I began reading this aloud to my boys. However, after just one chapter, I swiftly realized that this wasn't going to work. To my great surprise, this book turned out to be an adult one.

In this book, the Murray twins are transported back in time to the days of Noah, right before the flood. The daughters of men are cavorting with the nephilum, and the descriptions are quite vivid! These "experienced" (the author actually uses some other words) girls pursue our Murray twins, and it gets a bit risqué. Also, the people are all just 4 feet tall and they only wear loin cloths. Each time the Murray twins encounter these lovely girls, they are only wearing bottoms, and the author describes the top half nearly every time.

The cast of characters includes nephilum, seraphims, manticores, unicorns, and pet mammoths the size of small dogs. Additionally, Noah is a jerk for the first half of the book. Two of his sons aren't very bright, and one of his daughters-in-law is half nephilum. Amazingly, Noah manages to build the ark in less than 3 moons, and he sends Japheth and his wife to tell the people just once that the rains are coming. The author refers to the Bible as a chauvinistic account multiple times. I could go on and on about the doctrinal issues that are completely distorted.

I was disappointed in this book as it lacked the profound and deep thinking that accompanied the first three "Wrinkle in Time" books. Even though it was an interesting read and I didn't exactly hate it, I still found no real value in it, and it will not have a place on my bookshelf.

For the only book with male protagonists in the time quintet, it truly warmed my feminist heart.

In this particular work, the male protagonists spent a significant portion of their time being comically inept and sickly. It was quite a refreshing departure from the typical portrayal of male characters as always strong, capable, and in control.

Seeing them struggle and fumble in various situations added a layer of vulnerability and humanity to their characters. It made me realize that strength and competence are not the sole defining characteristics of a person, regardless of gender.

This unique aspect of the book not only entertained me but also challenged my preconceived notions about gender roles. It showed that it's okay for men to have weaknesses and that they don't always have to be the heroes who save the day.

Overall, it was a pleasant surprise to find such a portrayal of male protagonists in a literary work, and it gave me a new perspective on the importance of diversity and inclusivity in storytelling.

**Many Waters: A Mixed Bag of Adventure and Controversy**

Many Waters, the fourth installment in Madeleine L’Engle’s Time Quintet, takes a different turn by centering on the “normal” Murry twins, Sandy and Dennys. Instead of Meg and Charles Wallace’s exploits, we follow the twins as they accidentally mess up their father’s experiment and find themselves in the story of Noah and the Ark.

The beginning of the novel is rather weak, with a cliched conversation that feels like lazy character exposition. The boys’ sudden transportation to a warmer place via the computer also strains credibility, despite L’Engle’s attempts to explain it with quantum leaps and particle physics.

However, if readers can overlook these flaws, there are some interesting elements. The development of the seraphim and nephilim from vague biblical references adds depth and tension. The interplay between the humans, seraphim, and nephilim as they grapple with trust is engaging, and the revelation that the seraphim are angels and the nephilim are fallen angels is a nice touch.

Sandy and Dennys’ experiences in pre-Flood Earth also lead to their growth and maturation. Separated and forced to adapt to a harsher environment, they learn to think and operate independently. Their attraction to Noah’s daughter Yalith adds another layer of complexity and serves as a catalyst for further emotional development.

Yet, the novel’s sexual content sets it apart from the first three in the series. The open discussion of lust and seduction, particularly with the nephilim and their attempts to seduce the twins, seems inappropriate for a children’s book. While I don’t have a problem with sexual content in general, it feels out of place here.

Overall, Many Waters is a mixed bag. The science fiction aspects may be too far-fetched for older readers, while the sexual content may be inappropriate for younger ones. However, there are enough interesting elements to keep some readers engaged, especially those with a specific interest in L’Engle’s work or time travel and biblical events. I give it a provisional three stars, but for most readers, it may not be worth the time.

I have read this book countless times, starting from my adolescence and continuing into adulthood. While I have a great affection for Meg and Charles Murray, it is this particular book that centers around the secondary characters, the twin brothers Sandy and Dennys, that keeps drawing me back. It is truly one of my favorites from Madeleine L'Engle.

I believe the reason I love it so deeply is because of its theme of growing up and experiencing profound love and romance, especially the captivating love triangle involving the twins and Yalith. As a teenager, after reading this book, I had an intense crush on the twins. Moreover, the biblical world that L'Engle crafted is astonishingly rich and fascinating. The nephilim and seraphim introduced such a compelling aspect to the story of Noah and the ark. I almost wish she had penned a sequel. What became of the nephilim after the flood? Did they manage to survive? What happened to the nephil wives and their children? I guess these questions will forever remain a mystery.

I highly recommend this book. It is ideal if you read it in sequence with the rest of L'Engle's Time Quintet, but I also think it can stand alone very effectively, with a powerful story to tell. It is an absolute must-read!

This was my absolute favorite among the Murray books. It is quite evident in my copy, which is literally falling apart due to my numerous readings. However, I do have a slight reservation regarding the characterization of Sandy and Dennys. In A Swiftly Tilting Planet, they are presented as a medical and law student respectively, while in this book, they are still in high school. It seems rather inconsistent to me. How could men who had such a remarkable adventure in their past act in the way S&D do in Planet? The implication at the end of this book is that no one in the Murray family ever discovers that they went back to the time of Noah and the Ark. Perhaps this is why it didn't become as integral to their identity as it might have otherwise. It almost feels like just a dream.

As always, there isn't a great deal of connection to the other books, aside from the family and the concept of time travel. The twins don't even mention Meg and CW's previous adventures, not even as a source of comfort to themselves when they are trying to figure out how to escape the difficult situation they find themselves in.

The writing in this book, in my opinion, is the most fluid and lyrical. There were moments in the first two books that felt a bit stiff, but that wasn't the case with these two.

So, why was this one my favorite? It focuses solely on the boys, and badass Meg is only present on the very last page. I think I was drawn to this little closed society. I definitely loved the unicorns and mammoths, and this book is the least strange of the bunch (except for the Nephilim and Seraphim). Additionally, it has an unforgiving natural beauty that still speaks to me on a profound level. Madeleine has once again woven her magical spell!

I think I've been living under a rock for the past 20 years.

It came as a complete surprise to me that there was a fourth book in the series. Growing up, I was a huge fan of Madeleine L'Engle. I devoured her books as if they were my religion. So, finding this book was like discovering that a long-lost friend actually lives just down the street.

Sandy and Dennys were always the least interesting members of the family. They seemed like the ordinary ones who never got to experience anything exciting. And, to be honest, they didn't seem too bothered by it. They were content with being normal. Therefore, it was refreshing to see them embark on their own adventure. However, this book didn't have the same impact on me as "A Wrinkle in Time" because, to a certain extent, Sandy and Dennys were mostly observers in the main events.

They were like the strangely dressed fans in the football stadium, and that was about it.

Despite this, I gave the book a four-star rating, although a three might have been more appropriate. It was simply nice to reconnect with my old friends.

When I embarked on the journey of re-reading this series, a realization dawned upon me that I had never delved into the final 2 books.

Even though A Wrinkle in Time held a special place as one of my all-time favorite books during my elementary and middle school years, I couldn't help but wonder what my thoughts would have been had I read Many Waters during that period.

I found myself completely engrossed in reading about the twins' experiences in the strange and foreign world they accidentally stumbled into. Sandy and Dennis, who usually reside on the periphery of the other stories, provided a delightful treat as we got to explore their feelings towards their highly unusual family of geniuses.

This particular installment has now become my new favorite of the series. The imagery描绘 of the desert and the starry nights is simply breathtakingly beautiful, and all the characters are brought to life with such vividness that they seem to jump off the pages. I wholeheartedly recommend this series and this book in particular - it truly is a classic that should not be missed.

I am a truly huge fan of L’Engle, and this particular book holds a distinct place within the series of Murray books. It stands apart in a unique and remarkable way.

I am constantly on the lookout for non-cheesy historical fiction that can completely immerse me, making me feel as if I am truly there in the story. Well, this book fits the bill perfectly. It offers a highly creative and fantastical interpretation of the Noah story. As I was reading, I could literally sense the sand beneath my feet and feel the warmth of the sun on my face.

I absolutely adored the characters. The kind and loving twins added a special charm, and the close-knit family was portrayed in such a heartwarming way. This book is truly epic in every sense. I am so glad that I decided to reread it, as it once again took me on an unforgettable literary journey.

Unlike most books, "Many Waters" commences incredibly slowly.

However, as the story unfolds, the detail and depth of the book continuously draw me in.

Since this book is part of a series, I would not recommend reading it without first reading the other three.

With the prior knowledge of the other three, this book makes more sense than it otherwise would.

This book is a great read for fans of historical fiction.

Moreover, it also contains some science towards the end, regarding quantum physics, quantum leaps, and all that fascinating stuff.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. It is truly fantastic and offers a unique blend of historical and scientific elements that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.

Whether you are a lover of historical fiction or have an interest in science, "Many Waters" has something to offer.

So, pick up this book and embark on an exciting literary journey.

You won't be disappointed!

Many Waters is the fourth installment in the Wrinkle in Time series.

The storyline centers around the twin brothers, Sandy and Dennys. It is quite fascinating to experience the story from their point of view as they haven't held the main roles in the previous tales. We accompany the twins as they journey across space and time to the Old Testament, encountering new characters, creatures, and landscapes.

I found the story to be engaging and entertaining. However, at certain points, it felt a bit repetitive. I think this book is intended for a middle grade audience. Nevertheless, there was some content and language that might be a bit too risqué for younger readers. I believe readers aged 12 and above should be able to handle it just fine.

So far, A Swiftly Tilting Planet remains my favorite in the series. It has a unique charm and a more complex plot that keeps me hooked from start to finish. I'm looking forward to seeing what other adventures the series has in store.

A Fascinating Blend of Science, Mythology and Bible Epic

In this captivating adventure, the twins Sandy and Dennys assume the central role. They are catapulted into the prehistoric era prior to the Great Flood.

There, they encounter early civilized men, supernatural entities such as the seraphim and nephilim, and extraordinary creatures like the mammoth, manticores, griffiths, and unicorns.

Alongside these mythic elements, it is an incredible tale of coming of age. The usually inseparable twins are, in fact, apart for most of the story, both physically and emotionally.

They find themselves in a time when things have gone awry, and this society is on the brink of impending change. The twins experience the best and worst of humanity and must constantly confront temptation in various forms.

It is a story of endurance, perseverance, faith, and family. I liked this one as much as "The Tilting Planet" -- both are undoubtedly highpoints in the series.

Overall, it offers a unique and engaging exploration of different worlds and themes that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Better than #s 2 and 3, to be sure.

Sandy and Dennys get all the action in this one. Their personalities may be a bit weak initially, but they definitely grow and change over the course of the novel.

While #3 strays so far from the Time characters and storyline, this one remains adequately centered on Sandy and Dennys. In fact, I actually had the feeling that I was reading one of the Time novels, despite the fact that it takes place during the time of the biblical Noah.

Speaking of which, what L’engle does here with the Bible and the Book of Enoch is terribly clever. It makes for a truly delightful read.

The way she weaves together the elements of the biblical story with the adventures of Sandy and Dennys is masterful. It adds a whole new layer of depth and interest to the narrative.

Overall, this book is a great addition to the series and a must-read for fans of L’engle’s work.