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Young Underground #2
Beyond the River
Book 2 in The Young Underground series. Peter and Elise race to rescue a downed British pilot when a bomber crashes into the icy waters of the North Sea. Will they find him before the Nazis do?
176 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1994
9 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Robert Elmer
90 books65 followersRobert Elmer is the author of more than fifty books, including contemporary novels for the adult Christian audience, nonfiction devotionals like Piercing Heaven and Fount of Heaven (Lexham Press), and seven series for younger readers. Among kids, he is best known for his historicals such as the Young Underground, Adventures Down Under, Life Behind the Wall, and Promise of Zion books. When he's not at the keyboard, he enjoys beachcombing and travel with his wife, and spending time with their three kids and families.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 16, 2022
After finishing A Way Through the Sea earlier this year, all I wanted to do was too get my hands on the next book. Now, several months later, having just discovered the wonderful Internet Archive site, it suddenly occured to me to look for them. I was delighted to find the whole series, and started reading this one at once. I wasn't sure at first if it could match up to the first book, but by the time I'd read the first few pages I knew I didn't need to worry. This was just as suspenseful and gripping as the first book.
I thought I would miss the presence of Henrick a lot, and mistakenly thought that might make the book less enjoyable. I was wrong, of course. Kurt and Marrianne and Mikkel and the rest all made up for his absence, and I was just as much riveted by the story as I had been with A Way Through the Sea. I especially liked how the characters referred to the first book (and to Henrick) multiple times, and how the one or two threads left loose in that book were continued (or tied up) here. It all felt very realistic and natural. And I love Peter and Elise so much.
The story was gripping, and I was rooting for the characters to succeed so much. I liked how it was a totally different story to the first book, and yet had some of the same themes. I loved Kai and Whitbread and little Jakob and all the others, and so hoped it would all turn out all right for them!
Like with the other one, the modern American-sounding dialogue got on my nerves quite a lot, but then I remembered again that the characters are speaking Danish in the story, so it's far less irritating than if they were supposed to be talking plain English.
The climax was so well done - or really, the whole ending section. I was on the edge of my seat, and for a while there I wasn't sure how it would all turn out!
The ending left me wanting more. I hope we see Kurt and Mikkel and the rest in future books! I really like this author's style, and I can't wait to continue the series.
I thought I would miss the presence of Henrick a lot, and mistakenly thought that might make the book less enjoyable. I was wrong, of course. Kurt and Marrianne and Mikkel and the rest all made up for his absence, and I was just as much riveted by the story as I had been with A Way Through the Sea. I especially liked how the characters referred to the first book (and to Henrick) multiple times, and how the one or two threads left loose in that book were continued (or tied up) here. It all felt very realistic and natural. And I love Peter and Elise so much.
The story was gripping, and I was rooting for the characters to succeed so much. I liked how it was a totally different story to the first book, and yet had some of the same themes. I loved Kai and Whitbread and little Jakob and all the others, and so hoped it would all turn out all right for them!
Like with the other one, the modern American-sounding dialogue got on my nerves quite a lot, but then I remembered again that the characters are speaking Danish in the story, so it's far less irritating than if they were supposed to be talking plain English.
The climax was so well done - or really, the whole ending section. I was on the edge of my seat, and for a while there I wasn't sure how it would all turn out!
The ending left me wanting more. I hope we see Kurt and Mikkel and the rest in future books! I really like this author's style, and I can't wait to continue the series.
November 15, 2021
I loved this series so much. I loved the adventure that the two main characters find, as well as the historical accuracy presented with it. I don't agree with the author not using the KJV Bible, but I wrote in the verse and it worked well that way.
February 24, 2021
once again I'll give 5 stars to Robert Elmer. i'm so excited to read the third novel in this sequence!
January 19, 2013
The World War II story of Peter & Elise Andersen continues to unfold in this sequel to Book #1 (A Way Through the Sea). These 11-year-old twins who live in Denmark have been sent on a summer "vacation" to get away from the busy and dangerous city, and to escape so many aspects of the war. What place could be more peaceful, relaxing, and away from thoughts of war, than their uncle's sheep farm?
