Reviews

Across the Risen Sea by Bren MacDibble

nat1998's review

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

jengennari's review against another edition

5.0

Crocodiles, sharks, pirates -- this story has it all! A fantastic middle-grade climate fiction book about what it's like after the sea has risen (which it will). When the Valley of Sun people erect Technology on Ockery Islands (where they have sworn off technology), Neoma and her best friend Jag get into trouble. Neoma sets off to rescue Jag. What she discovers and her sense of fairness manages to right some wrongs.

I'm thinking this is a new sub-genre: dystopian with hope. Also: I am grateful to the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow who showcased this book and made it available for free for one week.

Note: Exquisite example of voice.

sashagriffiths's review

adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

hyacoda's review against another edition

5.0

A tale of a post climate disaster future from fast rising seas. Fledgling communities in what becomes the edge of civilisation try to live gently. Told from the delightful point of view of Neoma a young adventurous, resilient and wild child. I was absolutely riveted and delighted, and read the entire book in a couple of hours. It had flavours of both crocodile dundee and waterworld. Some challenging themes that younger children may need support with, I would recommend this as a classroom read for 8+.

bluewithstars's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this and could not put it down, it had me hooked. I need to read other books by Bren MacDibble now.

ozshark's review

4.0

3.5 stars. This is a rollicking adventure story, set in a post apocalyptic world where the oceans have risen and reclaimed most of the land. Much like in How to Bee, I was more interested in this new world and how it operates than the story Bren MacDibble is telling within it. I wanted more information about how people are surviving, particularly the people outside of the Ockery Islands. I liked the challenge of the need to live gentle lives and would have liked to explore this even more. I love the power of the phrase 'the risen sea'. It was very effective throughout the novel.

However, the story of Neoma, Jaguar and their adventures is still fascinating and I hope will be widely received.

I have enjoyed all Ms MacDibble's work so far and look forward to whatever is next. However, I am definitely ready for her next main character to have a different 'voice' and speak in a different way.

madhamster's review

4.0

Strong female characters dominate this post-climate-change world.
A solid fantasy for older children.

missusb21's review

5.0

Catching up on missed reads. Love this thrilling adventure, with a narrator that is fearless and funny.

ksimpsonbooks's review

adventurous fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

One of my favourite middle grade books of 2020. Bren Macdibble has done it again! Fast paced adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world, but with a splash of humour as well. Not too dark or gritty.  Recommended for ages 8 or 9+