Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the author
OK
Wham! (Timewalker Book 1) Kindle Edition
From husband and wife writing team, Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps, WHAM is an imaginative and original dystopian fantasy where technology and magic stand side by side.
“Rarely have I seen fantasy and science fiction married so successfully.”
When Children and Family Assistance police drag her mom, her dad and her beautiful sister out the door into the night and beat her senseless, Tess Greenwood finds herself alone, her every move watched by the hidden World Alliance. Almost blind after her beating, she flees to the forbidden Broadstreet compound and a troll named Maxi.
So begins Tess's journey from quiet teen at home to fierce young woman, determined to get back her family any way she can. Even if she must travel time itself.
But time is one thing she has little of. Those arrested in the night seldom live for long, and beautiful young women are destined to become toys for the elite.
Frantic, Tess tries to pull herself together to save her loved ones and her world... and the clock is ticking.
Get your copy and enter the world of the Timewalkers.
"At first, I thought this was your typical dystopian story, but I quickly learned it is so much more. Layer upon layer was peeled back as I read, revealing themes of corruption, power, and greed as well as familial love and loyalty that spans the ages.”
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateMay 14, 2016
- Reading age13 - 18 years
- File size2953 KB
Shop this series
See full series-
All 2$6.98
-
All 2$6.98
This option includes 2 books.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Wham! is a work of hyperfantasy dystopian fiction penned by authors Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps,and it forms the first book in the Timewalker Series. Combining the elements oftraditional fantasy and fairy stories with the harsh political realities of adark and dangerous government system, the plot centers on Tess and her familyjust as they are torn apart. The World Alliance rules with an iron fist,governing for the supposed good of all, but Tess and her sister Nia know fromexperience that this is not the case. Tess vows to reconnect and tear down thebarriers made by the Alliance, and she knows she must discover actual magic inorder to power her own revolution.
From slow adaptation and indoctrination to the sudden seizure of everythingthey hold dear, the story of Tess and the Greenwood family rings truethroughout history for its chilling qualities, right from the novel's take-off.Considering this is a tale which contains fairy people, trolls and magic, therealities of the dystopian world which play out are incredibly realistic andgenuinely frightening. For Tess, magic is the way forward, but there are alsomindsets to change and ideologies to destroy, and authors Carol Marrs Phippsand Tom Phipps handle them extremely well with their delicate prose and strongdialogue. Overall, Wham! is an unusual combination of a novel which will packmuch more of a serious punch than you expect. Highly recommended for adult andolder teen readers alike.
Review Rating: 5Stars
Product details
- ASIN : B01FPLZGSO
- Publisher : Carol Marrs Phipps & Tom Phipps; 1st edition (May 14, 2016)
- Publication date : May 14, 2016
- Language : English
- File size : 2953 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 553 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,068,581 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Carol Marrs Phipps is a teacher turned author. She was born in Missouri, grew up in Illinois and lives on their farm in Illinois with her husband, a blue-front amazon parrot, a raven and 4 Siberian Forest cats.
Tom Phipps (Carol's husband and co-writer), also a teacher turned writer, is a native of Southern Illinois where he grew up on his family’s large farm.
Carol & Tom taught on various Native American Reservations in Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada, where they learned a great deal from their students, the very first fans of their writing. Not long after they married, Carol discovered to her joy that Tom also loved to write. They have been writing together full-time ever since.
The books Carol & Tom have written together include: Elf Killers which takes place a millennium before the books of the Heart of the Staff series, Good Sister, Bad Sister, The Collector Witch, Stone Heart, The Burgeoning, The Reaper Witch, the final book of the series, Doom, and Heart of the Staff: Complete Series boxed set and Heart of the Staff: Complete Appendix. Recently, Carol and Tom launched a new Dystopian/Urban Fantasy series with the first book of a planned trilogy, Wham! (Book1 Timewalker, followed by Then... (Book 2 Timewalker) and are currently writing the third and final book of the series. All their books are available as eBook or paperback except the boxed set and the appendix.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book imaginative and intriguing. They describe it as an enjoyable, quality read with compelling characters and a human side to the storylines. Readers appreciate the fast-paced tempo and visual content. The world-building is described as great and creative.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the imaginative and intriguing storyline. They find it well-written with a flowing plot and adventure. The worldbuilding is unique and fresh, with a lack of overly long narratives. Readers appreciate the lack of overly descriptive descriptions and the flow of action-packed writing.
"...of age theme is supported by beautifully flowing writing which is full of action while it pokes and stirs up a variety of emotions within the reader..." Read more
"Wham! is an exciting fantasy with Trolls and Fairies and other amazing people. I enjoyed the tempo of the book and the imagery...." Read more
"...The underground bleeds constantly, and they are losing. The world feels believable and thus stays interesting even when the point of view shifts to..." Read more
"This book has some fresh and unique worldbuilding that I thoroughly enjoyed. The story takes place in a dystopian future...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They find it a great, original story with surprises and twists. It's an exciting and engrossing read that is action-packed. The fantasy elements are amazing and easy to see. Readers appreciate the appropriate topics and consider it a good beginning of a series.
"...Overall I found this novel to be an excellent read and I would highly recommend it to all readers...." Read more
"...of the Staff series by Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps and enjoyed it tremendously. When the duo released Wham!..." Read more
"...That being said, it’s important to mention that I enjoyed the book...." Read more
"...the magical beings come together for the big showdown, but it’s well-done overall, and things don’t go magically well, of course...." Read more
Customers enjoyed the compelling characters and the strong female leads. They found the story engaging, with a human side and focus on sincerity. The characters were described as brave, intelligent, and rational.
"...There are also a plethora of very intriguing characters in this novel. They are not your typical cast of human players however...." Read more
"...I liked the bridge to The Heart of the Staff series, and the characters were excellent. As with The Heart of the Staff series, Wham!..." Read more
"Wham! is an exciting fantasy with Trolls and Fairies and other amazing people. I enjoyed the tempo of the book and the imagery...." Read more
"...Characters are given credibility through their development, that all-important narrative weight, but the sturdy handles of their mallets are..." Read more
Customers enjoy the visual content. They find the details wonderful, fascinating, and other-worldly. The book has vivid imagery and a creative touch. Readers appreciate the eloquent style and vivid imagery. The story is full of surprises and twists, and it covers many different interests and groups.
"...It hits so many different interests and groups: fantasy, science fiction, mystery, political thriller...you get the picture!" Read more
"...I enjoyed the tempo of the book and the imagery. It has been quite a while since I've read fantasy, and was pleased with this dystopian take...." Read more
"...Great pace and clever writing with vivid descriptions...." Read more
"...diverse cast of characters it gave the book so much more in terms of details, intricate and authentic characters...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it engaging and fast-paced, with an exciting plot that keeps readers hooked. Readers appreciate the author's effort in developing a creative language and capturing their attention throughout the story.
"...I found the plot of this novel to be very fast-paced, engaging and utterly creative...." Read more
"...I enjoyed the tempo of the book and the imagery. It has been quite a while since I've read fantasy, and was pleased with this dystopian take...." Read more
"...Both the protagonists and main villain come across as capable, intelligent, and rational actors...." Read more
"...As part of the world-building, it was all a lot of fun. Great pace and clever writing with vivid descriptions...." Read more
Customers enjoy the world-building. They mention it's great and that the book brings peace, equality, and prosperity to the world.
"...one banner in order to bring universal peace, equality and prosperity to the world...." Read more
"...That’s an important marker for good worldbuilding and storytelling...." Read more
"...Incredible world building with unique characters. As a father of a young daughter I really enjoyed the two strong lead female characters...." Read more
"Great world-building. Be prepared for an abrupt mid-scene ending...." Read more
Customers enjoy the magical elements in the book. They find the fairy with magical powers and the troll, fairy, and wizard languages amazing.
"...She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s also a fairy with magical powers. Her barber is a troll, and her friend’s pet crow is a skinshifter...." Read more
"Wham, by Carol Marr Phipps introduces an exciting new world of fairies, trolls and fantasy creatures that exist alongside humans...." Read more
"...The added languages from the trolls, fairies and wizards were amazing and added depth to the story. Great beginning book of a series!" Read more
Reviews with images

Not enough exposition to understand what could be a great story.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2018"First they came for the communists,
And I did not speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
And I didn't speak out because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
And I did not speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me,
And then there was no one left to speak out for me."
(Martin Niemoller)
Does the quotation noted above resonate with you in any way? The possibility of individual rights and freedoms being gradually stripped away. The very lives of individuals at risk while others stay silent in witness to such atrocities in hopes that they themselves will remain safe. Grim notions indeed! Now take these weighty thoughts and sprinkle in some thrilling fantasy in the form of trolls, wizards and fairies who are attempting to survive in an oppressive dystopian world. For lovers of intelligent and imaginative fictional fantasy which will engross you from start to finish... Wham! by Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps is a top pick!
The novel primarily follows the escapades of the Greenwood family. They are living under the cruel and tyrannical rule of the World Alliance who have seized power from all the governments in the world and united as one supreme power. All individuality, freedom and liberty has been removed from the citizens of the world in the name of the "greater good". Under the constant and watchful eye of the crystal spying balls called skinwelers, all citizens have to be extremely careful and cognizant of their every action. One false move under this unforgiving realm will lead to utter disaster. Alas, a lesson the Greenwood family finds out first hand. One night their home is invaded by government agents and the family is moved, separated and forced into unbearable situations. It is under these conditions that we are able to see the formation of a resistance begin in this fantastical world. Will the Greenwoods ever come back together as one? Or will the dark and evil forces ultimately impose their will on this mystical world?
I found the plot of this novel to be very fast-paced, engaging and utterly creative. The coming of age theme is supported by beautifully flowing writing which is full of action while it pokes and stirs up a variety of emotions within the reader at the same time. For instance, you cannot help but become entirely livid...yet hopeful... by the abusive situations which the Greenwoods are forced to endure. All of this takes place within an imaginative story-world in which this breathtaking setting is entirely darkened by the oppressive overtones contained within. Such juxtaposition is not only clever, but entirely captivating as well. If I had any "complaint" to make about the book, it would be that some of the language is hard to comprehend as it takes place in various tongues (e.g., fairy and troll). However, to be clear, this was quite necessary to make the story more authentic and believable. Potential lack of believability in a fantasy story-world will kill any novel very quickly. Also, it must have taken the authors a great deal of effort to concoct the language. It just sometimes impeded with the wonderful flow of the story for me personally.
There are also a plethora of very intriguing characters in this novel. They are not your typical cast of human players however. There is a dynamic mix of trolls, wizards, faeries and humans. One of the elements which makes this story so great is that in such a "fairy tale" like atmosphere, the characters are very believable and authentic. They face dire and devastating circumstances and still find the fortitude within to rise up against such overpowering odds. Tess, who can certainly be seen as the main protagonist, is a perfect example of such a well developed character. We see a great deal of growth in her and Nia, and get the sense that something very big is yet to come.
Overall I found this novel to be an excellent read and I would highly recommend it to all readers. It is actually very difficult to "categorize" it as one particular genre. It hits so many different interests and groups: fantasy, science fiction, mystery, political thriller...you get the picture!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2017I read the Heart of the Staff series by Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps and enjoyed it tremendously. When the duo released Wham! (Timewallker # 1), it went on my TBR immediately! Read on for my thoughts.
Synopsis (from the author): When the World Alliance seized power from all the governments of the world, they said it was for the greater good. They said it was necessary to unite all the nations of the globe under one banner in order to bring universal peace, equality and prosperity to the world.
To most families throughout the world, the rise of the Alliance and their grandiose promises meant little. They had long grown weary of the lies of the corrupt law-makers and heads of state and were far more concerned with their day-to-day struggles to survive.
The Greenwood family was no exception, and for a time life went on much as it had before the rise of the Alliance. In time, individual cultural and racial identity were outlawed. They said it was for the greater good. They said it was necessary to create a more harmonious, homogenous world community. The Greenwood family adapted.
But then they took away freedom. They made it mandatory for all households and public buildings to have skinwelers, crystal spying balls in every room, in order to watch the people’s every move. They said it was for the greater good. They said it was necessary for public safety and civil order. And the Greenwood family adapted.
But then the state took their family farm and lands and moved them to Gollsport where they had built barracks for all the displaced citizens. They said it was for the greater good. They said the countryside had become contaminated by farm chemicals and the relocation was for their continued health and safety. Once again, the Greenwood family adapted.
But then they came in the night and took away seventeen year-old Tess Greenwood’s entire family. They said it was for the greater good. They said Tess would adapt and in time she would be far better for it.
But Tess cared not for the Alliance’s greater good. She did not adapt. She wanted her family back and vowed to do whatever she must in order to see them again. Little did she know, that to keep her vow, she would have to become a timewalker.
What I liked: Wham! Brought back great memories of The Heart of the Staff series by tying the old with the new. Though the books are nothing alike, the familiarity was a great bridge. I liked the dystopian feel to the world, and Tess was an easy character to like. Nia was a sympathetic character in impossible circumstances, but found friends, an unlikely ally, and an uneasy relationship with the potentate. Add to the mix Maxi the troll (and an amazing hairdresser), and the stage is set for an enjoyable tale.
What I didn’t like: Maybe it will come in future books, but I needed more background on how the world reached its current state. Additionally, the dialogue from Maxi was a bit hard to follow.
Overall impression: I liked Wham! the start to the Timewalker books! As mentioned above, I liked the bridge to The Heart of the Staff series, and the characters were excellent. As with The Heart of the Staff series, Wham! (Timewalker #1), this is a series fantasy readers will enjoy!
My rating: 4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)
- Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2017Wham! is an exciting fantasy with Trolls and Fairies and other amazing people. I enjoyed the tempo of the book and the imagery. It has been quite a while since I've read fantasy, and was pleased with this dystopian take. There are several unexpected twists, including time travel through Fairy Rings. Tess is a strong-willed teenager that learns of her heritage after her parents are taken to the mines, and her sister is forced into prostitution in the underwater city of Atlantis.
Great job Carol and Tom, thanks for the awesome adventure.
Top reviews from other countries
- Christine DutsReviewed in Mexico on June 19, 2018
4.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down!
The book begins with an action scene, drawing you into the story at once, making it hard to put it down. I went through half the book in one day. You can't help but feel for Tess and Nia and their terrible situation. Both sisters are strong, and their strength is described in a realistic way, not making them appear larger than life heroines, but like real people with their fears and worries, being strong despite of them, or perhaps because of them. I loved the descriptions of the different worlds of the elves and trolls and I was immediately drawn to Maxi the troll.
The book ends with a cliffhanger and I am dying to know what happens to Tess and Nia, and what is in store for the elves, trolls, and other magical creatures that appear in the story. I hope we won't have to wait too long for the sequel!
- HM HoltenReviewed in Germany on June 1, 2019
4.0 out of 5 stars Dystopian Fantasy
Wham is a fitting title to a dystopian scenario that hits you between the eyes. There are elements of Margaret Atwood in the class divisions, but the authors have their own style. They bring across their message with compelling prose. The characters, be they elves, fairies, wizards, potentates, or ‘ordinary’ school children, are convincing and real. The world building is as strong, and the wasteland of the ‘normal’ world contrasts resoundingly with the hidden fairy country. As the first book of a series, it sets the scene for coming adventures. Here, my personal view is that ‘Wham’ is too short.
For me the problem with series is that the necessary hook often leaves the reader without a sense of closure. True, if the ending is definite, there’s no reason to continue. All the same, there are several examples of series (e.g. by Guy Gabriel Kay or Ursula Le Guin) where every part has a conclusion, although the readers want to know what happens next.
This doesn’t detract from the excitement and heart-stopping agitation that Wham gives its audience.
- Mystic WolfReviewed in Canada on June 6, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars One very interesting fantasy tale.
Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps bring a very unique tale to life, which is something different from their usual fantasy writing style. Although Carol and Tom are fantasy writers this story begins as a sort of teenage run a round romp where young girls like Tess Greenwood and Nia Greenwood are in a typical environment surrounded boys and their usual teenage life surrounded by sex and all the problems that come with it. With Tess it’s just the everyday life at first with mother ‘Maud’ and father ‘Mort.’ But she has her troubles like any other teenager. Nia is a troubled girl with depression and is referred to as a whore by some. She is quickly whisked away into an underwater dome of the capital. This is where the detoxification begins for her. But what she has come into (and this is where the fantasy begins) is a fantasy world with life with fairies and other creatures. Creatures like “Ocker’ and ‘Urr Urr’ who are ravens guiding them on path. And then there is ‘Morrigan’ who changes into ‘Bart’ the crow. There’s also a small ball known as the ‘Skinny’, which is some sort of communicator. It seems to be the hottest gadget out there. Nia, although fascinated by the different words, is desperately wanting to get home.
Wham! Is a first book in a new series that promises more books to follow. Much more could be said about this fantasy world, but I leave it to you – the reader, to come and join Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps to explore and escape into a world like no other. In which some never knew existed. This is where the real world unites with the imagination of the uniquely fantasy woven tale by Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps. Enjoy!
- Kelly Susan EricksonReviewed in Canada on March 8, 2021
4.0 out of 5 stars YA adventure
Really fun story. A mix of a couple of genres. Great YA novel. The only problem was the cliff hanger. I think the authors could have gone a little further before ending the book.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful dystopian, time travelling delight.
Firstly the cover for this book is fantastic and gives an immediate idea of how the main character looks.
Right from the opening chapter, when the family of Tess Greenwood is torn away by the faceless and sinister Children and Family Assistance, you get a real sense of tension in this story. The world Tess lives in is oppressed and controlled by a brutal government, who watch the citizens with ‘Skinnies’ or ‘skinwelers,’ controlling their lives at any opportunity.
The world the authors have created is well thought out and a rich array of characters introduced as the story progresses. The characters range from Humans, trolls and elves to fairies and shapeshifters (called skinwalkers) so something for everyone. My favourites are Maxie, a troll and Bart the Crow, who is awesome.
The action builds as the story progresses, so although it starts off at a slow pace, it picks up the more you read. There is even a prison break out, which was much needed to relieve all the oppression. I cheered the characters on at that point, the fight back had begun.
The language used by two of the characters (Maxi and Teeuh) is a little hard to understand in places. You have to focus on the sounds of the letters rather than how the words are spelt, but (in my view) that just adds to this books charm.
I would recommend this book and look forward to the release of the next in the series.