What do you think?
Beneath the Mists: The Whispering Sea Mysteries, Book 2
On a fog-shrouded Swedish archipelago, a young girl confronts an ancient supernatural threat in this breathtaking fantasy thriller from the eerie imaginations of Camilla Sten and Viveca Sten.
Whatever deadly mysteries swirl in the mist, it’s only the beginning.
An unnatural fog, lingering for weeks, has settled over the Stockholm archipelago, home to twelve-year-old Tuva. No one can explain it. Tuva, attuned to the mysteries of the sea, has her suspicions.
When her classmate and his mother nearly drown in the damp, choking fog, Tuva seeks answers about its supernatural nature. And the truth she uncovers is more wondrous—and sinister—than she could have imagined.
All the while, a hauntingly familiar voice calls for Tuva, pulling at the ties that bind her to the supernatural world, trying to draw her in. But are the powers that Tuva possesses enough to save the world from this true evil lingering in its midst?
Whatever deadly mysteries swirl in the mist, it’s only the beginning.
An unnatural fog, lingering for weeks, has settled over the Stockholm archipelago, home to twelve-year-old Tuva. No one can explain it. Tuva, attuned to the mysteries of the sea, has her suspicions.
When her classmate and his mother nearly drown in the damp, choking fog, Tuva seeks answers about its supernatural nature. And the truth she uncovers is more wondrous—and sinister—than she could have imagined.
All the while, a hauntingly familiar voice calls for Tuva, pulling at the ties that bind her to the supernatural world, trying to draw her in. But are the powers that Tuva possesses enough to save the world from this true evil lingering in its midst?
Audible Audio
First published September 8, 2026
About the author
Camilla Sten
26 books1,519 followersCamilla Sten is a writer, and her publisher made the mistake of letting her set this author page up by herself. She is best known for her internationally bestselling novel "The Lost Village", which has sold to 19 countries, and has written books ranging from YA fantasy to contemporary thrillers.
Camilla lives in Sweden with her American boyfriend and two fluffy, evil cats. She is quite enjoying talking about herself in the third person, and might keep it going after she's submitted this author bio.
Camilla lives in Sweden with her American boyfriend and two fluffy, evil cats. She is quite enjoying talking about herself in the third person, and might keep it going after she's submitted this author bio.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 26, 2026
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of Beneath the Mists by Camilla Sten and Viveca Sten from Two Lions | Amazon Crossing Kids/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 3 ⭐
Not as good as the first in this series, mainly because it felt more like juvenile fiction (which it is) than an all-ages story.
Definitely good enough to keep me entertained and wanting to read the next. Probably primarily because of this particular line in it:
”Soon humans shall see what happens when they forget about their nightmares”
Cautionary words to take to heart in these particular days, indeed.
DESCRIPTION
On a fog-shrouded Swedish archipelago, a young girl confronts an ancient supernatural threat in this breathtaking fantasy thriller from the eerie imaginations of Camilla Sten and Viveca Sten.
Whatever deadly mysteries swirl in the mist, it’s only the beginning.
An unnatural fog, lingering for weeks, has settled over the Stockholm archipelago, home to twelve-year-old Tuva. No one can explain it. Tuva, attuned to the mysteries of the sea, has her suspicions.
When her classmate and his mother nearly drown in the damp, choking fog, Tuva seeks answers about its supernatural nature. And the truth she uncovers is more wondrous—and sinister—than she could have imagined.
All the while, a hauntingly familiar voice calls for Tuva, pulling at the ties that bind her to the supernatural world, trying to draw her in. But are the powers that Tuva possesses enough to save the world from this true evil lingering in its midst?
Received a complimentary copy of Beneath the Mists by Camilla Sten and Viveca Sten from Two Lions | Amazon Crossing Kids/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 3 ⭐
Not as good as the first in this series, mainly because it felt more like juvenile fiction (which it is) than an all-ages story.
Definitely good enough to keep me entertained and wanting to read the next. Probably primarily because of this particular line in it:
”Soon humans shall see what happens when they forget about their nightmares”
Cautionary words to take to heart in these particular days, indeed.
DESCRIPTION
On a fog-shrouded Swedish archipelago, a young girl confronts an ancient supernatural threat in this breathtaking fantasy thriller from the eerie imaginations of Camilla Sten and Viveca Sten.
Whatever deadly mysteries swirl in the mist, it’s only the beginning.
An unnatural fog, lingering for weeks, has settled over the Stockholm archipelago, home to twelve-year-old Tuva. No one can explain it. Tuva, attuned to the mysteries of the sea, has her suspicions.
When her classmate and his mother nearly drown in the damp, choking fog, Tuva seeks answers about its supernatural nature. And the truth she uncovers is more wondrous—and sinister—than she could have imagined.
All the while, a hauntingly familiar voice calls for Tuva, pulling at the ties that bind her to the supernatural world, trying to draw her in. But are the powers that Tuva possesses enough to save the world from this true evil lingering in its midst?
September 10, 2026
Thank you netgalley and publishers for access to this Audio book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tuva (I think that's how its spelt? Idk. Probably not lol) is the last of the sea folk, a channeling that was taken from the mermaids of the sea. The pact is broken and an ancient evil has sprung up out of the fog to exact vengeance on the damage humans have inflicted on the sea itself.
I did not know that this was a sequel until I was already listening to it, but to be honest, I dont think I needed to read the first one in order to understand what happened in here, everything was easily explained and I didn't at all feel lost while listening so you could probably read this one without having read the first one if you wanted. I rather enjoyed the story, and I think the narrator did a fantastic job voicing through characters most of the time I felt sucked into it and getting lost in her voice.
I did feel like the more "bitchy" characters kind of felt the same, but eh.
I do feel a bit sad for Tuva though, having so much weight upon her very young shoulders while also trying to maintain her secret and having to deal with bullies from kids and adults alike.
I think kids would really like to read this, and some adults too. I cant wait to read the first book and continue on with the rest of the series.
Tuva (I think that's how its spelt? Idk. Probably not lol) is the last of the sea folk, a channeling that was taken from the mermaids of the sea. The pact is broken and an ancient evil has sprung up out of the fog to exact vengeance on the damage humans have inflicted on the sea itself.
I did not know that this was a sequel until I was already listening to it, but to be honest, I dont think I needed to read the first one in order to understand what happened in here, everything was easily explained and I didn't at all feel lost while listening so you could probably read this one without having read the first one if you wanted. I rather enjoyed the story, and I think the narrator did a fantastic job voicing through characters most of the time I felt sucked into it and getting lost in her voice.
I did feel like the more "bitchy" characters kind of felt the same, but eh.
I do feel a bit sad for Tuva though, having so much weight upon her very young shoulders while also trying to maintain her secret and having to deal with bullies from kids and adults alike.
I think kids would really like to read this, and some adults too. I cant wait to read the first book and continue on with the rest of the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Beneath the mists” by Camilla Sten and Viveca Sten is the second part of the “Whispering Sea Mysteries”, centered on Tuva, a twelve-year-old with a secret, living in the Stockholm Archipelago. The second novel picks up about a year after the events of the first, when Tuva is faced with a new challenge in the form of a mysterious fog that has engulfed the islands.
The story is atmospheric and suspenseful. It turned out to be one of those books that cannot be put down, that drag you in and won’t let you go. The oppressive atmosphere brought about by the fog, the silence and the humidity and the claustrophobic sensations were all so accurately described, it was like you were there. As I was reading, I could almost taste the fog and feel the cold humidity on my forehead.
The struggle with the ancient power that threatened the archipelago was also keenly felt. Although there was a lot of horror, and although I was on the side of Tuva and the inhabitants of the island, I also felt sympathy towards the natural world, revolting against the greed of humans and their wanton destruction. I have read many books with an environmental theme, and this is one of the best. The reader feels the connection that should exist between humans and the sea, the symbiosis that isn’t there anymore.
One of the best things about the novel was the main character. Tuva is complex, and we see this complexity through her narration. She is both bowed down by the pressure of her responsibilities as well as coping with being the child of parents who are struggling, and the student who does not fit in at school and does not have friends. Tuva knows she is different and feels that even her mother does not completely accept those differences.
Although Tuva’s differences are of supernatural origin, her struggle can be understood by many young readers, especially by those who, for some reason or another, find themselves incapable of fitting in or of being accepted by society as they are. Tuva is growing, learning to be who she is despite what others might think of her, and this is something that readers can empathize with.
At the same time, Tuva can be considered a sort of fairy-tale heroine who is about to come into her own. Her trials reminded me of the motif of the hero’s journey (and I will confess that I am a sucker for that kind of thing). Tuva is a hero through and through, in the classical sense. Her journey in this book does not only help her accept herself on a typical, teenage level, but also prepares her for the battles that are to come.
The only thing that bothers me slightly is the obvious tilt towards romance in the relationship between Tuva and Rasmus. There are so few male-female friendships in literature that do not turn into romance or are lacking any hint of romance whatsoever, that we really could have done with one more. But that is a personal preference, and it shouldn’t deter readers.
Since this book is a translation, I should also comment on this aspect as well. It did not feel at all like I was reading a translation. The writing flowed beautifully, the atmosphere was preserved, everything felt natural. As someone with a background in Translation Studies, I know how difficult it is to do all this, and I am in awe of the translator for managing it with such apparent ease (I say apparent, because I’m sure it wasn’t easy, but a good translator makes it look effortless to the untrained eye). It is one of the arguments I will keep on using when pleading for human-only literary translators (and human-only reviewers!). Literary translation is an art, and art should remain the business of humans.
I am looking forward to the sequel. I already have high expectations of it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is atmospheric and suspenseful. It turned out to be one of those books that cannot be put down, that drag you in and won’t let you go. The oppressive atmosphere brought about by the fog, the silence and the humidity and the claustrophobic sensations were all so accurately described, it was like you were there. As I was reading, I could almost taste the fog and feel the cold humidity on my forehead.
The struggle with the ancient power that threatened the archipelago was also keenly felt. Although there was a lot of horror, and although I was on the side of Tuva and the inhabitants of the island, I also felt sympathy towards the natural world, revolting against the greed of humans and their wanton destruction. I have read many books with an environmental theme, and this is one of the best. The reader feels the connection that should exist between humans and the sea, the symbiosis that isn’t there anymore.
One of the best things about the novel was the main character. Tuva is complex, and we see this complexity through her narration. She is both bowed down by the pressure of her responsibilities as well as coping with being the child of parents who are struggling, and the student who does not fit in at school and does not have friends. Tuva knows she is different and feels that even her mother does not completely accept those differences.
Although Tuva’s differences are of supernatural origin, her struggle can be understood by many young readers, especially by those who, for some reason or another, find themselves incapable of fitting in or of being accepted by society as they are. Tuva is growing, learning to be who she is despite what others might think of her, and this is something that readers can empathize with.
At the same time, Tuva can be considered a sort of fairy-tale heroine who is about to come into her own. Her trials reminded me of the motif of the hero’s journey (and I will confess that I am a sucker for that kind of thing). Tuva is a hero through and through, in the classical sense. Her journey in this book does not only help her accept herself on a typical, teenage level, but also prepares her for the battles that are to come.
The only thing that bothers me slightly is the obvious tilt towards romance in the relationship between Tuva and Rasmus. There are so few male-female friendships in literature that do not turn into romance or are lacking any hint of romance whatsoever, that we really could have done with one more. But that is a personal preference, and it shouldn’t deter readers.
Since this book is a translation, I should also comment on this aspect as well. It did not feel at all like I was reading a translation. The writing flowed beautifully, the atmosphere was preserved, everything felt natural. As someone with a background in Translation Studies, I know how difficult it is to do all this, and I am in awe of the translator for managing it with such apparent ease (I say apparent, because I’m sure it wasn’t easy, but a good translator makes it look effortless to the untrained eye). It is one of the arguments I will keep on using when pleading for human-only literary translators (and human-only reviewers!). Literary translation is an art, and art should remain the business of humans.
I am looking forward to the sequel. I already have high expectations of it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for giving me access to this ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Full disclosure, this is Book 2 of a series and I did not realize that. It’s not terribly clear when looking up the book. I have not read Book 1 (but now want to) and realize there are likely context pieces there that would have been helpful in fully enjoying Beneath the Mists.
Story: Beneath the Mists follows Tuva, a young twelve year old girl who is somehow able to sense magic and feels called upon to investigate strange happenings in and around the sea. A dense, choking fog has moved into their archipelago and Tuva feels there is something wrong with it. Once people start to go missing or get hurt in the fog, Tuva knows she has to find out the source of the fog, and follow the strange voice that is speaking only to her.
Tuva is hiding her own secrets, struggling with the changing relationship between herself and her friend Rasmus, dealing with family issues, and avoiding school bullies. Time is running out, though before the fog (or something worse) causes irreparable damage to Tuva and her community. This is a good YA/Middle grade read of a frightening sea-based anomaly and one girls efforts to protect those she loves. Great for fans of: A Song Below Water, Upon a Starlit Tide, and A Plagued Sea.
Narration: The narrator does a nice job of evoking emotion into their voice, however there is not enough distinction between characters. Conversations between female characters specifically are challenging to determine who is saying what. The pacing is nice and everything is really understandable. But I would have liked more diversity in the voices.
Audiobook Flow: It flows nicely, good pacing, no extraneous noises, produced really well.
Recommendation: 3 stars for me but likely higher if I read book 1. I think that book likely holds a lot of context and background that this did not include. Still a good read and I could follow this story but I think I need to know more about Tuva’s background to fully love Beneath the Mists.
Full disclosure, this is Book 2 of a series and I did not realize that. It’s not terribly clear when looking up the book. I have not read Book 1 (but now want to) and realize there are likely context pieces there that would have been helpful in fully enjoying Beneath the Mists.
Story: Beneath the Mists follows Tuva, a young twelve year old girl who is somehow able to sense magic and feels called upon to investigate strange happenings in and around the sea. A dense, choking fog has moved into their archipelago and Tuva feels there is something wrong with it. Once people start to go missing or get hurt in the fog, Tuva knows she has to find out the source of the fog, and follow the strange voice that is speaking only to her.
Tuva is hiding her own secrets, struggling with the changing relationship between herself and her friend Rasmus, dealing with family issues, and avoiding school bullies. Time is running out, though before the fog (or something worse) causes irreparable damage to Tuva and her community. This is a good YA/Middle grade read of a frightening sea-based anomaly and one girls efforts to protect those she loves. Great for fans of: A Song Below Water, Upon a Starlit Tide, and A Plagued Sea.
Narration: The narrator does a nice job of evoking emotion into their voice, however there is not enough distinction between characters. Conversations between female characters specifically are challenging to determine who is saying what. The pacing is nice and everything is really understandable. But I would have liked more diversity in the voices.
Audiobook Flow: It flows nicely, good pacing, no extraneous noises, produced really well.
Recommendation: 3 stars for me but likely higher if I read book 1. I think that book likely holds a lot of context and background that this did not include. Still a good read and I could follow this story but I think I need to know more about Tuva’s background to fully love Beneath the Mists.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
** “This is just the way things are … when you’re different. You have to be careful.” **
Mother and daughter team Camilla Sten and Viveca Sten join forces to deliver “Beneath the Mists,” a modern day story that combines folklore and a warning about the harm we are doing to nature.
Twelve-year-old Tuva is still reeling from learning her true identity and saving the local residents from the evil underwater sea serpents, the Nurmandir, who tried to destroy the Baltic archipelago. So when a dense mist hits the area, Tuva worries that there’s more than meets the proverbial eye … especially when the mist begins to attack people.
Can Tuva learn to accept who she truly is and find strength from that? Can she overcome her loneliness and feeling of isolation, especially after receiving some bad news from her best friend Rasmus?
What follows is an intriguing story filled with thrilling and intense moments, ancient tales, a touch of magic and the supernatural, and characters both relatable and inspirational. The authors also fill their story with some good themes, like the potential impact of polluting and poisoning nature; we don’t always feel like we belong where we are placed; the power of trust and friendship; sometimes you cannot undo the damage that has been done; and accepting who you are and using the strength you find from that.
The book also includes a few facts about the Baltic Sea, including that it is one of the most polluted seas in the world.
“Beneath the Mists” is due out Sept. 8 and is recommended for ages 10-14. I probably wouldn’t recommend it for children much younger than that.
Five stars out of five.
Amazon Crossing Kids provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Mother and daughter team Camilla Sten and Viveca Sten join forces to deliver “Beneath the Mists,” a modern day story that combines folklore and a warning about the harm we are doing to nature.
Twelve-year-old Tuva is still reeling from learning her true identity and saving the local residents from the evil underwater sea serpents, the Nurmandir, who tried to destroy the Baltic archipelago. So when a dense mist hits the area, Tuva worries that there’s more than meets the proverbial eye … especially when the mist begins to attack people.
Can Tuva learn to accept who she truly is and find strength from that? Can she overcome her loneliness and feeling of isolation, especially after receiving some bad news from her best friend Rasmus?
What follows is an intriguing story filled with thrilling and intense moments, ancient tales, a touch of magic and the supernatural, and characters both relatable and inspirational. The authors also fill their story with some good themes, like the potential impact of polluting and poisoning nature; we don’t always feel like we belong where we are placed; the power of trust and friendship; sometimes you cannot undo the damage that has been done; and accepting who you are and using the strength you find from that.
The book also includes a few facts about the Baltic Sea, including that it is one of the most polluted seas in the world.
“Beneath the Mists” is due out Sept. 8 and is recommended for ages 10-14. I probably wouldn’t recommend it for children much younger than that.
Five stars out of five.
Amazon Crossing Kids provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
September 17, 2026
Disclosure: Like others, I did not realize this was Book 2 until nearly halfway through. That caused me to be confused by the many references to things that happened in Book 1, especially about the sea serpents and a voice in Tuva's head and what Tuva's relationship was to the boy whose name I forgot, yet somehow the fact that Tuva is one of the merfolk wasn't clear until at least a third into the book when she talks about her gills filling with air. I actually had to replay that section of the audiobook to make sure I'd heard correctly! As a result, I had difficulty getting into this book at first, but once I did, it became much more engrossing. The Swedish archipelago setting is a wonderful backdrop and a character in itself. Since it is a second book, I feel like it could have done without the prologue, as while there is a mention of the characters later, it would have been more relevant if one of those characters clearly reappeared, or if it was more obvious that day in the prologue was the turning point. But that's a bit of a nitpick for a MG book. There were a lot of different magic characters here, with different types of magic, which is great for a kids' book to keep them engaged.
The narration by Jess Moran was haunting, her near-whisper giving it a spooky edge, but at times I had trouble understanding what was said. Overall, I could see this being an engaging book for middle schoolers. Thank you to the authors, Brilliance Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide an unbiased review.
The narration by Jess Moran was haunting, her near-whisper giving it a spooky edge, but at times I had trouble understanding what was said. Overall, I could see this being an engaging book for middle schoolers. Thank you to the authors, Brilliance Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
I really like the lore and the setting is great and the way it's written I think does paint a really great picture of the setting. I listened to the audiobook and the narration is also really solid.
My actual experience of this book was closer to a 3 star but it's not the books fault I didn't know it's a sequel. I notice that it's in the good reads title now but it wasn't when I requested the book. It's clear almost immediately that it is a sequel and while you can read this without reading the first in the series there are definitely things you will be missing information on.
Also, I don't typically read middle grade books so there were several times where I got annoyed by the character and then I was like oh yeah she's 12. That's a very typical 12 year old thing to do. If you like or regularly read middle grade, or are looking for a book for your child I think this wouldn't be an issue for you.
With things that are actually critiques of the book I did feel like the climax was a bit anticlimactic but it's clearly to set up more sequels so I understand that. Otherwise a very solid middle grade fantasy novel with scandanivian lore and a unique and evocative setting.
I really like the lore and the setting is great and the way it's written I think does paint a really great picture of the setting. I listened to the audiobook and the narration is also really solid.
My actual experience of this book was closer to a 3 star but it's not the books fault I didn't know it's a sequel. I notice that it's in the good reads title now but it wasn't when I requested the book. It's clear almost immediately that it is a sequel and while you can read this without reading the first in the series there are definitely things you will be missing information on.
Also, I don't typically read middle grade books so there were several times where I got annoyed by the character and then I was like oh yeah she's 12. That's a very typical 12 year old thing to do. If you like or regularly read middle grade, or are looking for a book for your child I think this wouldn't be an issue for you.
With things that are actually critiques of the book I did feel like the climax was a bit anticlimactic but it's clearly to set up more sequels so I understand that. Otherwise a very solid middle grade fantasy novel with scandanivian lore and a unique and evocative setting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Beneath the Mists returns to the foggy Swedish archipelago, where twelve-year-old Tuva is dealing with family problems, friendship troubles, mysterious powers, and an unnatural fog that may be trying to kill people. Middle school apparently was not complicated enough already.
The setting is easily the strongest part of the book. The isolated islands, dark water, and stubborn fog create an eerie atmosphere that fits the supernatural mystery perfectly. I also liked learning more about Tuva’s connection to the sea and the mythology surrounding the ancient merfolk. The environmental themes are thoughtfully included without completely taking over the story.
However, at nearly 400 pages, the book feels long for the amount of story being told. The middle moves slowly, and some of Tuva’s personal conflicts become repetitive. Since this is the second book in the series, readers who have not read the first installment may also feel as lost as someone wandering through the archipelago without a map, a flashlight, or any sense of self-preservation.
Overall, this is an atmospheric fantasy with creative mythology and a sympathetic young protagonist, but the slow pacing kept me from becoming fully absorbed. I enjoyed the setting and ideas more than the execution. Three stars.
The setting is easily the strongest part of the book. The isolated islands, dark water, and stubborn fog create an eerie atmosphere that fits the supernatural mystery perfectly. I also liked learning more about Tuva’s connection to the sea and the mythology surrounding the ancient merfolk. The environmental themes are thoughtfully included without completely taking over the story.
However, at nearly 400 pages, the book feels long for the amount of story being told. The middle moves slowly, and some of Tuva’s personal conflicts become repetitive. Since this is the second book in the series, readers who have not read the first installment may also feel as lost as someone wandering through the archipelago without a map, a flashlight, or any sense of self-preservation.
Overall, this is an atmospheric fantasy with creative mythology and a sympathetic young protagonist, but the slow pacing kept me from becoming fully absorbed. I enjoyed the setting and ideas more than the execution. Three stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is what a novel for young readers should be: poignant, suspenseful, atmospheric, and full of heart. Tuva is back after the events that changed her life in the first novel. She knows who she is—or at least what she is—but now she has even more questions. Her parents are no help, leaving only her grandmother to tell it like it is. Tuva is a fantastic, likable protagonist, and the supporting cast is quirky, memorable, and easy to root for. Jess Moran gives each character a distinctive voice, consistently bringing out the suspense in the text. The translation by A. A. Prime is equally fantastic, with beautiful, evocative prose. The plot is creepy, atmospheric, and genuinely scary, while delivering an important message without ever becoming preachy. The world Tuva inhabits is so vividly detailed that you can almost feel the oppressive mist surrounding her. A wonderful continuation of Tuva’s story.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Brilliance Audio.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Brilliance Audio.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tuva is a 12 year old girl living on a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea. She is also one of the merfolk, and keeps a scarf around her neck to hide gills. She often feels different and alone, and apparently her school does not have a zero tolerance policy for bullying, because most of the kids are pretty mean. When the man who picks her up in his boat for school falls ill, she learns that he may have been cursed by some unhappy sea spirits, who also seem to responsible for a thick fog that won't dissipate. With the help of her school nurse who also has some magical attributes, can Tuva convince the angry ocean goddess that humanity is worth saving? And should she go out of her way to save the mean girls? Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy, which was beautifully translated by A.A. Prime.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I think the narrator did an amazing job, her voice was very soothing and calming, I almost felt like I was in the fog with Tuva.
The story and the lore behind the fog was very fascinating and I think it holds a good message to kids, we have to protect our seas and keep them clean, I also appreciate the little facts and tips on how to keep the waters clean at the end of the book.
Tuva is such a strong character despite being an outsider and not fitting in she still acted selfless at the end and that is an amazing character moment for her. I enjoyed discovering the secrets of the fog alongside her.
I only wish the pacing would have been faster, it felt very slow and the story took too long to move on from one point to another.
I think the narrator did an amazing job, her voice was very soothing and calming, I almost felt like I was in the fog with Tuva.
The story and the lore behind the fog was very fascinating and I think it holds a good message to kids, we have to protect our seas and keep them clean, I also appreciate the little facts and tips on how to keep the waters clean at the end of the book.
Tuva is such a strong character despite being an outsider and not fitting in she still acted selfless at the end and that is an amazing character moment for her. I enjoyed discovering the secrets of the fog alongside her.
I only wish the pacing would have been faster, it felt very slow and the story took too long to move on from one point to another.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Tuva is a 12 year old girl living on an island in the Swedish archipelago with her parents. Or is she? Because Tuva's parents are not her biological parents and her origins are shrouded in mystery.
Perhaps that is why she is so sensitive to the sinister fog that has been prevailing in their area, and causing people to behave out of character. But how can Tuva do anything about it when there are so many questions she still has that have thus far remained unanswered...
This is an atmospheric tale based on folklore, and has a supernatural element to it. I very much enjoyed the previous story featuring Tuva and was happy to have the opportunity to revisit her adventures.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Perhaps that is why she is so sensitive to the sinister fog that has been prevailing in their area, and causing people to behave out of character. But how can Tuva do anything about it when there are so many questions she still has that have thus far remained unanswered...
This is an atmospheric tale based on folklore, and has a supernatural element to it. I very much enjoyed the previous story featuring Tuva and was happy to have the opportunity to revisit her adventures.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
September 9, 2026
I really like this story of Tuva that the Sten's due together. They have captured the essence of the archipelago in what is currently being done with the environment. I can only agree with what they say at the end of the book. Tuva and Rasmus seem to be fairly young to be in a serious relationship but for the story it's ok. Maria is another one with powers that may have helped them in one way or the other. Erik Österman, who been Tuva's boat person for all the years she been going to school, is another old timer who helps Tuva in the end. All the action has been an inspiration to being helpful in a creative way as a reader. I Think I said that the Sten's have always been interesting, but they are more then that I can't describe it.
September 29, 2026
This mysterious middle grade novel was misty and dark. It was hard to tell where it was going. I felt bad for the main character having to fight this scary world alone. She really could have used a partner, which she had for short periods but never really the same person. Yes, girls can do it on their own, but she is 12 or 13 and that’s asking a bit much fo this girl who lives in a hard world and has a big role to fill in her community. She barely even had her parents in this story. Great growth for her regardless.
I was provided an advanced reader audiobook in exchange for my honest review. I did not read book 1 of this series.
I was provided an advanced reader audiobook in exchange for my honest review. I did not read book 1 of this series.
September 13, 2026
I really liked the first in this series where Tuva finds out why she's never fit in. The setting on the mysterious archipelago is wonderful and mysterious and a little dangerous feeling, and there are odd things happening now. Tuva needs (and deserves) whatever answers people can give her but she's frustrated. The narrator does a great job conveying this suspense and I'm interested in where this series is going to go.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this
This is a review of the audiobook.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this
This is a review of the audiobook.
September 17, 2026
A great pick for a quick listen or read. It delivers plenty of thrilling, intense moments woven together with old tales, magic, and touches of the supernatural. At its core, though, it’s a sobering reminder of how our waters and natural environments are being poisoned and polluted. You can’t help but pause and reflect on the damage being done. The author even notes that the Baltic Sea is currently one of the most polluted bodies of water in the world. The closing section offers a few thoughtful suggestions on how we can each make a difference.
August 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was a haunting fantastical thriller. I really enjoyed the lore that was incorporated into the story. Tuva was such a strong character and yet I felt so bad for her as she has always felt like such an outsider in her own life. This was a great continuation of this series and I am excited to see where this goes and how much more lore is incorporated.
This was a haunting fantastical thriller. I really enjoyed the lore that was incorporated into the story. Tuva was such a strong character and yet I felt so bad for her as she has always felt like such an outsider in her own life. This was a great continuation of this series and I am excited to see where this goes and how much more lore is incorporated.
September 21, 2026
Loved the conclusion of Tuva’s story. This caliber of YA fiction is a pleasure to read for this senior citizen! I’ve long been a fan of Viveca Sten’s books, and this series written with her daughter further solidifies my admiration. What a treat to read such strong authors’ works!! Highly recommend.
September 24, 2026
Another enjoyable listen.
September 9, 2026
I love this follow up!! The series is marketed for children, but I truly believe it's a book for anyone. Watching Tuva's character grow and become more resilient was a real treat. I'm hoping the authors continue the series as I would love to see how Tuva continues to grow into herself and what becomes of her friendship with Rasmus!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews