she would find her sister there. In Ursaar Empire, maybe?

Ghost and Lynch travel to different places and they meet numerous people. They discuss ideas. Places. History. Politics. Everything. They meet people from the group of Timekeepers. What is this? What role do they have to play in this book? Will they cause destruction or will they help the city to reborn? Find the answers in the book.

As mentioned earlier, the book gave me a new experience. I felt confused in some places but I can say this with utmost belief that, the language is lucid.

The author has taken time to build the world, the characters, the situations and everything. The book progresses slowly. This book will highly interest people who are into fantasy, Science fiction or if you simply want to try reading something different other than your preferred genre. This is your book. Originally, the genre is apocalyptic. A new genre indeed. A genre rarely talked about, maybe? You should read it.

I loved how smooth the author has pencilled every detail in this book. The book also focuses and gives a message that everyone has a place in this world and everyone deserves to be accepted. Self-love, the greatest of all.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. The book is not a beginner-friendly book but if you are into rich language and heavy books, this one is for you. Read it. ...more

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Oct 04, 2020 Caroline Noe rated it it was amazing

Ghost survives in a post apocalyptic city of thieves, smugglers and fighters, whilst desperately searching for her younger sister, abducted years before. Into her life drops the legendary terrorist Lynch, spouting a plot to bring down the cruel Empire, wallowing in luxury above their heads, and using her sister as bait. But in such a world none can be trusted and nothing is ever what it seems.

Whilst the middle of this sci fi book becomes a little bogged down in dialogue to carry the plot, the st ...more

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Apr 07, 2020 Hayla rated it really liked it

Shelves: review-books

I’m surprised this book isn’t more popular! This is top notch dystopian fiction.

While not every detail was shared in this first book (of a series), the author shared enough details to allow the reader to immerse themselves in this different world. I loved how each character was equally equipped with strengths and flaws - this made them all seem like real people and made it easy to feel invested in each character’s arc.

In fact, I wish we had more time to really get to know these characters. I w ...more

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Oct 24, 2020 Porsha Deun rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I need book 2, right now! Omg, I love this story and sci-fi is not my go-to genre! Bravo to the author for create such a detailed world that I can see and feel. I love the relationship between Ghost and Lynch. Cutter came through and I was happy that he finally got to meet his friend (which I was surprised at who that friend turned out to be.
I do not like the Timekeepers. I repeat, I do not like the Timekeepers. Especially Aga! What a manipulative lot! They are just as bad as the Ursaar, may he ...more

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Dec 04, 2017 Daniel rated it really liked it · review of another edition

off to a good start

Book one is imaginative and well paced. Time Keeper's War a good start to what promises to be a excellent series. ...more

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Aug 31, 2014 Kasia James rated it it was amazing

Shelves: science-fiction

The Timekeepers War is the debut novel of Saskatchewan based writer, S.C. Jensen, but you wouldn’t know it. Skillfully written and edited, there is no hint that this book is written by anyone other than an author at the top of their game.

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We are taken to a disconnected and post apocalyptic world, some hundreds of years into the future. There, people like the protagonist, Ghost, scrabble a hand-to-mouth existence amongst the ruins of the City, living in fear of one another, and of the burning ray The Timekeepers War is the debut novel of Saskatchewan based writer, S.C. Jensen, but you wouldn’t know it. Skillfully written and edited, there is no hint that this book is written by anyone other than an author at the top of their game.

.
We are taken to a disconnected and post apocalyptic world, some hundreds of years into the future. There, people like the protagonist, Ghost, scrabble a hand-to-mouth existence amongst the ruins of the City, living in fear of one another, and of the burning rays of the Sun. Some have moved underground entirely, and these scenes did have resonances with Neil Gaiman’s ‘Neverwhere’ for me.

Unknown to many of the City’s inhabitants, others, considering themselves an elite, moved up, into a guarded luxury undreamt of by those below. This is the Elysian Empire: a dictatorship, run by the tyrannical Ursaar.
The Elysian Empire is a skilful and nightmarish blend of the worst of all worlds – think of Nero’s Rome with unbridled genetic engineering, and you’ll have something of the flavour of it. Psychologists would delight in picking apart the various conditions of the Ursaar, who is plagued by paranoia, megalomania, and best of all, a substitute Oedipal complex.

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It is hard to write about this book without including too many spoilers, but I can say that Jensen has created a believable and complex world, peopled by strong characters. Many of them are not beauties, either physically or morally, just as most of us are not in real life. One thing I did love was the way that the book avoided painting anyone as entirely black or white – no-one is an angel, and motivations are mixed and sometimes obscure, again, truly reflecting society. Written as the first part of a series of books, you are often left wondering what people’s real aims are, and I’m sure that will provide ample fodder for the next books.

In the same vein, it was refreshing to have a kick-ass heroine who is strong, and can look after herself, and yet acknowledge that she has doubts and fears just like everyone else. Ghost is no superhero, but perhaps a woman steeled by the hardships of her existence.

There is plenty of action, guerrilla warfare, and even spirituality in The Timekeepers War, which will lead you through a rich world of secret societies, secret passages, steamy townships and impossibly rich gilded imperial gardens. A lengthy but necessary section of explanation and back story in the middle of the book is kept flowing well with intrigues and a deepening of the relationship between the main characters, Ghost and the mysterious Lynch.

Overall, The Timekeepers War is a highly accessible book, which deserved to be widely read. It would make a fine film, and I look forward eagerly to the sequel. ...more

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Jan 10, 2015 Francis Guenette rated it it was amazing

Melding sci-fi and romance without doing a disservice to either

This novel manages to meld sci-fi and romance and not do a disservice to either – quite the accomplishment. The reader is introduced to Ghost, a young woman who makes her way the best she can in a post-apocalyptic city-scape. She is aptly named, for her life seems ghost-like indeed. But she moves with purpose from the opening pages as she seeks something of value lost to her. Enter the mythic terrorist, Lynch. His reputation precedes Melding sci-fi and romance without doing a disservice to either

This novel manages to meld sci-fi and romance and not do a disservice to either – quite the accomplishment. The reader is introduced to Ghost, a young woman who makes her way the best she can in a post-apocalyptic city-scape. She is aptly named, for her life seems ghost-like indeed. But she moves with purpose from the opening pages as she seeks something of value lost to her. Enter the mythic terrorist, Lynch. His reputation precedes him. The attraction between these two characters is powerful and sweet all at the same time, which may seem like a contradiction against a backdrop of dystopian ruin and steam-punk technology but this author makes it work.

The story is a page-turner. Ghost describes her life at one point as having a type of circular synchronicity and this is an image that drives the novel – things keep twisting and turning back around on themselves like a Mobius strip.

The main characters have depth and believability. The author makes the reader care about where they’ve come from and where this circular synchronicity is going to take them. But secondary characters aren’t left out in the cold. Big Ugly has this amazing insight about how various surfaces catch and reflect images. He doesn’t prefer glass mirrors. “ . . . it was the preciseness of it. Pure crisp lines, like prison bars, trapping you in its image. Glass mirrors reflect a vision of the self so delineated, you can’t escape it.” He may be ugly to look at, but this man has the soul of a poet.

There are gems to be discovered in this novel that could as easily be written of any current conflict in our world. Ghost tells us, “It is easy to believe in good and evil. It’s much harder to negotiate a balance between the two.”

I love the way this author gives her words a good shake so images are fresh and enticing. Here Ghost is describing the face of a young man, “Years will carve the bones out of that face . . . but he will never lose that beauty; it will only grow more ferocious with age.” Lovely.

I enjoyed the way the story unfolded, bit by bit to an ending that obviously opens the door to the next book but is satisfying in and of itself. Well worth the read and I look forward to Book 2.
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Sep 20, 2014 Karen rated it it was amazing

This story introduces you to Ghost. She lives in the so-called City. Life above ground is dangerous due to the glaring sun. Life below ground is also dangerous in a post-apocalyptic world She earns her living by successfully tracking down people. Just the search for her own sister does not lead anywhere. Her world changes when a stranger waits for her at home. Lynch, a known terrorist who offers her a remarkable job, and has a picture of her missing sister, Lyca. Ghosts life gets even more dange ...more

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Nov 01, 2015 Kenneth Wilson rated it it was amazing

I received this book as a Giveaway prize.
I was looking forward to reading this and delighted to have won it, but when I started to read it I simply wondered what I had let myself in for. Well I shouldn't have worried. I soon got into the pace of the book and the characters. The array of characters and their flaws as well as their strengths keeps them in reach. There is humour too in their interactions. The way the author switches between thoughts, actions and interactions is seamless, the action ...more

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Aug 30, 2014 Beth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I thought it was a great premise! In the post-apocalyptic world where the sun is deadly and most people live underground, Ghost receives a warning she doesn't understand just before a strange man shows up in her home, a man known to be a terrorist to the Empire that lives safely above them. She's thrown into a battle she doesn't understand, searching for answers and for the sister she lost as a little girl.

S.C. Jensen keeps things interesting and mixes romance with the gritty reality of this new ...more

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Sep 07, 2014 Jamie Lowe rated it it was amazing

The Timekeepers' War was a great read for fans of post apocalyptic novels. It has an engaging plot with a truly unique storyline.
It's rare to read a post apocalyptic story that has details that really seem new, but I can honestly say that this novel had a story and setting that didn't feel recycled or borrowed from the many other stories in its genre. The characters were interesting and relatable, especially Ghost. Her cynicism and vulnerability played against each other to make her a fascinati ...more

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Sep 17, 2014 Sabrina Joy rated it it was amazing

Just from the synopsis itself, I'm already get powerful, haunting vibes that push of adrenaline into me. The fact that it's a post-apocalyptic book really brings it over the edge. There's a whole lot of mystery involved and it seems very realistic.

I can't wait to read this book! Until then, this review will be updated at a later point! ...more

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Jun 21, 2017 Harvey Jr. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Gripping post-apocalyptic adventure thriller

Intense action, complex characters and well-thought-out landscapes give this novel its flesh and bones. But the deep connection the reader has with the main character cum narrator is the story's life-blood. And the telltale foreshadowing only promises more excitement in the sequel. ...more

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Oct 30, 2014 Candi Ditzler marked it as to-read

Hmmm, went to enter for this book free and it says I already won it. Well, geez, I never did get it!

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Mar 18, 2016 Rochelle rated it really liked it

Shelves: have

4.5
loved it...full review to come.

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Apr 22, 2017 Michelle Parkins rated it really liked it

This book was recommended to me by a friend and while I didn't ordinarily read sci-if before, I realize I've been missing out on not only fantastic stories, but even more amazing authors.
I found the characters believable, the plot well constructed, and the world, though different, was so easy to lose myself in.
Well done Ms Jensen. I have no doubt you're going places and I'll happily go along for the amazing ride ...more

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