Step into the thrilling world of Time Wars, where history and classic literature collide in a whirlwind of time-traveling adventure! Crafted by Simon Hawke, this twelve-book science fiction series whisks readers to the 27th century, where international conflicts are settled by 'clocking' soldiers into the past. Follow Lucas Priest and the elite Temporal Corps as they race to prevent rogue time travelers from rewriting history, blending high-stakes missions with iconic stories like Ivanhoe and The Three Musketeers.
With its unique fusion of historical fiction, sci-fi, and literary homage, Time Wars invites readers to explore the delicate threads of time. Whether you’re a fan of swashbuckling action or philosophical musings on history’s fragility, this series delivers a captivating ride.
How Time Wars Began
In 1984, Simon Hawke—born Nicholas Valentin Yermakov—launched Time Wars with The Ivanhoe Gambit, inspired by a love for blending genres. Drawing from his fascination with history and classic literature, Hawke envisioned a future where time travel resolves global disputes, but only if the past remains intact. His background in sci-fi and fantasy, paired with a knack for fast-paced storytelling, birthed a series that ran until 1991, earning a cult following for its clever premise and adventurous spirit.
The Heart of Time Wars
The series kicks off with The Ivanhoe Gambit, where Lucas Priest, a Temporal Corps soldier, impersonates Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe to thwart a rogue referee threatening England’s history. In The Timekeeper Conspiracy, Priest and his team dive into 17th-century France, tangling with the Timekeepers, a terrorist group, amidst the world of The Three Musketeers. The Zenda Vendetta sees them navigating The Prisoner of Zenda’s intrigue, while The Nautilus Sanction pits them against time pirates and Jules Verne’s Captain Nemo.
Time Wars shines through its seamless integration of historical events and literary worlds, treating novels like Ivanhoe as historical accounts. Themes of duty, identity, and the consequences of manipulating time weave through the narrative, with characters like Priest, Finn Delaney, and Andre Cross grappling with the moral weight of their missions. The series’ fast-paced, action-packed style, laced with humor and philosophical debates, keeps readers hooked across diverse settings, from medieval England to the Wild West.
Hawke’s ability to condense classic novels into 200-page adventures while adding his own twists—like bioengineered monsters or parallel universes—sets Time Wars apart. It’s a love letter to literature and history, wrapped in a sci-fi thriller that never takes itself too seriously.
Why Time Wars Resonates
Though not a household name, Time Wars carved a niche in 1980s sci-fi, captivating readers with its genre-blending audacity. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its addictive quality, likening it to “potato chips” for its unputdownable nature. Its influence lies in its bold mix of historical fiction and time travel, inspiring later works that play with literary and historical mashups. The series’ enduring appeal stems from its ability to make dusty classics feel fresh and urgent, inviting readers to rethink history’s interconnectedness.
- Publication Years: 1984–1991
- Number of Books: 12
- Key Characters: Lucas Priest, Finn Delaney, Andre Cross
- Notable Settings: Medieval England, 17th-century France, 19th-century Ruritania
Ready to leap through time? Grab The Ivanhoe Gambit and dive into Time Wars’ thrilling sci-fi saga!