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Underworlds #1
The Battle Begins
An action-packed, mythological chapter book series from Tony Abbott!There's something lurking under Owen's school. . . .Owen Brown is your average fourth grader. Or he was, until his best friend, Dana, disappeared. Right in front of his face. Through the floor of the school.Owen's average life has turned upside down.He's determined to find Dana -- before anyone realizes she's missing. Owen sets out on a mysterious, mythological rescue mission with his friends Jon and Sydney. But what none of them know is that Dana's disappearance is part of a much larger riddle.And they're at the center of it.
112 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
34 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
About the author
Tony Abbott
210 books403 followersTony Abbott (born 1952) is an American author of children's books. His most popular work is the book series The Secrets of Droon, which includes over 40 books. He has sold over 12 million copies of his books and they have been translated into several other languages, including Italian, Spanish, Korean, French, Japanese, Polish, Turkish, and Russian. He has also written the bestseller Firegirl.
Abbott was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1952. His father was a university professor and had an extensive library of books which became one of Abbott's first sources of literature. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Connecticut where he went through elementary school and high school.
Abbott attended the University of Connecticut, and after studying both music and psychology, decided to study English and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in English literature. He attended the workshops of Patricia Reilly Giff to further develop his writing after college.
Abbott currently lives in Trumbull, Connecticut, with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs. Tony had one brother and two sisters.
Abbott was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1952. His father was a university professor and had an extensive library of books which became one of Abbott's first sources of literature. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Connecticut where he went through elementary school and high school.
Abbott attended the University of Connecticut, and after studying both music and psychology, decided to study English and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in English literature. He attended the workshops of Patricia Reilly Giff to further develop his writing after college.
Abbott currently lives in Trumbull, Connecticut, with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs. Tony had one brother and two sisters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
October 15, 2019
A fun mythology-fantasy mash for kids around the 10 mark. Likeable characters and bad guys galore, and I like that the Lyre of Orpheus is the "weapon" of choice instead of an actual weapon.
August 6, 2016
Tony Abbott writes books that are popular with the 8 to 12 year old range. His series are just so engaging and well written that even I enjoy reading and reviewing them.
THE BATTLE BEGINS is the first book in a series that has a Percy Jackson-Light meets The Diary of a Wimpy Kid feeling. There are mythical creatures and gods and some funny moments like when the lunch ladies turn into Valkyries.
Highly recommend this one. It's guy-friendly and a good choice for reluctant readers as the action starts from page one and continues throughout.
Pam T~
mom/kidlit blogger
THE BATTLE BEGINS is the first book in a series that has a Percy Jackson-Light meets The Diary of a Wimpy Kid feeling. There are mythical creatures and gods and some funny moments like when the lunch ladies turn into Valkyries.
Highly recommend this one. It's guy-friendly and a good choice for reluctant readers as the action starts from page one and continues throughout.
Pam T~
mom/kidlit blogger
September 11, 2018
it was a really good book, i was surprised of how much i liked the book because when i first saw it and read the description on the back i thought that i wouldn't all to much, but as i read through the book it was amazing. i wish i still have the book so i can read it again.
October 21, 2019
Even though I'm a full grown adult Tony Abbott never fails to pull me headfirst into his fantasy worlds! I'm so happy that he's still writing these great epic stories within the span of 100 pages, it's honestly magical.
March 16, 2015
After reading “Underworlds: The Battle Begins” I’m my interest level in peaked in the next few books of the series. With there only being just over a hundred pages per book, I want to get my hands on the next book. I also find the mixing of mythologies very interesting. It’s cool to see Greek and Norse myths combined to make an original story that still has all the magic and adventure I love.