Peace and quiet do not stay for long. A plane crashes near the farm, and no one can rest (German soldiers included) until the British pilot who escaped from the plane has been found. Many other things are going on too... but how would YOU cope with two loud-mouthed, smelly Germans who suddenly start living in your home with you? Especially when there are so may war secrets to keep hidden.
Above all the noise, dramatics, and scenes taking place around Peter, a new feeling is also moving about inside of him. It's time he made a life-changing decision between himself and God.
I enjoyed reading this book SO MUCH!! This is the Best series I have found about WWII. Anyone from every age would like these books.
Peace and quiet do not stay for long. A plane crashes near the farm, and no one can rest (German soldiers included) until the British pilot who escaped from the plane has been found. Many other things are going on too... but how would YOU cope with two loud-mouthed, smelly Germans who suddenly start living in your home with you? Especially when there are so may war secrets to keep hidden.
Above all the noise, dramatics, and scenes taking place around Peter, a new feeling is also moving about inside of him. It's time he made a life-changing decision between himself and God.
I enjoyed reading this book SO MUCH!! This is the Best series I have found about WWII. Anyone from every age would like these books.
September 5, 2017
Loved this! Peter and Elise travel to their aunt and uncles sheep farm. Meaning for it to be a nice holiday time, it turns into a situation of helping hide a British airmen and getting a Danish pastor and his family to safety. But when two Nazi's just moved onto the farm, it becomes even harder to help the 'enemy'.
October 11, 2014
I liked the adventure in this one, but honestly even as a kid my favorite part was Peter's moment of coming to faith in Christ. His struggles are portrayed realistically and in a way I could relate to. Great series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2017
The second book in the series--excellent storyline and the right amount of suspense!
August 26, 2019
Exhilarating
There were times I didn't know if someone was going to get killed. Very well constructed book, fun and at the same time frightening.
There were times I didn't know if someone was going to get killed. Very well constructed book, fun and at the same time frightening.
March 27, 2024
2.5* It can technically stand on its own but does reference the first book a decent amount. I did feel I was missing part of a backstory by reading this first. There isn't anything strongly wrong with this book, it covers only 8 days but puts a LOT of activity in to that time frame. Overall, I struggled to believe the four children ages 10-12 would be so involved in such dangerous happenings. The 19 year old brother made sense but as a whole I wasn't connecting with the story and it may be because it didn't seem plausible to me. Strong on the Christian understory of admitting Jesus into your life.
December 27, 2025
More of a 4.5⭐
For a middle-grade Christian war fiction, I felt this story was really adventurous and intriguing.
Some of the families movements did feel a bit dangerous and they should have been more cautious, I think realistically the adult involved would have stayed more alert and suspicious that they may have been under watch the entire time, but it's a children's story and it's serious enough as it is without bringing in more anxiety.
Overall definitely recommend.
For a middle-grade Christian war fiction, I felt this story was really adventurous and intriguing.
Some of the families movements did feel a bit dangerous and they should have been more cautious, I think realistically the adult involved would have stayed more alert and suspicious that they may have been under watch the entire time, but it's a children's story and it's serious enough as it is without bringing in more anxiety.
Overall definitely recommend.
May 25, 2023
I love this so much! I'm surprised that I've never read this before
May 3, 2024
Great read. Passed on to some young friends from church.
February 28, 2014
A realistic, sometimes nail-biting, sometimes humorous read.
Humor you ask, in a book about WWII? Yes! At one point in this book, Kurt's 11th birthday, Uncle Harald has given him a goat cart. The poor goat that they harnessed up has never experienced this before so is not too keen. After a few minutes of racing around uncontrollably, Kurt lets Peter have a go. The goat takes Peter around the house at full speed and who should be at the front door but some German officials! At the same moment, one of the rams escapes, sees his reflection in the shiny black German car and head butts it at full speed, not just one time but three! SO funny! Of course the German officials are not at all happy.
Harboring the British captain is definitely dangerous but it is not just him who is in danger. Mikkel, Uncle Harold and Aunt Hanne's eldest son, has warned Pastor Kai that his name is on the "list." Pastor Kai does not take Mikkel seriously. Is it too late? Who goes to his rescue? How do the captain and the pastor escape?
