A Swiftly Tilting Planet

by Madeleine L’Engle, Madeleine L'Engle
A Swiftly Tilting Planet cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Fantasy, Young Adult
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  • ID: 7831
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2026-02-15
  • ISBN: 9781429994347
  • Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
  • Published: 1978-07-01
  • Reviews: 4

In A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Madeleine L'Engle weaves a tale of time travel and family bonds. Fifteen-year-old Charles Wallace and the unicorn Gaudior embark on a dangerous journey through time to stop a mad dictator from causing global destruction. Alongside his sister Meg, who supports him spiritually, Charles must confront his deepest fears and beliefs to avert the impending tragedy. This novel is a companion to the beloved A Wrinkle in Time and continues the adventures of the Murry and O'Keefe families. L'Engle's signature blend of science fiction and fantasy creates a rich, thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of faith, love, and the power of human connection.

Reviews
The StoryGraph · 2025-12-18
favorite 5.00

This book is a favorite, with intricate details and a rich narrative that captivate both young and adult readers. The reviewer is astounded by the depth and complexity of the story.

The reviewer expresses a deep affection for this book, calling it one of their favorites. They highlight the intricate details and the rich narrative that make the story so compelling. The reviewer notes that even as an adult, they were astounded by the depth and complexity of the story, which they have loved for decades. The book's ability to captivate readers of all ages is praised, making it a timeless classic. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is palpable, highlighting its enduring appeal and the emotional connection it fosters.

Quick quotes

    Love this book, it's one of my favorites!!!

    As an adult rereading this book I've loved for decades I was astounded by the detail and the intricacy that L'Engle weaves into the story.

    It's a timeless classic that captivates readers of all ages.

Ruth Madison · Ruth Madison · 2025-12-18
fantastic 4.50

It's not hard to love a Madeline L'Engle book! The story is fascinating and well told, with a mystery weaving together history and familiar characters.

Ruth Madison expresses her love for Madeline L'Engle's books, finding this one particularly fascinating and well-told. She appreciates the mystery that weaves together history and familiar characters, making the story engaging and enjoyable. Madison highlights the emotional intensity and thought-provoking nature of the book, which grabs the reader's attention from start to finish. She also notes that the book is suitable for all ages, making it a great read for both children and adults.

Quick quotes

    It's not hard to love a Madeline L'Engle book!

    The story is fascinating and well told, with a mystery weaving together history and familiar characters.

    The book is suitable for all ages, making it a great read for both children and adults.

Cobalt Jade · 2019-04-23
complex 3.50

This book was divisive, annoying with its clichés and naivete, yet memorable for how everything fit together. The pressing need on our own planet, time travel, interwoven mystery and history, and moving writing are all highlighted.

The reviewer has a complex relationship with this book, finding it both annoying and memorable. They criticize the use of clichés and naivete but appreciate how all the elements of the story come together in a satisfying way. The reviewer also praises the book's exploration of pressing issues on our own planet, its use of time travel, and the interwoven mystery and history that make the narrative compelling. The moving writing is noted as a standout feature, making the book a thought-provoking read despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    This was a divisive book for me.

    It annoyed me with its clichés and sense of naivete.

    Yet has stuck in my mind for the way it all fit together.

Offbeat Unicorn · 2019-04-10
excellent 4.00

If you like time-traveling unicorns, this is the book for you! The book is praised for its intricate detail and emotional intensity.

The reviewer highly recommends this book, especially for those who enjoy time-traveling unicorns. They highlight the intricate detail and emotional intensity of the story, making it a captivating read. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the narrative, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the book. They also note that the book is suitable for both children and adults, making it a versatile and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    If you like time-traveling unicorns, this is the book for you!

    The book is praised for its intricate detail and emotional intensity.

    The depth and complexity of the narrative add to the overall enjoyment of the book.

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