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Beneath #1
Beneath
Roland Smith, the master of middle-grade adventure, returns with a new novel full of high-speed chases, secret identities, and a dangerous underground world.
Pat Borroughs has always idolized his older brother, Coop. He's even helped Coop with some of his crazier plans -- even risking his life to help his big brother dig a tunnel underneath their entire Washington, D.C., neighborhood. Coop is . . . different. He doesn't talk on the phone, doesn't use email, and doesn't have friends. He's never really cared for anything but the thrill of being underground and Pat. So it's no surprise to anyone -- even Pat -- that after a huge fight with their parents, Coop runs away. Exactly one year later, Pat receives a package containing a digital voice recorder and a cryptic message from his brother. He follows the clues to New York City, and soon discovers that Coop has joined the Colony, a self-sufficient community living beneath the streets. Now it's up to Pat to find his brother -- and bring him home.
Pat Borroughs has always idolized his older brother, Coop. He's even helped Coop with some of his crazier plans -- even risking his life to help his big brother dig a tunnel underneath their entire Washington, D.C., neighborhood. Coop is . . . different. He doesn't talk on the phone, doesn't use email, and doesn't have friends. He's never really cared for anything but the thrill of being underground and Pat. So it's no surprise to anyone -- even Pat -- that after a huge fight with their parents, Coop runs away. Exactly one year later, Pat receives a package containing a digital voice recorder and a cryptic message from his brother. He follows the clues to New York City, and soon discovers that Coop has joined the Colony, a self-sufficient community living beneath the streets. Now it's up to Pat to find his brother -- and bring him home.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2009
159 people are currently reading
1261 people want to read
About the author
Roland Smith
153 books838 followersRoland Smith is an American author of young adult fiction as well as nonfiction books for children.
Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Portland State University and, following a part-time job at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, began a 20-year career as a zookeeper, both at the Oregon Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. After working to save wildlife following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, in 1990, he published his first book, Sea Otter Rescue, a non-fiction account of the process of animal rescue. Smith continued to draw upon his zoo experiences for other non-fiction titles, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996.
In 1997, Smith published his first novel, Thundercave. The book continues Smith's theme, as teenage protagonist Jacob Lansa follows his biologist father to Africa where the father is researching elephants. The Lansa character also appears in 1999
s Jaguar and 2001's The Last Lobo. Other novels by Smith include The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Zach's Lie, Jack's Run, Cryptid Hunters, Sasquatch (novel), about a boy who searches for Bigfoot. Peak, the story of a teenage boy obsessed with climbing mountains, Elephant Run and Tentacles(novel). In 2008, Smith published the first book in the series I, Q, titled Independence Hall. Smith's books have won "Book of the Year" awards in Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as in his native Oregon. Smith lives in Tualatin, Oregon with his wife and stepchildren.
Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Portland State University and, following a part-time job at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, began a 20-year career as a zookeeper, both at the Oregon Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. After working to save wildlife following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, in 1990, he published his first book, Sea Otter Rescue, a non-fiction account of the process of animal rescue. Smith continued to draw upon his zoo experiences for other non-fiction titles, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996.
In 1997, Smith published his first novel, Thundercave. The book continues Smith's theme, as teenage protagonist Jacob Lansa follows his biologist father to Africa where the father is researching elephants. The Lansa character also appears in 1999
s Jaguar and 2001's The Last Lobo. Other novels by Smith include The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Zach's Lie, Jack's Run, Cryptid Hunters, Sasquatch (novel), about a boy who searches for Bigfoot. Peak, the story of a teenage boy obsessed with climbing mountains, Elephant Run and Tentacles(novel). In 2008, Smith published the first book in the series I, Q, titled Independence Hall. Smith's books have won "Book of the Year" awards in Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as in his native Oregon. Smith lives in Tualatin, Oregon with his wife and stepchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
April 26, 2015
This book came across my desk on approval. While not in love with the cover, I began to read the first page. Then the second and then the third. I was hooked. Slightly offbeat family, older brother missing a year, parents break up... then Pat gets a recorded message from his adored brother Coop, exhorting him to keep what he says secret from everyone. Before you know it, Pat is on his way to New York to find Coop.
At first, I wasn't sure quite what I was getting into. I expected perhaps a modernised "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" or maybe some kind of weird fantasy world that was under the ground instead of through the wardrobe or the looking glass. It turned out to be neither.
The story opens up a secret, yet not magical, world under the streets of New York. Those living in The Community are living under the radar and under the ground but have a functioning, relatively normal society. It includes such people as Terry, who goes to work each day to his bank manager's position. As Pat is admitted to see them, he discovers that Coop has left them to go even deeper underground - to The Deep. It is here that Pat's adventures really take off.
What happens next is a blend of mystery, adventure, romance and conspiracy thriller. It was a page turner and I was pretty annoyed to get to the end and discover that ... no, it wasn't a dream ... but it was PART ONE!
At first, I wasn't sure quite what I was getting into. I expected perhaps a modernised "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" or maybe some kind of weird fantasy world that was under the ground instead of through the wardrobe or the looking glass. It turned out to be neither.
The story opens up a secret, yet not magical, world under the streets of New York. Those living in The Community are living under the radar and under the ground but have a functioning, relatively normal society. It includes such people as Terry, who goes to work each day to his bank manager's position. As Pat is admitted to see them, he discovers that Coop has left them to go even deeper underground - to The Deep. It is here that Pat's adventures really take off.
What happens next is a blend of mystery, adventure, romance and conspiracy thriller. It was a page turner and I was pretty annoyed to get to the end and discover that ... no, it wasn't a dream ... but it was PART ONE!
January 16, 2021
The idea was interesting (it reminded me so much of the Tunnels series but personally not as well written) but the writing and characters seemed to go downhill after about half way through. While the book starts off with actual paragraphs (written as if the main character is writing into a journal about what's going on or speaking into his recorder) and the characters seeming to do something, by the end of the book I have no clue what is really going on and half the time I can't figure out who is talking. It's just lines and lines of dialogue so I have to keep scanning back up to try figuring out who might possibly be talking. That was a bit frustrating for me.
And the writing goes from normal paragraphs (like I mentioned just a second ago) to little short, awkward sentences.
Like this.
It's crazy.
Hard for me to read.
And nearly every sentence starts on a new line.
The characters sounded okay in the beginning -- a bit weird -- and I was hoping for more in the rest of the pages. But it was BORING. The characters seemed too dry and flat for me and all I really knew was that there was this bad guy who didn't want people leaving his underground realm thing.
This was not personally the most exciting book I've read, but maybe give it a try if you like the idea of an underground city and a mystery of something.
Content:
Language--fri**in'
Sexy Stuff/Romance--one character has a slight crush on another. No kissing or anything beyond that as this isn't about romance.
Violence--a few characters shot and an animal tasered. No descriptions.
And the writing goes from normal paragraphs (like I mentioned just a second ago) to little short, awkward sentences.
Like this.
It's crazy.
Hard for me to read.
And nearly every sentence starts on a new line.
The characters sounded okay in the beginning -- a bit weird -- and I was hoping for more in the rest of the pages. But it was BORING. The characters seemed too dry and flat for me and all I really knew was that there was this bad guy who didn't want people leaving his underground realm thing.
This was not personally the most exciting book I've read, but maybe give it a try if you like the idea of an underground city and a mystery of something.
Content:
Language--fri**in'
Sexy Stuff/Romance--one character has a slight crush on another. No kissing or anything beyond that as this isn't about romance.
Violence--a few characters shot and an animal tasered. No descriptions.
January 31, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book of a new series (hopefully!) from Roland Smith. I'd love it to be a series, but all I know right now is that there's at least one more book. It's a definite page turner. I can see lots of middle grade students loving this one, and what a great read aloud it would make. I was feeling just as claustrophobic as Pat while reading the wonderfully creepy and scary descriptions of the small underground spaces that he had to crawl through for hours while searching for his big brother Coop. I was almost hyperventilating along with him! I'm glad there's a sequel because the ending sure screams for one. Can't wait to read it.
January 21, 2018
I was SO sucked into this book. Holy cow.
I need a sequel ASAP!!!!!!
I need a sequel ASAP!!!!!!
January 3, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, from the author, at a children's literature conference I attended a couple of months ago. While reading this book, I tried to look at it wearing two different hats. One as myself, an adult reader. And the other as a middle school English teacher, figuring out if my students would like it. And honestly, with either hat on, I thouroughly enjoyed this book.
I'm not sure who did the formatting on this book, but whoever they are, they are a GENIOUS! The reader can always tell whether the words on the page are from something happening right now, something that happened in the past, or if they are from a digital recording that Pat is listening to, because one is a serif font, one is in italics, and the other is a sans serif font. I hope the formatting stays the same from the ARC to the final publication.
Pat, despite being the younger brother, is a hero, through and through. He may not think it, as he struggles with certain...phobias in the story, but he pushes through every obsticle to make sure he can get to his brother. Coop is a very different character from most young men in today's society, but I loved him all the more for it. And there's even a very strong female character who shows up along the way. (And I promise, she is here for MUCH more than a secondary romantic purpose.)
I think my favorite thing about this story is that as 'crazy' and 'out there' as many of the things in this story are, they are all WELL within the realm of possibility, and it makes it that much more exciting. Readers can still relate to the main characters. Although the actual circumstances the characters find themselves in are not identical to what the reader might be experiencing, the thoughts, feelings, and reactions of the characters are very genuine. The characters are very three dimensional, and there are many different types of relationships in the story, but it all ties very well together, without being confusing.
As a teacher, I would say that with the relationship between brothers, and some of the events in the book, that this is a GREAT read for boys. Not that girls wouldn't enjoy it...I'm a girl, and I loved it. But it feels like a fantastic book to offer to boys who are reluctant readers. (For those of you who watch musicals like I do, this line from Mama Mia popped into my head when thinking about sharing this book with my students: "It's an adventure, Harry. It's good for you.")
My only complaint (if you can even call it a complaint) as a reader about this story was the ending...I like 'how' the information was shared with the reader, but I felt a little cut off at the knees about how much information was shared with the reader. However, I'm secretly hoping that this means there will be a sequel. :)
I'm not sure who did the formatting on this book, but whoever they are, they are a GENIOUS! The reader can always tell whether the words on the page are from something happening right now, something that happened in the past, or if they are from a digital recording that Pat is listening to, because one is a serif font, one is in italics, and the other is a sans serif font. I hope the formatting stays the same from the ARC to the final publication.
Pat, despite being the younger brother, is a hero, through and through. He may not think it, as he struggles with certain...phobias in the story, but he pushes through every obsticle to make sure he can get to his brother. Coop is a very different character from most young men in today's society, but I loved him all the more for it. And there's even a very strong female character who shows up along the way. (And I promise, she is here for MUCH more than a secondary romantic purpose.)
I think my favorite thing about this story is that as 'crazy' and 'out there' as many of the things in this story are, they are all WELL within the realm of possibility, and it makes it that much more exciting. Readers can still relate to the main characters. Although the actual circumstances the characters find themselves in are not identical to what the reader might be experiencing, the thoughts, feelings, and reactions of the characters are very genuine. The characters are very three dimensional, and there are many different types of relationships in the story, but it all ties very well together, without being confusing.
As a teacher, I would say that with the relationship between brothers, and some of the events in the book, that this is a GREAT read for boys. Not that girls wouldn't enjoy it...I'm a girl, and I loved it. But it feels like a fantastic book to offer to boys who are reluctant readers. (For those of you who watch musicals like I do, this line from Mama Mia popped into my head when thinking about sharing this book with my students: "It's an adventure, Harry. It's good for you.")
My only complaint (if you can even call it a complaint) as a reader about this story was the ending...I like 'how' the information was shared with the reader, but I felt a little cut off at the knees about how much information was shared with the reader. However, I'm secretly hoping that this means there will be a sequel. :)
January 18, 2018
This book was interesting but some parts I had to read multiple times and I still did not fully understand. I think the plot was unique, which helped me keep reading to see what would happen next.
April 4, 2019
I’m not sure what the heck just happened...but it kept me interested enough
June 14, 2018
So I don't venture into the "4-star" ratings too often, but I really enjoyed this book. Perhaps it was because I was book-talking this to the TR 5th graders for the last month and I started to drink my own cool-aid, but I think it's more than that. Coop and Pat are interesting characters. The POD and LOD are very interesting antagonists and the links to 60's era history is also intriguing. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel!
November 22, 2017
3.5 stars
Read for Battle of the Books question writing.
A pretty fast-paced and intriguing story about a community of underground dwellers in New York City and the two brothers who get entwined in their lives. By the conclusion, I can only assume that the author intends to write a sequel. Also, really appreciated the classic literature touches and nods throughout the book.
Read for Battle of the Books question writing.
A pretty fast-paced and intriguing story about a community of underground dwellers in New York City and the two brothers who get entwined in their lives. By the conclusion, I can only assume that the author intends to write a sequel. Also, really appreciated the classic literature touches and nods throughout the book.
December 1, 2017
A surprising twist that keep me totally engaged at the end. It isn't an easy book for struggling readers...lots of inner dialogue and characters who may not seem important. The setting--beneath New York was really well written and fascinating.
May 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It's a quick read, but lots of adventure and mystery. Perfect for lower readers too!
April 5, 2015
Whew! I need the second in this new series soon! I feel like I have left Coop, Pat, and Kate in danger and I can not help them! Amazing story which at first I thought was going to be similar to Downsiders by Neal Shusterman. It was only slightly similar but the evil characters are truly scary in this book! If you are claustrophobic, you may not want to empathize too strongly with one of the characters! I could truly feel his terror and I am not afflicted with this fear.
November 14, 2017
I really liked this book! I̥ͦ t̥ͦh̥ͦo̥ͦu̥ͦg̥ͦh̥ͦt̥ͦ i̥ͦt̥ͦ h̥ͦḁͦd̥ͦ ḁͦ g̥ͦr̥ͦe̥ͦḁͦt̥ͦ p̥ͦl̥ͦo̥ͦt̥ͦ ḁͦn̥ͦd̥ͦ ḁͦ c̥ͦo̥ͦo̥ͦl̥ͦ😎s̥ͦt̥ͦo̥ͦr̥ͦy̥ͦ l̥ͦi̥ͦn̥ͦe̥ͦ. T̤̮h̤̮e̤̮ o̤̮n̤̮l̤̮y̤̮ t̤̮h̤̮i̤̮n̤̮g̤̮ I̤̮ d̤̮i̤̮d̤̮n̤̮'t̤̮ l̤̮i̤̮k̤̮e̤̮ w̤̮a̤̮s̤̮ t̤̮h̤̮e̤̮ e̤̮n̤̮d̤̮i̤̮n̤̮g̤̮ b̤̮e̤̮c̤̮a̤̮ṳ̮s̤̮e̤̮ t̤̮h̤̮e̤̮y̤̮ e̤̮x̤̮p̤̮l̤̮a̤̮i̤̮n̤̮e̤̮d̤̮ e̤̮v̤̮e̤̮r̤̮y̤̮t̤̮h̤̮i̤̮n̤̮g̤̮ a̤̮ l̤̮i̤̮t̤̮t̤̮l̤̮e̤̮ t̤̮o̤̮o̤̮ f̤̮a̤̮s̤̮t̤̮.
July 27, 2016
I found this to be quite fascinating, and it even got me wondering if there really are people that have found ways to live underground. Seriously! It was complicated and tricky, and of course ended right in the middle of the story. I will for sure read Above.
November 29, 2017
I didn't think that the book was that good. It was sometimes hard to follow along, and the storyline wasn't that clear.
May 28, 2017
I never read young adult/kid lit - I'm super picky about my reading time and how I spend it. This was an assigned book for my son's 5th grade reading club (parents are encouraged to participate too). I only finished 1 book that was assigned for the entire year --- until this one! I couldn't put it down...and I finished it so quickly I was able to read the sequel before the book club meeting.
I was totally impressed with the creativity of the writing and how it was engaging to everyone (kids and adults). I didn't feel like I was too old or too smart or too whatever for this book/story. I liked the characters and how they were developed. I liked how the narrator stayed true the entire book and didn't all of a sudden because privy to knowledge and information that seemed unrealistic (even though as a ready I would have loved additional details on the life Beneath and the grown-ups in the book).
I'm not running out to read more YA books, but I did really enjoy this one and the next one Above.
I was totally impressed with the creativity of the writing and how it was engaging to everyone (kids and adults). I didn't feel like I was too old or too smart or too whatever for this book/story. I liked the characters and how they were developed. I liked how the narrator stayed true the entire book and didn't all of a sudden because privy to knowledge and information that seemed unrealistic (even though as a ready I would have loved additional details on the life Beneath and the grown-ups in the book).
I'm not running out to read more YA books, but I did really enjoy this one and the next one Above.
August 29, 2018
In the book "Beneath" by Rowland Smith involves two loving brothers, Coop and Pat O'Toole, whos parents have divorced. Coop has run away and it is up to Pat to follow Coop's clues and bring him home. Even though I find some parts to be confusing to me, this book is definitely a page turner and always keeps you on your feet.
For example, when the author states, "I'm talking about a real full-blown tunnel that any mining engineer would've been proud of." When this is stated, the reader starts to ask questions. For example, "What are they doing with a tunnel like that?" "How are they going to create a tunnel this large?" The author always keeps you interested and wanting more.
The book "Beneath" did make an impact on me. Even if I wanted to stop reading, I couldn't. The plot was so hypnotizing. You always want more. Anyone with a passion of mystery, adventure, conspiracy and thriller would definitely be interested in this book.
For example, when the author states, "I'm talking about a real full-blown tunnel that any mining engineer would've been proud of." When this is stated, the reader starts to ask questions. For example, "What are they doing with a tunnel like that?" "How are they going to create a tunnel this large?" The author always keeps you interested and wanting more.
The book "Beneath" did make an impact on me. Even if I wanted to stop reading, I couldn't. The plot was so hypnotizing. You always want more. Anyone with a passion of mystery, adventure, conspiracy and thriller would definitely be interested in this book.
September 20, 2024
I dont write reviews because they are annoying but I truly think this book has one of the best plots in all of YA and is deserving of a review. YA isn't known for having amazing plots, but I think that the plot twists in this are particularly amazing, also just the plot itself. Who would think about creating a story about a society that lives underground? The cult addition was also *chefs kiss*. Anyway, I love this book and 10/10 recommend.
January 22, 2018
This book was really good. There was a lot of plot twists and things I didn't see coming. You never really see how far families can get from each other until it actually happens. This book can really make you see how different the world is in different places. This book is definitely a page turner in so many ways and levels. The depth that this book goes to is amazing.
June 5, 2018
Let me start by saying that I'm thrilled this book is the first in a series! The quick chapters and fast paced narrative kept me flipping through this page-turner. I highly recommend Beneath to readers who enjoy adventure, mystery and realistic fiction. It definitely has something for everyone!
November 20, 2017
Pat sets out to find his brother Coop who disappeared almost a year ago. During winter break Pat says he is going to his moms but instead go's to New York and ends up experiencing a awesome adventure.
January 27, 2018
This book was really good! Some parts were a bit confusing, but there was so much detail that made me keep wanting to read it, plus the chapters were nice and short. I give this book 4/5 stars, and I recommend this book to everyone.
February 20, 2018
What a suspenseful adventure! Pat goes looking for his brother, Coop, who has gone “beneath” NYC in an underground world. With the help of a few others, Pat must rescue Coop and bring him back “above.” I loved how this was written because I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to talk about this one with my students who have already read it and get even more to try it. I’m ready for book two!
January 24, 2019
I really liked this book because of the adventure that was told.
It starts of with Pat whos brother left and was never to be heard from again until
Coop (Pat´s Brother) Sent him an audio tape recorder telling him to come and look for him at new york city.
It starts of with Pat whos brother left and was never to be heard from again until
Coop (Pat´s Brother) Sent him an audio tape recorder telling him to come and look for him at new york city.
November 11, 2017
It's so good yet so creepy...
January 13, 2018
3.5 stars
September 6, 2018
Per Lauren’s recommendation I read this. Good book for middle school reader. Will definitely read Above.
February 17, 2020
Very mysterious. Interesting.
November 16, 2020
Really good!! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Different than what I'm used to reading but really good!
Read
February 15, 2018The book had a lot of unexpected twists and turns. It was very interesting and I never really wanted to put it down. The author had a great way of wording and you never knew what was coming next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews