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The Mermaid of Lake Superior
"Wake up, mermaid. Balance has been disrupted, and we must fight. Nature as we know it needs restoration. We need our water back."
Lake Superior is home to hundreds of shipwrecks . . . but only one mermaid. "H" doesn't know where she came from. She doesn't even know her full name. That hasn't stopped her from having a good she's spent the last few decades evading tourists, befriending local wildlife, and sharing spectral martinis with shipwrecked spirits. But there are whispers in the waters, rumors of a strange new threat killing whitefish by the hundreds. Out of the deep blue nowhere, H finds her North Shore paradise under attack. H must unravel her origins and harness long-dormant powers to lead Gitchi-Gami's residents (furred, finned, and ectoplasmic alike) in the fight to reclaim their waters. It will take unexpected allies, divine intervention, and pie . . . lots of pie.
Includes maps as well as numerous charming black-and-white illustrations by artist Jill Myer.
Lake Superior is home to hundreds of shipwrecks . . . but only one mermaid. "H" doesn't know where she came from. She doesn't even know her full name. That hasn't stopped her from having a good she's spent the last few decades evading tourists, befriending local wildlife, and sharing spectral martinis with shipwrecked spirits. But there are whispers in the waters, rumors of a strange new threat killing whitefish by the hundreds. Out of the deep blue nowhere, H finds her North Shore paradise under attack. H must unravel her origins and harness long-dormant powers to lead Gitchi-Gami's residents (furred, finned, and ectoplasmic alike) in the fight to reclaim their waters. It will take unexpected allies, divine intervention, and pie . . . lots of pie.
Includes maps as well as numerous charming black-and-white illustrations by artist Jill Myer.
256 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2024
20 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 7, 2024
Have you ever found yourself pondering the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of Lake Superior? This vast expanse of water holds countless secrets and stories, especially for those intrigued by shipwrecks. Imagine, for a moment, encountering a mermaid. Her name is H, and she resides in this enchanting underwater world, surrounded by her friends and the remnants of many sunken vessels.
One sunny afternoon, H found herself relaxing in the SS Algoma, a once-grand ship now resting silently on the lakebed. Among her companions was Lou, the ship’s bartender, who had become a treasured friend. Tragically, Lou lost his life in 1885 when a fierce blizzard struck, sending the Algoma crashing to the depths of Lake Superior. Though he may be gone, his spirit thrives in their shared stories and the memories forged in the depths.
H cherishes her life in this tranquil underwater realm, where the gentle currents dance around her and sunlight filters through the water, creating a serene ambiance. Her days are filled with laughter and camaraderie with her aquatic friends—until that fateful day. While exploring the vibrant underwater landscape, a sudden chill swept over her, leaving her with an unsettling feeling that she was not alone. A shadow darted above her as she glanced upward, and a sharp sting pierced her shoulder before she could react. Confusion and fear flooded through her as the world around her shifted dramatically. The serene environment she once knew was about to be turned upside down, setting the stage for a thrilling and formidable adventure.
“The Mermaid of Lake Superior” by Aurora Lothbrok is a captivating exploration of the maritime history surrounding some of the most intriguing shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including the SS Monarch, SS Emperor, SS Glenyon, and SS America. Author Aurora Lothbrok enriches the narrative with her distinctive humor, making the reading experience not just entertaining but also highly informative. The book will keep you chuckling as you delve into the fascinating world of shipwrecks and mermaids, all while learning about the rich historical context.
Throughout the book, Lothbrok includes insightful notes on various pages that provide additional historical context or aim to elicit a laugh, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. For those who grew up in the Lake Superior region or are fascinated with nautical history, this book offers a treasure trove of information that will resonate with readers.
Overall, “The Mermaid of Lake Superior” is a captivating story that is sure to delight young adults and readers of all ages. With its rich blend of historical context and clever humor, the narrative draws readers into a mesmerizing world where myth and reality intertwine. This book entertains and encourages reflection on the mysteries of history and folklore, particularly for young adult readers. I recommend this engaging read and rate it five stars for its delightful storytelling and engaging themes.
One sunny afternoon, H found herself relaxing in the SS Algoma, a once-grand ship now resting silently on the lakebed. Among her companions was Lou, the ship’s bartender, who had become a treasured friend. Tragically, Lou lost his life in 1885 when a fierce blizzard struck, sending the Algoma crashing to the depths of Lake Superior. Though he may be gone, his spirit thrives in their shared stories and the memories forged in the depths.
H cherishes her life in this tranquil underwater realm, where the gentle currents dance around her and sunlight filters through the water, creating a serene ambiance. Her days are filled with laughter and camaraderie with her aquatic friends—until that fateful day. While exploring the vibrant underwater landscape, a sudden chill swept over her, leaving her with an unsettling feeling that she was not alone. A shadow darted above her as she glanced upward, and a sharp sting pierced her shoulder before she could react. Confusion and fear flooded through her as the world around her shifted dramatically. The serene environment she once knew was about to be turned upside down, setting the stage for a thrilling and formidable adventure.
“The Mermaid of Lake Superior” by Aurora Lothbrok is a captivating exploration of the maritime history surrounding some of the most intriguing shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including the SS Monarch, SS Emperor, SS Glenyon, and SS America. Author Aurora Lothbrok enriches the narrative with her distinctive humor, making the reading experience not just entertaining but also highly informative. The book will keep you chuckling as you delve into the fascinating world of shipwrecks and mermaids, all while learning about the rich historical context.
Throughout the book, Lothbrok includes insightful notes on various pages that provide additional historical context or aim to elicit a laugh, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. For those who grew up in the Lake Superior region or are fascinated with nautical history, this book offers a treasure trove of information that will resonate with readers.
Overall, “The Mermaid of Lake Superior” is a captivating story that is sure to delight young adults and readers of all ages. With its rich blend of historical context and clever humor, the narrative draws readers into a mesmerizing world where myth and reality intertwine. This book entertains and encourages reflection on the mysteries of history and folklore, particularly for young adult readers. I recommend this engaging read and rate it five stars for its delightful storytelling and engaging themes.
December 17, 2024
This is a cute and fun adventure of H, the mermaid. H lives in Lake Superior and has the ability to talk to animals and ghosts. She regularly visits the many shipwrecks that have become victims to the lake.
There seems to be a creature living in the lake that is massacring the fish. After H is attacked by these creatures, she decides she must stop them.
H sets out to solve the mystery of what these creatures are and how to stop them. H meets many friends along the way.
This almost reads as a YA but has lots of adult humor and verbiage.
There seems to be a creature living in the lake that is massacring the fish. After H is attacked by these creatures, she decides she must stop them.
H sets out to solve the mystery of what these creatures are and how to stop them. H meets many friends along the way.
This almost reads as a YA but has lots of adult humor and verbiage.
June 21, 2024
adorable and important all in one
Ms Lothbrok has done an amazing job of combining beautiful, inventive storytelling and earth saving requests into a gorgeous story about H the mermaid saving Lake Superior.
You’ll giggle over all the pop culture references, (I lost count) and wish you had your own Blue, George, Gabby or Nigig to snuggle. Also, I want to be able to see and talk to the ghosts and animals in my neighborhood.
Wonderful story. Highly recommend. Adore it.
Ms Lothbrok has done an amazing job of combining beautiful, inventive storytelling and earth saving requests into a gorgeous story about H the mermaid saving Lake Superior.
You’ll giggle over all the pop culture references, (I lost count) and wish you had your own Blue, George, Gabby or Nigig to snuggle. Also, I want to be able to see and talk to the ghosts and animals in my neighborhood.
Wonderful story. Highly recommend. Adore it.
July 9, 2024
I went into the book thinking I would hate it... It as a book club pick... However, I was pleasantly surprised! I prefer historical fiction. I enjoyed learning about some of the history and ghost stories surrounding Lake Superior. The writing is definitely modern with a lot of modern references but I was okay with that.
May 4, 2025
I loved the story because I grew up on the shores of Lake Superior. The shipwrecks near Isle Royale were carefully catalogued with the mermaid visiting their ghosts. It is obvious that the author has a thorough knowledge of the area. I enjoyed it a lot despite the presence of so many bad puns.
June 19, 2024
Great premise but overly factual execution with bad language execution
August 21, 2025
This is one of those books that leaves a lasting impression and that you’ll think about all the time - especially if you feel connected to Lake Superior or Isle Royale or the North Shore.
I loved the plot and themes of this book, and all of the informative footnotes! However, I did find the writing style to be a little scattered at times and therefore hard to follow.
Nevertheless, it’s not often that you read an amazing fiction-like plot, but also factual historical, but also full of natural and area-specific knowledge. I learned a lot while reading this book and felt right at home below the surface of the greatest lake.
And go Huskies 💛🖤
I loved the plot and themes of this book, and all of the informative footnotes! However, I did find the writing style to be a little scattered at times and therefore hard to follow.
Nevertheless, it’s not often that you read an amazing fiction-like plot, but also factual historical, but also full of natural and area-specific knowledge. I learned a lot while reading this book and felt right at home below the surface of the greatest lake.
And go Huskies 💛🖤
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews