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Noah Winter #1
The Emerald Quest
A long-lost emerald, a missing treasure map, and a wealthy villain combine for an action-packed adventure!
Thirteen-year-old Noah Winter, the son of sea-exploring treasure hunters, dives the San Isabel shipwreck with his parents in search of a mysterious treasure map lost in the murky depths off the Florida Keys over a century ago. The map reveals the hiding place of the priceless De La Rosa emerald. But before the Winters can find the map, a wealthy treasure-hunting rival kidnaps Noah’s parents. Now Noah must match wits with a dangerous adversary, not only to discover the treasure map first, but to rescue his mom and dad before it’s too late.
Thirteen-year-old Noah Winter, the son of sea-exploring treasure hunters, dives the San Isabel shipwreck with his parents in search of a mysterious treasure map lost in the murky depths off the Florida Keys over a century ago. The map reveals the hiding place of the priceless De La Rosa emerald. But before the Winters can find the map, a wealthy treasure-hunting rival kidnaps Noah’s parents. Now Noah must match wits with a dangerous adversary, not only to discover the treasure map first, but to rescue his mom and dad before it’s too late.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2012
30 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Renee Pawlish
109 books346 followersFrom the time she was ten and tried to write her own detective series in the fashion of the Hardy Boys, Renée Pawlish has been developing her craft. Along with creative writing classes, Renée studied great writers like Dashiell Hammett, Rex Stout, Stephen King, Sue Grafton and many more. Once Renée graduated from college, she began her first novel. Now, all these years later, she has penned numerous books in a variety of genres.
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 4, 2012
I confess. I am actually a middle aged woman. And I loved this book! As a younger incarnation I read Biggles, The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Willard Price, etc. this book reminded me of all those happy times. I liked the fact that the protagonist was believable (he actually had to do school work!) and vulnerable (he bleeds) and does not act as the hero all on his own, and there are repercussions. All this makes the story more realistic. Add to that the fact that the simple but elegant prose just caught me up and swept me along and you have one good read. Another positive was the contemporary social and ecological aspect of the book, very nice. And I also like a good villain in my books! To my mind I pick up a lot about an author through their children's writing, and this just left me wanting to read more. I now have a stock pile of books on my iPad Kindle app just waiting for my attention :-) Thank you Renee.
August 17, 2016
I cannot even bring myself to finish this novel. Is it YA and I missed this....? I don't know. But it's so simplistic, so basically written that I'm @76% and I'm just done......why am I reading this again? Oh yeah, the author gave me a free copy. Sorry, ma'am, again, it's just not my cup of tea.
February 5, 2016
This is book in the Noah Winter Adventure series , who's a 13 year old boy who looks for underwater treasure and stuff like that with his parents. I have to say I didn't know if I would like it or not but once I started to read it I could stop. I can't wait to read the next one
January 5, 2018
The Emerald Quest: A Noah Winter Adventure — Renee Pawlish (17 titled chapters) Dec. 29-30, 2017 [315 pages]
**I originally read this as a part of a book collection “8 Exciting Middle Grade Novels,” compiled by Paul Moxham.**
Keep in mind that this is a middle-school reader. The author has written several adult noir books, (i.e. Reed Ferguson series.) If you are thinking this book is going to be along those lines, it is not. I enjoyed this story. I have read some of the author’s other adult books, and I found this, a “kid’s book,” the most enjoyable.
The plot involves a deep sea adventure, kidnappings, sea animals, and the rescuing of long lost children. Sounds frightening, but it’s not. The plot evolves from one event to another in a natural order, it’s not predictable but everything turns out fine. The story and ending is a little fantastical, but for a middle schooler, this is an engaging and wonderful read.
There is some wonderful foreshadowing, and circle arounds in this book that I really enjoyed. It was a page turner, and the chapters ended in places that kept me wanting to read more.
I will definitely read more YA books by this author.
Four star.
**I originally read this as a part of a book collection “8 Exciting Middle Grade Novels,” compiled by Paul Moxham.**
Keep in mind that this is a middle-school reader. The author has written several adult noir books, (i.e. Reed Ferguson series.) If you are thinking this book is going to be along those lines, it is not. I enjoyed this story. I have read some of the author’s other adult books, and I found this, a “kid’s book,” the most enjoyable.
The plot involves a deep sea adventure, kidnappings, sea animals, and the rescuing of long lost children. Sounds frightening, but it’s not. The plot evolves from one event to another in a natural order, it’s not predictable but everything turns out fine. The story and ending is a little fantastical, but for a middle schooler, this is an engaging and wonderful read.
There is some wonderful foreshadowing, and circle arounds in this book that I really enjoyed. It was a page turner, and the chapters ended in places that kept me wanting to read more.
I will definitely read more YA books by this author.
Four star.
August 7, 2019
An exciting adventure for young and old to enjoy.
November 10, 2016
I liked this book, very entertaining and funny. Very different.
March 25, 2012
Because this book is a middle-grade/younger young adult book, and I generally fall in love with more “mature” young adult, I’m going to first tell you what as an adult reader I truly enjoyed, then I’ll say what I would have loved about it as a kid. I loved the storyline, there really wasn’t a boring moment from beginning to end. Noah’s character is as lovable as a very active and intelligent thirteen-year-old can be. Some of the scenes are reminiscent of Home Alone, which I found very entertaining.
If I were younger reading this- I’d probably love the entire thing. The sentences are simple, and not overwhelming to a younger reader. Noah is a fun character around the younger-reader’s age who oftentimes turns out to be smarter than the adults in the story and saves the day. There’s nothing too scary or gruesome in this book, though there are some tense scenes that keep the reader engaged. Definitely a winner for the younger crowd.
I struggled with this review, since I am an adult and I normally grade based off of if I like the book or not. In this case, I’ve decided to recall my younger self and have her feedback weigh in as well, since after all it is the younger readers that this book is intended for. And for that audience, this book is perfect. It speaks highly of the capabilities of children, as Noah is often seen putting the pieces of the puzzle together faster and better than the adults. He’s resourceful and intelligent, and seems to have a pretty enjoyable life hunting treasure with his parents.
And even in my adult head, I still am interested in checking out the rest of the series as Renee publishes them, because Emerald’s Quest leaves you with a feel-good feeling that would be nice to repeat- unlike so many more “mature” young adult books with cliff hangers galore!
This book was provided for me by the author at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion.
If I were younger reading this- I’d probably love the entire thing. The sentences are simple, and not overwhelming to a younger reader. Noah is a fun character around the younger-reader’s age who oftentimes turns out to be smarter than the adults in the story and saves the day. There’s nothing too scary or gruesome in this book, though there are some tense scenes that keep the reader engaged. Definitely a winner for the younger crowd.
I struggled with this review, since I am an adult and I normally grade based off of if I like the book or not. In this case, I’ve decided to recall my younger self and have her feedback weigh in as well, since after all it is the younger readers that this book is intended for. And for that audience, this book is perfect. It speaks highly of the capabilities of children, as Noah is often seen putting the pieces of the puzzle together faster and better than the adults. He’s resourceful and intelligent, and seems to have a pretty enjoyable life hunting treasure with his parents.
And even in my adult head, I still am interested in checking out the rest of the series as Renee publishes them, because Emerald’s Quest leaves you with a feel-good feeling that would be nice to repeat- unlike so many more “mature” young adult books with cliff hangers galore!
This book was provided for me by the author at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion.
April 7, 2012
My Thoughts: Really well written, but the story just wasn't for me.
When the author first contacted me about reviewing her book, I was pretty hesitant, as this is a middle-grade book and I stopped reading at that level when I was eight or nine years old. But, I was getting tired of all the paranormal romance novels and love triangles so I gave it a shot. This book is really well written. You can tell that Renee Pawlish takes real pride in writing a clear novel that is easy to understand. She wrote a story that I would recommend to my little brother or any of his friends.
I am probably going to struggle while writing this review, because I didn't LOVE the story, nor did I not like it. But, it is a great read for the younger, middle-grade age, which is great considering that's who it was geared toward! What I found impressive was the fact that the author was able to keep the story suspenseful and tense without being scary and gory.
The last thing I'll mention is Noah. This is a smart kid! He is able to save the day at age thirteen, while outsmarting most of the adults around him. In my opinion, Noah is a great book-role-model for kids. He shows that kids aren't helpless little creatures who need their parents to save them. That aspect to the book was probably my favorite part.
I'd like to say a quick thank you to the author for sending me this book for the kindle app on my iPod. I really enjoyed reading about Noah's adventure and I will be looking for the next book, to see what happens next.
When the author first contacted me about reviewing her book, I was pretty hesitant, as this is a middle-grade book and I stopped reading at that level when I was eight or nine years old. But, I was getting tired of all the paranormal romance novels and love triangles so I gave it a shot. This book is really well written. You can tell that Renee Pawlish takes real pride in writing a clear novel that is easy to understand. She wrote a story that I would recommend to my little brother or any of his friends.
I am probably going to struggle while writing this review, because I didn't LOVE the story, nor did I not like it. But, it is a great read for the younger, middle-grade age, which is great considering that's who it was geared toward! What I found impressive was the fact that the author was able to keep the story suspenseful and tense without being scary and gory.
The last thing I'll mention is Noah. This is a smart kid! He is able to save the day at age thirteen, while outsmarting most of the adults around him. In my opinion, Noah is a great book-role-model for kids. He shows that kids aren't helpless little creatures who need their parents to save them. That aspect to the book was probably my favorite part.
I'd like to say a quick thank you to the author for sending me this book for the kindle app on my iPod. I really enjoyed reading about Noah's adventure and I will be looking for the next book, to see what happens next.
September 28, 2014
(This book was originally reviewed for Readers' Favorites)
The Emerald Quest, which is book #1 in The Noah Winter Adventure Series by Renee Pawlish, is a preeteen and young adult adventure story that centers around a thirteen year old boy named Noah, along with his parents Frank and Riley, and their assistant and friend of the family, Anthony. The Winters are experienced adventure hunters who explore the depths of the ocean around their Florida Keys home, along with the many shipwrecks that can be found there. They are called upon to find lost treasures, which in this case is a long lost and very valuable emerald that had been rumored to be in a family for generations. There are always dangers that go along with treasure hunting, and this time is no exception. Noah will face predators on land and under the sea as he and his family race to find the gem before it lands in the wrong hands.
The Emerald Quest by Renee Pawlish is a well written, exciting story that preteens and young adults who love the adventure and mystery genre will snap up. They will easily identify with Noah, as he is just like any other 13-year-old boy who would rather explore than do his homework, and who finds pirates, buried treasure, and mysterious bad guys to be wildly exciting.
The book is well formatted and age appropriate, as well as a quick read that will grip readers from the first page, and leave them waiting impatiently for the next undersea adventure that befalls Noah and his family!
The Emerald Quest, which is book #1 in The Noah Winter Adventure Series by Renee Pawlish, is a preeteen and young adult adventure story that centers around a thirteen year old boy named Noah, along with his parents Frank and Riley, and their assistant and friend of the family, Anthony. The Winters are experienced adventure hunters who explore the depths of the ocean around their Florida Keys home, along with the many shipwrecks that can be found there. They are called upon to find lost treasures, which in this case is a long lost and very valuable emerald that had been rumored to be in a family for generations. There are always dangers that go along with treasure hunting, and this time is no exception. Noah will face predators on land and under the sea as he and his family race to find the gem before it lands in the wrong hands.
The Emerald Quest by Renee Pawlish is a well written, exciting story that preteens and young adults who love the adventure and mystery genre will snap up. They will easily identify with Noah, as he is just like any other 13-year-old boy who would rather explore than do his homework, and who finds pirates, buried treasure, and mysterious bad guys to be wildly exciting.
The book is well formatted and age appropriate, as well as a quick read that will grip readers from the first page, and leave them waiting impatiently for the next undersea adventure that befalls Noah and his family!
November 12, 2015
Thirteen-year-old Noah Winter has been diving with his parents since he was ten. During a dive on the wreck of the San Isabel, a passenger liner, he finds a strange piece of porcelain. His parents found an old spy glass which is the key to the location of the De La Rosa emerald, which the descendant of the original owner has hired them to find. A ruthless competitor, however, is determined to beat the Winters to the missing jewel, and is willing to go to any lengths to do it.
The Emerald Quest by Renee Pawlish is a young adult action adventure novel that follows Noah as he tries to stay one step ahead of the villains, while at the same time save his parents who have been kidnapped. Even though this book was written for young adult readers, it will appeal to older action fans as well. Young Noah is not a cardboard teen action junkie, but a true-to-life character who is skillfully portrayed. The action scenes, though a bit fanciful in places, keep the pulse racing as you read.
The author seems to know her way around boats and diving. All in all, an outstanding adventure read.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.
The Emerald Quest by Renee Pawlish is a young adult action adventure novel that follows Noah as he tries to stay one step ahead of the villains, while at the same time save his parents who have been kidnapped. Even though this book was written for young adult readers, it will appeal to older action fans as well. Young Noah is not a cardboard teen action junkie, but a true-to-life character who is skillfully portrayed. The action scenes, though a bit fanciful in places, keep the pulse racing as you read.
The author seems to know her way around boats and diving. All in all, an outstanding adventure read.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.
May 29, 2012
The book started out a little slow for my taste but there was a lot of foreshadowing to keep me interested and questioning what will happen next. But this book soon turned into a very action-packed adventure! The main character Noah would be easy to relate to for young adults reading this book. Although his parents are treasure hunters and he doesn't go to a regular school he does have typical childhood problems to deal with, for instance getting his homework done and making good grades while being home schooled.
I'm not the target audience to which this book was written for however I greatly enjoyed it. It's probably slightly more suited for male children but I'm sure a girl could enjoy it as well ( I know I did!) It even made me want to be a treasure hunter...and I can't swim! This would be a great summer read at the beach to make you wonder of all the treasures hidden beneath the ocean in front of you!
I'm not the target audience to which this book was written for however I greatly enjoyed it. It's probably slightly more suited for male children but I'm sure a girl could enjoy it as well ( I know I did!) It even made me want to be a treasure hunter...and I can't swim! This would be a great summer read at the beach to make you wonder of all the treasures hidden beneath the ocean in front of you!
May 19, 2012
It starts simply enough. Noah and his parents go diving on a shipwreck, trying to discover a treasure map. Somebody else wants the map and kidnaps Noah's parents in order to exchange them for it. It is up to Noah to rescue them.
Of course, I simplified the story line. There is no end to the action in this adventure. Rescuing his parents is just the beginning for Noah. Now they set off to find the treasure with the ever-present bad guys hot on their trail.
Renee takes you on a treasure hunt across the globe. Her characters are fun and realistic and you find yourself hoping they will succeed.
I loved everything about this book, the action, the vivid descriptions and the thrill of the hunt. There is much more to be told in this series and I will read all of it.
The Emerald Quest is a good read for all ages and I highly recommend you join the hunt!
Of course, I simplified the story line. There is no end to the action in this adventure. Rescuing his parents is just the beginning for Noah. Now they set off to find the treasure with the ever-present bad guys hot on their trail.
Renee takes you on a treasure hunt across the globe. Her characters are fun and realistic and you find yourself hoping they will succeed.
I loved everything about this book, the action, the vivid descriptions and the thrill of the hunt. There is much more to be told in this series and I will read all of it.
The Emerald Quest is a good read for all ages and I highly recommend you join the hunt!
September 30, 2016
Non-stop action and adventure abound in Renee Pawlish's YA adventure novel "The Emerald Quest." Featuring likeable boy sleuth Noah Winter, and his parents Frank and Riley, along with their young assistant Anthony, this book has it all. Who doesn't like sunken treasures, maps hidden in spyglasses, lost emeralds and a rip-roaring trip on an airboat through the Everglades? This is the stuff young dreams, and many old ones too, are made of and you'll be pleasantly surprised with this story, which will suit adults just as well as a younger audience. This book was very reminiscent of the books I loved growing up, such as Rick Brant, Christopher Cool and the Hardy Boys. Renee is known for her outstanding Reed Ferguson and Dewey Webb mystery series, but don't do yourself a disservice and overlook this series. You'll be glad you checked it out.
September 5, 2016
This is a good, solid, middle-grade, adventure book in the fashion of the Hardy Boys. Noah is a homeschooled boy of about 12 whose parents are treasure hunters. The book is well-written and would appeal to the 7-12 years old set who like a good adventure story. Noah makes a good role model as well, as he is polite and listens to his parents ( most of the time, at least!).
February 12, 2017
Simplistic writing, meant for teens. Got bored and quit after a third or so.
July 4, 2015
Excellent!
Excellent read for all ages. If u enjoy a mild, sometimes amusing, mystery this is worth the time it takes to enjoy it. The characters were believable and easy to remember. Definately a fun read.!
Excellent read for all ages. If u enjoy a mild, sometimes amusing, mystery this is worth the time it takes to enjoy it. The characters were believable and easy to remember. Definately a fun read.!
Read
March 11, 2012This book is getting great reviews from both kids and adults. If you like action, adventure, treasure hunting, shipwrecks, and Indiana Jones, then this book and series is for you.
July 15, 2012
Good kids book I was previewing for my daughter! Free at one point on kindle!
April 15, 2015
I enjoyed the characters in this book and the story. I think Noah should join Zaria Fierce in an adventure!
May 22, 2015
Great book for middle school. Ending leaves opening for next book
July 10, 2016
maybe rated young adult, guess I'm still young....
June 15, 2015
Great story for the whole family.
Read
October 2, 2015This is a excellent novel for all ages to read and enjoy. Noah's adventure is a little more intense than Dora The Explorer. I do believe the youngsters would agree with me. Good read!!!
April 8, 2017
Noah
Very good book for young adults. Keeps all entertained. Liked the description of the Everglades. Noah is an interesting young man and shows promise of becoming a character of greater interest as he gets older. Hope Renee keeps him around for all who are curious to see how he grows.
Very good book for young adults. Keeps all entertained. Liked the description of the Everglades. Noah is an interesting young man and shows promise of becoming a character of greater interest as he gets older. Hope Renee keeps him around for all who are curious to see how he grows.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews