The Chronothon (In Times Like These, #2) by Nathan Van Coops

The Chronothon (In Times Like These, #2) Reviews

• 
  Paul Wandason

  The Chronothon is the second of a series of 3 novels, each written so that they can be read independently from each other. Having not read the first (silly me...) I can safely confirm this claim is valid! (Actually there's a glossary at the back to help 'dive in' readers such as myself. It's interesting to read through, but I don't think it's necessary).
  
  The writing style is fluent and Nathan writes with a staggering eye for detail. Characters have depth and are well developed, and there are many insightful details on societal and cultural aspects. It's brilliantly written, with a splash of humour.
  
  The plot revolves around Ben who moves from one chronothon level to another, collecting objectives before moving to the next level. It would have been a tedious read to do so level by level, chapter by chapter, so I was really pleased that the novel reads fluently with chapter breaks coming at natural points in the novel, and not at each level of the chronothon race. This highlights the emphasis not on the chronothon itself, but on Ben and on what and who he's dealing with, and why.
  
  Although I think this is predominantly a time travel novel, there are other elements to it as well... history, action and science fiction. Ben's travels to periods into the past call on Nathan's extensive research into those eras and events. It adds to the fullness of the plot, and inspires a sense of realism.
  
  Equally, journeys into the future see Ben and his competitors / companions enter into times, worlds and cultures vastly different from their (our) own...and yet thanks to an incredible imagination Nathan has crafted a credible and full future with both an exciting and an ominous outlook with social and scientific ideas.
  
  But it is the time travel aspect in particular which really strikes me as pure excellence and sets The Chronothon apart from many other time travel novels. Nathan has masterfully created a universe with scientifically viable time travel. There's a history (and future) behind the development of time travel, with variations and derivations, and of its methodology as well as its use and misuse.
  
  (I've written in more detail on the time travel aspect on my
  time travel blog here.)
  
  I don't usually read 'action novels' so for me The Chronothon might be considered as a gentle introduction to the genre. And it's good! As I mentioned in
  my GR review of Bonnie Rozanski's
  The Mindtraveler it's all well and good doing a spot of time travel, but once you're in a different time you may as well do something there and meet different people - even if they are trying to eat you...
  
  The Chronothon is an amazing read and gets a full 5/5!
  
  I've now ordered the first in the series and eagerly await the final installment. Maybe I should set my chronometer so I won't need to wait...
  
• 
  donna backshall

  
  Nathan Van Coops's
  The Chronothon is a long book, seeming even longer if you have trouble following time travel jumps and redos like I do. While it was a swashbuckling adventure of a book, I could have enjoyed it being half the length and with half the betrayals. Seriously, it seemed like everyone and everything was pitted against Ben and those racing in the Chronothon (a marathon of time travel that served as the plot driver of this story and still has my brain screaming "error! error!").
  
  Gosh, how I love time travel that is done well, and I absolutely think
  Nathan Van Coops hits the mark with this series, but I wish it were a little less confusing and lot more adventurous. You know I'll continue the series, because my tiny brain is a glutton for this kind of punishment, but I'll need some time to let the whirlwind of activity from this novel settle in first.
• 
  JohnnyBoy

  This book literally gave me sooo many headaches which i took so much pleasure in each and every one of them - that's what i was/am expecting from a time travel novel, anyway; this adventure, however, compared to books 1 adventure, was 80% visual and 20% dialogue - I was expecting more interaction between the characters and less chasing cos it felt like a non stop chase which, tbh, made me feel tedious and I could tell right away that the pattern would repeat itself, thus, predicting the outcome.. I have to say tho, I was truly fascinated by the authors research on the time travel periods (past and future) and wow, all this new time travel info we got to learn, was extraordinary!! Whenever there was a reference on it, it would had me engaged to the point where I had to re read the page cos it was sooo mind boggling - so I respect and appreciate what the author has accomplished here... Will be jumping straight into book 3 - I am ready to be blown away once again! Bring on all the headaches😂
• 
  Mark Speed

  I've read some good novels this year. This is a great one. It's the sequel to
  In Times Like These, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading earlier this year. You don't have to have read book one to read book two, as everything you need to know is explained as you go.
  
  
  Nathan Van Coops has done a masterful job of creating a plausible time travel method, as well as ensuring it's not easy for those who wish to use it. As
  Vladimir Nabokov said, it's the author's job to get their protagonist stuck up a tree and then throw rocks at him. Van Coops never once lets the protagonist off the hook. Indeed, he piles on the problems perfectly, and allows him to interplay with a large cast of characters - some good some evil - as they try to survive this epic time race. The protagonist's mettle is tested thoroughly, and his character is revealed through adversity - which is what marks out great writing from good.
  
  The excursions into history are very well researched and believable, and the characters are all well-drawn. There are plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments as the action unfolds. Each of the mini-excursions into a new period of time builds up solidly towards a very satisfying denouement. This is a must-read for any sci-fi fan. I was delighted to be a beta-reader for this novel - publication due early February 2015.
  
  Cool science bit. Here's the background: the protagonist and his friends literally fell into the world of early time-travel. It's achieved by means of a watch-like device on the wrist, but there are great risks involved. In order not to reappear in a different part of the Earth's orbit (minus the planet), or be fused into other people or objects, you have to use an anchor when you jump. The anchor has to have been around at the time you want to jump to. That anchor will stop you reappearing in the neverwhere. Other limiting factors are that you can only jump a certain number of years at a time, and that your device needs recharging.
  
  
• 
  Emily

  There’s a time traveling dog in this book.
  
  That really should be enough to convince you to read it immediately (I mean, are you EVEN HUMAN), but in case it doesn’t, I’ll keep going. First let me repeat to you: there is a time traveling Labrador named Barley who wears saddlebags and competes in a race through history. Just stop reading this review and order The Chronothon already.
  
  Perhaps I should clarify that Barley isn’t the protagonist of the story (although he deserves a spin-off). He is, however, one of many colorful characters who populate this world. Besides the dog, there’s a tattooed “off-worlder” whose alien species was born with the ability to move through time; an acerbic, leather-clad girl whose tiny frame doesn't keep her from being a badass; and the Ivans, a couple who take “self-love” to a whole new level.
  
  And then there’s Ben. Ben is a novice time traveler who has no idea what he’s getting into when he signs up for a marathon through the ages. It’s a clever choice by the author, because it allows the protagonist to share our excitement (and naiveté) when it comes to this new universe. Like Ben, we’ve never seen anything like this before.
  
  Van Coops’ second novel expands on the world of In Times Like These. (Good news: if you haven’t read the first one, you can still jump right into The Chronothon. The first novel serves as a prequel or an “origin” story rather than a continuing narrative.) In my experience, most novels use time travel as a method of transportation – not as a lifestyle choice. That’s what makes The Chronothon so unique.
  
  Before J.K. Rowling came along, we’d seen witches and wizards, but never in their natural habitat, as a community. We didn’t know the day-to-day implications of living with enchanted chocolate frogs, flying cars, and ghosts that haunt your school bathroom. In the same way, Van Coops creates a rich and inventive world that asks what daily life would be like for time-travelers. Jumping through history is not a solitary activity for many people in The Chronothon. You join academies to learn the craft, and then – if you’re a pro with a thirst for adventure – you compete in a chronothon to earn fame and money.
  
  A chronothon is something like the Triwizard Tournament for time-travelers. Or, if you want to compare it to another fandom, the arenas of The Hunger Games trilogy. During the race, Van Coops takes us from ancient Rome to the reaches of outer-space. My favorite destination is – well, I won’t give away any spoilers. Let’s just say that there’s one planet in this book I would never visit. But it’s sure fun to read.
  
  Although The Chronothon is a fast-paced adventure story, it also has a deeper, more poignant theme – that loss is permanent, and no amount of paradoxical time-bending can alter that. The characters have the power to travel anywhere (and any when), but they can’t escape grief. This adds a level of tension to the narrative, because we know that if our beloved characters die – and we do grow to love them by the end - we can’t get them back again. A race through time isn’t as easy as it sounds.
  
  Seriously though. There’s a TIME TRAVELING DOG in this book.
  
• 
  Shawn Deal

  I am so happy to have discovered Nathan Van Coops. This is the second book of his on going time travel series. Benjamin Travers is kind of screwed. He is to compete in the Chronothon, a dangerous--Amazing Race--sort of adventure through various periods of time. He has been suckered into doing this by the mob who has their own agenda. This is a rollicking adventure as we follow Benjamin through out his perils. If you are a fan of the first book, you will be a fan of this one. However, Benjamin is early the own major character of the group of friends that comes back in this novel. We meet a whole bunch of new friends through out his journey. Many I hope will return in the furture.
• 
  Amy

  In the 2150s, time travel has become commonplace enough that it has become boring. Time travelers know the basic rules of time travel such as how to not to get themselves fused with objects in the past, etc. It seems inevitable in such a society that time travel would eventually develop into an extreme sport. Benjamin Travers doesn’t know it yet, but he’s about to be recruited from the future to join in a Chronothon whether he wants to or not. And it’s not until the end of the game that he begins to understand why and just how important his participation is to the world.
  
  Even reality television is more extreme in the future as millions watch as Ben and the other contestants race each other through time in search of hidden objects. The race starts in present day Ireland and wends its way through ancient Egypt, Rome, medieval France, the pirate-infested Carribean, the Old West, pre World War II Germany, and beyond. There’s never a dull moment as Ben encounters everything from pirates to zombies to cyborgs in his travels. But from the beginning, something seems to be going terribly wrong. The game isn’t what it seems, and Ben is determined to discover what’s happening before he’s eliminated in the worst possible way.
  
  This novel is heavy on adventure and begs to be on the big screen one day. While reading is mainly a rip-roaring experience, there are some heavier topics as well. One that I especially enjoyed was the evolving concept of civil rights in the future as extends to bionically enhanced humans. There is also a very tastefully- developed love story in the midst of all the adventuring. And the ending leaves a huge opening for a much deeper storyline as Ben goes down a forbidden rabbit hole of time travel. I get the feeling that there’s a Messaiah-level storyline to develop in the next book of the series. And there MUST be a next book. The author has also written a prequel to this novel featuring some of the same characters, but it’s not necessary to read it in order to enjoy this one.
  
  This should be a must-read of 2015 among lovers of time travel and speculative fiction adventure. It’s not necessarily written as a YA book, but I think it will appeal to that subset as well. I was lucky enough to get to be a Beta reader for this book which is set to roll out on February 2nd (just in time for Groundhog Day), but it’s available for pre-order now at
  http://www.amazon.com/Chronothon-Nath... with a lovely giveaway launch party set up that day at
  https://www.facebook.com/events/15545....
• 
  Paul

  I thoroughly enjoyed this author's first novel, "In Times Like These," and now the second is even better. "The Chronothon" is not simply a continuation of ITLT, but an imaginative standalone story in itself, and a unique tale it is. I've never read a novel quite like this one, in which the writer constructs an entirely new Time Travel science in such credible and enjoyable detail.
  
  Equally fascinating is the array of characters in "The Chronothon." Time Travelers come in various forms, sizes, colors (including green), and temporal origins. Most, but not all, are human. They're all Travelers, though, including the narrator, Ben, who's still "analog," using old-school technology from our own century. He's a relative novice but catches on fast, for love and survival. I admire his determination and natural courage, and especially his spontaneous humor at occasionally inappropriate moments. His thoughts and side comments had me cracking up on several occasions.
  
  I marveled at the historical and futuristic settings, and the series of obstacles and conflicts that befall the Chronothon participants. This is a highly entertaining novel and I'm hoping there will be more to come. Nathan Van Coops has an engaging writing style and an apparently boundless imagination.
• 
  Amanda

  I chose this book as my pick for our monthly book club after randomly selecting the time travel category. I didn't realize that it was the second book in a series until after I finished it, but I had no trouble becoming engrossed in the story. For picking it on a whim just based off a couple of Amazon.com reviews, I'm really glad I did! I'm going to pick up the first book and seeing what I missed and I'm looking forward to book number 3!
• 
  Soo

  Notes:
  
  Well, poo. I enjoyed the first book but this one was more less plausible and more ridiculous. The intro set a tone to not believe anything else that happened in the book. The main character did not seem the same. It was like an alternate reality version. Which would have been fine if we were suddenly in a different time line but this story was a continuation of the one that was concluded. *shrug*
• 
  Glenn Younger

  The Chronothon
  By Nathan Van Coops (book two of the series)
  
  5 Stars With a strong warning...
  
  Ben's time travel adventures continue with Mym, his favorite lady, playing a crucial background role. This time, he finds himself being maneuvered into participating in a rigged and highly unethical intergalactic time travel competition, one for which he is particularly untrained.
  
  In terms of well developed characters and an intricate story line that never falls apart, this book was pure pleasure to read. None of Ben's St Petersburg friends come along on this adventure so there are a full cast of new characters and a lot of time loops with subsequent ramifications that follow. As an experienced time travel reader, I enjoyed the challenge of keeping up. For newbies, I say just go with it and do the best you can. It's worth it.
  
  There were some other jewels about the book that stood out for me:
  
  * The one liners that come out of Ben's narration are brilliantly in keeping with his character and help with pacing. "...... or if I'm just experiencing the kind of luck only stupid people enjoy..." , is one example that comes in the middle of a particularly harrowing fight scene. It doesn't interrupt the flow of the story and, yet, it gives you a split second of breathing space to integrate the human aspect of the fight.
  
  *The quotes from Dr. Quickley's diary entries that top each chapter also help with the story's pacing. They are like little time travel breaks in your mind as you move forward in the story. I don't know if the author intended it this way or not, but it gave me, the reader, a little philosophical time travel hiccup - like a one minute time blink - as I took a break to imagine what was going on in Dr Quickley's world when in wrote the entry. We know the when because the entries are dated, but where was he when it wrote it and what part of his when was he living? That's never answered because it's not part of the story other than the "Grandfather of Time" is always present that way. Still, the commentary often brings a smile to your face.
  
  *There are some historical facts in the story that I had to wonder if they were true in "our timeline". For example, I didn't know Seattle was built on tidal land until I read it in The Chronothon. A quick Google search confirmed it. This kind of thing added another layer of "reality" to this fantasy story. Well done.
  
  * The author handles a love scene that creates the entire picture in your mind without spilling one nitty gritty detail. It was fifty shades of perfect for this genre of book.
  
  * Once again, the author neatly sets up the next book in the series without leaving the story of this book hanging one iota.
  
  That's all the good stuff. Now here's the WARNING: Think twice about reading this book if you have a strong aversion to blood, guts, death, and alien horrors. Although none of it is ever gratuitous, the author brings it alive in full living color in your imagination. At one point, I almost told myself it was too much and wanted to put the book down. "I'll finish this chapter," I promised myself, "and then decide if it's not for me." Needless to say, I kept reading to the end and am looking forward to his next book. Still, forewarned is forearmed on the blood, guts, death, and alien horrors.
• 
  Beth ~~Just One More Chapter I Swear~~

  This is my second go-around with this series but this time I'm enjoying listening to this on Audible (last time I read it on ebook) with my husband who is notoriously difficult to please with respect to his literature consumption. Now, just a little background info to help set up the backstory... my husband has 5 engineering degrees (toot toot by proxy), and if a book plans to site any sort of scientific background or plot basis, my hubby is instantly on high alert. This book was so engaging from the very first page that my husband's pet peeve of picking apart any possible incongruous activity was either sated or else suspended for the sake of enjoying the book on its own merits. He is truly enjoying this series (a HUGE compliment) and has even stayed up late into the wee hours just to hear what happens next... if you knew my husband you'd know how impressive that boast is since he appreciates every spare moment of sleep he can get. We are both giddy to be moving on to book #3... well maybe I'm outwardly giddy, my hubby is stoic on the outside whilst giddy on the inside- I can tell by the glee in which he asked to start the next book even though it's already way past his normal bedtime). Anyway, if you want to hear more about the actual story read on but I am off to hear what's in store for Ben Travers and his non-static paramore, Mym.
  
  ~ Enjoy
  
  --------------------------------------
  Where do you start with a review of an AMAZING Time Traveling book about a totally unique/fast paced/nail biting, addictive scavenger hunt through alternate timelines (past, present and future), zombie planets, with pirate tricking, assassin dodging, unlikely alliance making, crazy/deadly religious zealots and oh so much more. Yes I'm aware of the rambling but this book has left me ranting to anyone who will stand still long enough for me to tell of the magic that is this book! Now those who know me might point out that I am a HUGE sucker for a good Time Travel book but Chronothon wasn't just good, not even very good, it was AWESOME! The action is non stop from the very first page until the very last (a good attribute to have). The science is laid out plausibly (important). The writing is wonderful (very important). The world and character building are done with such skill and with such a uniquely creative tone that I have been left rambling and singing its praises (absolutely imperative for a 5 star book). Mr Van Coops gets his characters into some pretty unbelievable situations and more importantly he doesn't take the easy ways out which is too often the case in books about Time Travel. I really enjoyed the first book( In Times Like These), I'm blown away by book two (Chronothon) and I (uncharacteristically) cannot put into words just how much I am looking forward to book three.
• 
  Peter

  The second in a projected three-story scifi series by up and coming writer Nathan Van Coops, The Chronothon tells the story of a young man who is forced to compete in a dangerous race while trying to reunite with the daughter of the inventor of time travel.
  
