Some books turn people off if they feel like there’s a heavy-handed message, and this book goes in that direction by establishing that the main character is an activist and considers activism one of her top priorities. However, if readers who might be initially unhappy about that keep reading, they might find out how well that works with this story. The place she lives in the perfect intersection of Scottish folklore and Blair’s passions for activism, and her passions make the island and her actions make sense and work together seamlessly. While climate change and climate activism have a key part of the book, those issues are blended well with character growth, folklore, strong characters, and a magical setting.

Blair goes through a lot as a character. She’s very unhappy about being pulled away from her friends and the causes she cares about to an island she knows nothing about. In her frustration and focus on the things she cares most about, she makes some selfish and short-sighted decisions. She doesn’t always think things through, and she at times doesn’t care about how her words and actions will affect other people because she thinks she’s right. However, she grows a lot and learns how to think more broadly about the things and people she cares about.

This is a fun read for both young climate activists and people who enjoy stories about folklore. It also deals with how family relationships can be complicated sometimes and growing up is hard. While this book won’t be for everyone, it’s an enjoyable book for learning about both Scottish folklore and climate change.

The Edge of the Silver Sea is a different book. The creatures and circumstances are unique and interesting. However, this book did not keep me engaged. I feel that it may draw young readers with the uniqueness of the setting and the different types of creatures in the story.
Good luck.

If you’re a fan of Sophie Anderson, Neil Gaiman, or any kind of story where the magic feels alive and present, then you need The Edge of the Silver Sea in your life. It’s whimsical, it’s thought-provoking, and it’s utterly unforgettable. A must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure with heart.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
DNF @ 23%
2 stars

I think this is very much a situation of "not for me." The book has a huge focus on activism, which is great, but not what I went into the book expecting/in the mood for. I think the book is a lot less fantastical and a lot more grounded, using the fey aspect as an arc/nature point (just from my understanding in the first 23%). This is in no way bad, but the book doesn't do a great job presenting itself as such. I went in expecting a lot more fun fantasy adventure with lots of magic and stuff, not the overall pretty grounded, pro-activist tale.

Again, none of this is bad. This book has great importance, and I definitely think people should read it and will enjoy it. Just not for me right now, maybe ever (but that's more because I don't vibe with the writing style).

I think the book could really use some blurb adjustments, because climate activism is very important, and it's important to draw in the right crowd. Which that isn't ALL the book is. There's also a strong family dynamic/struggle aspect and such. So I think that the blurb could just use some tinkering to really sell this book for what the book stands for rather than just the plot that is built around that.

My first Middle Grade read of the year, and here we are already headed in a positive direction! I will always wax poetic about how many beautiful stories get glanced over because they're written in the MG sphere. Adults see the age group marker, and assume that the story is not for them. Friends, MG books are for EVERYONE. The Edge of the Silver Sea is a perfect example of that.

What first struck me was how much I saw myself in Blair, our main character. As a person who also cares deeply about the environment, I loved how passionate Blair was about her activism. The fact that she was so knowledgeable, and wanted to share that knowledge with others, made my heart happy. Now, I know that older readers like myself will see Blair's sass towards her parents and remember that we may have once been there too. After being pulled away from her school, her friends, and deposited into a place so utterly different from home, who can blame Blair a bad attitude?

Scottish folklore is at the forefront of this story. If you're not familiar with these stories, Mullarky does such a stellar job of bringing the explanations in seamlessly. I'll pause here to praise Alex Mullarky for how well the writing brings the island of Roscoe to life. From the woods, to the wide open spaces, all the way to the small town and its vibrant inhabitants. Half of what made me fall in love with this book was that the characters, with the island included, came alive.

To avoid any spoilers, I'll simply say that what's truly important about this story is that Blair really does grow and learn. I'm a reader who is all about character development, and this book has that in spades. As Blair navigates her new home, and all the lush tapestry of folklore that comes along with it, she comes to understand what things are really important to her. She starts to see life from other points of view too, and it's absolutely lovely.

Long story short, I enjoyed this immensely. It's a quick read, and one that I think a lot of readers will very much resonate with. To loop back to what I said earlier, Middle Grade reads are truly for everyone. So don't be afraid to give this one a shot.

This was a fun middle grade fantasy steeped in Celtic myth that will appeal to a wide range o young readers. It's full of fantastic creatures, grand adventures, an unhappy teenage protagonist, and the beloved quest trope.

Blair is an environmental activist who cares about nothing so much as saving the planet along with her friends. Her plans are thwarted, however, when her parents move the family to a remote island to open a bed and breakfast. Blair feels like her life is ruined until she meets one of the islands inhabitants who offers to send her home in exchange for her help with some strange creatures. Blair will meet people, have adventures, and make difficult choices along the way; and the reader will be right there with her in this atmospheric town with all of these intriguing characters.

Although I had some difficulties with the book as an adult, namely Blair's attitude half the time; I think it will appeal to it's target audience quite effectively. Children will get a taste for the mythology and folklore of the region and will enjoy the island setting. I also think that, despite her slightly overzealous nature, there are good lessons to be learned here about caring for the environment and standing up for one's beliefs. I would recommend this to middle grade fantasy or mythology readers for sure.

Wild, whimsical, and ever so cozy, readers will feel like they have been swept to a Scottish Island.

This is a story that is so timely. It's a thoughtful look at the natural world we live in and how we interact and care for it. While it's themes are important and relevant the story itself isn't preachy or heavy handed, instead readers are treated to evocative tale that is threaded with magic and folklore.

The Edge of the Silver Sea will be a story I gift again and again to the young folks in my life.

I really enjoyed this as a story with Celtic folklore being told, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed getting to know the characters in this world. I was engaged with what was happening and thought the element worked with them. Alex Mullarky has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

Requested this based on the cover and description, but the format made it very difficult to read. I did think it was a little strange that Blair was so unfamiliar with Celtic myths and terms like 'fey folk.' Also wasn't a huge fan of the parents.