The Rising Sea
by Clive Cussler, Graham Brown
Penguin 2019
Book 15 of The NUMA Files
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 15 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- Climate change and environmental threats
- Technothriller science and innovation
- Geopolitical tension in the Pacific
- Teamwork and loyalty
- Courage under pressure
- Conspiracy and covert operations
- Maritime exploration and underwater adventure
About this book
Anomalously rapid sea-level rise sends Kurt Austin, Joe Zavala, and the NUMA team racing across the globe. Their investigation leads to the East China Sea, where they uncover a secret technology and a plot that could flood coastlines and upend the Pacific balance of power unless they can stop it in time.
Setting: Global, with a focus on the East China Sea and the broader Pacific Rim; NUMA vessels, research facilities, and undersea sites
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Rising Sea right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Rising Sea. The reading level is AR 6, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include Climate change and environmental threats, Technothriller science and innovation, Geopolitical tension in the Pacific. Note: this is book 15 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Rising Sea?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Rising Sea takes around 10h to finish. The book has 110,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Rising Sea have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Rising Sea has an AR quiz available, worth 16 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Rising Sea?
The Rising Sea has an AR reading level of 6, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.