Armand Baltazar - Timeless Bk 1: Diego and the Rangers of the Vaslantic - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books Book Review

The first book in a cinematic-style middle-grade adventure series about what happens when many different time periods collide and have to co-exist in the city of Chicago. You’ve never seen Earth like this before: continents reshaped, oceans re-formed, cities rebuilt, and mountains sculpted anew. Dinosaurs roam the plains alongside herds of buffalo, and giant robots navigate the same waters as steam-powered ships. This is the world Diego Ribera was born into. The past, present, and future coexisting together. In New Chicago, Diego’s middle school hallways buzz with kids from all eras of history and from cultures all over the world. The pieces do not always fit together neatly, but this is the world he loves. There are those, however, who do not share his affection. On his thirteenth birthday, Diego learns of a special gift he has within, a secret that is part of something much bigger—something he cannot understand. When his father, New Chicago’s top engineer, is taken by the Aeternum, Diego must rescue him and prevent this evil group from disrupting the fragile peace humanity has forged.

We always say that you should never judge a book by it's cover, but we still do. If you are a person drawn by a cover, then I can safely and honestly say that this book cover matches the content. It is absolutely amazing and neither will it let your judgement down.

I realise that I am late to this party as the book was published in the US back in OCTOBER 2017 (last year!). However, I do remember highlighting this book back at the time of publication. It is only now that I have recently got round to buying a special copy of the book from the author. This has now driven and given me the incentive to tell you all just how wonderful it actually is. 

Visually, it is stunning. Take a look at this short youtube clip which shows some of the full-colour, illustrated page images. You will soon see and understand how brilliant they are. The colours are so vibrant whilst the images just pull you into the adventure. This fully immersive quality is so easy to get lost in. The illustratoins really does push the boundaries with creativity here to bring a special book to both children and adults.

The story is imaginative and fantastically written. The plot feels very cinematic and is extremely well thought out. It will transport any reader into a fantasy bonanza of images and words. The fantastic blend of time travel and destructive worlds where the past rolls into the future and the future also rolls into the past which make for an interesting concept. It's a plot where anything can happen and will happen. It is an adventure like no other ....

The exciting adventure filled with danger and peril is reminiscent of a classical Jules Verne novel. The characters are wonderfully written and endearing; they make the whole story a joy to read. Each personality comes together to try and save their parents and friends. It highlights the importance, regardless of culture or ethnicity, of working together and respecting each other. 

This really is a one-of-a-kind book. It's an epic story based on a large scale vision. It is certainly one of the best books that I have read; it's super cool and very entertaining. It is what can be described as a hoverboard fuelled ride full of adrenalin action inspired from working in the film industry. Will somebody please publish this book in the UK? It really is very special. I would 100% recommend you to purchase and read a copy as soon as you can, especially before the second book comes out, hopefully soon! 

Also, check out the author's website FOR MORE ON THE BOOK and some amazing artwork HERE.  You could also purchase a personalised copy like mine - it makes it even more special!