Unlocking the Secrets of Time: A Review of "The Doomsday Vault" by Thomas Wheeler
Updated: Feb 11, 2025
When a black hole spontaneously forms in a Victorian-era bedroom, an unexpected invitation changes everything. Thomas Wheeler's The Doomsday Vault (EverWhen School of Time Travel and Other Odd Sciences) offers a thrilling, multi-era adventure that’s as clever as captivating. Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and set to release on January 28, 2025, this middle-grade sci-fi gem is packed with wit, charm, and time-traveling chaos.
About the book:
Title: The Doomsday Vault (Everwhen School of Time Travel (and Other Odd Sciences))
Author: Thomas Wheeler
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Synopsis:
When Bertie Wells accidentally creates a black hole in his bedroom in the year 1878,
the last thing he expects is for a grown-up to step out. Darla Marconi comes with an
offer: Bertie is invited to attend the EverWhen School of Time Travel and Other Odd Sciences.
Not exactly thrilled at the idea, but not exactly having anything better to do, Bertie
agrees. And that was only the first weird thing to happen to him that day. Thankfully,
he's not alone—144 years in the future, math whiz Zoe Fuentes just accepted the same
invitation, and 550 years in the past, Amelia da Vinci (yes, that da Vinci) has also decided
to attend.
Transported to 2024 for their first semester of school, these three must team up and work together in order to survive the year, including weathering a time paradox, solving the case of a disappearing dean, and uncovering the truth behind a shady intergalactic secret society.
Sharp-eyed readers will realize that not only is Millie da Vinci related to (and often overshadowed by) her Renaissance man brother, but also that Dean Marconi may be related to the Guglielmo Marconi of radio transmission fame, and protagonist Bertie is the HG Wells of War of the Worlds fame. There are many fun science Easter eggs scattered throughout!
My Review
Wheeler’s story kicks off in 1878 when Bertie Wells accidentally creates a black hole—and meets Darla Marconi, a mysterious figure who invites him to join the EverWhen School of Time Travel and Other Odd Sciences. Though Bertie is hesitant, he soon finds himself joined by two equally brilliant misfits: Zoe Fuentes, a math prodigy from 2024, and Millie da Vinci, a talented mind overshadowed by her famous brother, Leonardo, in 1472.
The trio’s first semester is anything but ordinary. Together, they navigate quirky school dynamics, face a perplexing time paradox, and unravel the mystery of a disappearing dean—all while uncovering the secrets of a shadowy intergalactic society.
The Good Stuff: Clever Writing and Dynamic Characters
Wheeler skillfully weaves historical and scientific references throughout the narrative, making The Doomsday Vault both educational and delightfully entertaining. The nods to H.G. Wells, Guglielmo Marconi, and Leonardo da Vinci will surely delight readers, especially those with a love for history and science.
The protagonists are richly drawn and relatable, each bringing a unique strength to the team. Bertie’s Victorian politeness, Zoe’s sharp logic, and Millie’s creative genius create a dynamic trio that keeps the story engaging. The witty banter between them adds levity, even in the tensest moments.
A World of Endless Possibilities
The setting is a character in itself. The EverWhen School of Time Travel is brimming with eccentricities, from its futuristic classrooms to its faculty, whose hidden pasts and curious motivations keep readers guessing. Wheeler’s attention to detail paints a vivid picture of a school that feels alive—an institution where the unexpected is routine.
What Makes It Shine
Engaging Plot: The twists and turns keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Educational Easter Eggs: Science and history fans will love the clever nods to real-world figures and events.
Timeless Themes: Friendship, courage, and the quest for knowledge anchor the story’s fantastical elements.
What Could Be Better
While the book is packed with excitement, the pacing occasionally feels rushed. Some moments—such as the trio’s initial adjustment to the school—could benefit from additional depth. However, these minor quibbles hardly detract from the overall charm of the story.
Final Thoughts
The Doomsday Vault is a time-traveling triumph. Perfect for middle-grade readers and beyond, it combines humor, adventure, and thought-provoking science in a way that feels fresh and exhilarating. With its lovable cast and intriguing mysteries, this book promises to be the start of a series readers will eagerly follow.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
Are you ready to step into the EverWhen School and unlock the mysteries of time? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! ⏳
THOMAS WHEELER (he/him) is a showrunner, screenwriter, producer, and the New York Times bestselling author of Cursed, with illustrations by Frank Miller. He has created TV series for Netflix, ABC, and NBC, as well as written numerous feature films, including the Academy Award-nominated Puss in Boots and the Academy Award-nominated Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
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