The book starts with Owen Brown telling the reader of his supernatural day. It starts out an ordinary day. When he sees his best friend Dana Runson in the hall right before class, she tells him that monsters are coming and to find “the book” at her house, which is supposed to explain everything according to Dana. Then a big fiery hole opens up in the floor, a spooky, hissing voice says, “The. . . battle. . . begins. . . .” and then sucks Dana into the fiery hole. As you might imagine, Owen was pretty spooked, but he had to save Dana. He set out for Dana’s house with his best friends Jon and Sydney, who had seen Dana’s disappearance from the other side of the hall. Inside Dana’s house was the book, which was full of descriptions of mythological creatures and people, and Fenrir, a giant fire breathing wolf. After escaping the house, they went back to school. As they were going through the lunch line at school, the three lunch ladies turned into the Valkyries, the choosers of who dies in battle from Norse mythology. Owen and company thought they wanted to kill them, but the Valkyries were there to warn and advise them about the underworlds. They told Owen that Loki was behind the monsters escaping the underworlds and that Dana was being held captive by Hades. Also, they told him he needed Orpheus’ Lyre, a magical instrument used by Orpheus to escape Hades’ underworld, to save Dana. Just before the Valkyries turned back into lunch ladies, they told Owen to retrieve his destiny, then enter the red double doors, and then walk among the ancient things. With that, they turned back into nice, normal lunch ladies. After leaving the lunch room, the trio found the Lyre and retrieved it. They then went to find an entrance to Hades’ underworld. They found the entrance under the school, in the boiler room. After crossing the River Styx, they met with Hades who said he did not kidnap Dana, so they made a deal. If they could find Dana where all the newcomers are kept and bring her back before the hourglass ran out, they could keep her and leave. They found Dana in a copper tower guarded by Myrmidons, ants turned into human soldiers by Zeus, Argus, guardian of the newly dead, and Loki, who was behind Dana’s kidnapping. Using the Lyre, Owen freed Dana and escaped the tower with his friends in tow. They made it back to Hades before the hour glass ran out, but Hades was not so nice. He told the group that they had to return a group of giants that Loki had let out or he would take Dana back. This is where the book ends.
Owen Brown is your typical do good-er child. He raises money for the school and is in the school band. Everybody likes him, but there doesn't seem to be anything special about him. Despite this, it’s his destiny to do great things. Jon is the book’s comic relief. He’s alway cracking a joke. Sydney is a very intelligent and productive daughter of the shop teacher. She’s the perfect mixture of brains and brawn.
This book is set in the early 2000’s at an average elementary school. There is also magic and portals to what are called “underworlds.” There are hundreds of different underworlds, all based on different mythologies.
The book starts with Owen Brown telling the reader of his supernatural day. It starts out an ordinary day. When he sees his best friend Dana Runson in the hall right before class, she tells him that monsters are coming and to find “the book” at her house, which is supposed to explain everything according to Dana. Then a big fiery hole opens up in the floor, a spooky, hissing voice says, “The. . . battle. . . begins. . . .” and then sucks Dana into the fiery hole. As you might imagine, Owen was pretty spooked, but he had to save Dana. He set out for Dana’s house with his best friends Jon and Sydney, who had seen Dana’s disappearance from the other side of the hall. Inside Dana’s house was the book, which was full of descriptions of mythological creatures and people, and Fenrir, a giant fire breathing wolf. After escaping the house, they went back to school. As they were going through the lunch line at school, the three lunch ladies turned into the Valkyries, the choosers of who dies in battle from Norse mythology. Owen and company thought they wanted to kill them, but the Valkyries were there to warn and advise them about the underworlds. They told Owen that Loki was behind the monsters escaping the underworlds and that Dana was being held captive by Hades. Also, they told him he needed Orpheus’ Lyre, a magical instrument used by Orpheus to escape Hades’ underworld, to save Dana. Just before the Valkyries turned back into lunch ladies, they told Owen to retrieve his destiny, then enter the red double doors, and then walk among the ancient things. With that, they turned back into nice, normal lunch ladies. After leaving the lunch room, the trio found the Lyre and retrieved it. They then went to find an entrance to Hades’ underworld. They found the entrance under the school, in the boiler room. After crossing the River Styx, they met with Hades who said he did not kidnap Dana, so they made a deal. If they could find Dana where all the newcomers are kept and bring her back before the hourglass ran out, they could keep her and leave. They found Dana in a copper tower guarded by Myrmidons, ants turned into human soldiers by Zeus, Argus, guardian of the newly dead, and Loki, who was behind Dana’s kidnapping. Using the Lyre, Owen freed Dana and escaped the tower with his friends in tow. They made it back to Hades before the hour glass ran out, but Hades was not so nice. He told the group that they had to return a group of giants that Loki had let out or he would take Dana back. This is where the book ends.
Owen Brown is your typical do good-er child. He raises money for the school and is in the school band. Everybody likes him, but there doesn't seem to be anything special about him. Despite this, it’s his destiny to do great things. Jon is the book’s comic relief. He’s alway cracking a joke. Sydney is a very intelligent and productive daughter of the shop teacher. She’s the perfect mixture of brains and brawn.
