SciFi - Time Travel Lost in Time, prehistoric, return and go back again lost love

[Tarn]

I read a book many many years ago. I cannot recall names, titles, covers or anything much.

Basically it starts off with a bunch of people in a "pod/capsule/ship" which someone is demonstrating. They go back in time to a prehistoric era. Almost like a touristy excursion. People get off of the "pod". Either it was broken down and fixed, or two people got left behind. There were some people arguing. Very different personalities (scientists and businessmen). I almost recall a young girl (teenager) who disliked everyone (but this could be made up memories, I don't know).

Anyway these two people who are left behind (either by accident or due to some event forcing the others to leave without them) have to survive in this "new" land. They end up finding a tribe and assimilating with it. Learning its language and ways and possibly becoming its leaders.

I recall much speak of a lake, and either things around or from it.

There was possibly a rescue beacon or an escape pod of some sort that they finally managed to fix as one of them somehow returned to the time from whence they came and found that only minutes had passed in their absence. But upon returning to the time in which they had been lost - realised that years had passed since they left. the other may have specifically chosen to stay. I cannot recall.

There was an element of romance here. The person who returned (possibly male) was heartbroken to return and find their love (and the tribe) had aged (or even passed away -although I doubt this part).

In searching for this book I have been directed to Cretaceous Sea by Will Hubbard. I cannot find a digital copy of this to verify, but have read excerpts and do not feel that this is the one.

Having read some of Julian May's works - I do wonder if it might have been one of his (maybe The Many Colored Land). Although I seem to recall that the tribe of this past time was more human (prehistoric) rather than alien (Tanu/Firvulag etc.) and have looked through the digital copy which I have and do not see enough mention of a lake, although there are some.

The lake was somehow pivotal to the story. Either releasing threatening gases, or providing insights to the workings of this tribe or something. Either way a help OR a hindrance - I do not recall which. It may possibly even have been helpful in restoring the beacon or whatever.

[Sarah]

Maybe Cannibal Gold by Chuck Dixon (book one of series)?

[Tarn]

Hi Sarah. Thanks but no, that book is too recent. This would have been pre or at the latest - early 2000.

[Kris]

Tarn, are there dinosaurs?

Google Book's description of Cretaceous Sea (2002) by Will Hubbell - "Paleontology student Rick Clements has been offered a chance to study prehistoric specimens in their natural habitat - not genetically engineered, not state-of-the-art computer generated. They’re real. The most startling breakthrough in science is ready. It’s a time-warp machine that offers the ultimate travel experience for a privileged few - a return to the Cretaceous Period when dinosaurs ruled the earth. While in Montana Isle, a group of travelers has arrived at the most astounding resort in history. But their exploration of the past is about to be cut short. The meteor that will turn this paradise of sapphire seas into a wasteland is nearing. And their only chance to make it out alive is somehow survive the disaster that ended the age of the dinosaurs."

Here's a fairly detailed review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Kris]

In This Age of Stone (1978) by Sharon Sosna turned up while searching, but I don't see a review. Subjects: prehistoric peoples, time travel.

[Tarn]

Kris wrote: "Tarn, are there dinosaurs?

Google Book's description of Cretaceous Sea (2002) by Will Hubbell - "Paleontology student Rick Clements has been offered a chance to stud..."

Hi Kris,

I honestly do not recall if there were dinosaurs. I am definitely going to have to give Cretaceous Sea a bash though. Although as I said I do not think that it is the one, having read a few excerpts.

I am actually very curious about that Sharon Sosna book! I will try find out more about it!

[SBC]

If it was young adult fiction, it sounds a lot like Victor Kelleher's Fire Dancer.

[Tarn]

SBC wrote: "If it was young adult fiction, it sounds a lot like Victor Kelleher's Fire Dancer."

This sounds promising! I cannot recall the ages of the people involved, nor whether it was YA fiction or not. But going on the blurb, it sounds like a good fit! I do hope it is! Thanks!

[Christine]

I was thinking of Ray Bradbury's story, The Sound of Thunder, but maybe that's too old? Details somewhat different.

[Kris]

A Sound of Thunder or the short short collection A Sound of Thunder and Other Stories by Ray Bradbury - Christine's suggestion

[Tarn]

Thanks Christine and Kris. That does not sound like a good fit, but could be an interesting read nontheless!

[Erin]

How about Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor. There's defnitely a "left behind in the Cretaceous" scene...

[Michele]

Tunnel in the Sky maybe?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Tarn, are you still looking for this or did you find it?