The Unmapped Sea

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #5

by Maryrose Wood, Eliza Wheeler (Illustrator)

For fans of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events and Trenton Lee Stewart's Mysterious Benedict Society, here comes the fifth book in the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, the acclaimed and hilarious Victorian mystery series by Maryrose Wood.

Lord Fredrick Ashton may not feel ready to be a father, but with a little Ashton on the way, he's sure about one thing: The wolfish curse on his family must end soon, before the child is born. Penelope willingly takes on the challenge; when Lady Constance's doctor prescribes a seaside holiday, Penelope jumps at the chance to take the three Incorrigible children to Brighton, where she hopes to persuade the old sailor Pudge to reveal what he knows about the Ashton curse.

But the Ashtons are not the only ones at the beach in January. The passionately temperamental Babushkinov family is also taking the winter waters. The Incorrigible children may have been raised by wolves, but the Babushkinov children are the wildest creatures they've ever seen. Is it more than mere coincidence that these untamed children have turned up in Brighton just as Penelope and the Incorrigibles arrive?

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Childrens

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2015

About the author

Sending big hugs and loveawoo to all.

I'm so pleased to introduce you to my new book: Alice's Farm, A Rabbit’s Tale. In stores on September 1st; available for preorder now.

Alice is an eastern cottontail. Genus sylvagia, species floridanus. About three pounds full grown, if she makes it that far.

Life at the bottom of the food chain is no picnic! But that doesn’t worry Alice much. She's too busy doing all she can to save her beautiful farmland home—not just for herself, but for all the creatures of the valley between the hills.

Yup, all of ’em! Even that new family of farmers who just moved into the big red
house across the meadow. They don’t know much about farming, being from
the city. They mean well. But they’re easy pickins for the local apex predator (he's a real estate developer, in case you couldn't tell).

But Alice has a plan to help.

Rabbits helping farmers? That’s awfully unusual, isn’t it? Well, you're right
about that, young’un!

Let’s put it this way: Alice is no ordinary rabbit.

With loveawoo,
Maryrose

p.s. — If you could use a little extra pluck and optimism right now, please help yourself to THE SWANBURNE ACADEMY GUIDE TO SHELTERING IN PLACE.

You can download it right here:

www.swanburneacademy.com/freeguide

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my attempts to get a small tribe of home-schooled kids hooked on this series, I inadvertently snared their mothers instead. The women, ignoring my cries of "Pace yourselves, ladies, the last volume isn't due until June 2018!" tore through all the titles last year, and have been sitting around, brokenhearted, waiting for the concluding title. And, now, finally, I can join them in their misery.

And the days tick slowly by . . .

This was a fun go-round with the Incorrigibles, including a chilly outing to the seaside (Brighton in winter - de-lightful!) and some innocent Russian collusion collaboration. There's a visit to HAM - the Home for Ancient Mariners, and a rendezvouz with the prophetic Seashell of Love. Hotels are transformed into sailing ships, and many deep, dark secrets are revealed.

I was surprised to read a retelling of the story of the doomed Russian wedding party and a pack of hungry wolves - a tale I first encountered in My Ántonia. It's a pretty grisly anecdote for a children's book, though at least the wolves end up happy. Perhaps it's apt after all; these are children who were raised by wolves . . . or were they? Well, some of the mysteries posed in the series are finally solved in this volume. Of course, many new conundrums are presented . . . but they should all be answered, hopefully, in the final book - The Long-Lost Home.
It looks to be a humdinger!

C'mon June!

[BookSweetie · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be continued... That's how the book ends.

What?? Groan. Moan. Sigh. Sputter.

These three words (to be continued ) have to be my absolutely least favorite three words in the entire series.

Now they wouldn't be so painful if the next book in this series featuring the wonderful and endearingly unforgettable Incorrigibles had already been published and I could run out and fetch it. Alas. I must wait. And wait. And wait some more because the next book is not even published !!

I've survived one fitful night of restless sleep. How many more await me before "the rest of the story" becomes available?

I have dark circles of worry under my eyes after just one night. I have a dangling impatience that is worse than any dangling participle.

Be forewarned. That howling that you hear ? If it sounds like why why why a - hooo, it's just me-- especially if it's followed by a sniffle.

My heart is breaking. I hope it keeps beating long enough to find out what happens next.

I had to subtract a star for my "waiting" pain and suffering.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series is accelerating to its end and the writing keeps getting better. In this installment Penelope and her charges go with the Ashtons to enjoy Brighton in January. I have been listening to this on audio which is the ideal format for the times when the narrator ruminates on the happenings in the story and breaches that wall between herself and the reader/listener. Here is an example of the clever connections made throughout: a pageant is put together to convince Mrs. Ashton that she is in Rome (long story). Smoke is seen rising above the ruins ("Fall of Rome?" asks Alexander). A unknown figure in a toga is glimpsed playing a violin or fiddle (Nero?). He is unknown to the family and guests and flees once that is discovered. Later it is reported that he was caught 'on the roof.' I have compared this to Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. This series is better in my opinion as the children who are in peril have a good number of adults looking out for them. Not all are fooled by the disguise of the villainous Edward Ashton. . . Onward to the final chapter of the saga.

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is much more like it. Instead of being strung along, this book, even more than the previous one, is full of answers. There are still a few mysteries, and of course the question of how to break the curse, but I'm feeling much better at the number of things we know versus the number of things we don't know. I'm glad that I waited until this year to read book five, though, because there's quite a cliffhanger at the end of the book. That took me by surprise, too, because previous books have always solved the present danger before ending. At any rate, I'm looking forward to the last book even more now.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“To do something familiar and succeed is no surprise, but to try something new and fail--why, that is the start of an adventure.”

Finally the pieces are all starting to come together!

When pregnant (dear lord!) Lady Constance's doctor recommends a trip to the sea, the entire household is off to Brighton in the off-season. There they meet the mostly awful Babushkinov family, try to convince Lady Constance that she's actually going to Italy, and encounter evil Edward Ashton (AKA Judge Quinzy) again. Penelope further explores her feelings for her friend Simon, who is there visiting his Great Uncle Pudge, who may finally reveal the secrets of the Ashton family curse. But how are Penelope and the Incorrigibles connected to the Ashtons? It's finally revealed!

But a terrible betrayal and an unexpected twist leave this fifth book with a cliffhanger ending and the final installment doesn't come out until December*! We've been checking out library copies, but I've pre-ordered The Long-Lost Home.

*Current release date is June 19, 2018. (This is why I shouldn't read series until they're complete.)

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely could not resist Katherine Kellgren’s narration and so immediately listened to the audiobook of The Unmapped Sea by Maryrose Wood, the next in the saga of Penelope Lumley and the children raised by wolves who now live at Ashton Place. Read the rest of my review here

[Frankie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite in the series.

[Becket · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm glad this volume brings the mystery closer to a resolution, yet overall it didn't grab me quite as much. Perhaps it was the addition of several more loud and histrionic characters whose presence made the audio performance equally loud and histrionic. The funny faux-genteel tone is still there, but it's starting to crumble under the weight of plot.

That said, I care enough about the characters (and enjoy Kellgren's performances enough) that I will definitely listen to the rest this series.

[Elevetha · Rating 3 out of 5]

We're actually getting somewhere - plot wise!!

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm hoping that all of my questions will be answered in the next (last) book of this series. I'm going to have to start it right away.

NOTE: I really liked the previous book cover illustrations - the ones with Miss Penelope Lumley standing in the middle of the frame, surrounded by the 3 Incorrigibles. Somehow this book cover just does not feel right to me. I don't like it.

[Dana Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some questions get answered and new questions pop up but once again we get another wonderful installment of The Incorrigibles. I have to admit I got a little teary at the end and now I will be waiting very impatiently for #6 which I believe is the final book!

[Kira · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very unhappy with the direction the series took during this book. The new characters are completely distasteful, and the stomach-wrenching ending was completely out of keeping with the rest of the series. I'm nervous and upset about where the next book will take me.

[Bennett]

I knew book 5 was going to have something to do with the ocean, with all of that pirate stuff in book 4.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun continuation but that ending!! WHY?!? I immediately hunted down the 6th book upon finishing this one, talk about a ridiculously cliff-hanger-y ending. I love the Incorrigibles, and Lord Ashton became much more likeable. I mean, he's always just been kind of a character who is there and causes stuff to happen and is enjoyable, but now I like him. A lot. It has been awhile since I read the previous books (and I wanted to start right over again too and revisit each one) but I was still able to recall enough details, and they remind you of many things, so it was fine. I noticed especially that Wood tied in many of the, what, themes? of the previous books? The the Incorrigibles learn and are woven through each story. It was really fun.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really that’s how book 5 ended??? Now I muddy read Book 6! Real rating 4.7 stars. Finally the mysteries of the children and Penelope’s parentage are slowly unraveling, as is their connection to the Alston family and each other. Lady Constance is still vain and shrill, Lord Aston is still trying to escape the effects of the moon, Edward Aston us still evil, and there’s a new family in town wreaking havoc.

