Mermedusa by Thomas Taylor

It’s bittersweet to be back in Eerie-on-Sea for the final instalment of the one-of-a-kind Malamander series. Full of familiar faces and beloved places, Mermedusa brings everything together in one final epic adventure. And what an adventure it is!

Has it really only been a year since we first met Herbie and Violet in the Lost and Foundary at the Grand Nautilus Hotel? We had no idea how important the concept of being lost and then found again would become as our two heroes searched to discover clues to their own pasts while solving the mysteries of this charming town. Violet came to find her parents but found Herbie (and her true self) in the process. Together, they have become stronger, more confident and a key part of this unusual community.

In book five, a group of monster hunters from America have come to discover the legend of the Malamander and share it with the world. Despite the sea warning them to stay away, they find themselves face to face with this strange creature. An “Eerie hum” seems to be calling the Malamander from the deep and is causing things to go wrong in town. As always, the real monster of Eerie-on-Sea, Sebastian Eels, makes an appearance and shows his true colours even more clearly.

Herbie and Violet get closer and closer to understanding the Deepest Secret of Eerie-on-Sea involving the Malamander, his mate and the very special egg. Could this be the answer to all the questions their hearts desire and the reason why this misty seaside town is so very special. It’s all about being a Lost and Founder – which means it’s going to be up to Herbie to discover the truth.

Unforgettable characters including Erwin the talking cat, Clermit the clockwork crab, Jenny Hanniver with the Mermonkey, Wendy Fossil searching for treasures on the beach, Lady Kraken the eccentric hotel owner, and even Mr Mollusc the grumpy hotel manager each have their time to shine as they play a key role in the future of the town and care for Herbie and Violet.

Mermedusa is the most enchanting conclusion to what has been a wonderful journey overflowing with adventure, hope, peril and magic. Eerie-on-Sea will always have a special place in my heart and I’m sure the books will be reread for years to come. For our family, the first two in the series were lockdown books – carrying us away from a difficult reality into a world where a Mermonkey prescribes the books you need, not the books you want. What perfect medicine!

Thank you to Walker Books for an early read of this brilliant book! It will be published on 7th September 2023.

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