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The Timewaif Chronicles

A series of thoroughly researched historical adventure stories for children aged 8 and up, based in the Lake District.

We follow Tim Wainwright, a Timewaif who falls back through time into real places and real history. Through his adventures, he learns things about himself that he brings home to make his modern life better.

3D paperback of Timewaif & The Roman Road by Deborah Lyon, its cover showing a boy in Roman armour tumbling through a swirl of clock numerals3D 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

Meet Tim

Tim Wainwright lives in Fellcrag, a village on the west coast of Cumbria. Life isn’t easy. His dad has died, his mum is lost in grief, and the village bullies won’t leave him alone.

Then he finds a hidden cave in the sea cliffs. And an enchanted hopscotch board that invites him to leap and drops him into the past.

Real places, real history

Every book is set in Cumbria and the Lake District, in a different age. The forts, roads, and landscapes are real, and many can still be visited today. The Timewaif Trail lists some of them so you can plan your own visit to the Lake District, following Tim’s adventures.

Stories that respect young readers

The Timewaif Chronicles are long, layered books. Through Tim’s story, they tackle real things children face, including grief, bullying and racism, with honesty and care. Plenty of parents end up reading them too, and many find they open up conversations at home.

The books, in reading order

  1. 1
    3D paperback of Timewaif & The Roman Road by Deborah Lyon, its cover showing a boy in Roman armour tumbling through a swirl of clock numerals

    Book 1 · Published 28 Sept 2024

    Timewaif & The Roman Road

    A rip-roaring adventure through time

    Roman Britain, under Emperor Hadrian.

  2. 2
    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

    Book 2 · Out 28 Nov 2026

    Timewaif & The Viking Journey

    A Viking code, a family mystery and a battle for survival

    The Lake District in the Viking Age.

More adventures to come.

Quick answers

What age are the Timewaif books for?

Readers aged 8 and up. And the grown-ups who read along.

Which book should I read first?

Start with Timewaif & The Roman Road. Tim grows up across the series, so it’s best to travel with him from the beginning.

Where are the books set?

In Cumbria and the Lake District, in north-west England, at different moments in its history.

Who publishes the series?

Troubador Publishing. The books are available in paperback and eBook and can be ordered from any bookshop.

How do I find out more?

Sign up to Deb’s Substack here for all the latest Timewaif news and events.

Does Deb visit schools?

Yes. Deb offers school and library visits, with readings and Q&As.