New from The Timewaif Chronicles

Timewaif & The Viking Journey

Tim is back. And this time, the past may hold the truth about his dad.

An accident at sea, everyone said. Now Tim has learned something that changes everything.

Flung back in time once more, he lands in a wild Lake District of Vikings and Celts, with an Anglo-Saxon invasion on its way. Somewhere in a mysterious Viking code lies the truth. Can Tim find it before time runs out?

Book two of The Timewaif Chronicles. Real Lake District history, and a mystery to keep readers aged 8 and up turning the pages.

3D paperback of Timewaif & The Viking Journey by Deborah Lyon, its green cover showing a boy in a Viking helmet and fur-trimmed tunic running through golden runes and a red spiral of light

Out28 Nov2026

Pre-order now

Timewaif & The Viking Journey is out 28 Nov 2026

What readers are saying

Deborah's historical knowledge is excellent. She's found an incredibly fun way to teach young adults about Roman times. The characters were all fantastic, and they really fit in beautifully.
Nicola Doyle
On Timewaif & The Roman Road
It's a heartwarming, heartfelt tale of friendship, grief and resilience, all wrapped up in a wonderful historical narrative.
David Brockway
On Timewaif & The Roman Road
Rated 5 out of 5
Time-travel, history and friendship combine in this unforgettable Cumbrian adventure
Richard Moriarty
North West District Editor, The Sun
On Timewaif & The Roman Road
Rated 5 out of 5
A vivid, heart-warming time-slip adventure that brings Roman Britain to life
Chris Riches
Correspondent for North-West England and Wales, Daily Express
On Timewaif & The Roman Road
Rated 5 out of 5
I enjoyed going back in time and following Tim in his Roman adventures. The mix of magic and history makes the story come alive!
Jacob
Aged 9
On Timewaif & The Roman Road
Rated 5 out of 5
I really enjoyed Timewaif & The Roman Road. I liked learning about the Romans who settled and lived in the Lake District. The story was so exciting and I couldn't wait to start the next chapter. I am looking forward to visiting some of the Roman ruins mentioned in the book!
Lola
Aged 8
On Timewaif & The Roman Road
Rated 5 out of 5
Deborah Lyon is a born writer and this is an absolutely wonderful book. I loved its Cumbrian setting, and got completely involved not just in the time-travelling adventure but above all in the human stories: I found myself caring hugely about the characters, totally exhilarated and at times moved to tears. I’ve given a copy to every 8-15-year old I know, I urge everyone else to read it too, and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Tim Robertson
Former Director of the Royal Society of Literature
On Timewaif & The Roman Road

Meet Tim, The Timewaif

The Timewaif Chronicles are historical adventure stories for children aged 8 and up. Tim Wainwright falls back through time into the real history of Cumbria and the Lake District. First the Romans, then the Vikings, with more adventures to come.

Every adventure changes him for the better, but where will he go next?

Book one of The Timewaif Chronicles

Timewaif & The Roman Road

What if one leap could take you two thousand years into the past?

Running from the bullies after school, Tim ducks into a hidden cave in the sea cliffs. Inside is a magical hopscotch board. He jumps and lands in Roman Cumbria, where Emperor Hadrian rules and a twelve-year-old boy from the future doesn’t belong.

Will he ever get back to his mum and Annie? And does he even really want to?