Canadian Review of Materials

Reviewer: Lana Shupe

“If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. “ – Chief Dan George

A sensitively told story of traditional legends and age old beliefs of interactions between humans and merpeople.

Three young friends discover more than they bargain for when they set out to find rumoured treasure in a nearby cave.

There are secrets in this small Newfoundland town. Alistair, Ben and Sadie are soon deeply involved in helping and becoming members of The Keepers of the Pact. A pact readers will discover was made long ago among humans to protect precious merpeople.

Fast paced, with equal parts mystery and intrigue, this middle grade novel will keep readers up past their bedtimes in their race to finish it and uncover the secrets that are skillfully revealed by the book’s ending.

The author has given readers lots to think about in their interactions with animals, the sea and each other. She has underlined the value of protecting our oceans and all those who live in and out of it while clearly entertaining at the same time.

I particularly loved how the author re-enforced the necessity of taking the time to listen to elders without being preachy. I also loved that she gave young people the opportunity to prove that they too can play a role in helping on very big situations.

An engaging, well-plotted book. I feel certain young readers will enjoy from start to finish.