"The Storm Begins" will suit younger readers who enjoy history and adventure. However, I found the dialogue silted and the first half, in particular, a bit slow. However, there were some good action sequences in the latter part of the book that will keep young minds entertained. ( )

Wasn't sure whether to give this book 3 or 3.5. In the end I went for 3.5 simply because in the second half of the book I started to read it faster and therefore must have enjoyed it more. Maybe. Well is this the next Harry Potter? I doubt that but there is definitely a movie here and the author is himself a screenwriter so watch this space. I would definitely read another one in the series as it was enjoyable ad pacy. It probably wasn't all that smart but then again when you read the first Harry Potter did you ever think the plot would get that complicated? There is enough here for Dibben to make more of in the future and although the story ties up nicely for the ain part in the end as you would expect, there are a few unanswered questions ripe for investigation next time. The only thing that put me off this book initially was the ridiculous Justin Bieber-esque boy on the front - if you go to the website ca see pictoral representations of a few of the other main characters. This book will definitely keep you entertained for a day or two, but has it got the legs for an extended franchise? ( )

A hero set up with 'brave, intelligent eyes' on the first page and a techno geek with tape-mended glasses are just 2 of the cliches in the first few chapters ... they are not the last! But that doesn't mean that I wouldn't recommend this book as a fun romp through time travel with much to appreciate and enjoy. The descriptions can sometimes be a little predictable and pedestrian but it is the plot that is to the fore and the concept of a band of people protecting the timeline of history is certainly one that as a Doctor Who and Harry Potter fan I enjoyed reading about.
It reminded me more of the Percy Jackson books, compared to the more detailed worlds built up by Phillips Pullman & Reeve or Cornelia Funke, with a quick introduction to the History Keepers idea and limited build up of character and plot. Basically this is an adventure book with some pseudo-science and historical scenarios and with a likeable cast of characters that are gradually fleshed out: Jake Djones [the D is silent]; the attractive Topaz with the mysterious past; wise-cracking but image-obsessed Nathan and Charlie, the technical whizz who actually breaks from the geek mold to be a real hit with the ladies, are the main 4 young adventurers that are written for the young readers to identify with! For the older primary/teen audience, that this is aimed at, this is a book with great potential as the story is fast paced with excitement and a few elements of jeopardy.
The cliffhanger and the scene setting for book 2 left me feeling I would have picked up the next book in the series, if it had been handy, to continue the story straightaway and I think that is a sign that Dibben has done a good job of engaging the reader's interest in the characters and the story. ( )