How to Read the Both Sides of Time Series
The Both Sides of Time series, widely known as the Time Travelers Quartet, is a continuous story that is best read in its original publication order. Written by Caroline B. Cooney, the books trace the time-bending romance of Annie Lockwood and the historical and cultural clashes between the 1990s and the Victorian era of 1895.
Both Sides of Time/Time Travelers Books in Order
- Both Sides of Time (1995) – Annie Lockwood accidentally travels back in time from 1995 to 1895, meeting Hiram "Strat" Stratton and witnessing the restrictions and social differences of the Victorian era.
- Out of Time (1996) – Annie returns to 1895 to help Strat, who has been institutionalized, navigating the harsh realities of the past.
- Prisoner of Time (1998) – The perspective shifts to Devonny Stratton, Strat's sister, who travels forward to the 1990s and experiences modern freedoms and challenges.
- For All Time (2001) – The final installment, wrapping up the timelines and romance as Annie travels to ancient Egypt and works to resolve her and Strat's destinies.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Because the series involves time travel between 1995 and 1895, the timeline shifts back and forth. However, the emotional development, character arcs, and mystery plotlines are strictly sequential. Reading the books out of order will spoil major plot points, especially the transition of focus from Annie to Devonny and the ultimate resolution of the time portals. Readers should start with the first book, Both Sides of Time.
Spin-Offs and Co-Authored Material
There are no spin-offs, short story collections, or co-authored additions to the Time Travelers Quartet. The series is complete as a four-book set written entirely by Caroline B. Cooney.