  In Van Coops’ first book, In Times Like These, Benjamin Travers and friends are inadvertently transported back in time. The story tells of the adventures that befall them in their efforts to return to their own time and introduces Dr. Harold Quickly and his daughter Mym with whom Ben becomes enthralled.
  
  The Chronothon begins with Mym showing Ben around the world of time-travel, but when Ben gets separated from Mym, he innocently agrees to participate in a charity time-travel race, a chronothon.
  
  Although Ben learns that some of the people associated with this event may not be on the up and up, he is coerced to participate. Here is where Van Coops’ ingenious imagination takes hold. Each leg of the race takes us to a new location and new place in time as well.
  
  The contestants are required to obtain objects from each location––a futuristic scavenger hunt. In the process Ben forms alliances and makes friends, but as the race progresses, it also becomes more and more dangerous and the underlying rationale behind strange events begins to take shape.
  
  Van Coops handles the tricky problem of mechanics of time travel adeptly––the reader learns how it works as well as its limitations as Ben learns. The cast of characters is deftly drawn and helps keep the reader engaged. The romantic element is handled with a light touch––which fits the needs of the story.
  
  As he nears the finish line, Ben realizes more is at stake than winning the race. His life is in danger as well as that of his friends. Van Coops ratchets up the tension as their survival comes down to Ben. The Chronothon shows In Times Like These was not an accident. I’m ready for volume three.
  
  The author provided me with an advance copy of The Chronothon in return for an honest review. The Chronothon will be released on or about February 2, 2015. Pre-release sales for the Kindle edition have begun on the Amazon website.
  
• 
  Leslie

  Ben Travers is a novice time traveler with a knack for making friends. He’s just met the girl of his dreams (who also happens to be a time traveler), and he’s full of hope for the future (and the past, and everything in between.)
  
  Until he gets rooked into racing a chronothon.
  
  Chronothons are marathons through time for the chance to win fabulous wealth. Most racers are experienced time travelers with a thirst for adventure and a taste for extreme sports. But this chronothon committee might as well have added “death wish” to their list of racing qualifications. Because someone is killing competitors, and Ben will need every ounce of skill and smarts he possesses, just to survive.
  
  Van Coops’ second novel is a sequel to
  In Times Like These, and part of a trilogy. But it stands on its own merits admirably, and is a terrific read even if you haven’t delved into book one. The author peoples this book with a host of interesting characters from just about every time (and even space.) One of my favorites is Bozzle, a green-skinned alien with a penchant for tattoos, a gentle spirit, and a host of hidden talents. His mystery adds a nice touch of pathos to the resolution of the race and Ben’s story.
  
  The Chronothon is a great blend of escapism and real-life. I say “real-life,” because Van Coops’ characters have heart. They may occupy a sci-fi novel, but they experience the same loves (and losses) that we all share. The author does a fantastic job of keeping the reader’s interest throughout an intricate and imaginative plot. Indeed, Van Coops’ imagination is one of his greatest gifts to his readers.
  
  The world of The Chronothon is well worth the price of admission.
  
• 
  Dawn

  I really enjoyed this book. Some nice twists on the time travel theme with excellent characters you can really get to like, some really creepy bad guys causing them trouble and a well plotted story with plenty of acton.
• 
  Jess the Audiobookworm

  3.25 ★ Audiobook⎮This book was a struggle for me. During the first 65%, I was nearly bored out of my mind. Couple that with an overwhelming sense of confusion and I was ready to table it by the time I reached 46% completion. My primary frustration was the writing style. This book was all plot and no story. Imagine being suddenly grabbed by the arm and dragged along behind someone for miles at an alarming pace with absolutely no idea where you were going. No explanations. No breaks. Just go-go-go. It might be exciting at first, but it would get exhausting really fast. This was one of the most imbalanced stories I've ever heard. There was practically no character development or world-building. Seriously, none. I had no idea who these characters were or what their world was like. That was beyond frustrating. The author was so plot-focused that he basically ignored everything else. But why would I care about the plot (in this case, the Chronothon race) if I don't care about anyone in it? Out of the host of characters, there were only two I came to care about at all (Jonah and Barley). Neither of them was the main character and one of them was a dog.
  
  But I suppose I can't blame my entire lack of enthusiasm on the writing. As you may have noticed, this audiobook is the second installment in a series and 99% of my confusion most likely could have been avoided if I had heard the first installment before beginning this one. I'm not normally one to listen to a series out of order and this is the perfect example of why. For some reason unbeknownst to me, the prior installment has yet to be recorded. Several reviews claim that this installment can act as a standalone novel but I am calling "bull". I mean, I suppose it could, but it would be majorly lacking. I can only assume (and hope) that the majority of my confusion could have been avoided if I had heard In Times Like These first. Van Coops' take on time travel is very original, but I can also assume that the mechanics of his version of time travel were explained in the previous installment and I missed all of that. I was pretty much "hung out to dry" when it came to understanding how time travel worked in this book. There was a lot of talk about time streams with various names and origins (all of which I still know nothing about) and I sort of had to piece everything together on my own. It felt like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle when half of the pieces are missing. To say the least, it was very, very frustrating. Obviously, I suggest reading In Times Like These beforehand, or waiting for the audiobook (which I am told is already slated for production). Perhaps it's just me who can't hear audiobooks out of order, but I swear I really did try with this one. Despite all of this, I won't completely rule out listening to In Times Like These when it is released as an audiobook (mostly out of curiosity). I suspect that at least 75% of the complaints posted here could be nullified by hearing In Times Like These. This is partially a case of "cart before horse" on my part.
  
  Narration review: For me, the narration of this audiobook was actually the brightest part of the whole experience. Neil Hellegers' narration was simply awesome! Although the book was a bit of a letdown, the narration did not disappoint. Hellegers' voice held a sense of urgency that added so much to the atmosphere of the story and kept regaining my attention whenever my mind would wander (which was pretty frequently). He was the perfect choice to narrate such an action-filled story. I also love that I could never definitively place an age on his voice. It somehow had a youthful and mature quality, especially when he was voicing the protagonist, Ben. This also allowed him to seamlessly switch between character voices, since there was a wide age range between a lot of the characters. The tone and range of his voice were so captivating, that his narration actually held my interest a lot better than did the story itself. I really do appreciate Mr. Hellegers' generosity in gifting me this book and, despite my feelings towards this particular story, I would be absolutely thrilled to hear his narration abilities again. He truly is an extremely talented narrator. ♣︎
  
  ➜ This audiobook was graciously gifted to me by its narrator, Neil Hellegers, in exchange for a review containing my honest thoughts and opinions. Thanks, Neil!
• 
  Lincoln

  You ever find yourself sitting down at a nice restaurant and everything on the menu looks delicious, and you find yourself disappointed because you can only choose one entree to eat? Well, Chronothon is the "Sampler" of time travel books. A little of everything. Some fans of the genre hone in on specific time periods, or are die hard futurists and enjoy sci-fi theoretical tomorrowlands. This book finds the protagonist wrapped up in a conspiracy, masked as a time travel extreme sporting event. Racing at break neck speed through the past and into the future.
  
  I really loved this book, I often find myself intrigued by the idea of a novel but than get bored by the middle of the story because some ideas need to remain short stories not novels...I loved how this book in a sense is very much a novel but each chapter felt like a short story as you never knew where the story was going both in the overall mystery of the story but each time gate would literally whisk the characters to an entirely new time and place. The complete change of time and place so often kept the story moving and the pages turning. I gotta read the next chapter...Where is the next level?
  
  Despite the story being disjointed by its nature, you really come to put it all together by the personality of the protagonist Ben. This book has some extreme tension, and I would say it is the most action packed time travel novel I have ever read....and I am a Time Travel Guru of sorts...Ben relieves some of the tension by being his goofy self and at times certain chapters come off as an action comedy, which for me was highly enjoyable. Van Coops has a genre breaker in this book as one of the levels is completely survival horror at its best. I have to compliment the author in presenting so much in a single novel. Despite, the book loaning itself to so much action, I felt as a reader I came to care very much for our protagonist and his fellow racers of the Chronothon, who are more friends than competition.
  
  Can't decide if you enjoy time travel or history? I recommend the sampler...A little taste of the Chronothon will have you coming back for more for sure....This is book 2 of 3 so all the possible avenues this leaves open for exploration is astounding...Can't wait for what's next!
• 
  Garrett Alley

  This is the real deal -- a wonderful book. I really enjoyed this one from start to finish and could really appreciate the ending. While it left room for some kind of sequel, the main story was finished and satisfying.
• 
  Sarah Michelle Bush

  Upon starting this novel I immediately realized I could binge read it if I was not careful. I purposely left The Chronothon in my car so that I could pace myself when taking my lunch breaks during the workweek. I have given a few copies of this book away as gifts and I recently heard back from a 76 year old client, who is a retired schoolteacher, that she finished it in one day. Her comment about Nathan was that I should tell him that he is amazing. She also wanted to know what it is like to have conversations with him. Some of her favorite parts were the quotes from Dr. Quickly at the start of each chapter. In the beginning of my reading of The Chronothon I noticed some homages to other favorite fiction of mine. I felt nostalgia for my love of modern reading such as The Hunger Games and Harry Potter books as well as other classic adventure epics. Very quickly I learned that this second book was much more complex and a fascinating journey that I was excited to take part in following along. The characters were more diverse and I felt a wide array of emotion while engrossed in the story. It was fun to travel along to the various historical and futuristic destinations. I felt great anticipation during each level to find out what happens next. There were surprises and danger as promised in the description. I believe even more strongly that this clever take on time travel would make for an exciting television series or Hollywood blockbuster. I am thrilled by having my expectations exceeded once again and look forward eagerly to the next novel.
• 
  Jim

  Wow - I loved this book. Time travel + The Amazing Race + The Hunger Games (without the constantly annoying main character) & more. The "rules" around time travel in this series are intriguing already - but combined with the race through different time periods, contrasting the linear movement of the race with jumping in and between legs of the race...what a great concept. It's been ages since I've read time travel that had fresh ideas...this has it. I liked Ben in book 1, but grew to like him more in this book. He's like a lot of friends I've had in life....doesn't always seem to prepare or realize the gravity of the situation, but through his natural ability to stay calm, plus charm and quick thinking, he manages (often enough) to come out on top. A more uptight person would make a constant disaster of themselves in the same situations that Ben faces...and his own growing seriousness through the course of events felt genuine and relatable.
• 
  David Pennington

  Nathan Van Coops' followup to In Times Like These finds our protagonist, Ben, in a whole new kind of trouble. He's signed up to compete in a Chronothon - a sort of race throughout time - without realizing exactly what he's gotten himself into. Van Coops keeps the action going while Ben encounters some fascinating characters. Without divulging any spoilers, let's just say there are some unique slants on narcissism and non-human time travelers. A great read!
• 
  Gina F. LeBlanc

  Fun fun fun
  
  Recommended reading, enjoyed immensely, very well written, great characters, real page turner, you won't regret this purchase, can't say enough
• 
  Wendy

  " The Chronothan" the second book in the exciting and gripping series "In Times Like These" is a masterful piece of time travelling lore that begins with a race across history that Ben Travers unwittingly agrees to. But the competition soon becomes a test of survival when Ben's guide is murdered and competitors are killed. With danger around every corner Ben, Mym and his new friends search for clues to the mystery behind the deaths and a conspiracy that has them jumping to prohibited worlds.
  
  Nathan Van Coops sets the stage for this absorbing science fiction story when Ben travels to Ireland in the 2150's for a race that he can't get out of. The rules are simple: no creating paradoxes or new timestreams; no jumps back in time more than designated; and no grievous harm to other races . Similar to television's the "Amazing Race" the competitors have to travel to a period in time, and complete a task; the winner determined by their placement at the end of the required levels. The science of time travelling is imaginative and innovative with its anchors and gravitites while hi-tech gadgets like the "Tachyon Pulse Transmitter " a phone for time travellers and the "Temprovibe 5", the key to tapping into meta-space are uniquely inventive.
  
  Cleverly the author begins to build intensity and suspense when Ben is forced to compete and his guide , a friend of Dr. Harold Quickly is murdered. As events progress smoothly and quickly, the action never stops in an adventure that has Ben and the competitors storming an English castle under siege ; navigating pirate-infested waters; uncloaking a monster in a travelling circus; and rescuing lives from the fiery inferno of the Hindenburg. Into a tale that spouts blood, death, chaos and disaster the author weaves alien- made zombies, killer cyborgs and a fanatical religious cult that hates time travellers. Yet for all the tension and violence the plot sparks with wry humor with Ben's wisecracks and Viznir's ineptitude with slang phrases. Even the deepening romance between Ben and Mym lightens the tone of the atmosphere.
  
