Under : The Book of Knowledge

by Terrance Buhr

Are you looking for an “UNDER”-ground adventure? Cob Brown has lived in an underground compound for all of his thirteen years. For almost 300 years, those in power have suppressed all but an elementary education. Every day seems the same: play games, play games, play games; until Cob discovers a hidden book that leads him to a treasure, a sophisticated computer! Cob’s basic beliefs contradict the new knowledge. He begins to question the status quo in his society. But is the risk of change worth losing his best friend or disobeying his parents? Challenging the entire compound’s knowledge and traditions creates enemies who want to silence him. Who can he trust with the treasured knowledge? Join Cob as he comes of age in this exciting and dangerous story, where past and future collide in an explosion of mystery, friendship, deceit, power, love, honor and wonderful possibilities.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2022

Reviews

[Audrey Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for younger kids between the ages of 10 and 13. I read this when I was 15, and I was not within that age range, so I was not within the target audience. I gave it 5 stars, but I would not recommend it to anyone older than 14. I wish I could have read this final version when I was twelve. 12 year old me had to settle for the manuscript Grandpa gave my mom, which was awesome too, dont get me wrong. It really is an amazing book for kids, and it has an interesting premise. It is a self-published book, so there are spelling errors and some fluffy scenes that could have been cut, but I think my grandpa should be very proud of his work. He released an interesting and entertaining story for kids that is actually appropriate and is sure to evoke a love of reading and learning in many young minds. I must say I love the newer cover and I love you, Grandpa. Thanks for publishing it. I know it took a lot of work getting it out there for the world to see. - love Audrey Rogers

[Brooke Maxfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

For being a self-published debut novel it was fine. The reason for three stars was the plot and idea were interesting. Mankind was sent below ground to escape nuclear fallout and has now lost all knowledge concerning history, ideas, and learning? I enjoy that trope.

The things that I think detracted from the plot:
There were just too many spelling errors. Pamela to Pamala and back to Pamela was one that kind of chafed, considering she is a pretty big character. Again, trying to give a little grace considering it was a self-Publish and it's so hard to put yourself out there in the first place!

Something else that detracted was just the writing style. The conversations didn't flow very well. I'm attributing a lot of this to me, but I was constantly side tracked from what was going on because of the writing.

Be warned this book ends on a cliffhanger.

I think overall for a middle grade, debut, self-Publish published book it was good. I probably won't read the rest of the series though.

This was reviewed by an adult, not a child/preteen. If my kids end up reading it I'll add their thoughts to this review and what stars they would give.