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Emily Windsnap #4
Emily Windsnap And The Siren's Secret
Follow the siren call to Emily’s magical adventure!
Can the spunky half-mer girl pass Neptune’s test―and help humans and merpeople get along?
Can the spunky half-mer girl pass Neptune’s test―and help humans and merpeople get along?
304 pages, Library Binding
First published September 1, 2009
330 people are currently reading
3772 people want to read
About the author
Liz Kessler
75 books963 followersLiz Kessler is the author of three novels about Philippa Fisher as well as the NEW YORK TIMES best-selling Emily Windsnap series. She lives in Manchester, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
August 31, 2017
5/5 stars
I'd had enough surprises in the last few months to know that you don't always find the answers you're looking for without finding about fifty unwanted ones first.
This is the last book I have read in this wonderful series (the series consists of six books, although the last ones are in fact companion novels mostly). When I closed this book, I let the smell of salt, the sound of the waves and the feel of soft sand between my fingers stay in my mind for a little. When I finished this story, I went an hugged my family, knowing that it taught me family, blood or not, is the most important thing in the world, and everyone deserves to have one. When this tale came to an end, I called my friends, asking them when we're gonna live a beautiful, heart-stopping adventure like the ones Emily Windsnap and her friends live and will forever get tangled into.
I lied back in my bed, thinking of the fresh, calming and careful writing, the beautiful fairy tale elements and the plot that made me laugh, squeal and cry a million tears. I rushed back to my childhood, reminding myself of how I first had read this book and then the others in the series, like the weirdo I am. I remembered how safe these books made me feel. That all the darkness would go away and that like a lighthouse in a raging sea, I'd find happiness. Today, after so many years, I close my eyes and let the safety these books make me feel sink in for a few minutes. I do that with every book, honestly. With these ones, though...I let my mind rush for a little. I let myself imagine I was a merhuman. And a smile rose in my face like the sun rises in the sky when the night ends.
When I closed this book, I wondered why books make us feel so strong, and powerful, and that all the pain will go away. I didn't find an answer. But I did know that I'd read my childhood favorite, the Emily Windsnap series, until the end. No matter how old I get, I thought, I'll always go back to see these wonderful characters, and this heart-warming fairytale about love and acceptance.
When I closed this book, I smiled a huge, bright smile. Because I knew. Emily showed me. I knew, in the end, everything will be alright ♥
That was very emotional, wow. But that's how I feel about this book. They are so important for me, and they are my immediate thought of comfort. What are your books of comfort, dear readers? I would love you guys to share ♥
Until the next review, keep dreaming ♥
~Mary
I'd had enough surprises in the last few months to know that you don't always find the answers you're looking for without finding about fifty unwanted ones first.
This is the last book I have read in this wonderful series (the series consists of six books, although the last ones are in fact companion novels mostly). When I closed this book, I let the smell of salt, the sound of the waves and the feel of soft sand between my fingers stay in my mind for a little. When I finished this story, I went an hugged my family, knowing that it taught me family, blood or not, is the most important thing in the world, and everyone deserves to have one. When this tale came to an end, I called my friends, asking them when we're gonna live a beautiful, heart-stopping adventure like the ones Emily Windsnap and her friends live and will forever get tangled into.
I lied back in my bed, thinking of the fresh, calming and careful writing, the beautiful fairy tale elements and the plot that made me laugh, squeal and cry a million tears. I rushed back to my childhood, reminding myself of how I first had read this book and then the others in the series, like the weirdo I am. I remembered how safe these books made me feel. That all the darkness would go away and that like a lighthouse in a raging sea, I'd find happiness. Today, after so many years, I close my eyes and let the safety these books make me feel sink in for a few minutes. I do that with every book, honestly. With these ones, though...I let my mind rush for a little. I let myself imagine I was a merhuman. And a smile rose in my face like the sun rises in the sky when the night ends.
When I closed this book, I wondered why books make us feel so strong, and powerful, and that all the pain will go away. I didn't find an answer. But I did know that I'd read my childhood favorite, the Emily Windsnap series, until the end. No matter how old I get, I thought, I'll always go back to see these wonderful characters, and this heart-warming fairytale about love and acceptance.
When I closed this book, I smiled a huge, bright smile. Because I knew. Emily showed me. I knew, in the end, everything will be alright ♥
That was very emotional, wow. But that's how I feel about this book. They are so important for me, and they are my immediate thought of comfort. What are your books of comfort, dear readers? I would love you guys to share ♥
Until the next review, keep dreaming ♥
~Mary
December 29, 2012
Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret is the fourth book in the Emily Windsnap series, and, in my opinion, the best so far. This book is about adventure, love, mermaids, and, of course, the lost sirens.
Emily and Shona have been best friends for ages now, since the day Emily discovered that she was a semi-mer. Now they return on an adventure to find the lost sirens. Sirens are the mermaids who perch on rocks and sing beautiful songs to lead fishermen to their watery graves. Emily and Shona go on an adventure to find the lost sirens, but instead find themselves trapped in an underwater sea cavern. Will they be able to get out again? And will they be able to complete their task for Neptune to reunite the mer world and the human world before the human world destroys Shiprock, the mermaid town? Find out in Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret by Liz Kessler-- you'll regret it if you miss it!
When I read books, one of the worst things, in my opinion, is knowing what is going to happen. It just makes it seem pointless to read it when you already know! But, with the Emily Windsnap books, you don't know what is going to happen, which is one of the things what I like so much about these books. Of course, most children's books have happy endings at the end, but when you read the Emily Windsnap books, they do have happy endings, but you don't know how there could be one. They surprise me every time.
Liz Kessler is a gifted author. She can think up amazing plots, describe the sea perfectly, and make the book feel like its real, not just a fairy tale, if that makes sense. Although this book is amazing, there is one thing that I don't like about this book: There are LOADS (and I mean TONS) of errors! Speech marks are missing! This sometimes makes it confusing in a bad way, as you don't know if someone is talking or not or if Emily is just thinking it herself. Personally, I think the editors should have made sure there were no mistakes in this book. One, then fine, but I think there were about six errors, no lies.
Apart from the errors, I think this book is perfect. I would have rated it 5 stars if there hadn't been so many errors in it. Keep up the great work, Liz Kessler!
Emily and Shona have been best friends for ages now, since the day Emily discovered that she was a semi-mer. Now they return on an adventure to find the lost sirens. Sirens are the mermaids who perch on rocks and sing beautiful songs to lead fishermen to their watery graves. Emily and Shona go on an adventure to find the lost sirens, but instead find themselves trapped in an underwater sea cavern. Will they be able to get out again? And will they be able to complete their task for Neptune to reunite the mer world and the human world before the human world destroys Shiprock, the mermaid town? Find out in Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret by Liz Kessler-- you'll regret it if you miss it!
When I read books, one of the worst things, in my opinion, is knowing what is going to happen. It just makes it seem pointless to read it when you already know! But, with the Emily Windsnap books, you don't know what is going to happen, which is one of the things what I like so much about these books. Of course, most children's books have happy endings at the end, but when you read the Emily Windsnap books, they do have happy endings, but you don't know how there could be one. They surprise me every time.
Liz Kessler is a gifted author. She can think up amazing plots, describe the sea perfectly, and make the book feel like its real, not just a fairy tale, if that makes sense. Although this book is amazing, there is one thing that I don't like about this book: There are LOADS (and I mean TONS) of errors! Speech marks are missing! This sometimes makes it confusing in a bad way, as you don't know if someone is talking or not or if Emily is just thinking it herself. Personally, I think the editors should have made sure there were no mistakes in this book. One, then fine, but I think there were about six errors, no lies.
Apart from the errors, I think this book is perfect. I would have rated it 5 stars if there hadn't been so many errors in it. Keep up the great work, Liz Kessler!
February 5, 2020
This book was very good, in this book Shiprock is being threatened by construction and Emily is now trying to bring the worlds of merpeople and humans together and before she knew it she was back at Brightport, there she starts her mission plus a side adventure to find the missing sirens with Shona and her trying to figure out her feeling towards her new friend
I really like this book because they are finally bringing the two different worlds together to live in peace with each other and while they're at it they fixed family problems too. I learned that maybe some things that are impossible can be possible if you believe it's possible.
I recommend this book to people who like fictional books.
I really like this book because they are finally bringing the two different worlds together to live in peace with each other and while they're at it they fixed family problems too. I learned that maybe some things that are impossible can be possible if you believe it's possible.
I recommend this book to people who like fictional books.
August 3, 2019
A really magical and fun adventure about Emily, a girl who transforms into a mermaid when she's in water, and her friends Shona, Aaron and Mandy. Together they want to save Emily's hometown from the houses that are to be built there and that would destroy the merpeople's community.
The book is an easy and fun read with many important topics for children, such as friendships, first love and making plans and fighting for what's important together. I'd recommend the series for 9 years and up :)
The book is an easy and fun read with many important topics for children, such as friendships, first love and making plans and fighting for what's important together. I'd recommend the series for 9 years and up :)
April 13, 2020
Whoa! Usually this far into a series, things start to go downhill. But this just keeps going up! This fantasy series is all about mermaids and mythology, with so many more wonders being added every book. But sirens? They fit right into this series, no doubt! A clever solution and ending anyone can love and be satisfied with. Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret is a beautiful addition. the surprises will leave you jumping for more!
August 5, 2015
So far I think this is my favorite of the series. It held my attention longer then the others and the mystery of the sirens and the incorporation of Mr. Beeston and getting to see more of his story was great. The only issue with this book/series is that the characters are so under developed.
October 13, 2021
This series is just so cute. I'm very sad that there aren't any more audiobooks!
January 24, 2012
Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret by Liz Kessler, the fourth and final book in the series, is a wonderful story! Emily, everyone's favorite semi-mer, is yet again on a mission--this time to bring peace between merpeople and humans. After moving back to her old town, Brightport, things start to go wrong. Her plans slow down when her best friend, Shona, gets stuck in an underground cavern with a group of unfriendly sirens! Only Emily and her friend Aaron can break the curse that doesn't let the lost sirens (and Shona) escape from the cavern! What will they do to free Shona and the sirens?
Although the first two books in the series are my favorite, this book is wonderful, too! Since this is the last book, I'm really sad that I won't be reading any more books about Emily Windsnap! I will be reading the newest books, A Year Without Autumn and Philippa Fisher and the Fairy's Promise. So far, I've enjoyed every book I've read that's by Liz Kessler! Like I said before, never stop writing, Ms. Kessler! :D
Liz Kessler strikes again with her mastery of description and words! She's really a pro!
"Sharp tunnels of wind whistled and shrieked around every corner. Trees bowed and shook and broke. Rain splattered viciously down on the pavement."
"Out at sea, it was even worse. On the water, the storm had turned swells into walls the size of skyscrapers. Waves foamed hungrily, like giant rabid dogs."
I recommend this book for preteens and teens. It's a "swishy" read, and overall I give it 5 stars. :)
KC's Best Reviews and More - Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret
Although the first two books in the series are my favorite, this book is wonderful, too! Since this is the last book, I'm really sad that I won't be reading any more books about Emily Windsnap! I will be reading the newest books, A Year Without Autumn and Philippa Fisher and the Fairy's Promise. So far, I've enjoyed every book I've read that's by Liz Kessler! Like I said before, never stop writing, Ms. Kessler! :D
Liz Kessler strikes again with her mastery of description and words! She's really a pro!
"Sharp tunnels of wind whistled and shrieked around every corner. Trees bowed and shook and broke. Rain splattered viciously down on the pavement."
"Out at sea, it was even worse. On the water, the storm had turned swells into walls the size of skyscrapers. Waves foamed hungrily, like giant rabid dogs."
I recommend this book for preteens and teens. It's a "swishy" read, and overall I give it 5 stars. :)
KC's Best Reviews and More - Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret
December 25, 2015
This is the final book in this series at this point, I hope that there will be more. As I have mentioned, there have been some parts that seem slow to me and hard to get into, but this book is not geared to a 40 year old women, but young girls. I think most young girls would be delighted with this writer's stories. This final book was very enjoyable and probably my favorite one.
I liked that she brought all the familiar characters back again in this book and how the boy that helps Emily in the third book has a much larger role in this book. I am glad that Emily can finally feel like she is not an outcast finally in this book. People or merpeople that we have thought badly of in the previous three books finally have thier pasts explained in this book and we are able to understand finally why they are the way they are. Its really quite good the way the writer has brought all the characters together and woven the lives of them all into this final book.
A really nice series...
I liked that she brought all the familiar characters back again in this book and how the boy that helps Emily in the third book has a much larger role in this book. I am glad that Emily can finally feel like she is not an outcast finally in this book. People or merpeople that we have thought badly of in the previous three books finally have thier pasts explained in this book and we are able to understand finally why they are the way they are. Its really quite good the way the writer has brought all the characters together and woven the lives of them all into this final book.
A really nice series...
May 31, 2018
Bisher habe ich die Reihe um Emily Windsnap sehr gerne gelesen, aber der vierte Teil war für mich bisher leider der schwächste.
Die Geschichte hat zwar mit der Rückkehr von Emily nach Brightport unterhaltsam begonnen, aber dann fehlte es für mich leider an Spannungsaufbau und einer interessanten Handlung. Lange Zeit dümpelte die Geschichte vor sich hin und es ist nicht wirklich viel passiert. Die Geschichte um die Sirenen war zwar einerseits interessant, aber wäre für mich definitiv noch ausbaufähig gewesen.
Es gab für meinen Geschmack auch zu viele Zufälle und vieles ging diesmal zu einfach.
Der Schreibstil war jedoch wieder angenehm zu lesen und ich bin gespannt auf den nächsten Teil der Reihe.
Die Geschichte hat zwar mit der Rückkehr von Emily nach Brightport unterhaltsam begonnen, aber dann fehlte es für mich leider an Spannungsaufbau und einer interessanten Handlung. Lange Zeit dümpelte die Geschichte vor sich hin und es ist nicht wirklich viel passiert. Die Geschichte um die Sirenen war zwar einerseits interessant, aber wäre für mich definitiv noch ausbaufähig gewesen.
Es gab für meinen Geschmack auch zu viele Zufälle und vieles ging diesmal zu einfach.
Der Schreibstil war jedoch wieder angenehm zu lesen und ich bin gespannt auf den nächsten Teil der Reihe.
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February 18, 2024Emily has a boyfriend now and these books are getting more awkward to read aloud to the third grader I tutor
July 29, 2020
To me, this book seemed a bit "young" even for its target audience. It was overly simplistic and came across as a bit vapid. I suppose if I was a 7-year-old girl obsessed with mermaids I might enjoy it more, but with children's literature making such huge leaps over the last several years, this definitely left me pretty cold.
February 25, 2020
So I don't think I actually knew this book existed until after I read the last book so I read it out of order I think but didn't Aaron kiss Emily in this one? Idk but I don't remember the plot at ALL so I don't think it could've been that good if I don't remember it...
November 15, 2013
i didn't like it because was boring.
June 8, 2021
✨ 2.75 Stars ✨
March 12, 2019
Actual rating: 4.5
So, apparently this series was initially supposed to be a trilogy, but then the author's fans convinced her to write more? XD I'm honestly so happy that they did because for once, I'm enjoying the sequels just as much as the first book! I've really enjoyed watching the characters get more mature as this series goes on, especially Emily! She's had some amazing character development throughout this series so far and we're only halfway through the series (at least for now).
I think I said this in my review of Castle in the Mist, but the relationships in this series make me so happy! There were a few new relationships, both romantic and non-romantic, in this book, and they were really cute! Plus, the friendships between Emily and her best friends are still as amazing and relatable as ever.
I feel like this series gets darker with every book, but I think it's really cool. To me, it kind of seems like the reader grows with the characters because of it.
All-in-all, I really enjoyed this book! I've already started the next one and I really like how it's going so far, so hopefully, it will be just as good!
So, apparently this series was initially supposed to be a trilogy, but then the author's fans convinced her to write more? XD I'm honestly so happy that they did because for once, I'm enjoying the sequels just as much as the first book! I've really enjoyed watching the characters get more mature as this series goes on, especially Emily! She's had some amazing character development throughout this series so far and we're only halfway through the series (at least for now).
I think I said this in my review of Castle in the Mist, but the relationships in this series make me so happy! There were a few new relationships, both romantic and non-romantic, in this book, and they were really cute! Plus, the friendships between Emily and her best friends are still as amazing and relatable as ever.
I feel like this series gets darker with every book, but I think it's really cool. To me, it kind of seems like the reader grows with the characters because of it.
All-in-all, I really enjoyed this book! I've already started the next one and I really like how it's going so far, so hopefully, it will be just as good!
November 12, 2018
AWWW our little Emily is growing up <3!
Once again, Emily gets a little too curious and gets her fin stuck into places it doesn't belong. Once again, she pulls her friends down with her. However, this time she has a bargaining chip, something Neptune wants. She is finally thinking her actions through before she takes them... most of the time. Her circle of loyal and helpful friends is growing, and so is her family. I continue to be impressed with the major life lessons these books make seem so simple (racism, sexism, homophobia... think of a trigger and these books has simplified it and made it impossible to argue). Love love love!
Once again, Emily gets a little too curious and gets her fin stuck into places it doesn't belong. Once again, she pulls her friends down with her. However, this time she has a bargaining chip, something Neptune wants. She is finally thinking her actions through before she takes them... most of the time. Her circle of loyal and helpful friends is growing, and so is her family. I continue to be impressed with the major life lessons these books make seem so simple (racism, sexism, homophobia... think of a trigger and these books has simplified it and made it impossible to argue). Love love love!
March 9, 2019
Swishy! Sometimes you need an emotional escape where everything turns out perfect and unrealistic. This book was that for me! It’s just a cute series that I’m enjoying. It has moments of complexity that keep me interested but without digging too deep. On to the next one!
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March 20, 2019read this series
June 4, 2019
What a spectacular book!! I know now why Mr. Beeston was so horrible. And I am so glad that we get to see how Neptune wants Emily and her family to bring the mer-world and the human world together.
September 2, 2019
Absolutely lovely.
July 23, 2020
Mandy being friends with them in this book is the best part
October 3, 2020
New character yay!
December 25, 2020
Loved it. Adventure filled and one of my favorite Emily Windsnaps.
May 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. it was a really good book
February 5, 2026
Another good story in the series, though it didn’t quite keep me 100% riveted. The crush developing between Emily and Aaron was really sweet.
January 21, 2026
I love this book and I think this story is very interesting.
February 9, 2020
I'm really loving this series of books. Such a feel good load of fun. Emily really has a knack for being in the wrong places and causing trouble 🤣
February 17, 2025
Read this with my 8 year old niece and her mom, my sister. My niece loved it. She was constantly wondering what was going to happen next. I felt like there were subplots that eventually came together in the end but felt like it was all over the place in the beginning and that was kinda hard to get through for me. Some of the reveals were interesting and there was even a little romance, which I was surprised by, but ok. It was cute.
June 21, 2021
"Can I make one suggestion to you, my friend? Just simplify. There's just too much going on here."
- Kah Mun Rah, Night at the Museum II
That's the quote that kept rolling around in my head with every page I turned of Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret - and I have to agree. What is happening in this novel? What isn't happening? Moving back to Brightport. Fulfilling Neptune's command. Prejudice between humans and mer. Emily and Mandy. Emily and Aaron. Emily and Shona. Emily's grandparents. Buried memories. Overturning Neptune's curses. Lost sirens. Imprisoned sirens. Mysterious maps. A magic shell. A secret island. Young love. It's no wonder it took me a week to read this, compared to how I sped through the first three. It's so crammed with subplots and setups and payoffs and obstacles that I almost didn't finish it and sailed straight to the land of the midnight sun. (Get it? No?)
Overall, though, Siren's Secret isn't a bad novel - although I can't seem to give these books any more than four stars. It just isn't as clever (or entertaining) as the previous one(s). The abundance of subplots made it difficult to get through, and some chapters and scenes felt unnecessary to the overall story. Important things, too, were either never explained or explained poorly. () Also, there is a disturbing lack of Jake and Penny in this book, and that's the only ship I've been sailing since Emily rescued her father from The Great Mermer Reef in book one. (I am not ashamed of this.)
Perhaps at the end of the day, I should remember that this is a children's book about a twelve-year-old that was first introduced to the literary world when I was in elementary school. But remembering that would make life boring and rob me of the joy of writing semi-critical reviews. I am looking forward to the next book, though, (and especially Ship of Lost Souls), so I hope it's not as exhausting and slow as this one.
(And, you know, if Jake and Penny want to be in there somewhere, I won't complain. Anyone up for a Jake and Penny prequel series? Just me?)
- Kah Mun Rah, Night at the Museum II
That's the quote that kept rolling around in my head with every page I turned of Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret - and I have to agree. What is happening in this novel? What isn't happening? Moving back to Brightport. Fulfilling Neptune's command. Prejudice between humans and mer. Emily and Mandy. Emily and Aaron. Emily and Shona. Emily's grandparents. Buried memories. Overturning Neptune's curses. Lost sirens. Imprisoned sirens. Mysterious maps. A magic shell. A secret island. Young love. It's no wonder it took me a week to read this, compared to how I sped through the first three. It's so crammed with subplots and setups and payoffs and obstacles that I almost didn't finish it and sailed straight to the land of the midnight sun. (Get it? No?)
Overall, though, Siren's Secret isn't a bad novel - although I can't seem to give these books any more than four stars. It just isn't as clever (or entertaining) as the previous one(s). The abundance of subplots made it difficult to get through, and some chapters and scenes felt unnecessary to the overall story. Important things, too, were either never explained or explained poorly. () Also, there is a disturbing lack of Jake and Penny in this book, and that's the only ship I've been sailing since Emily rescued her father from The Great Mermer Reef in book one. (I am not ashamed of this.)
Perhaps at the end of the day, I should remember that this is a children's book about a twelve-year-old that was first introduced to the literary world when I was in elementary school. But remembering that would make life boring and rob me of the joy of writing semi-critical reviews. I am looking forward to the next book, though, (and especially Ship of Lost Souls), so I hope it's not as exhausting and slow as this one.
(And, you know, if Jake and Penny want to be in there somewhere, I won't complain. Anyone up for a Jake and Penny prequel series? Just me?)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews