The Midnight Realm

Mermaids Rock #4

by Linda Chapman, Mirelle Ortega (Illustrator)

In this fourth installment of the popular Mermaids Rock series, which features black-and-white illustrations throughout, ocean animals start disappearing from the reef into the mysterious midnight realm—and it’s up to Naya and her friends to find out why!

When ocean animals start disappearing from the reef and end up in the mysterious midnight realm—Naya and her mer-friends decide to find out why. The group sets out to investigate, and when they reach the midnight realm, they find a glowing cave inhabited by a tentacled monster. Then the monster traps Luna, and Naya and her friends need to use all of their creativity to pull off a rescue mission. Features black-and-white illustrations throughout and informational back matter on preserving our oceans.

Join Marina and her mermaid friends in the beautiful coral reef at Mermaids Rock! Whether they're working together to help sea animals in danger or solving a mystery of the deep, there's always an adventure to be had with the best friends of Mermaids Rock.

Genres: Juvenile

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2021

About the author

Linda Chapman was born in Liverpool in 1969. She had many different jobs before becoming a full-time writer in 1999 including working as a theatre stage manager, a dog trainer, a bookseller, a nanny, a teacher and a research assistant. She has written over 300 books for children, some under her own name, others under different names and she often collaborates with other authors. She is currently writing books with Julie Sykes and they are co-authors on the NYT bestselling Unicorn Academy series as well as Mermaid Academy, Forever Homes and Pocket Unicorns. Linda lives in Leicestershire with her husband, three children, two horses and three dogs. She has written many different series including: My Secret Unicorn, Star Friends, Best Friends Bakery, Stardust, Skating School and, most recently, Magic Keepers and Moonlight Riders.

Reviews

[Barbara]

Youngsters remain fascinated by mermaids, and the Mermaids Rock series capitalizes on that fascination while adding dollops of science facts about the ocean and its inhabitants within the narrative. I can't think of an easier way for information to be provided. The five friends in this series--this is the fourth title in the series--are excited about the classroom poster competition that they hope to win. When they learn about the disappearance of several sea creatures, especially the strawberry squids, they decide to venture into the Midnight Realm, way down deep in the ocean, and gather information for their project. It's a good thing that Naya has fashioned lanterns with covers to help them see through the darkness. Although the friends are careful, Luna gets into some trouble in a surprising way. But never count out the rest of the gang: Marina, Kai, Coralie, and Naya won't let Luna down or leave her behind. Young readers will appreciate the different personalities and interests of each of these friends--one with a particularly scientific bent, for instance, and another--Coralie--always cracking bad jokes and puns. Having marine animals ready to help them and spend time with them makes this crew even more noteworthy. And while readers might expect Glenda, their nemesis, to get what's coming to her when she's caught in the act of sabotage, the friends show that they have a compassionate side. The black-and-white drawings included throughout the story add visual appeal to this fast-paced story, perfect for readers with imagination and a sense of adventure. In many respects, this book and series will remind readers of the Star Friends series with its magical aspects, only this one is ocean-themed and the mermaids don't seem to have the same powers even though they deal with some of the same issues. Fans of one series will probably enjoy this one too. Back matter includes additional facts about ocean life.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro)]

The merfriends are working together on a school project about types of coral in the different ocean zones. The decide to do some research in the Midnight Realm in the depths of the ocean that cannot be reached by any sunlight. First, they will have to prepare some lanterns, food, a map, and a special way for their mammal pets to dive so deep without needing to come up for oxygen. They know it is incredibly dangerous, but the friends are resourceful and brave! When they encounter a deadly giant squid, it will take all their courage to make it out alive!

I loved this cute book! The mermaid culture is wonderfully imaginative, and I thought it was so fun to learn about all the mermaid friends. We also get some real life facts about interesting fish and conservation in the ocean. The plot and mysterious adventure had me guessing and wondering!

I love all the interesting mermaid characters. They all have their own strengths and that is what makes them such a great team. Coralie is funny and smart and strong. Naya is always inventing some type of new scientific magical combination to help them in their adventures. Luna has a special connection to marine animals. Kai is always looking for a new way to do things, a new approach to their problems. And Marina is the heart of the group, and she is always encouraging and supporting the others.

The black and white illustrations in this book are so cool! It really brings the story to life. I love the art style, and the unique designs for each mermaid character.

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.

[Jenna Riley]

Sent from NetGalley- I really did like this story for an elementary level. I plan to add this story to my classroom library!

[Emi えみ Takami 鷹見]

I received a free e-book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and Tiger Tales for the opportunity.

Well, this was a pleasant surprise. Coming in at book four, I expected to be a little confused about characters and the world, but I was able to slip right into Naya and her friends' lives. Chapman keeps the story entertaining while slipping in facts about the ocean and it's inhabitants. The illustrations by Ortega are very cute while retaining the distinction between each type of creature - for example the strawberry squids, the giant squid, and dumbo octopuses were very easy to distinguish from one another (the giant squid was obviously GIANT, but the artists included details specific to the breed, such as the strawberry-like dots that the strawberry squids are named after). There are also facts about creatures and ocean features encountered in the back of the book.

I would definitely recommend this series to any mermaid or fantasy loving child.