Threshold

by Angela J. Reynolds

Angela J. Reynolds' debut novel for middle-grade readers takes us to a coastline in Cape Breton where there are crises on dry land and the seals in the water are much more than they seem.

Twelve-year old Terra is spending the summer in Cape Breton with her aunt Kendall while her mom takes care of her younger brother, Dylan, who has fallen very ill. Terra spends time by the ocean and befriends a mermaid called Minne who takes her under the sea and introduces her to the Murgelt people. Terra finds an artifact that might belong to them, and despite interference from Alise, the daughter of Kendall's new girlfriend, she unravels a family mystery for both the Murgelt and for Alise.

202 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2022

Reviews

[Janet Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely and haunting story of family and friendship set on the shores of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Terra is a 12-year-old girl who becomes friend with a mermaid (or Murgelt as they call themselves) and must bargain to save her brother's life. Reynolds presents the Murgelt's undersea home as a fully developed world with its own culture and history. Vividly evocative and imaginative.

[Andy Tolson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this debut novel by Angela Reynolds, set in Cape Breton, and full of magic, mysterious mirrors and mermaids. The story subtly touches on family grief and friendship, both weaved beautifully into a fun read about the kind of exciting summer you’d have wanted when you were a kid. Gorgeous cover art by Lauren Soloy.