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The Mythics #1
Marina and the Kraken
From Case Closed author Lauren Magaziner and artist Mirelle Ortega comes the first book in a new highly illustrated middle grade fantasy series. Full of action, adventure, and friendship, a team of five girls must stop a powerful villain by finding their mythical familiars.
It’s Pairing Day in Terrafamiliar! Marina has been waiting for this moment—anxiously—for as long as she can remember. Because today’s the day she gets to bond with her animal familiar for life, like every other ten-year-old in the land.
Except after the ceremony ends, Marina doesn’t have one. And she’s not alone . . . four other girls also didn’t get their animal companions. The leaders of Terrafamiliar realize something special is happening: Marina and the other four girls—Kit, Ember, Pippa, and Hailey—are called Mythics
In times of unrest, the Mythics must earn their Mythies—mythical beasts—in quests of courage. But danger lurks everywhere as there are others seeking this mysterious power. And only the Mythics can save Terrafamiliar!
It’s Pairing Day in Terrafamiliar! Marina has been waiting for this moment—anxiously—for as long as she can remember. Because today’s the day she gets to bond with her animal familiar for life, like every other ten-year-old in the land.
Except after the ceremony ends, Marina doesn’t have one. And she’s not alone . . . four other girls also didn’t get their animal companions. The leaders of Terrafamiliar realize something special is happening: Marina and the other four girls—Kit, Ember, Pippa, and Hailey—are called Mythics
In times of unrest, the Mythics must earn their Mythies—mythical beasts—in quests of courage. But danger lurks everywhere as there are others seeking this mysterious power. And only the Mythics can save Terrafamiliar!
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2022
9 people are currently reading
2525 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Magaziner
29 books222 followersLauren Magaziner is the internationally bestselling author of the The Incorruptibles series, the Case Closed series, The Mythics series. She is also the author of stand-alone humorous middle grade books: The Only Thing Worse Than Witches, Pilfer Academy, and Wizardmatch. Lauren is originally from New Hope, Pennsylvania, and she currently resides in Philadelphia, where she writes full-time. You can visit her at laurenmagaziner.com or follow along with her newsletter at laurenmagaziner.substack.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 6, 2023
Леле… Много готина книга! Много ми хареса Марина!Това толкова тихо и притеснено момиче прояви такава голяма смелост! След такива големи тревоги да се изправи срещу КРАКЕН!!! Нямам търпение да прочета следващата книга от поредицата.
August 8, 2022
So cute. I want my own mythical familiar!
March 19, 2024
Марина, въпреки своите тревоги и гласове в главата, успява да се справи с предизвикателството, което ѝ е отредено. История за лидерство, приемане, решаване на проблеми и приятелство.
August 10, 2024
I loved this!! I loved Marina, who is so nervous about everything and had to learn how to manage her fear to find her family's. I can't wait to read the next in the series!!
November 16, 2025
Amazing book! I am very excited to read book two!
May 1, 2023
МАРИН И КРАКЕНЪТ
В Марина и кракенът се разказва как Марина и четири други момичета не получават техните митични животни.Книгата е много интересна. Ако бях в книгата, щях да искам митично животно еднорог. Момичетата са пълни с проблеми.Много добър избор на издателство Лютиче. Това издателство има хубави книги. 🤩🥰
В Марина и кракенът се разказва как Марина и четири други момичета не получават техните митични животни.Книгата е много интересна. Ако бях в книгата, щях да искам митично животно еднорог. Момичетата са пълни с проблеми.Много добър избор на издателство Лютиче. Това издателство има хубави книги. 🤩🥰
July 4, 2024
4.5☆
Super adorable!!! I'm excited to continue this series!
Super adorable!!! I'm excited to continue this series!
September 14, 2022
A really fun childrens book for the adventurous and nautical soul. The story is quick and the pictures lend themselves to the story.
I do think the world could’ve been fleshed out a little. As well as the story. Some things were a little on the nose; such as a sea lion named Sea Lion. The mystery surrounding her mom is a complete flub honestly. We don’t get any information on how she died or anything so it was a useless plot point.
The representation and diversity of the book was a really nice touch. As well as Marina’s realization that it’s ok to be anxious and you will get through things.
I do think the world could’ve been fleshed out a little. As well as the story. Some things were a little on the nose; such as a sea lion named Sea Lion. The mystery surrounding her mom is a complete flub honestly. We don’t get any information on how she died or anything so it was a useless plot point.
The representation and diversity of the book was a really nice touch. As well as Marina’s realization that it’s ok to be anxious and you will get through things.
October 9, 2022
What worked:
The swift-moving story makes this book a quick read. The basis of it is the five main characters called Mystics must find their familiars, animals they bond with to develop powers. An arrow appears on each girl’s hand that points in the direction where her mythie will be found. Marina’s arrow glows brightest so it’s decided to search for her familiar first. This first book in the series is all about finding Marina’s mythie although the author doesn’t make it smooth sailing, literally.
Many complications are added to the adventure to keep readers engaged and wondering what will happen next. The girls are given the mayor’s boat without any instructions about how to sail or where they’re going. Luckily, Marina has experience on the water so she becomes the leader of the group. The boat itself is in terrible condition so the girls must immediately come up with ideas about how to fill the many holes. Socks aren’t the best solution. Also, a mysterious boat is following them with the intention of stealing the girls’ mythies to harness the raw power.
Marina’s character suffers from anxiety with the potential to paralyze her. She’s nervous about the whole bonding ceremony and anticipating which animal might possibly become her familiar. She’s hit with additional worry from not being chosen by any creature, an unprecedented occurrence in Terrafamiliar’s history. She feels more apprehension when the other Mystics look to her for guidance. Her fears reach their peak as things literally and figuratively fall apart in the middle of the ocean. If she can’t over her anxiety, she’ll need to learn to persevere through it.
What didn’t work as well:
The plot moves quickly so character development is lacking and details in the conflict aren’t shared. The five main characters even say they aren’t given any information about what they’re supposed to do before heading out into the ocean. They’re told they’ll need to use their new mythies to solve brewing trouble in the world with no knowledge or clues about what that means.
The Final Verdict:
The main characters are ten years old and that seems to be the age of the target audience. The simple framework of the plot makes it entertaining and easy to follow, although more experienced readers will find it too simple. The overall story is cute and creative so I recommend you give it a shot.
The swift-moving story makes this book a quick read. The basis of it is the five main characters called Mystics must find their familiars, animals they bond with to develop powers. An arrow appears on each girl’s hand that points in the direction where her mythie will be found. Marina’s arrow glows brightest so it’s decided to search for her familiar first. This first book in the series is all about finding Marina’s mythie although the author doesn’t make it smooth sailing, literally.
Many complications are added to the adventure to keep readers engaged and wondering what will happen next. The girls are given the mayor’s boat without any instructions about how to sail or where they’re going. Luckily, Marina has experience on the water so she becomes the leader of the group. The boat itself is in terrible condition so the girls must immediately come up with ideas about how to fill the many holes. Socks aren’t the best solution. Also, a mysterious boat is following them with the intention of stealing the girls’ mythies to harness the raw power.
Marina’s character suffers from anxiety with the potential to paralyze her. She’s nervous about the whole bonding ceremony and anticipating which animal might possibly become her familiar. She’s hit with additional worry from not being chosen by any creature, an unprecedented occurrence in Terrafamiliar’s history. She feels more apprehension when the other Mystics look to her for guidance. Her fears reach their peak as things literally and figuratively fall apart in the middle of the ocean. If she can’t over her anxiety, she’ll need to learn to persevere through it.
What didn’t work as well:
The plot moves quickly so character development is lacking and details in the conflict aren’t shared. The five main characters even say they aren’t given any information about what they’re supposed to do before heading out into the ocean. They’re told they’ll need to use their new mythies to solve brewing trouble in the world with no knowledge or clues about what that means.
The Final Verdict:
The main characters are ten years old and that seems to be the age of the target audience. The simple framework of the plot makes it entertaining and easy to follow, although more experienced readers will find it too simple. The overall story is cute and creative so I recommend you give it a shot.
February 28, 2024
Mythical creatures in an early chapter book series is a niche that needed more titles and author Lauren Magaziner aims to do that with THE MYTHICS. Series opener Marina and the Kraken introduces a world where all citizens bond with an animal familiar at age ten. Marina’s father has a crab buddy, her brother a sea lion and they are never apart and seem to have a mutually beneficial relationship. It’s Marina’s pairing day and everyone else in her group of ten year olds finds their lifelong friend easily but there is none for her. Unheard of except in legend that now seems possible, five girls from various regions were not paired, have glowing emblems on their palms and are destined to pair with mythical creatures that really do exist and then save the world from imminent disaster. Book 1 sets the group on the sea in search of Marina’s “mythie.” The title gives away what fantastic creature is found and the book’s conclusion sets the girls in search of the next partnership.
Chapter book readers in grades 2-4 will likely enjoy this adventure set in short chapters with black and white sketches included periodically and are sure to find similarities with the diverse personalities, body types and skin tones of the 5 girls. There is, of course, a “bad guy” pursuing them and the unknown looms. The downside of this new in 2023 series is the absolute requirement to read them in order and the fact that only Marina is matched with her familiar and little of the adventure is established in book 1 and Hailey will find hers in the second installment. Books 1 & 2 were released in May/Sept of 2023 and book 3 is slated to release May 2024, but I wonder if today’s early readers will have moved on to more challenging reads before the series is completed?
Text is free of profanity, sexual content and the only violence is that of nature. The female villain who is introduced only chases and uses a “gun” to shoot nets in her attempt to capture Marina’s Kraken. Representation: characters are illustrated as having differing skin tones and body types, Ember capably navigates life with only one hand and has two moms, and Marina deals with anxiety.
Thanks for hosting a Twitter/X giveaway, Lauren Magaziner!
Chapter book readers in grades 2-4 will likely enjoy this adventure set in short chapters with black and white sketches included periodically and are sure to find similarities with the diverse personalities, body types and skin tones of the 5 girls. There is, of course, a “bad guy” pursuing them and the unknown looms. The downside of this new in 2023 series is the absolute requirement to read them in order and the fact that only Marina is matched with her familiar and little of the adventure is established in book 1 and Hailey will find hers in the second installment. Books 1 & 2 were released in May/Sept of 2023 and book 3 is slated to release May 2024, but I wonder if today’s early readers will have moved on to more challenging reads before the series is completed?
Text is free of profanity, sexual content and the only violence is that of nature. The female villain who is introduced only chases and uses a “gun” to shoot nets in her attempt to capture Marina’s Kraken. Representation: characters are illustrated as having differing skin tones and body types, Ember capably navigates life with only one hand and has two moms, and Marina deals with anxiety.
Thanks for hosting a Twitter/X giveaway, Lauren Magaziner!
June 6, 2022
Oh my gosh! I cannot tell you how much I loved this middle grade novel. It was so much fun and I loved the world building. I just loved Marina and her doubtful worry of everything. I think may readers would identify with Marina's concern with trying new things and getting out of her comfort zone. She is even too sky and terrified to try to get a friend. She is thrown into an experience that tests her and brings her everything that she needs. She is a delight. The other characters are also so endearing and I cannot wait to read their stories.
Each of the people in this particular world receive a animal companion on their birthday. However, on Marina's day no animal appears. This is devastating for Marina. After a bit of time we learn that there are other kids who did not receive an animal. This group of kids is special and instead of receiving an email they have to go out and find their animals who happen to be mythical creatures thought to be imaginary. All of the animalless have to go on a journey which is fraught with danger. As the kids go to find their mythics others are trying to steal their mythics and the power that comes along with it. It seems that with the appearance of mythical creatures a big bad must be deleted.
Fantastic for students who love mythology, books of friendship, adventure, with just a touch of mystery.
Each of the people in this particular world receive a animal companion on their birthday. However, on Marina's day no animal appears. This is devastating for Marina. After a bit of time we learn that there are other kids who did not receive an animal. This group of kids is special and instead of receiving an email they have to go out and find their animals who happen to be mythical creatures thought to be imaginary. All of the animalless have to go on a journey which is fraught with danger. As the kids go to find their mythics others are trying to steal their mythics and the power that comes along with it. It seems that with the appearance of mythical creatures a big bad must be deleted.
Fantastic for students who love mythology, books of friendship, adventure, with just a touch of mystery.
April 13, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of The Mythics #1: Marina and the Kraken by Lauren Magaziner in exchange for an honest review.
The Mythics #1: Marina and the Kraken is the first installment of a fantasy novel by Lauren Magaziner, This story is perfect for Mid Grade readers who like stories of friendship, found family, and fantastical beasts.
The premise is that each child gets a familiar (an animal partner) on Pairing Day that will stay with them through the rest of their life. As everyone else is paired with their creatures, Marina finds that she is part of a small group of kids who are Mythics. These kids will be paired with their familiars only after completing epic adventures to find the magical creatures. She embarks on a journey with her newfound friends to find her mythie, the Kraken.
I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations by Mirelle Ortega were amazing and I especially love the Kraken. I think the author did a great job with Marina's story and background. The characters are likable and interesting and I'm excited for the next installment in the series.
The Mythics #1: Marina and the Kraken is the first installment of a fantasy novel by Lauren Magaziner, This story is perfect for Mid Grade readers who like stories of friendship, found family, and fantastical beasts.
The premise is that each child gets a familiar (an animal partner) on Pairing Day that will stay with them through the rest of their life. As everyone else is paired with their creatures, Marina finds that she is part of a small group of kids who are Mythics. These kids will be paired with their familiars only after completing epic adventures to find the magical creatures. She embarks on a journey with her newfound friends to find her mythie, the Kraken.
I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations by Mirelle Ortega were amazing and I especially love the Kraken. I think the author did a great job with Marina's story and background. The characters are likable and interesting and I'm excited for the next installment in the series.
May 15, 2023
Изборите на изд. „Лютиче“ някак си винаги уцелват право в десетката на литературните ни предпочитания. Така е и този път! „Марина и кракенът“ е първа книга от новата детска фентъзи поредица „Митичните“. Американската писателка Лорън Магазинър и мексиканската художничка Мирел Ортега ни пренасят в Терафамилиар – един фантастичен свят, чиито обитатели притежават особена връзка с природата. Още от ранна възраст хората се свързват с определени животни, които се превръщат в техни спътници, помощници и своеобразни тотеми. Те се наричат фамилиари и сега е ред на пет самоотвержени момичета да открият своите! Но сигурно няма да се изненадате, ако ви кажем, че на Терафамилиар освен обичайните младежки проблеми подрастващите се сблъскват и с паметни приключения, мистерии, загадки и легендарни създания! Е, ще се присъедините ли към „Митичните“? Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле“: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
April 2, 2022
The first in a new Middle Grade series full of fantasy. It's pairing day, and Marina is nervous that she won't get a familiar or won't like her familiar. However, her fears come true when no animal approaches her. She isn't alone - Kit also doesn't have a familiar. Soon, the mayor tells her that there are three others from nearby towns that also didn't have familiars. However, they do have familiars - they just are mythical creatures. These five girls are to become the Mythics, each paired with a Mythie. They have to face challenges to get to their familiars. This first book focuses on Marina and her mythie. It turns out to be a Kraken and she soon learns she can pair with it in ways most people can't with their familiars. However, there is a mystery woman trying to capture her kraken!
This was a really cute story! I loved the messages Marina brought about why she was paired with the kraken. I can't wait to see what other mythies await the other characters!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really cute story! I loved the messages Marina brought about why she was paired with the kraken. I can't wait to see what other mythies await the other characters!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2022
I won this book through the giveaways and I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series as the authors write them.
Great story about girls going out into the world to find their own special animal partners and how they have to work as a team to keep themselves and their mythical partners safe.
I won't lie, I did have a hard time getting to like Marina because she froze a lot during fights and let her fears get the best of her, but she's a good kid. The other girls are fun, energetic, brave, and ready for anything. I hope they rub off on Marina in the other books so she can grow and not let herself to be constantly worrying about this or that.
I love how the authors included some really cool illustrations of the characters so we can see them too. It is a great book for younger kiddos who love adventure and friendships that grow.
I'm going to give this book to my oldest daughter who is 8. I think she will enjoy reading this book, too.
Great story about girls going out into the world to find their own special animal partners and how they have to work as a team to keep themselves and their mythical partners safe.
I won't lie, I did have a hard time getting to like Marina because she froze a lot during fights and let her fears get the best of her, but she's a good kid. The other girls are fun, energetic, brave, and ready for anything. I hope they rub off on Marina in the other books so she can grow and not let herself to be constantly worrying about this or that.
I love how the authors included some really cool illustrations of the characters so we can see them too. It is a great book for younger kiddos who love adventure and friendships that grow.
I'm going to give this book to my oldest daughter who is 8. I think she will enjoy reading this book, too.
December 23, 2022
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October 25, 2022
I read this book as a read aloud to my 2nd/ 3rd grade classroom. All of my students LOVED this story. We loved it so much we reached out to the author you even did a zoom call with us to answer all of their questions. It has been 2 weeks since finishing this book and my students still talk about it and literally cant wait for the next book in the series to come! May cant come soon enough! Couldn't reccomend enough 🙌🏼
March 6, 2024
This is a great first book in the Mythics series! It’s pairing day and that means you get your familiar, unfortunately 5 girls ended up not getting one! Only to discover they’re part of this special group called the Mythics who get special familiars as in legendary creatures that are thought not to exist! However they have to earn theirs in epic battles! Join Marina and her friends on this first epic journey to each get their mythie!
May 4, 2024
My 8-year-old daughter is obsessed with THE MYTHICS! She loves strong girl friendships, adventure, and a bit of magic, so when I was looking for a new series for her to get into, these books were highly recommended... and didn't disappoint! She has read the first two books in the series and immediately asked if we could preorder the third. Now, she's re-reading in anticipation for the third book to come out. Highly recommend!
October 5, 2022
This is a kids book I got from NetGalley. This was a super cute book! I loved the story and it really was written well! I thought the plot was really thought out, the characters were well followed through with and the ending was a great way to start a series of books! It also gave some great morals to learn! I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series when they come out!
November 22, 2022
This was a great children’s book written by Lauren Magaziner, and illustrated by Mirelle Ortega. I am curious to see how the rest of the series goes. I would definitely recommend this book/series, and would buy it for my own children.
May 2, 2023
Супер сладка история за пет момичета, които трябва да открият своите фамилиари. В техния случай това се оказват пет митични създания и те са избраните, които ще се свържат с тях. Приключения, приятелство и опасности слагат началото на една вълнуваща поредица. Книгата е подходяща за неуверени читатели, а бонус са черно-белите илюстрации.
February 4, 2025
My girls loved this series. (8-10) I love that the girls are unique and the mythics they find are earned and not given. Great beginning chapter books for young readers. The illustrations are fun and engaging. Marina is a well fleshed out character who helps others despite her fears.
Want to read
March 4, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
кой-знае
May 10, 2023От детско-юношеската литература май повече книги от юношеската не са ми съвсем по вкуса.
May 31, 2023
I'm excited for this new series! A new take on the mythological world, but in a length that will appeal to chapter book readers!
July 30, 2023
I loved this! I thought it was so fun and also focused on mental health in a not overbearing way and it was GREAT. I have a ton of questions, so I can’t wait to keep going and get more answers!
November 2, 2023
A quick, fun story full of adventure and problem solving. Readers will love the adventure of Marina & her fellow Mythics to find their mythies.
February 14, 2024
Lauren Magaziner did a great job with this first installment in her new series. The diverse characters were lovable from the start, and the plot filled with suspense. Great read!
March 17, 2024
Great for 2-4th graders. Fun girl adventure story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews