Le Mystère du kraken

Menagerie #3

by Tui T. Sutherland

The Menagerie trilogy comes to a fantastic conclusion in Krakens and Lies, the third magical and mysterious adventure from Tui Sutherland (New York Times bestselling author of the Wings of Fire series) and Kari Sutherland. Young readers who love mythological creatures and series like Fablehaven, the Spiderwick Chronicles, and Spirit Animals won't want to miss the Menagerie.

Someone has been sabotaging the Menagerie, and Logan and Zoe are on the case. But their troubles only get worse when the basilisk escapes its enclosure and the merpeople go on strike—leaving the kraken to its own devices. The race is on to solve the mystery and save the Menagerie in this riveting, action-packed finale!

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Dragons, Adventure, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2015

About the author

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Tui? What kind of name is that? Is it short for something?

Nope. Among the many great things to come out of New Zealand (the Lord of the Rings movies, cats that paint, my mom) is a bird called the tui—not as well known as the kiwi, but a heck of a lot noisier!

I was born July 31 (same birthday as Harry Potter!) in Caracas, Venezuela, and lived in Asuncion, Paraguay; Miami, Florida; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, before moving to New Jersey in high school, where I started doing theatre—mostly backstage work, because (a) it was fun, and (b) you got to hang out in the dark with cute boys. (Er, I mean . . . because it was artistically fulfilling, yes.)

I graduated from Williams College in ’98 and I currently live in Boston with my husband, my perfect new baby, and my adorable yoodle Sunshine (what’s a yoodle? A puppy that’s three-quarters poodle and one-quarter Yorkshire terrier, of course!).

Much to my parents’ relief, I abandoned my theatrical aspirations after college for the far more stable and lucrative career of fiction writing.

My first two official books were beginning readers, part of Grosset & Dunlap’s “First Friends” series for kids learning to read. MEET MO AND ELLA is tough to find now, but FUN WITH MO AND ELLA should still be out there somewhere.

My first novel for teenagers was THIS MUST BE LOVE, which retells Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a modern-day high school, from the POV of the two heroines, Hermia and Helena.

And now I'm writing in a new project called SEEKERS! It's a children's book series that I'm writing with Erin Hunter. Check out my blog to find out more!

Reviews

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the Menagerie series. This book was an excellent conclusion to this middle grade contemporary fantasy. I actually enjoy this series a lot more than Tui Sutherland’s Wings of Fire series. You definitely need to read the previous books in this series to understand what’s going on in this one.

For the whole series someone has been sabotaging the Menagerie. It is up to Logan and Zoe to unravel the mystery of who this someone is. Things get worse when someone lets out the Basilisk and the mermaids (fearing for their safety and being generally difficult) decide go on strike. Logan fears the worst when they see his dad sneaking around the Menagerie at night.

I really love the unique magical creatures featured throughout. In this book we get to meet the Kraken, a Chinese Dragon, and a few other very intriguing creatures.

I also really enjoyed the solid friendships the characters develop; in this book we meet Matthew’s potential girlfriend and Zoe and Jasmine start to mend their broken friendship. Additionally I love the wonderful relationships the kids have with their families. The kids and the parents work together to solve problems, the parents are supportive and understanding the majority of the time. I love seeing a great story with functional families in it.

This story is mostly a mystery where are characters have to solve the puzzle of who is sabotaging the Menagerie. I have really enjoyed this series a lot and would love to see a spin-off series about Logan and Zoe on future adventures with these crazy magical creatures.

Overall this was an incredibly fun read. I highly recommend this whole series to fans of middle grade fantasy. I think it’s a book both middle grade readers and adults can enjoy. I would also recommend Brandon Mull's Fablehaven series.

[Marieke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could write a lot about individual points, like how the exaggeration of the characters felt more fit for a cartoon and how unbelievable it is when 6 friends all somehow end up in romantic pairs, but in general it just felt all over the place. I wonder whether the authors let each other know where the plot would go and then wrote it, because it felt like they just wrote one chapter after the other, without knowing where it would lead. And then with 20 pages left all the loose ends had to be tied and it just became a literary mess.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! The authors should make a spin-off series about Logan going to tracker camp!

[₊˚ ⁀➴ kenzie ⠀❦ jacks’ version · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a page-turner, but was also really similar to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, since they are trying to prove Scratch innocent, just like Harry, Hermione, and Ron do with Buckbeak.

[Brenda Klaassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished reading this series of books because the story really held my attention. I did enjoy all the characters. I could believe that all the characters could be real people. I found the story to be unique and full of adventure. This author does know how to write.

[Grace Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this series, but I felt the ending needed some work. The saboteur turned out to be a SNAPA agent, but the reason she did what she did felt forced, like the authors hadn't planned on her being the villain until the last book. And the Sterlings being evil just to be evil, whaaaat? Why wasn't that explained better?
And I wanted more about the kraken, she (he?) seemed cool, but why wasn't it hibernating? That wasn't explained, though I'm guessing it had something to do with the Chinese dragon communicating with it.
And Elsie was a total disappointment. She came into the book merely to do the underwater chores. There is no background or personality for her. Which is sad, because I was hoping a selkie would come into the series sometime.
Overall, the book was a great read. But it needed better villains and a few of the characters needed more work.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appropriate for: age 11+

I really enjoyed this sequel. There are more characters (and animals) to follow than ever, but I didn't have too much trouble. I found most of the characters very likable and the story, especially the mystery, engaging!

[Ciera Legue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it but where logans mom was being held and how they found her left something to be desired as it wasnt as interesting as the rest of the book. 

[Amy Slavick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this whole series! Kraken and Lies was a great finale. I wish there were more books in this series!

[Jaime Lyerly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series is an enjoyable family read of low fantasy. I liked most of the book, but the ending felt too rushed and like they needed to make sure everything was happy!!!

[Zack Rosier · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a great book but the final solution was too simple

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Along this entire journey, my only real complaint with these books was the authors' tendency for a too-quick sum up. In the other two books, it didn't bother me much; this trilogy actually kind of reads like an extra long novel, since the happenings from one spill over into the next, and since the whole trilogy takes place within about a week and a half total. While this last installment did have more resolution than the others, it was still a touch too brief and honestly much of it wasn't very satisfying. (I'll avoid spoilers, but the whole mayoral solution, for example, felt just kind of silly; and also, I thought the Menagerie was supposed to be a secret, but there seem to be a whole lot more people in on the secret by the end.) Anyway. Still a good book, just not as good as the first two.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this series. The mystery! The creatures! And the characters!

This is my perfect combination of mystery and fantasy that had me on the edge of my seat. All the clue are there, the question is: will you figure it out before the end?

[Aprilleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last volume in a trilogy, this book neatly wrapped up all the loose ends in the previous two books, while leaving plenty of openings for a second trilogy later. Who is the mysterious person the school librarian was corresponding with? He didn't believe her, but they're still a potential wild card. What about the mysterious Antarctic menagerie? What adventures will Logan have at Camp Underpaw next summer? How will his first trip hunting for a mythological creature go? I have no idea if they have any plans to produce sequels, but I love that they left the possibility wide open. I would love to see more character development for the newcomers to the Menagerie, as well as additional storylines for lesser characters that have been with us all along.

[Marcella Mangan · Rating 2 out of 5]

*spoiler free review*
The most anti-climactic ending to a series I have ever read.

I read this series because I was a huge fan of Wings of Fire, and really liked it... Until the ending of this book. It was the climax and the anticipation was very high- and then it ended, the most disappointing ending I've seen. The whole series led up to that one moment, and it ended horribly. Ruined the whole series for me, and I'm sorry to say that.

[A Hoppy Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star
Unsatisfying conclusion, the resolutions felt too convenient and last minute.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series. It's my third time listening 🤩 My 10, 8, and 6 year old kiddos love it too. HIGHLY recommend!!

[Beth ~Book Loving Is My Superpower~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review will be for the 3 book series as a whole because each book was just as good as the last. I listened to this audiobook with my husband and 11 year old daughter each night before bed and here I'll report what each family member's opinion was.


My 11yo: "I really liked this series. I loved that everyone had their own personalities, making it easy to tell who was who. The cliffhangers were a little anticlimactic. I also didn't like how Jasmine was made out to look like a rude, selfish, brat when she was actually really nice. I enjoyed the writing, it was so good that the author was able to make me hate certain characters with all my heart... that's talent. I wanted more time with the creatures individually. The mythical members of the story deserved more page time especially when they were interacting with Logan who also was an awesome creature whisperer."
Overall:
"It's no Harry Potter (though who besides the original can be?) but it was a decent book series.
All in all I rate it a 4 out of 5 stars."


My 38 year old Husband: "this was a cute series. I personally wouldn't have picked it to read on my own but it held my interest even when it was a touch trite. The mythical creatures were the best part of the book.
Overall: it was interesting enough and everyone in the family enjoyed it. I rate it 3.5 stars."

Me: this Middle Grade book was a fun way to spend some time, listening, with the family! I won't recap the synopsis but I will say that I loved how vivid it was while still staying within the parameters of a Middle Grade read. The writing was solid and, apart from trying to figure out who was causing all the ruckus and why, I really enjoyed meeting the bevy of mythical creatures! There were the usual suspects... mermaids... gryphons... dragons... a basilisk... a kraken... a variety of were-creatures and more. The vast array of characters were introduced in a succinct/seamless manor. We, the reader/listener, were never bogged down and burried underneath a huge cast where it feels like homework trying to keep everyone straight. The characters were strong and well rounded yet they all brought something unique to the group. I adored the way the protagonists slowly learned to rely on one another and work together in a cohesive group in order to achieve success in whatever the current problem was. The pace was never stagnant (in any of the books) and it kept us guessing (almost) straight through. The ending tied things up neatly with a tidy wrapping and a pretty were-bow on top... not normally how I like my endings BUT in this Middle Grade book it worked out well.
Overall:
The Menagerie was a well written Middle Grade read with a bunch of mysteries to solve and great characters created to achieve that goal. The magic was entertaining and the backdrop just as good but the characters and fantastical creatures were the stars of this show. This is good, clean fun for the whole family and I give it a solid 4 stars.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my absolute favorite book of the trilogy! This one had so much mystery in it, I loved it! And all the mythological beasts were so fascinating and had me googling to see more about them, as it appears the author actually drew from real mythological beasts!

My only real qualm with this series is that soooooo many of the characters (including the beasts) had the same narcissistic personality!

Let's see, we have the unicorns, the golden egg-laying goose, the mermaids, the dragons, the phoenix, the rich parents, the oldest sister, the adopted sister...and I'm sure I'm missing some... all have variations of narcissistic behavior ranging from snooty and arrogant and obnoxious to "woe-is-me, nobody appreciates me" regular diatribes. Over and over and over again from FAR TOO DAMNED MANY characters!! Seriously, does this author not have the imagination to create different personalities??

That said, I still really loved this book, honestly! And nearly gave it 5 stars if not for that really annoying aspect.

And I do still recommend this series to anyone that loves fantasy and mythological beasts because this was one wild ride and was so full of amazing creatures and the main kids in it at least were awesome characters!

[Jasmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in Kraken and Lies, the final book in The Menagerie trilogy, and things are wrapped up pretty nicely. No fancy bow to make it feel like “the end.” You know the characters are continuing on, and the authors let the reader know it (and leave it open for potentially more books at some point).

I didn’t feel as much of that building and growing of the characters in this book. And what developing there was, was really spurred by some sort of magical-type event. And the ultimate villains, I think they came out a little disappointing. They were more comical than bad, and I couldn’t really see them succeeding at much of anything. It made the stakes seem a little less high.

The trail of clues leading to these bad guys was laid quite nicely. Just enough information to keep everyone moving in the right direction. Not so much information that it felt rushed.

And the Kraken – he really stole the show several times. In fact, all the water creatures were amazing, and they played a big role in how the story played out. I loved this ending, and do hope that we get to revisit this world to check in on how everyone is doing.

[Bryan Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid conclusion to a fun and frantic youth fantasy series. Yes, it is ridiculous. Yes, the surprises and twists are predictably unpredictable. Yes, I enjoyed it.

This series is similar to Rolwing's idea of Fantastic Beasts. It is set in the real world, but there are magical animals everywhere. They are kept secret and protected by a group of somewhat inept "men in black." Nefarious villains hope to expose the creatures for their own benefit, and our intrepid group of meddling kids is out to save the day.

I rolled my eyes a bit when a new animal showed up with just exactly the power they needed to move the plot along, but epic fantasy stories tend to do the same thing. It was easy to read through that classic trope and simply enjoy the story. All of the mysteries from the previous two books, as well as the first part of book 3, are tidily wrapped up in the last few chapters. It is a satisfying and happy ending.

[Dolphin Delilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Menagerie series has such great energy, just like young and excited energy, and I missed that SO DARN MUCH.
I loved the conclusion and how the mystery wrapped up, and I just have to add that I am a super duper smart genius, because I guessed the plot twist. But, you know, not that anyone cares . . . 😏
As usual, the creatures were awesome, although I have a grudge against mermaids now. NO HAWAII FOR YOU!!! YOU DONT DESERVE IT, YOU FISH-TAILED BAGS OF LAZINESS!!
I really wish there was more of Squorp and the other little griffins in this book, but everything else kept me reading and I enjoyed the final book of the Menagerie series!
I loved this series and all the mythical creatures in it!! I wish it wasn't over, but I can't wait to look back on it in a few years and say to myself, "I remember reading that series. It was great." And then I can reread it and enjoy it all over again. 📖😁

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick and fun listen, but I did not like it as much as the two previous books. Ruby and Keiko are such negative, stereotypical characters, and although they are members of the family, they hardly seem that way. This is particularly true of Keiko, who seems to be absent from most of the family drama, as if as an adopted child she just doesn't count. I think that's a pretty bad message to send.

I thought that there were other parts that quite make sense either. The role of Bob, for example, was inconsistent. Sometimes it seemed that she did a good job of deflecting attention, but sometimes she obviously didn't, because people did notice or know things. When that happened, it was never commented on. I believe there was also a loose end that was never resolved. Who was Firebella's small furry friend?

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

i must say i had no idea who/what was behind the mysterious goings-on at the Menagerie in Xanadu... i loved this book... how the hell did all three books cover such a short span of time but cram so much fun and excitement and crazy animals and interesting people in there??? definitely a superfun and superfast read, there really wasn't a place to stop for a break... so many great characters (human and mythic-beast) and such a fantastical book-place to be dropped into for the duration... a fabulous book, and series, for children of any age... adults like me will enjoy its simplicity and fiercely cute imagination...

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Survey reward | Such a good conclusion to the trilogy, did not disappoint. | I only wish I had been able to read this final book more promptly after finishing the first two books, because there was quite a bit that I didn't really remember when I began. Fortunately the opening does a good job of reminding the reader, though I never did recall what one of the acronyms meant until reading the epilogue. Successful wrapping up where loose ends were tied up and consequences were appropriate. Enjoyable to spend more time with these characters and in the Menagerie.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Menagerie series. My granddaughter (age 9) loved the book and in the back of the book is a dictionary of mythical animals. She enjoyed studying about the animals, some included in the book and some not included. She is hopeful there will be more books. I enjoyed reading these books "with" her. The books are excellent for about a 6th grade reading level. I like them because they have extended her vocabulary by using sophisticated vocabulary. She figured out most of the advanced words from context.

[Trynitie Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book in my series that always feels like home! Jasmin is my favorite!

Spoiler part: the ending is so amazing! Seeing Jasmin combat her parents and their beliefs is so cool and shows it’s okay to not agree with and stand up to your parents when they are not doing good and are harming animals. Zoe and Logan make me smile so much! They are definitely going to run the whole place one day! Keiko and Marco kept me laughing the entire time! Blue is the calm is this storm and matches Jasmin’s confidence so well!

[Mickalene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the full trilogy over the weekend and would recommend reading them close together as I would not classify the first two as good stand alone books, but more cliffhanger endings, and that all three books blend together. This would be a fun series for 3rd, 4th, or 5th graders. Similar to Fablehaven, but less complex. I felt there was something more to Logan that was never fully explained. Would love to see another trilogy following him on his next adventure! Loved the fun mythical creatures found here!

[Emily Carlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 3rd book in the Menagerie series is just as action-packed! It's hard to realize that all the books themselves only take place within a 2 week span!! (Or at least that's what I understand from when Logan thinks about how long he's known about the Menagerie itself.) In this installment, Zoe, Blake, and Logan, have to figure out who is trying to wreak havoc on the Menagerie itself. A missing basilisk (don't look into it's eyes!) and grumpy merpeople are some of the animal mishaps of this book. Plus, questions like "Is Logan's dad trying to wreck the Menagerie?!" "Where is Logan's Mom?" and "Why do Zoe's parents have a map of the secret Menagerie?" will get answered.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wraps the whole series up nicely.

This series isn't as compelling as the Wings of Fire series. Zoe made sure readers were supposed to be extremely worried about everything which became rather annoying after awhile. Many of the creatures had comic personalities: whiney, narcessistic, annoying. Some interesting new mythical creatures are introduced in the books. I'm surprised that my 12 year-old read all the books as they seem a bit young for her.