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The Water Door: Middle Grade Fantasy Treasure Hunt
FEATURED IN PUBLISHERS WEEKLY and THE LIBRARY JOURNAL
The Water Door is an exciting adventure for the whole family! Adults will enjoy reading the story to their children and grandchildren. Kids will take their flashlights under the covers and read all night! (Yes! This happens!)
Imagine Pre-teens Jeremy and Joshua's parents have been kidnapped! To pay the demanded ransom and rescue them, the boys must risk their lives by dissolving into the water of a secret hydro-portal on their grandparent's farm. The Water Door sends them flowing through a wormhole in space to another planet where they must find and bring back to Earth their family's legendary heirloom -- a giant blue diamond -- before it's too late!
Will you help Jeremy and Josh find the blue diamond to save their parents? Are you ready to dissolve into the Water Door?
The Water Door is an exciting adventure for the whole family! Adults will enjoy reading the story to their children and grandchildren. Kids will take their flashlights under the covers and read all night! (Yes! This happens!)
Imagine Pre-teens Jeremy and Joshua's parents have been kidnapped! To pay the demanded ransom and rescue them, the boys must risk their lives by dissolving into the water of a secret hydro-portal on their grandparent's farm. The Water Door sends them flowing through a wormhole in space to another planet where they must find and bring back to Earth their family's legendary heirloom -- a giant blue diamond -- before it's too late!
Will you help Jeremy and Josh find the blue diamond to save their parents? Are you ready to dissolve into the Water Door?
564 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2021
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 27, 2023
Jeremy and Josh Lockwood get dropped off at their grandparents' house for summer break when their parents go off with Uncle Thaddeus to mine gems somewhere, right? But Uncle Thaddeus is up to no good! And Jeremy is sensing something might be going on (or wrong) with him because strange things are happening whenever he gets near water. Pretty soon, Jeremy, Josh, and Grandma go through a portal called The Water Door to a land called Tetherae so they can seek out the Zecucith (a specific family diamond) to bring back and pay the ransom for Jeremy and Josh's parents.
This is a young reader/middle grade adventure, treasure hunt story with magic and fantasy and dinosaurs and double-crossing royal family members and all the good quest features you want it to have. The stakes are high for the boys to get this Zecucith and they are determined they're gonna succeed. (I have a longer review for this on my SandySaysRead booktube channel.)
This is a young reader/middle grade adventure, treasure hunt story with magic and fantasy and dinosaurs and double-crossing royal family members and all the good quest features you want it to have. The stakes are high for the boys to get this Zecucith and they are determined they're gonna succeed. (I have a longer review for this on my SandySaysRead booktube channel.)
March 28, 2024
I first met Ms. Aggie L. Jae at the Festival of Words in 2023. If you have ever met an inviting, welcoming, and optimistic author, then you have met Aggie L. Jae. I have to say, at first, it was a little difficult for me to get into the story starting out, I felt, that it was a little too predictable and such bur honesty, it is worth experiencing how all is connected together, all the way to the end.
We are lucky to have local authors that have an idea, and in this case for so long, and able to bring it to fruition and have it all tie together. I was proud to have met the author, and was extremely leased to see how so many parts of a family were connected through the plot of this story. It seemed to make the story even stronger - and the elements of magical realism really have you realize how a dream, becomes a story, and becomes a YA novel! Well done!
We are lucky to have local authors that have an idea, and in this case for so long, and able to bring it to fruition and have it all tie together. I was proud to have met the author, and was extremely leased to see how so many parts of a family were connected through the plot of this story. It seemed to make the story even stronger - and the elements of magical realism really have you realize how a dream, becomes a story, and becomes a YA novel! Well done!
January 30, 2023
The Water Door is a middle-grade fantasy book written by Aggie L. Jae. The story revolves around 12-year old Jeremy Lockwood and his family.
Are you in the category of people who always feel intrigued after reading books that are written from a fictional perspective? Do you love adventurous books? Do mystery thrillers fascinate you? If any of these categories fits you, then I highly recommend this book to you because you will enjoy it.
Late one night Jeremy and his 11-year-old brother, Josh, are unexpectedly driven to their grandparents' house by their parents so they can travel to Africa. Jeremy is confused as to what warranted their dear parents' abrupt departure. During the night, he has a frightening nightmare and begins to experience some strange symptoms described in this book as the "Nudge." One of the mysterious symptoms is that his blue eyes glow! Also, water swirls in his glass in response to his presence.
The next day things start to get more suspicious after communication ceases between the boys and their parents. The grandfather receives an unexpected phone call from his mischievous brother Thaddeus, who tells them that he has kidnapped the parents in exchange for the family’s treasured heirloom – a giant blue diamond they have hidden on another planet! The grandparents are forced to reveal to their grandsons that they are the guardians of a secret intergalactic hydro-portal they call the Water Door. Considering that he has “received the Nudge,” a unique ability for someone so young, Jeremy and Josh wonder: Would he be able to flow through the Water Door in the springhouse to get the diamond and save his parents' lives? Read this book to find out.
The roles Gramma and Grampa played in their grandchildren's lives were beautiful to read. Gramma trained the boys to be dutiful at home, helping with preparing meals and doing chores. This created a spirit of responsibility in them and a consciousness of their place in the family. This principle also works in the real world, where eating becomes more enjoyable after one has genuinely and legitimately participated in the creation of a meal and felt satisfaction from the accomplishment as people share and enjoy it. I love how Grampa made the boys feel at home with his recurring jokes and stories. He and Gramma always have a listening and understanding ear for Jeremy and Josh's questions. Furthermore, even though the boys deeply felt their parent's absence, the arrival of their grandparents' twin sons, Henry and Leon, who are their mother’s brothers, ignited happiness in Josh and reduced Jeremy’s grumpy mood because the two men played with them. It was more like a happy family reunion after years of not being together.
Josh also played a big part. He was always curious, energetic, and was gifted with an intuitive ability. He could tell what made things go wrong or when something was off about a particular individual or situation, which helped Jeremy throughout the story. He was able to analyze, comprehend, and draw conclusions from his brother's dreams and experiences with the Nudge, his grandparent’s responses to their questions about the spring house, their family history, and the description of Tetherae, the planet where the diamond Thaddeus wanted was hidden.
I rate this book five out of five stars. The beginning and end of the plot are related to each other; this shows that the story was carefully written, and I commend the writer for that. This book was also exceptionally edited, considering that I didn't stumble upon any errors. Its content was very detailed and engaging, and this appealed to me. I didn't encounter any aspect of it that I disliked.
Are you in the category of people who always feel intrigued after reading books that are written from a fictional perspective? Do you love adventurous books? Do mystery thrillers fascinate you? If any of these categories fits you, then I highly recommend this book to you because you will enjoy it.
Late one night Jeremy and his 11-year-old brother, Josh, are unexpectedly driven to their grandparents' house by their parents so they can travel to Africa. Jeremy is confused as to what warranted their dear parents' abrupt departure. During the night, he has a frightening nightmare and begins to experience some strange symptoms described in this book as the "Nudge." One of the mysterious symptoms is that his blue eyes glow! Also, water swirls in his glass in response to his presence.
The next day things start to get more suspicious after communication ceases between the boys and their parents. The grandfather receives an unexpected phone call from his mischievous brother Thaddeus, who tells them that he has kidnapped the parents in exchange for the family’s treasured heirloom – a giant blue diamond they have hidden on another planet! The grandparents are forced to reveal to their grandsons that they are the guardians of a secret intergalactic hydro-portal they call the Water Door. Considering that he has “received the Nudge,” a unique ability for someone so young, Jeremy and Josh wonder: Would he be able to flow through the Water Door in the springhouse to get the diamond and save his parents' lives? Read this book to find out.
The roles Gramma and Grampa played in their grandchildren's lives were beautiful to read. Gramma trained the boys to be dutiful at home, helping with preparing meals and doing chores. This created a spirit of responsibility in them and a consciousness of their place in the family. This principle also works in the real world, where eating becomes more enjoyable after one has genuinely and legitimately participated in the creation of a meal and felt satisfaction from the accomplishment as people share and enjoy it. I love how Grampa made the boys feel at home with his recurring jokes and stories. He and Gramma always have a listening and understanding ear for Jeremy and Josh's questions. Furthermore, even though the boys deeply felt their parent's absence, the arrival of their grandparents' twin sons, Henry and Leon, who are their mother’s brothers, ignited happiness in Josh and reduced Jeremy’s grumpy mood because the two men played with them. It was more like a happy family reunion after years of not being together.
Josh also played a big part. He was always curious, energetic, and was gifted with an intuitive ability. He could tell what made things go wrong or when something was off about a particular individual or situation, which helped Jeremy throughout the story. He was able to analyze, comprehend, and draw conclusions from his brother's dreams and experiences with the Nudge, his grandparent’s responses to their questions about the spring house, their family history, and the description of Tetherae, the planet where the diamond Thaddeus wanted was hidden.
I rate this book five out of five stars. The beginning and end of the plot are related to each other; this shows that the story was carefully written, and I commend the writer for that. This book was also exceptionally edited, considering that I didn't stumble upon any errors. Its content was very detailed and engaging, and this appealed to me. I didn't encounter any aspect of it that I disliked.
June 6, 2025
The Water Door is an exciting fantasy book for kids, young teens and adults who likes adventures. It tells the story of two brothers, Jeremy and Joshua, who discover a magical water portal on their grandparents' farm. This portal takes them to another planet called Tetherae, where they go on a big adventure to find a powerful blue diamond and rescue their kidnapped parents.
The Water Door is a magical and fun book full of adventure. If you like stories about new worlds, family, and bravery, you’ll enjoy this one. I can't wait for the second book that should come out soon, The Secret of the Anakim Ruby.
The Water Door is a magical and fun book full of adventure. If you like stories about new worlds, family, and bravery, you’ll enjoy this one. I can't wait for the second book that should come out soon, The Secret of the Anakim Ruby.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2023
Aggie L. Jae’s The Water Door is an engaging, fun read. An enjoyable introduction into a different world. While the story in and of itself is captivating, I feel the strength lies in the character development. Aggie has created a number of characters that are relatable, likeable (or dislikeable in the case of antagonists), and real in their humanity. The growth of the main protagonists are realistic and age appropriate. It is an easy, flowing read with things happening all the time, yet also well paced. I highly recommend this read to anyone interested in a fun, interesting, escape.
March 29, 2025
The Water Door is a thrilling adventure packed with mystery, sci-fi, and heart. Jeremy and Joshua’s bond drives the story as they risk everything to save their kidnapped parents. The hydro-portal twist adds excitement, sending them on a high-stakes mission to retrieve a legendary blue diamond. While the premise is captivating, more depth on their challenges and emotional struggles could heighten the tension. Overall, a fast-paced, family-friendly read that will keep young adventurers hooked!
April 24, 2025
The Water Door is a fun, imaginative read for kids who love adventure and sci-fi. The concept of a water portal leading to another planet is creative, and the stakes rescuing kidnapped parents and recovering a giant diamond, are high enough to keep young readers engaged. While the story seems geared more toward excitement than deep character development, it’s a solid choice for a bedtime read or a weekend escape. Best suited for middle grade readers with big imaginations.
April 24, 2025
I picked up The Water Door to read with my Kids during the weekend, and we were all hooked from the first chapter. The idea of a secret water portal and a mission to rescue kidnapped parents with a legendary diamond kept them wide-eyed and full of questions. It’s action packed, imaginative, and just the right amount of suspenseful for young readers. Watching my kids dive into the adventure and beg for just one more chapter or book two, made this book a winner in my eyes.
May 11, 2025
The Water Door offers a creative and adventurous story for middle-grade readers, centered around a mysterious hydro-portal hidden on a family farm. This portal, which dissolves those who enter and sends them through space to another planet, is a unique and intriguing concept that adds a fresh twist to the traditional sci-fi adventure. The high-stakes mission recovering a legendary blue diamond to save the boys' kidnapped parents adds urgency and emotional depth.
February 24, 2023
While this book is geared towards middle/high school readers, as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! It took a little while to read as it is lengthy, but it was hard to put down as I immersed myself into the world of fantasy created by Aggie L. Jae. I hope she writes more. I definitely want to read about the continued journeys of brothers Josh and Jeremy!.
May 13, 2025
The moment my son finished this, he asked, 'Are there more books like this?' He even made a drawing of the blue diamond. The whole theme of courage and family really hit home, and the world-building was awesome without being too complicated. I loved that it sparked so much imagination, it’s the kind of story that makes kids want to read.
May 13, 2025
The setting was fun and the adventure was exciting, but I felt like it could have gone a little deeper with the characters and emotions. I liked the sibling bond between Jeremy and Josh, and the mission kept things moving. It’s a solid middle-grade read, just not one that stuck with me after I finished
May 13, 2025
The idea behind the story is really cool, a water portal to another planet? Awesome. My son really enjoyed it, but as an adult reader, I found some parts a bit rushed or underdeveloped. I wish we got a little more backstory about the planet or the diamond. Still, the boys’ journey was fun to follow.
