Timeline

A Novel

By: Michael Crichton

Narrated by: John Bedford Lloyd

Length: 15 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

In an Arizona desert a man wanders in a daze, speaking words that make no sense. Within twenty-four hours he is dead, his body swiftly cremated by his only known associates. Halfway around the world archaeologists make a shocking discovery at a medieval site. Suddenly they are swept off to the headquarters of a secretive multinational corporation that has developed an astounding technology. Now this group is about to get a chance not to study the past but to enter it. And with history opened to the present, the dead awakened to the living, these men and women will soon find themselves fighting for their very survival—six hundred years ago. . . .

©1999 by Michael Crichton (P)1999 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio Publishing, A Division of Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"COMPULSIVE READING . . . BRILLIANTLY IMAGINED."--Los Angeles Times

"EXCITING . . . CLASSIC ADVENTURE . . . [A] SWASHBUCKLING NOVEL . . . CRICHTON DELIVERS."--USA Today

"MORE SCREAMS PER PAGE . . . THAN JURASSIC PARK AND THE LOST WORLD COMBINED. . . . THE PACE WILL LEAVE MANY BREATHLESSLY GRASPING FOR OXYGEN MASKS."--San Diego Union-Tribune

Great story!

I admit that the movie adaption to this story is crap. BUT, I had faith that Crichton being such a smart guy, could provide the detail and character enhancment that the movie so sorely lacked. I am happy to say that the unabridged version exceeds my expectations. The characters were real and easilly visual. The story had lots of punch, while still slowing down for a convincing backstory. A few times while hiking the story actually made me stop and curse. I was very much inside the story. I cared about the people. Loved some of them, hated some of them. I had opinions throughout of what I would do in that situation. I was involved! I cared.

It's not often that a story comes alive like this. I find myself sad that it had to end. If it had had another dozen disks, I would have been totally okay with that. I'm sad only that it had to end. It's too bad that the movie didn't capture the story I heard here. But that's Hollywood for ya.

Held me through to the end

I was skeptical when purchasing this book but was pleasantly surprised by the fact that the book held my interest from start to finish. I would suggest it to a friend.

Narration issues, brilliant story

There are several spots where there is just dead air in the narration. Mr. Lloyd also mispronounces a number of words. I would expect a professional narrator to know that you noCK not noCH an arrow. That was just one example. This aside, I love Michael Crichton's books. He was an intelligent man that expects intelligence out of his readers.

Great story, weird narration

Like most of Chritons work, this is a fun blend of fanciful science and fast paced adventure. My only issue is with the narration. The narrator is not bad but some of his characters are terrible. Either super whiney, overly dramatic, or in Andre Merriks case, an Arnold Schwarzenegger wannabe. Still worth a listen because the story is fun if you can get past the narration.

Excellent!

This book was one of the BEST I've listened to ever. The author is a genius, and the narrator was excellent. His portrayal of the different characters was so good. He's been a favorite of mine & he outdid himself with this book. And the story was suspenseful! I can't think of anything negative to say about it.

Fun Book. Great Performance

An enjoyable story, well read, and Well done on the incorporation of real science where possible.

It's alright

A few glaring plot holes, characters could have been better developed, but still a good story. I'm not mad at it.

exciting. well read.

well read, especially for having to represent so many characters. Crichton always does his research. I learned while being entertained.

Delightful, fanciful page-turner

This is another Crichton delight. Part ripping-yarn, part sci-fi, all-engrossing thought-provoker. (Let’s see - how many hyphens did I get in that all-too-hyphenated sentence?) My biggest reservation is the off-hand (there’s another one) dismissal of the “butterfly effect” on imagined time travel. Even Homer Simpson embraced that problem when he caused it to rain donuts! Suspension of reality aside (thank you, Steven Jobs) the book is marvelous.

Fascinating concept & story!

First read after watching the movie many times. the book is far better then the movie. concept and how it was portrayed is great!