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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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34(34%)
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37(37%)
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29(29%)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I truly adored this one.

The twins took the starring role this time around and journeyed back to the era of the Ark.

It was an excellent method of capturing the story.

The way they interacted with the characters and the events of that time added a new dimension to the narrative.

It was as if I was right there with them, experiencing everything firsthand.

The details were vividly described, making it easy to imagine the scenes in my mind.

This story really brought the time of the Ark to life and made it an unforgettable experience for me.

I can't wait to see what other adventures the twins will have in the future.

Overall, this was a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about history and adventure.
July 15,2025
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Strangely, this sci-fi/fantasy/time travel/Bible fanfic/sexual awakening story is (currently, with still one to go) my favorite in the Whisper in Time quintet.

It was just so incredibly odd and peculiarly sexual for what one might expect from a "kids" or middle grade story. The combination of these different and seemingly disparate factors, however, strangely worked wonders for me.

This story had its moments of slow pacing, but it was very plot-heavy, which I quite enjoyed. I liked how it delved into the hitherto barely explored characters of Dennys and Sandy. The amount of imagination that went into描绘 what pre-flood times could have been like if unicorns, manticores, and tiny mammoths existed was truly phenomenal. I also appreciated the exploration of characters (including those unnamed in the Bible) and the acknowledgement of how patriarchal the society was back then (and how the stories were as well). There's also a comparison of their times to modern times, with the recognition that people are people, and that good, bad, and in-between people have always existed and will always continue to exist.

I also liked the struggle that Noah had between what "El" (God) was telling him and what made rational sense. Of course he would have been going crazy inside, so much so that he might not even notice obvious things going on outside as he'd be too focused on his work and the strangeness of El's request.

This is one of those books where I completely understand if someone doesn't like it, because it is weird as heck, but it really, really worked for me!
July 15,2025
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Madeleine L'Engle is truly a remarkable author who never fails to astonish me.

The next installment in the Time Quintet series is not presented in a chronological order with the other books.

This extremely talented writer has masterfully blended biblical writings with science, and in this story, Sandy and Dennis are right in the middle of the action.

It's a wonderful addition to the series that showcases the unique personalities of the twins.

The twins accidentally interfere with one of their father's experiments and suddenly find themselves in a strange desert land.

In this desolate place, the only means of transportation is either on your own two feet or, if you're fortunate, a camel.

They soon become ill and are on the verge of death due to sun exposure.

Thankfully, some of the natives come across them and offer their assistance, saving their lives.

Overall, this story is a captivating and engaging read that further enriches the Time Quintet series.
July 15,2025
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I truly relished the time travel experience. It was fascinating to observe how the twins, who are pragmatic and inclined to solve problems through action, had to learn to embrace uncertainty. I have a great fondness for books that manage to blend science and faith, delving into the fact that these two aspects are not mutually exclusive.

As stated, "There's no such thing as an unbreakable scientific rule, because, sooner or later, they all seem to get broken. Or to change" (339). Science indeed serves as a valuable tool for problem-solving and a means to gain a better understanding of the world. However, it has its limitations and cannot provide answers to every question.

This concept is really cool and makes one think about the complex relationship between science and other aspects of life, such as faith and the acceptance of the unknown. It shows that there is still much to discover and explore, and that we should not be too quick to dismiss ideas that may seem to contradict our current understanding of science.
July 15,2025
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Still reflecting on this one.

It's truly remarkable. So lyrical, it flows like a beautiful poem, carrying the reader along on a tide of emotions. Thoughtful, it makes you stop and ponder the deeper meanings of life and the world around us. And strange, in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, never quite sure what's coming next. It's nothing like the other Time books.

Though L'Engle uses simple language and descriptions, the world she paints is a masterstroke. There is so much contrast, like light and dark, good and evil, hope and despair. And so many unexpected elements that you find yourself wholly immersed, unable to tear yourself away. You think about it even when you're not reading, and it's been a long while since a book had that kind of hold on you.

If you're anticipating this to be a piece of preachy historical Bible-fiction because of the subject matter, you'll be in for a pleasant surprise, as I was. It never goes quite where you think it will, constantly subverting your expectations. There is a pervasive sense of melancholy and wisdom, the kind of wisdom that can only be gained from seeing the darker parts of people.

As the book progresses, you can actually feel the twins growing up, their personalities developing and changing.

The following passage really struck me when I read it; it's a good summary of the book's main themes:

"I don't like entropy," Sandy said. "The universe winding down."

"I don't think it's winding down," Dennys contradicted. "I think it's still being birthed. Even the flood is part of the birthing."

"I don't understand." Sandy's voice was flat. "Everybody knows that entropy--"

"Everybody doesn't. And entropy is in question, anyhow. Remember, we had that in science last year. There's no such thing as an unbreakable scientific rule, because, sooner or later, they all seem to get broken. Or to change."

"Grandfather Lamech said that these are last days." The occasional slow drops of rain made Sandy on edge, and argumentative.

Another spash of rain touched Dennys's face, muting the stars. "There have been many times of last days," he said, "and they mark not only endings but beginnings."

This passage encapsulates the book's exploration of the cyclical nature of life, the idea that even in the face of destruction and chaos, there is always the potential for new beginnings. It's a powerful and thought-provoking message that lingers long after you've finished reading.
July 15,2025
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The final book of the "Time" quartet is here, and truth be told, I truly adored only the first two installments. Nevertheless, this one managed to be quite entertaining and presented a new approach that, in its own unique way, was just as mind-bendingly fantastic as the others.

Twin brothers Sandy and Dennys, who had thus far evaded most of the strange adventures that had entrapped their sister and little brother, finally find themselves in the thick of it. While poking around in their mother and father's lab, they decide to inspect one of the ongoing experiments, despite the prominent warning sign. And without any further hesitation, they suddenly find themselves in the middle of a desolate desert wasteland.

So commences the journey of this proudly "normal" and skeptical pair through space-time, into a world that bears a striking resemblance to biblical stories. They will encounter none other than the family of Noah himself, a tribe of desert dwellers completely unaware that a flood may soon be upon them. But the humans are not alone in this fantastic world. There are unicorns that can teleport and can only be ridden by virgins, miniature mammoths that unfailingly find water, vicious manticores that attack without warning, and shapeshifting beings straight from biblical legend: the wise and compassionate seraphim and their crafty cousins the nephilim.

The religious ties are明显 stronger in this book compared to L'Engle's other works, yet for some reason, I didn't mind as much as I usually do. The characters were interesting, although not all of them were fully developed, and the world itself was masterfully constructed. Above all, Sandy and Dennys are very different main characters from the open-minded Meg and Charles Wallace, and they are a delight to get to know. Somehow, it is even more fascinating to watch 15-year-old skeptics grapple with the fantastic.
July 15,2025
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There were numerous aspects of this book that I simply didn't like. And, unfortunately, there were only a scant few that I did. After having read and thoroughly enjoyed the three previous "Wrinkle in Time" books, I was filled with excitement to delve into this one. Sandy and Dennys had never played a major role in the other books, but they always seemed like delightful additions to the family. So, I was eager to have a book dedicated to them. Sadly, this story just didn't resonate with me.

Sandy and Dennys accidentally blunder into an experiment their father is conducting and end up being whisked through time. They find themselves with Noah (from the Bible) and his family just before the floods arrive. While I had appreciated the biblical references in the previous books, this transporting of characters into Bible stories didn't sit well with me.

One of the main drawbacks in this was the excessive talk of sex. The previous novels seemed more geared towards middle grade readers, but this was not something I would readily hand off to my nieces and nephews of that age. There is one woman who attempts to seduce the boys on multiple occasions, coming perilously close to succeeding once, until Sandy decides that although he may be ready, she isn't the right person. There is even a birth scene when one of Noah's daughters gives birth to a child fathered by a fallen angel. It was just plain strange.

Perhaps without all of these sexual references, this book would have been more to my liking. As it stands, I didn't enjoy it. Sandy and Dennys could have been a great deal of fun in a story, but this one simply didn't work. And now that I have seen what the next book is about, I don't think I will be continuing. I want to hold onto my fond memories of the first three books and the entire Murray family, whom I have enjoyed up until this point.
July 15,2025
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The last two chapters truly bring the story together in a remarkable way. When compared to the other three "time" books, it stands out as being distinctively different. L’engle is like the storyteller of our generation. She has become my new good friend, captivating me with her words and imagination.

Her writing has the power to transport readers to different worlds and make them feel a range of emotions. The quote "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it" adds a beautiful and profound touch to the story. It emphasizes the strength and endurance of love, no matter what obstacles may come its way.

L’engle's works are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, making us reflect on life, love, and the human experience. I look forward to exploring more of her books and continuing this wonderful journey of discovery with my new friend, L’engle.
July 15,2025
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"A Wrinkle in Time" holds a special place among my all-time favorite books. L'engle's imagination knows no bounds, and her remarkable ability to draw the reader into her fictional world is truly one-of-a-kind. "Many Waters" is the fourth installment in the "Wrinkle in Time" series, and it seamlessly meshes with the aesthetic and tone of each preceding book, which is truly a wonderful feat. The pre-flood world is a realm of mystery and fantasy, defying any conventional explanation. L'engle not only ignites the reader's imagination but also crafts captivating characters, despite their being separated by vast distances. If you have been a devotee of L'engle's previous works, then this book comes highly recommended.

July 15,2025
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The statement "Too biblical. No Meg. And that's all I have to say about that." seems rather cryptic. It implies that something is overly influenced by or related to the Bible, and there is a specific mention of "No Meg." perhaps indicating that Meg is not involved or relevant in this context.

It could be that the person making this statement is expressing their opinion about a particular situation, story, or idea that they find to have a strong biblical undertone. Maybe they are comparing it to something else and feel that it doesn't align with their expectations or beliefs.

Without further context, it's difficult to fully understand the exact meaning and significance of this statement. However, it does raise questions and makes one wonder what exactly is meant by "Too biblical" and why Meg is being excluded.

Overall, this short statement leaves room for interpretation and speculation, inviting the reader to consider different possibilities and draw their own conclusions.
July 15,2025
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After a third book that brought me with an open heart to what the series could offer... more of a bucket of cold water. And Many Waters (here it is!).


In this volume, the twins Dennys and Sandy, after a hockey game, to protect themselves from the cold, decide to make a hot chocolate at home and end up entering their parents' laboratory. After a wrongly placed phrase, they travel several years into the past, more precisely into the pre-diluvian era of Noah.


Here, Madeleine brings religion and its ties as the main fan to be unraveled on the pages. We have a God who talks to the people of this place, angels who protect them and fallen angels who only wish to take lascivious advantage of these small beings. And here, the book really abuses a theme in a completely unnecessary way. The sexual charge in this book, with young girls and their "hidden desires" is uncomfortable. Yes, we talk about a supposed Sodom and Gomorrah and the reasons that, according to the Bible, made God destroy it. But, in this story, it sounded like something gratuitous. Besides irritating characters, disconnected and dragged dialogues, it did not do justice to what the other good books in the series brought.


Many Waters, even with a very beautiful ending, ends the series very badly. I know we have a fifth book, but this fourth book ended a cycle very badly.
July 15,2025
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I truly love two aspects of this. Firstly, it's great that Sandy and Dennys get some time in the spotlight. They have always been interesting characters, and it's nice to see them have their moment to shine.

Secondly, the way that the story of Noah and the flood is explored here is really fascinating. It's a well-known biblical tale, but the unique perspective and the details added in this exploration make it feel fresh and new.

Overall, these two elements combine to make this a really engaging and enjoyable read. I can't wait to see what else is in store for these characters and this story.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good adventure with a touch of the supernatural and a deep exploration of a classic story.
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