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Secrets of the Last Merfolk
Forget Ariel, these mermaids are proud, fierce and powerful in this exciting middle-grade adventure from the author of Guardians of the Wild Unicorns
"One of the swimmers plunged underwater with a flick of his long, dolphin-like tail. The other followed, sending an arc of spray shooting upwards, tail slapping against the choppy waves."
In a small coastal town, Finn is enduring a winter vacation with his annoying new stepmother, wishing things could go back to how they were, while Sage is enjoying her new home, wishing things would stay as they are.
Finn has seen mysterious swimmers in the sea late at night. Then, from the clifftop, first Sage, then Finn, hears an eerie song. Could the local legend of merfolk living amid the waves actually be true? When the new friends meet the magical sea-people, they are amazed and impressed, but the merfolk are hiding a secret. The two human children must put aside their own problems and help in the battle against the young merfolk�s ancient underwater enemy before the last of their kind are lost forever.
From the author of the much-loved Guardians of the Wild Unicorns, Secrets of the Last Merfolk is an exciting fantasy adventure that reimagines the mythical sea-people as powerful, proud and fearless.
"One of the swimmers plunged underwater with a flick of his long, dolphin-like tail. The other followed, sending an arc of spray shooting upwards, tail slapping against the choppy waves."
In a small coastal town, Finn is enduring a winter vacation with his annoying new stepmother, wishing things could go back to how they were, while Sage is enjoying her new home, wishing things would stay as they are.
Finn has seen mysterious swimmers in the sea late at night. Then, from the clifftop, first Sage, then Finn, hears an eerie song. Could the local legend of merfolk living amid the waves actually be true? When the new friends meet the magical sea-people, they are amazed and impressed, but the merfolk are hiding a secret. The two human children must put aside their own problems and help in the battle against the young merfolk�s ancient underwater enemy before the last of their kind are lost forever.
From the author of the much-loved Guardians of the Wild Unicorns, Secrets of the Last Merfolk is an exciting fantasy adventure that reimagines the mythical sea-people as powerful, proud and fearless.
- GenresMiddle GradeAdventure
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2021
2 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 15, 2021
Finn and Sage begin to wonder if there might be merfolk living in the ocean off the Scottish coast. They have been seeing strange sights in the water, and hearing a weird song that echoes off the cliffs. Sage begins to investigate in her kayak, but when Finn does a dangerous solo swim in the freezing waves, the two discover that the merfolk are more mysterious and strange than any legend they have ever heard. The merfolk are in danger from an old enemy, and they need help from the human children to save their little underwater colony.
The plot is incredibly slow. This could have been a short story, but it drags on and on. Once something finally does happen, it's not that amazing. Finn and Sage are completely obsolete to the plans of the merfolk. They make a big deal about "helping", but they never do anything that the merfolk couldn't have just done themselves with less effort. A lot of fuss over nothing.
The writing style is good, and each scene has an emotional hook to get you interested. But the pacing was just too slow.
I did like the legends surrounding the merfolk, their origins, and their deadly enemy. I found that part really imaginative and interesting! I also was intrigued by the appearance of the merfolk. They have green and gray coloring so that they blend perfectly with the seaweed and the rocks, making them almost invisible. It's the perfect camouflage!
I was interested in Finn and Sage's home life. A lot of the scenes are spent with their families, and I liked the family dynamics between parents and siblings. There are some lovely complex characters in both families.
Finn has a new stepmother that he does not like, and he is dealing with a lot of difficult emotions as he navigates this new family situation. He and his father have a complex relationship, and it was sweet to see how they become closer through the story. They both love swimming and sailing, so that is a bond between them.
Sage has two mothers, a homosexual couple, and they are protesting the building of a new harbor that will endanger local wildlife. Sage is feeling isolated, because her family is planning to move soon, and she feels that it's no use getting attached to anything or anyone since they will soon be saying goodbye and losing everything familiar.
Overall, this book was okay. The characters were good, but the plot was too slow.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
The plot is incredibly slow. This could have been a short story, but it drags on and on. Once something finally does happen, it's not that amazing. Finn and Sage are completely obsolete to the plans of the merfolk. They make a big deal about "helping", but they never do anything that the merfolk couldn't have just done themselves with less effort. A lot of fuss over nothing.
The writing style is good, and each scene has an emotional hook to get you interested. But the pacing was just too slow.
I did like the legends surrounding the merfolk, their origins, and their deadly enemy. I found that part really imaginative and interesting! I also was intrigued by the appearance of the merfolk. They have green and gray coloring so that they blend perfectly with the seaweed and the rocks, making them almost invisible. It's the perfect camouflage!
I was interested in Finn and Sage's home life. A lot of the scenes are spent with their families, and I liked the family dynamics between parents and siblings. There are some lovely complex characters in both families.
Finn has a new stepmother that he does not like, and he is dealing with a lot of difficult emotions as he navigates this new family situation. He and his father have a complex relationship, and it was sweet to see how they become closer through the story. They both love swimming and sailing, so that is a bond between them.
Sage has two mothers, a homosexual couple, and they are protesting the building of a new harbor that will endanger local wildlife. Sage is feeling isolated, because her family is planning to move soon, and she feels that it's no use getting attached to anything or anyone since they will soon be saying goodbye and losing everything familiar.
Overall, this book was okay. The characters were good, but the plot was too slow.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
August 6, 2021
Finn is going on a winter break to the Ayrshire seaside town of Dunlyre with his dad, his little sister, and his evil stepmother. If it was just a matter of spending some time with his dad and his sister, that would be fine - they could take their dinghy out on the Firth of Clyde and have a great time - but Lizzy his stepmother is bound to ruin things. Then he finds out his dad is actually in Dunlyre to work on a development project, and not to spend time with him at all. This is going to be the worst holiday ever.
Sage is living in Dunlyre with her brother and her mums, who are environmental activists. Soon the development in Dunlyre will be approved or rejected, and one way or the other the family will be on the move again. It's hard to get attached to a place - or its people - when you know you're going to be leaving, but Sage is going to miss Dunlyre. Most of all, she's going to miss her kayak.
But when Finn sees some strange swimmers in the icy waters, and Sage hears otherworldly singing, they're drawn together to investigate these bizarre occurrences. In time, they discover the secrets of the last merfolk...
This is a wonderful book with relentlessly exciting action scenes, glorious descriptions of landscape and seascape, vivid depictions of both the delights and terrors of nature, a strong environmental message, and real heart, particularly in its depiction of Finn and Sage's family dynamics. The rich mythology that Littleson has crafted around her merfolk is extensive and satisfying, drawing on Scottish folklore, Atlantean myths, and the fascinating genuine history of lost Doggerland, that massive landmass that sank beneath the North Sea thousands of years ago.
Highly recommended for anyone who like a bit of magic in their wintry seascapes.
Sage is living in Dunlyre with her brother and her mums, who are environmental activists. Soon the development in Dunlyre will be approved or rejected, and one way or the other the family will be on the move again. It's hard to get attached to a place - or its people - when you know you're going to be leaving, but Sage is going to miss Dunlyre. Most of all, she's going to miss her kayak.
But when Finn sees some strange swimmers in the icy waters, and Sage hears otherworldly singing, they're drawn together to investigate these bizarre occurrences. In time, they discover the secrets of the last merfolk...
This is a wonderful book with relentlessly exciting action scenes, glorious descriptions of landscape and seascape, vivid depictions of both the delights and terrors of nature, a strong environmental message, and real heart, particularly in its depiction of Finn and Sage's family dynamics. The rich mythology that Littleson has crafted around her merfolk is extensive and satisfying, drawing on Scottish folklore, Atlantean myths, and the fascinating genuine history of lost Doggerland, that massive landmass that sank beneath the North Sea thousands of years ago.
Highly recommended for anyone who like a bit of magic in their wintry seascapes.
August 6, 2021
Not a pink sparkle in sight. I loved Lindsay Littleson's atmospheric take on the merfolk myths. With two likeable and believable narrator voices, it feels both contemporary and otherworldly. There is plenty of material for schools to get their teeth into (environment/oceans/climate/activism/sport), but it works brilliantly as an absorbing read for enjoyment too. I particularly liked the Ayrshire coast location and the fact that the merfolk in this book blend seamlessly into their environment. They are fierce and independent creatures, and much more compelling than the cartoon mermaids we are used to seeing.
November 2, 2021
This imaginative story follows two young teens (Sage and Finn) as they hear a mysterious song which draws them towards the sea. They discover that they have each heard this song and one even saw a person with fins for feet swimming. But merfolk aren’t real… are they? Upon investigation, they meet two young merchildren who ask for their help. The treacherous Great Eel has found the merfolk after a thousand years and their whole population is in danger. Can these two teens help the merchildren save their race? It’s full of great descriptions of family dynamics, the merfolk, the sea (and near drowning) and a little political/environmental clashing.
The language required a lot of explanation to my kids, there were lots of foreign expressions. If a child were to read this on their own it would have been great to have footnotes.
Recommended for Fantasy lovers ages 10-15
The language required a lot of explanation to my kids, there were lots of foreign expressions. If a child were to read this on their own it would have been great to have footnotes.
Recommended for Fantasy lovers ages 10-15
December 29, 2021
I’ve been reading Lindsay Littleson for years now, I think since the year her debut came out actually, and I’ve really enjoyed everything by her so far, so I wasn’t surprised at all that I had a great time reading this as well. It’s a dual narrative following Finn, who is having trouble adjusting to his new family set up after his parents got divorced and found new partners, and Sage, whose mums are both dedicated environmentalists who move around constantly to support different campaigns. Together, they discover that the merfolk of legends really do exist, and they’re in terrible danger that only Finn and Sage can save them from. I really liked both main characters- they’re both distinct enough that you can distinguish between their chapters easily, and they both have a lot going on, all of which is very sensitively and thoroughly discussed. The fantasy side of things was also wonderful; I’m adamant that we need more MG merfolk books because there just aren’t enough for my liking, and I really liked that this onstage draws from mythology and folk tales to create a really interesting world and narrative. The Titanic Detective Agency has been on my TBR for absolutely ages, so I’m hoping to finally read it at some point next year, and of course I’m really looking forward to picking up the Rewilders once it’s out as well!
July 9, 2021
trigger warning
Finn and his family, including his father's new wife, travel to a tiny town for the winter holidays. Finn is shocked that his father wanted to go there for his work, and hid that fact, lying to him and his little sister.
Sage, her brother and her two mothers live there, working hard to make ends meet, and to protest a remodeling of the harbour that would destroy the whole ecosystem.
It doesn't take long for both protagonists to feel like the tales of the merfolk are more than supperstitions and old stories.
The characters were three dimensional, and while there was a case of problems arising due to miscommunication, it was more than "a team doesn't manage to speak to each other", it felt realistic. And thus I didn't mind. It's a trope I really abhor, but here it was managed well.
The themes of having to take care of this planet, even if it means to have to stand up to bullies, were not heavy handed but fitted neatly in there.
It was a fun little adventure, and I am sure that many readers will have fun with it.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
Finn and his family, including his father's new wife, travel to a tiny town for the winter holidays. Finn is shocked that his father wanted to go there for his work, and hid that fact, lying to him and his little sister.
Sage, her brother and her two mothers live there, working hard to make ends meet, and to protest a remodeling of the harbour that would destroy the whole ecosystem.
It doesn't take long for both protagonists to feel like the tales of the merfolk are more than supperstitions and old stories.
The characters were three dimensional, and while there was a case of problems arising due to miscommunication, it was more than "a team doesn't manage to speak to each other", it felt realistic. And thus I didn't mind. It's a trope I really abhor, but here it was managed well.
The themes of having to take care of this planet, even if it means to have to stand up to bullies, were not heavy handed but fitted neatly in there.
It was a fun little adventure, and I am sure that many readers will have fun with it.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
November 23, 2021
Finn is stuck on vacation near the coast with his stepmother and meets Sage. One night, Finn spots someone swimming late at night. Then Sage stars hearing strange singing. Finn starts to hear it too. Local legends tell of mermaids, but they can't be real. Right? Finn and Sage are sucks into a battle to save the merfolk before they are lost forever.
For a middle grade, this was quite long at nearly 250 pages, but if this was geared more for YA then the length would be fine. The book pacing is very slow and isn't full of the quick bits of action that keep younger readers engaged. There is a lot of focus on the emotions and feelings of the characters and that kept me reading, but I never felt deeply invested in the characters as much as I had hoped. There were a lot of aspects that I did appreciate. Finn is navigating a difficult relationship with his new stepmother and a strained relationship with his father. Sage has two mothers and the LGBTQIA+ plot point is so important for inclusion and for readers to see themselves represented in books. There are themes of loss and having to leave everything you know and love, as well as dealing with big changes. There is heavy focus on environmental protection and climate activism. I love the focus on saving the oceans and it's endangered wildlife. There was plenty of depth to the merfolk lore and it was really fun to see mermaids that aren't at all like the sparkly pink cartoonish Disney-fied version we see so often.
A good, solid read that readers who like this kind of book with enjoy.
For a middle grade, this was quite long at nearly 250 pages, but if this was geared more for YA then the length would be fine. The book pacing is very slow and isn't full of the quick bits of action that keep younger readers engaged. There is a lot of focus on the emotions and feelings of the characters and that kept me reading, but I never felt deeply invested in the characters as much as I had hoped. There were a lot of aspects that I did appreciate. Finn is navigating a difficult relationship with his new stepmother and a strained relationship with his father. Sage has two mothers and the LGBTQIA+ plot point is so important for inclusion and for readers to see themselves represented in books. There are themes of loss and having to leave everything you know and love, as well as dealing with big changes. There is heavy focus on environmental protection and climate activism. I love the focus on saving the oceans and it's endangered wildlife. There was plenty of depth to the merfolk lore and it was really fun to see mermaids that aren't at all like the sparkly pink cartoonish Disney-fied version we see so often.
A good, solid read that readers who like this kind of book with enjoy.
October 11, 2021
I received a galley of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This just wasn't really my thing. I couldn't really connect with this book. I felt a bit distant from anything that was happening in the book and I never really got sucked into the story. I also feel like the characters were a bit flat and when it came to the side characters I just had a difficult time seperating them. I also feel like the enviromentalism message was a little bit too heavy handed. But I did quite like the lore around the merfolk and the mythology used in this novel. It's very different from how I've seen mermaids throughout fiction and I quite liked it. I definetly think this could work for others but for me it missed the mark.
This just wasn't really my thing. I couldn't really connect with this book. I felt a bit distant from anything that was happening in the book and I never really got sucked into the story. I also feel like the characters were a bit flat and when it came to the side characters I just had a difficult time seperating them. I also feel like the enviromentalism message was a little bit too heavy handed. But I did quite like the lore around the merfolk and the mythology used in this novel. It's very different from how I've seen mermaids throughout fiction and I quite liked it. I definetly think this could work for others but for me it missed the mark.
April 14, 2025
Story was cute but didn't have much meat to it. Pretty sure the merfolk didn't ACTUALLY need these two random kids to help them.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews