A Mermaid in Middle Grade: Book 1: The Talisman of Lostland

by A.M. Luzzader

A Magical Mermaid Fantasy Adventure for children ages 8-12

A young mermaid. A sea witch out for revenge. Can Brynn Finley become a sea guardian and help humans in danger when she just barely started the sixth grade?

Brynn Finley is the only mermaid in class who hasn't been able to learn mer-magic. Without it, she can't be a guardian of the sea with her parents and friends. On her quest for answers, Brynn encounters a loveable sea turtle, a pair of selkie sisters, and Phaedra, the great and terrible sea witch. Soon Brynn is over her head in trouble, and she must learn to ask for help if she's going to follow the merfolk oath to be a protector of the ocean and a guardian of the sea.

The Mermaid in Middle Grade series is a fantasy adventure and coming of age book series appropriate for preteens and all who enjoy middle grade books.

Educational topics: Ocean and marine life, environmental conservation, honesty, friendship, mindfulness, middle school, and interpersonal skills.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Childrens, Mermaids

246 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2020

Reviews

[Shanna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book, yes I am an adult, but it just had such a cute feel to it. I think this story would be great for younger children, especially ones about to go into middle school. It has fun characters, great story line, and teaches wonderful things to it's readers.

Middle schoolers have so much to deal with: friends, homework, learning, chores, and hobbies. Mermaids also have mer-magic added in on top of their math, history, etc. Sometimes things don't always go easy for anyone, even this mermaid. Her story teaches about how being honest is very important and how one little exaggeration can turn into a big mess of lies.

I highly recommend this book for your middle schoolers.

[Sue Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My middle grade reader had just finished two great series, Keeper of the Lost Cities (Shannon Messenger), and Story Thieves (James Riley) and she was desperate to find a new fantasy/adventure series to sink her teeth into. This one totally fit the bill! She tore through the first book & already downloaded the second one in the series.

Since it was already on our device, I decided to try it as a read aloud with her 7 yr old sister (who happens to love mermaids) and so far we all just adore this story! The author creates an enchanting undersea world in which a young Mermaid, Brynn Finley begins to learn of the challenges that face the Merfolk and other creatures that inhabit the world under the sea. With starting middle school, she is excited to learn the magic of her kin, but understands that this knowledge comes with responsibility. As the story progresses, she is faced with choices and some new challenges that she has never faced (and a few good lessons for the young reader). Friendship, honesty, and environmentalism are all nicely woven into the story.

I love to see a series that can be accessible to a wide age range (my younger daughter is *thrilled* to listen to the same story that her big sister enjoyed reading). Check out this book for any young reader who might have an interest in ocean life, mermaids or fantasy, or just enjoys a really well told tale.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brynn Finley is a mermaid, and that means she is tasked with the lifelong obligation of protecting the sea. She is beginning middle school, which means that Brynn will finally learn how to use the magic nearly all mermaids are born with. Brynn claims to be gifted in magic, telling others about her skills before she even attempts them. When she struggles to generate the primary spell she must learn, Brynn resorts to extreme measures from unsavory sea creatures to maintain the facade she has created for herself. One lie begets another, and Brynn digs herself into a hole that she must find a way to escape. The love of her best friend Jade, her parents, and her pet turtle Tully help Brynn come to terms with her mistakes and make the mature choice to do better in the future.

Newly independent readers who are ready for chapter books without pictures will embrace the easy transition found in this story. Short, predictable sentence structure coupled with occasional challenging vocabulary help readers improve their skills in a fun and engaging way. Action-packed text mixes with believable dialogue to keep readers engaged throughout the story. At once a lesson in making good choices and protecting the ocean, this story sends strong messages without feeling overbearing. Challenging concepts are presented in an accessible way and, though moments of the story are perilous, the overall plot is entertaining and enjoyable. The first in a series, this book introduces readers to Brynn, her friends and family, and the undersea world which she calls home. Middle grade readers who value the sea and the creatures who live there will appreciate this tale about saving the ocean through love.

[Amy Ayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by ten-year-old Ayan.
A Mermaid in Middle Grade: The Talisman of Lostland is the wonderfully crafted story of a young mermaid who is nervous about going to middle school but excited to learn magic there. When the first day of school drags by, and Brynn reaches the magic class, she finds out that she can’t do the magic!
The other students learn the basic illumination spell as their first session, but not Brynn. She spends weeks practicing, to no avail. Brynn can’t learn any other magic as the illumination spell is the foundation of them all. As the mid-term exam comes up, she takes the only choice available to her now. But will it help? You must read this book to find out!!

This book doesn’t remind me of any other book that I’ve ever read; it’s one of a kind.
This book’s themes are loving and caring for everybody, helping ocean life thrive (did you know that ocean life is currently being negatively impacted by human activity?), and reaching out to others for help, which came as a surprise to me. 😊

There aren’t any illustrations in this book, but I still didn’t miss them.

I give this book 5/5 stars as I read it all in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down.
- Ayan

P.S. My sister loved this book, too. We would love to read the second book of this series. 😊

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brynn Finley can't wait to get to middle school and start learning magic. She just knows she will be great at it. But something isn't quite right: all her classmates are better than Brynn. But this is one mermaid who won't let something like rules keep her from becoming a protector of the ocean! As consequences stack up and a lie of Disney Channel proportions mounts, Brynn has to find a way to not only get herself out of the mess she's made but to save a number of innocent lives as well.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I can tell why it's so popular with its themes of friendship, ocean animals, magic, school, family and saving the world and a little climate protection thrown in. I want to say the scenario is unrealistic, but I've honestly ended up in situations where I'm similarly stressed over the complex lies and obligations I've built around myself. I've never accidentally released murderers from jail, but as crazy as Brynn's situation gets, it isn't impossible considering her attitude and dishonesty. Maybe I don't like it because I see myself in it and it makes me uncomfortable lol. In any case, the world building and character development are quite compelling, and I think most 10 year olds who are interested in mermaids will enjoy this one. Maybe it could use a quick proofread though?

[Turtle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm actually pleasantly surprised by this book. It obviously wasn't made with me in mind as a potential audience but I think, for the younger audience it is intended for, it works.

I found the main character a bit insufferable. I was getting strong flashbacks to Aladdin, and all the lies that piled upon him. Stories like this actually increase my anxiety which is probably why I was extremely honest as a kid. I was terrified of a snowball-like scenario happening. So even as a younger reader I probably would have hated this book because of the many lies she tells.

But with an older more discerning eye, I can say this book has a good message. It's intriguing and even as an adult, I was interested in the outcome. I don't think I'll read any more in the series but it wasn't too bad for a free book.

[Heather Huggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love mermaids this is a super cute story about a mermaid named Brynn. Brynn is just starting middle school and is in for a bunch of changes. Not only is it a new school but she will learn how to do mer-magic and learn how to help her environment. It's all going to be super easy for Brynn right? Not so much. She runs into a few complications, including a sea witch who's out to cause trouble.

Read this to my daughter and we both enjoyed it. We recommend it if you like mermaids and adventure.

[Beverly Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many lessons in this book. It would be perfect for kids who read chapter books or even for teachers to use in class. It teaches responsibility for the ocean, the importance of asking for help when you need it, true friendship and love. I highly recommend this book to parents, teachers and kids. Loved and plan to read the rest of the series. Every girl wants to be a Mermaid even us girls over 50.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took a long time to finish this one - even paused to stop myself skimming. It was okay, but I didn't really like the main character. Some of the "messages" I felt were heavy handed - I read for enjoyment - not subliminal/moral lessons - even at this age which was aimed at middle grade readers. Had considered getting the series as a gift but will pass and try and find another mermaid series.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wonderful! The lessons of being honest and being mindful of hurting other’s feelings so good. My daughter loved Brynn and her pet turtle. Definitely recommend!

[Keshia · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. I skimmed it. Maybe I'll revisit when my daughters are older.

[PottWab Regional Library]

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[Linda Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book. The little mermaid becomes stressed when it seems she isn’t living up to her potential. I love the lesson learned about being truthful.

[E.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute adorable...with an important lesson about lying & consequences!

See my full review on Book 3.