Blurb:
They took her world. They took her family. They said it was for the greater good. They lied.
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.”
WHAM! Audiobook, Narrated by SKY WILDMIST
Reviews:
Reviewed By:
K.C. Finn
Review Rating:
5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review! 
Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Wham! is a work of hyper fantasy dystopian fiction penned by authors Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps, and it forms the first book in the Timewalker Series. Combining the elements of traditional fantasy and fairy stories with the harsh political realities of a dark and dangerous government system, the plot centers on Tess and her family just 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 from experience that this is not the case. Tess vows to reconnect and tear down the barriers made by the Alliance, and she knows she must discover actual magic in order to power her own revolution.
From slow adaptation and indoctrination to the sudden seizure of everything they hold dear, the story of Tess and the Greenwood family rings true throughout history for its chilling qualities, right from the novel’s take-off. Considering this is a tale which contains fairy people, trolls and magic, the realities of the dystopian world which play out are incredibly realistic and genuinely frightening. For Tess, magic is the way forward, but there are also mindsets to change and ideologies to destroy, and authors Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps handle them extremely well with their delicate prose and strong dialogue. Overall, Wham! is an unusual combination of a novel which will pack much more of a serious punch than you expect. Highly recommended for adult and older teen readers alike.
The story was well organized and the characters are developed into believable people, even Maxi, the hairdresser who is a troll! I want him to do my hair {Smiles}.
If you like stories that take you to a new dimension, you will like this one!
5.0 out of 5 starsWhat a wonderful read…
January 18, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
I became invested into this story right from the start. I enjoyed the mixture of all the characters. What a fantastic visionary world and plot. The added languages from the trolls, fairies and wizards were amazing and added depth to the story. Great beginning book of a series!
By Amazon Customer on 23 May 2016 4.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful dystopian, time travelling delight.
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
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.
5.0 out of 5 stars WHAM! by name… WHAM! by nature
December 21, 2016
I didn’t think Phipps could improve on the epic Heart of the Staff saga. I was wrong, emphatically so.
Using the world which spawned the six book series which made their name, the author has created a new, ugly dystopia that, I hope, will be the setting for many a sequel to come.
Seven centuries into the future, the beauty and wonder of Niarg has been corrupted beyond recognition. It is a place ruled by anonymous, hidden tyrants, its flora and fauna scoured by fertiliser, its people controlled by violence and surveillance. But under the surface, rebellion bubbles, though it will need assistance from heroes of the past if it stands a chance.
Rarely have I seen fantasy and science fiction married so successfully. Plotting, characterisation and style are even better than during the Heart of the Staff novels, and this story has a more “current” feel to it. Although it is full of magic and the otherworldly, there are aspects of life in Gollsport which are decidedly 21st Century Earth.
Highly recommended to fans of sci-fi, fantasy and books in general.
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
July 5, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
I love dystopian books but I had some trouble getting into this one. The troll speaking gave me a headache trying to read and didn’t get the fairy talk. The plot is really good, I like the conflict of what’s happening. Knowing the author is from the UK I got the slang but for those who don’t, it could be confusing.
5.0 out of 5 starsWham! 5 out of 5 Fantastical Stars for this one!
November 15, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
“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!
5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating story, highly recommend!
October 25, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Reading WHAM was an exploration into a genre outside of my usual women’s fiction fare. I was delighted to find it such a compelling and riveting adventure. This experience reminds me of the many ways books immerse us in new experiences, worlds, perspectives and the joy that is the essence of reading.
A great attribute of this novel is the way the author created such a rich mosaic of darkness and evil alongside an enchanted fantasy world filled with light and love. The opening scene is horrifying as Tess Greenwood sees her parents and sister taken away by Children and Family Assistance. Life without them is a terrifying prospect. But when Tess enters the magical realm of the fairy paths she discovers who she really is and realizes that hope is not lost.
The story moves quickly and maintains a taut suspense as Tess navigates the daily horrors of living under the brutality and creepy surveillance of the World Alliance, and Nia discovers the depravity of the regime and what she must do to survive in the Capitol.
An especially poignant moment is when Maxi the troll explains to Tess why her parents probably won’t be back. It gives the government total control, he says. “Families give us strength they don’t want us to have.”
But the kind of despicable cruelty that kidnaps parents in the middle of the night and rips sisters apart engenders another kind of power. Resolute, brave, and undefeated by the evil around her, Tess proves time and again her spirit and new friends are a force to be reckoned with by the regime.
A captivating story that will keep you up past midnight!
5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Dystopia/SciFi/Fantasy You’ll Read This Year!
March 19, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
The opening scene in this dystopian/fantasy tale is extremely fast-paced with zero explanation and maximum use of action verbs. It’s well done and fits the definition of the word and title of the series perfectly. “Wham,” book one in the Timewalker Series, by Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps is a fantastic start to what will undoubtedly become a bestseller in the science fiction/fantasy/dystopian genres.
There is much to praise in the writing of “Wham.” The characters, action scenes and world/societal designs are exceptionally well orchestrated. I was also impressed with the lack of overly long narratives describing things and events such as how the world came to be what it is, what the skinwelers were and how they worked and much more. Instead, the authors relied and excelled on their abilities to “show” rather than “tell.”
The mesh of humans, trolls, fairies, and wizards is a remarkable feat of authoring and within this combination is one aspect I was especially excited about… language. The language of the trolls, fairies and wizards was fantastic—more so as Phipps incorporated slight changes to these languages within the parameters of their time periods. I could go on and on, but often the shorter review carries the most impact. So, I’ll close now with one final phrase: If you read just one scifi/fantasy/dystopia novel this year, make sure it’s “Wham”, you’ll be glad you did.
5.0 out of 5 stars Dystopian fantasy!
June 5, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I 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!
5.0 out of 5 stars Review of WHAM
July 23, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
WHAM
TIMEWALKER Book 1
CAROL MARRS PHIPPS
& TOM PHIPPS
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
WHAM is not the first Phipps’ book that I have read. I follow an author because they add something interesting to my life.
In TIMEWALKER, Book 1 in a trilogy, they have presented a fantasy that will keep the reader amazed. The story line is not complicated, but the imaginary back ground is intriguing.
Children and Families, a futuristic government agency, in a military action, arrives at a family’s home. They abduct Tess’s parents and her sister, for the betterment of society, because they have not done a good job bringing up their children.
Tess stays in their home but will have new roommates that will help her move in the right social direction. Her parents are in jail, and her sister is in sexual servitude unbeknownst to all.
A Fairy Grandfather comes from the past to intercede. The comparison of past and present is akin to how many feel about today’s living versus living before the nuclear age arrived – governments taking too much control of everyday life.
In WHAM, these two worlds collide, the Fairy’s world versus the Elite controlling one. The contrast is brought alive in the Phipps’ vivid and sometimes dark prose.
You have to go through the mushroom ring to find a pleasant place in WHAM.
5.0 out of 5 starsAn epic fantasy
September 7, 2016
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
An epic fantasy
Young Tess and Nia Greenwood are torn apart, and yanked away from their family in a dystopian world. Nia is whisked away to The Capitol, where she is force to serve “at the pleasure” of The Potentate. Tess, on the other hand, finds herself in a magical world of strange beings, with their own language and ways of doing things. It was a very creative touch by Carol Marrs and Tom Phipps to provide a means to decipher the text. However, after a while, I felt comfortable with it.
Tess buddies up with these unlikely creatures to formulate a plan rescue Nia, her family, and her world. But the doing is harder than the planning. It’s full of interesting twists and turns.
I found this book imaginative and intriguing enough for me to read it in one sitting, which I rarely do. I highly recommend it for all ages
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding in every way possible!
March 4, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
***WOW*** I’m starting this review off with a huge WOW. I was literally blown away by this book. Not only have the authors done a tremendous job in telling of the story but it sure in heck packs a mighty punch, in an absolutely brilliant way.
The Greenwoods go through so much, it was really maddening that as a reader I wanted to jump in and help them out. With a diverse cast of characters it gave the book so much more in terms of details, intricate and authentic characters. As a hobbyist who collects fairies it was really nice to read a take on them, that I hadn’t before. My heart strings were pulled, this way, that way, and all ways in between.
Government sucks in real life and sucks for the characters in the book. That is the only spoiler I will give. I struggled with writing this review as I’m trying to do it without giving away too much.
I loved the way the authors used the languages for the fairies and I found it easy to understand. This book would not be the same without the different ways in which every creature is talking. It really highlighted the book for me. It got me into the spirit of it, capturing my attention head on, full on and though the book was long, it was one of the best I’ve read in this genre for a very long time.
In conclusion, a thoughtful, imaginative, action packed, fantasy, surreal tale that is not to be missed. If there is one thing you do this year, get this book. I highly recommend.
Carol Marrs Phipps (Goodreads Author),& Tom Phipps
Christine Duts‘s review
Nov 08, 2018
it was amazing
Read 2 times. Last read November 23, 2018.
I was intrigued by the book cover and the combination of dystopia and fantasy. The story pulls you in right away with an action scene. As events unfold you get to know the many fascinating characters, such as Tess, who is brave and resilient; her sister Niah who must demonstrate surprising strength under challenging circumstances; Maxi, the troll – my personal favorite – the fairies, and even the evil Potentate.
I do not read many dystopian novels, but I love fairies and magic. The authors even made up a language for the fairies and trolls, which I found impressive. Although there is an extensive fairy/troll dictionary, and I read it all because it simply fascinated me, I still had some trouble understanding one of Maxi the Troll’s quotes.
The plot moves fast, and the description of the fairies and their world makes me want to read more of the authors’ works. I will definitely have a look at their other books and series!
I finished reading this book in two days, I had to know what was going to happen to Tess and Niah. The story ends with an emotional cliffhanger, and I am glad that book 2 will be out soon. I must know how it will all turn out for Tess, Niah, their family, and friends.
5.0 out of 5 starsYou do not want to miss this series if you are a fantasy literature fan!
May 7, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
“WHAM!” is the first book of the “TIMEWALKER.” The authors initiate this series with a unique concept-“Time does not Exist,” then stride into the action immediately. Readers can capture the theme of the story and the “wants” of the main characters without feeling the drag.
The story stretches from centuries ago to the unknown (future) time, where the entire world is controlled by one government, the “World Alliance.” All the elements of a fantasy story: trolls, elves, witches, fairies, wizards, a dragon, magic balls… are cleverly intertwined into this series as the plot and characters develop.
The authors also incorporate a robot and futuristic ideas into the storyline, which adds extra dimensions and takes you to a whole new world of fantasy.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to the next installment. You do not want to miss this series if you are a fantasy literature fan.
5.0 out of 5 starsI Loved the imagination poured into this book!
March 26, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I loved this book! From the first page you’re pulled into a very ugly dysfunctional world where the characters are what you care about. Human, Elf Fariy, Troll, Elves… And the Potentate! Such evil in a beautiful body who, at the end of book 0ne of this series, appears to be able to inflict even more misery onto this already miserable, suffering world. I can’t wait to read more from this pair of authors.
5.0 out of 5 starsFantasy is not my favorite genre; I was wary of this notion from …
July 26, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Fantasy is not my favorite genre; I was wary of this notion from the moment I started this book. However, I genuinely liked the book as the story progressed and managed to end the book on a high note. I was also amazed by the foreign words that the author had created, and a myriad of mysterious characters will indeed keep the readers engaged all the time. I will read the next books in the series when I have time, and those looking for fantasy and mystery books should look no further. Highly recommended!
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!
