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1. Maya has been trained since childhood to be a Harlequin, yet she chooses to live a normal life. What aspects of her upbringing play the largest part in her decision? In what ways does her relationship with Thorn exemplify the conflicts any daughter might have with a strong, distant father?
2. Are Thorn’s demands on Maya justified? Under what circumstances, if any, do children have a responsibility to renounce their own way of life and dedicate themselves to their parent’s cause? Why does Maya ultimately decide to honor her father’s request?
3. Discuss the meaning and ramifications of the Harlequin motto, “Damned by the flesh. Saved by the blood” [p. 22/mm 23*]. What familiar moral percepts or sayings embody the same or a similar message?
*Page references are provided throughout this guide for both trade and mass market editions; the trade appears first, followed by a slash and the mass market page reference.
4. Nathan Boone believes that he is “part of a historical battle against the forces of disorder” [p. 26/mm 27] and that “order and discipline were the values that kept Western civilization from falling apart” [p. 27/mm 28]. Can you cite specific periods or events in history that support this point of view? Does an emphasis on “order and discipline” necessarily lead to tyranny?
5. The Traveler is set in a world very much like our own. How accurately does the author describe the use—and possible abuse—of technology? Do any of the surveillance techniques the Tabula employ seem entirely far-fetched?
6. The Harlequin mentality requires “no compassion, no attachments, no mercy” [p. 72/mm 75]. Do the relationships among the Harlequins in the novel conform to this ideal? Can any group function successfully without the members feeling a sense of attachment to one another? Does the sharing of a common goal, for example, adequately explain Maya’s feelings about Mother Blessing, Linden, Willow, and even the traitor, Shepherd?
7. Dr. Richardson maintains, “while the priests continue to pray and the philosophers continue to speculate, it is the neuroscientists who are closest to answering mankind’s fundamental questions”[p. 79/mm 81–82]. Have you heard about or read studies that offer convincing evidence that scientists are on the brink of answering those questions? Has science rendered the insights of religious thinkers and philosophers irrelevant? Can a spiritual or philosophical approach offer an understanding of history and human behavior that science cannot replace?
8. From the central characters to the secondary figures, the characters in The Traveler make choices about how to use their individual power. Discuss the influence of their backgrounds, religious beliefs, and real-world experiences on the decisions made by the following characters: Maya, Nathan Boone, Kennard Nash, Lawrence Tawaka, Vicki Fraser. Are the Brethren motivated purely by self-interest and the desire for control? Are Maya and her supporters acting purely out of idealism?
9. Maya recounts the “secret history of the world” to Gabriel, Vicki, and Hollis [pp. 185–86/mm 191–92], identifying some of the Travelers who have changed the course of human history. Although it is based on the conceits of the novel, does Maya’s account present a credible interpretation of the forces that have shaped history? What makes her descriptions of Travelers and of the Harlequins persuasive?
10. In explaining the Brethren’s plans for him, Kennard Nash tells Michael, “These days people are frightened of the world around them, and that fear is easily encouraged and maintained. People want to be in our Virtual Panopticon. We’ll watch over them like good shepherds” [p. 237/mm 246]. Have leaders, both in America and around the world, taken advantage of the fear and uncertainty many people feel to impose their own political or religious agendas? If so, how?
11. Gabriel meets with the Pathfinder at an abandoned missile site. How does the physical setting embody the real terrors and challenges Gabriel faces? In what ways does it enhance the mythic themes that run through the novel?
12. Sophia calls the 99 Paths, “a practical list of ideas with the same goal: to break the Light free of your body,” allowing Travelers to enter the different “realms” or “parallel worlds” [pp. 324–26/mm 339–41]. Have you, either through your religious education or independent experience, encountered the idea that other realms exist? If so, is Sophia’s explanation consistent with your previous knowledge or beliefs? Whether or not you are a newcomer to this idea, do you find it to be a helpful or inspiring approach to spirituality?
13. The novel touches on many contemporary issues: the fear of terrorism and the role of the government in protecting the nation; the growing complacency of American citizens; the misuse/abuse of technology; and scientific contributions to improving quality of life for the individual and society as a whole. How balanced are the points of view the author offers on each subject? Are good and evil always clearly defined?
14. The narrative point of view alternates among the characters. Which character is the most realistically drawn? Who do you identify most closely with and why?
15. How does the plot of The Traveler follow the arc of a traditional thriller? What does it share with other science fiction novels you have read?
16. The Traveler is the first book in a trilogy. Which characters would you like to learn more about in future volumes? Are there other aspects of “the secret history of the world” that the author should explore?
Imagine a future where everyone is tracked in the Vast Machine. Each human lives on the "gird" and follows the rules. This future scenario is not really that hard to imagine, one of the reasons I liked the story so much. For science fiction it wasn't much of a stretch. The main characters of course are struggling to stay of the grid while being tracked by an evil power within world governments. The plot is action packed but also strangely slow. I also found it difficult to like the main female character. She was so disconnected. Overall a good read and I already own the sequel.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 24, 2010
I heard about the mysterious author of this book and thought I would give it a try. I have read a number of fantasy series and enjoyed the Traveler immensely. I have since read the other two books in the trilogy. The books tell of people called Travelers who can "travel" to other realities. The story goes that almost all great thinkers/world changers throughout history have been travelers. The travelers are protected by people known as Harlequins. A secret group known as the Brethren seek to control the power of the Travelers. The focus is on brothers Gabriel and Michael Corrigan who have discovered they are travelers. One chooses to work against while the other becomes manipulated by the Brethren. A harlequin named Maya must protect them. I found all the characters very interesting, and thought the idea that we are trapped in a Vast Machine not hard to believe. If you are willing to open your mind, I suggest taking a stab at these books.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ksn_jesse
Posted March 21, 2010
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After my roommate freshman year in college handed me this book randomly, it has become probably my favorite book of all time. It has everything that a great story needs, character you can connect with, great fights, and it makes you think.
This story follows Gabriel his brother Michael, and a reluctant Harlequin warrior named Maya as they are thrown into a world hidden beneath the Vast Machine, where we all live our normal lives. Gabriel and Michael are found out to be potential Travelers, people who are able to leave the physical constraints of our world and travel to the other realms. Each significant change throughout history is the supposed work of one of these visionaries, who are able to see the world in an entirely new way after their travels. These Travelers are protected by a group of armed protectors who call themselves Harlequin. Harlequin are trained from birth to be lethal weapons with the sole purpose of protecting the Travelers as they go about their lives. Maya, who had chosen to leave the Harlequin world behind, is dragged back in by her father and asked to go find and protect the Corrigan brothers.
In my mind, the greatest accomplishment of the book is the ability of Twelve Hawks to make you think. It makes you think about the world that we live, about the laws, wars, and fear-mongering of the public media. To me specifically, it makes you think about yourself and how you would fit into the world that he has created.
I will say that this book touches upon a number of different topics from politics, religion, and social standings and structures. Be open and ready to be challenged. With this said though, it is also a fast paced action packed read. There wasn't a single point in this book that I wanted to set it down, and I've re-read it I don't even know how many times, and each time I am on the edge of my seat and find another aspect I didn't think about. You will love this book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 7, 2009
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I loved this book and plan to read the whole series. It is a good story and I like the characters. I am suggesting that people sho like this book will also like Thomas Perry, especially the Jane Whitfield series.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is a book that deals with what I suppose John Twelve Hawks believes to be the "real world". Basically, the story says that there is a cabal of men (and women too, I suppose, though Twelve Hawks doesn't mention any) who really rule the world, and they are opposed by people who are born with the potential to travel between universes - travelers, they're called - who by their very nature have the ability to effect changes in world affairs.
Devotees of "The X-Files" will devour this book and its potential sequels lock, stock, and barrel. And just like that TV series, I'm sure they will find more questions than answers. But if you didn't like "The X-Files", or never really cared to watch it, you probably won't go for "The Traveler".
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 23, 2008
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one. There is a good bunch of villains, courageous heroes, and universal themes of good and evil and the meaning of brotherhood. And I love the strong female characters.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 2, 2012
This book reaches all of your emotions.Love,compassion,anger, and even sadness are all included in this powerful book.
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Posted December 4, 2010
I had a hard time getting into the first few pages....then I was hooked! Loved everything about this book! Definitely makes you think about our lives.
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Posted May 19, 2010
i thought that this book had some class for a teen reading book. this book also gave some great morals that we see in every day life. so in all this book gets an A+
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Posted May 18, 2010
Two stars. Not worth it.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 20, 2010
This series reminds me a lot of the Matrix movies and the concepts from the movie Eagle Eye. It a great mix of real world and 'maybe not so real' world. It definitely makes you think about the world we live in and wonder if the ideas that John Twelve Hawks covers in these books are based on more fact than fiction. It then makes you ask yourself if you would want to be one that remained ignorant or would you want to know and try to make a difference.
The characters are intriguing and you want care about what happens to them. It is written in a way that doesn't confuse the ut it also doesn't simplify the concepts the athor is trying to convey to the audience.
This is definitely a book I would recommend. I don't usually write reviews, so that is saying something.
Cynder
Posted September 27, 2009
This is the first book of a trilogy where the author stays off the grid. It is about people who traveler that are able to go to different realms of reality, the harlequins that protect the travelers, and the "brethren" that hunt them down. The brethren goal is to create a wall-less prison where society knows everything they do is being watched by big brother, therefore people obey the rules of the brethren. The travelers, harlequins and a small group of people live off the grid while the brethren hunt them down.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The idea of the book really isn't original and a few parts were slow, but I still had a hard time putting the book down. The characters and polt are interesting, especially Gabriel. The Dark River (book 2) was even better than this book. It's a good trilogy and if you enjoy reading scifi, you'll enjoy this book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Set in the present day The Traveler at first takes place between England and Prague then later moves to the United States effortlessly.The three central characters are Maya, Michael, and Gabriel.
Maya tries to have a normal life but unfortunately her family lineage comes back to haunt her and she is forced to make a decision that will place her life in danger and place the lives of others in her hands.
Michael and Gabriel are brothers who grew up on the run, from what they were never completely sure. Michael resents the life and possessions he was never able to have. Gabriel still carries with him the feelings of paranoia that were instilled in him growing up but needs nothing more than his motorcycle for the feeling of freedom.
John Tweleve Hawks presents all relevant information in a way that is simple yet complete. You never once question whether you have missed information or feel as though things were over explained. I was very impressed with his writing style.
This book also makes for great conversation. There are many points within this book that are points of contention within our society. It is an excellent book for groups who like to read and have weekly book discussions.
I've already picked up The Dark River and am excited to get started on it!
I loved this book so much that I could not put it down. I ended up finishing it in a day and a half. I plan to read the whole series and think this might make a decent movie.
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Posted July 2, 2008
I would recommend this book to sci fyi readers as well as those who get a sense the government today is getting too much into our business. It is an updated 1984. One of the few books that I was motivated to see if there were more ....
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Posted December 8, 2007
This reminds me of some of Harlan Ellison's works though not as well written. The story does not ebb and flow rather it is a bit choppy. David Carradine's reading of this story was perhaps the thing that put me off as it is very flat without any seeming attempt to communicate the voices of the characters. Perhaps the Scott Brick reading of the second book will be better.
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Posted November 13, 2006
This book is very hard to put down, it will hold your interest and make you think and open your eyes up. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 11, 2006
The Traveler is a very unique book. It seems to combine so many genres that I cannot comprehend how it was categorized! I would recommend this book to anyone searching for something different and slightly violent!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 20, 2006
I picked up this book for light reading while camping. The main characters are appealing. The paranoiac premise (a la Philip K. Dick) is sucessful in making this a creepy little thriller. A very visual narrative. The fight scenes (of which there are many) remind me the movie 'Kill Bill' or 'V- For Vendetta'. This is a graphic novel without the pictures. Warning: this is the first volume of a trilogy. The other two volumes are not available yet.
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Overview
In London, Maya, a young woman trained to fight by her powerful father, uses the latest technology to elude detection when walking past the thousands of surveillance cameras that watch the city. In New York, a secret shadow organization uses a victim’s own GPS to hunt him down and kill him. In Los Angeles, Gabriel, a motorcycle messenger with a haunted past, takes pains to live "off the grid" — free of credit cards and government IDs. Welcome to the world of The Traveler — a world frighteningly like our own.In this compelling novel, Maya fights to save Gabriel, the only man who can stand against the forces that attempt to monitor and control society. From the back streets of Prague to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, The