The Celtic Deception: A Jump in Time Novel, Book Two

by Andrew Varga

Every second counts in the fight to save all time.

Dan Renfrew hates that he’s a time jumper—seventeen-year-olds should not be stuck with the responsibility of saving history. But with no one else stepping up to stop Victor Stahl’s plot to take over the world, Dan and his time-jumping partner Sam have no choice but to jump back into history again. They land on the Celtic island of Anglesey in 60 CE, hoping to find answers on how to stop Victor. Their task isn’t easy. Everyone seems to be hiding something, from the druids who rule Anglesey to the Celts who take the time jumpers in. With two Roman legions intent on wiping out everyone on the island drawing closer, time is running out for Dan and Sam.

The Celtic Deception will be available wherever fine books are sold on September 5, 2023.

Purchase The Celtic Deception: A Jump in Time Novel, Book Two

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Ever since his mother told him he was descended from Vikings, ANDREW VARGA has had a fascination for history. He’s read hundreds of history books, watched countless historical movies, and earned a BA from the University of Toronto with a specialist in history and a major in English. Andrew has traveled extensively across Europe, where he toured famous castles, museums, and historical sites. During his travels he accumulated a collection of swords, shields, and other medieval weapons that now adorn his personal library. Andrew currently lives in the greater Toronto area with his wife Pam, their three children, and their mini-zoo of two dogs, two cats, a turtle, and some fish. It was his children’s love of reading, particularly historical and fantasy stories, that inspired Andrew to write this series. In his spare time, when he isn’t writing or editing, Andrew reads history books, jams on guitar, or plays beach volleyball.

The Celtic Deception is a fun YA read that blends history and fantasy. I haven’t read the first book, but I found this story easy to follow. A read meant for teens, but adults can appreciate it too. I thoroughly enjoyed this mix of the reality of a historical moment and time-traveling teens trying to survive while not changing the past that would affect the future.”–D.L. Finn, Goodreads.com (02/17/2022) FIVE STARS

The Celtic Deception is a thrilling trip back in time! Although there is a book prior to this one; the reader is not lost. Andrew Varga has written enough background so the reader knows the history of the characters. In addition, Varga has interwoven historical facts with fiction to create a very interesting story. I would definitely recommend this book to adult and young adult readers.”–Stephanie Rowsey, Librarian, Barr Memorial Library, Fort Knox, Kentucky, NetGalley.com (02/13/2022) FIVE STARS

The Celtic Deception by Andrew Varga is the second book in the time-jumbo series. I absolutely loved the first and the second was also a terrific read. This is an absolutely marvellous time travel story that I thoroughly enjoyed. It has been superbly researched so the historical aspects ring true and seeing through the eyes of a young people from this day and age is very insightful. Just love the characters, particularly Dan and Sam. The pace of the story is excellent and the reader’s interest is continually captivated.”–Sharon Jarvis, Goodreads.com (02/11/2022) FIVE STARS

“I thoroughly enjoyed the first title in the Jump in Time, so I had high expectations for The Celtic Deception. Mr. Varga did not disappoint with a similar blend of mystery, history, and adventure. Instead of the middle ages, Dan and Sam find themselves surrounded by Celts on the verge of annihilation by the Romans. They soon discover that the time glitch was made by another time jumper who had been stuck in the past without the needed rod to return to his present. Along with deepening their relationship, Dan and Sam learn a bit more about time jumping from him. All in all, an enjoyable read. My middle school son actually read this title before I had a chance and he gave it thumbs up.”–Laura O’Neill, Netgalley.com (12/29/2022) FIVE STARS

“It is so rare to read book two of a series and enjoy it even more than the first book, but here we are. As much as I thoroughly enjoyed the introductory book, I enjoyed this one even more. The author does an amazing job of pulling you into every scene and every battle, and making you care about the characters – feeling all their emotions. This book is an immersive experience and look into a world of which little is known – but now I feel I have a better understanding of the culture that was lost so long ago. And now I am anxious for book three!”–Barbara Parker, Netgalley.com (12/20/2022) FIVE STARS

“If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Intrigue, romance, mystery, history. This has it all! Looking forward to the next one!”–Kimberly Hofner, Goodreads.com (02/07/2023) FIVE STARS

“This was another great book in the A Jump in Time series by Andrew Varga. My 14 year old son and I listened to the first book together on audiobook, and he eagerly devoured this second book in the series, where our main characters, time traveling teens, were sent back about a thousand years earlier than the first book, to the time of the Roman occupation of Britain.”–Makenzie Clement, NetGalley.com (01/25/2023) FIVE STARS

“I had trouble putting this book down. Excellent world building with a fascinating explanation of time travel. The author executes this page turner science fiction/adventure/time travel with amazing brilliance. The surprising conclusion ties it all together in a way that for this reader is satisfying and complete.”–Dio Budo, Netgalley.com (12/21/2022) FIVE STARS

“An awesome second installment to Varga’s time jumper series. This book will find Dan and Sam landing around the year 60 during a time when the Roman’s were destroying the Celts. I enjoyed this second book a lot. I do wish it was slightly longer but hopefully the following books will be published to continue the journey. During this trip Dan and Sam will meet another time jumper who finds himself stranded in time and creating his own way back home. This will cause many difficulties for the pair of travelers. Dan seems to have grown up quite a bit since the first novel, but I suppose having traveled back in time and nearly killed in history will do that to a person. I highly recommend this series.”–Ashley McKay, bookseller at The Ancient Nook, Goodreads.com (12/06/2022) FIVE STARS

“5 Stars!! Loved this book just as much as the first book in this series! This is the second book in the ‘A Jump in Time’ series and can be read as a standalone, although I recommend reading book one first. The author has a way of giving tons of historical facts and making it actually interesting and entertaining. Perfect read for teens and adults. I’d say it’s a mix of historical facts & fiction, mystery, with a bit of romance thrown in, lots of adventure, fighting, action, surprises around every corner, and all in all a very entertaining read that I HIGHLY recommend!! I love that I feel smarter for having read this book too, since there were so many facts included which the author then explains a bit at the end. This book had me crying over people that were mistreated and dead over 2,000 years ago and I really can’t wait for the next book in this series! So worth reading! You won’t be sorry!”–Carey Hoy, NetGalley (11/06/2022) FIVE STARS

The Celtic Deception is the second book in the Jump in Time series but could be read as a stand-alone story. Once again 17 year old time jumper Dan faces the threat and evil plotting of villain Victor Stahl. Though Victor has forbidden him from time jumping, Dan and fellow jumper Sam travel back in history to 60 AD Celtic Wales where they must once more solve a time glitch in order to return home. Celts are fleeing the approaching Roman army which is intent on destroying their homes and culture. Dan and Sam encounter druids, make Celtic friends and meet a suspicious stranded fellow time jumper. In the course of the Roman attack, Dan must once again fight and faces threats to his life and his very future. Sam searches for the original glitch while Dan creates one of his own. Will he and Sam make it home? Once again Andrew Varga has given us an exciting story full of action, suspense, raw emotion and historical detail. Dan and Sam’s relationship evolves over the course of their travels. Several hints of what will be explored in the next book are included at the end of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly await the next installment in the series! I give this book five stars!”–Nancy Schenkeveld NetGalley (11/09/2022) FIVE STARS

“Not the typical time travel book. Was not expecting much, just another time travel book, but was really surprised. I actually enjoyed this book! The story was fast moving and exciting. The time period was perfect (the Celtic island of Anglesey in 60 CE). I am not a huge history buff, but I loved this setting and the author’s descriptions give the sense of being there.”–Barbara Evans, NetGalley (11/06/2022) FIVE STARS

““Waiting for a new glitch to appear became a daily agony”…“But sometimes there are many paths leading to the same destination”…Wow !! I was a fan of book one which completely changed my way of seeing time travel but this one … if possible it was even better !!! I enjoyed Dan and Sam’s journey through Celts and Romans’ fights so much this time around that I actually couldn’t put the book down. I felt completely enraptured but the plot and the mystery still connected to Victor and both their real lives. Again I managed to create some friends in a place where, technically, you shouldn’t have them. After all if you jump in the past … it’s not like you’re gonna be there forever … right? I loved how the author developed the relationship between Dan and Sam and how much stronger they both are when they’re together, if compared to when they’re apart !! I love how much they find solace in their friendship and they trust each other even during the darkest and most doubtful of times!! I had so much fun reading this second installment and I actually both cannot wait for it to be out and the story to grow!!! “Just two heroic time jumpers celebrating the fact that they aren’t dead.”–Fedy Pana, NetGalley (11/05/2022) FIVE STARS

“This second “Jump in Time Novel” is another hit out of the park. Varga has succeeded in combining history with adventure, imagination, tension, and a bit of humor to create another journey for Dan Renfrew. This book, though a second in the series, can easily stand on its own with an exciting story that creates conflict at every turn. Just when you think Dan and Sam, his partner in jumping, have solved one problem, another unexpected dilemma rises. The Celtic Deception opens with an encounter between Dan and the villain, Victor Stahl, a very powerful and scary man. Though promising Victor that he won’t jump again, when the opportunity arises, Dan and Sam make another jump, this time into Celtic Wales. They meet another time jumper who has created a glitch in time to get home. Dan and Sam become entrenched in the Celtic culture, interacting with a host of colorful characters, both good and bad. Once again, Varga has created an interesting and well-developed plot with twists and turns that keep the reader turning the pages. The ending is satisfying, and leaves the reader hungry for more Dan Renfrew adventures. As in the first book, The Celtic Deception will appeal to a variety of readers with its historical accuracy, adventure, and time travel elements. Readers will not be disappointed with Dan Renfrew’s latest adventure!”–Susan Heller, Educator, Johnson Park Elementary School, California, NetGalley (10/05/2022) FIVE STARS

“This is a young adult SF Historical Fiction and succeeds in forming that sense of wonder about the past. How the past has led to the present and how things may of been different if any changes were made. Within the story the characters actions were believable always difficult to see how people from another timeline would fit into being parachuted into a time and place in the past. A very good read and will give young people more a sense of some Historical Facts. I recommend this to any young or old interested in SF Time Travel and History.”–Clive Shaw, Educator, Baxter College, Kidderminster, United Kingdom, NetGalley (11/02/2022) FIVE STARS

“One of the things I highly value when I am reading a book is its capacity to pique my curiosity; to inspire me to learn more. This is exactly what the author does with the second installment of the “Jump in Time” series. The plot is agile and interesting, full of historical facts without being boring. The characters are relatable and believable in their logic and choices. I especially enjoyed both characters’ quick thinking and persistence, and the humor interlaced in the novel. Overall, another great read by this author and a five-star book for me. I highly recommend this series. If you love action, jump in time themes, and history, look no further; this book is for you.”–Maria Ortiz Marquez, NetGalley (10/22/2022) FIVE STARS

“After the furious first part of the “Jump In Time” adventure series I was excited for the next one and I’ll say it in advance, it was great again!…My reading impression: that was again more than 500 pages that I searched through. It’s exciting, adventurous, fluently written, very lively and pictorial, and I flew through the pages. In principle, the publisher divides this series into the genre “Teens and YA” because of the two young main actors, but these novels are universally great. The author is a historian and the books are really well researched, it’s a living history lesson. And really well told, I repeat myself. I was introduced to the Celts and their culture here, embedded in a thrilling adventure story. Well, you can of course read the volumes individually, the adventures in the respective time (here with the Celts) are self-contained, but the superimposed story is not. So it makes sense to start with Volume 1. So the book is brilliant.”–Monika Caparelli-Hippert, monis-buecher-piazza.de/ (10/15/2022) FIVE STARS, (Translated from German, read the original review on the link)

“He’s done it again! A brilliant addition to this already promising series. I was thrilled to rejoin Sam and Daniel as they jump through time to save history as well as our future. Mr. Varga continues to captivate with his talents for interweaving historical fact with adventure, humor, and romance in this thrilling tale on the shores of Wales. History enthusiasts and casual readers alike will find themselves captivated by the constant twists and turns our heroes face. Hard as I tried I was unable to put this book down and am eagerly awaiting the next in this series. I loved how historically accurate this book strived to be despite the lack of knowledge we have from that period. I can’t think of a better way of bringing the past to life for teens and adults.”–Casandra Smith, NetGalley (10/11/2022) FIVE STARS

“The second novel in the Jump in Time series, The Celtic Deception can certainly be read as a stand alone. Daniel and Sam are time jumpers who go though time to correct a glitch in the time continuum. This time they jump to Wales in 60 AD during the Roman takeover of the druids on the island of Anglesey. An exciting read this one is easily enjoyed by young and old alike. Historically informative in the most pleasurable way. An excellent read for history and adventure lovers.”–Gail Papish, Bookseller, NetGalley (10/14/2022) FIVE STARS

Hardback: $19.99 US      ISBN: 9781945501869 — First Edition: September 2023
Paperback:  $15.99 US    ISBN: 9781945501890– First Edition: September  2023
ePUB: $10.99 US              ISBN: 9781945501876
Audiobook: $29.00          ISBN: 9781945501883
Unabridged, (Under production, Narrated by Mark Sanderlin)
FICTION/HISTORIC FICTION/SCIENCE FICTION/YOUNG ADULT

 

 

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Purchase The Last Saxon King: A Jump in Time Novel, Book One