Mira, Kay, and Peter have finally returned home, but not everyone is happy to see them. Despite the town bullies who never fail to remind the young merrows just how different they are from the rest of the townsfolk, the adventurers try to enjoy the remainder of their summer break from school...until a devastating fire reminds them of the evil that is still lurking in the shadows. After discovering the true identity of the malicious leader of the Shadowveils-the hooded merrows who hunt and imprison anyone who gets in the way of their mysterious missions-it seems their troubles have only just begun.
With their eyes opened to a secret world of sorcery, Mira, Kay, and Peter turn to the only place where they can learn more about what they're up against: fairy stories. They soon find out that the tales they had heard growing up might hold the key that will help them save their friends from a terrible curse. As they journey into abandoned cities, treacherous hideaways, and deep into the sea, they must stay vigilant to distinguish friend from foe and work together if they hope to stay one step ahead of the Shadowveils and keep their loved ones safe.
A. 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.
A fantastic follow up to Hidden Scales! I'm not sure if this will be a trilogy or a series, but either way I'm invested in this middle grade fantasy! Mira, Kay, and Peter have returned home to Crispin. Things are pretty much back to normal except for the fact that they still feel guilty about their friends trapped in the everlock sleep. Determined to try and do something, the kids stumble upon the identity of the leader of the Shadowveils, the merrows who will stop at nothing to make sure that all their kind is underwater, away from the prying eyes of humans. When their mother's study and half their house is mysteriously burnt down, it stands to reason that trouble has followed them back. Many of the townspeople are accepting of the two young merrows but there are still some that don't appreciate anything different or out of the ordinary and they will stop at nothing to get them kicked out of town. Mira, Kay, and Peter don't have time to dwell on the bullies however, they've tracked down some clues and discovered some new powers and nothing will stop them from fighting back or saving their friends. Action packed and filled with great world building. This series just keeps getting better!
Sometimes when I read books in a series, and haven't read the previous book in a while, (in this case in 2019), I end up confused and have to go re-read the previous book. Luckily, this wasn't the case. The author did a nice job refreshing the events of the previous story whilst telling this new one. Many books can feel disconnected from each other, but these synchronized.
While a heavy part of the book was on underwater adventures, another very meaningful theme was dealing with peer relations. A lot of people are afraid of what they do not understand and what is different. In addition to fighting the Shadowviels sent by the Empress of the Sea, Mira and Kay have to deal with their peers bullying them and the public's mistrust of their abilities. The children did not handle Collin's harassment well at times, which only made the depiction more realistic.
Some books are easier to write reviews of than others. Have you ever tried a new food, for example, and liked how it tasted, but couldn't find the words to describe why? I apologize for how short this is, however it is strangely difficult for me to explain why I enjoyed the story. I will say that Robin has an incredible imagination.
Robin pens a fantastical middle grad story in Fallen Thief, the second book in the Merrows series. I have read work from this author before, the first book in the series, Hidden Scales, and enjoyed it very much. The characters had a lot of depth, and were very realistic. I always recommend starting from the first book in the series, and if you enjoy that read whatever comes next. Enter into a world of majesty and sorcery, and yet, still having to deal with bullies and those who are hiding in the shadows. This author has a great imagination and I'm glad it's being shared with stories. I enjoyed this read very much, and found that the story has developed more and so have the characters. I like Mira, Kay and Peter, and their new adventure is just beginning, but it's not what they expect, or the reader expects. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. Fallen Thief is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.