[Catie Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like always, this installment of the The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place was fantastic. The writing was perfect for both children and adults (which is fairly rare) and it was hilarious as usual. It was the perfect balance of lighthearted narration and serious plot development.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much here that children won't get that cracks me up. Snickety, but so much theater humor.

[Stefan Hull · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightfully written mystery that slowly unfolds, just like the first four. One more to go.

[Eva Wilkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire series of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place are wonderful reads. Not only is the stories entertaining they have lots of educational tidbits. While written for a younger audience, I could not lay the books down.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I felt like it was a little hard to get into, but once into it it was full of mystery and I was always hanging on to every word. Even though this book recommends ages 8-12 I believe it is a book for anyone who likes mystery and wants to laugh! I am a teenager and love these books!

[Daphne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I keep giving these books 3 stars, which I feel a bit bad about. I did like this one a bit more than the previous one because we finally get a few answers about some of the mysteries. But it still fell a little flat.

I'll be reading the final book though, I do want to know how things end up and to solve the mystery even more. I just wish this book had grabbed me a bit more.

[Jemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book:) A whimsical adventure full of Babushkinovs, ships and poetic meter. Very exciting and funny.
I can't wait for the next book in the adventures of the incorrigibles and Miss Lumawoo. :D

[Be Like the Squirrel, Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot's afoot, even 5 books later. Argh, to be continued?!

[Lucy Madsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending was terrible! I felt like crying.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

More delight, more suspense, and an ending that makes me DESPERATE for book #6 in the series.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Penelope and the Incorrigibles. And my homeschooler side never expected to be so inspired by a modern children's fiction series.

[Stefanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

These just keep getting dumber.

[Joseph Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loveawoo this book! It felt way too short even though it was one of the thickest of the books! I could barely put it down!

I really, really love this series other than the supernatural elements, which I'm afraid are all too prevalent in the series. I kept hoping the supernatural stuff would not end up being part of the main plot, but nope, this book's confirmed it - the main plot revolves around the curse. It's sad, but the series is so good despite the curses and supernatural elements at it's core.

That ending was crazy! I don't want to spoil anything, but needless to say, I will be plunging into book six right away! What a shocking ending!

Also, to all the readers of this series who are getting bogged down by all the questions and mysteries raised in the previous books, this one finally contains the great revelations and answers nearly all of them. This book has really set the stage for the final act (which will be book 6). The stakes are very high for that final climax and I certainly can't wait!!!

I will be very sad when this series is done... I LOVE the characters SO much. Every character in this series (yes, every single one) is very captivating. I don't get how Maryrose Wood is such a master at characters!

And her writing style! So funny and educational! Reminiscent of Lemony Snicket, but sweeter and more charming and unique in it's own way. I am half tempted to read Maryrose Wood's other books (which look very strange and not the sort of thing I'd enjoy based on the descriptions and reviews I've read) just to get more of her beautiful, yummy writing style.

Can't wait for book 6, the Long-Lost Homeawooo!!!

[Jamie Dacyczyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing to be a fun, silly book for kids, though the series feels a bit more absurd the further it goes on. At least in this one the whole "mystery" of the matching red hair gets cleared up, just in case the readers hadn't already figured it out many books ago. The monologue bit at the end where the villain reveals his maniacal (and needlessly complicated) plan was a bit cringey, but this is a kid's book, so.....

Katherine Kellgren really gives it her all in this audiobook, with quite a lot of screaming, howling, and reedeekyoolus Russian accents. It was a bit sad/ironic that the last lines of the book were from a character promising earnestly to return....since Kellgren actually does NOT return; this is the last book in this series that she performed before passing away. We'll see if the replacement narrator can fill those talented shoes...

[Natalie Votipka]

Finally we get a few answers to some key mysteries in this book! I was highly amused by the commentary on Russian culture, although I wonder if that plus the “seashell of love” and all might make this installment more suitable for an older crowd than the previous books. There is nothing remotely inappropriate, it might just be less engaging subject matter for the younger crowd - I hesitate to add that the adventures don’t stop amidst the would-be romances and entertaining asides, though - so, maybe I’m wrong. Although the wolves/bridal party tale (you might remember it from My Antonia) was pretty dark for a kids book!

I continue to really enjoy this series and aspire to be “a Swanburne girl” myself!