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Andrew Hastie
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Anachronist: A Time Travel Adventure (The Infinity Engines Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Andrew Hastie (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 4,122 ratings

He broke into the wrong house. Now he’s broken time itself.

Seventeen-year-old car thief Joshua Jones doesn’t believe in fate—he barely believes in next week. But when a job goes wrong and lands him in the home of a mysterious old man called the Colonel, he stumbles into the secret world of the Oblivion Order—a society of time travellers sworn to protect the past and preserve the future.

Using the timelines of ancient artefacts, the Order navigates history’s most dangerous moments. But when Josh is pulled into a mission at Hitler’s Eagle’s Lair and accidentally saves the dictator’s life, he disrupts a delicate timeline—and awakens something far worse.

Pursued by chaos demons and a dark faction of the Order, Josh learns of an ancient prophecy: one that speaks of a paradox, a threat so powerful it could unravel time itself.

The paradox is real.
And it’s him.

As he races through Victorian London, the French Revolution, and into the Jurassic era, Josh is joined by Caitlin—a brilliant, feisty librarian with secrets of her own. Together, they must navigate the fractured timeline, face the truth about Josh’s past, and confront the future he's destined to destroy.

Some things in the past are meant to stay buried.
But Josh was never good at following the rules.

Perfect for fans of Doctor Who, Stranger Things, and fast-paced time-travel adventures, Anachronist takes you into a world not bound by time and explores the consequences of changing it.

Reviews have said:

"...if you're a fan of British sci-fi (like me) then you're in for a real treat with a very slight shade of Doctor Who (without the Aliens), but with secret societies, a healthy dose of science, quantum gadgets and conspiracies that weave in real historical figures…"★★★★★

"I love that it is intertwined with real historical events …" ★★★★★

"An interesting mix of history and sci-fi that takes you on a journey into another world…" ★★★★★

"The novel moves at a fantastic pace, and the author has seamlessly blended real historical moments with his own time travel mythology, along with vibrant characters and relationships, page-turning twists and a little sprinkling of romance. " ★★★★★

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  1. Book 1 of 7
    The Infinity Engines
  2. Print length
    460 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    March 25, 2017
  6. Reading age
    14 - 18 years
  7. File size
    4.4 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. ‘Without art, what do you have? A bunch of books about logic and algebra? Art is the very expression of life! Of our hopes and dreams. Imagine how dull the world would be without artists like Da Vinci, Michelangelo or Picasso. Who would help us to celebrate the beautiful complexity of life?’
    Highlighted by 80 Kindle readers
  2. ‘An Anachronist, a man of the Watch,’ the colonel said proudly, ‘part of the Oblivion Order — an ancient society of chronologically ambiguous individuals from a rather elite evolutionary branch known as Homo Temporalis.’
    Highlighted by 76 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

Can Josh change his past without destroying his future?
Book cover and quote
Start your next time travel adventure

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The novel moves at a fantastic pace, and the author has seamlessly blended real historical moments with his own time travel mythology..." ★★★★★

"...if you're a fan of British sci-fi (like me) then you're in for a real treat with a very slight shade of Doctor Who (without the Aliens), but with secret societies, a healthy dose of science, quantum gadgets and conspiracies that weave in real historical figures..."★★★★★

"I love that it is intertwined with real historical events ..." ★★★★★

"An interesting mix of history and sci-fi that takes you on a journey into another world..." ★★★★★

"Great stuff. Move over, Mrs Rowling, you have competition. " ★★★★★

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06XVHKDGY
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 25, 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.4 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 460 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 7 ‏ : ‎ The Infinity Engines
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 4,122 ratings

About the author

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Andrew Hastie

Andrew Hastie

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Andy was born in 1967, and grew up with a love of science fiction inspired by the TV shows of the late 70s. Having always had a creative eye, he graduated with a BA Honours in Graphic Design, and has gone on to have a successful career as a Creative Director within a number of digital agencies, creating award-winning work for some of the largest global brands. During this time he nurtured his passion for writing sci-fi and secured a commission with the BBC for his first script, The Department of Unknown Origins, a Victorian X-Files set in the Natural History Museum, exec produced by Jon Plowman and considered by BBC Drama and Sky One.

The Anachronist is his first novel, one of a five-part series called 'The Infinity Engines.' You can find out more about it on his blog: www.infinityengines.com

He lives in Surrey with his wife, two teenage daughters and a troublesome puppy.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4,122 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers thoroughly enjoy the storyline of this time travel adventure, describing it as the best book of the year and one of the most exciting fun series they've read. The pacing is fast-moving, with one customer noting it's never boring, and they appreciate the well-developed characters and interesting time travel elements. However, the grammar receives mixed reviews, with several customers mentioning it's littered with grammatical errors.

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49 customers mention "Storyline"49 positive0 negative

Customers thoroughly enjoy the storyline of the book, describing it as a fantastic series with a well-written plot that starts out well.

"...So. I liked this story quite a lot. Good unfolding plot, interesting characters and all that. I’m going to get the second book very soon...." Read more

"...The main character, Josh, is likable and believable, and his time-traveling cohorts Caitlin, Sim, the Colonel, and others, are interesting..." Read more

"...But there are many threads to this story that are introduced through the book...." Read more

"I enjoyed story theme and many twists and turns. Certainly imaginative , however, I do not like...." Read more

42 customers mention "Readability"42 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and entertaining, describing it as a fun series worth getting into.

"This story started out well. It grabbed me and held on. I kept thinking I have other things to read and I just kept reading this story...." Read more

"...are interesting characters who round out the story and add depth and interest. I didn’t realize this was young adult fiction when I chose it...." Read more

"I love time travel, scifi, Fantasy themes. This book is right up my alley. It is the first of a looong series...." Read more

"I enjoyed story theme and many twists and turns. Certainly imaginative , however, I do not like...." Read more

24 customers mention "Character development"24 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, with one mentioning feeling connected to them.

"...So. I liked this story quite a lot. Good unfolding plot, interesting characters and all that. I’m going to get the second book very soon...." Read more

"...The main character, Josh, is likable and believable, and his time-traveling cohorts Caitlin, Sim, the Colonel, and others, are interesting..." Read more

"...It is the first of a looong series. The characters in the book are either likeable or despicable. At first you think there is one major story line...." Read more

"...So many thought provoking ideas and a good set of characters to enjoy them with. Looking forward to continuing the series. Never boring." Read more

20 customers mention "Pacing"17 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, particularly how time travel is handled, with one customer noting it doesn't get bogged down with explanations.

"...This book is fast moving and is NOT full of filler passages…which I hate (think Tom Clancy lol)..." Read more

"...Looking forward to continuing the series. Never boring." Read more

"...first book in the series, introduces many characters, and tries to explain a very complex (and sometimes inconsistent) universe. ...." Read more

"...This was a great blend of sci-fi and history, and I was hooked from the first page...." Read more

14 customers mention "Time travel"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the time travel elements in the book, with one customer comparing it to "Harry Potter."

"A truly innovated book, author takes us through time, like it’s a river! You are in for a treat. What a ride!!" Read more

"This is an interesting book I love time travel stories and this one is different our hero Josh seems to be a man with a problem, actually more the..." Read more

"I enjoyed this read. Time travel and si fi are my weaknesses. I will read on. I am a new Fan" Read more

"...The intertwining of low level crime and high level time travel kept my interest...." Read more

6 customers mention "Grammar"2 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's grammar, with several noting it is littered with errors, while one customer mentions there are no spelling mistakes.

"...I also know a lot of people criticized a couple of things. One, typos and errors...." Read more

"...The writing is good, characters are fine, and the story (storey?) is well put together - for the most part...." Read more

"...But I had issues with things in the book. I am always put off by typos and this book was rife with them...." Read more

"...It is written in British English and littered with grammatical errors including autocorrections gone awry...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Michael Howatt
    5.0 out of 5 stars very good
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This story started out well. It grabbed me and held on. I kept thinking I have other things to read and I just kept reading this story. There is a lot here that saves this story from being just another one of type.

    I kept reading and I never got tired of it, even when it went into the oh yeah this is just our everyday lives you’ll get used to it. And carried on with the growing complexity of this new world. Honestly some books lose me in this phase, where an interesting culture gets so complex I just give up. This story didn’t get that complex or at least kept me interested.

    So. I liked this story quite a lot. Good unfolding plot, interesting characters and all that. I’m going to get the second book very soon.

    Very much recommended
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nickey Nouse
    4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing and imaginative
    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I have long been a fan of time travel stories, and this one does not disappoint. The main character, Josh, is likable and believable, and his time-traveling cohorts Caitlin, Sim, the Colonel, and others, are interesting characters who round out the story and add depth and interest. I didn’t realize this was young adult fiction when I chose it. I am not averse to reading YA fiction, but I was expecting a more sophisticated approach to the subject.

    I did find a few lapses in the narrative that were annoying. In several places the scene changes abruptly without any explanation or transition, or even an extra space between paragraphs signaling the passage of time, leaving the reader confused and frustrated. A more eagle-eyed editor would have corrected these flaws, as well as the errors in syntax or grammar that cropped up occasionally.

    Still, I enjoyed the story and Mr. Hastie’s writing style. I am anxious to read the next book in the series.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Patty Williams
    5.0 out of 5 stars My Kind of Book
    Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I love time travel, scifi, Fantasy themes. This book is right up my alley. It is the first of a looong series. The characters in the book are either likeable or despicable. At first you think there is one major story line. But there are many threads to this story that are introduced through the book.
    A young boy on a path of developing a criminal livelihood while trying to take care of a Mom with Multiple Sclerosis. Trying to figure out a way to keep from being evicted from their apt, he enters an unlocked door to a house an eccentric old man lives in. He finds what seems to be a hoarders abode. Old magazines, newspapers fill the rooms along with display cases full of mementos like a Nazi medal. Picking it up transports him to Germany where he inadvertently prevents Hitler’s assassination.
    The eccentric old man becomes his mentor in time travel and introduces him to an organization of special time travelers. He blunders through time, tries to rewind time to save innocents only to make things worse. He eventually is kicked out of the organization by devious time travelers who wish to take over the organization.
    This book is fast moving and is NOT full of filler passages…which I hate (think Tom Clancy lol)
    If time travel is your genre this belongs on your bookshelf.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Chuck.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting premise for story
    Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed story theme and many twists and turns. Certainly imaginative , however, I do not like. "concluding" a story that informs the reader that they must acquire a second book of a heretofore unknown series or he/she won't find out what conclusion is to the present book. My solution is simple, I do not buy another book by that author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • TeeMee-Kraftqueen65-Obsessive Reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wow! The Twists, The Turns, The Ending…
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely loved this book. The closer I got to the end, the more I wanted to delay it from being over.
    I’m just really glad the rest of the series seems to be available immediately, and on Kindle Unlimited.

    You really fall for the main characters, hoping for the best. And that the villainous characters get what’s due to them! Josh, his mother, the neighbor lady that looks out for him, and the “crazy” neighbor, “The Colonel,” from across the street. And of course Caitlin and his new set of friends. The antagonist from his youth, and the new one from his future, are the ones your hoping get their deserved fate.

    The only part I’m not so sure how well it works with the storyline, is what seems to be almost like a sideline. It’s rather distracting. Especially considering you’re just learning about a whole new world, the people involved, and the main theme of the book. Without adding any spoilers, I’ll just state that it has to do with a certain professor.

    I also know a lot of people criticized a couple of things. One, typos and errors. In the copy I just finished, there didn’t seem to be any, so this must have been taken care of.
    The other was some of the history being off, or referred to in the wrong way. I personally am not reading this from a historical standpoint. My interest lies more toward the time traveling. I get that some feel the research should’ve been dead-on, but if that’s the most you have to complain about-oh well-get over it. The author does have literary license when it comes to creativity, and this is fiction after all.

    Absolutely looking forward to the next in the series.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Roz lina
    5.0 out of 5 stars wow, all I can say is wow
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A truly innovated book, author takes us through time, like it’s a river! You are in for a treat. What a ride!!
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars A bit formulaic...
    Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I found this book to be unoriginal. Secret society, factions fighting for dominance, prophecy fulfilled... It could be any of a dozen stories. If you enjoy that sort of story, jump in.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Mary
    5.0 out of 5 stars Totally riveting
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Love this concept. Who doesn't wonder "what if" to life decisions, or wonder what could have happened if you took a different road. So many thought provoking ideas and a good set of characters to enjoy them with. Looking forward to continuing the series. Never boring.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Daleaus
    5.0 out of 5 stars enjoyable
    Reviewed in Australia on January 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It took me. While to get into this but once I did I enjoyed the story. Lots of things happening but in the end a fun read.
    Report
  • P
    5.0 out of 5 stars Time travel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyed this book, immensely. I quickly invested in the characters, and found myself wanting to know more. I am looking to purchase more in the series, hopefully at a cheaper price (we'll see). I wouldn't hesitate in recommmending this book to anyone who favours this genre (and more).
    Report
  • Atl Canuck
    4.0 out of 5 stars different.......
    Reviewed in Canada on May 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    an amusing read...different ....engaging
    Report
  • Vielleserin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected and wonderful
    Reviewed in Germany on July 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    It took me some time to start the book, but once I did, I was hooked and binge-read this one and the next within a couple of days. Josh is a somewhat morally grey hero, but that makes it all the more interesting. Great find!
    Report
  • Tim Armstrong
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cracking read
    Reviewed in Australia on August 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    What an engaging book. I enjoyed the steampunkesque nature of the Order. The characters are both likable and dislikeable. Book two here we come.
    Report

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