In the second book of this series, Jack and Angus have become active members of VIGIL, a secret group that has the means to travel back in time. In this volume, the boys are sent to Elizabethan England. They must try to thwart the plans of their nemesis, the Revisionists. While on their assignment to foil a plot to murder the queen, the boys meet William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth, and Christopher Marlowe. With the queen dead, the Revisionists plan on the Spanish Armada winning and forever changing the face of the world. Sword fights, acting, guns, and time travel all make for an intriguing and interesting read. The author also includes the historical significance of these events, a brief biography of Queen Elizabeth, a description of the Spanish Armada, and short biographies of some of the other significant characters the reader meets. Readers do not need prior knowledge of the characters, as there are reference to previous events, and a prologue provides the necessary background information. This fast-paced story with the unusual concept of traveling through time to purposely change the course of history will appeal to readers
Educational Materials Reviewer
readers will enjoy the non-stop action, as well as the glimpses of historical figures .
Kirkus
Gr 6-9-Jack and Angus are members of the VIGIL society, dedicated to protecting the secret of time travel from the Revisionist party, who want to change the future by altering the past. VIGIL learns that Revisionist chief Dr. Pendelshape is in Elizabethan England. The enemy scientist is seeking to secure the success of the Spanish Armada, making Spain rather than England the dominant influence in modern Western history. Jack and Angus are sent back to stop the plot, but something goes wrong in the transference. Separated from their team, the teens are lost in 16th-century England. They fall in with a group of players on the way to a command performance before Queen Elizabeth I, but one of the actors has a more sinister plan in mind. With assassins from the Spanish Inquisition on one hand and Revisionist goons on the other, can Jack and Angus survive until they can get back to the 21st century? Real personages such Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare fit smoothly into the plot. Actual historical events are portrayed accurately within the confines of the fictional plot, and black-and-white reproductions of maps, prints, and portraits add to the period feel. Plotlines and characters carry over from Day of the Assassins (Candlewick, 2009), but sufficient background is provided to allow this book to stand on its own. A challenging and exciting read for those who appreciate a blend of history and science fiction.-Elaine E. Knight,
Elaine E. Knight,
School Library Journal
It is an entertaining read for upper key stage 2 pupils. Enjoy the story and learn about Elizabethan England at the same time!
English Four to Eleven
it made history come to life and would be best suited to a fan of Dr Who and other science fiction
Maria Arshad