  New characters as well as familiar faces with their complex but believable personalities infuse the adventure with depth, passion and drama as they face each new challenge. Technically skilled Ben Travers a quick-witted and resourceful hero under pressure does tend to be naive and trusting, looking for the best in people while adventurous Mym Quickly is suspicious, curious and practical. Among the competitors in the race is Horatio a cynical, mean bully; self-sacrificing and friendly Jettison Marsh; the awkward but determined nine year old Jonah Sprocket and his loyal, protective dog Barley; as well as the fast, adaptable and honorable caretaker of time Mooruvio Jassoon Bozzelstitch, a darkly green horned alien.
  
  I loved" The Chronothan" with its dark conspiracy and mystery and recommend it highly to those that like an exciting intricately-woven scify adventure you can't put down until the end.
  
• 
  Paul (Life In The Slow Lane)

  You know – we have things pretty tough down here in Australia, what with being “down under” and having to learn to pee while standing on our head, chase crocodiles out of our swimming pools, squish deadly spiders that are hiding in our shoes, shooing poisonous snakes out of our undies drawer and fending off attacks by ravenous drop bears. So having to get our heads around the possibilities and impossibilities of time travel just adds to our woes. In this chronological marathon, our author carries on with the brain twisting scenarios – and I liked it.
  
  My mate just says not to bother trying to figure it out. “Time travel is impossible anyway,” he says. But when you think about it, we’re already travelling through time (and space) but like an old VW, we’re stuck in one gear. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a few more, and faster, forward gears – and reverse too? I know I’d go straight back to high school and kick that physics teacher in his basement plumbing for telling me I’d never grasp the intricacies of light wave theory.
  
  Well I found the first 20% of the book pretty boring for some reason. I don’t know why. In fact, instead of wondering what was going to happen next, I found myself pondering our refrigerator’s acute lack of beer. I came THIS close to giving up *me holds fingers really close together*. The next 60% got interesting – once the Chronothon race thingy got underway. At that stage, it read like a book of short action stories – each one very different from the other. Much better Nathan! Then the last 40%; err wait – no – 20%, was fascinating as we get more into the whodunnit phase (yes – there may or may not have been the odd murder).
  
  Our prophetic author lays on a big, deep think about what our future might bring, and covers a few mind-boggling topics regarding androids and aliens and of course, time travellers. He does a pretty damn good job at figuring all that out – so I don’t have to. And he even tosses in a few scary alien creatures as the cherry on the cake. (Thanks for that Nathan – I had a nasty dream last night. Something about swallowing a vampire loofah.) Nice work.
  
  Well I started off almost giving up, and if you start to think the story is dragging a bit, well keep reading. The book gets better – and better.
  
  P.S. BIG brownie points to Nathan Van Coops for mentioning my homestate of Queensland in his story.
  
• 
  Mark Laporta

  Ingenuity and a flair for broad brushstrokes go a long way to drive a sci-fi story forward. Add to that a penchant for sassy wit and a facility with action scenes, and you have most of the ingredients for a fascinating novel.
  
  That’s why many readers will find THE CHRONOTHON, by Nathan Van Coops a satisfying read. It even includes a stuttering love story in the romantic comedy tradition— in which a hopeless guy has to prove to his girl that he is, after all, “the man.”
  
  Trouble is, in this story, the guy’s transformation is too extensive to be believable. From a lovable doofus who’s afraid of heights, shy Ben Travers becomes an A-list action hero, snuffing out zombies like the fifth Ninja Turtle.
  
  Yes, in keeping with the novel's premise—in which an unassuming young man gets snookered into a cosmic pyramid scheme of murder and mayhem—Ben's survival does depend on “stepping up.” It’s just that the step is implausibly high.
  
  Now, some of the time, the sweep of the action does make you suspend disbelief. But after a while, the author's deft handling of action scenes works against him, as it substitutes more and more for true character development. In fact, most of Ben’s time-travelling companions are flatly generic, even though Van Coops gives each one a distinctive set of external hooks and looks.
  
  Ingenious, yes, but these clever details, which sometimes shade over into clumsy ethnic stereotyping, do nothing to make us care about these people—even when they die horribly.
  
  Ultimately, the problem with THE CHRONOTHON is one of selection. With fewer characters, fewer hurdles for the time-travelers and fewer buckets of gore, the author might have told a more gripping tale. If Van Coops had chosen more carefully, each character would count for something and each scene would reveal more about each of them.
  
  As I see it, that’s the crucial difference between an interesting plot and a moving story. A plot is simply what happens. A story is what happens to characters we believe in.
  
  
• 
  Tia

  So good. So creative. So edge-of-my-seat stressful. I look forward for more from this author.