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Once Upon a Tim #3
The Sea of Terror
Join Tim and his friends on a treacherous journey across the seas.
After helping Princess Grace foil the villainous Prince Ruprecht—twice!—junior knights Tim, Belinda, and Ferkle are on a new quest—this time to recover the Queen of Merryland’s precious golden fleece (and more importantly, the protective amulet in its pocket) from the Kingdom of Dinkum. The safety of all Merryland depends upon them.
But first, they must face the deadly Sea of Terror and the dastardly perils it contains. Tim and his friends will have to use every ounce of bravery, valor, and intelligence they possess to navigate the treacherous waters—or else risk becoming flotsam on the waves.
After helping Princess Grace foil the villainous Prince Ruprecht—twice!—junior knights Tim, Belinda, and Ferkle are on a new quest—this time to recover the Queen of Merryland’s precious golden fleece (and more importantly, the protective amulet in its pocket) from the Kingdom of Dinkum. The safety of all Merryland depends upon them.
But first, they must face the deadly Sea of Terror and the dastardly perils it contains. Tim and his friends will have to use every ounce of bravery, valor, and intelligence they possess to navigate the treacherous waters—or else risk becoming flotsam on the waves.
161 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2023
44 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 22, 2023
Another fun Once Upon A Tim book by Stuart Gibbs!
In this book Tim, his friends, and his group of funny, foolish and "brave" knights embark on an adventure through the sea to retrieve the queen's golden fleece—and more importantly what's inside the pocket of the fleece!
The not-so seaworthy knights, a village idiot, and a fr-dog (frog dog), must survive the many terrors in the Sea of Terror. They will encounter scary monsters, a suspicious guy named Fred, possibly the edge of the Earth and much more.
Through it all Tim must learn the meaning of being brave while equally using his head to make smart decisions.
This book is a fun and easy read for all ages. Lots of funny moments and at least one word we can all learn from the IQ Boosters!
In this book Tim, his friends, and his group of funny, foolish and "brave" knights embark on an adventure through the sea to retrieve the queen's golden fleece—and more importantly what's inside the pocket of the fleece!
The not-so seaworthy knights, a village idiot, and a fr-dog (frog dog), must survive the many terrors in the Sea of Terror. They will encounter scary monsters, a suspicious guy named Fred, possibly the edge of the Earth and much more.
Through it all Tim must learn the meaning of being brave while equally using his head to make smart decisions.
This book is a fun and easy read for all ages. Lots of funny moments and at least one word we can all learn from the IQ Boosters!
June 24, 2023
These is my favorite discovered series of 2023 for the kids—so funny, so well written and great adventures. Such a solid series and thankfully not the last as this one ended in a cliffhanger.
July 16, 2023
How is this my first Stuart Gibbs?!?!
I went audio route for this one but so happy to have a physical copy because it is filled with fun & silly illustrations. I went a bit out of order with these but beyond excited to cycle back to the first and second in the series.
Full of adventures… punny names… & IQ boosters which I thought was such a fun addition to add new vocabulary words. This was a quick listen and the narration was top notch!
In this one Tim, & friends set of on an adventure at sea to retrieve the Queen of Merryland’s fleece…really what’s inside the pocket of the fleece… they must first conquer the deadly Sea of Terror.
Warning this book will have you giggling 🤭
Thank you @simonkids 📚
I went audio route for this one but so happy to have a physical copy because it is filled with fun & silly illustrations. I went a bit out of order with these but beyond excited to cycle back to the first and second in the series.
Full of adventures… punny names… & IQ boosters which I thought was such a fun addition to add new vocabulary words. This was a quick listen and the narration was top notch!
In this one Tim, & friends set of on an adventure at sea to retrieve the Queen of Merryland’s fleece…really what’s inside the pocket of the fleece… they must first conquer the deadly Sea of Terror.
Warning this book will have you giggling 🤭
Thank you @simonkids 📚
June 1, 2023
Loved all the Odyssey references (and the pie chapter--oh my, the pie chapter). So glad there are going to be more of these (well, at least one more).
January 22, 2024
Listened to this with my daughter. Loved the knight’s names in this book. Went out of order so will have to go back and read books 1 and 2.
March 22, 2024
Really good. I loved that part where the black ship is actually Prince Ruprecht's ship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2024
2024: reread with Leeland. He read in 10 minute chunks and we laughed all over again. Still some challenging words to read but it’s such a solid series to own.
2023:
Read aloud series to Amelia and Leeland! I couldn’t wait for this book in the series! Such fun play on words, adventure and the adult reading it is laughing as much as the kids. Illustrations are funny and prevalent!! 8 handed it off to my 12 year old the right after i turned the last page because who doesn’t want to read a funny and witty, well written book!
We have never rejoiced in a cliff hanger as much as this because we knew the series would continue!
4th book due out in November and it will be on our Christmas list!
My 10 year old could have read it by himself but the read aloud was absolutely the best!
2023:
Read aloud series to Amelia and Leeland! I couldn’t wait for this book in the series! Such fun play on words, adventure and the adult reading it is laughing as much as the kids. Illustrations are funny and prevalent!! 8 handed it off to my 12 year old the right after i turned the last page because who doesn’t want to read a funny and witty, well written book!
We have never rejoiced in a cliff hanger as much as this because we knew the series would continue!
4th book due out in November and it will be on our Christmas list!
My 10 year old could have read it by himself but the read aloud was absolutely the best!
October 7, 2024
I’m a huge fan of Stuart Gibbs’ older middle grade series and was please to read this 3rd installment in his Once Upon a Tim series, more directed to the strong 2nd grade readers through 4th and 5th graders who enjoy humorous, highly-illustrated titles like Max Crumbly, King of the Bench and Diary of a Wimpy Kid but “Tim” has much more to offer than those. I found myself appreciated a lot of “funnies” that may be missed by the younger end of the range but makes it even more appealing for the upper end. There were the knights’ names-Sir Vyval (the fearful, run away if that means living), Sir Eberal (the wisest, deeper thinking of the group), Sir Mount (the only one with a horse) and Sir Vaylance (the supposed leader who likes to watch from a distance and shout his orders toward his knights). And there was when Tim used the idiom “trick up his sleeve” as he hoped to use some lesser known facts about the Barglebear to defeat it and then on the very next page actually reaches up his sleeve to get the pepper that will set up an allergic reaction in the monster. The IQ boosters continue-use of some high level vocabulary, marking the word with an arrow and then including the definition in parentheses. The actual definitions are not usually needed as Gibbs’ uses such context rich information along with the impressive word. So many little tidbits to love, that make this ongoing adventure series more than slapstick humor. The mix of imagined foes and those straight out of mythology (Cyclops, Hydra and more) is a nice touch, too. Plus, Stacy Curtis’ illustrations are frequent and augment the text perfectly and are funny in and of themselves.
Since adventures on land and at sea abound as do monsters from mythology and, apparently, Gibbs’ creative mind, Once Upon a Tim could be a series that grows as much as his Spy School and FunJungle…and that’s a good thing.
Note: I read book 1 a while back and only remember bits and pieces and did not read book 2 at all, so clearly, this is not a series that must be read in order.
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.
Since adventures on land and at sea abound as do monsters from mythology and, apparently, Gibbs’ creative mind, Once Upon a Tim could be a series that grows as much as his Spy School and FunJungle…and that’s a good thing.
Note: I read book 1 a while back and only remember bits and pieces and did not read book 2 at all, so clearly, this is not a series that must be read in order.
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.
May 26, 2023
I love Stuart Gibbs and this is the latest in his Once Upon a Tim series. It's about Tim who didn't want to be a peasant so in the first one when the princess was kidnapped and they needed knights he signs up along with his friend Belinda who is pretending to be a boy so she can be a knight as she didn't want to be a peasant either. They have verily survived the last two adventures and still have a lot of training to do but they have a new quest.
The King and Queen had invited the royals from the Kingdom of Dinkum over for a feast and both Queens were wearing a Fleece but they looked a little different but not different enough that the Queen ends up with the wrong fleece, now that isn't really the bad thing, the bad thing is that the protective amulet for the kingdom was in that fleece. So now the nights must face the sea of terror to go to the Kingdom of Dinkum to get the amulet.
Tim, Bull (Belinda) and the older knights with names like Sir Render, Sir Face, etc) must go on this quest whether they want to or not and face the sea monsters, sirens and other deadly things in order to get to the Kingdom of Dinkum.
It's a silly story with a lot of silly knights who are very incompetent and it's usually Tim who ends up saving the say along with Belinda and well the Princess but you would need to read to find out how that happens. :)
This series is a lot more silly than his other series, and it's full of a lot of illustrations. I think it's series that kids would get a giggle out of and would recommend it.
The King and Queen had invited the royals from the Kingdom of Dinkum over for a feast and both Queens were wearing a Fleece but they looked a little different but not different enough that the Queen ends up with the wrong fleece, now that isn't really the bad thing, the bad thing is that the protective amulet for the kingdom was in that fleece. So now the nights must face the sea of terror to go to the Kingdom of Dinkum to get the amulet.
Tim, Bull (Belinda) and the older knights with names like Sir Render, Sir Face, etc) must go on this quest whether they want to or not and face the sea monsters, sirens and other deadly things in order to get to the Kingdom of Dinkum.
It's a silly story with a lot of silly knights who are very incompetent and it's usually Tim who ends up saving the say along with Belinda and well the Princess but you would need to read to find out how that happens. :)
This series is a lot more silly than his other series, and it's full of a lot of illustrations. I think it's series that kids would get a giggle out of and would recommend it.
April 1, 2024
A fantastic continuation of the adventures of Tim and gang. If you loved the previous books you will love this one. The same hilarious humor and unique ways of defeating monsters that always throw me for a loop. I liked the theme of the most important attribute of a knight isn’t bravery but being smart. Loved reading it with my son.
SPOILERS AND book notes:
I like that Tim fights smarter not more violent. Intend of using sword to defeat the bargleboar, he used paprika (that the thing is allergic to). This is hilarious and so true: “That’s right. We invented the sword and all sorts of other weapons way before we invented the toothbrush. That ought to tell you everything about humanity’s priorities.” The Sirens they sail past don’t have beautiful voices that lure men to their deaths. They have voices SO BAD that it makes men throw themselves over to the sharks or crash their boat on purpose just to make it stop hahah. Tim learned that the best attribute of a knight isn’t being brave. It’s being SMART. Knowing WHEN to engage in battle and how! The Dinkum kingdom didn’t have a “town cryer” but a “town laugher”. They had to face a hydra! And to defeat it they chopped off as many heads as they possibly could (exponential growth) until there were so many heads that the hydra couldn’t support the heads. The black ship following the whole time ended up being their arch nemesis prince ruprecht and the wizard!!! And then the knights betrayed them! Now they are about to go off a huge water fall and it ended on a cliffhanger! Grrrrrrr.
SPOILERS AND book notes:
I like that Tim fights smarter not more violent. Intend of using sword to defeat the bargleboar, he used paprika (that the thing is allergic to). This is hilarious and so true: “That’s right. We invented the sword and all sorts of other weapons way before we invented the toothbrush. That ought to tell you everything about humanity’s priorities.” The Sirens they sail past don’t have beautiful voices that lure men to their deaths. They have voices SO BAD that it makes men throw themselves over to the sharks or crash their boat on purpose just to make it stop hahah. Tim learned that the best attribute of a knight isn’t being brave. It’s being SMART. Knowing WHEN to engage in battle and how! The Dinkum kingdom didn’t have a “town cryer” but a “town laugher”. They had to face a hydra! And to defeat it they chopped off as many heads as they possibly could (exponential growth) until there were so many heads that the hydra couldn’t support the heads. The black ship following the whole time ended up being their arch nemesis prince ruprecht and the wizard!!! And then the knights betrayed them! Now they are about to go off a huge water fall and it ended on a cliffhanger! Grrrrrrr.
August 31, 2023
The Queen of Merryland is very distressed because her golden fleece and the golden fleece of the Queen of Dinkum got accidentally switched at an event. The Queen of Dinkum took the wrong fleece home across the sea which is extra bad because in the pocket is an amulet that helps protect the Kingdom of Merryland. So the knights, including Tim and Belinda, are off on the high seas to retrieve the fleece and amulet. But the seas are dangerous, they have little sailing experience, and things aren't looking very positive for our heroes.
Another fun and wacky adventure with Tim and gang. Gibbs keeps the vocabulary lessons coming with the IQ Boosters throughout, and the antics will keep the readers turning pages. Hand this to fantasy quest fans, humor fans, adventure fans, and kids trying to beef up their vocabulary.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are perilous situations and quite a few hydra heads lopped off (shown in illustrations cartoon style with x's for eyes and pretty much no blood, and if you know your mythology it isn't deadly), but the good guys end up pretty much ok.
Another fun and wacky adventure with Tim and gang. Gibbs keeps the vocabulary lessons coming with the IQ Boosters throughout, and the antics will keep the readers turning pages. Hand this to fantasy quest fans, humor fans, adventure fans, and kids trying to beef up their vocabulary.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are perilous situations and quite a few hydra heads lopped off (shown in illustrations cartoon style with x's for eyes and pretty much no blood, and if you know your mythology it isn't deadly), but the good guys end up pretty much ok.
November 13, 2023
Junior knights Tim, Belinda, and Ferkle are on yet another quest to bring back Queen Sunderfire's golden fleece and the protective amulet of Merryland (which is important because it keeps the whole kingdom safe). The Queen of Dinkum took the fleece with the amulet in its pocket by mistake, and now the junior knights and the whole bunch of older knights must cross the dreaded Sea of Terror to get it back. With no crew to the ship (the knights kicked them off-yeah not smart), will these knights be able to manage the rough seas?
With lots of word plays (the names of the knights do not disappoint), vocab boosters (Gibbs uses big words and defines them throughout the book), humor, action, a princess, lots of knights, and a big ol' sea monster, this book was very entertaining. Hand this to any fantasy, adventure lover, or a reluctant reader.
With lots of word plays (the names of the knights do not disappoint), vocab boosters (Gibbs uses big words and defines them throughout the book), humor, action, a princess, lots of knights, and a big ol' sea monster, this book was very entertaining. Hand this to any fantasy, adventure lover, or a reluctant reader.
December 29, 2025
A delightful silly take on the Odyssey. Tim and his friends are back, and the signature jokes and puns shine. All the delight from the original Once Upon a Tim book shines in this new adventure. This one is extra clever in a certain hidden detail that is revealed about halfway into the book (it was extremely clever, and shout out to Stacy Curtis's brilliant illustrations- I was looking for that detail, but never quite caught it until it was pointed out).
The book ends on a cliff hanger, so you may want to get Book 4 at the same time as Book 3.
The book ends on a cliff hanger, so you may want to get Book 4 at the same time as Book 3.
January 20, 2024
Tim, Belinda, Ferkle find themselves on a sea-faring quest along with all the Knights of the Kingdom of Merryland to recover the Golden Fleece and Mystical Protective Amulet that was taken by mistake during a visit by the King and Queen of Dinkum. After overcoming many dangers, the trio find themselves along with Princess Grace robbed by Prince Ruprecht and his pirates and set out to sea headed for a waterfall on the Sea of Terror.
August 15, 2023
I have been reading this series outloud to my 7 year old, and we have both really enjoyed them all. There was one "IQ Booster" example that wasn't the most appropriate for a 7 year old, so I had to change it on the fly, but otherwise, it was great. We were both cracking up throughout the book and enjoying the ridiculousness of it all. We are both looking forward to the next one.
August 29, 2023
This is book 3 of the “Once Upon Tim” series and another favorite of ours!
This book is set on the high seas, where shenanigans ensue. Tim also learns what it actually means to be brave.
These books are so fun and I really enjoy reading these aloud and to my children.
Highly recommend!
Kids 12, 9, 7, 6 all gave it 5 stars as well!
This book is set on the high seas, where shenanigans ensue. Tim also learns what it actually means to be brave.
These books are so fun and I really enjoy reading these aloud and to my children.
Highly recommend!
Kids 12, 9, 7, 6 all gave it 5 stars as well!
September 24, 2023
Book 3 of series
Tim and his junior band of knights continue their adventures on the high seas. This volume has elements reminiscent of the journey of Odysseus and includes Gibbs' iconic IQ busters throughout. Also includes lots of comic illustrations in the wimpy-kid style. There will be a book 4 as this one leaves you with a cliffhanger...
Tim and his junior band of knights continue their adventures on the high seas. This volume has elements reminiscent of the journey of Odysseus and includes Gibbs' iconic IQ busters throughout. Also includes lots of comic illustrations in the wimpy-kid style. There will be a book 4 as this one leaves you with a cliffhanger...
April 2, 2024
Another installment in the Once Upon a Tim series that had my 6 year old laughing out-loud. I, as an adult reader, am finding the books slightly less enjoyable as they go on but if something can engage my kid and make her giggle it deserves 4 stars in my book. We're on to the next and final (for now?) installment in the series.
May 6, 2024
Tim and the Knight Brigade are back on another perilous (and funny 😆) adventure. As with the previous books, the humor and IQ boosters, make this a fun adventure read. It ends on a cliffhanger, so looking forward to Book 4 😁.
Blog: LucyKnowsThings.com
Blog: LucyKnowsThings.com
June 9, 2023
Ugh! It ends on a cliffhanger (IQ booster). At least we know Tim and his fellow adventures will return. I greatly enjoy all of the punny names of the knights and the QI booster that bolster student vocabulary. Anxiously awaiting book 4!
August 20, 2023
I thought this book was great because it had a lot of action. At the end, I thought that it was the last book and I was like, "oh no this is the last book" because I love this series. I recommend this book to kids.
May 11, 2023
This series is great on audio, and this installment was no exception. I look forward to the next one.
June 23, 2023
5th grade son loves this series!
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July 1, 20232023-Read with the kiddos. Another fun one in the series.
July 6, 2023
This is the third book in a series. Tim is a knight in training and he’s learning what’s makes a good knight! I like this series for children since it has educational value along with fun!
July 12, 2023
The kids loved this! I continue to enjoy the vocab lessons and silly play on words.
July 22, 2023
Funny, witty, with IQ boosters. Kids will love this series. Glad there will be more. We need more short chapter books on the market
August 3, 2023
4 stars (I really liked it)
This is a great series! I love the humor and the introduction of vocabulary words. I will definitely continue to read as more books are published :)
This is a great series! I love the humor and the introduction of vocabulary words. I will definitely continue to read as more books are published :)
August 10, 2023
The kids and I read the first one, then listened to two and three. While reading the book is great, the audio books are AMAZING! Bring on more Tim, Belinda, and Ferkle!
September 11, 2023
3.5 maybe not as good as Books 1 & 2, but the chapters are short and full of action--perfect for a bedtime book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews