SECRET OF THE SIRENS

Golding offers the softer side of adventure fantasy. In the lovely opening scene, Connie plays and talks with seagulls. Living with eccentric Aunt Evelyn, she learns of a secret Society charged with protecting “mythical” beings (actually real) from humanity’s violence. Each Society member is companion to a particular species: water sprites, selkies, unicorns, dragons or one of many others. Might Connie be a companion to the sirens who live on nearby rocks tempting sailors to their deaths? Her destiny is far greater: She’s a universal, a rare human companion to all mythical creatures. Foils include an international oil company poised to pollute the ocean, and Kullervo, a malevolent spirit in the process of taking over the world. Perspective is mostly Connie’s but occasionally shifts to Col, a companion to “pegasi.” Structurally epic but gentle in aura; an easily accessible tale for readers who enjoy mythical creatures. (Fantasy. 9-12)