May 20, 2025
The Water Door fits comfortably in the middle-grade/young adult adventure-fantasy genre. The themes of interplanetary travel, family bonds, and treasure hunting are classic hallmarks of the genre. The synopsis does a good job signaling to parents and young readers that this is a fun, thrilling, and imaginative ride suitable for family enjoyment.
May 20, 2025
The concept is immediately engaging — kidnapped parents, a mysterious water portal, and a space-traveling quest for a giant blue diamond? It’s the kind of high-stakes setup that captures young imaginations quickly. The call-to-action tone in the synopsis ("Will you help...?") also cleverly invites the reader to become part of the story.
May 20, 2025
The storytelling in the synopsis feels energetic and heartfelt, leaning into an old-school, adventurous spirit. There’s a good balance between urgency and wonder, which can help hook both young readers and nostalgic adults. However, a slight refinement in tone or specificity (like a hint of what's at stake on the alien planet) might deepen curiosity.
May 20, 2025
The plot — children traveling through a space-time wormhole via a water portal to retrieve a family heirloom — is imaginative and holds strong potential. It’s reminiscent of The Chronicles of Narnia and A Wrinkle in Time in the best way, with a twist that’s unique. The stakes are clear, and the journey sounds layered and exciting.
May 20, 2025
My kids begged for one more chapter every night!
The Water Door is everything a great family adventure should be, magical, fast-paced, and full of heart. Jeremy and Joshua’s journey through the water portal had us all on the edge of our seats. As a parent, I loved reading it aloud and seeing my kids’ eyes light up. A new bedtime classic in our house!
The Water Door is everything a great family adventure should be, magical, fast-paced, and full of heart. Jeremy and Joshua’s journey through the water portal had us all on the edge of our seats. As a parent, I loved reading it aloud and seeing my kids’ eyes light up. A new bedtime classic in our house!
December 30, 2025
A thrilling middle-grade fantasy adventure, The Water Door follows pre-teens Jeremy and Joshua as they journey through a secret hydro-portal on their grandparent's farm to another planet. Their mission: recover a legendary blue diamond to rescue their kidnapped parents.
📚 Perfect for fans of family-friendly treasure hunts, fantasy, and high-stakes adventure.
📚 Perfect for fans of family-friendly treasure hunts, fantasy, and high-stakes adventure.
May 13, 2025
My 12-year-old niece loved this book, especially the part where they dissolve into the water. I thought the story was cute and imaginative, but the writing felt a bit simple for me. That said, it’s definitely geared toward kids, and they’ll get a kick out of it
May 18, 2025
If someone described this book to me casually, I’d expect a fun, space-fantasy adventure with heart — ideal for a family road trip audiobook or shared bedtime reading. It would likely come recommended as a "hidden gem" in the indie or small press space.
May 18, 2025
If someone described this book to me casually, I’d expect a fun, space-fantasy adventure with heart — ideal for a family road trip audiobook or shared bedtime reading. It would likely come recommended as a "hidden gem" in the indie or small press space.
May 18, 2025
If someone described this book to me casually, I’d expect a fun, space-fantasy adventure with heart — ideal for a family road trip audiobook or shared bedtime reading. It would likely come recommended as a "hidden gem" in the indie or small press space.
May 18, 2025
If someone described this book to me casually, I’d expect a fun, space-fantasy adventure with heart — ideal for a family road trip audiobook or shared bedtime reading. It would likely come recommended as a "hidden gem" in the indie or small press space.
May 20, 2025
If someone described this book to me casually, I’d expect a fun, space-fantasy adventure with heart — ideal for a family road trip audiobook or shared bedtime reading. It would likely come recommended as a "hidden gem" in the indie or small press space.
May 17, 2025
A fantastic read aloud adventure with just the right mix of suspense and wonder. My kids were glued to every chapter and begged for “just one more page
May 17, 2025
It was awesome! I want a Water Door on my farm too. I loved how the brothers worked together and went to space..
May 17, 2025
This book sparks imagination while promoting values like bravery, teamwork, and family. Perfect for middle grade classrooms or school libraries.
May 17, 2025
Reading The Water Door to my grandkids brought back the magic of storytelling. It’s a rare book that connects generations like this.
May 17, 2025
Classic adventure elements with a clever twist a hydro portal to another planet! It’s The Goonies meets Stargate for kids.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews