Interesting. Lots of action. I liked the Kraken. Very light read.


I would be interested in reading further installments, but if I miss them it won't make me upset.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

This was such a fun story, plus the added illustrations are cute! Marina is a worrier, which makes her such a relatable character for so many kids. You don’t see that much in books, especially for MCs, and I loved it! I really liked that she realizes she shouldn’t let her anxiety define her and dictate her life. She knows she doesn't need to change who she is, but instead learns how to deal with it in ways that still allows her to live her life fully. I also love all of her new friends and how each of them has such a vastly different personality.

I really enjoyed the adventure they went on and the concept is so fun! Who wouldn’t want to have a mythical creature as your familiar? I can’t wait to read the rest of the girls’ stories and see how they save the world from evil!

A decent concept for a series though the execution is a bit stiff. The writing is easy enough to follow but the dialogue is unnatural, perhaps hampered by a need to maintain a simple vocabulary.

his very much follows the standard YR formula but does have some standout elements such as a diverse cast--including a character with limb difference. Kid appeal for the mythical creatures so worth adding to your displays at your library!

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I really enjoyed this read! It was very well written! I loved the storyline, the characters were well developed and it kept it open for a series! I also loved how it actually taught you some wonderful morals and how to handle some extra emotions! Cannot wait till the rest of the series comes out!

The Mythics was a cute, enchanting story that is fun for a young readers. A great, straightforward read well suited for children getting into chapter books. The concept of the Mythies is endearing and sets the stage for many fun adventures for the cast. For a main cast of five characters, we didn’t get much character development yet, but glimpses of each individual’s personality that I look forward to seeing develop throughout the series.

Review: I loved this MG book! The story was charming, and the illustrations were wonderful (I love how much art was in this book!). I loved the premise, and I can't wait to read the next books in the series, and find out what Mythies the other girls bond with. Overall, I would definitely recommend this awesome MG book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

My daughter, age 8, and I read this together and very much enjoyed it! We love all the characters and each had our favorites. Marinas hesitation with trying new things is completely relatable and I can see so many kids using her example of courage to help themselves. Kids who love mythical creatures and strong friendships will enjoy this story. Looking forward to the adventures the girls take to find the rest of their Mythies.

Oh my gosh! I cannot tell you how much I loved this middle grade novel. It was so much fun and I loved the world building. I just loved Marina and her doubtful worry of everything. I think may readers would identify with Marina's concern with trying new things and getting out of her comfort zone. She is even too sky and terrified to try to get a friend. She is thrown into an experience that tests her and brings her everything that she needs. She is a delight. The other characters are also so endearing and I cannot wait to read their stories.

Each of the people in this particular world receive a animal companion on their birthday. However, on Marina's day no animal appears. This is devastating for Marina. After a bit of time we learn that there are other kids who did not receive an animal. This group of kids is special and instead of receiving an email they have to go out and find their animals who happen to be mythical creatures thought to be imaginary. All of the animalless have to go on a journey which is fraught with danger. As the kids go to find their mythics others are trying to steal their mythics and the power that comes along with it. It seems that with the appearance of mythical creatures a big bad must be deleted.

Fantastic for students who love mythology, books of friendship, adventure, with just a touch of mystery.

Very cute lower middle grade book about friendship and familiars. This is definitely written in a pretty bare bones style, but I think it would be easy for early readers to gain a sense of independence. The illustrations throughout were lovely and featured a diverse cast of characters. I thought the story was fun and kids would love the different sea creatures at play. Plus, the ending gives it series potential.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of The Mythics #1: Marina and the Kraken by Lauren Magaziner in exchange for an honest review.

The Mythics #1: Marina and the Kraken is the first installment of a fantasy novel by Lauren Magaziner, This story is perfect for Mid Grade readers who like stories of friendship, found family, and fantastical beasts.

The premise is that each child gets a familiar (an animal partner) on Pairing Day that will stay with them through the rest of their life. As everyone else is paired with their creatures, Marina finds that she is part of a small group of kids who are Mythics. These kids will be paired with their familiars only after completing epic adventures to find the magical creatures. She embarks on a journey with her newfound friends to find her mythie, the Kraken.

I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations by Mirelle Ortega were amazing and I especially love the Kraken. I think the author did a great job with Marina's story and background. The characters are likable and interesting and I'm excited for the next installment in the series.

<em>Marina and the Kraken </em>is an adventure-filled romp that takes readers on a journey with the titular Marina and her new friends to find their (not!) mythical animal familiars, which they need to do in order to save the world! (They're just not sure from what yet.) The story is a mix of mishaps and bravery and surprises and fun that will have young readers eagerly turning the pages and daydreaming about what their own animal familiar would be.

The book definitely has a lot of commercial appeal, with its adorable illustrations by Mirelle Ortega, its world where everyone gets paired with a familiar on their tenth birthday, and its focus on five different girls who will each get their own book in the series, so look for for this to be a new obsession for lower middle grade readers.

As an adult reader, I saw places in the narrative where I didn't think the logistics really worked, but this will likely not be an issue for the actual target audience (or other adult readers, based on my past experience being the only person concerned with logic in books). Even so, the story is engaging, and Magaziner keeps it grounded with protagonist Marina, who is bright also rather anxious and not quite gung-ho to go on adventures and become a hero. So much could go wrong! She, and the readers, must balance worry and bravery as she journeys to find her Mythie familiar and keep her friends safe.

This is certainly a series to keep your eye on, especially if you are a buyer of lower middle grade. Cure, heartwarming, full of jokes and a bit of danger, it has a bit of everything to draw in young readers.

The first in a new Middle Grade series full of fantasy. It's pairing day, and Marina is nervous that she won't get a familiar or won't like her familiar. However, her fears come true when no animal approaches her. She isn't alone - Kit also doesn't have a familiar. Soon, the mayor tells her that there are three others from nearby towns that also didn't have familiars. However, they do have familiars - they just are mythical creatures. These five girls are to become the Mythics, each paired with a Mythie. They have to face challenges to get to their familiars. This first book focuses on Marina and her mythie. It turns out to be a Kraken and she soon learns she can pair with it in ways most people can't with their familiars. However, there is a mystery woman trying to capture her kraken!

This was a really cute story! I loved the messages Marina brought about why she was paired with the kraken. I can't wait to see what other mythies await the other characters!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.