The novel’s length invites readers to immerse themselves in this surprising undewwater realm, and Laine’s continual inventiveness (mermonkeys, nereid newscasters, clamshell beds) freshens up the magic-school storytelling. To give a central protagonist mind control powers is a bold choice, as it’s one of the more “sinister” powers to give to a hero, one that invites temptation, especially as she seeks to master her abilities and resolve what she euphemastically tells a sea-bishop is her “family matter.”

Alessia remains kind and inquisitive but showcases her moxie from the start, with the telling, funny scene of manipulating a bully. Laine deftly balances setting up an atmosphere of mounting tension throughout the undersea realm with the sense of inviting familiarity that keeps readers returning to a fantasy world. It’s enough to make a young woman exclaim “Holy Triton”-and that’s before she and her friends must break into a notorious prison. Haunted by visions of her fugitive mother, the “Instigator” of the New Current rebellion who in The Forbidden Vial proved eager to steal Alessia’s burgeononing empath and mind control powers, Alessia struggles to balance her life, navigate those powers, and possibly save Atlantis.

Dimensions: 8.00in - 5.00in - 0.88in - 1.This second book of Laine’s Alessia in Atlantis series picks up on another under-the-sea school year for 12-year-old Alessia and her friends-and a new/old threat to their beloved Lost City.

Meanwhile, someone knows exactly who she's the daughter of, and is ready to kill her for it.Ĭover Design: Alessandro Brunelli Book Details With the help of her newfound school friends, Alessia will have to steal evidence from a grumpy teacher, escape from rebel merfolk and make rhymes with menacing blue people of Minch to discover the key to her past.

Determined to investigate, she stays and enrolls in Atlantide school: The Octopus's Garden.īut uncovering the truth is not easy when the tyrannical Atlantide Emperor forbids asking about missing people. On arriving in Atlantis, she learns that her long-lost father may have been from there.

It is unusual when one day she's attacked there by a giant frog monster and plunged into the underwater realm of Atlantis in an overturned boat. It's not unusual for twelve-year-old Alessia to lose control of her emotions and create a scene at school. a page turner from the very first moment.' - The Children's Book ReviewĪ riveting new fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of Keeper of the Lost Cities and Percy Jackson and the Olympians. 'Will enrapture middle grade fantasy readers.' - Booklife (Editor's Pick) 'A book you won't want to put down.' - Readers' Favorite ★★★★★

Alessia in Atlantis by Nathalie Laine