Throughout all this Peter is wrestling with the challenge Uncle Morten issued in the first book about Peter surrendering his life to Christ. He is challenged in this book as well by others that he meets. Will he see his need and be used by God?
This book is EXCELLENT! Suitable for all ages even though little ones may not understand. We read it aloud to the whole family and look forward to now reading the next one in the series. SO good to find a well written Christian series.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from our house to yours!
Humor you ask, in a book about WWII? Yes! At one point in this book, Kurt's 11th birthday, Uncle Harald has given him a goat cart. The poor goat that they harnessed up has never experienced this before so is not too keen. After a few minutes of racing around uncontrollably, Kurt lets Peter have a go. The goat takes Peter around the house at full speed and who should be at the front door but some German officials! At the same moment, one of the rams escapes, sees his reflection in the shiny black German car and head butts it at full speed, not just one time but three! SO funny! Of course the German officials are not at all happy.
Harboring the British captain is definitely dangerous but it is not just him who is in danger. Mikkel, Uncle Harold and Aunt Hanne's eldest son, has warned Pastor Kai that his name is on the "list." Pastor Kai does not take Mikkel seriously. Is it too late? Who goes to his rescue? How do the captain and the pastor escape?
Throughout all this Peter is wrestling with the challenge Uncle Morten issued in the first book about Peter surrendering his life to Christ. He is challenged in this book as well by others that he meets. Will he see his need and be used by God?
This book is EXCELLENT! Suitable for all ages even though little ones may not understand. We read it aloud to the whole family and look forward to now reading the next one in the series. SO good to find a well written Christian series.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from our house to yours!
September 18, 2015
Beyond the river is the sequel to A Way Through the Sea. This book set in the same place, Denmark, and is set during World War 2, when Germany has invaded Denmark. In this book Peter and Elise Anderson go to the country to stay with their aunt and uncle on a goat farm. They find one of their cousins is working "secretly" with the Underground. Then a British pilot crashes into the ocean and the kids must find him before the Germens. Will the kids be able to rescue the pilot? Will they find him before the Germens do? I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about World War 2 or who enjoys reading historical fiction. This would be best for ages 10-15. I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
October 20, 2015
Once again, I'm really impressed with how well WWII and how people felt during the occupation is expressed. This is my daughters rating. I'd give it four. She was totally enthralled with this one. For parents, the children are held at gun point in this one as well as two adults put in prison by the Nazis. There was no bloody violence, no bad language, and no offensive scenes. I'm thrilled to have found this series as my daughter reads books like crazy. Also one of the boys is saved in this book as well. Their prayers are answered as they pray in different situations. Very well written, and I highly recommend this series.
March 1, 2016
This is the second book in "The Young Underground" series by Robert Elmer. I liked this book because it had an interesting storyline about the two main characters, twins, Peter and Elise.
The kids are spending the summer at their uncle's farm off the cost of Denmark. Their parents sent them there in hopes that they could escape some of the awfulness of the war. At first everything seems peaceful, but it quickly takes a shocking turn when a British pilot's plane crashes.
Everyone pitches in to help find him before the Germans do. Will they be able to help him before it is too late? Or will he get captured? These questions and so many more will be answered in this exciting book!
The kids are spending the summer at their uncle's farm off the cost of Denmark. Their parents sent them there in hopes that they could escape some of the awfulness of the war. At first everything seems peaceful, but it quickly takes a shocking turn when a British pilot's plane crashes.
Everyone pitches in to help find him before the Germans do. Will they be able to help him before it is too late? Or will he get captured? These questions and so many more will be answered in this exciting book!
January 13, 2016
Book two of the wonderful children series based during WWII in Occupied Denmark. The twins visit cousins in the country where they help a downed English pilot escape the Germans. Read the book to find out how it happened and what they did to keep him save
February 5, 2014
A interesting book that took place during WW2. It was ok wasn't awesome but pretty good.
July 12, 2015
Very good
April 17, 2012
Jr. Christian fiction
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews