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Empty World #1
Portal Through the Pond (Empty World Saga) (Volume 1) by David K. Anderson
13-year-olds, Christy Walker and Trevor Hanson, have been best friends since first grade. When Christy’s grandmother dies, she leaves Christy a mysterious packet of information revealing the amazing secret that the pond in her yard is in fact a portal to another world, and that the portal’s closing had been the cause of her grandfather’s mysterious disappearance nine years earlier.Knowing that her grandmother’s final wish was for her to keep the secret, Christy struggles with her alienation from Trevor, who is upset that she won’t bring him into her confidence. Meanwhile she is trying to learn sign language, as she is virtually forced to babysit all summer for Danny, the nine-year-old boy next door with a severe hearing impairment. Frustrated and alone, Christy tries to keep the secret of the pond to herself.However, things spiral out of her control when nosy classmate Rob accidentally crosses through to the other world and is assumed “drowned”, and she inadvertently causes her young charge to follow her when she decides to rescue Rob. Reunited with her long lost grandfather, the three search for a way back home.And what of Trevor left behind? Will he be able to convince the parents of the truth? Or will they drain the pond, possibly stranding the children forever in an alien world?
Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
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About the author
David K. Anderson
13 books38 followersGrowing up, David K. Anderson was mentored by his Uncle Ralph, a gifted artist who taught him to express himself in creative ways: writing, drawing and sculpting.
David works for a non-profit organization in the Seacoast of NH that provides resources, supports and services for individuals birth through seniors with disabilities. He is married and has three adult children. Throughout his adult life, he has volunteered countless hours with children with disabilities involving creative activities. His lifelong passions for art, sculpting and storytelling have helped him combine his talents to create enjoyment for hundreds of children of all abilities. He is a member of the NH Writers’ Project. His family’s mutual love for fantasy, fiction, and fun along with a desire to ensure that children of all abilities can be heroes, has motivated him to write stories that engage us all.
David works for a non-profit organization in the Seacoast of NH that provides resources, supports and services for individuals birth through seniors with disabilities. He is married and has three adult children. Throughout his adult life, he has volunteered countless hours with children with disabilities involving creative activities. His lifelong passions for art, sculpting and storytelling have helped him combine his talents to create enjoyment for hundreds of children of all abilities. He is a member of the NH Writers’ Project. His family’s mutual love for fantasy, fiction, and fun along with a desire to ensure that children of all abilities can be heroes, has motivated him to write stories that engage us all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 2, 2016
It was a really good premise, but honestly, I was bored to tears before they even got to the other world. I kept thinking it would get better, but sadly I was mistaken. I got so irritated at the author, for the way he treated this one young character.
Spoilers ahead.
So there's a portal through the pond. You might've guessed that by the title. At one point the main character is trying to go through, but she gets busted by her nosy neighbors. When they see the portal open, one bullying little brat pushes his friend in. The poor kid gets sent to another world where nothing is like what he knows, there's some horrible noise that deafens and nearly kills him, and he's trapped there for weeks before anyone her knows shows up.
All this is just story. What makes me mad is after. The kid isn't exactly happy about all this happening and he doesn't handle getting stranded in another world, going deaf and nearly dying with 100% perfect behavior. So he's constantly ridiculed and mocked by the narrator, i.e. the author. It's infuriating. He's like 12 or something.
This is one series I will not be finishing.
Spoilers ahead.
So there's a portal through the pond. You might've guessed that by the title. At one point the main character is trying to go through, but she gets busted by her nosy neighbors. When they see the portal open, one bullying little brat pushes his friend in. The poor kid gets sent to another world where nothing is like what he knows, there's some horrible noise that deafens and nearly kills him, and he's trapped there for weeks before anyone her knows shows up.
All this is just story. What makes me mad is after. The kid isn't exactly happy about all this happening and he doesn't handle getting stranded in another world, going deaf and nearly dying with 100% perfect behavior. So he's constantly ridiculed and mocked by the narrator, i.e. the author. It's infuriating. He's like 12 or something.
This is one series I will not be finishing.
June 4, 2016
I wanted to like this book, I did. It had a lot of potential. Poorly executed, though. My brain actually hurts. I ended up skimming the last few chapters.
There is a such thing as too much description. Cut out half of the explanations for every last detail about every last object and the book would've been half as long and twice as good.
Also, poor Rob. Everyone needs to shut the heck up and give the kid a break.
(Mild spoilers? Idk) The kid (who is probably only twelve or thirteen) falls through a portal into another world and the noise in the other world is so loud that he goes deaf within minutes. I think he's found shortly after and brought to a safe place. But he doesn't get his hearing back and he's still stuck in another world with some stranger he doesn't know!!! for I don't remember how long until Christy and Danny show up. And even then he is still deaf!!! Do you know what it's like losing your hearing? It's no walk in the park.
The way the characters treated him angered me so much. I might have given the book two stars if it weren't for that.
Actual review to come. Possibly.
*This book was received free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
There is a such thing as too much description. Cut out half of the explanations for every last detail about every last object and the book would've been half as long and twice as good.
Also, poor Rob. Everyone needs to shut the heck up and give the kid a break.
(Mild spoilers? Idk) The kid (who is probably only twelve or thirteen) falls through a portal into another world and the noise in the other world is so loud that he goes deaf within minutes. I think he's found shortly after and brought to a safe place. But he doesn't get his hearing back and he's still stuck in another world with some stranger he doesn't know!!! for I don't remember how long until Christy and Danny show up. And even then he is still deaf!!! Do you know what it's like losing your hearing? It's no walk in the park.
The way the characters treated him angered me so much. I might have given the book two stars if it weren't for that.
Actual review to come. Possibly.
*This book was received free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
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May 31, 2018DNF
October 17, 2018
Portal through the Pond builds on a fascinating premise, filled with mystery and suspense, and stands alone as an intriguing middle-grade novel, as well as introducing the Empty World Series.
A brief scene set in the past might seem confusing at the start, but soon the characters fall into place, and teenage Christy finds herself trying to decide if her grandmother’s secrets should stay hidden or revealed. Of course, investigating will be much more fun that revealing, and soon the girl is trapped in a strange world with her two friends—they’re just not the friends she might have chosen initially. Everyone wants to go home, but how?
The characters, young old and in-between, are all believable and interesting. A teen trio includes Christy, constantly blaming herself, an eager hearing impaired younger boy, and a singularly miserable child who blames everyone else. Aided and hindered by friends and aliens, racing away and toward the solution, and learning to trust that others might help, both here and there, and that blame will only distract, the youngsters complete an adventure style task and leave readers eager for more.
The plot is intriguing. Unsolved mysteries leave me wanting to read on. And both characters and relationships clearly have more to offer. Occasionally pedantic dialog and exposition might slow things down, but this continent- and world-spanning tale is definitely fun, and the series sounds cool.
Disclosure: I got it on a deal and I offer my honest review.
A brief scene set in the past might seem confusing at the start, but soon the characters fall into place, and teenage Christy finds herself trying to decide if her grandmother’s secrets should stay hidden or revealed. Of course, investigating will be much more fun that revealing, and soon the girl is trapped in a strange world with her two friends—they’re just not the friends she might have chosen initially. Everyone wants to go home, but how?
The characters, young old and in-between, are all believable and interesting. A teen trio includes Christy, constantly blaming herself, an eager hearing impaired younger boy, and a singularly miserable child who blames everyone else. Aided and hindered by friends and aliens, racing away and toward the solution, and learning to trust that others might help, both here and there, and that blame will only distract, the youngsters complete an adventure style task and leave readers eager for more.
The plot is intriguing. Unsolved mysteries leave me wanting to read on. And both characters and relationships clearly have more to offer. Occasionally pedantic dialog and exposition might slow things down, but this continent- and world-spanning tale is definitely fun, and the series sounds cool.
Disclosure: I got it on a deal and I offer my honest review.
May 31, 2014
"The Long Journey into Another World"
This is a science fiction story written in depth which many may enjoy, especially teenagers who love to read. Also, adults will also find it exciting. Ten thousand years ago, on a planet in another galaxy, a pathway had been perfected to allow crossing over into our world. They had studied our world throughout it's violent geological changes and since the last ice age had past, they arrive in the area we know as northern New England: Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and also New York. They constructed devices to harness the storms' electrical energies. Now, eight months before our present time, 58 year old Lillian strolls to the pond on her expansive property which had been inherited by her husband, Jack. A thunderstorm is approaching and yet she remains standing on the dock. As the storm peaks and lightning strikes the pond, she again sees a man rise from the lake, grab hold of the dock, and push a water tight bag up on the dock before scrambling out of the water. The old man, her husband Jack, approaches her and they walk together toward the house. Lillian is wishing this is the last time he would make this trip to the "The Empty World." But it's not, and two months later an inflated airtight bag rises to the surface of the pond, without Jack. The bag contains some paintings and a note from Jack... The portal is closing and he can't get out. In the present time, Christy Walker, 13-year-old granddaughter of Lillian and Jack, is very upset and grieving the death of Lillian. But the evening of the funeral, she is presented with a large envelop meant only for her eyes from her deceased grandmother. What it contains is information and a key which result in an unbelievable adventure for her and her close friends. This novel is very creatively written and well written. However, I find the format and the long paragraphs to be stumbling blocks for me even as a prolific reader. The formatting without spaces after long, overly-descriptive paragraphs can hinder readers. I found it difficult and a bit tiresome to read for very long, as it appeared to drag along at times. The story itself is exceptional, but would like a little faster pace without repetitious statements found primarily in the first half of the story.
This is a science fiction story written in depth which many may enjoy, especially teenagers who love to read. Also, adults will also find it exciting. Ten thousand years ago, on a planet in another galaxy, a pathway had been perfected to allow crossing over into our world. They had studied our world throughout it's violent geological changes and since the last ice age had past, they arrive in the area we know as northern New England: Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and also New York. They constructed devices to harness the storms' electrical energies. Now, eight months before our present time, 58 year old Lillian strolls to the pond on her expansive property which had been inherited by her husband, Jack. A thunderstorm is approaching and yet she remains standing on the dock. As the storm peaks and lightning strikes the pond, she again sees a man rise from the lake, grab hold of the dock, and push a water tight bag up on the dock before scrambling out of the water. The old man, her husband Jack, approaches her and they walk together toward the house. Lillian is wishing this is the last time he would make this trip to the "The Empty World." But it's not, and two months later an inflated airtight bag rises to the surface of the pond, without Jack. The bag contains some paintings and a note from Jack... The portal is closing and he can't get out. In the present time, Christy Walker, 13-year-old granddaughter of Lillian and Jack, is very upset and grieving the death of Lillian. But the evening of the funeral, she is presented with a large envelop meant only for her eyes from her deceased grandmother. What it contains is information and a key which result in an unbelievable adventure for her and her close friends. This novel is very creatively written and well written. However, I find the format and the long paragraphs to be stumbling blocks for me even as a prolific reader. The formatting without spaces after long, overly-descriptive paragraphs can hinder readers. I found it difficult and a bit tiresome to read for very long, as it appeared to drag along at times. The story itself is exceptional, but would like a little faster pace without repetitious statements found primarily in the first half of the story.
November 13, 2015
I received this book on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review...
I have one word to describe this book: boring. The storyline and plot is weak, the characters are bland and hold no fascinating traits at all, and overall the story was boring.
I have one word to describe this book: boring. The storyline and plot is weak, the characters are bland and hold no fascinating traits at all, and overall the story was boring.
July 12, 2013
I look forward to the sequel!
March 18, 2019
A fascinating and exciting trip into another world through a portal in the pond near Christy's house. Christy finds herself forced to help rescue a friend who is pushed into the portal into the unknown she finds her grandfather who has been missing for many years. With the help of her grandfather and another young boy who decided to help Christy the travel across this strange world to try to locate another portal for them to return home to their families. The excitement and fascinating things they find along the way are wonderous!
March 31, 2019
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and gave it to my wife to read. Previously, she taught grades 5-12, and is currently a literacy coach for her school district. She read the book in less than a day, and loved it! She plans on reading the other three books in the series, and said she would definitely be recommending it to teachers and students.
August 3, 2017
I liked the book and author. It is a book not just for kids for any one who likes fantasy and sci-fi. I would like to read more of the series.
October 2, 2018
This book frustrates me. That's all I'm going to say for now.
January 31, 2019
Echoing other reviewers, interesting premise but got too bored to finish. In addition, the author’s attempts to visually describe things were mostly lost on me, especially in the “empty world”.
February 7, 2017
Imagine that the pond in your back yard has a secret - it is a portal to another world. Imagine that your grandmother knows the secret and that your grandfather was thought to have drowned in the pond. And imagine that your grandmother leaves to you information about the portal. That is the framework of "Portal Through the Pond."
Christy learns about her legacy on the day of her grandmother's funeral from Detective Lockhart who hands her a large envelope and tells her that it is her decision to share or not to share the information in it. After some thought, she includes her friend Trevor in her plans to go through the portal. At the last minute, she leaves Trevor behind, but Trevor sends Danny, a younger, deaf boy to help her. They meet her grandfather on "the other side," and, from there, things sound a little like the Wizard of Oz. Christy and Danny just want to go home but they must travel half-way around the world to find a portal that will return them to their own dimension.
Third through sixth graders will probably enjoy this book of fantasy. Christy and Danny seem a little old for their years (their dialogue is definitely 40-something in some places), but they seem to know when they are in way over their heads. Christy's grandfather is definitely the adult but a good-natured one, even with spears flying around their heads. And, since this is Book I in a series, there is an ending that just begs the reader to look for the next book.
Christy learns about her legacy on the day of her grandmother's funeral from Detective Lockhart who hands her a large envelope and tells her that it is her decision to share or not to share the information in it. After some thought, she includes her friend Trevor in her plans to go through the portal. At the last minute, she leaves Trevor behind, but Trevor sends Danny, a younger, deaf boy to help her. They meet her grandfather on "the other side," and, from there, things sound a little like the Wizard of Oz. Christy and Danny just want to go home but they must travel half-way around the world to find a portal that will return them to their own dimension.
Third through sixth graders will probably enjoy this book of fantasy. Christy and Danny seem a little old for their years (their dialogue is definitely 40-something in some places), but they seem to know when they are in way over their heads. Christy's grandfather is definitely the adult but a good-natured one, even with spears flying around their heads. And, since this is Book I in a series, there is an ending that just begs the reader to look for the next book.
September 2, 2016
I really loved the concept of this book. A pond as a time travel device! And a grandfather trapped on the other side! What a novel idea! I couldn't wait to read it.
But I have something horrible to admit. I lost interest about halfway through. Yeah, I put down the book and walked away. Why? It just took so long for the story to really get started. And, when the characters finally went through the pond to the "Empty World," so much time was spent explaining the world's geography, flora, and fauna that I got bored.
That said, the author's grasp of the world he created rivals J.R.R. Tolkien's comprehension of Middle Earth. He knows the Empty World, down to each rock and pebble. His writing is fine, although I would love it if he spent a bit more time "showing" and a lot less time "telling." And his character development is good - although the main character Christy seems quite mature for her age.
I have a feeling that if I had more patience, I might have been rewarded with an interesting story. So, maybe you should give it a try.
But I have something horrible to admit. I lost interest about halfway through. Yeah, I put down the book and walked away. Why? It just took so long for the story to really get started. And, when the characters finally went through the pond to the "Empty World," so much time was spent explaining the world's geography, flora, and fauna that I got bored.
That said, the author's grasp of the world he created rivals J.R.R. Tolkien's comprehension of Middle Earth. He knows the Empty World, down to each rock and pebble. His writing is fine, although I would love it if he spent a bit more time "showing" and a lot less time "telling." And his character development is good - although the main character Christy seems quite mature for her age.
I have a feeling that if I had more patience, I might have been rewarded with an interesting story. So, maybe you should give it a try.
March 26, 2024
They said her grandfather was dead. They said her grandmother was crazy. Christy knows better. When 13-year-old Christy's grandmother dies, she leaves Christy a mysterious packet of information revealing an amazing secret: the pond in her yard is in fact a portal to another world . And what's more, her grandfather had disappeared in that world nine years earlier. Christy is determined to honor her grandmother's wish to keep the secret, even if it means alienating her best friend Trevor. However, things spiral out of her control when nosy classmate Rob accidentally crosses into other world, the grown-ups think he has drowned, she's forced to tell Trevor, and Danny--the nine-year-old deaf boy next door--follows her through the portal to rescue Rob. Will Trevor be able to convince the grown-ups to trust Christy to get them all home?
May 13, 2019
What an adventurous and fun story! I loved the portal world and its inhabitants. The characters, both adults and kids were well developed and I enjoyed the story line. As a YA book this is a great tool demonstrating the value of family, friendship and overcoming adversity. I am now hooked on the ‘Empty World Saga”! Thank you Magical Scrivener for sponsoring a wonderful Goodreads giveaway!
July 13, 2015
Very enjoyable book.
A portal leading to a fantastic new world. I can't wait to learn more about this unique world and it's inhabitants. There are two intelligent species here in the empty world. Do they both belong here or did they both enter through portals?
The back history of this planet is just beginning and it will hopefully be an amazing story. The characters are interesting, likable, for the most part, and intriguing as we get to know them.
The book is YA friendly yet interesting enough for an adult or a child. Looks like this first free book has me hooked on reading more of this series!
A portal leading to a fantastic new world. I can't wait to learn more about this unique world and it's inhabitants. There are two intelligent species here in the empty world. Do they both belong here or did they both enter through portals?
The back history of this planet is just beginning and it will hopefully be an amazing story. The characters are interesting, likable, for the most part, and intriguing as we get to know them.
The book is YA friendly yet interesting enough for an adult or a child. Looks like this first free book has me hooked on reading more of this series!
August 13, 2015
The beginning of a new series!
Lots to explain, but I think it bogged the stories' action down. I knew from the description that children would go through the Portal, but getting to the point in the story required a lot of background, description, and this took about 100 pages.
So I enjoyed the story, but it wasn't quite mind blowing.
I received this book as a "first reads" book from Goodreads or one of its partners.
Lots to explain, but I think it bogged the stories' action down. I knew from the description that children would go through the Portal, but getting to the point in the story required a lot of background, description, and this took about 100 pages.
So I enjoyed the story, but it wasn't quite mind blowing.
I received this book as a "first reads" book from Goodreads or one of its partners.
June 13, 2016
This book had a very interesting concept. During a storm a portal opens in the pond. If you jump into the portal then you are transported to another world. As with all great adventures, there are many dangerous people and risks along the way.
This was an interesting book. I would like to know if they go back to the other world to rescue to the grandfather or not. I may just have to read book 2 to find out.
This was an interesting book. I would like to know if they go back to the other world to rescue to the grandfather or not. I may just have to read book 2 to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2018
We read this book as a family read aloud with 2 adults and an 8 year old. It was entertaining for all of us. The book was paced right jumping between a story of what was happening here on earth and what was happening in the empty world. This is very light reading with much of the story unfolding at a predictable pace and somewhat far fetched but honestly for light reading as family it was perfect. We will be checking out the second book for sure to see how the next part of their journey.
April 16, 2018
The beginning felt tedious. The world was unique. I struggled to connect with the story, however. That's rare for me. I usually enjoy almost everything. It really wasn't a bad story, the characters just didn't seem to ring true or capture my attention. I couldn't seem to get excited about their adventure.
April 9, 2019
I luv it so muccccccccccccccchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
My mom and I read this together and I wrote this💯%. I luv this book so much 👍👍😁😍
from mom: This book was entertaining for both parent and child. It kept my son interested and looking forward to the next chapter. We just downloaded book 2. Can’t wait to get started!
My mom and I read this together and I wrote this💯%. I luv this book so much 👍👍😁😍
from mom: This book was entertaining for both parent and child. It kept my son interested and looking forward to the next chapter. We just downloaded book 2. Can’t wait to get started!
December 31, 2015
This was an entertaining children's book (middle grade/middle school). The author ends the story smoothly, leading into the second book of the series. It leaves the reader wanting to continue the series to see what happens next!
June 8, 2015
Great description and a very clever plot- a well written young adult book. The characters were well fleshed out and interacted well. I got a bit restless toward the end of the tale-- but am looking forward to getting the next in the series to find out who the ancients are.
February 1, 2016
An intriguing story when there were less adults to throw into the mix. The grandparent figures would have been enough interference for my taste, but I did enjoy the mix of youngsters ages and the addition of American Sign Language.
January 30, 2018
Read in almost a single sitting
This book is fascinating. I didn't mean to stay up till 2am reading it, but here I am. I probably will pick up the next in the series to see what happens next.
This book is fascinating. I didn't mean to stay up till 2am reading it, but here I am. I probably will pick up the next in the series to see what happens next.
May 22, 2018
This is the 1st book I have read by this author. The beginning is a little confusing, after the 1st few chapters it quickly becomes a book you want to just keep reading. If you enjoy sci-fi and good entertainment then this book is for you. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
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August 6, 2018I liked that in the empty world they used sign language to communicate. I wish there were pictures for the empty world plants and creatures. The book was very wordy,and they didn't end up in the empty world till too late in the book in my opinion.
November 30, 2019
A portal twist
The story caught my attention from the start of the brief beginning. I liked the story it did not feel old. It was a similar fantasy but with a newer take on it . A fun read, will need to follow the serious
The story caught my attention from the start of the brief beginning. I liked the story it did not feel old. It was a similar fantasy but with a newer take on it . A fun read, will need to follow the serious
June 5, 2014
Fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews