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Hidden Scales
Merrows are supposed to be extinct. No one has seen the water-breathing creatures in over a century. That’s all eleven-year-old Mira has time to think as she stares at the silver scales that have spread over her foot before she accidentally triggers a curse that will change her world forever. She and her best friend, Peter, are forced to embark on a journey across the kingdom, escaping from ruthless spies who will stop at nothing to capture them before anyone else learns Mira’s secret. With the help of a runaway scholar and a familiar young boy who reveals that he, too, has just discovered that he is a merrow, the children begin to train to beat the spies at their own game. Before they can truly find safety, Mira must learn to use the mysterious powers of her people, or else she and her friends may never be able to return home again.
324 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2019
About the author
A.M. Robin
2 books6 followersA. M. Robin was born and raised in Maryland, where she currently lives and works. She has been working with children in various fields and settings, including brain training, cultural education, and healthcare.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 31, 2019
(I received a free advanced electronic copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.)
I have almost next to none experience in reviewing MG genre. (Unless still scream-praising Gordon Korman books counts?) This is probably the first MG book I’ve since, you know, I was still in middle school. I think middle school C.L. would have really liked this book, though. I loved the bond between Mira and her mother, Appoline, and the fact that it ultimately plays into the conclusion of the journey in a meaningful way. The world-building was detailed without bogging down the story. Even though there were a few aspects of this world I had questions about (did the Merrows disappear gradually over time or all at once, and why was there no plausible theory as to why they went extinct?), but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. I liked how easily magic and mythological creatures were weaved into the background of the story. This is a book with a seemingly extinct race of mermaids, flying horses, and gnomes, and none of it ever felt out of place or overstuffed.
My only complaints were that while I appreciated the time and effort Mira put into training, it was a little irritating that the two boys consistently improved quicker than her. For the bulk of the training chapters, it felt like Mira was stagnating while Peter and Kay advanced, and there wasn’t really any particular reason for it, other than Kay had a little more practice with Merrow skills. It just felt like Mira also should have had something she excelled at over the others, as well. The other complaint was that it didn’t really feel like the pressing questions or conflicts that launched the story were resolved by the conclusion. I suspect this is mostly due to plans for the story to continue as a series, however, I was expecting to have more of the big questions to be answered.
Other that that (and those are mere quibbles), it was an enjoyable read with an imaginative setting and charming characters.
I have almost next to none experience in reviewing MG genre. (Unless still scream-praising Gordon Korman books counts?) This is probably the first MG book I’ve since, you know, I was still in middle school. I think middle school C.L. would have really liked this book, though. I loved the bond between Mira and her mother, Appoline, and the fact that it ultimately plays into the conclusion of the journey in a meaningful way. The world-building was detailed without bogging down the story. Even though there were a few aspects of this world I had questions about (did the Merrows disappear gradually over time or all at once, and why was there no plausible theory as to why they went extinct?), but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. I liked how easily magic and mythological creatures were weaved into the background of the story. This is a book with a seemingly extinct race of mermaids, flying horses, and gnomes, and none of it ever felt out of place or overstuffed.
My only complaints were that while I appreciated the time and effort Mira put into training, it was a little irritating that the two boys consistently improved quicker than her. For the bulk of the training chapters, it felt like Mira was stagnating while Peter and Kay advanced, and there wasn’t really any particular reason for it, other than Kay had a little more practice with Merrow skills. It just felt like Mira also should have had something she excelled at over the others, as well. The other complaint was that it didn’t really feel like the pressing questions or conflicts that launched the story were resolved by the conclusion. I suspect this is mostly due to plans for the story to continue as a series, however, I was expecting to have more of the big questions to be answered.
Other that that (and those are mere quibbles), it was an enjoyable read with an imaginative setting and charming characters.
September 17, 2019
Hidden scales is book one of its series. It is a children’s book based on a fantasy, sword, and sorcery storyline focused on a girl named Mira. She is only eleven and encounters some water creatures called Merrows, which are supposed to be extinct. As she accidentally triggers a curse, she has to run away with her friend, Peter before being captured by spies in order to find out what she has discovered.
With a mixture of fantasy, fairytale, magic, and mythical creatures, the literature takes you on a wild adventure galivanting through different scenarios and quests.
The pace of the story was steady. Mira had a solid relationship with Peter and their friendship, dialogue; interactions were well suited to the specific genre and age were chosen for the book.
I believe that a reputable source of fun, adventure, and educative material are what makes a children’s book worth purchasing, and this book hit all three.
Everything about the content was written with care. I found the work to be well put together and would recommend it for parents and children that like to read fantasy, sea creature stories.
With a mixture of fantasy, fairytale, magic, and mythical creatures, the literature takes you on a wild adventure galivanting through different scenarios and quests.
The pace of the story was steady. Mira had a solid relationship with Peter and their friendship, dialogue; interactions were well suited to the specific genre and age were chosen for the book.
I believe that a reputable source of fun, adventure, and educative material are what makes a children’s book worth purchasing, and this book hit all three.
Everything about the content was written with care. I found the work to be well put together and would recommend it for parents and children that like to read fantasy, sea creature stories.
August 22, 2019
The plotline was fun to read and easily understandable. I enjoyed the unique representation of many types of magical creatures, like gnomes, pixies, and dragons. I also liked that humans were able to coexist and share the same kingdom with the magical species, an idea often not written about. I wish I could live there! The setting was vivid and realistic with lighthearted, peaceful imagery that makes you feel happy.
Read way more of my review at https://pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com...
Read way more of my review at https://pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com...
May 27, 2020
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Hidden Scales
Author: A. M. Robin
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 23
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 23 readers:
23 would read another book by this author.
22 thought the cover was good or excellent.
23 felt it was easy to follow.
23 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 13 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
20 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
23 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I liked that so much happened all of the time. This is a mega exciting story. Mira is such an amazing character. I will read the next book.’ Girl, aged 11
‘This is a wonderful middle grade fantasy adventure. The children in my class (10 yr olds) very much enjoyed it. We read it over 6 weeks as a class reader. We liked how the author created such an amazing world for her characters to explore. We also liked Mira who, we felt, was a very inquisitive girl/merrow. Fab ending! The kids will want me to read them the nest.’ Primary Teacher, aged 29
‘This was a very good adventure/fantasy story. The quest they went on was very exciting. I felt gripped by this story until the very last page. I liked how they have powers they must try to control. The author is a very good writer. I understood the whole story and I am eager to read the next book in the set.’ Boy, aged 9 – with a little help from his teacher
‘Tons of twists I didn’t see coming.’ Boy, aged 11
‘I think this author knows what her readers want to read.’ Girl aged 12
To Sum It Up:
‘A thrilling adventure story perfect for 9 – 12 year olds. A BRONZE MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Hidden Scales
Author: A. M. Robin
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 23
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 23 readers:
23 would read another book by this author.
22 thought the cover was good or excellent.
23 felt it was easy to follow.
23 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 13 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
20 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
23 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I liked that so much happened all of the time. This is a mega exciting story. Mira is such an amazing character. I will read the next book.’ Girl, aged 11
‘This is a wonderful middle grade fantasy adventure. The children in my class (10 yr olds) very much enjoyed it. We read it over 6 weeks as a class reader. We liked how the author created such an amazing world for her characters to explore. We also liked Mira who, we felt, was a very inquisitive girl/merrow. Fab ending! The kids will want me to read them the nest.’ Primary Teacher, aged 29
‘This was a very good adventure/fantasy story. The quest they went on was very exciting. I felt gripped by this story until the very last page. I liked how they have powers they must try to control. The author is a very good writer. I understood the whole story and I am eager to read the next book in the set.’ Boy, aged 9 – with a little help from his teacher
‘Tons of twists I didn’t see coming.’ Boy, aged 11
‘I think this author knows what her readers want to read.’ Girl aged 12
To Sum It Up:
‘A thrilling adventure story perfect for 9 – 12 year olds. A BRONZE MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
August 12, 2019
When she first notices the silvery scales on her foot, eleven-year-old Mira panics. It’s bad enough that some of her classmates call her ‘Toad’ and treat her with disdain. If they see her scaly foot, they will become merciless. But when her true friend Peter notices the funny rash on Mira’s foot, an ancient curse is triggered. And later, when Mira sees an old music box on a store shelf, she opens it despite signs warning ‘Do Not Touch’. In so doing, she releases the SilverMist. Little does she know that only a Merrow can open the box. Then comes the news that a flying horse has been spotted and that people are disappearing from the neighboring town.
Mira tells Peter of these recent events and he is now endangered even further, just for knowing about them. And when the Shadowveils begin their treacherous pursuit of the two youngsters, they are rescued by an outcast scholar and a young boy who guide a flying horse named Eola. What transpires next is pure fantasy. The children must leave their homes and their families while they try to locate the missing people being held captive by the Shadowveils. But to do this, Mira and Kay (the other young boy) must learn to harness their powers, for they are both Merrows. Tales of bravery and daring abound in Hidden Scales. Powers are discovered and harnessed. But will the two young Merrows be in time to save not only those held prisoner but the entire kingdom?
If you like your fairy tales with villains, adventure, gnomes, and even a fire-breathing dragon, then Book 1 of the Merrows series is for you. Hidden Scales dishes up all these wonderful things with a dash of reality thrown in. A great chapter book that will keep your middle-school reader enthralled. Although a bit slow in spots for this reader, young readers will enjoy the adventures of Mira and her friends.
The author provided me with an ARC of this book.
Mira tells Peter of these recent events and he is now endangered even further, just for knowing about them. And when the Shadowveils begin their treacherous pursuit of the two youngsters, they are rescued by an outcast scholar and a young boy who guide a flying horse named Eola. What transpires next is pure fantasy. The children must leave their homes and their families while they try to locate the missing people being held captive by the Shadowveils. But to do this, Mira and Kay (the other young boy) must learn to harness their powers, for they are both Merrows. Tales of bravery and daring abound in Hidden Scales. Powers are discovered and harnessed. But will the two young Merrows be in time to save not only those held prisoner but the entire kingdom?
If you like your fairy tales with villains, adventure, gnomes, and even a fire-breathing dragon, then Book 1 of the Merrows series is for you. Hidden Scales dishes up all these wonderful things with a dash of reality thrown in. A great chapter book that will keep your middle-school reader enthralled. Although a bit slow in spots for this reader, young readers will enjoy the adventures of Mira and her friends.
The author provided me with an ARC of this book.
August 20, 2019
Tightly woven and thoroughly engaging; this middle grade fantasy novel will win over boys and girls of all ages. Thought to extinct for decades, merrows have only lived in the imagination. Merrows were water breathing humans able to live on land and under water and were thought to be quite magical and strong although no one is sure why or when they disappeared. When eleven year old Mira is abducted from her cozy little coastal town along with her best friend Peter, they have no idea what kind of adventure they are about to embark on. Everything they knew about their kingdom and their lives is about to be flipped upside down as they try to keep one step ahead of the shadowveils who are hunting them and their new companions. Mira and Peter as well as a flying horse, a mischievous young boy, a sly gnome, and a saucy woman must race against the clock to discover the secrets of the merrows, rescue their kidnapped friends, and evade the shadowveils. Accompanying each chapter is a gorgeous illustration to really help paint the scene. Wonderfully paced and imagined; this fantasy novel is unique and readers will be eagerly waiting for the rest of this series.
August 7, 2019
I loved this book for a number of reasons. Sometimes it's good to kick back with a middle grade novel because the dots are easier to follow. I appreciated that very much. What I really enjoyed was that Robin did a masterful job of having Mira and her friends straddle the line between becoming adults and being children. It can be a confusing time.
The world building is brilliant. Robin's paints a picture with small details that can transfer the reader into the Kingdom of the Merrow's. It is a unique take on the mythological creatures and I love all the minor creatures mentioned. And not to give anything away, but DRAGONS!
There were some things I wished weren't so convenient, and had to be worked harder for, That very well could be my adult mind talking. The characters themselves were different enough where I never had any trouble wondering who was who.
Overall, this transported me to a wonderful world that I can't wait to explore more of and look forward to the stakes being higher in future books!
The world building is brilliant. Robin's paints a picture with small details that can transfer the reader into the Kingdom of the Merrow's. It is a unique take on the mythological creatures and I love all the minor creatures mentioned. And not to give anything away, but DRAGONS!
There were some things I wished weren't so convenient, and had to be worked harder for, That very well could be my adult mind talking. The characters themselves were different enough where I never had any trouble wondering who was who.
Overall, this transported me to a wonderful world that I can't wait to explore more of and look forward to the stakes being higher in future books!
October 16, 2019
Young Mira is a precocious 11-year-old child. She tries to stay out of trouble, but her curiosity and sense of adventure always seem to get the best of her. Adopted as a baby, she has been raised by Appoline, a woman for whom Mira has a great deal of love and respect. When rumors that a man and a young boy have been kidnapped and whisked away on a winged horse, Appoline insists Mira stay close to home. When Mira and her best friend disobey Appoline's wishes things begin to spiral out of control. But Mira's troubles have only just begun, as she comes to realize she might just be a merrow, a water-breathing creature believed to have been extinct for over a century.
Merrows, Book 1, Hidden Scales, by A.M. Robin is a skillfully crafted tale with much to offer a youth audience. This suspenseful story is one that will keep readers entranced clear through to its satisfying ending which is perfectly set up for another exciting book in this series. With outstanding character development including a strong female protagonist, an intelligent sidekick, and caring and insightful adult role-models, this book has undercurrents which provide many meaningful messages for young readers. Recommended for home and school libraries, Hidden Scales has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
Merrows, Book 1, Hidden Scales, by A.M. Robin is a skillfully crafted tale with much to offer a youth audience. This suspenseful story is one that will keep readers entranced clear through to its satisfying ending which is perfectly set up for another exciting book in this series. With outstanding character development including a strong female protagonist, an intelligent sidekick, and caring and insightful adult role-models, this book has undercurrents which provide many meaningful messages for young readers. Recommended for home and school libraries, Hidden Scales has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
January 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! The plot is great and the characters are so much fun. This may be considered to be a middle grade book but I really think it will be enjoyed by teens and adults as well.
Mira is the main character. She develops silver scales on her feet and discovers that she is a merrow.
I actually think that Peter is my favorite character. He loves books and likes to find answers for the problems they are having in books. There is just something about him that I love!
Overall, this book is a great read! I really enjoyed and definitely recommend it to any other fantasy lovers!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mira is the main character. She develops silver scales on her feet and discovers that she is a merrow.
I actually think that Peter is my favorite character. He loves books and likes to find answers for the problems they are having in books. There is just something about him that I love!
Overall, this book is a great read! I really enjoyed and definitely recommend it to any other fantasy lovers!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2019
Great Story
Robin pens a great story in Hidden Scales. It has a mix of fantasy and magic, all with wonderfully creative creatures, and those just starting to find their destiny and true being. The story was a very easy read, as it had a great pace. The characters, well, I just enjoyed Mira, who not only is finding her true being, but finds herself on a journey that can take many paths. It's an enjoyable story, and twists that are unpredictable, but add to the depth of the story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Robin pens a great story in Hidden Scales. It has a mix of fantasy and magic, all with wonderfully creative creatures, and those just starting to find their destiny and true being. The story was a very easy read, as it had a great pace. The characters, well, I just enjoyed Mira, who not only is finding her true being, but finds herself on a journey that can take many paths. It's an enjoyable story, and twists that are unpredictable, but add to the depth of the story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
July 17, 2019
An entertaining mystery read, mixed with just the right amount of magic. Mira, Kay and Peter go through some real growth over the course of the story, making tough decisions and learning along the way. I hope there's more in the series, but if not it ends in a good way, with most loose ends tied up. It's a fairly unique take on merrows, too, I don't believe I'd seen it before.
A great read for a MG child interested in magic and adventure.
A great read for a MG child interested in magic and adventure.
November 21, 2019
Mira is an eleven-year-old girl, living with her mother. She is very independent and constantly gets into trouble. When danger approaches the town, her mother wants her to stay in, but that is hard for her to do. While wandering the town she picks up an object in the store and sets up a curse. Now she is on the run, but she is not alone. She and her best friend Peter find themselves on the run and that is just the start of a magical journey they embark on.
Set in a high fantasy world, where magical creatures still live, Merrows were thought to be extinct.
Mira is such an interesting character, I love reading about her. She is strong and independent and very strong-willed. :)
My favorite part is the setting and world-building. The scenery, the magical creatures and the storyline itself just jump off the pages.
received from Author
Set in a high fantasy world, where magical creatures still live, Merrows were thought to be extinct.
Mira is such an interesting character, I love reading about her. She is strong and independent and very strong-willed. :)
My favorite part is the setting and world-building. The scenery, the magical creatures and the storyline itself just jump off the pages.
received from Author
September 27, 2019
Check out my review on www.woodbtwntheworlds.blogspot.com !
March 1, 2020
We are proud to announce that HIDDEN SCALES by A.m. Robin is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
August 11, 2019
BLOG POST LINK: https://wp.me/p7AwHZ-5Lq
Hidden Scales offers away a wonderfully imagined world with courageous and likable characters that were thrown in an adventure towards solving mysteries and unlocking some secrets about themselves.
I like the story, mainly because it feels like I’ve found another magical and fantastic story where I can be a kid myself again. I enjoyed joining the characters in their journey onto finding answers to their questions and also their curious minds. I also like the narration. The town, the capital, and other places were impressively described that you’ll feel like the places were slowly showing itself around you. The way the author tells the story is fascinating because even though I’m not a kid anymore, it does not make me feel bored with reading this. I also love how things were discovered and how most of the stuff in the story is unpredictable.
We have a handful of characters here, but I will talk about Mira, Kay, and Peter the most.
Mira is the main character here. She’s a merrow, but she didn’t know it yet until she saw those silver scales on her feet and she triggers a curse that will lead her to an adventure – to find stuff about being a merrow and to run away from dangerous spies. As a character and also a kid, it is understandable at times why she acts in some ways like being excited over things that are new to her eyes and getting curious over stuff that is unknown and yet intriguing to them. I also remember Bella of Twilight in Mira, in some ways, but I won’t say how because it will spoil you.
Kay is one of the characters here. If I will describe him, he’s fast-learner, dependable, and smart. Kay can quickly react and find some solution in every situation. He is also supportive of his companions, especially with Mira.
Peter. Peter is me, I think lol! He is the bookworm in the group because he likes books. And when he needs to find some answers to every problem they have been experiencing, his always go-to is the books. He knows that books might have the possibility to carry answers to their questions. He is a quiet yet bright kid.
The plot is amazing. And I know that many kids and older readers will enjoy this novel. It offers a variety of things that will surely make you engaged until the end. I hope to see more development in the next book, and I’m looking forward to seeing more about the merrows and other creatures in the story.
Overall, this middle-grade fantasy will surely be loved by MG readers. I am recommending it to anyone who likes MG fantasy and anyone who wants to try MG fantasy.
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader's copy from the author.
Hidden Scales offers away a wonderfully imagined world with courageous and likable characters that were thrown in an adventure towards solving mysteries and unlocking some secrets about themselves.
I like the story, mainly because it feels like I’ve found another magical and fantastic story where I can be a kid myself again. I enjoyed joining the characters in their journey onto finding answers to their questions and also their curious minds. I also like the narration. The town, the capital, and other places were impressively described that you’ll feel like the places were slowly showing itself around you. The way the author tells the story is fascinating because even though I’m not a kid anymore, it does not make me feel bored with reading this. I also love how things were discovered and how most of the stuff in the story is unpredictable.
We have a handful of characters here, but I will talk about Mira, Kay, and Peter the most.
Mira is the main character here. She’s a merrow, but she didn’t know it yet until she saw those silver scales on her feet and she triggers a curse that will lead her to an adventure – to find stuff about being a merrow and to run away from dangerous spies. As a character and also a kid, it is understandable at times why she acts in some ways like being excited over things that are new to her eyes and getting curious over stuff that is unknown and yet intriguing to them. I also remember Bella of Twilight in Mira, in some ways, but I won’t say how because it will spoil you.
Kay is one of the characters here. If I will describe him, he’s fast-learner, dependable, and smart. Kay can quickly react and find some solution in every situation. He is also supportive of his companions, especially with Mira.
Peter. Peter is me, I think lol! He is the bookworm in the group because he likes books. And when he needs to find some answers to every problem they have been experiencing, his always go-to is the books. He knows that books might have the possibility to carry answers to their questions. He is a quiet yet bright kid.
The plot is amazing. And I know that many kids and older readers will enjoy this novel. It offers a variety of things that will surely make you engaged until the end. I hope to see more development in the next book, and I’m looking forward to seeing more about the merrows and other creatures in the story.
Overall, this middle-grade fantasy will surely be loved by MG readers. I am recommending it to anyone who likes MG fantasy and anyone who wants to try MG fantasy.
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader's copy from the author.
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