Press

What the critics say

Move over Harry Potter, it is time for Jake Djones to take the limelight. Almost too exciting for bedtime reading, and already optioned by Working Title Films, The History Keepers: The Storm Begins is the thrilling debut novel by the screenwriter Damian Dibben.
- The Telegraph

Bags of commercial potential and a great read too.
- The Bookseller

There are desperate chases and hair-raising escapes and Errol Flynn-style swordfights, complicated traps like the puzzle pictures of MC Escher, a complete 16th-century Venetian travelogue and more comical or eccentric secondary characters than you could shake a wand at.
- The Guardian

If you've got Harry Potter withdrawal, The History Keepers is just the thing. A cocktail of time travel, secret societies, double agents and edge-of-your-seat excitement, it's sure to fill that fantasy void. The only problem? You won't be able to put it down.
- Glamour

From the moment I began reading I was invited into a world of daring and intrigue that had pace, momentum and was a great deal of fun. It had everything I would hope and expect from a swashbuckling adventure story: secret societies, diabolical arch nemeses, double agents, unlikely heroes, likely heroes... and to add to all this, great heart. There are moments of absurdity and hilarity amid grave danger that are written so well as to make the reader laugh even as they fear for a well-loved character's life. It's a difficult thing to achieve but the author manages it...Stand aside Dr. Who; the History Keepers have arrived.
- Bookish and Feint

This is an utterly rambunctious read, full of swashbuckling adventure...Dibben doesn't waste any time at all and it's easy to keep reading for hours without realising. There's a deal of humour, too...The whole thing has great heart and highspiritedness.
- The Bookbag

Although time-travel plays a central part in the plot, it is first and foremost a cracking adventure story that is perfect for the 9+ age group. You want your swashes buckled? Then this is the story for you. Prefer the pace of the stories you read to be on the fast side? Then jump on this bob-sleigh of a story and enjoy the ride!
- Book Zone 4 Boys

The concept of 'The History Keepers' is awesome...Imagine being able to visit your favourite decade or go back and meet famous historical figures. This is definitely something which will really appeal to readers of all ages...The pace of the story picked up as the plot rapidly progressed in the second-half of the book. A surprising secret is also revealed about a member of the team at the very end which should prove to be an interesting angle in future installments.
I really enjoyed 'The History Keepers' and book two holds the promise of even more action and adventure. In Jake Djones a whole new hero is born!
- A Dream of Books

Definitely one of my top 5 books I have ever read- move over Harry Potter, Jake Djones has arrived! 5 stars
- WHSmith.co.uk

The descriptive passages and wordmanship (If there is such a word) is wonderful. Gripping, exciting and all set pretty much firmly on historical facts. Which I find really exhilarating. It's a very intelligent read, but told in such a way that children will be hooked. The characters are larger than life and we empathise completely with our hero as he struggles' to come to terms with loss and love and adventure. A triumph and I can't wait for the film. Promised on the website Its easy to compare to Potter, but this is the first book, and I feel the series could run on taking many a child with it. A Tour De Force which I hold heartedly Recommend. 5 stars
- WHSmith.co.uk

The History Keepers is the kind of book where when you start reading it you cannot put it down, which sometimes may be very annoying - especially if you have school the next day! I personally would give the book ten out of ten because it keeps you gripped and takes your mind away from worries. Another great thing is that it has so much potential to be a film. Even just reading the first page you can imagine every single thing. I don't know how Damian Dibben has done this!
- Guardian Online

This book will have you hooked with it's time-travelling action. You will not want to put it down...It's the best book I've ever read and I give it 10 out of 10.
- South London Press

Jake is quite bold, uses his head (most of the time), is quick on his feet and adapts to the situation. He sometimes lets his heart rule his head. I absolutely love all his friends, they each have distinctive personalities which had me laughing away, even when I couldn't see a way out for them. I even love how nasty the villains are, they made me want to hide out of sight because their plans are extremely evil. 9/10
- Nayu's Reading Corner

Damian has a unique voice and clearly a great writing talent but it's his imagination that brings The History Keepers to life.
- Stylenest.co.uk

This book is a worthwhile read. I enjoyed the magical storyline and its diverse characters.
- The Guardian Online

The History Keepers is packed full of adventure, action, suspense and intrigue, all centred on well-known events, people and places from history...A thoroughly enjoyable action-packed romp through time that will appeal to adventure-lovers.
- INIS

Dibben makes gleeful use of the timetravel aspect to bring characters from different historical periods into a contemporary setting...Overall it's playful, inventive and full of delightfully nerdy jokes and asides. Perfect for fans of Horrible Histories and Percy Jackson.
- INIS

a rollicking rollercoaster of a tale that barely pauses for breath...the plot is where this book really engages. It's pure entertainment that allows readers to catch a glimpse of history as a living thing through a mix of fact and the fantastical..There are many exciting action sequences, which are almost cinematic in their execution, villains so dastardly they practically perspire evil, and it all adds up to a very
enjoyable adventure story.
- INIS

‘Harry Potter meets Doctor Who in a blockbusting new time-travel series packed with secret societies, diabolical villains and daring heroes. Poised to be a big summer read’
- The Bookseller