This book is set in the early 2000’s at an average elementary school. There is also magic and portals to what are called “underworlds.” There are hundreds of different underworlds, all based on different mythologies.
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March 17, 2016Personal Response
The book “The Battle Begins” was an entertaining book. The characters described what their feelings were and expressed their thoughts in every situation. The book was adventurous and sucked me in, once I started reading. If there was a sequel to this book I would read it, because it seemed like it would be a good series.
Plot
In the beginning of the book, Owen and his parents were talking about how they were going to bring his friend Dana home after school. They were going to watch over her, while her parents were on vacation in Iceland. Owen started walking to school with his guitar for the band meeting. He waited at the bus stop for his ride. When the bus showed up he got on, but it was the wrong bus. He had boarded the high school bus by mistake. When the bus arrived at school he ran across the street to the middle school. When he was running to class he ran around the corner and hit his friend Dana, who was looking for him. She gave him the keys to her house and said, “Get my book and help me”. Seconds later a hole started to form in the ground and she got sucked in. All Owen saw was about 100 eyes and a bunch of fire. He thought, “Did I really just see my best friend get sucked into the underworld?” Owen decided to skip band and go to Dana’s house instead. When he arrived, the house was freezing cold. He did not understand why it was so cold, since her parents just left that morning. He went into the library in their giant house, there were a lot of books. Some instinct told Owen to go to the drawer in the desk. There he found a book about the Underworlds. Seconds later the door slammed and a giant wolf came out of nowhere, flames were shooting out of its head. He tried to find an exit, but the only place he could find was a vent in the ceiling. He escaped and ran back to school just in time for lunch. He went to get food when suddenly the three lunch ladies turned into giant monsters and started talking. They said they were from the Underworld. They also said they did not know what Dana did to get pulled to the Underworld. The lunch ladies explained that the Underworld was right under the school. The lunch ladies gave him directions to get to the Underworld. They said that he needed a lyre to enter. Owen went to the museum and stole a lyre from the Greek mythology exhibit. He raced back to school and went to the boiler room. Instantly it was transformed to the Underworld. A weird character was standing there to give him a ride across a river.
The character took them to the giant throne of Hades. Hades gave him an hour to find Dana, otherwise he and Dana would never be allowed to escape. As he was searching, he could barely see through all the smoke. There was a giant tower that was guarded by giant ants. He climbed the stairs and found Dana in a glass cage where she was sleeping. Owen strung the lyre and the cage broke. He grabbed Dana and ran back to Hades throne. Hades was mad that Owen found Dana, but he allowed them to leave. Owen and Dana got back to the school, and the boiler room immediately turned back to normal.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book for people who like to read about the Greek mythological creatures. I think boys ages 10-14 would like this book and girls age 12-14 would like this book too.
The book “The Battle Begins” was an entertaining book. The characters described what their feelings were and expressed their thoughts in every situation. The book was adventurous and sucked me in, once I started reading. If there was a sequel to this book I would read it, because it seemed like it would be a good series.
Plot
In the beginning of the book, Owen and his parents were talking about how they were going to bring his friend Dana home after school. They were going to watch over her, while her parents were on vacation in Iceland. Owen started walking to school with his guitar for the band meeting. He waited at the bus stop for his ride. When the bus showed up he got on, but it was the wrong bus. He had boarded the high school bus by mistake. When the bus arrived at school he ran across the street to the middle school. When he was running to class he ran around the corner and hit his friend Dana, who was looking for him. She gave him the keys to her house and said, “Get my book and help me”. Seconds later a hole started to form in the ground and she got sucked in. All Owen saw was about 100 eyes and a bunch of fire. He thought, “Did I really just see my best friend get sucked into the underworld?” Owen decided to skip band and go to Dana’s house instead. When he arrived, the house was freezing cold. He did not understand why it was so cold, since her parents just left that morning. He went into the library in their giant house, there were a lot of books. Some instinct told Owen to go to the drawer in the desk. There he found a book about the Underworlds. Seconds later the door slammed and a giant wolf came out of nowhere, flames were shooting out of its head. He tried to find an exit, but the only place he could find was a vent in the ceiling. He escaped and ran back to school just in time for lunch. He went to get food when suddenly the three lunch ladies turned into giant monsters and started talking. They said they were from the Underworld. They also said they did not know what Dana did to get pulled to the Underworld. The lunch ladies explained that the Underworld was right under the school. The lunch ladies gave him directions to get to the Underworld. They said that he needed a lyre to enter. Owen went to the museum and stole a lyre from the Greek mythology exhibit. He raced back to school and went to the boiler room. Instantly it was transformed to the Underworld. A weird character was standing there to give him a ride across a river.
The character took them to the giant throne of Hades. Hades gave him an hour to find Dana, otherwise he and Dana would never be allowed to escape. As he was searching, he could barely see through all the smoke. There was a giant tower that was guarded by giant ants. He climbed the stairs and found Dana in a glass cage where she was sleeping. Owen strung the lyre and the cage broke. He grabbed Dana and ran back to Hades throne. Hades was mad that Owen found Dana, but he allowed them to leave. Owen and Dana got back to the school, and the boiler room immediately turned back to normal.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book for people who like to read about the Greek mythological creatures. I think boys ages 10-14 would like this book and girls age 12-14 would like this book too.
October 23, 2014
PERSONAL RESPONSE:
I thought that this book was good to read, because it tells the story of three kids running around the neighborhood to find their friend. The book shows that true friends stick together and fight to find each other if one goes missing.
PLOT:
"The Battle Begins" is about a boy, Owen Brown, who was going to be late for school. After homeroom his friend, Dana, disappeared through the floor of the school. Owen had to find Dana before everyone noticed she was gone and he did. He had to go on a mythological rescue mission with his friends Jon and Sydney.They had to watch out for three, fifty and a hundred. Those are mythological creatures. They end up finding Dana in the Underworlds. Owen and Jon are able to make a deal with Hades to get her back.
CHARACTERIZATION:
Owen is a main character and does not change throughout the story. Owen is a scrawny, short blonde haired boy.
Jon is another main character, who also does not change throughout the story. He has brown hair. Sydney is one of Owen’s newest friends. She could be a main character and does not change throughout the story. She is taller than Owen and Jon and has long brown hair.
SETTING:
"The Battle Begins" takes place at Pinewood Bluffs Elementary, the Underworlds, and at a museum. This book has no specific time period but might be during the 1990's.
THEMATIC CONNECTION:
The author’s message is that mythology might not always be a myth and to expect the unexpected. Don't always think that if its a myth it cannot be true or cant happen in today's world.
I would recommend "The Battle Begins" to any person who likes mythology and can read hard to pronounce names. If the person can read hard to pronounce names it does not matter the age or gender. I liked this book because it was suspenseful and it is about mythology.
I thought that this book was good to read, because it tells the story of three kids running around the neighborhood to find their friend. The book shows that true friends stick together and fight to find each other if one goes missing.
PLOT:
"The Battle Begins" is about a boy, Owen Brown, who was going to be late for school. After homeroom his friend, Dana, disappeared through the floor of the school. Owen had to find Dana before everyone noticed she was gone and he did. He had to go on a mythological rescue mission with his friends Jon and Sydney.They had to watch out for three, fifty and a hundred. Those are mythological creatures. They end up finding Dana in the Underworlds. Owen and Jon are able to make a deal with Hades to get her back.
CHARACTERIZATION:
Owen is a main character and does not change throughout the story. Owen is a scrawny, short blonde haired boy.
Jon is another main character, who also does not change throughout the story. He has brown hair. Sydney is one of Owen’s newest friends. She could be a main character and does not change throughout the story. She is taller than Owen and Jon and has long brown hair.
SETTING:
"The Battle Begins" takes place at Pinewood Bluffs Elementary, the Underworlds, and at a museum. This book has no specific time period but might be during the 1990's.
THEMATIC CONNECTION:
The author’s message is that mythology might not always be a myth and to expect the unexpected. Don't always think that if its a myth it cannot be true or cant happen in today's world.
I would recommend "The Battle Begins" to any person who likes mythology and can read hard to pronounce names. If the person can read hard to pronounce names it does not matter the age or gender. I liked this book because it was suspenseful and it is about mythology.
February 16, 2017
I like it. A lot of Greek Mythology and other myths together in one book. Norse, Egyptian, Babylonian.
May 4, 2012
This is the second series I have read by Tony Abbott. The first, The Haunting of Derek Stone, was amazing. I loved it, so when this new series was starting I had to read it. I was not disappointed. Tony Abbot has come up with yet another great concept and is bringing it to life for readers both young and young at heart. With a mix of Greek, Norse, Egyptian and Babylonian mythologies, a group of fourth graders, and the whole world at stake, what could go wrong?
Owen Brown is in the fourth grade. One morning at school he sees the floor open up and swallow his best friend Dana Runson. This event is also witnessed by Sydney Lambertti, the new shop teacher's daughter. And the final member of our group of youngsters is Dana's and Owen's friend, Jon Doyle. After Dana's disappearance, Owen and the other two must figure out what is going on. They soon have encounters with a fire-breathing giant wolf, the lyre of Orpheus, and the three Valkyries. And that is just the beginning of the story.
This first book in a new series was a delight to read. It has a fast pace, interesting characters and a wonderful plot. I cannot wait to see how the series progresses. I can highly recommend this book.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the author on my blog Book Reviews and More. Also an interview with Tony Abbott.
Owen Brown is in the fourth grade. One morning at school he sees the floor open up and swallow his best friend Dana Runson. This event is also witnessed by Sydney Lambertti, the new shop teacher's daughter. And the final member of our group of youngsters is Dana's and Owen's friend, Jon Doyle. After Dana's disappearance, Owen and the other two must figure out what is going on. They soon have encounters with a fire-breathing giant wolf, the lyre of Orpheus, and the three Valkyries. And that is just the beginning of the story.
This first book in a new series was a delight to read. It has a fast pace, interesting characters and a wonderful plot. I cannot wait to see how the series progresses. I can highly recommend this book.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the author on my blog Book Reviews and More. Also an interview with Tony Abbott.
March 12, 2014
Owen Brown could tell right away that he was not going to have a good day. He was walking around a corner at school and saw a glimpse of his friend, Dana, falling through the floor. Right when she was about to go through she threw a book at him to try to help him find her. Owen and his friends go on an exciting adventure, but they find out that there is a much bigger problem.
Owen Brown is the main character in the book. Also, he has his friends, Jon and Sydney, help Owen rescue Dana. They are all fourth graders but have their life turned upside down.
The majority of the story takes place at Dana's house as they try to find clues to save Dana. Also, the kids all spend time at their elementary school because that is where Dana is held. The story takes place during modern times. I think this because of some of the objects found in Dana's house.
The main theme of "The Battle Begins" is loyalty. Owen and his friends must all stick together to save Dana. When an important battle is about to happen, Jon and Sydney are afraid and want back out, but they know they must stay and save Dana.
If you are in the mood to read an easy mystery, this is a perfect book for you. It is an easy read but has a very exciting plot. I recommend this book to kids in middle school because they will enjoy and understand this story.
Owen Brown is the main character in the book. Also, he has his friends, Jon and Sydney, help Owen rescue Dana. They are all fourth graders but have their life turned upside down.
The majority of the story takes place at Dana's house as they try to find clues to save Dana. Also, the kids all spend time at their elementary school because that is where Dana is held. The story takes place during modern times. I think this because of some of the objects found in Dana's house.
The main theme of "The Battle Begins" is loyalty. Owen and his friends must all stick together to save Dana. When an important battle is about to happen, Jon and Sydney are afraid and want back out, but they know they must stay and save Dana.
If you are in the mood to read an easy mystery, this is a perfect book for you. It is an easy read but has a very exciting plot. I recommend this book to kids in middle school because they will enjoy and understand this story.
December 11, 2011
Owen Brown is a very conscientious kid. He worries about things like the up-coming concert and the multiple projects he helps collect money for at school. What he didn't think to worry about is the possibility of mythological worlds really existing. That is until his best friend Dana Runson disappears. After knocking her down in the hallway, the floor beneath her splits open belching smoke and fire and she is suddenly gone. The last thing Dana tells him before she disappears through the floor is to go to her house and find a book. He and his friends Jon and Sydney find the book and a whole lot more. They enter a world of monsters and the Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and Babylonian Gods. They first must save Dana from the underworld. Whether they want to participate or not they are all now part of a Battle that has begun.
If you are loved the Percy Jackson series you will love this new series. It is geared toward upper elementary and lower middle school. As an adult I found it very engaging. For the reluctant reader who really wanted to read the Percy Jackson series but found it to be too bulky in page length, this would be the perfect series.
If you are loved the Percy Jackson series you will love this new series. It is geared toward upper elementary and lower middle school. As an adult I found it very engaging. For the reluctant reader who really wanted to read the Percy Jackson series but found it to be too bulky in page length, this would be the perfect series.
February 13, 2017
This kidz book is a Percy Jackson-like approach to Mythology. The scope is more ambitious in that the author will explore different underworlds (Norse, Babylonian, Greek) and their mythological creatures. What I like about the book is that it goes into action straight away and stays so to the end. What am I doing reading kidz? having fun challenging my daugther :)
March 11, 2015
I thought that the book “The Battle Begins” was very interesting and helpful to learn about mythology. Overall, I would say it was a good book and an easy read.
The plot was about how Owen, the main character, had to save his friend Dana. During the story Owen’s friends Jon and Sydney helped Owen to find Dana. They had to find a book at Dana’s house about mythology that would help them find Dana. They went to her house and found the book, but they still had to fight a series of monsters to get Dana back. Loki took Dana and she was trapped in the underworld. At the very end of the book after doing what Hades wanted to get Dana back, Hades said they have to do one more thing otherwise he would take Dana back. He told the group that they had to return a group of giants that Loki had let out. That was where the book ends.
I would recommend this book to middle school age kids of either gender who like to learn about mythology. I think they could understand and read the book.
The plot was about how Owen, the main character, had to save his friend Dana. During the story Owen’s friends Jon and Sydney helped Owen to find Dana. They had to find a book at Dana’s house about mythology that would help them find Dana. They went to her house and found the book, but they still had to fight a series of monsters to get Dana back. Loki took Dana and she was trapped in the underworld. At the very end of the book after doing what Hades wanted to get Dana back, Hades said they have to do one more thing otherwise he would take Dana back. He told the group that they had to return a group of giants that Loki had let out. That was where the book ends.
I would recommend this book to middle school age kids of either gender who like to learn about mythology. I think they could understand and read the book.
January 14, 2013
“The Battle Begins” is a remarkable story. Owen Brown is an average fourth grader whose day changed when his best friend Dana disappears in a fiery explosion right in the hallway of his school. Owen, determined to find his friend, sets out on a rescue mission to save his best friend before anyone notices that she has gone missing. Their mission is going to be a little bit more dangerous than they ever expected. I liked the book, although I wish the book was longer with more exciting events. Nevertheless it is a very good quick read. I would recommend this book to children ages 9-14 for an exciting adventure story.
July 7, 2020
I’m reading this book to my son and am frustrated with the mythological inaccuracies. Things such as Fenrir being called Loki’s pet (Fenrir is Loki’s son), and three Valkeries being the ones who choose who dies (they should be three norns; valkeries select slain warriors who are worthy of fighting for/with Odin at Ragnarok and transport them to Valhalla. They aren’t the ones who decide who dies though. The 3 norns weave the fates of humans.). To name a couple.
I’m only up to chapter 6, and am talking to my son about the accurate mythology as we read... but it’s disappointing that false information is being spread. Why not just make it accurate?
I’m only up to chapter 6, and am talking to my son about the accurate mythology as we read... but it’s disappointing that false information is being spread. Why not just make it accurate?
January 15, 2019
This is a review of the entire Underworlds 4-book series by Tony Abbott (The Battle Begins, When Monsters Escape, Revenge of the Scorpion King, and The Ice Dragon).
Out of a persistent interest to explore some juvenile fantasy with the goal of identifying books to encourage my children to try as they age, I hit my local library's J-SF/F section and thought that I might as well start alphabetically by author. This is my sole reason for reading these at this time.
These books are... not good, right? In fairness, I am far and away not the intended audience and I am not entirely clear what age group would be ideal; perhaps ages 7 to 10? Perhaps even younger for an advanced early reader, certainly no older than 10. Now, there is writing for a very young audience, and there is writing for a very undiscerning audience. There is a lot of overlap between the two (I shudder to think of some of the drivel that I enjoyed at the time in my youth), but I fear that this book leans much towards the latter. Based on his biography, Tony Abbott has an impressive-sounding academic background in literature and writing. His Secrets of Droon series (which I have not read at all) was very popular (and long). I was hoping to find that this would translate into something interesting targeted to young minds, but instead it feels to me like he merely churned out some fodder to pull a paycheque from his publisher. After all, 'mythology' has been hot in children's publishing for some years now, if the Percy Jackson series and numerous spinoffs and copycats are any indication.
Here is my litany of specific complaints about these books:
-The protagonists are named Owen, Jon, Sydney and Dana. Can you imaging a whiter-sounding bunch of kids? And yes, they live in a bland suburban town. Two of these four (Jon and Sydney) are almost exclusively tag-along characters; they do virtually nothing for the final two books; Jon's sole role is to exclaim variations on "Yep, we're boned" throughout the series. Sydney had a cell phone that worked a little bit, sometimes, to find some information on the internet initially, but since they don't have service in the underworlds, so much for her after book 2. I don't see what is offered to allow the reader to connect or identify with any of the four.
-The magic artifacts that the kids discover have no real definition to their abilities. (MINOR SPOILERS). Orpheus' Lyre can do basically anything imaginable, from influencing minds to moving solid objects, but is easily overcome if the target can cover their ears (or, like one giant enemy, is just too big to hear it). It also required that the user call "cover your ears" to his allies before playing it, but this did not prevent them from carrying on conversations, and this caution was abandoned in the later books. A certain magical gauntlet could both fire energy blasts, and also generate and control chains out of thin air (???). No sense applied here.
-Enemies prove incredibly easy to overcome or evade; one must be entirely undiscerning to believe that there is any real threat.
-Each volume in the series in properly only a chapter in a single book. This can be attributed to the very young intended audience, I suppose, with the thin volumes, double-spaced print, and single-sentence paragraphs. I will be charitable and offer that if it lets a kid enjoy reading, short and sparse is just fine.
The one redeeming thought that I have, is that if this series sparks or feeds a young interest in mythology in any reader, it is worthwhile. I myself was fascinated by this subject area at a young age (so much so that I stole two books of Greek and Roman mythology from my elementary school library - sorry!). On the other hand, I feel that this series makes such poor use of the subject material as to possibly be insulting.
Who knows, maybe a 6- or 7-year-old would find these books absolutely thrilling and captivating and prove that I am talking out of my ass.
Out of a persistent interest to explore some juvenile fantasy with the goal of identifying books to encourage my children to try as they age, I hit my local library's J-SF/F section and thought that I might as well start alphabetically by author. This is my sole reason for reading these at this time.
These books are... not good, right? In fairness, I am far and away not the intended audience and I am not entirely clear what age group would be ideal; perhaps ages 7 to 10? Perhaps even younger for an advanced early reader, certainly no older than 10. Now, there is writing for a very young audience, and there is writing for a very undiscerning audience. There is a lot of overlap between the two (I shudder to think of some of the drivel that I enjoyed at the time in my youth), but I fear that this book leans much towards the latter. Based on his biography, Tony Abbott has an impressive-sounding academic background in literature and writing. His Secrets of Droon series (which I have not read at all) was very popular (and long). I was hoping to find that this would translate into something interesting targeted to young minds, but instead it feels to me like he merely churned out some fodder to pull a paycheque from his publisher. After all, 'mythology' has been hot in children's publishing for some years now, if the Percy Jackson series and numerous spinoffs and copycats are any indication.
Here is my litany of specific complaints about these books:
-The protagonists are named Owen, Jon, Sydney and Dana. Can you imaging a whiter-sounding bunch of kids? And yes, they live in a bland suburban town. Two of these four (Jon and Sydney) are almost exclusively tag-along characters; they do virtually nothing for the final two books; Jon's sole role is to exclaim variations on "Yep, we're boned" throughout the series. Sydney had a cell phone that worked a little bit, sometimes, to find some information on the internet initially, but since they don't have service in the underworlds, so much for her after book 2. I don't see what is offered to allow the reader to connect or identify with any of the four.
-The magic artifacts that the kids discover have no real definition to their abilities. (MINOR SPOILERS). Orpheus' Lyre can do basically anything imaginable, from influencing minds to moving solid objects, but is easily overcome if the target can cover their ears (or, like one giant enemy, is just too big to hear it). It also required that the user call "cover your ears" to his allies before playing it, but this did not prevent them from carrying on conversations, and this caution was abandoned in the later books. A certain magical gauntlet could both fire energy blasts, and also generate and control chains out of thin air (???). No sense applied here.
-Enemies prove incredibly easy to overcome or evade; one must be entirely undiscerning to believe that there is any real threat.
-Each volume in the series in properly only a chapter in a single book. This can be attributed to the very young intended audience, I suppose, with the thin volumes, double-spaced print, and single-sentence paragraphs. I will be charitable and offer that if it lets a kid enjoy reading, short and sparse is just fine.
The one redeeming thought that I have, is that if this series sparks or feeds a young interest in mythology in any reader, it is worthwhile. I myself was fascinated by this subject area at a young age (so much so that I stole two books of Greek and Roman mythology from my elementary school library - sorry!). On the other hand, I feel that this series makes such poor use of the subject material as to possibly be insulting.
Who knows, maybe a 6- or 7-year-old would find these books absolutely thrilling and captivating and prove that I am talking out of my ass.
October 2, 2018
This book is about a girl, Dana, and her friend, Owen, who were at school one day when the girl just disappeared into the floor of the school. Owen saw her disappear and he was scared. He kept getting signs and they went to Dana's house, found this book, and found clues that led them to the Underworld, which happened to be under their school. The boy and his friends put their brains together to try and find their friend who disappeared into the floor. When they finally find Dana, the monsters in the Underworld made a deal with the humans. The monsters in the Underworld are mythological creatures. The humans make a deal with the creatures so they can escape but they have to return otherwise they will be trapped forever. This is the first book of the series. I personally thought that this book was okay but it could have been better. The storyline is pretty typical but maybe the rest of the books in the series are better.
December 23, 2019
I'm really glad this book is the first in a series. I feel like it would have been really rushed if the whole story was in one book. So far, the story line is interesting, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. There is an element of mystery to the story, which drew me in.
This is one of those books that really sets up the characters and locations. It's hard to review this one without having read all of the others in the series, so we are going to have to see how everything goes as I read the other books.
Author: Tony Abbott
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Publication Date: April 1st 2012
This is one of those books that really sets up the characters and locations. It's hard to review this one without having read all of the others in the series, so we are going to have to see how everything goes as I read the other books.
Author: Tony Abbott
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Publication Date: April 1st 2012
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October 17, 2019The Battle Begins Underworld, by Tony Abbott is a very cool book. It is about a boy who goes to a girls house and finds clues, and monsters that the girl was talking about. But when the boy goes to her house and finds a book to know about the monsters, then some monster comes out of somewhere and try to kill them. Luckly the survived and had not died. If you want to know how, try reading the book and pay attention to how. If you want to know more, like I said try reading the book, it is so fun, and it is super mysterys.
May 21, 2018
A relatively good book. Quick read with a good amount of suspense and a lot of problems and obstacles for the main characters to overcome in a short amount of time. Roughly talks about the overview of the world's mythos, including Norse, Greek, and Egyptian. This book was heavy on Greek and Norse.
November 11, 2021
I am always on the hunt for engaging chapter books for those just developing that stamina for something a bit longer, and this series is perfect for that. It has the intensity and action that older readers crave but it's a shorter chapter book that isn't as daunting. Great story and very readable.
January 24, 2018
it is about a kid named Owen Brown and he losses his Friend named Dana and he goes to the under world to save her.if i say any more i will spoil the book.
May 6, 2019
This was the perfect chapter book to start my young son with!
October 15, 2019
It's a kind of adventure story. They explored from the school to the underworld.
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March 12, 2020it was a great book it was very short and very crazy book
April 21, 2023
3.5
I enjoyed this little book. It was a good series opener, and it's got a good ensemble cast. (Be aware that this is a TBC kind of book.)
I enjoyed this little book. It was a good series opener, and it's got a good ensemble cast. (Be aware that this is a TBC kind of book.)
August 22, 2024
Sometimes the writing is comical making a kid stand where another kid dissappeared in the begining. I think its a fun read for teacher and students in middle school or elementary school.
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September 26, 2024Read with my 6 year old it was a fun read aloud, first chapter book that he was engaged with.
October 16, 2016
Underworld: The battle Begins is a story of true friendship. Owen was a normal fourth grader with friend and regular childhood. His friend, Dana disappeared through the floor and Owen could not believe his eyes. He knew something was not right. Owen and two of his other friends reluctantly went out to find Dana. He battled many mysterious creature and found his friend and and returned her to the "real world." This is a story of bravery and true friendship. I enjoyed reading it. Unlike many of the Sci-Fi books it was a really easy read for children from fourth grade and up. I would definitely recommend this book.
August 25, 2018
Really simple story but enjoyable. Mixes myths from all different traditions into this one story which is a bit discombobulating. A bit like a Percy Jackson book.
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