Magnus Fin and the Selkie Secret - by Janis MacKay (Paperback)

About the Book

Middle grade fantasy adventure based on traditional folklore, from an award-winning author

Book Synopsis

Middle grade fantasy adventure based on traditional folklore, from an award-winning author

On his eleventh birthday, schoolboy Magnus Fin found out that he is half selkie -- part human, part seal. Although he looks like a boy and lives on land, he can breathe underwater.

When a rusty metal chest is flung ashore in a storm, Magnus Fin decides to investigate. But he injures his hand on the strange box, and his sealskin starts to show through. His teacher realizes that there's something very unusual about Magnus Fin -- and rumors start to spread.

Deep in the ocean, the great sea god Neptune has problems of his own. The treasures of wisdom have been stolen, and his memory and powers are fading fast. Could his missing treasure be inside the chest that's been washed ashore? Magnus Fin is the only one who can find out and restore order under the sea. But a young journalist is investigating the rumours about 'fish people'. Can Magnus Fin complete his mission before the selkie secret is revealed and his selkie family are forced to leave the bay forever?

Review Quotes

'The gentle, imaginative prose of the story, especially the undersea world, carries you along and makes this a worthwhile read for kids and fanciful adults.'
- Vermont Country Sampler

'There is excitement and warmth... a very positive story and will attract children who love animals and enjoy being by the sea.'
- Sarah Mears, School Librarian

'The world of the selkie is delightfully imagined... Slightly other-worldly in tone, this books makes telling points about the need for humans to stop treating the seas as an infinitely renewable resource to be despoiled at our pleasure.'
-Carousel

'Janis's storytelling skills dance on the pages as she outlines the environmental damage that the sea is subjected to ... It is written with sympathy and understanding but there is no talking down. The book is perfect for intelligent 10 year olds and is a creditable addition to the Kelpies library.'
- Lothian Life

'MacKay's strength is in the atmosphere of the wild northern shore line conveyed with skill and imbued with her own love and experience of the place... The plot is well organised and entertains well enough without ever being too dramatic... A wonderful gift for any child.'
- New View

About the Author

Janis Mackay was born and grew up in Edinburgh, but moved to London to study journalism. She has an MA in Creative Writing and has held writer-in-residence posts in both Caithness and Sutherland. She currently lives in Edinburgh, where she teaches creative writing and works as a writer and storyteller.